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{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
|name = Bowie Baysox
|name = Bowie Baysox
|founded = 1993
|founded = 1987
|city = Bowie, Maryland
|city =
|misc =
|misc = '''Based in Bowie since 1993'''
|logo = BowieBaysox.PNG
|logo = Bowie Baysox logo.svg
|uniformlogo = Baysox.PNG
|uniformlogo = Baysox.PNG
|class level = [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] (1993–present)
|class level = [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] (1993–present)
|past class level=
|past class level=
|current league = [[Double-A Northeast]] (2021–present)
|current league = [[Eastern League (1938–present)|Eastern League]] (2022–present)
|conference =
|conference =
|division = Southwest Division
|division = Southwest Division
|past league = [[Eastern League (baseball)|Eastern League]] (1993–2020)
|past league = {{Plainlist|
*[[Double-A Northeast]] (2021)
*[[Eastern League (1938–present)|Eastern League]] (1993–2020)
}}
|majorleague = [[Baltimore Orioles]] (1989–present)
|majorleague = [[Baltimore Orioles]] (1989–present)
|pastmajorleague = [[Cleveland Indians]] (1987–1988)
|pastmajorleague = [[Cleveland Indians]] (1987–1988)
|nickname = Bowie Baysox (1993–present)
|nickname =
|pastnames = {{Plainlist|
|pastnames = {{Plainlist|
* [[Hagerstown Suns]] (1989–1992)
* [[Hagerstown Suns]] (1989–1992)
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}}
}}
|colors = Black, orange, teal, white<br>{{Color box|#000000}} {{Color box|#F87217}} {{Color box|#03A2B2}} {{Color box|#ffffff}}
|colors = Black, orange, teal, white<br>{{Color box|#000000}} {{Color box|#F87217}} {{Color box|#03A2B2}} {{Color box|#ffffff}}
|mascots = Louie and Rocko
|ballpark = [[Prince George's Stadium]] (1994–present)
|ballpark = [[Prince George's Stadium]] (1994–present)
|pastparks = {{Plainlist|
|pastparks = {{Plainlist|
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|divnum = 3
|divnum = 3
|divisionchamps = {{hlist|2008|2015|2019}}
|divisionchamps = {{hlist|2008|2015|2019}}
|owner = Maryland Baseball Holding, LLC
|owner = Attain Sports and Entertainment
|gm = Brian Shallcross
|gm = Brian Shallcross
|manager = Roberto Mercado<ref>{{cite web |title=Orioles Announce Baysox Coaching Staff For 2024 |url=https://www.milb.com/bowie/news/orioles-announce-baysox-coaching-staff-for-2024 |website=MiLB.com |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=February 7, 2024 |language=en |date=February 7, 2024}}</ref>
|manager = [[Buck Britton]]
|mascot = Louie (1997-present)<br />Rocko (2011-present)
}}
}}
The '''Bowie Baysox''' are a [[Minor League Baseball]] team located in [[Bowie, Maryland]]. They are the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] affiliate of the [[Baltimore Orioles]], and play in the [[Double-A Northeast]]. Their home ballpark is [[Prince George's Stadium]]. They were members of the [[Eastern League (baseball)|Eastern League (EL)]] from 1993 to 2020.
The '''Bowie Baysox''' are a [[Minor League Baseball]] team located in [[Bowie, Maryland]]. They are the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] affiliate of the [[Baltimore Orioles]], and play in the [[Eastern League (1938–present)|Eastern League]]. Their home ballpark is [[Prince George's Stadium]].

The Baysox are currently managed by Buck Britton. As of 2019, games are broadcast on [[WNAV]]; 40 games are broadcast live on the station, and all games are streamed live on the station's website.<ref>http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140327&content_id=70207806&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t418&sid=t418</ref>


==History==
==History==
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After two losing seasons, the Baysox made it back to the playoffs in 1997, and were also named the top double-A franchise in America, in part because of their tremendous attendance figures despite their proximity to the Baltimore major-league market. Also in 1997 (June 28), the team introduced "Louie", its green furry mascot with pink hair and long snout, but unknown [[species]]. It is believed his design is modeled off of [[Chessie (sea monster)]] due to the team's name referencing the Chesapeake Bay. He continues to serve as [[mayor]] of "Louieville, Maryland", a play on the real city of [[Louisville, Kentucky]], and also a [[rhyme]] to the team's home of Bowie.
After two losing seasons, the Baysox made it back to the playoffs in 1997, and were also named the top double-A franchise in America, in part because of their tremendous attendance figures despite their proximity to the Baltimore major-league market. Also in 1997 (June 28), the team introduced "Louie", its green furry mascot with pink hair and long snout, but unknown [[species]]. It is believed his design is modeled off of [[Chessie (sea monster)]] due to the team's name referencing the Chesapeake Bay. He continues to serve as [[mayor]] of "Louieville, Maryland", a play on the real city of [[Louisville, Kentucky]], and also a [[rhyme]] to the team's home of Bowie.


