Spokane indians, june 14, 2018

The bats are back in town: The Indians’ 2018 edition features its top three RBI leaders from last season PAGE 3

Indians players (from left) Christian Inoa, Curtis Terry and Miguel Aparicio are back with the team after successful 2017 campaigns.

JAMES SNOOK/FOR THE S-R

MORE INSIDE

TIMELINE: 115 YEARS OF SPOKANE INDIANS BASEBALL

MEET THE NEW BOSS: KENNY HOLMBERG

From humble beginnings to the Triple-A years to the present day, take a journey back with Indians baseball through the decades. PAGE 4-5

Growing up with a baseball in his hand, the Indians’ new skipper is ready to take on the task of managing in the Northwest League. PAGE 3

OTTO KLEIN TALKS SEASON, STADIUM AND MORE IN Q&A With the new season on the horizon, the Indians’ senior vice president is ready for another year of baseball in Spokane. PAGE 8

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THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

JUNE 14, 2018

2018 SPOKANE INDIANS

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Last season’s team: The 2017 Spokane Indians employed a total of 49 players; here’s where they are now.

Six players return from the ’17 roster to make the 2018 Opening Day roster: RHP Tai Tiedemann, C Isaias Quiros, 1B Curtis Terry, SS Cristian Inoa, SS Jonah McReynolds and OF Miguel Aparicio.

Hitters: G 1B/3B Andretty Cordero: High-A (Carolina League) Down East Wood Ducks (.274/.319/.426, 6 HR, 34 RBI in 60 games) G 2B/3B Kole Enright: Low-A (South Atlantic League) Hickory Crawdads (.214/.278/.321, 3 HR, 11 RBI in

40 games) G DH Pedro Gonzalez: Hickory (.252/.306/.481, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 6 SB in 37 games) G INF Yonny Hernandez: Hickory (.180/.341/.210, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB in 40 games) G INF Charles Leblanc: Down East (.297/.374/.519, 9 HR, 42 RBI in 59 games) G C/1B Clayton Middleton: Hickory (.154/.371/.269, 1 HR, 1 RBI in 10 games) G C Melvin Novoa: Hickory/Down East (.270/.312/.426, 5 HR, 28 RBI in 41 games) G OF Austin O’Banion: Hickory/Double-A (Texas League) Frisco Rough Riders (.171/.250/.244, 1 HR, 6 RBI in 25 games) G C Yohel Pozo: Hickory (.263/.318/.423, 5 HR, 23 RBI in 47 games) G INF/OF Tyler Ratliff: Hickory (.229/.323/.319, 3 HR, 14 RBI in 48 games) G OF Franklin Rollin:

Hickory/Down East (.213/.317/.333, 4 HR, 8 RBI in 35 games) G OF Chad Smith: Hickory (.095/.156/.167, 0 HR, 2 RBI in 13 games) G C Matt Whatley: Down East (.180/.250/.300, 2 HR, 8 RBI in 30 games) Pitchers: G RP Josh Advocate: Hickory (0-0, 1 save, 4.11 ERA, 1.63 WHIP in 9 games) G RP Joe Barlow: Hickory (2-1, 1 save, 2.74 ERA, 1.13 WHIP in 15 games) G RP Dario Beltre: Hickory (1-0, 6.75 ERA, 1.61 WHIP in 8 games) G RP Noah Bremer: Hickory (0-1, 6.08 ERA, 1.95 WHIP in 4 starts) G RP Steven Bruce: Down East (1-2, 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP in 5 games) G RP Alex Eubanks: Hickory (4-4, 5.86 ERA, 1.46 WHIP in 10 starts) G SP Demarcus Evans: Hickory (0-0, 2.95 ERA, 1.53 WHIP in 12 games) G RP Joe Kuzia: Hickory (0-1, 7.08 ERA, 1.97 WHIP in 11 games) G SP Tyler Phillips: Hickory (3-5,

3.52 ERA, 1.11 WHIP in 11 starts) G SP Reiver Sanmartin: AA (Eastern League) Trenton Thunder (0-1, 1.80, 0.80 WHIP in 1 game) G RP/SP Alex Speas: Hickory (2-0, 5 saves, 2.28 ERA, 1.34 WHIP in 19 games) G SP Tyree Thompson: Hickory (2-4, 3.99 ERA, 1.25 WHIP in 9 starts) G RP Samir Vivas: Down East (0-0, 12.79 ERA, 1.90 WHIP in 3 games) G RP Cole Wiper: Down East (1-0, 3.82 ERA, 1.44 WHIP in 15 games) G RP Grant Zawadzki: Hickory (1-1, 7.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP in 8 games) Not on current affiliated active roster: OF Ronny Carvajal, OF/1B Nick Kaye, SS Chris Seise (inj.), RP Jacob Rogers, OF Kobie Taylor, SP Hever Bueno, RP Lucas Jacobsen, RP Johan Juan, RP Ismel Lopez, RP Luis Lopez, SP Cole Ragans (inj.), RP Argenis Rodriguez, RP Parker Sanburn, RP Sterling Wynn Stats: Baseball-Reference.com as of June 9.

INDIANS IN THE MAJORS Through June 1, 2018 These Spokane Indians reached the major leagues since the franchise returned to short-season Class A status in 1983. Does not include players sent to Spokane on rehab assignments. Active players in boldface.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke is now the longest-tenured former Indians player in the majors.

MAJOR IMPACT 69 games. He made his big league debut with the Rangers in 2008, hitting .285/ .331/.549 with 17 homers and 55 RBIs. He blossomed into a fearsome power hitter with the Baltimore Orioles, leading the A.L. with 53 homers and 138 RBIs in 2013.

Davis finished third in the MVP balloting that year. He has hit 254 homers in 10 bigleague seasons, but has really fallen off this season, slashing just .153/.236/.237 with four homers in 53 games.

MLB rosters are dotted with former Indians standouts From staff reports Since the Spokane Indians franchise returned to Class A short-season status in 1983, 152 former Indians have played in the major leagues as of June 1. Of those, 29 have been on an active MLB roster this season.

