Tucson Toros

After the MLB expansion that added the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the Toros were named to be the Triple-A club of the Dbacks. Needing a new ballpark for spring training since the Colorado Rockies used Hi Corbett Field, Tucson Electric Park was built and became the spring training site for the Dbacks and home to the Tucson Sidewinders in 1998. This ended minor league baseball history at Hi Corbett Field and broke a lot of hearts. Fans liked the idea of having a major league baseball team in Arizona, but the new stadium, new owner and new team name didn't sit well and it shows by low attendance records. From 2004-06 Hi Corbett became home to the Arizona Heat women's pro softball team from June-August each year.

Some former Toros had a cup of coffee in the big leagues and others stayed. Former Toros playing in the 2006 season are: Bob Abreu (Yankees), Ron Belliard (Nationals), Luis Gonzalez (Marlins), Geoff Jenkins (Phillies), Todd Jones (Tigers), Kenny Lofton (In Limbo), Bob Melvin (Dbacks Manager), Mel Mora (Orioles), Curt Schilling (Red Sox), and Billy Wagner (Mets).

Tucson also produced some major league talent with radio play-by-play announcers. Matt Vasgersian is the television play-by-play announcer for the Padres, Mario Impemba is the play-by-play announcer for the Tigers and Vince Cotroneo is the radio play-by-play announcer for the Oakland A's.

Read about former Toro Ed Vosberg who is the only player to play in a Little League World Series, a college World Series and a Major League World Series.

Where are they now????
Mike Brumley--Manager of the Ogden Raptors
Raul Chavez--Playing for the AAA-Indidans
Dave Hajek--Hitting coach for the AA Tulsa Drillers
Trenidad Hubbard--Coach for the Rockies minor leagues
Joe Mikulik--Manager for the Asheville tourist
Bronswell Patrick--Pitching coach w/rookie level Rockies
Andy Stankiewicz--Assistant baseball coach at ASU
Tim Tolman--Third base coach for the Washington Nationals

Toros

Articles

1969-1997

Trivia