The Baysox hosted the double-A All-Star Game on July 12, 2000, bringing players from not only the Eastern League, but also the [[Southern League (baseball)|Southern]] and [[Texas League|Texas]] leagues to Bowie. During that season, the Baysox also got a new owner, as the Maryland Baseball Partnership sold the team (along with the Frederick Keys and [[Delmarva Shorebirds]]) to the [[Comcast]] cable network.
The Baysox hosted the Double-A All-Star Game on July 12, 2000, bringing players from not only the Eastern League, but also the [[Southern League (1964–2020)|Southern]] and [[Texas League|Texas]] leagues to Bowie. During that season, the Baysox also got a new owner, as the Maryland Baseball Partnership sold the team (along with the Frederick Keys and [[Delmarva Shorebirds]]) to the [[Comcast]] cable network.


The Baysox were again sold in October 2006 by Comcast Spectacor to Maryland Baseball Holding, LLC. A group headed by Ken Young, who is president of Ovations Food Service and also the owner of the [[Norfolk Tides]], the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and the [[Albuquerque Isotopes]], the Triple-A affiliate of the [[Florida Marlins]].
The Baysox were again sold in October 2006 by Comcast Spectacor to Maryland Baseball Holding, LLC. A group headed by Ken Young, who is president of Ovations Food Service and also the owner of the [[Norfolk Tides]], the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and the [[Albuquerque Isotopes]], the Triple-A affiliate of the [[Florida Marlins]].
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The Baysox went six straight seasons (1998–2003) without posting a winning record. In 2005, the team was in contention for the last playoff spot at the end of the season, but lost four straight games to [[Altoona Curve|Altoona]] on the final weekend to just miss the postseason once again. They won their first regular-season division championship in 2008, but lost to the [[Akron Aeros]] 3-1 in the Division Series.
The Baysox went six straight seasons (1998–2003) without posting a winning record. In 2005, the team was in contention for the last playoff spot at the end of the season, but lost four straight games to [[Altoona Curve|Altoona]] on the final weekend to just miss the postseason once again. They won their first regular-season division championship in 2008, but lost to the [[Akron Aeros]] 3-1 in the Division Series.


The Baysox captured its first Eastern League Championship in 2015 with a 3&ndash;2 series victory over the [[Reading Fightin Phils]]. Its 79&ndash;63 regular season finish earned the ballclub its second-ever division title by five games over Altoona. The 3&ndash;1 Divisional Series win over the Curve sent Bowie to its first championship series in six attempts. One of the team's stars was [[Trey Mancini]], who hit .359 for the season but fell 29 plate appearances short of the 384 needed to qualify for the league batting title due to his having been promoted to the team in June.<ref>[https://www.milb.com/bowie/news/2015-season-in-review-eastern-league-champions/c-151387418 "2015 Season in Review: Eastern League Champions," Bowie Baysox, Thursday, September 24, 2015.] Retrieved September 3, 2019</ref>
The Baysox captured its first Eastern League Championship in 2015 with a 3&ndash;2 series victory over the [[Reading Fightin Phils]]. Its 79&ndash;63 regular season finish earned the ballclub its second-ever division title by five games over Altoona. The 3&ndash;1 Divisional Series win over the Curve sent Bowie to its first championship series in six attempts. One of the team's stars was [[Trey Mancini]], who hit .359 for the season but fell 29 plate appearances short of the 384 needed to qualify for the league batting title due to his having been promoted to the team in June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/bowie/news/2015-season-in-review-eastern-league-champions/c-151387418 |title=2015 Season in Review: Eastern League Champions |publisher=Bowie Baysox |website=MiLB.com |date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=September 3, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>


After a 19&ndash;35 start, the 2019 Baysox won 11 of 14 matches to conclude the first half in fourth place at 30&ndash;49. The momentum propelled them to a 46&ndash;26 record and the EL Western Division second-half title. Buck Britton was rewarded for the turnaround by being named EL Manager of the Year.<ref>[https://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2019/09/03/minor-league-wrap-bowies-hot-play-gets-playoffs-delmarvas-sizzling-season-ready/ Fitzgerald, Justin. "Minor league wrap, Part 1: Bowie gets hot at the right time; Delmarva hopes to maintain momentum," BaltimoreBaseball.com, Tuesday, September 3, 2019.] Retrieved September 3, 2019</ref> The Baysox won the Western Division over the [[Harrisburg Senators]] but lost the Championship Series to the [[Trenton Thunder]], with both postseason series finishing 3&ndash;1.<ref>[https://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2019/09/13/bowies-season-ends-painful-loss-trenton/ Tow, Seth. "Bowie’s season ends with loss to Trenton," BaltimoreBaseball.com, Friday, September 13, 2019.] Retrieved September 13, 2019</ref>
After a 19&ndash;35 start, the 2019 Baysox won 11 of 14 matches to conclude the first half in fourth place at 30&ndash;38. The momentum propelled them to a 46&ndash;26 record and the EL Western Division second-half title. Buck Britton was rewarded for the turnaround by being named EL Manager of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2019/09/03/minor-league-wrap-bowies-hot-play-gets-playoffs-delmarvas-sizzling-season-ready/ |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Justin |title=Minor league wrap, Part 1: Bowie gets hot at the right time; Delmarva hopes to maintain momentum |website=BaltimoreBaseball.com |date=September 3, 2019 |access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref> The Baysox won the Western Division over the [[Harrisburg Senators]] but lost the Championship Series to the [[Trenton Thunder]], with both postseason series finishing 3&ndash;1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2019/09/13/bowies-season-ends-painful-loss-trenton/ |last1=Tow |first1=Seth |title=Bowie's season ends with loss to Trenton |website=BaltimoreBaseball.com |date=September 13, 2019 |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref>