Some of these players have gone on to make a big impact in the big leagues; others barely had a cup of coffee. The complete list is attached, but we’ll hand out superlatives to some of the notable or memorable – or completely anonymous, if the case may be.

Oldest Now that Carlos Beltran has ridden off into the sunset, the longest-tenured former Indian still in the big leagues also has one of the shortest stints of any MLBer to come through Spokane: Zack Greinke.

Greinke appeared in two games for the Indians in 2002, the final year the team was affiliated with the Royals. He gave up four runs and nine hits in 4 2⁄3 innings with Spokane.

The mercurial starting pitcher won the Cy Young Award in 2009 and is a threetime all-star. Now 34, the 15-year MLB veteran is enjoying another good season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, his fifth big-league team. Greinke is currently 4-4 with a 3.44 ERA for the Snakes, with 78 strikeouts in 73 1⁄3 innings this season.

Newest Isiah Kiner-Falefa made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers earlier this season. In 47 games, the utility infielder has hit .243/.321/.343 with two homers and 17 RBIs in 195 plate appearances.

He spent most of 2014 with the Indians, hitting .260/.329/.314 with eight doubles, and 16 RBIs in 58 games.

Kiner-Falefa was part of MLB history earlier this season when he started at third base with Austin Bibens-Dirkx on the mound. It was the first time two players with hyphenated last names were in the same starting lineup in big-league history.

Later that week, when the Rangers played the Mariners, M’s broadcaster Ryan Rowland-Smith joined the two for a photo as the three players with hyphenated last names to play in the major leagues.

Kiner-Falefa’s teammate in Spokane, Nick Gardewine, also made his big-league

International sensations

Rangers infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa made his MLB debut this season. debut this season for the Rangers. He has appeared in three games with Texas, striking out four in five innings. For Spokane in 2014, he went 6-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 games, all starts.

One and done No MLB player appeared for the Indians in 2017. The most recent big-leaguer to play in Spokane was veteran Colby Lewis, who made a rehab appearance for the squad in 2016. He pitched five innings and allowed four runs on eight hits, striking out three without a walk. Lewis made it back to the bigs that year, starting 19 games for the Rangers with a 6-5 record, but has been out of baseball since.

Stacked The 2011 Indians matched the 2007 team with 10 future major-league players on the roster. The ’11 Indians who went on to The Show: Rougned Odor, Nick Martinez, Phil Klein, Kyle Hendricks, Alex Claudio, Hanser Alberto, Jerad Eickhoff, Ryan Rua, Jorge Alfaro and Drew Robinson.

Wrong team Jesse Chavez played for the Indians in 2003, the first season they were affiliated with the Texas Rangers. He has played in the bigs for 10 years but never did play for the Rangers, though he did for the Royals.

Chavez made his MLB debut in 2008 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and has bounced around for six organizations.

Big bopper Chris Davis played a full season for the Indians in 2006, smacking 15 homers in

Three former Indians participated in this World Baseball Classic two seasons ago – Ian Kinsler of the Los Angeles Angels (then Detroit Tigers) for the U.S. squad; and for Puerto Rico, outfielder Carlos Beltran of the Houston Astros and pitcher Alex Claudio of the Texas Rangers. Kinsler was a 2003 draft pick of Texas and played for Spokane later that summer. He hit .277 with one homer and 11 steals. Claudio, a 27th-round draft pick in 2010, played one game for the Indians before being promoted. Beltran was in Spokane for 59 games in 1996, hitting .270 with seven homers and 29 RBIs.

World Series heroes Two members of the 2016 world champion Chicago Cubs got their starts in Spokane. Starter Kyle Hendricks pitched in 20 games in relief for the Indians in 2011.

He went 2-2 with a 1.93 ERA and three saves. Reliever Carl Edwards made 10 appearances for Spokane in 2012, going 2-3 with a 2.49 ERA.

All-stars Of the former Indians in the big leagues, six have been named to an AllStar team. Beltran is a nine-time All-Star, Kinsler has been named four times and Greinke thrice. Davis, Neftali Feliz and Odubel Herrera have all been recognized as an All-Star once in their big-league careers.

Getting around It’s logical that most of the former Indians to make the big leagues have appeared for the Texas Rangers, since Spokane has been affiliated with Texas since 2003. In fact, 19 of the 29 current Indians in the bigs at one point played for the Rangers.

But former Indians have played across the big leagues – 24 of the 30 MLB teams at one point have employed an ex-Indian.

The Cubs (Kyle Hendricks, Carl Edwards, Tommy Hunter and Neil Ramirez) and Orioles (Chris Davis, Richard Bleier, Alec Asher and Hunter), at four each, have had the next-most Indians alumni.

The Royals and Phillies have had three apiece.

PADRES ERA (1983-94) Sandy Alomar James Austin Joe Bitker Ricky Bones Doug Brocail Randy Byers Jerald Clark Matt Clement Joey Cora Glenn Dishman Todd Erdos Paul Faries Bryce Florie Scott Frederickson Jay Gainer Greg Harris Kevin Higgins Dave Hollins Thomas Howard Mike Humphreys Greg Keagle Greg LaRocca James Lewis Joey Long Luis Lopez Pablo Martinez Pedro (Aquino) Martinez Gary Matthews Matt Maysey Rodney McCray Juan Melo Matt Mieske Heath Murray Warren Newson Eric Nolte Lance Painter Chris Prieto Nikco Riesgo Mel Rosario A.J. Sager Scott Sanders Darrell Sherman Candy Sierra Dave Staton Jim Tatum Jason Thompson Efrain Valdez Jose Valentin Mitch Williams ROYALS ERA (1995-2002) Jonah Bayliss Carlos Beltran Brandon Berger Dermal Brown Ryan Bukvich Kiko Calero Tony Cogan Joe Dillon Mark Ellis Jeremy Giambi Jason Gilfillan Zack Greinke Ken Harvey Jeremy Hill Mike MacDougal Zach McClellan Scott Mullen Donnie Murphy Kit Pellow Paul Phillips Mark Quinn Dan Reichert Brian Sanches Jose Santiago Chad Santos Shawn Sedlacek Brian Shackelford Jason Simontacchi Kyle Snyder

