Omaha Storm Chasers

Omaha Storm Chasers Founded in 1969 Papillion, Nebraska
Team logo Cap insignia
Class-level
Current	Triple-A (1969–present)
Minor league affiliations
League	Pacific Coast League (1998–present)
Conference	American Conference
Division	Northern Division
Previous leagues	American Association (1969–1997)
Major league affiliations
Current	Kansas City Royals (1969–present)
Minor league titles
Class titles (3)	1990 2013 2014
League titles (7)	1969 1970 1978 1990 2011 2013 2014
Conference titles (4)	2011 2012 2013 2014
Division titles (15)	1970 1976 1977 1978 1981 1982 1988 1989 1990 1996 1999 2011 2012 2013 2014
Team data
Nickname	Omaha Storm Chasers (2011–present)
Previous names	Omaha Royals (2002–2010) Omaha Golden Spikes (1999–2001) Omaha Royals (1969–1998)
Colors	Royal blue, Vegas gold
Mascot	Stormy
Ballpark	Werner Park (2011–present)[1]
Previous parks	Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium (1969–2010)
Owner(s)/ Operator(s)	Alliance Baseball LLC
Manager	Brian Poldberg
General Manager	Martie Cordaro
President	Martie Cordaro

The Omaha Storm Chasers are a minor league baseball team, based in Papillion, Nebraska, a suburb southwest of Omaha. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals major league club and has been a member of the expanded Pacific Coast League since 1998. From 1969 to 1997, Omaha played in the now-dissolved American Association. Omaha has been the only Triple-A affiliate of Kansas City since their inception as an expansion team in 1969.

The team played in Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, home to the College World Series for over 60 years. The Royals moved to their new home, Werner Park in Sarpy County, and changed their name from Royals to Storm Chasers in 2011.^[1]

Team history

The 2011 PCL champion Storm Chasers

After having been known as the Royals from their inaugural 1969 season through 1998, the team nickname was changed to the Omaha Golden Spikes in 1999. The name change was a reference to the Golden Spike driven at Promontory Summit, Utah, to celebrate the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. It was intended to celebrate the rich railroad tradition in Omaha, headquarters of the Union Pacific Railroad. The well-intentioned name change proved unpopular with many fans; after three seasons as the Golden Spikes, the Union Pacific sold their majority ownership and the nickname was returned to "Royals" for 2002.

Following the 2010 season, the Omaha Royals began the process of changing their nickname. Fans had the opportunity to submit their choice of nicknames, as well as vote on the finalists. The list of 24 fan-submitted names was whittled down to nine finalists through voting at the team's website, and the new name, "Storm Chasers," was revealed on November 15.

The first game under the Storm Chasers name was played on April 7, 2011, in Albuquerque, New Mexico against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Mike Montgomery started the game for the Storm Chasers and Clint Robinson hit a homerun in the top of the second inning, giving him the first hit, homerun, and RBI in the team's history as the Storm Chasers. The first win for the team came two days later when they took the third game of the series against the Isotopes, 10–4. Pitcher Kevin Pucetas got the win.

The home opener at Werner Park was to be on April 15, but was postponed due to rain. As such, the first Storm Chasers home game was on April 16 against the Nashville Sounds. David Lough recorded the first Chasers home hit and Mike Moustakas doubled in Eric Hosmer for the first RBI. The Storm Chasers won their home debut, 2–1. Danny Duffy started the game, but the win went to reliever Jesse Chavez. The first homerun at Werner wasn't hit until April 20, a two run shot by Mike Moustakas that again brought Eric Hosmer around to score.

In July 2015, the Storm Chasers hosted the Triple-A All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, the first time the events had been held in Omaha.^[2] The International League defeated the PCL 4–3 and Norfolk's Dariel Álvarez won the Home Run Derby. The Storm Chasers were well represented at the game with three All-Star players in Cheslor Cutbert, Louis Coleman, and John Lamb as well as trainer Dave Innicca and manager Brian Poldberg, who skippered the PCL team.^[3] Another Omaha All-Star in 2015, outfielder José Martínez, led the league in on-base percentage (OBP, .461) that year^[4] and broke the PCL batting record with a .384 average.^[5]

Year-by-year record

Uniforms

The Storm Chasers have four uniform tops and three hats that they wear during the season. The uniforms are manufactured by Russell Athletic and the hats are made by New Era. Blue or black socks are worn high with all uniforms, per team policy. Player names are worn on the backs of the home white jerseys only.

Jerseys

The home white has "Storm Chasers" across the chest with Royal blue piping around the neck, down the center of the jersey, and around the two sleeves. The player's number appears on the left in split blue/gold written in Storm Chaser font. A Kansas City Royals patch adorns the left sleeve, boasting an affiliation that has gone unbroken since 1969. The number on the back is a larger version of the one of the front with the player's name arching above it in standard blue. The white pants have a thin blue line running up both legs and are capped off with a blue belt. Blue socks are worn with this jersey.

The road grays have "Omaha" written across the chest in split black/gold written in Storm Chaser font with the "O bolt" logo standing in for the "O" in Omaha. The player's number appears in the same split colors and font on the left side of the jersey. Black piping runs around the neck, down the center of the jersey, and around the two sleeves. There is also a thick black line down both gray pant legs. The number on the back is a larger version of the one on the front. A black belt and socks complete the road uniform.