In conjunction with [[Major League Baseball]]'s restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Baysox were organized into the [[Double-A Northeast]].<ref name=JMayo2-12-2021>{{cite web|last=Mayo|first=Jonathan|title=MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/new-minor-league-baseball-structure|website=Major League Baseball|date=February 12, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2021}}</ref>
In conjunction with [[Major League Baseball]]'s restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Baysox were organized into the [[Double-A Northeast]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Mayo |first=Jonathan |title=MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/new-minor-league-baseball-structure |website=Major League Baseball |date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}</ref>

In 2021, The Baysox finished second in the Double-A Northeast League with a 73–47 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2f659236 |title=2021 Double-A Northeast |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2021}}</ref> This qualified them for the Double-A Northeast finals against the [[Akron RubberDucks]]. It was the third time Bowie has qualified for the playoffs in their history, and the third time since 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=9/19: Baysox Punch Ticket to Double-A Northeast League Finals |url=https://www.milb.com/bowie/news/9-19-bowie-baysox-game-recap |publisher=Bowie Baysox |website=MiLB.com |access-date=September 21, 2021 |language=en |date=September 19, 2021}}</ref> They lost the best-of-five series versus Akron, 3–0.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sheehan |first=Stephanie |url=https://www.milb.com/news/naylor-s-walk-off-secures-finals-sweep-for-akron-rubberducks |title=Naylor's Walk-off Secures Finals Sweep for Akron |website=Minor League Baseball |date=September 24, 2021 |access-date=October 8, 2021}}</ref> [[Grayson Rodriguez]] was selected as the 2021 Double-A Northeast Pitcher of the Year and [[Adley Rutschman]] as the league's Top MLB Prospect.<ref name=2021awards>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/fans/postseason-all-stars |title=Postseason All-Stars |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=October 8, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008130129/https://www.milb.com/fans/postseason-all-stars |archive-date=October 8, 2021}}</ref>

The Baysox were purchased from Maryland Baseball Holding, LLC by Attain Sports and Entertainment in January 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-bowie-baysox-frederick-keys-change-ownership-20220113-o45mokkd7zfotmrliqhqlewkru-story.html |title=Orioles' Double-A team Bowie Baysox, former affiliate Frederick Keys change ownership |first=Nathan |last=Ruiz |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 13, 2022}}</ref> In 2022, the Double-A Northeast became known as the Eastern League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization.<ref name=ELrename>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-historical-league-names-to-return-in-2022|title=Historical League Names to Return in 2022|website=Minor League Baseball|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref>

==Media==
{{Asof|2021}}, Baysox games are streamed audio only on their [[Facebook]], [[Twitter]], and [[YouTube]] accounts. Adam Pohl and Paul Fritschner share broadcasting duties. Pohl has been with the team since 2014, while Fritschner joined in 2021.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

Previously, Baysox games were carried live by radio station [[WNAV]]. In 2019, 40 games were broadcast live on the radio, and all games were streamed live on the station's website.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baysox, WNAV Partner for Radio Broadcast |url=https://www.milb.com/bowie/news/gcs-70207806 |website=[[MiLB.com]] |publisher=Bowie Baysox|access-date=June 16, 2021 |date=March 27, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=WNAV to broadcast 40 Baysox games |url=http://www.capitalgazette.com/cg2-arc-140328cs-baysox-wnav-20140328-story.html |access-date=June 16, 2021 |work=[[The Capital]] |date=March 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Baysox, WNAV Partner for Radio Broadcast |url=https://www.milb.com/bowie/news/gcs-70207806 |website=MiLB.com |publisher=Bowie Baysox |access-date=June 16, 2021 |date=April 8, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=WNAV to broadcast Baysox games again |url=http://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/ph-ac-cs-wnav-baysox-401-20160331-story.html |access-date=June 16, 2021 |work=The Capital |date=March 31, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Baysox, WNAV Renew Broadcast Partnership |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/baysox-wnav-renew-broadcast-partnership/n-5244373 |website=OurSports Central |publisher=Bowie Baysox |access-date=June 16, 2021 |date=March 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2018 Eastern League Media Guide |url=https://milb.bamcontent.com/documents/2/8/8/272436288/2018_Eastern_League_Media_Guide_Digital_.pdf#page=43 |website=MiLB.com |publisher=[[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]] |access-date=June 16, 2021 |page=43 |date=2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Trenton Thunder Media Guide |url=https://milb.bamcontent.com/documents/4/9/0/310790490/2019_Media_Guide.pdf#page=46 |website=MiLB.com |publisher=[[Trenton Thunder]] |access-date=June 16, 2021 |page=46 |date=2019}}</ref>