Mel Stocker Corey Thurman Matt Tupman Jorge Vasquez Kris Wilson RANGERS ERA (2003-17) Hanser Alberto Jorge Alfaro Alec Asher Chad Bell Engel Beltre Richard Bleier Brandon Boggs Julio Borbon Wilfredo Boscan Jake Brigham Joey Butler Jesse Chavez Cody Clark Alex Claudio John Danks Chris Davis Abel De Los Santos Thomas Diamond German Duran Carl Edwards Jon Edwards Cody Ege Jerad Eickhoff Neftali Feliz Joey Gallo Nick Gardewine Craig Gentry Chi Chi Gonzalez Kyle Hendricks Odubel Herrera Derek Holland Jared Hoying Tug Hulett Tommy Hunter Eric Hurley Keone Kela Isiah Kiner-Falefa Ian Kinsler Michael Kirkman Phil Klein Wes Littleton Josh Lueke Kevin Mahar Nick Martinez Doug Mathis John Mayberry Jr. Roman Mendez Yohander Mendez Travis Metcalf Justin Miller Mitch Moreland Brett Nicholas Mike Nickeas Rougned Odor Mike Olt Joe Ortiz Martin Perez Jurickson Profar Neil Ramirez Evan Reed Kevin Richardson Drew Robinson Robbie Ross Ben Rowen Ryan Rua Ryan Strausborger Taylor Teagarden Tomas Telis Justin Thompson Matt West

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In the baseball world, it allowed me to come home from school and my grandmother would take me to the park. I’d sit there all day and all night.”

Kenny Holmberg New Spokane Indians manager, on the role of baseball in his life

JAMES SNOOK/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

First-year Indians manager Kenny Holmberg, who previously managed in Arizona and the Dominican Republic, poses for a photo on June 6 at Avista Stadium.

DESTINED FOR A DIAMOND LIFE

Indians’ new skipper grew up with a baseball in his hand

By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

We are all born with free will, but for some folks, their paths are more preordained than others.

Kenny Holmberg was pretty much destined for a life in baseball.

Part of it was nature: He’s the son of a baseball lifer. Part of it was nurture: After a tragic accident involving his mother in his childhood, the ballpark became his refuge.

Holmberg, 35, takes over as the field manager for the Spokane Indians for the 2018 season after filling the role of the

organization’s minor-league infield coordinator, a position he held the past three seasons.

“The timing was right, the opportunity was there,” Holmberg said via telephone about returning to the field, while awaiting a flight to Spokane on Monday. “I don’t think it was something necessarily that was planned out.”

After 14 seasons with Tim Hulett at the helm, this marks the second new manager for the Indians in as many seasons.

Last year’s manager, Matt Hagen, was assigned to Low-A Hickory of the South Atlantic League by the parent club Texas Rangers.

“I think where we were as an organization there was an opportunity and where I’m at in my career, in my life, the time was right,” Holmberg said.

“The roving role is great. It’s also a humbling role,” he said. “I’ve taken a lot

from it, and I look forward to working as the field manager now in Spokane.”

Jared Goedert accompanies Holmberg as the team’s new hitting coach and Jono Armold is the new pitching coach.

Athletic trainer Bronson Santillan will also be in his first season at Spokane, while strength and conditioning coach Ed Yong returns for his 10th season with the Indians.

All were part of the Rangers’ organization last season.

Holmberg sees his new position as part instructor and part mentor.

“It’s a a unique opportunity to shed some light for some kids coming in from college or high school or Latin America or anywhere else across the world.”

Building a résumé Holmberg previously managed three seasons for the Rangers’ Arizona Rookie League (AZL) and one campaign in the

Dominican Summer League (DSL).

In four seasons, Holmberg has compiled a record of 127-111.

As a player, Holmberg overachieved as an infielder despite his 5-foot-9 frame.

He starred at Dunedin HS in Florida and went on to play at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays – the organization his father, Dennis Holmberg, has been employed by for 38 years as a manager, coach and instructor – after high school in the 49th round of the 2001 draft and again after college in the 22nd round of the 2005 draft by Milwaukee.

Holmberg spent four seasons in the Brewers minor league system, smacking 34 homers and reaching High-A Brevard County (Florida) in 2008, before retiring as a player and becoming a coach for the See HOLMBERG, 8

GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER Last season’s top three RBI leaders among returning cast for Indians

By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

It’s not that often a minor league team returns the entire middle of its batting order from one season to the next. But for first-year manager Kenny Holmberg, that’s one of the benefits of taking over the reigns of the Spokane Indians this season.

Holmberg will have six players return from the squad that clinched a playoff spot on the last day of the 2017 regular season, including the top three RBI producers from that club: 19-yearold outfielder Miguel Aparicio, 18-year-old shortstop Cristian Inoa and 21-year-old first baseman Curtis Terry.

“I’m real excited about the new season,” Terry said from the Avista Stadium dugout during the team’s workout on Saturday.

“I can’t wait for Opening Day. I’m excited to see how everyone does individually and as a team.”

In addition, catcher Isaias Quiroz and pitcher Tai Tiedemann also return to Spokane for the new season.

“I’m excited to come here and meet all the fans again,” Quiroz said. “I was here last year and it was cool meeting all of them, and learning about the atmosphere around here and how passionate they are.”

Holmberg, too, is ready to get to work.

“They’re going to get more

familiar with me in this role versus my infield (coordinator) role, so I look forward to growing with these guys. The majority of them will stay all year and we’ll have a fun year.

“We’re going to go out and compete and play hard.”

Terry, the big first baseman, isn’t the most rah-rah guy in the clubhouse, but Holmberg said he’ll lead by example.

“He’s a guy that maybe won’t be a vocal leader, but he will be by how he performs,” Holmberg said. “I’m looking forward to Curtis going out and continuing to play baseball.”

Terry, the team’s home run leader last year with 12, said it’s how you go about things that makes the difference.

