Bakersfield Bears

Bakersfield Blaze
1941–2016
Bakersfield, California


Team logo	Cap insignia

Class-level

Class A – Advanced (1990–2016)
Class A (1964–1989)
Class C (1941–1942, 1946–1962)

Minor league affiliations

Previous leagues

California League

Major league affiliations

Seattle Mariners (2015–2016)
Cincinnati Reds (2011–2014)
Texas Rangers (2005–2010)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2001–2004)
San Francisco Giants (1997–2000)
Co-Op (1995–1996)
Los Angeles Dodgers (1984–1994)
Seattle Mariners (1982–1983)
Los Angeles Dodgers (1968–1975)
Philadelphia Phillies (1958–1967)
Chicago Cubs (1957)
Philadelphia Phillies (1956)
Brooklyn Dodgers (1954–1955)
Detroit Tigers (1953)
Cleveland Indians (1946–1952)

Minor league titles

League titles (2)

1970
1989

Team data

Nickname

Bakersfield Blaze (1995–2016)
Bakersfield Dodgers (1984–1994)
Bakersfield Mariners (1982–1983)
Bakersfield Outlaws (1978–1979)
Bakersfield Dodgers (1968–1975)
Bakersfield Bears (1957–1967)
Bakersfield Boosters (1956)
Bakersfield Indians (1946–1955)
Bakersfield Badgers (1941–1942)

Previous parks

Sam Lynn Ballpark

The Bakersfield Blaze were a minor league baseball team in Bakersfield, California, that played in the Class A – Advanced California League. They played their home games at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Opened in 1941, the stadium is well known for facing the setting sun and its shallow 354-foot center field fence, and seats 3,500 fans.

Near the end of the 2008 season, it was rumored that the Blaze would move to the Carolina League after the following season. However, Minor League Baseball president Pat O'Conner announced in February 2009 that they would remain in the California League.

The Blaze were sold to local Bakersfield businessmen Gene Voiland and Chad Hathaway just prior to the 2012 season. The new ownership renovated Sam Lynn Ballpark in time for Opening Day and announced in November 2012 that a new ballpark would be ready for the 2014 season. However, financing plans for a new stadium failed to meet the $30 million target and team ownership was reclaimed by former owner D. G. Elmore. As a result, the California League began looking for a new home for the team. However, in August 2016, the California League announced that the Blaze would not be returning for the 2017 season. The team played its final game on September 12, 2016.

The Buies Creek Astros will replace the Blaze at the Advanced-A level, the Buies Creek Astros are not the continuation of the Blaze.

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Wikipedia