Midwest League Affiliates

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks' first six South Bend summers were pretty rough, with the most notable outcome being the worst team season in MWL history. Carlos Urquiola and Billy Martin are pleasant memories, as is Brad Penny. The 2001 team, which qualified for the championship finals, was a pleasant interlude in a generally dull series.

The first D'Back squad in South Bend had Penny, John Patterson, and Nick Bierbrodt on the mound, at least for part of the season. But the supporting cast was weak, and the team mostly lost. This set the pattern, which hasn't had much variation.

Overview

• Midwest League seasons: 6
• Won/Lost overall: 344/485, .415
• Best season: 70-66, .515 (2001; 6th of 14 teams)
• Championship playoffs won: none
• Best MWL won/lost record: no seasons

Seasonal Results

Affiliation History

• South Bend Silver Hawks, 1997-present

Officers, Managers, & Coaches

Best Seasons

• Hitter: Craig Ansman (2001) .330, 21 HR, 82 RBI
• Pitcher: Brad Penny (1997) 2.73, 10-5, 116 strikeouts

Best Big League Career

• Brad Penny (1997) or http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/overbly01.shtml (2000)

Awards

• none

Diamondbacks Highlights

Best Records

• Batting: Carlos Urquiola (1999) .362
• Home Runs: Billy Martin (2000) 25
• Runs Batted In: Billy Martin (2000) 90
• Stolen Bases: Matt Kata (2000) 38

Seasonal Hitting Leaders

• Wins: Andrew Good (1999) & Edgar Gonzalez (2002) 11
• Won/Lost: Chris Capuano (2000) 10/4, .714
• Saves: Chris Bloomer (1999) 21
• ERA: Brad Penny (1997) 2.73
• Strikeouts: Andrew Good (1999) 146

Seasonal Pitching Leaders

Notes

This summary originated as the October 10, 2000, Midwest League Tidbit on the Midwest League Mailing List.

Sources

These pages draw heavily on several sources:

• Midwest League Media Guide and Record Book (Beloit: Midwest League, various years; title varies)
• Kevin Saldana, Today in Minor League Baseball History (???: SalFam Books, 1999)