Omaha Storm Chasers

The Omaha Storm Chasers are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They are located in Papillion, Nebraska, a suburb southwest of Omaha, and play their home games at Werner Park which opened in 2011. The team previously played at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, home to the College World Series, from 1969 to 2010.[3]

Omaha Storm Chasers Founded in 1969 Papillion, Nebraska
Team logo Cap insignia
Minor league affiliations
Class	Triple-A (1969–present)
League	Pacific Coast League (1998–present)
Conference	American Conference
Division	Northern Division
Previous leagues	American Association (1969–1997)
Major league affiliations
Team	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, Twister gold, Blackout black, Powder blue[1]
Mascot	Stormy (2011-present) Casey the Lion (1994-present) Vortex (2011-present) Sue Nami (2019-present)
Ballpark	Werner Park (2011–present)
Previous parks	Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium (1969–2010)
Owner(s)/ Operator(s)	Alliance Baseball LLC
Manager	Brian Poldberg
General Manager	Laurie Schlender[2]
President	Martie Cordaro[2]

The team has been the only Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals since their inception in the 1969 Major League Baseball expansion. They were originally known as the Omaha Royals when they were established as a member of the Triple-A American Association in 1969. They joined the PCL in 1998, and were briefly known as the Omaha Golden Spikes (1999–2001) before reverting to their Royals name. They rebranded as the Storm Chasers in 2011.

Omaha has won seven league championships. Most recently, they won back-to-back PCL championships in 2013 and 2014. They previously won the PCL title in 2011. They also won the American Association championship in 1969, 1970, 1978, and 1990. They went on to win the Triple-A Classic in 1990 and the Triple-A National Championship Game in 2013 and 2014.

In 2016, Forbes listed the Storm Chasers as the 29th-most valuable Minor League Baseball team with a value of $27 million.[4]

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.[5] 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 Cuthbert, Louis Coleman, and John Lamb as well as trainer Dave Innicca and manager Brian Poldberg, who skippered the PCL team.[6] Another Omaha All-Star in 2015, outfielder José Martínez, led the league in on-base percentage (OBP, .461) that year[7] and broke the PCL batting record with a .384 average.[8]

Year-by-year record

Year	Record	Finish	Manager	Playoffs
American Association
1969	85–55	1st	Jack McKeon	Won League Championship 4–1 vs. Denver Bears
1970	73–65	1st	Jack McKeon	Won League Championship 4–1 vs. Syracuse Chiefs
1971	69–70	5th	Jack McKeon
1972	71–69	4th	Jack McKeon
1973	62–73	6th	Harry Malmberg
1974	54–82	8th	Harry Malmberg
1975	67–69	6th	Billy Gardner
1976	78–58	2nd	Billy Gardner	Lost League Championship 4–2 vs. Denver Bears
1977	76–59	1st	John Sullivan	Lost League Championship 4–2 vs. Denver Bears
1978	66–69	4th	John Sullivan	Won League Championship 4–1 vs. Indianapolis Indians
1979	65–71	6th	Gordon Mackenzie
1980	66–70	4th	Joe Sparks
1981	79–57	1st	Joe Sparks	Won Division Series 3–2 vs. Springfield Redbirds; Lost League Championship 4–0 vs. Denver Bears
1982	71–66	4th	Joe Sparks	Lost League Championship 4–2 vs. Indianapolis Indians
1983	64–72	6th (t)	Joe Sparks
1984	68–86	8th	Gene Lamont
1985	73–69	4th	Gene Lamont
1986	72–70	4th	John Boles / Frank Funk
1987	64–76	7th (t)	John Wathan / Frank Funk
1988	81–61	2nd	Glenn Ezell	Lost League Championship 3–1 vs. Indianapolis Indians
1989	74–72	3rd (t)	Sal Rende	Lost League Championship 3–2 vs. Indianapolis Indians
1990	86–60	1st	Sal Rende	Won League Championship 3–2 vs. Nashville Sounds; Won Triple-A Classic 4–1 vs. Rochester Red Wings
1991	73–71	5th	Sal Rende
1992	67–77	6th (t)	Jeff Cox
1993	70–74	5th	Jeff Cox
1994	68–76	6th	Jeff Cox
1995	76–68	3rd	Mike Jirschele	Lost Division Series 3–1 vs. Buffalo Bisons
1996	79–65	2nd	Mike Jirschele	Lost Division Series 3–1 vs. Oklahoma City 89ers
1997	61–83	8th	Mike Jirschele
Pacific Coast League
1998	79–64	4th (t)	Ron Johnson
1999	81–60	3rd	Ron Johnson	Lost Conference Championship 3–1 vs. Oklahoma RedHawks
2000	64–79	11th	John Mizerock
2001	70–74	10th	John Mizerock
2002	76–68	4th	Bucky Dent
2003	70–73	11th	Mike Jirschele
2004	71–73	9th	Mike Jirschele
2005	72–72	8th	Mike Jirschele
2006	53–91	16th	Mike Jirschele
2007	73–71	3rd	Mike Jirschele
2008	63–81	3rd	Mike Jirschele
2009	64–80	4th	Mike Jirschele
2010	81–63	3rd	Mike Jirschele
2011	79–63	1st	Mike Jirschele	Won American Conference 3–1 vs. Round Rock Express; Won PCL Championship 3–0 vs. Sacramento River Cats; Lost Triple-A National Championship vs. Columbus Clippers
2012	83–61	1st	Mike Jirschele	Won American Conference 3–2 vs. Albuquerque Isotopes; Lost PCL Championship 3–1 vs. Reno Aces
2013	70–74	1st	Mike Jirschele	Won American Conference 3–0 vs. Oklahoma City RedHawks; Won PCL Championship 3–1 vs. Salt Lake Bees; Won Triple-A National Championship vs. Durham Bulls
2014	76–67	1st	Brian Poldberg	Won American Conference 3–1 vs. Memphis Redbirds; Won PCL Championship 3–2 vs. Reno Aces; Won Triple-A National Championship vs. Pawtucket Red Sox
2015	80–64	2nd (t)	Brian Poldberg
2016	58–82	4th	Brian Poldberg
2017	69–72	3rd	Brian Poldberg
2018	66–74	3rd	Brian Poldberg
2019	59–80	4th	Brian Poldberg
2020	Season cancelled[9]		Brian Poldberg
TOTAL	3,615–3,599	—	—	American Association: 10 West Division Titles, 4 American Association Titles, 1 Triple-A Classic Title Pacific Coast League: 4 American Conference Titles, 3 Pacific Coast League Titles, 2 Triple-A National Titles

