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| city = Medford, Oregon
| city = Medford, Oregon
| logo = Southern Oregon Timberjacks Main Logo.png
| logo = Southern Oregon Timberjacks Main Logo.png
| class level = [[Class A-Short Season]]
| caplogo = Southern Oregon Timberjacks Cap Insignia 1.png
| league = [[Northwest League]]
| past class level = Short-Season (1979-1999)
| league = [[Northwest League]] (1979-1999)
| conference =
| conference =
| division = Southern
| division = South
| past league =
| past league =
| pastmajorleague = [[Oakland Athletics]] (1979-1999)
| pastmajorleague = [[Oakland Athletics]] (1979–1999)
| pastnames = {{plainlist|
| pastnames = {{plainlist|
*'''Southern Oregon Timberjacks (1996-1999)'''
*Southern Oregon Athletics<br>(1988–1995)
*Southern Oregon Athletics (1988-1995)<br>Medford Athletics (1979-1987)
*Medford Athletics<br>(1979–1987)
*Bend Timber Hawks<br>(1978)
}}
}}
| colors = Green, athletic gold, white<br>{{color box|#115740}} {{color box|#EFB21E}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}} (1979-1995)<br>
| pastparks = [[Miles Field]] (1979-1999)
Forest green, grey, white<br>{{color box|#003831}} {{color box|#A2AAAD}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}} (1996-1999)
| pastparks = [[Miles Field (Oregon)|Miles Field]]
| classchamps =
| classchamps =
| leaguenum = 2
| leaguechamps = 1981, 1983
| leaguechamps = {{hlist|1981|1983|}}
| conferencechamps =
| conferencechamps =
| divnum = 6
| divisionchamps = 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1988, 1989
| divisionchamps = {{hlist|1981|1982|1983|1984|1988|1989|}}
| owner = National Sports Organization, Inc.
}}
}}
The '''Southern Oregon Timberjacks''' were a [[Minor League Baseball|minor league]] [[baseball]] team in the [[Pacific Northwest|northwest]] United States, based in [[Medford, Oregon]]. The team played in the [[Class A-Short Season]] [[Northwest League]] and were an affiliate of the [[Oakland Athletics]] for 21 seasons. They played their home games at [[Miles Field (Oregon)|Miles Field]] in south Medford.

The '''Southern Oregon Timberjacks''' were a [[minor league baseball]] team based in [[Medford, Oregon]]. The team played in the short-season single-A [[Northwest League]] from 1979 to 1999 and were an affiliate of the [[Oakland Athletics]]. They played their home games at [[Miles Field]] in south Medford.


==Team history==
==Team history==
The Timberjacks came to Medford to fill the void left by the departed [[Medford Giants]] (1967–1968) and [[Medford Dodgers|Rogue Valley/Medford Dodgers]] (1969–1971), both of the Northwest League. Originally known as the [[Bend, Oregon|Bend]] Timber Hawks for a season in 1978,<ref name=bbbbbk>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rPZVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4-EDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4073%2C7051142 |newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard |location=Oregon |last=Withers |first=Bud |title=Bend baseball bounces back |date=June 23, 1978 |page=1D }}</ref> owner Doug Emmans relocated the team south and it became the '''Medford Athletics''' (or A's) in 1979.<ref name=ecfhimf>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=T1FYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DfcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2830%2C2880356 |newspaper=The Bulletin |location=Bend, Oregon |title=Emmans clears final hurdle in Medford |date=February 15, 1979 |page=14}}</ref><ref name=fwttthk>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y0FYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wfYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5432%2C2850845 |newspaper=The Bulletin |location=Bend, Oregon |last=Welch |first=Bob |title=Farewell to the Timber Hawks? |date=November 14, 1978 |page=18}}</ref><ref name=psyisv>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SVFYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DfcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3777%2C532088 |newspaper=The Bulletin |location=Bend, Oregon |last=Welch |first=Bob |title=Public says yes in survey |date=January 31, 1979 |page=18}}</ref><ref name=sredgen>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PEFYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1PYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2822%2C85867 |newspaper=The Bulletin |location=Bend, Oregon |last=Welch |first=Bob |title=Seeing too much red at Genna |date=July 4, 1979|page=12}}</ref>
The Timberjacks came into the Northwest League to fill the void left by the departed [[Medford Giants]] (1967–1968) and [[Medford Dodgers|Rogue Valley/Medford Dodgers]] (1969–1971). They were originally known as the '''Medford Athletics''' (or '''Medford A's''') (1979–1987), then changed their name to the '''Southern Oregon Athletics''' (or '''Southern Oregon A's''') (1988–1995), and then eventually to the '''Southern Oregon Timberjacks''' (1996–1999). They were 6-time Southern Division Champions (1981–1984, 1988–1989) and won the Northwest League Championship twice (1981 and 1983).

