Peoria Suns

From BR Bullpen

• Location: Peoria, IL
• League: Midwest League 1983
• Affiliation: California Angels 1983
• Ballpark: Pete Vonachen Stadium

The Peoria Suns played in the Midwest League in 1983, when a team was moved from Danville, Illinois to Peoria. The club was a California Angels affiliate, played its home games at Meinen Field, and was managed by Joe Coleman. They had no All-Stars. On the field, the Suns were led by catcher Dave Heath, who hit .271/.310/.547 with a MWL-leading 27 homers. First baseman Wally Joyner hit .328/.393/.479 in 54 games, and outfielder Devon White (.253/.326/.412) slugged 13 homers and stole 32 bases, but was caught 15 times. Other future big leaguers on the team included Mark McLemore (.240/.346/.280, 15 for 26 in steal attempts), Pat Clements (4-7, 4.48), and Bob Kipper (5-8, 4.65). The club posted a 54-85 record and were outscored 721-598. After the season, the Suns were sold to Peoria businessman Pete Vonachen, who renamed them the Peoria Chiefs.

[edit] Year-by-Year Record