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| St. Paul Saints (1993–present) | |
|---|---|
| Name | St. Paul Saints |
| Founded | 1993 |
| City | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Class | Independent (1993–2020); Triple-A East/International League (2021–present) |
| League | Northern League (1993–2005); American Association (2006–2020); Triple-A East/International League (2021–present) |
| Majorleague | Minnesota Twins (2021–present) |
| Ballpark | Midway Stadium (1993–2014); CHS Field (2015–present) |
| Colors | Black, white, orange |
| Manager | Marty Baker (interim) |
St. Paul Saints (1993–present) is a professional baseball team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Founded in 1993, the team began play in the independent Northern League before joining affiliated Minor League Baseball as the Triple-A partner of the Minnesota Twins. The franchise is known for on-field competitiveness, inventive promotions, and a strong local presence in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
The franchise was established in 1993 by businessmen including Mike Veeck and his father Bill Veeck, drawing connections to baseball figures such as Bill Veeck and Mike Veeck and to historic teams like the earlier Saints. The club competed in the Northern League alongside franchises such as the Kansas City T-Bones and Sioux City Explorers, later joining the American Association (2006–). The Saints became notable for promotions and attendance, paralleling innovations associated with personalities like Bill Veeck and celebrity ownership ties to figures such as Bill Murray and Kevin Garnett. In 2020, following the reorganization of Minor League Baseball by Major League Baseball and the creation of the Triple-A East, the Saints were invited into affiliated baseball as the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, subsequently placed in the International League when it resumed historical names. Ownership transitions involved groups with connections to Zack Wheat (historic reference) and modern investors; community partnerships with the City of Saint Paul and local institutions influenced ballpark development and franchise continuity.
From 1993 through 2014 the Saints played at Midway Stadium, located in Saint Paul near Interstate 94 and the Midway district. Beginning in 2015 the team moved to CHS Field, a downtown riverfront ballpark adjacent to the Mississippi River and within walking distance of Union Depot (Saint Paul). CHS Field's construction involved partnerships with the City of Saint Paul and developers linked to municipal planning, and the venue hosts community events alongside Saints games. Training facilities have included local complexes and shared resources with area organizations, often coordinated with regional partners like Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institutions and youth baseball groups. Ballpark features mirror modern minor league trends found in venues associated with the Durham Bulls and Charlotte Knights, including premium seating, group spaces, and local concessions.
The Saints' visual identity combines classic and irreverent elements, echoing promotional approaches by Bill Veeck and theatrical stunts akin to entertainers like Harpo Marx and celebrities such as Bill Murray. Team colors and logos have evolved to reference Saint Paul civic symbols and Twin Cities imagery, with merchandise collaborations involving local retailers and designers. Mascots and on-field characters—parallel to mascots like "Rally Squirrel" phenomenon narratives and mascots such as Tommy Hawk—have been central to the Saints' family-friendly reputation. Promotional nights have featured appearances by sports figures like Joe Mauer and entertainers linked to Saturday Night Live alumni, reinforcing a cultural blend of sports and performance.
The Saints posted competitive records in the Northern League and American Association (2006–) with multiple playoff appearances, league championships, and individual season highlights resembling minor league success stories like the 2004 St. Paul Saints championship (example season). Following affiliation with the Minnesota Twins at the Triple-A level, the Saints' seasonal results have been tracked alongside divisional rivals from the International League and historic Triple-A clubs such as the Iowa Cubs and Omaha Storm Chasers. Statistical leaders and year-by-year standings reflect contributions from veterans and prospects, mirroring development pathways used by Major League Baseball organizations for player advancement.
The Saints roster and front office have included former major leaguers, future MLB players, and notable personalities. Alumni who played or worked with the club later connected to franchises like the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. Noteworthy figures associated with the Saints include on-field talent who advanced to Major League Baseball rosters, managers and coaches with backgrounds tied to Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball scouting, and celebrity co-owners from entertainment and sports circles such as Bill Murray, Curtis Granderson (example association), and investors from the Twin Cities business community. Executives and promotional directors drew inspiration from historic operators like Bill Veeck and collaborated with regional media outlets including the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Star Tribune.
The franchise has been a cultural institution in Saint Paul, partnering with organizations including the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, local schools, and charitable groups such as Habitat for Humanity and area food banks. Community outreach has included youth clinics, charity auctions, and themed nights that engaged local arts institutions like the Guthrie Theater and musical acts from the Twin Cities scene. The Saints' promotional creativity influenced independent baseball’s national profile, with media coverage by outlets such as ESPN, MLB Network, and the Associated Press amplifying the team's entertainment-first ethos. Saints events have been woven into regional tourism strategies alongside destinations like Minnesota State Capitol and Science Museum of Minnesota.
Individually and collectively, Saints players have earned honors including league MVPs, pitching awards, and postseason recognitions in the Northern League, American Association (2006–), and International League. The organization received accolades for attendance figures, promotional excellence, and community service, comparable to awards given by Minor League Baseball and civic entities like the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce. Statistical records encompass team single-season records for runs and wins, and career milestones achieved by alumni who later recorded milestones in Major League Baseball.
Category:Baseball teams established in 1993 Category:Sports in Saint Paul, Minnesota