A name change to '''Southern Oregon Athletics''' (or A's) came in 1988,<ref name=mrk22nd>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=prRVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=teEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5392%2C3966514 |newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard |location=Oregon |title=Ems rank 22nd in attendance |date=April 17, 1988 |page=2B }}</ref> and then a new nickname of '''Timberjacks''' in 1996 for their last four seasons. They were six-time southern division champions (1981–1984, 1988–1989) and won the league championship twice (1981 and 1983). In 1982, Medford had the highest winning percentage of any team in professional baseball.


In 1982, former minor league pitcher Fred Herrmann was named the team's general manager and then became the team's majority owner in 1985.<ref>[http://www.linfield.edu/sports/hall_of_fame/member.php?id=57 Fred Herrmann's Linfield College Hall of Fame biography]</ref>
In 1982, former minor league pitcher Fred Herrmann was named the team's general manager and then became the team's majority owner in 1985.<ref>[http://www.linfield.edu/sports/hall_of_fame/member.php?id=57 Fred Herrmann's Linfield College Hall of Fame biography]</ref>


As a minor league baseball franchise, the Timberjacks had featured future major league players such as [[Greg Cadaret]], [[José Canseco]], [[Rod Beck]], [[Scott Brosius]], [[Jason Giambi]], [[Tim Hudson]], [[Jason Windsor]], [[Sean Triplett]], [[Miguel Tejada]] and [[Eric Byrnes]].
As a minor league baseball franchise, the A's and Timberjacks had featured future major league players such as [[Greg Cadaret]], [[José Canseco]], [[Rod Beck]], [[Scott Brosius]], [[Jason Giambi]], [[Tim Hudson]], [[Terry Steinbach]], [[Jason Windsor]],<!--[[Sean Triplett]],--> [[Miguel Tejada]], and [[Eric Byrnes]].


==Relocation controversy and stadium demise==
==Relocation controversy and stadium demise==
In 1997 and 1998, Herrmann had announced that the team would relocate to [[Vancouver, Washington]].<ref name=tjwtmtm>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SoAzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2esDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5032%2C232584 |newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard |location=Oregon |title=Timberjacks owner wants to move team |date=April 2, 1997 |page=6B }}</ref><ref name=mmltmvg>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NCUfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=h8cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4998%2C3096716 |newspaper=Ellenburg Daily Record |location=Washington |agency=Associated Press |title=Medford minor league team moving |date=October 16, 1998 |page=11 }}</ref><ref>
In 1997 and 1998, Fred Herrmann had announced that the team would relocate to [[Vancouver, Washington]].<ref>
[http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/mar98/31698s2.htm Medford Mail Tribune: Timberjacks' move gains steam] (March 16, 1998)</ref> However, the plans fell through on both occasions and the team remained in Medford.<ref>[http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/oct98/101698n1.htm Medford Mail Tribune: TJ's: 1 more year] (October 16, 1998)</ref>
[http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/mar98/31698s2.htm Medford Mail Tribune: Timberjacks' move gains steam] (March 16, 1998)</ref> However, the plans fell through on both occasions and the team remained in Medford.<ref>[http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/oct98/101698n1.htm Medford Mail Tribune: TJ's: 1 more year] (October 16, 1998)</ref>


