Salt Lake Bees
Salt Lake Bees Founded in 1994 Salt Lake City, Utah | |
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Minor league affiliations | |
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Class | Triple-A (1994–present) |
League | Triple-A West (2021–present) |
Division | West Division |
Previous leagues | Pacific Coast League (1994–2020) |
Major league affiliations | |
Team | Los Angeles Angels (2001–present) |
Previous teams | Minnesota Twins (1994–2000) |
Minor league titles | |
League titles (0) | None |
Conference titles (3) |
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Division titles (8) |
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Second half titles (1) | 1995 |
Team data | |
Name | Salt Lake Bees (2006–present) |
Previous names | Salt Lake Stingers (2001–2005) Salt Lake Buzz (1994–2000) |
Colors | Black, gold, white[1] |
Mascot | Bumble |
Ballpark | Smith's Ballpark (1994–present) |
Owner(s)/ Operator(s) | Gail Miller |
General Manager | Marc Amicone[3] |
Manager | Lou Marson[2] |
The Salt Lake Bees are a Minor League Baseball team of the Triple-A West and the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. They are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and play their home games at Smith's Ballpark. Known to fans as the Apiary, the ballpark opened in 1994 and has a seating capacity of 15,411, the largest in their league. The team was previously known as the Salt Lake Buzz (1994–2000) and Salt Lake Stingers (2001–2005) before adopting their Bees moniker in 2006. They competed in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) from 1994 to 2020 before joining the Triple-A West with Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021.
History[]
Prior professional baseball in Salt Lake City[]
After the 1914 Pacific Coast League season, Salt Lake City businessman Bill "Hardpan" Lane purchased the Sacramento Solons and brought the team to Utah as the Salt Lake City Bees. Though a charter member of the PCL, the Solons suffered on the field and at the gate, being exiled at times to Tacoma, Fresno, and San Francisco. On March 31, 1915, their first game was played with 10,000 fans pouring into Bonneville Park to cheer the Bees to a 9–3 win over the Vernon Tigers.[citation needed]
The original Bees never won a PCL pennant, but they did draw attendees well, especially considering the small market size. Other PCL team owners, though, resented the high cost of travel to Salt Lake City. When the Vernon Tigers abandoned Los Angeles after the 1925 season, it was suggested to Lane that he would do well to transfer his team to southern California. So after eleven seasons, the Bees moved to Los Angeles for the 1926 season. At first known as the Hollywood Bees, the team soon became the Hollywood Stars. After ten seasons in Hollywood, the team transferred again, to San Diego, where it played as the San Diego Padres from 1936 to 1968. Salt Lake City was without a baseball team until 1946 when it received a franchise in the Pioneer League.[4]
Salt Lake Bees (1994–present)[]
The current franchise dates from 1994, when Joe Buzas, a former major league player and the owner of the PCL Portland Beavers, moved the team to Salt Lake City. Buzas made a deal wherein the city would build a new ballpark on the site of historic Derks Field in exchange for relocating the team. The new ballpark, Franklin Quest Field, opened in 1994 with the renamed Salt Lake Buzz drawing 713,224 fans to home games during their inaugural season—breaking the PCL single-season attendance record that had stood for 48 years.[5] Buzas owned the team until his death in 2003. The team was purchased by Larry H. Miller, who also owned the NBA's Utah Jazz. Miller died in February 2009, and the team was owned by his widow, Gail Miller until it was sold to Ryan Smith in 2021.[citation needed]
Known as the Salt Lake Buzz from 1994 to 2000, the team changed its name to the Salt Lake Stingers in 2001. The change was forced by a trademark dilution lawsuit filed by Georgia Tech, whose yellowjacket mascot is named Buzz.[6] The name change coincided with a change of major league clubs, from the Minnesota Twins to the Anaheim Angels.[citation needed]
The Buzz were featured in the 1998 film Major League: Back to the Minors as the fictional "South Carolina Buzz", the Triple-A farm team for the Minnesota Twins (the then real life major league parent team of Salt Lake). The South Carolina Buzz was managed by fictional washed-up pitcher-turned-manager Gus Cantrell played by Scott Bakula.[citation needed]
Following the 2005 season, the team announced the Stingers would henceforth be known as the Salt Lake Bees, the name of the original PCL franchise which played in Salt Lake City from 1915 to 1926 and from 1958 to 1965.[4] The team also chose a logo, jersey, and color scheme similar to the latter Bees PCL franchise. [7][8] Bees have long been a symbol of Utah. The original name of the Mormon settlement, Deseret, is said to be the word for "honeybee" in the Book of Mormon; a beehive appears on the Utah state flag; the state motto is "Industry" (for which bees are known); and Utah is widely known as the "Beehive State."[citation needed]