==Promotions==
==Promotions==
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On July 9, 2010, the fourth annual Autism Awareness Night took place at Prince George's Stadium. Fans that bought the Autism Awareness ticket had $3 of their ticket price donated to an autism charity of their choosing. Fans also took part in "Bowie's Largest Pillow Fight", which took place on the field following the game.
On July 9, 2010, the fourth annual Autism Awareness Night took place at Prince George's Stadium. Fans that bought the Autism Awareness ticket had $3 of their ticket price donated to an autism charity of their choosing. Fans also took part in "Bowie's Largest Pillow Fight", which took place on the field following the game.


In 2016, the Baysox had a [[David Bowie]] night where the team temporarily renamed itself from the Bowie ({{not a typo|booh-ie}}) Baysox to the Bowie (bowh-wy) Baysox. The jerseys were designed to look like similar outfits that he wore with his Ziggy Stardust persona. The team also played his songs during the game. They have events many nights, including fireworks.
In 2016, the Baysox had a [[David Bowie]] night where the team temporarily renamed itself from the Bowie ({{not a typo|booh-ie}}) Baysox to the Bowie (bowh-wy) Baysox. The jerseys were designed to look like similar outfits that he wore with his Ziggy Stardust persona. The team also played his songs during the game. They have events many nights, including fireworks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.milb.com/news/ch-ch-ch-changes-bowie-baysox-become-bowie-baysox-244150768|title=Promo Watch: Bowie Baysox honor David Bowie|date=July 25, 2017|access-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111093839/https://www.milb.com/news/ch-ch-ch-changes-bowie-baysox-become-bowie-baysox-244150768|archive-date=January 11, 2021|work=[[Minor League Baseball]]|last=Hill|first=Benjamin|url-status=live}}</ref>


One of the most popular promotions is [[Star Wars]] night. Characters such as [[Chewbacca]] and [[R2-D2]] are available to meet and take pictures with, and a fireworks show set to music from the series follows the game.
One of the most popular promotions is [[Star Wars]] night. Characters such as [[Chewbacca]] and [[R2-D2]] are available to meet and take pictures with, and a fireworks show set to music from the series follows the game.

The Baysox also hosts an annual Navy Night, with the plebes from the [[United States Naval Academy]] attending the game. After the game, a postgame fireworks show takes place set to patriotic music.


==Roster==
==Roster==
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==Season records==
==Season records==
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
Place, except 1993, is finish in Southern Division. Place from 2010–2020 is finish in Western Division.
|-
* 1993: 72–68 (3rd in Eastern League), manager [[Don Buford]]
! Year
* 1994: 84–58 (2nd), manager [[Pete Mackanin]]
! Record
* 1995: 68–74 (3rd), manager [[Bob Miscik]]
! Percentage
* 1996: 54–88 (5th), managers [[Bob Miscik]]/[[Tim Blackwell (baseball)|Tim Blackwell]]
! Game Behind
* 1997: 75–67 (2nd), manager [[Joe Ferguson (baseball)|Joe Ferguson]]
! Finish
* 1998: 71–71 (5th), manager [[Joe Ferguson (baseball)|Joe Ferguson]]
! Division
* 1999: 70–71 (4th), manager [[Joe Ferguson (baseball)|Joe Ferguson]]
! Postseason
* 2000: 65–77 (5th), manager [[Andy Etchebarren]]
! Manager(s)
* 2001: 59–82 (6th), manager [[Dave Machemer]]
|-
* 2002: 55–84 (5th), manager [[Dave Cash (baseball)|Dave Cash]]/[[Dave Stockstill]]
| 1993 || 72&ndash;68 || .514 || -23.0 || 3rd || || Lost to [[Akron RubberDucks|Canton-Akron]] in Semifinals (2&ndash;3) || [[Don Buford]]
* 2003: 69–72 (4th), manager [[Dave Trembley]]
|-
* 2004: 73–69 (3rd), manager [[Dave Trembley]]
| 1994 || 84&ndash;58 || .592 || -5.5 || 2nd || Southern || Lost to [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]] in Semifinals (2&ndash;3) || [[Pete Mackanin]]
* 2005: 74–68 (3rd), manager [[Don Werner]]
|-
* 2006: 67–74 (4th), manager [[Don Werner]]
| 1995 || 68&ndash;74 || .479 || -5.0 || 3rd || Southern || || Bob Miscik
* 2007: 72–68 (4th), manager [[Bien Figueroa]]
|-
* [[2008 Bowie Baysox season|2008]]: 84–58 (1st), manager [[Brad Komminsk]]
| 1996 || 54&ndash;88 || .380 || -32.0 || 5th (last) || Southern || || Bob Miscik/[[Tim Blackwell (baseball)|Tim Blackwell]]
* 2009: 73–69 (3rd), manager [[Brad Komminsk]]
|-
* 2010: 75–67 (3rd), manager [[Brad Komminsk]]
| 1997 || 75&ndash;67 || .528 || -11.0 || 2nd || Southern || Lost to Harrisburg in Semifinals (2&ndash;3) || [[Joe Ferguson (baseball)|Joe Ferguson]]
* 2011: 75–66 (3rd), manager [[Gary Kendall (baseball)|Gary Kendall]]
|-
* 2012: 78–64 (2nd), manager [[Gary Kendall (baseball)|Gary Kendall]]
| 1998 || 71&ndash;71 || .500 || -10.5 || 4th || Southern || || Joe Ferguson
* 2013: 71–71 (3rd), manager [[Gary Kendall (baseball)|Gary Kendall]]
|-
* 2014: 72-70 (3rd), manager [[Gary Kendall (baseball)|Gary Kendall]]
| 1999 || 70&ndash;71 || .496 || -10.5 || 4th || Southern || || Joe Ferguson
* 2015: 79-63 (1st), manager [[Gary Kendall (baseball)|Gary Kendall]]
|-
* 2016: 56-86 (6th), manager [[Gary Kendall (baseball)|Gary Kendall]]
| 2000 || 65&ndash;77 || .458 || -20.0 || 5th || Southern || || [[Andy Etchebarren]]
* 2017: 72-68 (2nd), manager [[Gary Kendall (baseball)|Gary Kendall]]
|-
* 2018: 67-71 (4th), manager [[Gary Kendall (baseball)|Gary Kendall]]
| 2001 || 59&ndash;82 || .418 || -24.5 || 6th (last) || Southern || || [[Dave Machemer]]
* 2019: 76-63 (2nd), manager [[Buck Britton]]
|-
* 2020: Season canceled due to Covid-19
| 2002 || 55&ndash;85 || .393 || -37.5 || 5th || Southern || || [[Dave Cash (baseball)|Dave Cash]]/Dave Stockstill

