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Idaho Falls Chukars

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Idaho Falls Chukars
Team logo Cap insignia
Minor league affiliations
ClassIndependent (from 2021)
Previous classes
LeaguePioneer League (1940–1942, 1946–present)
Major league affiliations
TeamIndependent (from 2021)
Previous teams
Minor league titles
League titles (8)
  • 1952
  • 1963
  • 1970
  • 1974
  • 1998
  • 2000
  • 2013
  • 2019
Division titles (8)
  • 1978
  • 1982
  • 1998
  • 2000
  • 2006
  • 2007
  • 2013
  • 2019
Team data
NameIdaho Falls Chukars (2004–present)
Previous names
  • Idaho Falls Padres (2000–2003)
  • Idaho Falls Braves (1993–1999)
  • Idaho Falls Gems (1992)
  • Idaho Falls Braves (1986–1991)
  • Idaho Falls Eagles (1985)
  • Idaho Falls A's (1982–1984)
  • Idaho Falls Angels (1966–1981)
  • Idaho Falls Yankees (1962–1965)
  • Idaho Falls Russets (1940–1942, 1946–1961)
ColorsBurgundy, silver, black[1]
     
MascotCharlie the Chukar
BallparkMelaleuca Field (2007–present)
Previous parks
McDermott Field (1978–2006)
Owner(s)/
Operator(s)
Elmore Sports Group
General managerKevin Greene
ManagerTroy Percival

The Idaho Falls Chukars are an independent baseball team of the Pioneer League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB) but is an MLB Partner League. They are located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and play their home games at Melaleuca Field.

They adopted the name the Chukars following a fan vote when the major league affiliation changed after the 2003 season. A chukar is a game bird found in the region.[2] The Chukars are the only professional sports team in Eastern Idaho.

In conjunction with a contraction of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Pioneer League, of which the Chukars have been members since 1940, was converted from an MLB-affiliated Rookie Advanced league to an independent baseball league and granted status as an MLB Partner League, with Idaho Falls continuing as members.[3]

Franchise history

[edit]

After fielding the Idaho Falls Spuds in the Utah–Idaho League from 1926 to 1928, the franchise restarted in 1940 and were called the Russets, playing in the Pioneer League.[citation needed] The team has played each season since then, under various major league affiliations and nicknames, except for three years that the Pioneer League suspended operation due to World War II. It has played in its present city without interruption longer than any team in the league. Only the Missoula PaddleHeads, descendants of a charter Pioneer League franchise, the Pocatello Cardinals, have been in the league longer.

For much of their history as an affiliated minor league team, the Chukars and their predecessors were many players' first experience with fully professional baseball. As such, a number of notable baseball players saw time in Idaho Falls during their careers. Among the more famous baseball alumni of Idaho Falls teams are Billy Martin, Joe Maddon, Jose Canseco, Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Billy Butler. The Chukars are the only professional sports team in Eastern Idaho. More than one million fans have attended Idaho Falls home games since the team moved into Melaleuca Field in 2007.

Roster

[edit]
Idaho Falls Chukars roster
Active (25-man) roster Coaches/Other

Pitchers

  • 46 Griffin Bremer
  • 51 Damon Ellis
  • 13 Alex Fishberg
  • 47 Nick Floyd
  • 27 Matt Geoffrion
  • 50 Nate Jenkins
  • 12 Alex Leija
  • 38 Keagan McGinnis
  • 24 Jon Nunnally
  • 48 Victor Rodriguez
  • 35 Daniel Silva
  • 31 Joe Slocum
  • 9 Jake Waters



  

Catchers

  • 33 Hunter Hisky
  • 30 Brady West

Infielders

  • 23 Steve Barmakian
  • 20 Andrew Don
  • 7 Tyler Kelly
  • 21 Webb Little
  • 4 Tyler Van Marter
  • 15 Tyler Wyatt

Outfielders

  • 29 Hogan Brown
  • 11 Thomas DeBonville
  • 36 Calvin Estrada
  • 17 Matt Feinstein
  • 25 Kona Quiggle
  

Manager

Coaches

Disabled list
‡ Inactive list
§ Suspended list

Roster updated April 18, 2024
 Transactions

Broadcasting

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All exhibition, regular season and postseason games can be heard on KSPZ (Fox Sports Radio affiliate) 980 AM - 98.7 FM throughout Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls and Pocatello. The signal also reaches part of Western Wyoming. John Balginy has been the "Voice of the Chukars" since 1985. For 2023, Ben Pokorny is the Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations, serving as the solo play-by-play voice for all road games and working in the booth with Balginy for all home games.

Notable alumni

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Numerous Idaho Falls alumni advanced to Major League baseball, some alumni of note include:[4]

  • Jose Canseco 1989
    Jose Canseco 1989
  • Jake Peavy, 2007
    Jake Peavy, 2007
  • Kansas City Royals Billy Butler, 2011
    Kansas City Royals Billy Butler, 2011
  • Mike Moustakas, Game 1, 2015 World Series
    Mike Moustakas, Game 1, 2015 World Series

References

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  1. ^ "Chukars Proudly Release New Logo". IFChukars.com. MLB Advanced Media. November 18, 2003. Archived from the original on January 4, 2004. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  2. ^ Hill, Benjamin (July 14, 2017). "On the Road: Idaho Falls' 'Mother Chukar'". MiLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  3. ^ "Pioneer League named MLB Partner League". Baseball America. November 30, 2020. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  4. ^ "Idaho Falls, Idaho Encyclopedia".
  5. ^ "The Strange Saga of Clancy Smyres and Why His Autograph is More Valuable Than Babe Ruth". 24 September 2013.
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