In 2019, the Bees announced a new logo, name, and branding for the team, taking on the name "Abejas de Salt Lake" for their ongoing participation in The Copa de la Diversión.[9]
In conjunction with Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Bees were organized into the ten-team Triple-A West.[10]
Season-by-season records[]
League | The team's final position in the league standings |
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Division | The team's final position in the divisional standings |
GB | Games behind the team that finished in first place in the division that season |
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Class champions (1998–present) |
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League champions (1994–present) |
§ | Conference champions (1998–2020) |
* | Division champions (1994–present) |
^ | Postseason berth (1994–1997) |
Season | League | Regular season | Postseason | MLB affiliate | Ref. | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Record | Win % | League | Division | GB | Record | Win % | Result | ||||
1994 ^ |
PCL | 74–70 | .514 | 4th (tie) | 2nd | 4 | 2–3 | .400 | Lost Northern Division title vs. Vancouver Canadians, 3–2[11] | Minnesota Twins | [12] |
1995 ^ * |
PCL | 79–65 | .549 | 3rd | 2nd | 3+1⁄2 | 5–4 | .556 | Won Second Half Northern Division title Won Northern Division title vs. Vancouver Canadians, 3–1 Lost PCL championship vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox, 3–2[13] |
Minnesota Twins | [14] |
1996 ^ |
PCL | 78–66 | .542 | 2nd | 2nd | 7 | 1–3 | .250 | Lost Northern Division title vs. Edmonton Trappers, 3–1[15] | Minnesota Twins | [16] |
1997 | PCL | 72–71 | .503 | 6th | 4th | 7+1⁄2 | — | — | — | Minnesota Twins | [17] |
1998 | PCL | 79–64 | .552 | 4th (tie) | 2nd | 2 | — | — | — | Minnesota Twins | [18] |
1999 * |
PCL | 73–68 | .518 | 6th | 1st | — | 2–3 | .400 | Won Pacific Conference Southern Division title Lost Pacific Conference title vs. Vancouver Canadians, 3–2[19] |
Minnesota Twins | [20] |
2000 * § |
PCL | 90–53 | .629 | 1st | 1st | — | 4–5 | .444 | Won Pacific Conference Northern Division title Won Pacific Conference title vs. Sacramento River Cats, 3–2 Lost PCL championship vs. Memphis Redbirds, 3–1[21] |
Minnesota Twins | [22] |
2001 | PCL | 79–64 | .552 | 4th | 2nd | 4 | — | — | — | Anaheim Angels | [23] |
2002 * § |
PCL | 78–66 | .542 | 3rd | 1st | — | 4–3 | .571 | Won American Conference Central Division title Won American Conference title vs. Oklahoma RedHawks, 3–0 Lost PCL championship vs. Edmonton Trappers, 3–1[24] |
Anaheim Angels | [25] |
2003 | PCL | 68–75 | .476 | 13th | 3rd | 5+1⁄2 | — | — | — | Anaheim Angels | [26] |
2004 | PCL | 56–88 | .389 | 16th | 4th | 28 | — | — | — | Anaheim Angels | [27] |
2005 | PCL | 79–65 | .549 | 4th | 2nd | 1 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [28] |
2006 * |
PCL | 81–63 | .563 | 3rd | 1st | — | 1–3 | .250 | Won Pacific Conference Northern Division title Lost Pacific Conference title vs. Tucson Sidewinders, 3–1 |
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [29] |
2007 * |
PCL | 74–69 | .517 | 7th | 1st | — | 2–3 | .400 | Won Pacific Conference Northern Division title Lost Pacific Conference title vs. Sacramento River Cats, 3–2 |
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [30] |
2008 * |
PCL | 84–60 | .583 | 2nd | 1st | — | 1–3 | .250 | Won Pacific Conference Northern Division title Lost Pacific Conference title vs. Sacramento River Cats, 3–1 |
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [31] |
2009 | PCL | 72–71 | .503 | 8th | 3rd | 1+1⁄2 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [32] |
2010 | PCL | 73–71 | .507 | 8th | 2nd | 1+1⁄2 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [33] |
2011 | PCL | 62–82 | .431 | 16th | 4th | 15 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [34] |
2012 | PCL | 73–71 | .507 | 10th | 3rd | 8 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [35] |
2013 * § |
PCL | 78–66 | .542 | 4th | 1st | — | 4–4 | .500 | Won Pacific Conference Northern Division title Won Pacific Conference title vs. Las Vegas 51s, 3–1 Lost PCL championship vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, 3–1 |
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [36] |
2014 | PCL | 60–84 | .417 | 15th | 4th | 21 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [37] |
2015 | PCL | 58–86 | .403 | 15th (tie) | 4th | 20 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | [38] |
2016 | PCL | 63–79 | .444 | 15th | 4th | 9+1⁄2 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels | [39] |
2017 | PCL | 72–70 | .507 | 7th | 2nd | 1 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels | [40] |
2018 | PCL | 71–68 | .511 | 8th | 2nd | 11 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels | [41] |
2019 | PCL | 60–79 | .432 | 11th | 3rd | 22+1⁄2 | — | — | — | Los Angeles Angels | [42] |
2020 | PCL | Season cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic)[43] | Los Angeles Angels | [44] | |||||||
Totals | — | 1,886–1,834 | .507 | — | — | — | 26–34 | .433 | — | — | — |
Roster[]
Players | Coaches/Other | |||
Pitchers
|
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
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Manager
Coaches
60-day injured list
|
Notable past players[]
- Bernardo Brito[45]
