Eugene Emeralds

History

Founded in 1955 as a charter member of the Northwest League, the Emeralds were named in a contest won by 11-year-old Bowen Blair. They won the inaugural pennant as an independent, and remained in the NWL for 14 seasons through 1968. The Emeralds were the first minor-league team to play in Eugene since the disbanding of the Eugene Larks, who played at Bethel Park for just two seasons, 1950 and 1951.

The Emeralds played in northwest Eugene in 4,000-seat Bethel Park, on the northwest corner of Roosevelt Boulevard and Maple Street (), later razed for the construction of a highway that was never built. In 1950 and 1951, Bethel Park was the home of the Eugene Larks of the Class D Far West League; its outfield is present-day Lark Park. The Larks' final game on August 29, 1968 drew 897 fans for a one-hitter and a 7-0 Emeralds win. The NWL changed to a short-season league in 1966. The second pick in the 1966 MLB draft, future hall of famer Reggie Jackson, played his first professional games at Bethel Park, hitting a single and home run in his second game.

In the 1969 season, the Emeralds were promoted to AAA status in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) as the primary affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The team returned to the Northwest League five years later when the PCL moved the AAA team to Sacramento for the 1974 season, while the Phillies moved their AAA farm team to the Toledo Mud Hens of the International League. Eugene was an independent co-op team shared by the Phillies and San Francisco Giants in 1974{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BapfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kzIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5215%2C4196548 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VqhYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sPgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2177%2C760527 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JadYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8fcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4986%2C331622 --|work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=Idaho |agency=Associated Press |title=Northwest League opens tonight |date=June 18, 1974 |page=11}} and became an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds in 1975.

Entering Triple-A in 1969, the Emeralds moved from Bethel Park to Civic Stadium. The 6,800-seat facility was owned by the Eugene School District and was built in 1938 as a venue for high-school football, which was played there until 1968. Civic Stadium also hosted semipro baseball teams, sponsored by local timber companies, until Bethel Park was built in 1950. Facing an outdated stadium and high maintenance costs, in 2010 the Emeralds moved to PK Park, the new baseball stadium across town that was built by the University of Oregon. The park is adjacent to the university's Autzen Stadium and near the Willamette River. The team shares the facility with the Oregon Ducks' collegiate baseball team, whose regular season ends in May. Civic Stadium was destroyed by arson in 2015.

A new logo, based upon Sasquatch, was adopted by the Emeralds in 2012. Following the 2014 season, the Emeralds switched their major-league affiliation from the San Diego Padres to the Chicago Cubs, with a two-year deal through 2016. The player-development contract was extended through the 2018 season on June 14, 2016.

In 2016, the Emeralds were awarded two "Golden Bobblehead" awards for their promotions with Children's Miracle Network and their honorary player that year, Hayden Kumle.

The Emeralds won the NWL title in 2018 despite finishing in last place with a 31–45 record. The team, dubbed the "Bad News Ems", clinched a wild-card playoff spot with a 17-21 record in the second half, second behind Hillsboro, who had finished first in both halves, and swept Hillsboro and Spokane in the postseason. The team's .408 regular-season winning percentage was the worst ever for a NWL champion. Following that season, the Emeralds were awarded the 53rd annual Larry MacPhail Award in recognition for their promotions. In 2019, the Emeralds unveiled their Monarcas de Eugene on-field identity as part of minor-league baseball's Copa de Diversion initiative.

After the 2020 season was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eugene was invited to become the High-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The Emeralds were assigned to the High-A West league with five other teams previously of the Northwest League. Eugene ended the 2021 season in first place with a 69–50 record. They then defeated the Spokane Indians, 3–1, to win the High-A West championship. In 2022, the High-A West was renamed as the Northwest League.