Finally on October 26, 1999, Herrmann announced that the franchise would relocate to [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], and in 2000, they completed their move and were renamed the "new" [[Vancouver Canadians]].<ref name="twmtvbc">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nlVWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wOsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2940%2C8017484|title=Timberjacks will make move to Vancouver, B.C.|date=October 27, 1999|agency=Associated Press|location=Oregon|page=6F|newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard}}</ref><ref>[http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/99/oct99/102799s1.htm Medford Mail Tribune: Timberjacks go north; owner courts replacement] (October 27, 1999)</ref> The previous Canadians franchise was the Athletics' Class [[Triple-A (baseball)|AAA]] [[Pacific Coast League]] affiliate, which was sold and moved to California and became the [[Sacramento River Cats]]. Both teams continued to be affiliated with the [[Oakland A's]] until 2011, when the Canadians became affiliated with the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]. The current Canadians do not show any history or records of the Timberjacks at their official website, though their relocation is mentioned one time on the media guide page.<ref>[http://canadiansbaseball.com/canadianshistorynew Vancouver Canadians media guide page]</ref>
Finally on October 26, 1999, Herrmann announced that the franchise would relocate to [[Vancouver, British Columbia]], Canada, and in 2000, they completed their move and were renamed the "new" [[Vancouver Canadians]].<ref>
[http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/99/oct99/102799s1.htm Medford Mail Tribune: Timberjacks go north; owner courts replacement] (October 27, 1999)</ref> The "original" Canadians franchise from the triple-A [[Pacific Coast League]] was renamed the [[Sacramento River Cats]] following their move at the same time. Both teams continued to be affiliated with the [[Oakland A's]] until 2011, when the Canadians decided to re-affiliate with the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]. The current Canadians do not show any history or records of the Timberjacks at their official website, though their relocation is mentioned one time on the media guide page.<ref>[http://canadiansbaseball.com/canadianshistorynew Vancouver Canadians media guide page]</ref>


Herrmann did attempt to bring a [[Western Baseball League]] team to Medford to replace the Timberjacks (Despite long standing rules that prohibited affiliated owners having a financial interest in independent baseball teams). However, those plans fell through when the potential owners, including Herrmann, failed to come up with the money necessary to establish a team.<ref>[http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2000/march/033000n8.htm Medford Mail Tribune: Herrmann shut out on new team] (March 30, 2000)</ref> After four years without a professional team and despite efforts to rebuild and restore historic [[Miles Field]], the city of Medford ordered the deteriorating stadium be torn down in 2004 to make way for a new [[Wal-Mart]] SuperCenter.
Herrmann did attempt to bring a [[Western Baseball League]] team to Medford to replace the Timberjacks (Despite long standing rules that prohibited affiliated owners having a financial interest in independent baseball teams). However, those plans fell through when the potential owners, including Herrmann, failed to come up with the money necessary to establish a team.<ref>[http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2000/march/033000n8.htm Medford Mail Tribune: Herrmann shut out on new team] (March 30, 2000)</ref> After four years without a professional team and despite efforts to rebuild and restore historic [[Miles Field (Oregon)|Miles Field]], the city of Medford ordered the deteriorating stadium be torn down in 2004 to make way for a new [[Walmart|Wal-Mart]] SuperCenter.


