The Pittsfield Cubs, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, were a minor league baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1985 to 1988. They played their home games at Wahconah Park and were affiliated with the Chicago Cubs.

Pittsfield Cubs
Minor league affiliations
Previous classesClass AA
LeagueEastern League
Major league affiliations
Previous teamsChicago Cubs (1985-1988)
Team data
Previous names
Pittsfield Cubs (1985-1988)
Previous parks
Wahconah Park (1985-1988)

History

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The Cubs were founded in 1985 after an investment group acquired the Double-A franchise rights for $350,000 from the Buffalo Bisons.[1]

On the field, the Cubs were successful, making the playoffs in three of four years. In 1987, the team finished first during the regular season, although they failed to win the championship. In addition to Eastern League all-star selections, the team had two Eastern League Most Valuable Players, Rafael Palmeiro in 1986 and Mark Grace in 1987. The team also had two no-hitters during their existence. On August 1, 1985, Johnny Abrego threw a no-hitter against the Nashua Pirates winning by a 1-0 score. On July 18, 1988, Kris Roth pitched a no-hitter against the Harrisburg Senators, winning by a 3-0 score.

Off the field, the Cubs were plagued by attendance problems. They finished last or next to last in Eastern league attendance during each of their four years of existence.

Season-by-season record

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Season Class League Affiliation Manager Record Finish Attendance Postseason
1985 AA Eastern Chicago Cubs Tom Spenser 59-79 7th 60,585 -
1986 AA Eastern Chicago Cubs Tom Spenser 76-64 3rd 47,709 Lost to Vermont in first round 3-2
1987 AA Eastern Chicago Cubs Jim Essian 87-51 1st 51,551 Lost to Vermont in first round 3-1
1988 AA Eastern Chicago Cubs Jim Essian 75-63 3rd 53,121 Lost to Vermont in first round 3-1

Legacy

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The Pittsfield Cubs moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania after the 1988 season, becoming the Williamsport Bills and affiliating with the Seattle Mariners. The community of Pittsfield gained the Pittsfield Mets for the 1989 season. The Chicago Cubs transferred their AA level affiliation to the Charlotte Knights.[2]

Future Major League Pittsfield Cubs

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Pittsfield Cubs with previous Major League experience

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Eastern League All-Stars

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Eastern League Season Leaders

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Pitching

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  • Winning Percentage: .813 (13-3), David Masters (1987)
    .818 (9-2) Michael Harkey (1988)

Hitting

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References

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Notes

  1. ^ "Time 1988 all numbers : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive". Internet Archive. December 12, 1988. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  2. ^ "30 Teams in 30 Days 1989".

Sources

  • Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball: The Official Record of Minor League Baseball – Lloyd Johnson, Miles Wolff. Publisher: Baseball America, 2007. Format: Hardback, 767 pp. ISBN 978-1-932391-17-6