|-
==Playoffs==
| 2003 || 69&ndash;72 || .489 || -19.0 || 4th || Southern || || [[Dave Trembley]]
* 1993 season: Lost to [[Akron RubberDucks|Canton–Akron]], 3–2 in first round
|-
* 1994 season: Lost to [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]], 3–2 in first round
| 2004 || 73&ndash;69 || .514 || -12.5 || 3rd || Southern || || Dave Trembley
* 1997 season: Lost to [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]], 3–2 in first round
|-
* 2008 season: Lost to [[Akron RubberDucks|Akron]], 3–1 in first round
| 2005 || 74&ndash;68 || .521 || -10.0 || 3rd || Southern || || [[Don Werner]]
* 2012 season: Lost to [[Akron RubberDucks|Akron]], 3–2 in first round
|-
* 2015 season: Won vs [[Altoona Curve|Altoona]], 3–1 in first round; won vs [[Reading Fightin Phils|Reading]], 3-2 in championship round
| 2006 || 67&ndash;74 || .475 || -19.5 || 4th || Southern || || Don Werner
* 2017 season: Lost to [[Altoona Curve|Altoona]], 3–0 in first round.
|-
* 2019 season: Won vs [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]], 3-1 in first round; lost to [[Trenton Thunder|Trenton]] 3-1 in championship round
| 2007 || 72&ndash;68 || .514 || -9.0 || 4th || Southern || || [[Bien Figueroa]]
|-
| 2008 || 84&ndash;58 || .592 || || 1st || Southern || Lost to [[Akron RubberDucks|Akron]] in Semifinals (1&ndash;3) || [[Brad Komminsk]]
|-
| 2009 || 73&ndash;69 || .514 || -16.0 || 3rd || Southern || || Brad Komminsk
|-
| 2010 || 75&ndash;67 || .528 || -7.0 || 3rd || Western || || Brad Komminsk
|-
| 2011 || 75&ndash;66 || .532 || -4.5 || 3rd || Western || || Gary Kendall
|-
| 2012 || 78&ndash;64 || .549 || -4.5 || 2nd || Western || Lost to Akron in Semifinals (2&ndash;3) || Gary Kendall
|-
| 2013 || 71&ndash;71 || .500 || -6.0 || 3rd || Western || || Gary Kendall
|-
| 2014 || 72&ndash;70 || .507 || -7.0 || 3rd || Western || || Gary Kendall
|-
| 2015 || 79&ndash;63 || .556 || || 1st || Western || Defeated [[Altoona Curve|Altoona]] in Semifinals (3&ndash;1) and [[Reading Fightin Phils|Reading]] in Finals (3&ndash;2) || Gary Kendall
|-
| 2016 || 56&ndash;86 || .394 || -21.5 || 6th (last) || Western || || Gary Kendall
|-
| 2017 || 72&ndash;68 || .514 || -2.0 || 2nd || Western || Lost to Altoona in Semifinals (0&ndash;3) || Gary Kendall
|-
| 2018 || 67&ndash;71 || .486 || -11.0 || 4th || Western || || Gary Kendall
|-
| 2019 || 76&ndash;64 || .543 || -2.0 || 3rd || Western || Defeated Harrisburg in Semifinals (3&ndash;1), Lost to [[Trenton Thunder|Trenton]] in Finals (1&ndash;3) || [[Buck Britton]]
|-
| 2020 || ! scope="colgroup" colspan="7" style="background:lightgray" | ''Season canceled due to Covid-19''
|-
| 2021 || 73&ndash;47 || .608 || -0.5 || 2nd || Southwest || Lost to Akron in Finals (0&ndash;3) || Buck Britton
|-
| 2022 || 68&ndash;70 || .493 || -12.0 || 4th || Southwest || || Kyle Moore
|-
| 2023 || 67&ndash;70 || .489 || -8.0 || 4th || Southwest || || Kyle Moore
|}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.baysox.com/ Bowie Baysox web site]
* [http://www.baysox.com/ Official website]