In 2004, the city council of Medford orchestrated an agreement with the new [[Harry & David Field]] that a professional team will ''not'' be allowed to play at the new ballpark which currently hosts the collegiate wood bat [[Medford Rogues (collegiate wood bat team)|Medford Rogues]], the [[American Legion]] baseball [[Medford Mustangs]] and youth baseball. Despite previous efforts to bring pro baseball back to Medford, the decision stands to this day.
In 2004, the city council of Medford orchestrated an agreement with the new [[Harry & David Field]] that a professional team will ''not'' be allowed to play at the new ballpark which currently hosts the collegiate wood bat [[Medford Rogues (collegiate wood bat team)|Medford Rogues]], the [[American Legion]] baseball [[Medford Mustangs]] and youth baseball. Despite previous efforts to bring pro baseball back to Medford, the decision stands to this day. The agreement is a moot point as the Northwest League has stated that Medford is not a city that would be considered for expansion.


==Year-by-year record==
==Season-by-season record==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"
|-
|-
!scope="col"|Season
! Year !! Record !! Finish !! Manager !! Playoffs
!scope="col"|PDC
!scope="col"|[[Division (sport)|Division]]
!scope="col"|Finish
!scope="col"|[[Win (baseball)|Wins]]
!scope="col"|[[Loss (baseball)|Losses]]
!scope="col"|[[Winning percentage|Win%]]
!scope="col"|Post-season
!scope="col"|Manager
!scope="col"|Attendance
|-
|align="center" colspan="11" style="background: #007444; color: white; border:2px solid #EFB21E|'''Medford Athletics'''
|-
|-
|1979
| 1979 || 38-33 || 5th || [[Rich Morales]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|2nd
|38
|33
|.535
|
|[[Rich Morales]]
|34,656
|-
|-
|1980
| 1980 || 22-48 || 8th || [[Brad Fischer]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|4th
|22
|48
|.314
|
|[[Brad Fischer]]
|27,118
|-
|-
|1981
| 1981 || 42-28 || 1st || [[Brad Fischer]] || '''League Champs'''
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|bgcolor="#Dr0E7FF"|South
|1st
|42
|28
|.600
|bgcolor="#EEDC82"|Defeated [[Bellingham Mariners|Bellingham]] in championship series 2-1
|[[Brad Fischer]]
|54,243
|-
|-
|1982
| 1982 || 53-17 || 1st || [[Dennis Rogers (baseball)|Dennis Rogers]] || Lost playoffs
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|bgcolor="#Dr0E7FF"|South
|1st
|53
|17
|.757
|Lost to [[Salem Angels|Salem]] in championship series 0-2
|Dennis Rogers
|58,053
|-
|-
|1983
| 1983 || 50-18 || 1st || [[Dennis Rogers (baseball)|Dennis Rogers]] || '''League Champs'''
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|bgcolor="#Dr0E7FF"|Oregon
|1st
|50
|18
|.735
|bgcolor="#EEDC82"|Defeated [[Bellingham Mariners|Bellingham]] in championship series 2-0
|Dennis Rogers
|73,278
|-
|-
|1984
| 1984 || 45-29 || 2nd || [[Dennis Rogers (baseball)|Dennis Rogers]] || Lost playoffs
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|bgcolor="#Dr0E7FF"|South