“I’m not as talkative, but I’m out there playing hard, showing how to do it, rather than being vocal,” he said. “Once the new players that are coming out this year, once they catch on and see the returning guys, how we play, how we handle it, they’ll catch on too, and we should be able to put together a pretty good season.”

On the field, Terry thinks having the 3-4-5 hitters back will be a strength right out of the gate for the Indians.

“We have guys in the middle of the order that know how to put together good at-bats, know how

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Miguel Aparicio led the Indians in RBIs (33), hits (86), average (.293) and at-bats (294) last season. to drive in runs. I feel pretty confident about us producing runs this year,” said Terry, who also had 12 doubles and slugged .467 last season.

“We came back to make the playoffs last year and we want to finish the job from last year,” said Inoa, through his translator, catcher Quiroz.

Aparicio, through Quiroz, said he’s working on the mental side of the game this year: “I have a new plan this year to focus and do anything I can to help the team win.”

Quiroz is happy to back in his multiple roles as catcher, translator, leader – whatever it takes to make the team better and himself a better player.

“I’m just trying to help those guys out,” Quiroz said of taking

more of a leadership role as a returning player this season. “Trying to teach them the ways of being in affiliated baseball. Just trying to help as much as I can. It’s a little different for a guy just coming out of Arizona (instructional league).

“It’s a much different atmosphere playing in front of fans, and the lifestyle and the grind of playing in the Northwest League.”

Quiroz said he’s “more than happy” to lend a hand to his fellow Spanish-speaking teammates.

“Absolutely. I’m just trying to help them out so they can understand,” Quiroz said. “A lot of guys come here and they don’t understand how to speak the language or struggle to talk and get things

across. I did it when I first signed and I’m glad that I can help those guys out.”

Holmberg asserted that his catcher has other talents in addition to being affable, with natural leadership abilities. “ ‘Q’ is way more than that,” Holmberg said. “He’s a good ballplayer. He’s a good catcher.

He’s grown and matured as a hitter. He’s a guy that pays attention behind the scenes. We’re going to see a better Isaias Quiroz this summer.” “(Spokane is) just a great place to play,” Terry said.

“Great atmosphere. Love the fans. They’re always on our side, whether we’re up or down. It’s just the whole experience here and around this league, and it’s great to be back.”

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PHOTO ARCHIVE/ THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

In 1890, the baseball grounds were built at Natatorium Park in west-central Spokane, which was owned by the Washington Water Power Company. The grandstand seated 3,000 people.

New Beginnings (1901-05)

The Beginnings (1890-92, 1897-98) John Barnes, Midwestern amateur athletic star and sports promoter, arrives in the Northwest to develop the Pacific Northwest League. He operates the Spokane franchise, which wins the first pennant with a team featuring minor-league legends Piggy Ward, Abner Powell and George Borchers.

Beginnings 1890-92

’93-96

Hiatus

First golden era ’97-98

1901-05

New beginnings

’06-16

The reborn Pacific Northwest League survives the incursion of the Pacific Coast League, evolving into the Pacific National League and then the Northwestern League. Spokane shared the well-known Natatorium Park ballpark with semipro teams.

’17-22

’23-36

World War I collapse

First Golden Era (1906-16) Spokane wins championships in 1910 and 1916, but finished last in 1913 with a team that included Hall of Famers Stan Coveleski and George Kelly, future big-league pitching standout Shufflin’ Phil Douglas and future Black Sox shortstop Swede Risberg. Coveleski returned to win 20 games in 1914. Bob Meusel, a member of Murderers Row with the Yankees in the late 1920s, started his pro career here in 1917. The 1916 champions, managed by noted West Coast baseball figure Nick Williams, featured three future big-league stars: Earl Sheely, Ken Williams and Dutch Ruether.

1964 photo of the entrance to Indians Stadium at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds.

World War I Collapse (1917-22) The Northwestern League failed to make it through either the 1917 or 1918 seasons and operated with Spokane in 1919.

After the war, the league, restyled as the Pacific Coast International League, limped into the early 1920s and folded.

PHOTO ARCHIVE THE S-R

Hiatus (1923-36) The Pacific Coast League gave the Northwest its only pro ball from 1923 through the heart of the Depression, despite efforts to revive the old alliances. Nonetheless, the semipro Idaho-Washington League featured several future pros and sent a couple of players to major-league stardom.

’37-56

Second golden era

Second Golden Era (1937-56) Western International/Northwest League: The WIL, founded in 1937, quickly became one of the country’s fastest-growing lower minor leagues, featuring many future major-league players and a few on the way down.

Spokane, which set national attendance records, won the 1940 and 1941 pennants. The 1940 team included fading minor-league legend Smead Jolley. The 1941 team was led by up-and-coming legend Pete Hughes. Dwight Aden, a career .300 hitter, played center field for both teams. World War II interrupted play for three years after Hub Kittle, who became a prominent big-league pitching coach, starred for the 1942 team. After the war, the league expanded, and another future pitching coach of note, Don Osborn, managed Spokane to the 1953 playoff title. The WIL folded after the 1954 season, but was quickly reborn as the Northwest League. When Spokane’s owner dropped out, the Indians operated as a poverty-stricken, community-owned franchise, run by broadcaster Frank Herron until their demise following the 1956 season. There was no team in 1957.

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Fourth Golden Era (1986-present) The Bretts: Bobby Brett, who had done well for himself and his brothers, major league players Ken and George Brett, as an investor in Southern California real estate, bought the Spokane franchise in 1986. Originally intended as a hobby, ownership led Bobby, the managing partner, to become a permanent city resident.

Brett Sports soon took over the Spokane Chiefs hockey team as well. The Indians won four straight titles from 1987-90, winning the second when Mike Humphrey stole home for the winning run in the deciding game of the playoffs. Slugger Dave Staton was the league’s MVP for the 1989 champions, and MVP Matt Mieske starred for the 1990 team. The affiliation switched to Kansas City in 1995. The 2000 team won the pennant with a promise-filled pitching staff. The best player from the Royals affiliation was outfielder Carlos Beltran, who just concluded an outstanding 20-year major-league career. For the 30 years, the short season Class A team has set attendance records nearly every year. Starting in 2003, the Indians have been affiliated with the Texas Rangers.

