Memorable
Moments
Its
not brought to you by mastercard, but here's five things to remember about
the 2002 PCL season.
The
calendar has turned and soon spring training will be underway for another
year. However, before we completely put 2002 into the record books, let's
take a look back at five moments worth remembering in the Pacific Coast League
last year. Events are ordered by date.
1]
FRESNO OPENS STADIUM
After
years of playing in the nearby college stadium, the Grizzlies finally had
their own den. The new ballpark was an instant hit, drawing 13,000 on opening
night (May 1), a 4-1 win over Tacoma. Despite a less than successful season
on the field, the Grizzlies finally had their new park and a source of civic
pride.
2]
NO-HITTERS IN MAY
The
pitchers took their turns in the spotlight in May. Two no-hitters were pitched
in a week's span. First, Junior Herndon of Portland threw a seven-inning gem
over Tacoma. Just a few days later Calgary's Jamie Arnold pitched a nine-inning
no-hitter in Iowa. Calgary won the game 12-1. However, it would be the last
win Arnold would record for Calgary. Following the no-no, he had several rough
outings and was later released by the club.
3]
EASTERN EXCITEMENT
One
of the wildest races in league history took place in the Eastern Division
in 2002. The race was so close that with ten days remaining in the schedule,
all four teams were within one game of each other. Finally, Oklahoma City
pulled away by winning three of four from New Orleans on the final weekend
of the season. It will likely be a long time before that kind of drama is
repeated.
4]
CANNONS BLAST OFF
The
final Pacific Coast League game in Calgary was also one of the most memorable.
The hometown Cannons went into the bottom of the ninth inning of their final
game, trailing rival Edmonton by four runs. Would the Cannons leave Calgary
with a loss? Well, the sold out crowd at Calgary's Burns Stadium was going
to make sure the Cannons last game would be a successful one. A wild, hockey-like
crowd stomped and screamed one last time for the Cannons and willed them to
a game-winning rally. Cannons won their final game 14-13 in one of the most
dramatic games in Calgary's 18-year Pacific Coast League history. The franchise
has relocated to Albuquerque for the 2003 season.
5]
TRAPPERS ON TOP
Edmonton
Trappers blasted their way to the Pacific Coast League championship in 2002.
They defeated Salt Lake 10-7 in the final game to win the best-of-five series
in four games. Trappers led the league in home runs, were tied for the league
lead in runs scored and were third in batting average. The championship was
the fourth in Edmonton's Pacific Coast League history.
