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Wichita Wind Surge

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Wichita Wind Surge
NameWichita Wind Surge
Founded2020
CityWichita, Kansas
LeagueInternational League
ClassTriple-A
DivisionWest Division
Past parksRiverfront Stadium
ColorsNavy blue, sky blue, sand, white
MascotVortex
OwnershipLou Schwechheimer and Brandon V. Stevens
ManagerRamón Borrego
General managerBob Moullette

Wichita Wind Surge is a professional Minor League Baseball team that competes as the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Based in Wichita, Kansas, the franchise was established in 2020 and plays its home games at the downtown Riverfront Stadium. The team's identity, evoking the region's windy plains and aviation heritage, marked the return of Triple-A baseball to the city after a lengthy absence, succeeding the former New Orleans Baby Cakes franchise.

History

The franchise's relocation to Wichita, Kansas was officially announced in September 2019, orchestrated by principal owner Lou Schwechheimer and the ownership group of Brandon V. Stevens. This move was part of a broader Minor League Baseball reorganization and represented a homecoming for high-level professional baseball to the city, which had last hosted a Triple-A team with the Wichita Aeros in the American Association. The team was slated to begin play in the Pacific Coast League in 2020 as the affiliate of the Miami Marlins, but the inaugural season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the team finally debuted, simultaneously becoming the new Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins following Major League Baseball's restructuring of the minor league system, which placed them in the Triple-A East league, later renamed the International League.

Ballpark

The Wind Surge play at Riverfront Stadium, a state-of-the-art ballpark that opened in 2020 in the Delano District along the Arkansas River. The venue, designed by Populous and built at a cost exceeding $75 million, replaced the city's former Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. It features a modern design with views of the Wichita skyline, a capacity of approximately 10,000, and numerous fan amenities, including group areas and a kids' zone. The ballpark's development was a key component of the city's riverfront revitalization project and serves as a central venue for other community events beyond baseball.

Season-by-season results

The team's competitive record began with the 2021 season, where they posted a 52-78 record in the Triple-A East. In 2022, under manager Ramón Borrego, the Wind Surge improved significantly, finishing 81-67 and securing a playoff berth in the International League West Division, though they fell in the first round. The 2023 season saw the team contend again, finishing with a winning record and developing several top prospects for the Minnesota Twins, including future major leaguers like Matt Wallner and Louie Varland. Individual and team performances have been highlighted by notable players such as Jose Miranda and Simeon Woods Richardson, who have made impacts both in Wichita and at the Major League Baseball level.

Players and personnel

The baseball operations are led by field manager Ramón Borrego, a longtime instructor within the Minnesota Twins system. Key front office personnel includes General Manager Bob Moullette. The roster has featured numerous notable prospects who have advanced to the Minnesota Twins, including pitchers like Josh Winder and Bailey Ober, and position players such as Royce Lewis. The franchise has also been a stop for veteran major leaguers on rehabilitation assignments, providing fans the opportunity to see established stars like Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa during their stints with the team.

Rivalries

As a member of the International League West Division, the Wind Surge have developed natural geographic rivalries with other Midwestern clubs. Their most frequent opponents include the Omaha Storm Chasers, the affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, and the Toledo Mud Hens, affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Games against the St. Paul Saints, the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins located in Minnesota, also carry significance due to the shared parent club connection, creating a unique intra-organizational dynamic for player development and fan interest.

Community involvement

The organization is actively engaged in the Wichita community through various initiatives and partnerships. The Wind Surge Foundation supports local youth baseball and softball programs, educational endeavors, and charitable causes. The team regularly hosts themed nights, fundraisers, and special events at Riverfront Stadium to benefit organizations like the United Way and local hospitals. Players and staff participate in school visits, hospital appearances, and youth clinics, reinforcing the franchise's role as a civic partner within Sedgwick County and the broader Great Plains region.

Category:International League teams Category:Sports in Wichita, Kansas Category:Minnesota Twins minor league affiliates Category:Baseball teams established in 2020