{{Bowie Baysox managers}}
{{Bowie Baysox managers}}
{{Bowie, Maryland}}
{{Bowie, Maryland}}
{{Baltimore Orioles}}
{{Baltimore Orioles}}
{{US Eastern League}}
{{Double-A Northeast}}
{{WashingtonDCSports}}
{{WashingtonDCSports}}
{{Maryland Sports}}
{{Maryland Sports}}
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[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1993]]
[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1993]]
[[Category:1993 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:1993 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:Former Eastern League baseball teams]]
[[Category:Eastern League (1938–present) teams]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Maryland]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Maryland]]
[[Category:Bowie, Maryland]]
[[Category:Bowie, Maryland]]

Latest revision as of 03:10, 3 April 2024

Bowie Baysox
  • Founded in 1987
  • Based in Bowie since 1993
Team logo Cap insignia
Minor league affiliations
ClassDouble-A (1993–present)
LeagueEastern League (2022–present)
DivisionSouthwest Division
Previous leagues
Major league affiliations
TeamBaltimore Orioles (1989–present)
Previous teamsCleveland Indians (1987–1988)
Minor league titles
League titles (1)2015
Division titles (3)
  • 2008
  • 2015
  • 2019
Team data
Previous names
ColorsBlack, orange, teal, white
       
MascotsLouie and Rocko
BallparkPrince George's Stadium (1994–present)
Previous parks
Owner(s)/
Operator(s)
Attain Sports and Entertainment
General managerBrian Shallcross
ManagerRoberto Mercado[1]

The Bowie Baysox are a Minor League Baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League. Their home ballpark is Prince George's Stadium.

History[edit]

From 1989 to 1992, the Orioles' Double-A affiliate was located in Hagerstown, Maryland and called the Suns. When Major League Baseball added two teams in 1993, bids were offered for two new Triple-A franchises, and the Maryland Baseball Limited Partnership (which owned the Suns and also the Advanced-A Frederick Keys) got into the running to put one of the new franchises in central Maryland. Although their bid fell short, the idea of having a team in Bowie was so well-received that the MBLP decided to move the Double-A team across the state from Hagerstown. The Suns, meanwhile, were dropped to Low-A status.

A contest was held among the community to choose a new name for the team, and over 3,500 suggestions poured in. "Baysox" was chosen over the other finalists, which were "BayBirds" and "Nationals" (the latter was chosen for the nearby Washington major-league team when it moved to the area in 2005). The "Bay" references are to the Chesapeake Bay, which lies less than 20 miles to the east of Bowie.

Luis Lebron pitching for the Baysox in 2009

A complex land deal hindered completion of the stadium, and in their inaugural season in 1993, the Baysox were forced to find an alternate site to play their home games. Eventually, a deal was reached that gave them Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, which had been vacated a year earlier when the Orioles moved into Camden Yards. A harsh winter prevented the new stadium from being completed in time for the beginning of the 1994 season, and the Baysox played 31 games that year at four other ballparks, including the University of Maryland and the Naval Academy. Finally, the Baysox moved into their permanent home on June 16, 1994.

After two losing seasons, the Baysox made it back to the playoffs in 1997, and were also named the top double-A franchise in America, in part because of their tremendous attendance figures despite their proximity to the Baltimore major-league market. Also in 1997 (June 28), the team introduced "Louie", its green furry mascot with pink hair and long snout, but unknown species. It is believed his design is modeled off of Chessie (sea monster) due to the team's name referencing the Chesapeake Bay. He continues to serve as mayor of "Louieville, Maryland", a play on the real city of Louisville, Kentucky, and also a rhyme to the team's home of Bowie.

The Baysox hosted the Double-A All-Star Game on July 12, 2000, bringing players from not only the Eastern League, but also the Southern and Texas leagues to Bowie. During that season, the Baysox also got a new owner, as the Maryland Baseball Partnership sold the team (along with the Frederick Keys and Delmarva Shorebirds) to the Comcast cable network.

The Baysox were again sold in October 2006 by Comcast Spectacor to Maryland Baseball Holding, LLC. A group headed by Ken Young, who is president of Ovations Food Service and also the owner of the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Triple-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins.

