The Nine: The Early Years (1888-1971)

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. It’s named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946. The Albuquerque Isotopes will look back at the rich history of Black ballplayers in the Duke City by highlighting the Top Nine over various eras.

P/2B Bud Fowler – 1888

Bud Fowler played professional baseball all over the United States, usually only one year at a time due to the color of his skin. Fowler integrated baseball in New Mexico in 1888, playing for a team in Santa Fe, the only year of the New Mexico Baseball League, and also co-owned a barber shop at the Plaza. Historians estimate he played for more than a dozen leagues and Fowler himself said “22 different states and in Canada.” In 1909, the Berkshire Eagle wrote, “For 16 years he was a pitcher and for 12 years a second baseman, and he never wore a glove, taking everything that came his way with bare hands. He was considered the equal of any man who ever covered the position.” Fowler will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2022.

1B/C/OF Bill Pettus – 1902-03, 1906

Bill Pettus skirted the so-called “gentlemen’s agreement” for many years, playing baseball in 1902 and 1903 in Albuquerque, the only Black player on an otherwise all-White team. Pettus was manager and team captain in 1905 for a team made up of 10 Mexicans and 2 Blacks. They went 48-1 that season. After a year as the only Black player on teams in Oakland and San Francisco, Pettus returned to Albuquerque in 1906. He caught for the Santa Fe Salmon Grays in 1907. Pettus also made money boxing and working the coal mines near Madrid, NM. He accumulated a .330 lifetime batting average over 12 years in the Negro Leagues for teams in Kansas City, Brooklyn, New York and Philadelphia.

OF/1B William Guice – 1953-54

William Lee “Bill” Guice attended high school in Alabama, where was a three-sport star, and served four years in the Air Force. Guice was one of three Black players on the 1953 pennant-winning Albuquerque Dukes team. Guice was unstoppable, compiling a .351 batting average, 32 doubles, 18 triples, 23 home runs and 145 RBIs in 139 games. He slugged .602, posted a 1010 OPS and was a West Texas-NM League All Star. The Chicago Cubs purchased his contract after the season and he played two more years in the minors, but a career-ending knee injury forced him to retire. Guice and his wife, Gladys, moved to Limo, Ohio. He worked the rest of his life at General Motors and the Teledyne Ohio Steel Foundry, and remained an active ballplayer and bowling in community leagues.

1B/OF Herbert Simpson – 1952-54

One of the biggest trailblazers for integrating baseball in the West, Herbert Harold “Briefcase” Simpson was one of the last links to Negro League Baseball when he died in 2015. Simpson integrated the Class-A Western International League in 1952, when he played at Spokane, then integrated the Class-C West Texas-New Mexico League when his contract was sold to the Dukes. Simpson played three years in Albuquerque and was one of the most popular players. His best season was 1953, when he slashed .372/.475/.563, as the Dukes won the league title. Dukes owner Cy Fausett invited Simpson to marry his high school sweetheart, Sophie Harris, at home plate before a game at Tingley Field in 1954. When Simpson injured his right ankle, the Dukes donated 10 percent of the proceeds from a game to help offset his medical bills.

LHP Grover Blacksher – 1953-54

A few days after graduating from El Cerrito High in Northern California, pitcher Grover Blacksher was signed by the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League and assigned to the Albuquerque Dukes in the West Texas-NM League. At age 18, Blacksher nearly threw a no-hitter for the Dukes on Sept. 13, 1953, giving up one hit in the eighth inning of a 5-0 win over Lubbock. That was Game 2 of the playoff series against Lubbock. Two weeks later, Blacksher was on the mound for the pennant-clinching victory over Clovis. A diminutive lefty who was listed at 5’7, 150 pounds, Blacksher was a consistent pitcher for the Dukes for two seasons.

RHP Reggie Lee – 1956

The Dukes were affiliated with the New York Giants in 1956 and played in the Class-A Western League. One of their pitchers was born James Reginald Lee in 1933 in Philadelphia. As a player, he went by Reggie Lee and he was a workhorse for the Dukes. Lee started 25 games and went the distance 10 times. Lee compiled an 11-9 record and 4.14 ERA. In an era when strikeouts were rare, Lee whiffed 183 batters in 176 innings (and also walked 115). Lee also hit one home run. Lee played two more seasons of minor league baseball before his professional playing career ended.