|1st
|45
|29
|.608
|Lost to [[Tri-Cities Triplets|Tri-Cities]] in championship 0-1
|Dennis Rogers
|66,738
|-
|-
|1985
| 1985 || 33-41 || 6th (t) || [[Grady Fuson]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|Oregon
|4th
|33
|41
|.446
|
|[[Grady Fuson]]
|64,720
|-
|-
|1986
| 1986 || 43-31 || 3rd || [[Dave Hudgens]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|Oregon
|2nd
|43
|31
|.581
|
|[[Dave Hudgens]]
|70,590
|-
|-
|1987
| 1987 || 31-45 || 6th || [[Dave Hudgens]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|North
|3rd
|31
|45
|.408
|
|[[Dave Hudgens]]
|72,729
|-
|-
|align="center" colspan="11" style="background: #115740; color: white; border:2px solid #EFB21E|'''Southern Oregon Athletics'''
| 1988 || 46-30 || 1st || [[Lenn Sakata]] || Lost in finals
|-
|-
|1988
| 1989 || 45-30 || 1st || [[Grady Fuson]] || Lost in finals
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|bgcolor="#Dr0E7FF"|South
|1st
|46
|30
|.605
|Lost to [[Spokane Indians|Spokane]] in champion series 1-2
|[[Lenn Sakata]]
|64,974
|-
|-
|1989
| 1990 || 40-36 || 2nd || [[Grady Fuson]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|bgcolor="#Dr0E7FF"|South
|1st
|45
|30
|.600
|Lost to [[Spokane Indians|Spokane]] in champion series 1-2
|[[Grady Fuson]]
|69,641
|-
|-
|1990
| 1991 || 40-36 || 3rd || [[Grady Fuson]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|2nd
|40
|36
|.526
|
|[[Grady Fuson]]
|69,247
|-
|-
|1991
| 1992 || 39-37 || 3rd || [[Chris Pittaro]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|3rd
|40
|36
|.526
|
|Grady Fuson
|70,164
|-
|-
|1992
| 1993 || 37-39 || 3rd || [[Dick Scott (shortstop)|Dick Scott]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|3rd
|39
|37
|.513
|
|[[Chris Pittaro]]
|77,098
|-
|-
|1993
| 1994 || 38-38 || 2nd || [[Tom Dunton]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|3rd
|37
|39
|.487
|
|[[Dick Scott (shortstop)|Dick Scott]]
|78,202
|-
|-
|1994
| 1995 || 33-43 || 4th || [[Tony DeFrancesco]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|2nd
|38
|38
|.500
|
|Tom Dunton
|88,363
|-
|-
|1995
| 1996 || 29-47 || 4th || [[Tony DeFrancesco]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|4th
|33
|43
|.434
|
|[[Tony DeFrancesco]]
|84,682
|-
|-
|align="center" colspan="11" style="background: #003831; color: white; border:2px solid #A2AAAD|'''Southern Oregon Timberjacks'''
| 1997 || 41-35 || 2nd || [[John Kuehl]] ||
|-
|-
|1996
| 1998 || 43-33 || 2nd || [[Greg Sparks]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|4th
|29
|47
|.382
|
|[[Tony DeFrancesco]]
|77,437
|-
|-
|1997
| 1999 || 38-38 || 2nd || [[Greg Sparks]] ||
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|2nd
|41
|35
|.539
|
|John Kuehl
|68,757
|-
|-
|1998
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|2nd
|43
|33
|.566
|
|[[Greg Sparks]]
|71,822
|-
|1999
|[[Oakland A's|OAK]]
|South
|2nd
|38
|38
|.500
|
|[[Greg Sparks]]
|69,495
|}
|}


