Altoona Curve
Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1998.
Pub. by Altoona News Agency, Altoona, PA. "Tichnor Quality Views," Reg. U. S. Pa · Public domain
The Altoona Curve are a Minor League Baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. They are the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and play in the Eastern League. The franchise was formally awarded in 1998 as part of the expansion triggered by Major League Baseball's 1998 expansion, and their name references both the nearby Horseshoe Curve and the curveball pitch.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1998
- City
- Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Class Level
- Double-A (1999–present)
- Current League
- Eastern League (1999–present)
- Division
- Southwest Division
- Majorleague
- Pittsburgh Pirates (1999–present)
- Nickname
- Altoona Curve (1999–present)
- Ballpark
- Peoples Natural Gas Field (1999–present)
- Mascots
- Loco, Al Tuna, Trax
- Leaguenum
- 2
- Leaguechamps
- 2010 · 2017
- Divnum
- 4
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Altoona Curve franchise was created after Arizona and Tampa Bay were awarded MLB franchises for 1998, triggering a domino effect that expanded Minor League Baseball. A group led by Bob Lozinak, Tate DeWeese, and Mark Thomas, along with Pennsylvania lawmakers, successfully lobbied for a new Eastern League team in Altoona, presenting a formal proposal on October 5, 1997. Groundbreaking for Blair County Ballpark occurred on March 7, 1998, and the franchise was formally awarded in 1998. The 'Curve' nickname was chosen in June 1998 over alternatives including Ridge Runners, Altoona Fish, and Altoona Railers, inspired by the nearby Horseshoe Curve and the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Reader's Guide
The Altoona Curve have been a consistent presence in the Eastern League since their inaugural 1999 season. They made their first playoff appearance in 2003 and won their first Eastern League Championship in 2010, defeating the Trenton Thunder three games to one. The franchise has seen multiple ownership changes, including a sale in 2002 to a group headed by Chuck Greenberg that included Jerome Bettis and Mario Lemieux, and a sale back to original owner Bob Lozinak in 2008. The team has hosted the Eastern League All-Star Game in 2006 and produced two combined no-hitters (2002 and 2013). Their affiliation with the Pittsburgh Pirates has been renewed multiple times, extending through at least the 2014 season as of 2009.
Did You Know?
- The Altoona Curve nickname was selected in June 1998 over proposals including Ridge Runners, Altoona Fish, and Altoona Railers.
- The first no-hitter in Curve history was thrown by Bronson Arroyo (solo) on April 23, 2002.
- The Curve hosted the Eastern League All-Star Game on July 12, 2006, before a standing-room-only crowd of 9,308.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Altoona Curve?
The Altoona Curve are a Minor League Baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. They compete at the Double-A level and serve as the affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
What league does the Altoona Curve play in?
They compete in the Eastern League, which is the top tier of the Double-A classification in Minor League Baseball.
Which MLB team does the Altoona Curve belong to?
The Curve have been the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates ever since the franchise was originally awarded in 1998.
When was the Altoona Curve franchise created?
The team was formally established in 1998 as part of the expansion wave that followed Major League Baseball's own 1998 expansion.
Why is the team called the Curve?
The name is a deliberate double reference: it nods to the famous Horseshoe Curve railroad that runs near Altoona and also evokes the curveball pitch in baseball.
More in Eastern League teams 1-21
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