The Baysox went six straight seasons (1998–2003) without posting a winning record. In 2005, the team was in contention for the last playoff spot at the end of the season, but lost four straight games to Altoona on the final weekend to just miss the postseason once again. They won their first regular-season division championship in 2008, but lost to the Akron Aeros 3-1 in the Division Series.

The Baysox captured its first Eastern League Championship in 2015 with a 3–2 series victory over the Reading Fightin Phils. Its 79–63 regular season finish earned the ballclub its second-ever division title by five games over Altoona. The 3–1 Divisional Series win over the Curve sent Bowie to its first championship series in six attempts. One of the team's stars was Trey Mancini, who hit .359 for the season but fell 29 plate appearances short of the 384 needed to qualify for the league batting title due to his having been promoted to the team in June.[2]

After a 19–35 start, the 2019 Baysox won 11 of 14 matches to conclude the first half in fourth place at 30–38. The momentum propelled them to a 46–26 record and the EL Western Division second-half title. Buck Britton was rewarded for the turnaround by being named EL Manager of the Year.[3] The Baysox won the Western Division over the Harrisburg Senators but lost the Championship Series to the Trenton Thunder, with both postseason series finishing 3–1.[4]

In conjunction with Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Baysox were organized into the Double-A Northeast.[5]

In 2021, The Baysox finished second in the Double-A Northeast League with a 73–47 record.[6] This qualified them for the Double-A Northeast finals against the Akron RubberDucks. It was the third time Bowie has qualified for the playoffs in their history, and the third time since 2015.[7] They lost the best-of-five series versus Akron, 3–0.[8] Grayson Rodriguez was selected as the 2021 Double-A Northeast Pitcher of the Year and Adley Rutschman as the league's Top MLB Prospect.[9]

The Baysox were purchased from Maryland Baseball Holding, LLC by Attain Sports and Entertainment in January 2022.[10] In 2022, the Double-A Northeast became known as the Eastern League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization.[11]

Media[edit]

As of 2021, Baysox games are streamed audio only on their Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts. Adam Pohl and Paul Fritschner share broadcasting duties. Pohl has been with the team since 2014, while Fritschner joined in 2021.[citation needed]

Previously, Baysox games were carried live by radio station WNAV. In 2019, 40 games were broadcast live on the radio, and all games were streamed live on the station's website.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18]

Promotions[edit]

On "Office Space night", fans, for a $1 fee, are able to live out the famous Office Space moment by destroying office equipment with a baseball bat.

On July 9, 2010, the fourth annual Autism Awareness Night took place at Prince George's Stadium. Fans that bought the Autism Awareness ticket had $3 of their ticket price donated to an autism charity of their choosing. Fans also took part in "Bowie's Largest Pillow Fight", which took place on the field following the game.

In 2016, the Baysox had a David Bowie night where the team temporarily renamed itself from the Bowie (booh-ie) Baysox to the Bowie (bowh-wy) Baysox. The jerseys were designed to look like similar outfits that he wore with his Ziggy Stardust persona. The team also played his songs during the game. They have events many nights, including fireworks.[19]

One of the most popular promotions is Star Wars night. Characters such as Chewbacca and R2-D2 are available to meet and take pictures with, and a fireworks show set to music from the series follows the game.

The Baysox also hosts an annual Navy Night, with the plebes from the United States Naval Academy attending the game. After the game, a postgame fireworks show takes place set to patriotic music.

Roster[edit]

Bowie Baysox roster
Players Coaches/Other

Pitchers

  • 29 Trace Bright
  • 19 Kyle Brnovich
  • 24 Keagan Gillies
  • 12 Dan Hammer
  • 55 Dylan Heid
  • 16 Ryan Hennen
  • 31 Seth Johnson *
  • 17 Ryan Long
  • 39 Morgan McSweeney
  • 35 Alex Pham
  • 48 Nick Richmond
  • 38 Logan Rinehart
  • 43 Houston Roth
  • 36 Carlos Tavera
  • 34 Ryan Watson
  • 30 Cameron Weston

Catchers

Infielders

  • 15 Frederick Bencosme
  • 11 TT Bowens
  • 10 Collin Burns
  •  6 Ryan Higgins
  •  1 Anthony Servideo
  • 28 Max Wagner

Outfielders


Manager

  • 21 Roberto Mercado

Coaches

  • 58 Josh Bunselmeyer (hitting)
  • 20 Billy Facteau (development)
  • 40 Austin Meine (pitching)
  • 25 Chase Sebby (fundamentals)

60-day injured list

  • 81 Tyler Burch
  • 88 Conner Loeprich
  • 60 Zach Peek
  • 97 Jean Pinto (full season)
  • -- Peter Van Loon

7-day injured list
* On Baltimore Orioles 40-man roster
~ Development list
# Rehab assignment
∞ Reserve list
‡ Restricted list
§ Suspended list
† Temporarily inactive list
Roster updated May 28, 2024
 Transactions
→ More rosters: MiLB • Eastern League
 → Baltimore Orioles minor league players