DAN PELLE/ THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Spokane’s Mike Humphreys (18) steals home on Southern Oregon’s Tom Carcione in the bottom of the eighth, scoring the go-ahead run as the Indians won the Northwest League championship in 1988.

Spokane’s David Briggs watches umpire Greg Mills signal “Safe!”

NWL redux

Third golden era ’58-71

’73-81

’82-85

Remaining Pacific Coast League

’86-present

Fourth golden era

Third Golden Era (1958-71)

The Final PCL Years (1973-81)

Dodgers PCL franchise: Future major league players and managers dominated most of the 14 teams staffed by farmhands from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had just moved west from Brooklyn. Spokane gained the transplanted Los Angeles PCL franchise. The Indians won the 1960 pennant with a team that featured future major-league batting stars Frank Howard, Willie Davis and Ron Fairly, and the 1970 pennant with a team that many consider one of the top minor-league teams of all time. The latter club had future major-league pitching and batting standouts, many of whom played 15 years or more in the big leagues. Tommy Lasorda, later elected to the Hall of Fame, was the last of four future big-league managers to lead in the Indians during this period. He managed that 1970 team that included Steve Garvey, Bill Buckner, Bill Russell, Tom Paciorek, MVP Bobby Valentine, Davey Lopes and relief ace Charley Hough.

After losing the Dodgers franchise to Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Dodgers supported a Northwest League team in Spokane for one season until Portland’s PCL franchise relocated to Spokane for 10 years.

There were three seasons of affiliation with the Texas Rangers, three with the Milwaukee Brewers, three with the Seattle Mariners and one with the California Angels. The Rangers had two pennant winners, with four-time future major-league batting champion Bill Madlock as the best player. Rene Lachemann, who managed here from 1979-81, later managed the Mariners, the Brewers, Marlins and Cubs. After Spokane won the second half of the 1981 season, the franchise, surrounded by controversy, left for Las Vegas.

Northwest League Redux (1982-85) After a dismal beginning to an affiliation with San Diego, despite future big-league standouts Sandy Alomar Jr. and Mitch Williams, the Indians began to dominate the Class A league after the Padres sent more college players and fewer untried teenagers to the high-quality short-season rookie league.

That came after the Brett brothers bought the team.

Source

Much of the historical material printed on these pages comes from the personal files of retired Spokesman-Review copy editor Jim Price and from the manuscript of his unpublished history of Spokane baseball. As such, it remains his property.

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Spokane Indians players pose for a photo with team mascot Otto the Spokanasaurus after arriving at the Spokane International Airport on Friday.

MEET THE TEAM SPOKANE INDIANS TEAM HEADSHOTS / BY JAMES SNOOK

1 - Obie Ricumstrict, 3B

3 - Jonah McReynolds, SS

4 - Cristian Inoa, SS

10 - Hans Crouse, RHP

11 - Isaias Quiroz, C

12 - Scott Engler, RHP

14 - Sergio Suarez, LHP

16 - Francisco Villegas, LHP

17 - Ryan Dease, RHP

19 - Royce Bolinger, RHP

20 - Kevin Mendoza, C/DH

21 - Diosbel Arias, SS

22 - Seth Nordlin, RHP

23 - Emmanuel Clase, RHP

25 - Juan Ventura, 3B

28 - Curtis Terry, 1B

33 - Jake Latz, LHP

36 - Miguel Aparicio, CF

37 - Blake Bass, RHP

39 - Starling Joseph, OF

43 - Tai Tiedemann, RHP

44 - Tanner Gardner, RF

46 - Francisco Ventura, C

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HIGHS AND LOWS IN NORTHWEST LEAGUE HISTORY From Hall of Famers to Kurt Russell, this circuit has just about seen it all

By Howie Stalwick FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The Northwest League has outfielders Carlos Beltran (Spogroomed a long list of baseball’s kane), Charlie Blackmon (Tri-Cigreatest stars since the league ty), Adam Jones (Everett), Rico morphed out of the old Western Carty (Yakima) and George FosInternational League in 1955. The ter (Medford); and multiposition onset of another season of Spo- players Pedro Guerrero (Bellingkane Indians baseball reminds us ham) and Jose Canseco (Medof some of the highest highs and ford).

G Movie star Kurt Russell was lowest lows in Northwest League the second baseman on the 1971 history.

G Seven members of the BaseNWL All-Star team. Russell, alball Hall of Fame played in the ready an established actor at the Northwest League, including for- time, hit .285 with Bend, Oregon, mer Seattle Mariners Ken Griffey as a 20-year-old rookie pro in the Jr. (Bellingham), Rickey Hender- California (now Los Angeles) Anson (Boise) and Randy Johnson gels organization. Russell also (Everett for one game on an in- played in the NWL for Walla jury rehab assignment). Tony Walla and Portland. A torn roGwynn and Ozzie Smith starred tator cuff shortened his playing for Walla Walla, and Reggie Jack- career.

G Two other NWL players son turned pro with Lewiston.

Mike Piazza, the lowest draft who achieved stardom outside pick (62nd round) among players baseball were Seattle Seahawks in the Hall of Fame, made his pro quarterback Russell Wilson and debut with the Salem Dodgers. actor Bill Murray. Wilson hit .230 George Brett, part owner of the as a second baseman with Tri-CiSpokane Indians and Tri-City ty in 2010, the first of two seasons Dust Devils, is another Hall of he spent in the Colorado Rockies organization. Murray took a Fame player.

G Edgar Martinez may wind break from his acting career in up in the Hall of Fame, but no one 1978 and went 1 for 2 in two games was predicting stardom for Mar- with the Grays Harbor Loggers of tinez after he struggled mightily Hoquiam, Washington. in his first pro season. The exG Steve Dalkowski, a career Mariner hit just .173 with no hom- minor leaguer who some obers and five RBIs in 32 games servers maintain was the hardest with Bellingham in 1983. thrower in baseball history, G Other NWL alumni who pitched for Tri-City in 1961 and have excelled in the majors in- 1965. Always incredibly wild, Dalclude pitchers Zack Greinke kowski set a Northwest League (Spokane), Felix Hernandez record when he walked 196 bat(Everett), Tim Lincecum (Salem- ters (in just 103 innings) in ’61.

