New Hampshire Fisher Cats
From BR Bullpen
- Location: Manchester, NH
- League: Eastern League 2004-present
- Affiliation: Toronto Blue Jays 2004-present
- Ballpark: Gill Stadium 2004; Merchantsauto.com Stadium 2005-present
- Notable Alumni: Aaron Hill
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats began play in 2004 when the New Haven Ravens moved from Connecticut to New Hampshire and have been affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays for their entire existence. In their inaugural season, they captured the Eastern League crown, and the team hosted the league's 2008 All-Star game.
Contents |
[edit] Year-by-Year History
[edit] 2004
In their first season, the Fisher Cats won the Eastern League title under the leadership of skipper Mike Basso. Shortstop Aaron Hill hit .280 with 11 home runs and was an All-Star. Gustavo Chacin starred for the club on the mound, winning 16 games and striking out 109.
[edit] 2005
The Fisher Cats moved to a new ballpark, Merchantsauto.com Stadium, in 2005 but fell below .500 and missed out on the playoffs. Josh Banks anchored the rotation with 8 wins, a 3.83 ERA, and 145 strikeouts, and closer Lee Gronkiewicz notched 24 saves.
[edit] 2006
Under new manager Doug Davis, the Fisher Cats lost one fewer game in 2006 than the previous year. Outfielder Adam Lind hit .310 with 19 homers in 91 games and was an All-Star, and catcher Curtis Thigpen hit .259 with 5 triples. On the mound, Mike MacDonald won 13 games and recorded 103 strikouts, while Ismael Ramirez posted a 2.08 ERA.
[edit] 2007
Led by skipper Bill Masse, the Fisher Cats improved by two wins in 2007 but still finished sub-.500 and missed the playoffs again. Catcher Robinzon Diaz hit .316 in 74 games, and outfielder David Smith knocked 24 home runs and drove in 70 runs.
[edit] 2008
The Fisher Cats posted their worst record in 2008, falling 20 games below .500, but drew 373,227 fans, a franchise-best. Second baseman Scott Campbell hit .302, and outfielder Travis Snider hit 17 homers and had 67 RBIs.
[edit] Year-by-Year Record
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 84-57 | 2nd | Mike Basso | League Champs |
| 2005 | 68-74 | 9th | Mike Basso | |
| 2006 | 68-73 | 7th | Doug Davis | |
| 2007 | 70-73 | 8th | Bill Masse | |
| 2008 | 61-81 | 11th | Gary Cathcart | |
| 2009 | 64-78 | 10th | Gary Cathcart |