The Emeralds began to seek a new stadium following the promotion to the High-A level and its longer season. Team officials met with Lane County officials to discuss the feasibility of constructing a new stadium at the Lane Events Center. On March 13, 2024, the Eugene City Council voted to place a $15 million bond measure on the ballot for the May 21 primary election. This would partially fund the stadium project's expected cost of more than $104 million. However, Lane County administrators had advised a reset in planning before committing to this project. City councilors had previously required this commitment and financial reports of the stadium's operations. The Lane Events Center master plan did not include the Emeralds' stadium because it was too large, requiring removal of the multiuse indoor arena, and would detract from fairground operations by hindering profitable events, with an expected annual loss of $200,000.

Playoffs

• 1974: Defeated Bellingham 2–1 to win league championship.
• 1975: Defeated Portland 2–0 to win league championship.
• 1979: Lost to Grays Harbor 1–0 in finals.
• 1980: Declared co-champion with Bellingham.
• 1985: Lost to Everett 1–0 in finals.
• 1986: Lost to Bellingham 1–0 in finals.
• 1996: Lost to Yakima 2–0 in finals.
• 2000: Lost to Yakima 3–2 in finals.
• 2011: Lost to Vancouver 2–1 in semifinals.
• 2016: Defeated Hillsboro 2–1 in semifinals; defeated Everett 2–1 to win league championship.
• 2017: Defeated Hillsboro 2–0 in semifinals; Lost to Vancouver 3–1 in finals.
• 2018: Defeated Hillsboro 2–0 in semifinals; defeated Spokane 3–0 to win league championship.
• 2021: Defeated Spokane 3–1 to win league championship.
• 2022: Defeated Vancouver 3-0 to win league championship.

Notable alumni

Hall of Fame alumni

• Jim Bunning (1973, MGR) Inducted, 1996
• Mike Schmidt (1972) Inducted, 1995

Notable alumni

• Jesús Alou (1961) 2x World Series Champion
• Adbert Alzolay (2015)
• Rubén Amaro (1971) 1964 Gold Glove
• Matt Andriese (2011)
• Kevin Appier (1987) 1995 All-Star; 2002 World Series Champion; Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame
• Patrick Bailey (2021-2022)
• Jason Bartlett (2001) 2009 AL All-Star
• Anthony Bass (2008)
• Bob Boone (1972) 4 x MLB All-Star
• Larry Bowa (1969) 5 x MLB All-Star; 2001 NL Manager of the Year
• Tim Byrdak (1994)
• José Cardenal (1961) 3x World Series Champion
• Lance Carter (1994) 2003 AL All-Star
• Dylan Cease (2016) All-MLB Second Team (2022)
• Bruce Chen (1996)
• Adam Cimber (2013)