OF Willie Crawford – 1966-67

Los Angeles native Willie Crawford was clocked at 9.7 seconds in the 100-yard dash, making him a highly recruited running back for college. But two days after graduating from high school in 1963, Crawford signed with the Dodgers for $100,000. This was before the draft and the “Bonus Baby Rule” meant that Crawford had to spend time in the majors immediately, so Crawford make his debut at age 17 in 1964, and got a pinch-hit single in the 1965 World Series. Crawford played for Double-A Albuquerque in 1966 and 1967. The latter year he led the team to a first-place finish. Crawford was sixth in average (.305), seventh in homers (21) and eighth in OPS (888). He played 14 years in the major leagues and was a starting outfielder on the Dodgers 1974 World Series team.

RHP Leon Everitt – 1967

In an era before pitch counts and innings were monitored closely for young pitchers, Leon Everitt had the type of season in 1967 that would never occur now. At age 20, in his second full season of pro ball, Everitt made 30 starts, went the distance 16 times, tossed two shutouts, and compiled 222 innings. Everitt was 15-13 with a 3.45 ERA, and the Dodgers thought so highly of him, he was included on their roster for a Goodwill Tour to Japan that offseason. McBean reached the majors in 1969 with the expansion San Diego Padres, where he pitched in five games, but that proved to the final season of his career.

OF Von Joshua – 1968, 1972, 1988-92

Von Joshua crosses over a lot of significant markers in the Duke City’s baseball history. In 1968, he played for the Double-A Albuquerque Dodgers in the final season at Tingley Field. In 1972, he played for the Albuquerque Dukes in the first season as a Triple-A affiliate. Joshua won the PCL batting title that year with a .337 average, while adding 47 extra-base hits and 17 stolen bases. He played 10 years in the major leagues, then turned to coaching, and returned to Albuquerque again as the Dukes hitting coach from 1988-92. Joshua was inducted into the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Other The Nine Articles:

The Nine: Isotopes Era (2003-Current)

The Nine: Triple-A Dukes Era (1972-2000)

The Nine – Triple-A Dukes Era (1972-2000)

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. It’s named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946. The Albuquerque Isotopes will look back at the rich history of Black ballplayers in the Duke City by highlighting the Top Nine over various eras.

2B Davey Lopes — 1972

Known as part of “The Infield” that was together from 1973-81, Davey Lopes actually started his pro career as an outfielder. Lopes was already 27 years old when he made his Major League Debut, but still played 16 years through his age-42 season. On the 1972 Dukes, Lopes showed the skills that would define his career: .317 batting average, .411 on-base percentage and 48-of-58 stolen bases. Lopes was a four-time All Star, received the most votes of any player for the 1980 All-Star Game, won a Gold Glove, led the league in stolen bases twice, stole 38-straight bases, and was successful on 83% of his career steal attempts.

OF Larry Hisle — 1972

The 1972 Dukes team is one of the best in minor league baseball history, and Hisle was arguably the best player on it. Hisle batted .325 with 23 home runs, 91 RBI and 20 stolen bases over 131 games. That season in Albuquerque was three years _after _Hisley had finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting and it resurrected his career. Hisle was a two-time All Star with the Twins, leading the league with 119 RBIs in 1977 and mashing 34 home runs the year after. Hisle also owns the unique distinction of being the first designated hitter of a spring training game, in 1973, when he connected on two home runs. As a coach with the Blue Jays, he won World Series titles in 1992 and 1993.

OF Jeffrey Leonard – 1976, 1978

A three-sport star at Overbrook High, Jeffrey “HacMan” Leonard had 60 scholarship offers to play college football and five for basketball, but chose pro baseball even though he wasn’t drafted. Leonard made a mockery of PCL pitching in 1978, slashing .365/.443/.532 with 48 extra-base hits, 93 RBIs and 36 stolen bases. With a crowded outfield, the Dodgers traded Leonard to the Astros and he was the runner-up Rookie of the Year in 1979. Leonard is most remembered for his years with the Giants, when he went from Jeff to Jeffrey, reached his first All-Star Game, became known for his “one-flap down” home run trot, and won the 1987 NLCS Most Valuable Player award, even though his team lost the series.

RHP Dave Stewart – 1977, 1979-80

Known for his “Death Stare” on the mound, Stewart spent the entire 1979 and 1980 seasons with the Dukes. He nearly won the pitchers Triple Crown in 1980, leading the league in innings with a staggering 202, tied for the league lead with 15 wins, and finished second with 125 strikeouts. Stewart won 20 or more games in four straight years for his hometown Oakland A’s from 1987-90 and tossed a no-hitter. But he was most known for his postseason dominance, making 18 starts, posting a 2.84 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and winning the MVP three times (1989 World Series, 1990 ALCS and 1993 ALCS). Stewart has worked as a coach, general manager, agent and TV analyst after his playing career ended.

