Tucson CitizenTucson Citizen

‘Winders keep ties with D’backs

Sandy, the Tucson Sidewinders' mascot, poses with trophies given to <strong>Chip Hale</strong>, Pacific Coast League manager of the year, and to the team for winning the unofficial Triple-A title and the PCL championship.

Sandy, the Tucson Sidewinders' mascot, poses with trophies given to <strong>Chip Hale</strong>, Pacific Coast League manager of the year, and to the team for winning the unofficial Triple-A title and the PCL championship.

The Tucson Sidewinders’ offseason is continuing where their successful playing season left off.

Tuesday, the Sidewinders, who were Pacific Coast League and unofficial Triple-A champs this year, agreed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year agreement.

The announcement came as the team displayed its championship awards, as well as Chip Hale’s PCL manager of the year trophy.

“Extending this agreement was in the best interest of the Sidewinders organization,” Tucson owner Jay Zucker said.

“You don’t win these (championships) without a great partner,” said Sidewinders vice president and general manager Rick Parr. “Finally, it has paid off. I remember in the early years, it was lean and mean.

“Everyone was saying that once you get in your sixth and seventh (year with a team), you have a chance to possibly win some championships. That wait has finally come true. It has been wonderful working with the Diamondbacks. That is who you want to go to war with again.”

Tucson has been the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate since 1998, the D’backs’ first year.

“It’s a high priority to get your minor league system squared away as early as possible,” said Diamondbacks general partner Jeff Moorad. “There is no more natural home for Triple-A baseball as it exists today than in Tucson.”

D’backs president Derrick Hall also attended the presentation.

“We are thrilled and we have certainly enjoyed our affiliation here in Tucson,” Hall said. “We are the Arizona Diamondbacks, so Tucson is a very important part of who we are, not only from a spring training standpoint, but a Triple-A standpoint.

“What a successful season. Our players have been tremendous and we’ve been excited about the future because we do have so much young talent.”
Sidewinders trophies

Sidewinders trophies

Jay Zucker, owner of the Tucson Sidewinders, and other members of the club received their trophies during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon. The Sidewinders won the Triple-A national championship, after defeating Toledo, 5-2, on September 19.

Producer: Val Canez

Slide 1 of 5 [Next | Previous].
Sidewinders general manager Rick Parr looks over to the trophies that were unveiled during a ceremony at the clubhouse at Tucson Electric Park Tuesday afternoon. The baseball club was recognized for winning the Triple-A National Championship.
Source: VAL CANEZ/Tucson Citizen

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Tucson affiliations
1969-72 – Chicago White Sox

1973-76 – Oakland Athletics

1977-79 – Texas Rangers

1980-96 – Houston Astros

1997 – Milwaukee Brewers

1998-present – Arizona D’backs

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