• Franchy Cordero (2014)
• Juan Cruz (1999)
• Eric Davis (1980–1981) 2 x MLB All-Star; 3x Gold Glove; 1992 World Series Champion; Cincinnati Red Hall of Fame
• Mark DeRosa (1996)
• Rob Dibble (1983) 2 x MLB All-Star, 1990 NLCS MVP, 1990 World Series Champion
• Alex Dickerson (2014)
• Dick Dietz (1962)
• Denny Doyle (1969)
• Scott Effross (2015)
• Logan Forsythe (2008)
• David Freese (2006) MLB All-Star; 2011 World Series Most Valuable Player
• Nate Freiman (2009)
• Oscar Gamble (1970–72)
• Trent Giambrone (2016)
• Tom Gordon(1987) 3x All-Star; 1998 AL Saves Leader 3 x MLB All-Star
• Trevor Gott (2013)
• Khalil Greene (2002)
• Tayron Guerrero (2013)
• Jedd Gyorko (2010)
• Shane Halter (1991)
• Bob Hamelin (1988) 1994 AL Rookie of the Year
• Ian Happ (2015)2022 All-Star; 2022 Gold Glove
• Kyle Harrison (2022)
• Chase Headley (2005) 2012 AL RBI Leader; 2012 Gold Glove; 2012 Silver Slugger
• Austin Hedges (2011)
• Greg Hibbard (1986)
• Larry Hisle (1971) 2 x MLB All-Star
• Nico Hoerner (2018)
• Jay Howell (1976) 3x All Star 1988 World Series
• Nick Hundley (2005)
• Grant Jackson (1964)
• Eloy Jimenez (2015) 2020 Silver Slugger
• Brandon Kintzler (2004-2005)
• Corey Kluber (2007) 2 x MLB Cy Young Award & 3 x All-Star
• Mat Latos (2007-2008)
• Wade LeBlanc (2006)
• Charlie Leibrandt (1978)
• Jon Lieber (1992) 2001 NL All-Star
• Jose Lobaton (2004-2005)
• Marco Luciano (2021-2022)
• Greg Luzinski (1971) 4 x MLB All-Star
• Vimael Machin (2015-2016)
• Mike Marshall (1965) 1974 NL Cy Young Award
• Brailyn Márquez (2018)
• Brian McRae (1986)
• Wade Meckler (2023)
• Miles Mikolas (2009) 2x MLB All-Star
• Dave Miley (1981)
• Willie Montañez (1970) MLB All-Star
• Christopher Morel (2018)
• Mélido Pérez (1985)
• Odális Pérez (1995) 2002 NL All-Star
• Jace Peterson (2011)
• Kevin Quackenbush (2011)
• Joe Randa (1991)
• Horacio Ramirez (1998)
• Hunter Renfroe (2013)
• Franmil Reyes (2013)
• Bill Robinson (1972) 1979 World Series Champion
• John Rocker (1995)
• Manuel Rodriguez (2017)
• Larry Rothschild (1975) 2x World Series Champion
• Jeff Russell (1980) 2 x MLB All-Star
• Zack Short (2006)
• Eric Sogard (2007)
• Mario Soto (1975) 3 x MLB All-Star
• Cory Spangenberg (2014)
• Justin Steele (2015) 2023 NL All-Star
• Mike Sweeney (1992–1993) 5 x MLB All-Star
• Andre Thornton (1968) 2 x MLB All-Star)
• Keegan Thompson (2017)
• Trea Turner (2014) 2x All-Star; 2022 All-MLB First Team; 2021 NL Batting Champion, 2019 World Series Champion
• Will Venable (2005)
• Nick Vincent (2007)