OF Mike Devereaux — 1988

Coming out of powerhouse Arizona State, Mike Devereaux was already a five-tool prospect and his 1988 season with the Dukes vaulted him to one of the best prospects in the sport. Devereaux batted .340, hit 13 home runs en route to a .513 slugging percentage, stole 33 bases and played outstanding center field for the Dukes. But the Dodgers needed pitching, so he was traded to the Orioles for right-hander Mike Morgan. It took Deveraux a few years to get established, then he finished seventh in MVP voting in 1992 with 24 home runs and 107 RBIs. Devereaux won a World Series with the Braves in 1995 and was the MVP of the NLCS. In all, Devereaux played 12 years in the majors and is a member of the Orioles Hall of Fame.

RHP Ken Howell – 1983-84, 1987-88

Whatever role was needed, Ken Howell filled it. He was a swingman for the Dukes in 1984, starting nine games, relieving in nine games, winning eight, finishing seven, and going the distance three times. Howell saved a combined 24 games for the Dodgers in his initial two years in the majors, before a trade to the Phillies and a switch back to the starting rotation. Howell returned to the Dodgers organization in 1988 and posted a dominant 10-1 record with a 3.27 ERA with the Dukes. Howell was a coach for the Dodgers in the majors and minors, and instrumental in the conversion of Kenley Jansen from catcher to pitcher. Diagnosed with diabetes, Howell brought attention to the disease, before passing away in 2018 at age 57.

INF Eric Young, Sr. – 1991-92

Despite being a 43rd round draft pick, Eric Young reached the major leagues and stayed there for 15 seasons. Young’s final year in the minors was in 1992 with the Dukes, when he walked more times (33) than he struck out (18), compiled a .337 batting average and stole 28 bases. Young was a Dodger then, but his connections to the Rockies are stronger. Selected in the expansion draft, Young hit a leadoff home run in the Rockies first home game in 1993, was an instrumental member of their 1995 playoff team, and his son Eric Junior played for the Rockies as well. Senior won a World Series as a member of the Braves coaching staff in 2021.

OF Darryl Strawberry – 1993

Darryl Strawberry went 10 years between appearances in the minor leagues, from his final game as a top prospect with Triple-A Tidewater in 1983, until starting a rehab assignment for the Dukes in 1993. Strawberry was returning from a back injury that only allowed him to play 32 games that year for the Dodgers. He signed autographs for seemingly everyone in Albuquerque and talked to reporters frequently during his rehab assignment. Strawberry went 6-for-19 with two doubles, a home run and two RBIs in five games for the Dukes. Strawberry played 17 years in the major league, was selected to eight All-Star Games, won World Series titles with the Mets in 1986 and the Yankees in 1996 and 1999.

1B Eddie Murray — 1997

Eddie Murray thought his playing career was over when the Angels released him on August 14, 1997. But six days later, after a call from Dodgers General Manager Fred Claire, Murray was at the Albuquerque Sports Stadium, wearing a Dukes uniform and talking to reporters. The 41-year-old Murray played nine games for the Dukes, batted .308, hit a pair of home runs, then the Dodgers brought him back to the major leagues to conclude his Hall of Fame career. Murray was an eight-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award winner, won the 1977 Rookie of the Year, finished in the Top 6 of MVP voting seven times, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

Check back to www.abqisotopes.com throughout February as we celebrate the most prominent Black players in the Duke City’s history from the Isotopes era (2003-current), the Dukes Triple-A era (1972-2000), and the Early Years (1888-1971).

The Nine: Isotopes Era (2003-Current)

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. It’s named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946. The Albuquerque Isotopes will look back at the rich history of Black ballplayers in the Duke City by highlighting the Top Nine over various eras.

1B Ryan Howard — 2017

When news broke that Ryan Howard was attempting a comeback, that he signed with the Colorado Rockies, and was assigned to Triple-A Albuquerque, the initial thought was disbelief. Really? The three-time All-Star first baseman, the 2005 Rookie of the Year, the 2006 Most Valuable Player, the slugger with 382 home runs is really coming to the Isotopes? Yes, it was true. Howard made his Isotopes debut on August 13, 2017. He played in 16 games over the last three weeks, and while his batting average was only .192, seven of his 10 hits were for extra bases, including a walk-off home run to defeat Reno on August 30.