- Chone Figgins[46]
- LaTroy Hawkins[47]
- John Lackey[48]
- David Ortiz[49]
- Todd Walker[50]
- Kendrys Morales
- Jered Weaver[51]
- Nick Adenhart[52]
- Joe Saunders[53]
- Howie Kendrick[54]
- Erick Aybar
- Torii Hunter
- Robb Quinlan
- Jose Molina
- Mike Trout
- Dontrelle Willis
- Tim Lincecum
- Marty Cordova
- A.J. Pierzynski
- Andrew Romine
- Sean Rodriguez
- Doug Mientkiewicz
- Jeff Mathis
References[]
- ^ "Classic Baseball Returns to Salt Lake". Salt Lake Bees (Press release). Minor League Baseball. October 27, 2005. Archived from the original on February 10, 2006. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
- ^ "Bees, Angels Announce 2019 Field Staff". SLBees.com. MLB Advanced Media. February 19, 2019. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
- ^ "Front Office Information". SLBees.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Salt Lake City, Utah Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
- ^ Facer, Dirk (August 29, 1997). "Buzz attendance falls but still tops PCL". Deseret News.
- ^ Lange, Scott (April 24, 1998). "Like Buzz, if I could be like Buzz..." The Technique. Retrieved May 18, 2007.
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ "Bees Unveil New Abejas de Salt Lake Logos". Major League Baseball. March 18, 2019.
- ^ Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- ^ "1994 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1994 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1995 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1995 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1996 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1996 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1997 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1998 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1999 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "1999 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2000 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2000 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2001 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2002 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2002 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2003 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2004 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2005 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2006 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2007 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2008 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2009 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2010 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2011 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2012 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2013 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2014 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2015 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2016 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2017 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2018 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2019 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- ^ "2020 Schedule" (PDF). Nashville Sounds. Minor League Baseball. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
- ^ Jorgensen, Loren (July 29, 2008). "Salt Lake Bees: Green heats up to power Bees". Deseret News. Deseret Digital Media. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
- ^ Aragon, Andrew (June 10, 2008). "Salt Lake Bees: Figgins is back for Bees' win". Deseret News. Deseret Digital Media. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
- ^ "Torres pitches Rainiers past Salt Lake". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. August 7, 1996. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
- ^ Gripp, Heather (October 19, 2002). "Angels Rookies: Dreams really do come true for them rookies go from minors to being in World Series". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
- ^ Ringwood, Jon (July 8, 2008). "Salt Lake Bees: Team rallies in 9th inning to snap losing streak". Deseret News. Deseret Digital Media. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
- ^ Jorgensen, Loren (August 30, 2008). "Celebration letdown: Grizzlies ground Bees". Deseret News. Deseret Digital Media. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
- ^ "Weaver limits Tucson in Bees debut". Deseret News. April 9, 2006. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
- ^ Carlson, Brian (April 10, 2009). "Charges expected for driver accused of killing a former Salt Lake Bees pitcher". KTVX. Newport Television LLC. Retrieved March 13, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "Saunders leads Bees to win". Deseret News. May 7, 2007. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
- ^ Johnston, Jerry Earl (July 1, 2009). "Salt Lake Bees: Kendrick likes his Utah ties". Deseret News. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
External links[]
- Salt Lake Bees
- Baseball teams established in 1994
- Former Pacific Coast League teams
- Sports in Salt Lake City
- Professional sports teams in Utah
- Professional baseball teams in Utah
- 1994 establishments in Utah
- Triple-A West teams