Bend Bucks

The Bend Bucks were a minor league baseball team located in Bend, Oregon. The Bucks were members of the Class A Short Season Northwest League from 1987 to 1991.

Bend Bucks
Minor league affiliations
ClassClass A Short Season
LeagueNorthwest League
Major league affiliations
Previous teamsCalifornia Angels (1988-1989)
Team data
ColorsRed, navy blue, gold, white
       
MascotBucky Buck (1987-1991)
BallparkVince Genna Stadium

History

Following the 1986 season the Philadelphia Phillies ended their affiliation with Bend after eight years.[1] Despite losing their agreement, baseball returned to Bend for the 1987 season. The club held a name the team contest and of the roughly sixty entries the nickname Bucks was selected.[2] The team played as a co-op composed of prospects from the Dodgers, Padres, Pirates, and Rangers along with members of the Phillies including manager Mel Roberts.

After playing their first year as a co-op team, Bend signed a player development contract with the California Angels.[3] The Bucks first season with the Angels would be their best as the team posted a record of 38-38. Two years into a three season agreement the Angels terminated their affiliation with Bend on the grounds of poor conditions at Vince Genna Stadium. The Angels moved their short season affiliation to Boise. Bend was again without a parent club. In 1990 the Bucks roster consisted of players from several organizations, including the Athletics, Phillies, and Giants. The following year was much of the same roster composition with nine organizations were represented on the 1991 team managed by Bill Stein.[4]

After playing two seasons as a co-op the franchise inked an agreement with the Colorado Rockies and subsequently changed their name to the Bend Rockies.[5]

Ballpark

The Bucks played at Vince Genna Stadium located in Bend, Oregon.

Identity

In changing their name to the Bucks, the club adopted new colors. The Bend Bulletin wrote that the team colors would be navy blue and red, with home uniforms and hats looking similar to those worn by the Boston Red Sox. Upon signing a working agreement with the Angels in 1988, gold was incorporated into the color scheme.

Season-by-season record
Season PDC Division Finish Wins Losses Win% Post-season Manager Attendance
Bend Bucks
1987 North 2nd 33 42 .440 Mel Roberts 36,131
1988 CAL South 2nd 38 38 .500 Don Long 43,587
1989 CAL South 4th 33 42 .434 Don Long 40,526
1990 South 4th 29 47 .382 Mike Dubalo 40,849
1991 South 2nd 30 46 .395 Bill Stein 47,018
Division winner League champions

Former players

Bend Bucks players (1987–1991)

References
  1. "Phillies officially dump Bend". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. September 17, 1986. p. D1.
  2. "Bend club nicknamed the Bucks". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. January 15, 1987. p. D1.
  3. Dufresne, Chris (June 25, 1989). "MINOR DETAIL : Even the Little Things Mean a Lot for the Bucks of Bend, Ore., Where Success Requires Being Ready for Anything and Keeping the Park Packed". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  4. "Bucks take shape for season opener". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. June 16, 1991. p. D1.
  5. Lucas, Grant. "The day the Rockies came to Bend". The Bulletin. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
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