Season records[edit]

Year Record Percentage Game Behind Finish Division Postseason Manager(s)
1993 72–68 .514 -23.0 3rd Lost to Canton-Akron in Semifinals (2–3) Don Buford
1994 84–58 .592 -5.5 2nd Southern Lost to Harrisburg in Semifinals (2–3) Pete Mackanin
1995 68–74 .479 -5.0 3rd Southern Bob Miscik
1996 54–88 .380 -32.0 5th (last) Southern Bob Miscik/Tim Blackwell
1997 75–67 .528 -11.0 2nd Southern Lost to Harrisburg in Semifinals (2–3) Joe Ferguson
1998 71–71 .500 -10.5 4th Southern Joe Ferguson
1999 70–71 .496 -10.5 4th Southern Joe Ferguson
2000 65–77 .458 -20.0 5th Southern Andy Etchebarren
2001 59–82 .418 -24.5 6th (last) Southern Dave Machemer
2002 55–85 .393 -37.5 5th Southern Dave Cash/Dave Stockstill
2003 69–72 .489 -19.0 4th Southern Dave Trembley
2004 73–69 .514 -12.5 3rd Southern Dave Trembley
2005 74–68 .521 -10.0 3rd Southern Don Werner
2006 67–74 .475 -19.5 4th Southern Don Werner
2007 72–68 .514 -9.0 4th Southern Bien Figueroa
2008 84–58 .592 1st Southern Lost to Akron in Semifinals (1–3) Brad Komminsk
2009 73–69 .514 -16.0 3rd Southern Brad Komminsk
2010 75–67 .528 -7.0 3rd Western Brad Komminsk
2011 75–66 .532 -4.5 3rd Western Gary Kendall
2012 78–64 .549 -4.5 2nd Western Lost to Akron in Semifinals (2–3) Gary Kendall
2013 71–71 .500 -6.0 3rd Western Gary Kendall
2014 72–70 .507 -7.0 3rd Western Gary Kendall
2015 79–63 .556 1st Western Defeated Altoona in Semifinals (3–1) and Reading in Finals (3–2) Gary Kendall
2016 56–86 .394 -21.5 6th (last) Western Gary Kendall
2017 72–68 .514 -2.0 2nd Western Lost to Altoona in Semifinals (0–3) Gary Kendall
2018 67–71 .486 -11.0 4th Western Gary Kendall
2019 76–64 .543 -2.0 3rd Western Defeated Harrisburg in Semifinals (3–1), Lost to Trenton in Finals (1–3) Buck Britton
2020 Season canceled due to Covid-19
2021 73–47 .608 -0.5 2nd Southwest Lost to Akron in Finals (0–3) Buck Britton
2022 68–70 .493 -12.0 4th Southwest Kyle Moore
2023 67–70 .489 -8.0 4th Southwest Kyle Moore

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Orioles Announce Baysox Coaching Staff For 2024". MiLB.com. Minor League Baseball. February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  2. ^ "2015 Season in Review: Eastern League Champions". MiLB.com. Bowie Baysox. September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
  3. ^ Fitzgerald, Justin (September 3, 2019). "Minor league wrap, Part 1: Bowie gets hot at the right time; Delmarva hopes to maintain momentum". BaltimoreBaseball.com. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
  4. ^ Tow, Seth (September 13, 2019). "Bowie's season ends with loss to Trenton". BaltimoreBaseball.com. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
  5. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  6. ^ "2021 Double-A Northeast". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  7. ^ "9/19: Baysox Punch Ticket to Double-A Northeast League Finals". MiLB.com. Bowie Baysox. September 19, 2021. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  8. ^ Sheehan, Stephanie (September 24, 2021). "Naylor's Walk-off Secures Finals Sweep for Akron". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  9. ^ "Postseason All-Stars". Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  10. ^ Ruiz, Nathan (January 13, 2022). "Orioles' Double-A team Bowie Baysox, former affiliate Frederick Keys change ownership". The Baltimore Sun.
  11. ^ "Historical League Names to Return in 2022". Minor League Baseball. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  12. ^ "Baysox, WNAV Partner for Radio Broadcast". MiLB.com. Bowie Baysox. March 27, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  13. ^ "WNAV to broadcast 40 Baysox games". The Capital. March 28, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  14. ^ "Baysox, WNAV Partner for Radio Broadcast". MiLB.com. Bowie Baysox. April 8, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  15. ^ "WNAV to broadcast Baysox games again". The Capital. March 31, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  16. ^ "Baysox, WNAV Renew Broadcast Partnership". OurSports Central (Press release). Bowie Baysox. March 30, 2017. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  17. ^ "2018 Eastern League Media Guide" (PDF). MiLB.com. Eastern League. 2018. p. 43. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  18. ^ "2019 Trenton Thunder Media Guide" (PDF). MiLB.com. Trenton Thunder. 2019. p. 46. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  19. ^ Hill, Benjamin (July 25, 2017). "Promo Watch: Bowie Baysox honor David Bowie". Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2024.

External links[edit]

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