{| class="wikitable" border="1"
==Alumni==
|-
*[[:Category:Southern Oregon Timberjacks players|Southern Oregon Timberjacks players]]
|bgcolor="#Dr0E7FF"|<small>'''Division winner''' </small>
|bgcolor="#EEDC82"|<small>'''League champions''' </small>
|}

==Notable alumni==
{{div col|colwidth=40em}}
* [[Rod Beck]] (1986-1987) 3 x MLB All-Star

* [[Mike Bordick]] (1986) MLB All-Star

* [[Scott Brosius]] (1987) MLB All-Star; 1998 World Series Most Valuable Player

* [[Eric Byrnes]] (1998)

* [[Greg Cadaret]] (1983)

* [[Jose Canseco]] (1983) 6 x MLB All-Star; 1986 AL Rookie of the Year; 1988 AL Most Valuable Player

* [[Ron Coomer]] (1987) MLB All-Star

* [[Jason Giambi]] (1992) 5 x MLB All-Star; 2000 AL Most Valuable Player

* [[Ben Grieve]] (1994) MLB All-Star; 1998 AL Rookie of the Year

* [[Tim Hudson]] (1997) 4 x MLB All-Star; 222 Wins

* [[Gerald Laird]] (1999)

* [[Charlie O'Brien]] (1982)

* [[Steve Ontiveros (pitcher)|Steve Ontiveros]] (1982) MLB All-Star; 1994 AL ERA Title

* [[Craig Paquette]] (1989)

* [[Lenn Sakata]] (1988, MGR)

* [[Scott Spiezio]] (1994)

* [[Terry Steinbach]] (1983) 3 x MLB All-Star

* [[Kevin Tapani]] (1986)

* [[Miguel Tejada]] (1995) 6 x MLB All-Star; 2002 AL Most Valuable Player

* [[Todd Van Poppel]] (1990)

* [[Dave Veres]] (1986)

* [[Luis Vizcaino]] (1997)

* [[Curt Young]] (1981)

{{div col end}}

==Former players==
*[[:Category:Medford A's players|Medford A's players]] &nbsp; (1979–1987)
*[[:Category:Southern Oregon A's players|Southern Oregon A's players]] &nbsp; (1988–1995)
*[[:Category:Southern Oregon Timberjacks players|Southern Oregon Timberjacks players]] &nbsp; (1996–1999)


==References==
==References==
Line 100: Line 366:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Southern_Oregon_Timberjacks Southern Oregon Timberjacks at Baseball-Reference]
* [https://minorleaguegeek.com/southern-oregon-timberjacks/ Southern Oregon Timberjacks] Minor League Geek
* [http://web.archive.org/web/19981202024453/http://www.tjacks.com/ Southern Oregon Timberjacks' original website] (archive.org)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19981202024453/http://www.tjacks.com/ Southern Oregon Timberjacks' original website] (archive.org)
* [http://web.archive.org/web/19981202011808/www.minorleaguebaseball.com/teams/southern-oregon/ Southern Oregon Timberjacks' profile at Minor League baseball website (1998)] (archive.org)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19981202011808/http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/teams/southern-oregon/ Southern Oregon Timberjacks' profile at Minor League baseball website (1998)] (archive.org)
* [http://www.thebaseballcube.com/teams/team_10392.shtml Southern Oregon Timberjacks year-by-year records, statistics and rosters at The Baseball Cube]
* [http://www.thebaseballcube.com/teams/team_10392.shtml Southern Oregon Timberjacks year-by-year records, statistics and rosters at The Baseball Cube]
* [http://home.wi.rr.com/ballpark/as_northwest.html Northwest League Team History (1990-1997)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061020092135/http://home.wi.rr.com/ballpark/as_northwest.html Northwest League Team History (1990–1997)]
* [http://home.wi.rr.com/ballpark/as_northwest2.html Northwest League Team History (1998-2005)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061020092220/http://home.wi.rr.com/ballpark/as_northwest2.html Northwest League Team History (1998–2005)]

{{s-start}}
{{succession box
| title = Northwest League franchise
| years = 1979-1999
| before = [[Bend Timber Hawks]]
| after = [[Vancouver Canadians]]
}}
{{s-end}}


[[Category:Defunct Northwest League teams]]
[[Category:Defunct Northwest League teams]]
[[Category:Sports in Medford, Oregon]]
[[Category:Sports in Medford, Oregon]]
[[Category:Defunct baseball teams in Oregon]]
[[Category:Defunct baseball teams in Oregon]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Oregon]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Oregon]]
[[Category:1979 establishments in Oregon]]
[[Category:1978 establishments in Oregon]]
[[Category:1999 disestablishments in Oregon]]
[[Category:1999 disestablishments in Oregon]]
[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1978]]
[[Category:Baseball teams disestablished in 1999]]

Latest revision as of 14:58, 21 October 2023

Southern Oregon Timberjacks
Minor league affiliations
ClassClass A-Short Season
LeagueNorthwest League
DivisionSouth
Major league affiliations
Previous teamsOakland Athletics (1979–1999)
Minor league titles
League titles (2)
  • 1981
  • 1983
Division titles (6)
  • 1981
  • 1982
  • 1983
  • 1984
  • 1988
  • 1989
Team data
Previous names
  • Southern Oregon Athletics
    (1988–1995)
  • Medford Athletics
    (1979–1987)
  • Bend Timber Hawks
    (1978)
ColorsGreen, athletic gold, white
      (1979-1995)
Forest green, grey, white
      (1996-1999)
Previous parks
Miles Field
Owner(s)/
Operator(s)
National Sports Organization, Inc.

