Bend Phillies

The Bend Phillies were a minor league baseball team located in Bend, Oregon. The Phillies were members of the Class A Short Season Northwest League from 1979 to 1986. Prior to 1981 the team was named the Central Oregon Phillies.

Bend Phillies
Minor league affiliations
ClassClass A Short Season
LeagueNorthwest League
Major league affiliations
Previous teamsPhiladelphia Phillies (1979-1986)
Minor league titles
League titles (1)1979
Division titles (1)1979
Team data
Previous names
Central Oregon Phillies
ColorsMaroon, white
   
BallparkVince Genna Stadium

History

Professional baseball returned to Bend with the expansion of the Northwest League in 1978. The franchise was named the Timber Hawks and affiliated with the Oakland Athletics. Timber Hawks owner Doug Emmans relocated the Timber Hawks south to Medford following the 1978. Upon relocating the club became the Medford Athletics as they continued their relationship with Oakland.[1][2] Bend would not be without baseball long as Gene Davis obtained the rights for a new franchise. The club signed a player development contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and adopted their parent club's nickname paired with a regional moniker to be known as the Central Oregon Phillies.

The Phillies had a banner year in their inaugural season. The team posted a league best record 43-28 en route to a south division title. Central Oregon defeated north division winner Walla Walla in the league championship series 2-1 to claim the Northwest League crown.[3] After the 1980 season Gene Davis sold the franchise to Portland businessman Jack Cain. In addition the sale, the club changed its name from Central Oregon to Bend. Jack Cain eventually became the president of the Northwest League and in an effort to avoid a conflict of interest he transferred ownership to his wife, Mary. In 1985 owner Jack Cain had contemplated changing the nickname to "Beavers", but ultimately decided against the switch.[4]

The Phillies were unable to match the success of their first campaign of 1979. Following the 1986 season the Philadelphia Phillies ended their affiliation with the club. The decision was largely a result of Philadelphia's desire to move its minor league teams closer to the East Coast.[5] Like Bend, the Phillies severed ties with their Triple-A affiliate Portland of the Pacific Coast League. Professional baseball remained in Bend with the Bend Bucks beginning play as an independent team 1987 before securing a player development contract with the California Angels.

Ballpark

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

Season-by-season record
Season PDC Division Finish Wins Losses Win% Post-season Manager Attendance
Central Oregon Phillies
1979 PHI South 1st 43 28 .606 Defeated Walla Walla in championship series 2-1 Tom Harmon 18,610
1980 PHI South 3rd 31 39 .443 P.J. Carey 28,486
Bend Phillies
1981 PHI North 3rd 31 39 .443 P.J. Carey 19,719
1982 PHI South 2nd 30 40 .429 Roly de Armas 28,334
1983 PHI Oregon 3rd 32 37 .464 Jay Ward 29,063
1984 PHI South 2nd 38 36 .514 Ramón Avilés 32,201
1985 PHI Oregon 2nd 39 35 .527 P.J. Carey 30,507
1986 PHI Oregon 4th 21 53 .284 Ed Pebly 29,766
Division winner League champions

Former players

Central Oregon Phillies players (1979–1980)
Bend Phillies players (1981–1986)

References
  1. "Emmans clears final hurdle in Medford". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. February 15, 1979. p. 14.
  2. Welch, Bob (November 14, 1978). "Farewell to the Timber Hawks?". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. p. 18.
  3. Welch, Bob (September 4, 1979). "Phils win themselves a flag". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. p. 15.
  4. "No Phooling! Phils may switch to Bend Beavers". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. December 11, 1985. p. D1.
  5. "Phillies officially dump Bend". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. September 17, 1986. p. D1.

46.077°N 118.336°W / 46.077; -118.336

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