The alternate uniform is black with the interlocking "SC" logo on the left side of the chest and has gold piping around the neck, down the center of the jersey, and around the two sleeves. The number on the back is gold, written in Storm Chaser font. These jerseys are worn with both the home white and road gray pants, but are always accompanied by a black belt and black socks.

The fourth jersey is completely Royal blue with the Vortex logo on the left side of the chest. The numbers on the back are white, written in Storm Chaser font.

Hats

The primary hat is Royal blue with a matching brim and button, the Vortex logo on the front, and a black New Era flag logo on the left side.

The road hat is black with a matching brim and button, the "O bolt" logo on the front, and a gold New Era flag logo on the left side.

The alternate hat is black with a matching brim and button, the interlocking "SC" logo on the front, and a white New Era flag logo on the left side.

Retired numbers

The franchise has four retired numbers, three of which are also retired by the parent Kansas City Royals.

5 – George Brett: Played for the Omaha Royals in 1973–74, but is remembered most for his 21-year Hall of Fame Major League Baseball career, all with the Kansas City Royals. Brett was a 13-time all-star and 3-time batting champion as well as a Gold Glover, MVP, and World Series Champion.

10 – Dick Howser: Managed the Kansas City Royals from 1981–86, including guiding the team to two Western Division titles and the 1985 World Series title

20 – Frank White: Spent the first half of 1973 in Omaha, then got called up to the majors. He went on to spend his entire 18-year career with the Kansas City Royals, picking up 8 Gold Gloves and 5 all-star selections. He was part of the 1985 World Series team and was named the MVP of the 1980 ALCS.

23 – Mike Jirschele: Not only managed Omaha from 1995–97 and 2003–13, he also played for the team in 1988–89. His tenure as manager was the most successful in team history with five playoff berths, two Pacific Coast League titles, and a National Championship. He accumulated 995 wins during his 14 seasons in Omaha.

Awards and league leaders

The franchise has had several American Association (1969–1997) and Pacific Coast League (1998–present) award winners.

Most Valuable Player

• George Spriggs, 1970
• E. Manuel Castillo, 1981
• Luis De Los Santos, 1988
• Dwyane Hosey, 1994
• Chris Hatcher, 1998

Rookie of the Year

• James Wohlford, 1972
• Clint Hurdle, 1977
• Joe Vitiello, 1994
• Jeremy Giambi, 1998
• Mark Quinn, 1999

Most Valuable Pitcher

• Mark Littell, 1973
• Mark Huismann, 1985
• Luis Mendoza, 2011

Manager of the Year

• Jack McKeon, 1969
• Jack McKeon, 1970
• Joe Sparks, 1981
• Sal Rende, 1990

PCL ERA Champions

• Les Walrond, 2004, 3.06 ERA (123.2 IP)
• Anthony Lerew, 2010, 2.55 ERA (123.1 IP)
• Luis Mendoza, 2011, 2.18 ERA (144.1 IP)

PCL Batting Champion

• Jeremy Giambi, 1998, .372
• Mark Quinn, 1999, .360
• Jose Martinez, 2015, .384 (PCL modern era record^[6])

PCL Homerun Champion

• Chris Hatcher, 1998, 46

Single-season team records

Offensive

• Hits: 182, Manny Castillo, 1981
• Doubles: 37, Steve Hammond 1983; Clint Robinson 2012
• Triples: 20, Fred Rico, 1969
• Homeruns: 46, Chris Hatcher, 1998
• RBIs: 106, Chris Hatcher, 1998
• Walks: 128, Ken Phelps, 1980
• Stolen Bases: 75, German Barranca 1979

Pitching

• Wins: 16, Mark Littell, 1973, Gary Lance, 1977
• Strikeouts: 221, Steve Busby, 1972
• Saves: 33, Mark Huismann, 1985

Triple-A All-Stars

The following players were named to the Triple-A All-Star team as Storm Chasers.

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Roster

Team affiliations

Ownership history

• 1969–1985 - Kansas City Royals
• 1986–1991 - Irving "Gus" Cherry
• 1991–2001 - Union Pacific Railroad (majority owner), with Warren Buffett and Walter Scott as minority owners
• 2001–2006 - Matt Minker (majority owner), with Warren Buffett and Walter Scott as minority owners
• 2006–2012 - William (Bill) Shea (majority owner), with Warren Buffett and Walter Scott as minority owners
• 2012–present - Alliance Baseball LLC.; principal owners include Gary Green (Chief Executive Officer/Managing Owner), Larry Botel, Eric Foss, Brian Callaghan, Peter Huff, Evan Friend, and Steve Alepa.^[7]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Omaha Storm Chasers.

• Official site
• Nebraska Minor League Baseball website
• Werner Park: official site

Sports teams based in Nebraska
Baseball	PCL Omaha Storm Chasers AA Lincoln Saltdogs
Football	IFL Nebraska Danger CIF Omaha Beef LFL Omaha Heart
Hockey	USHL Lincoln Stars Omaha Lancers Tri-City Storm
Roller derby	WFTDA No Coast Derby Girls Omaha Rollergirls
College athletics (NCAA Division I)	Creighton Nebraska Omaha
Main article Sports in Nebraska

Coordinates: 41°09′04″N 96°06′25″W / 41.151°N 96.107°W / 41.151; -96.107