The Southern Oregon Timberjacks were a minor league baseball team in the northwest United States, based in Medford, Oregon. The team played in the Class A-Short Season Northwest League and were an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics for 21 seasons. They played their home games at Miles Field in south Medford.

Team history

[edit]

The Timberjacks came to Medford to fill the void left by the departed Medford Giants (1967–1968) and Rogue Valley/Medford Dodgers (1969–1971), both of the Northwest League. Originally known as the Bend Timber Hawks for a season in 1978,[1] owner Doug Emmans relocated the team south and it became the Medford Athletics (or A's) in 1979.[2][3][4][5]

A name change to Southern Oregon Athletics (or A's) came in 1988,[6] and then a new nickname of Timberjacks in 1996 for their last four seasons. They were six-time southern division champions (1981–1984, 1988–1989) and won the league championship twice (1981 and 1983). In 1982, Medford had the highest winning percentage of any team in professional baseball.

In 1982, former minor league pitcher Fred Herrmann was named the team's general manager and then became the team's majority owner in 1985.[7]

As a minor league baseball franchise, the A's and Timberjacks had featured future major league players such as Greg Cadaret, José Canseco, Rod Beck, Scott Brosius, Jason Giambi, Tim Hudson, Terry Steinbach, Jason Windsor, Miguel Tejada, and Eric Byrnes.

Relocation controversy and stadium demise

[edit]

In 1997 and 1998, Herrmann had announced that the team would relocate to Vancouver, Washington.[8][9][10] However, the plans fell through on both occasions and the team remained in Medford.[11]

Finally on October 26, 1999, Herrmann announced that the franchise would relocate to Vancouver, British Columbia, and in 2000, they completed their move and were renamed the "new" Vancouver Canadians.[12][13] The previous Canadians franchise was the Athletics' Class AAA Pacific Coast League affiliate, which was sold and moved to California and became the Sacramento River Cats. Both teams continued to be affiliated with the Oakland A's until 2011, when the Canadians became affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays. The current Canadians do not show any history or records of the Timberjacks at their official website, though their relocation is mentioned one time on the media guide page.[14]

Herrmann did attempt to bring a Western Baseball League team to Medford to replace the Timberjacks (Despite long standing rules that prohibited affiliated owners having a financial interest in independent baseball teams). However, those plans fell through when the potential owners, including Herrmann, failed to come up with the money necessary to establish a team.[15] After four years without a professional team and despite efforts to rebuild and restore historic Miles Field, the city of Medford ordered the deteriorating stadium be torn down in 2004 to make way for a new Wal-Mart SuperCenter.

In 2004, the city council of Medford orchestrated an agreement with the new Harry & David Field that a professional team will not be allowed to play at the new ballpark which currently hosts the collegiate wood bat Medford Rogues, the American Legion baseball Medford Mustangs and youth baseball. Despite previous efforts to bring pro baseball back to Medford, the decision stands to this day. The agreement is a moot point as the Northwest League has stated that Medford is not a city that would be considered for expansion.