Keizer), Dave Stewart (Belling- Dalkowski was a minor-league ham) and Mark Langston (Bel- teammate of Ron Shelton, who lingham); catchers Sandy Alomar wrote and directed the epic miJr. (Spokane) and Buster Posey nor league baseball movie “Bull (Salem-Keizer); first basemen Durham.” Shelton loosely based Chris Davis (Spokane), Paul Ko- the character of pitcher Nuke Lanerko (Yakima) and Jason Giam- Loosh (played by Tim Robbins) bi (Southern Oregon of Medford); on Dalkowski.

G A man named Cliff Ditto second basemen Ian Kinsler (Spokane), Joey Cora (Spokane) once managed Walla Walla. Talk and Julio Franco (Central Oregon about a perfect fit.

G Thornton Kipper, who of Bend); third basemen Ron Cey (Tri-City; Cey later played for pitched in 55 games with the PhiSpokane in the Pacific Coast ladelphia Phillies from 1953-55, League), Kris Bryant (Boise), set NWL records in 1958 when he Josh Donaldson (Boise) and Matt recorded 23 wins (against 11 lossWilliams (Everett); shortstops es), 32 complete games (in 34 Omar Vizquel (Bellingham) and starts) and 281 innings pitched for Bert Campaneris (Lewiston); Lewiston. Teams played a 136-

JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

George Brett, part owner of the Spokane Indians, is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. other than in the old Negro leagues – in 1987 in the Northwest League. Boise’s Derrell Thomas and Bend’s Mel Roberts made history.

G Northwest League batting champions tend to be “banjo hitters.” Singles hitters, that is. Spokane third baseman Dave Staton was anything but that in 1989, when he became the league’s only Triple Crown winner. Staton led the league with a .362 batting average, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 70 games. Alas, he played only 46 games in the big leagues, batASSOCIATED PRESS ting .213 with nine home runs and Actor Kurt Russell made the 1971 NWL all-star team.

15 RBIs in 46 games with San Diego in 1993-94.

G Lewiston’s Dick Joyce (Eugene), John McNamara (Legame schedule that year.

G Joe Nathan and Troy Perwiston), Cal Ripken Sr. (Tri-Ci- struck out Salem’s first nine batcival, who both rank in the top 11 ty), Jerry Royster (Yakima), Karl ters in his pro debut in 1965. The in career saves in the major Kuehl (Salem), Tom Trebelhorn big left-hander was rushed to the leagues, began their pro careers (Boise) and Pat Murphy (Tri-Ci- big leagues later that year by the as position players in the NWL. ty, Eugene). Four men have man- parent Kansas City (now OakNathan hit .232 with a whopping aged in the NWL after managing land) Athletics, suffered a shoul26 errors in 54 games as a short- in the majors: Riddoch (Eugene der injury in his fifth game and stop with Bellingham. Percival again, and Spokane), former Spo- never played again in the majors. hit .203 – all 16 of his hits were kane PCL catcher Norm Sherry singles – in 29 games as a catcher (Everett), ex-Mariners skipper Howie Stalwick, a longtime sports with Boise. Both players moved Bill Plummer (Yakima) and Tre- writer for The Spokesman-Review and numerous other newspapers, to the mound after one season. belhorn (Salem-Keizer).

G Eight NWL managers went G Black managers squared off magazines and online media on to manage in the majors: Bruce for the first time in a professional nationwide, retired in his homeBochy (Spokane), Greg Riddoch baseball game in North America – town of Spokane in 2016.

GETTING TO THE GAME

Opened in 1958 at a cost of $534,700, Avista Stadium has hosted some of the biggest names in baseball as players work their way to the major leagues.

Here’s how to get out to one of the 38 regular-season games this year.

Buying tickets Tickets can be purchased online at www.spokaneindians.com, over the phone at (509) 343-6886, or at the Avista Stadium ticket booth.

Cost of tickets Lower box seats (dark blue on map): $20 (advance purchase), $24 (day of game) Upper box seats (red): $13 (advance), $16 (day of game) Reserved bench seats (light blue): $6 (adult advance), $7 (adult day of game), $5 (children 12 & under), $5 (seniors and military w/ ID).

For season and group ticket options, call (509) 343-6886.

How to watch and listen SWX will show six regular-season games live (June 15, July 6, July 13, July 27, July 28 and August 25). On the radio, 1510-AM will carry all games, home and away.

COURTESY OF SPOKANE INDIANS

PROMOTIONS: JUNE 15: Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway 16: Yoke’s $1 Family Feast Night 17: Father’s Day Game 18: Bark in the Park Night 19: Fields of Green Giveaway & Azteca Taco Tuesday 23: Storybook Princess & Fireworks Night 24: Kids Day & Otto’s Birthday Bash 25: Smokey Bear Night 26: Baseball Vacation Sweepstakes & Azteca Taco Tuesday 27: Jersey Off the Back & Grand Slam F-150 Sweepstakes 28: Yoke’s $1 Family Feast Night

JULY 4: 4th of July Fireworks Night 5: Fireworks Night 6: Harry Potter Night 11: Raining Money Night & $100 Strikeout 12: Dollars in Your Dog Night 13: Star Wars & Fireworks Night 14: Star Wars Night No. 2 15: Pink Out the Park Day Game & Pregame Pitch for the Cure

