Triple-A Affiliate Unveils New Name: El Paso Chihuahuas

2013 Tucson Padres manager Pat Murphy talks with San Diego Padres manager Bud Black before a spring training game in March 2013. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Tucson Padres are now the El Paso Chihuahuas.  The official naming ceremony of San Diego’s Triple-A affiliate took place on October 22^nd.  El Paso, Texas will welcome the Chihuahuas with a brand new stadium currently under construction.  The new name has its critics, but the man who won the naming contest had good reasons for his choice.  For example, his wife owns a Chihuahua, and El Paso is located in the Chihuahuan Desert.  The logo will take a few different forms, but no doubt the angry Chihuahua swinging a bone will be an instant hit.

The Tucson Padres were originally the Portland Beavers, and planned to move to Escondido, CA after a temporary stay in Tucson.  The plan to move to Escondido fell apart, and the team remained in Tucson for three seasons as the search for a new home continued.  The MountainStar Sports Group bought the team in 2012, and the Chihuahuas will begin the 2014 season in El Paso, pending the construction of the new stadium.  There seems to be a buzz surrounding the new team, and we will make sure to follow the progress of the Chihuahuas as it relates to the big league squad.

Good blog following the Padres minor league system: http://theninosofthepadres.wordpress.com/

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