Season-by-season record

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Season PDC Division Finish Wins Losses Win% Post-season Manager Attendance
Medford Athletics
1979 OAK South 2nd 38 33 .535 Rich Morales 34,656
1980 OAK South 4th 22 48 .314 Brad Fischer 27,118
1981 OAK South 1st 42 28 .600 Defeated Bellingham in championship series 2-1 Brad Fischer 54,243
1982 OAK South 1st 53 17 .757 Lost to Salem in championship series 0-2 Dennis Rogers 58,053
1983 OAK Oregon 1st 50 18 .735 Defeated Bellingham in championship series 2-0 Dennis Rogers 73,278
1984 OAK South 1st 45 29 .608 Lost to Tri-Cities in championship 0-1 Dennis Rogers 66,738
1985 OAK Oregon 4th 33 41 .446 Grady Fuson 64,720
1986 OAK Oregon 2nd 43 31 .581 Dave Hudgens 70,590
1987 OAK North 3rd 31 45 .408 Dave Hudgens 72,729
Southern Oregon Athletics
1988 OAK South 1st 46 30 .605 Lost to Spokane in champion series 1-2 Lenn Sakata 64,974
1989 OAK South 1st 45 30 .600 Lost to Spokane in champion series 1-2 Grady Fuson 69,641
1990 OAK South 2nd 40 36 .526 Grady Fuson 69,247
1991 OAK South 3rd 40 36 .526 Grady Fuson 70,164
1992 OAK South 3rd 39 37 .513 Chris Pittaro 77,098
1993 OAK South 3rd 37 39 .487 Dick Scott 78,202
1994 OAK South 2nd 38 38 .500 Tom Dunton 88,363
1995 OAK South 4th 33 43 .434 Tony DeFrancesco 84,682
Southern Oregon Timberjacks
1996 OAK South 4th 29 47 .382 Tony DeFrancesco 77,437
1997 OAK South 2nd 41 35 .539 John Kuehl 68,757
1998 OAK South 2nd 43 33 .566 Greg Sparks 71,822
1999 OAK South 2nd 38 38 .500 Greg Sparks 69,495
Division winner League champions

Notable alumni

[edit]
  • Scott Brosius (1987) MLB All-Star; 1998 World Series Most Valuable Player
  • Jose Canseco (1983) 6 x MLB All-Star; 1986 AL Rookie of the Year; 1988 AL Most Valuable Player
  • Jason Giambi (1992) 5 x MLB All-Star; 2000 AL Most Valuable Player
  • Ben Grieve (1994) MLB All-Star; 1998 AL Rookie of the Year
  • Miguel Tejada (1995) 6 x MLB All-Star; 2002 AL Most Valuable Player

Former players

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Withers, Bud (June 23, 1978). "Bend baseball bounces back". Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. p. 1D.
  2. ^ "Emmans clears final hurdle in Medford". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. February 15, 1979. p. 14.
  3. ^ Welch, Bob (November 14, 1978). "Farewell to the Timber Hawks?". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. p. 18.
  4. ^ Welch, Bob (January 31, 1979). "Public says yes in survey". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. p. 18.
  5. ^ Welch, Bob (July 4, 1979). "Seeing too much red at Genna". The Bulletin. Bend, Oregon. p. 12.
  6. ^ "Ems rank 22nd in attendance". Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. April 17, 1988. p. 2B.
  7. ^ Fred Herrmann's Linfield College Hall of Fame biography
  8. ^ "Timberjacks owner wants to move team". Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. April 2, 1997. p. 6B.
  9. ^ "Medford minor league team moving". Ellenburg Daily Record. Washington. Associated Press. October 16, 1998. p. 11.
  10. ^ Medford Mail Tribune: Timberjacks' move gains steam (March 16, 1998)
  11. ^ Medford Mail Tribune: TJ's: 1 more year (October 16, 1998)
  12. ^ "Timberjacks will make move to Vancouver, B.C." Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. Associated Press. October 27, 1999. p. 6F.
  13. ^ Medford Mail Tribune: Timberjacks go north; owner courts replacement (October 27, 1999)
  14. ^ Vancouver Canadians media guide page
  15. ^ Medford Mail Tribune: Herrmann shut out on new team (March 30, 2000)
[edit]
Preceded by Northwest League franchise
1979-1999 		Succeeded by
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