Chico Outlaws
Independent baseball team from Chico, California, active 2005–2011.
The Chico Outlaws were a professional baseball team based in Chico, California, and a member of the independent North American League. They played at Nettleton Stadium on the campus of Chico State University from 2005 until 2011. The team folded on February 29, 2012.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2005
- Disbanded
- 2011
- City
- Chico, California
- Ballpark
- Nettleton Stadium
- League
- North American League
- Division
- Northern Division
- Former leagues
- Golden Baseball League (2005–10)
- Former names
- Chico Outlaws (2005–12, folded)
Facts from the source article.
History
The Outlaws began play in May 2005, three years after the Chico Heat ceased operations when the Western Baseball League folded and no new league was found. Chico was one of eight original charter teams in the newly formed Golden Baseball League in 2004, alongside the Fullerton Flyers, Long Beach Armada, San Diego Surf Dawgs, Mesa Miners, Surprise Fightin' Falcons, Yuma Scorpions, and the traveling Japan Samurai Bears. Former Heat minority owner and Western League president Bob Linscheid served as the team's first president and general manager from 2004 to 2008. The Outlaws opened their inaugural season on May 27, 2005, defeating the Flyers 9-4 at Nettleton Stadium. Their first manager was former Major League Baseball catcher Mark Parent. Linscheid was named the league's first Executive of the Year.
Key Outlaws moments
On July 4, 2007, the Outlaws and Reno Silver Sox were involved in a major brawl. After Outlaws pitcher Nick Singleton gave up a two-run home run to Juan Sanreso, he hit the next batter, sparking words. Outlaws batter Ricky Bambino was then struck by Silver Sox pitcher Dusty Bergman in apparent retaliation. Bambino charged the mound, and a fight lasting about one minute ensued. Bambino, Bergman, and Silver Sox manager Les Lancaster were ejected; the Outlaws won 6-4. On August 27, 2008, Bob Linscheid stepped down as president and chairman to pursue other interests, remaining a priority shareholder. Curt Jacey took over operations after the 2008 season while staying as full-time general manager. On August 30, 2008, Linscheid was honored in a post-game ceremony, and jersey number 1 was retired at Nettleton Stadium. The Outlaws set a new attendance record at Nettleton Stadium on July 3, 2009, when 5,037 fans attended a game against the Edmonton Capitals, which the Outlaws won 8-5. Outfielder Daniel Nava was the 2007 GBL Most Valuable Player; his contract was purchased by the Boston Red Sox, and on June 12, 2010, he became the first Chico Outlaw to reach the Major Leagues, hitting a grand slam in his first at-bat. Several other Outlaws had contracts purchased by MLB organizations: RHP Grant Gregg (Cubs, 2005), LHP Alex Perez (Cubs, 2005), 3b/C Craig Kuzmic (Blue Jays, 2006), OF Steve Boggs (White Sox, 2007), RHP Chris Malone (Rockies, 2008), and RHP Jesse Oster (Phillies, 2008).
Outlaws Broadcasting
From 2005 to 2008, Outlaws games were broadcast on NewsTalk 1290 KPAY and ESPN Radio 101.7 FM/1340 AM with Rory Miller calling the action. Due to declining advertising interest in radio, games were later made available live on the team's website. In 2009, broadcasts moved to the internet full-time via VistaNet, with Joe Rauschenberger as play-by-play commentator; he was later replaced by Scott Navarro and Levi Funderburk. Dan Hawkins was named the Voice of the Outlaws on March 26, 2010, calling games online. For the 2011 season, Marshall Kelner, a University of Southern California graduate, served as broadcaster on ChicoOutlaws.com.
The demise of the Outlaws
As of October 6, 2011, Outlaws VP/GM Mike Marshall was laid off and the office closed. The team, owned by the North America League, had no lease for Nettleton Stadium for the next season. On December 16 and 17, 2011, the Chico Enterprise-Record reported the Outlaws would sit out the 2012 season to regroup, with uncertainty about the franchise's return. On January 9, 2012, the newspaper reported the Outlaws were discussing contract options for leasing Nettleton Stadium. On February 29, 2012, Outlaws CEO Brian MacInnes announced the team would not play in Chico or anywhere else in 2012, ending the franchise's run.
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