2018 Indians schedule SUN

MON

TUE

JUNE WED

THU

FRI

SAT

10

11

12

13

14

15 BOI

16 BOI

17 BOI

18 BOI

19 BOI

20 TRI

21 TRI

22 TRI

23 VAN

24 VAN

25 VAN

26 EVE

27 EVE

28 EVE

29 HIL

30 HIL

SUN

MON

TUE

JULY WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1 HIL

2 HIL

3 HIL

4 TRI

5 TRI

6 TRI

7 VAN

8 VAN

9 VAN

10

11 EUG

12 EUG

13 EUG

14 EUG

15 EUG

16 EVE

17 EVE

18 EVE

19 S-K

20 S-K

21 S-K

22 S-K

23 S-K

24 TRI

25 TRI

26 TRI

27 HIL

28 HIL

29 HIL

30 HIL

31 HIL

SUN

5 EUG

AUGUST TUE WED THU

FRI

SAT

1 EUG

2 EUG

3 EUG

4 EUG

6-8 All-Star break

9 BOI

10 BOI

11 BOI

MON

12 BOI

13 BOI

14 EVE

15 EVE

16 EVE

17 VAN

18 VAN

19 VAN

20 EVE

21 EVE

22 EVE

23 S-K

24 S-K

25 S-K

26 S-K

27 S-K

28

29 TRI

30 TRI

31 TRI

SUN

MON

TUE

SEPTEMBER WED THU

FRI

AUGUST

SAT 1 VAN

2 VAN

3 VAN

4

24: Baseball Hat Giveaway & Azteca Taco Tuesday 25: Yoke’s $1 Family Feast & Native Culture Night 26: Christmas in July 27: Fireworks Night 28: Fireworks Night 29: Sunday Funday & Pregame Ride the Bases 30: First Responders Appreciation 31: Bark in the Park & Azteca Taco Tuesday

5-8 NWL Playoffs

Notes: Home games in colored squares. Blue: First pitch at 6:30 p.m. Red: First pitch at 3:30 p.m. Televised games on SWX: June 15, July 6, July 13, July 27, July 28 and August 25.

Teams: BOI: Boise Hawks, EUG: Eugene Emeralds, EVE: Everett AquaSox, HIL: Hillsboro Hops, S-K: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, TRI: Tri-City Dust Devils, VAN: Vancouver Canadians.

14: Future Texas Rangers & Azteca Taco Tuesday 15: Fireworks Night & Nurse Appreciation 16: Superhero Night & Lawton Team Photo Giveaway 23: Halloween Night 24: Armed Forces Appreciation & Fireworks Night 25: Yoke’s $1 Family Feast Night 26: Augtoberfest Day Game 27: Back to School Night

SEPTEMBER 1: Margaritaville Night 2: Outdoor Expo Day Game 3: Season Finale Fireworks

SPECIAL 8

G

THURSDAY

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THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

JUNE 14, 2018

2018 SPOKANE INDIANS

Q&A WITH OTTO (KLEIN)

Indians senior VP talks upcoming season, Avista Stadium and new manager

By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

We had a chance to catch up with Otto Klein, senior vice president of the club, to talk about the upcoming season of Spokane Indians baseball.

Q: So, just how excited are you for the new season?

Klein: Very excited. The ballpark is ready. We’ve been working hard all winter.

There’s about 20 of us or so that are here year-round. So we think about baseball from the last game of the season to Opening Day. This is as special for us in the front office as it is for the players who arrive here on the first day.

Q: What aspect of what you do in the winter might get lost a little on fans?

Klein: It’s a business. Generally speaking, there’s 15 to 16 full-time employees that we have year-round for the Indians. That’s an exception. Most short-season Single-A teams don’t have that. Maybe anywhere from three to 10. But we feel as though our operation can sustain it. And for our business to be able to put on everything we put on – the concessions, the advertising and promotions, the sponsorships, developing employees, doing all the ticket sales and merchandise – all those things take a lot of thought. It’s important for us to have a staff here.

Q: How proud are you of the ballpark and the field?

Klein: When we think about some of the awards we’ve won, our grounds crew have won for our field, the playing surface itself has been regarded as one of the best in our league, for 20 out of the last 23 years we’ve

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Indians senior VP Otto Klein catches up with first baseman Curtis Terry at the Spokane International Airport on Friday. won field of the year for our level. Then we’ve won for short-season Single-A field of the year nationally as well a couple of times. So our grounds crew and our stadium team does a tremendous job. Then the stadium itself, and that’s a whole another project to think about. The seats and the concrete and the asphalt and the light poles and all these things. The parking lot and bushes and trees – it all takes an incredible amount of energy. So that’s a part of our routine as well.

Q: It’s great that a market like Spokane has such a great facility for its minorleague team.

Klein: It’s definitely a luxury. Look, it’s a Triple-A ballpark and it houses a Single-A team. But we don’t think of ourselves as Single-A short-season. We think of ourselves as providing the best baseball possible for the stadium that we have. I think that it’s a luxury. But we don’t take it for granted. We’re great partners with Spokane County. And of course with Avista, our title sponsor. There’s funds that go back into the stadium every year for maintenance – desperately needed – and we take advantage of every bit. Then, as a team, as a business, we put our own capital back into the facility as well. That’s what it takes.

Q: How’s the organization’s relation- as a human being, and I appreciate that. ship with the parent club, the Texas RanQ: Tim Hulett was here as manager for gers?

10 years, then Matt Hagen for just one year.

Klein: This will be our 16th year with the Is this a new strategy for the Rangers?

Rangers. We’ve been proud partners with Klein: I would say that we’re happy with them. They have put a competitive team on whoever they provide to us. That’s really the field. And that’s all we ask for – to be their call. I think we’ve been very fortucompetitive. We treat their players like we nate. Tim Hulett, not only was he here for a treat our fans: with the best customer ser- long time, but he got it. Last year, with Matt vice as we can. There’s housing, there are Hagen and especially this year with Kenny, host families provided for the players, they get it. They understand that this is dethere’s an active booster club that does velopment at the lower levels. That this is a meals for them. We help the Rangers with special place for them to be. the food and the catering for the players Q: Did we miss anything? throughout the summer. There’s a lot of Klein: I think that people really apprecithat that goes into it. But yes, we think ate coming to this stadium. And I think about that a lot. when they go to some of the other stadiums Q: Tell us a little bit about Kenny Holm- in our league, they come back with even more of a sense of ‘Wow, we have someberg, the new manager.