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, 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[10])

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

• Johnny Giavotella (2B)
• Luis Mendoza (P)
• Clint Robinson (DH)

2012

• Tommy Hottovy (P)
• Wil Myers (OF)
• Clint Robinson (1B)
• Ryan Verdugo (P)

2013

• Louis Coleman (P)
• Chris Dwyer (P)

2014

• Spencer Patton (P)
• Francisco Pena (C)

2015

• Louis Coleman (P)
• Cheslor Cuthbert (3B)
• John Lamb (P)

2016

• Andrew Edwards (P)

Roster

Omaha Storm Chasers roster

Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 47 Ofreidy Gomez 45 Foster Griffin 46 Jake Kalish 31 Yunior Marte		Catchers 19 Xavier Fernandez Infielders 11 Chase Bushor Outfielders 32 Nick Heath		Manager 27 Brian Poldberg Coaches 38 Brian Buchanan (hitting) -- Dane Johnson (pitching) -- Tony Peña Jr. (bench) 7-day injured list * On Kansas City Royals 40-man roster # Rehab assignment ∞ Reserve list ‡ Restricted list § Suspended list † Temporary inactive list Roster updated January 14, 2020 Transactions → More rosters: MiLB • Pacific Coast League → Kansas City Royals minor league players

Team affiliations

Level	Team	League	Location
Major League	Kansas City Royals	American League	Kansas City, MO
Triple-A	Omaha Storm Chasers	Pacific Coast League	Papillion, NE
Double-A	Northwest Arkansas Naturals	Texas League	Springdale, AR
Advanced A	Wilmington Blue Rocks	Carolina League	Wilmington, DE
A	Lexington Legends	South Atlantic League	Lexington, KY
Rookie	Idaho Falls Chukars	Pioneer League	Idaho Falls, ID
Rookie	Burlington Royals	Appalachian League	Burlington, NC

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[11]

References

1. "'Omaha Storm Chasers' New Name for Triple-A Team". MiLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. November 15, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2019.
2. "Omaha Storm Chasers Announce Personnel Moves". Ballpark Digest. November 26, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
3. "Werner Enterprises Granted Naming Rights for New Ballpark". ORoyals.com. November 11, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
4. Klebnikov, Sergei (July 8, 2016). "Minor League Baseball's Most Valuable Teams – 29. Omaha Storm Chasers". Forbes. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
5. "Baltimore Orioles prospect Dariel Alvarez wins Triple-A Home Run Derby – Pacific Coast League News". Pacific Coast League.
6. "INT All-Stars vs. PCL All-Stars – July 15, 2015 – MiLB.com Box – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com.
7. FOX Sports Midwest (May 25, 2016). "Cardinals acquire OF Jose Martinez from Royals, assign to Memphis". Fox Sports Midwest. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
8. Boone, Tony (May 5, 2016). "Big year hard to ignore, but Chasers' Jose Martinez must follow up to get closer to big leagues". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
9. "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
10. "Jose Martinez Crowned Pacific Coast League Batting Champ – Omaha Storm Chasers News". Omaha Storm Chasers.
11. "Front Office Staff". Omaha Storm Chasers. MiLB.com. Retrieved April 24, 2018.

External links

• Official website
• Statistics from Baseball-Reference
• Nebraska Minor League Baseball website