CarL1 Salem RidgeYaks

Avalanche Unveil 10th Anniversary Logo

Published on January 15, 2004 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Salem RidgeYaks News Release


The Salem Avalanche unveiled today its 10th Anniversary commemorative logo for the 2004 season.

This logo, designed by Chris Henwood of Appleton, Wisconsin, will be available on Avalanche merchandise and worn as a patch on home uniforms throughout the 2004 season. "We are very pleased with the work of Chris in designing our 10th anniversary logo and excited to celebrate this milestone during the 2004 season," said Avalanche General Manager Jamie Toole. Salem baseball has been known as the "Avalanche" since the 1995 season, the club's first season as the top Class "A" affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. The Avalanche has been playing in Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium since August of 1995. The stadium was officially dedicated in May 1996.

Since Salem's entrance into the Carolina League in 1968, the club has had a number of different looks and names. As an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1968 through 1980, the club was known as the Salem Rebels (1968-1971), the Salem Pirates (1972-1979) and the Salem Redbirds (1980). The Salem Redbirds moniker lasted until 1986 and through two affiliation changes (San Diego '81-'83, Texas '84-'86). Beginning in 1987, however, the Salem club reconnected with the Pirates and changed its name to the Salem Buccaneers, a name that would last until the 1995 season and another affiliate change. In 1995, the Colorado Rockies became the parent club of the Salem organization. At that time, the name changed to the Salem Avalanche and still remains even as the Avalanche has become an affiliate of the Houston Astros. The Salem Avalanche has a record of 614-636 since 1995 and won the Carolina League title in 2001.

In the past ten years, great players have found their way to the major leagues by way of the Salem Avalanche. Outfielder Jody Gerut (1999) and catcher Josh Bard (2000) played well for the Cleveland Indians during the 2003 season. Outfielder Chone Figgins ('99-‘00) earned a World Series ring with the Anaheim Angels in 2002. Pitcher Jason Jennings (2000) earned National League Rookie of Year honors in 2002 with the Colorado Rockies. Pitcher Chin-hui Tsao ('01-'02) made history in 2003 with the Rockies as the first Taiwanese pitcher ever in the major leagues. Additionally, Shawn Chacon (1999), Aaron Cooke (2001), Juan Uribe (2000), Cory Vance (2001) and Jason Young (2001) are all former Avalanche players that have enjoyed time in the major leagues.

The Avalanche's 10th anniversary season begins Friday, April 9 at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium at 7:05 PM. Season tickets, group tickets and ticket books are now on sale. Individual game tickets will go on sale beginning in mid-March. For more information about Avalanche tickets, please call (540) 389-3333.

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Carolina League Stories from January 15, 2004


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