Roster

References

References

1. "Meet Sluggo".
2. "Northwest League Official Colors (1955 through present)".
3. (15 February 2024). "Eugene Emeralds announce 2024 coaching staff".
4. (January 24, 1955). "Eugene Emeralds". Eugene Register-Guard.
5. Strite, Dick. (September 13, 1955). "Championship club could set new pattern in minor leagues". Eugene Register-Guard.
6. Strite, Dick. (September 13, 1955). "Emeralds claim Northwest crown". Eugene Register-Guard.
7. Rodman, Bob. (June 17, 1981). "29 years of minor league baseball". Eugene Register-Guard.
8. "About Eugene Emeralds".
9. Cawood, Neil. (September 4, 1966). "Stadium transformed for football games". Eugene Register-Guard.
10. (October 24, 1969). "State buys Bethel baseball park". Eugene Register-Guard.
11. Clark, Bob. (June 29, 2004). "Deep and playable". Eugene Register-Guard.
12. Harvey, Paul III. (August 30, 1968). "Ballinger 1-hits Giants in 7-0 Emerald win". Eugene Register-Guard.
13. (June 26, 1966). "Lewiston defeats Emeralds behind Abbot's 7-hitter". Lewiston Morning Tribune.
14. Harvey, Paul III. (June 26, 1966). "Emeralds handed first loss". Eugene Register-Guard.
15. (December 3, 1973). "PCL owners approve shift to Sacramento". Eugene Register-Guard.
16. Withers, Bud. (June 18, 1974). "NWL is back". Eugene Register-Guard.
17. Withers, Bud. (June 19, 1975). "Down by two, NWL opens 21st campaign". Eugene Register-Guard.
18. (20 June 2009). "Eugene Emeralds say hello -- and prepare to say goodbye -- to Civic Stadium".
19. (8 October 2015). "3 boys get probation for fire that leveled Eugene's Civic Stadium".
20. Mickler, Lauren. (November 27, 2012). "Eugene Emeralds Unveil New Logo". [[KEZI]].
21. Timmers, Josh. (2014-09-19). "Cubs Sign 2-Year Affiliation With Eugene Emeralds".
22. (2016-10-04). "Emeralds Receive Two Coveted".
23. Horton, Josh. (2018-09-11). "Eugene balks it off to capture NWL crown".
24. (2018-10-25). "Eugene Emeralds Win Larry MacPahil Award". Ballpark Digest.
25. "Ems Unveil".
26. Guardado, Maria. (2020-12-09). "Giants invite 4 Minor League affiliates".
27. Mayo, Jonathan. (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues".
28. "2021 High-A West". Sports Reference.
29. Terranova, Rob. (September 25, 2021). "Emeralds Claim Third Championship in Five Seasons".
30. (March 16, 2022). "Historical League Names to Return in 2022".
31. Banta, Megan. (2022-01-29). "'We're going to build this': Eugene Emeralds GM says building new stadium by 2024 not impossible".
32. (14 March 2024). "Eugene voters will decide in May whether to help fund a new stadium".
33. "Lane County Commissioners Continue Exploring Options".
34. "Lane County Events Center Master Plan".
35. "Jesus Alou: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
36. "Adbert Alzolay: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
37. "Matt Andriese: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
38. (July 22, 2001). "Ems facts". Register-Guard.
39. (29 May 1999). "Patrick Bailey Amateur, College, Fall & Minor Leagues Statistics".
40. "Jason Bartlett: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
41. "Anthony Bass: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
42. "Tim Byrdak: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
43. "Jose Cardenal: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
44. "Lance Carter: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
45. "Dylan Cease: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
46. "Bruce Chen: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
47. "Adam Cimber: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
48. "Franchy Cordero: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
49. "Juan Cruz: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
50. "Mark DeRosa: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
51. "Alex Dickerson: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
52. "Dick Dietz: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
53. "Logan Forsythe: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
54. "Nate Freiman: Minor, Fall, Independent & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History".
55. "Oscar Gamble: Winter & Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
56. "Trent Giambrone: Winter & Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
57. "Trevor Gott: Winter & Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
58. "Khalil Greene: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
59. "Tayron Guerrero: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
60. "Jedd Gyorko: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
61. "Shane Halter: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
62. "Bob Hamelin: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
63. "Ian Happ: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
64. "Chase Headley: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
65. "Austin Hedges: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
66. "Greg Hibbard: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
67. "Larry Hisle: Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History".
68. "Nico Hoerner: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
69. "Jay Howell: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
70. "Nick Hundley: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
71. "Grant Jackson: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
72. "Eloy Jimenez: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
73. "Brandon Kintzler: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
74. "Corey Kluber: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
75. "Mat Latos: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
76. "Wade LeBlanc: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
77. "Charlie Leibrandt: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
78. "Jon Lieber: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
79. "jose Lobaton: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
80. "Marco Luciano Stats, Fantasy & News".
81. "Vimael Machin: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
82. "Mike Marshall: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
83. "Brailyn Marquez: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
84. "Brian McRae: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
85. "Wade Meckler Amateur, College & Minor Leagues Statistics".
86. "Miles Mikolas: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
87. "Dave Miley: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
88. "Willie Montanez: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
89. "Christopher Morel Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics".
90. "Mélido Pérez: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
91. "Odális Pérez: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
92. "Jace Peterson: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
93. "Kevin Quackenbush: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
94. "Joe Randa: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
95. "Horacio Ramirez: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
96. "Hunter Renfroe: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
97. "Franmil Reyes: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
98. "John Rocker: Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics & History".
99. "Manuel Rodríguez: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
100. "Larry Rothschild: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
101. "Jeff Russell: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
102. "Zack Short: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
103. "Eric Sogard: Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History".
104. "Mario Soto: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
105. "Cory Spangenberg: Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History".
106. "Justin Steele Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball Reference.
107. "Andre Thorton: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
108. "Keegan Thompson: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
109. "Trea Turner: Fall & Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
110. "Will Venable: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".
111. "Nick Vincent: Minor Leagues Statistics & History".