Klein: We are excited to have him in thing special.’ We never take a day for Spokane. That immediate experience that granted. This ballpark is special. I always he brings to the position, which we enjoy. say, ‘This is bigger than us.’ It’s 116 years of Not only is he a baseball guy, but he appears Indians baseball. It’s a big deal. There’s to be an excellent person and he gets the generations of families that have grown up big picture. The big picture is that there’s with the Indians. The aura of the team and community that is involved here. That it’s playing in this baseball park is bigger than not just the game on the field, but how they any of us here, and we don’t take it for interact within the community. How they granted. There’s been championships. treat the fans. He gets all the importance of There’s been heartbreak. Families come the community appearances. For him, it’s here for entertainment, but they’re about developing the whole baseball player passionate. And we’re just as passionate.

field (West Virginia) Blue Jays of the Appalachian League for the past seven seasons, earning the league’s manager of the year award in 2011 when he went 40-28 and managed future big leaguers Noah Syndergaard, Aaron Sanchez and Kevin Pillar.

“As you grow up,” Kenny Holmberg reflected, “you look at his body of work at the lower levels. And then getting a nice opportunity to coach in the big leagues for a couple of years was great and something to be proud of (looking at it) as a kid.”

HOLMBERG Continued from 3 DSL Rangers the following season.

He managed the DSL Rangers in 2011 and was a coach for the Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) Pelicans in 2012 before taking over as the skipper of the AZL Rangers from 2013-15.

Holmberg said managing in the big leagues someday would be a tremendous honor, but he isn’t going to get ahead of himself – or the job right in front of him.

“You are where you are in this game,” he said. “You want to be really great at what you’re doing now. That’s what the game has always been about. What have you done for me lately? I don’t look too far ahead. I don’t have a crystal ball.”

But he is bringing a good deal of experience and perspective with him into his new position.

“Managing in the Dominican (League) was great,” Holmberg said. “Huge impact on me, learning the kids and the culture down there.”

Back in the States, he had a chance to watch some of his players climb the ladder, a while making a similar journey as a manager “Doing the Arizona League for three years, and now getting an opportunity in Spokane – looking back (at the end of the year) reflecting, it’ll be pretty neat to have that experience managing at each one of those lower entry levels and knowing what I need to know moving forward, maybe moving to a full season or Double-A, Triple-A, whatever the future might hold for me.”

Influenced by family All of Holmberg’s success on the baseball field came after unthinkable tragedy. He doesn’t like to dwell on it, he said, out of respect for family members, and that “everyone has adversity in life to overcome.”

His adversity came at an age earlier than most.

In 1985, Diane Holmberg was driving with her 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son in Syracuse, New York, where her husband Dennis was coaching, when a two-car collision changed all of their lives.

The children were uninjured, but Diane’s skull was fractured, leaving her completely incapacitated – in what Kenny Holmberg

Sharing his experience

JAMES SNOOK/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Holmberg spent four seasons in the Milwaukee Brewers system before retiring and becoming a coach. described as a persistent vegetat- while building a lengthy career in baseball – which is hard enough to ive state – for the rest of her life.

When he was old enough, accomplish in the most accommoHolmberg said the ballpark where dating of circumstances.

“I think it’s impressive what his dad was coaching would become his version of day care. He he’s done,” Holmberg said of his was a fixture in the dugout and father. “What he’s dealt with, clubhouse instead of the play- what he’s gone through. Raising two kids with family and friends ground.

“In the baseball world, it al- supporting him, obviously. He’s lowed me to come home from somebody to admire.

“Growing up for me was differschool and my grandmother would take me to the park. I’d sit ent than most kids, but I’ve taken there all day and all night. I’d go to advantage of it.”

Dennis Holmberg was a fifthschool and go to the park. It was just the way it was. I knew base- round pick of the Milwaukee ball growing up. That was what I Brewers in the fifth round of the 1970 January secondary draft. He loved.

“It sucks that tragedy had to played parts of eight minor-league bring me to it, but it’s what you seasons, ending his playing career in 1977 with 45 plate appearances make out of adversity, I guess.”

He credits his father for leading for Holyoke (Mass.), then a Douthe family through difficult times ble-A affiliate of the Brewers.

He was hired as manager of Low-A Newark (N.J.) in the Milwaukee system later that season, then in 1979 was hired by the Toronto organization to manage at rookie-level Medicine Hat (Alberta) of the Pioneer League, which started a string of managerial jobs throughout the Blue Jays’ system.

In the 1994 and ’95 seasons he finally reached the big leagues, as bullpen coach for the parent club in Toronto.

But as with many baseball lifers, another reassignment was waiting for him, and Dennis was appointed manager at High-A Dunedin (Florida) in 1996. He took over at Low-A Auburn (New York) in 2002, where he stayed through the 2010 season.

Dennis Holmberg has been manager of the rookie-level Blue-

Not all of Holmberg’s players will be strangers to him – returning Indians Curtis Terry and Isaias Quiroz played for Holmberg in the Arizona League in 2015.

Holmberg has also managed future big leaguers Joey Gallo, Odubel Herrera, Jorge Alfaro, Joakim Soria, Neftali Feliz, Keone Kela, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Nick Williams and Engel Beltre in the AZL. He thinks his perspective of being around the game from a very early age is a benefit to his players, some of whom will be undertaking their first professional experience, and relishes the chance to work with younger ballplayers.

“The impact and influence you can make with that first year, getting their first taste of what professional baseball is like, is always unique,” he said.

“Growing up the way I did, in a clubhouse and playing the game my entire life, and getting an opportunity to play some pro ball, I can truly empathize with what the kids are going through.”

Holmberg acknowledges, though, that maybe even as much as a baseball manager, he also has to be part chaperone and role model.

“I love the opportunity,” he said. “I look forward to doing more than just (helping players) throw the ball over the plate, putting the ball in play.

“These kids are going to learn how to impact a community.

These kids are going to learn how to be good people. Good sons, good brothers, good husbands.

And they’re going to play baseball along the way, too.

“I think at this level, that’s what important. And that they carry that on for the rest of their careers, and through the rest of their lives.

My dad has inspired me to have that in my heart, and coach from there first.”