Manager Glenallen Hill – 2015-19

Once or twice a year, Glenallen Hill stepped into the batting cage at Isotopes Park, and with an effortless swing, launched balls out of the ballpark and into the CNM Parking Lot. It was a reminder of the feared slugger who blasted 182 home runs over 13 years in the majors, including one onto the Rooftops across the street from Wrigley Field. Hill’s job with the Isotopes was manager, however, and his calm demeanor was appreciated by Triple-A players whose careers are often at a crossroads. Hill nearly guided the Isotopes into the playoffs in 2016 and 2017, and always had a knack for finding a creative way to tell players they were going to The Show.

Hitting Coach Franklin Stubbs – 1983-85, 2013-14

The baseball life of Franklin Stubbs went full circle when the Dodgers made him their hitting coach at Triple-A Albuquerque for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. As a player, Stubbs was a former first-round pick by the Dodgers in 1982 and played parts of three seasons with the Dukes from 1983-85. Stubbs etched his name into the baseball history books on June 2, 1983, when he hit four home runs in one game at the old Albuquerque Sports Stadium. After his playing career ended, Stubbs took to mentoring younger players as a coach. Stubbs’ star pupil in 2014 was Joc Pederson, the Pacific Coast League’s Most Valuable Player.

1B John Lindsey – 2010

“Big John” was a baseball lifer who played 21 seasons of professional baseball, appearing in 2,277 games and accumulating 9,213 plate appearances. His best season came in 2010, at age 33, when Lindsey slashed .353/.400/.657 for the Isotopes. Lindsey just missed a batting title by percentage points, but that .353 average remains the best in Isotopes history. Lindsey added 41 doubles and 25 home runs, drove in 97 RBIs, and was rewarded with his only callup to the Major Leagues in September. The only thing bigger than Lindsey’s potent bat was his constant smile. Isotopes fans voted him their “Fan Favorite” by the end of the season.

OF Trayvon Robinson – 2011, 2014

It seemed like destiny that Trayvon Robinson would play for the Dodgers organization. He attended Crenshaw High in Los Angeles, the same as Darryl Strawberry. His last name was the same as Jackie, the trailblazer whose uniform is retired by all MLB teams. The Dodgers selected Trayvon in the 10th round and his five-tool prowess was on display in 2011, when he was selected to the PCL All-Star Game, hit 26 home runs, drove in 71 runs, compiled a .938 OPS and elegantly chased down flyballs in the spacious Isotopes Park outfield. Robinson returned to the Topes in 2014 and was ecstatic to catch the ceremonial first pitch thrown by Petie Gibson, the grandson of Hall of Famer Josh Gibson, on Negro League Tribute Night.

OF Tony Gwynn, Jr. – 2012-13

The first time Tony Gwynn Jr. played at Isotopes Park was during his collegiate years at San Diego State, when his Hall of Fame father was the head coach. Tony has another family connection to the Duke City. His uncle, Chris Gwynn, played for the Dukes from 1987-89. As a Topes player, Tony left his biggest mark in Albuquerque during Game Four of the 2012 playoffs, when the Topes trailed, 10-3, in the seventh inning and were facing elimination. Gwynn’s go-ahead, three-run homer capped a nine-run rally that sent the ballpark into delirium. Gwynn hit an even .300 in 2013, and compiled a .393 on-base percentage, with his discerning eye. But fans also recall the numerous catches Gwynn made on the unique “Topes Slope” in center field.

CF Matt Kemp – 2012-13

Some rehab assignments are more famous than others. When Kemp came to Albuquerque in 2012, he was coming off a runner-up finish in the Most Valuable Player voting, a Gold Glove award in center field, a Silver Slugger, and he’d come tantalizingly close to joining the “40/40 Club” with 39 home runs and 40 stolen bases. On May 27-28, Kemp put on a show, going a combined 5-for-7 with a home run in each game and five RBIs. He returned later in 2012 and again in 2013 on rehab assignments, adding demand at the box office and electricity in the stands.

SS/2B Dee Strange-Gordon – 2011-13

Before he was a two-time All Star, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner in the Major Leagues, Gordon terrorized Topes opponents with his speed and hand-eye coordination for the Isotopes. He first arrived at Triple-A in 2011 as a shortstop, hit .333, scored an astounding 51 runs in 70 games, and was successful on 30-of-34 stolen bases, a pace of 118 runs and 69 steals for a 162-game season. After the Dodgers traded for Hanley Ramirez, Gordon was back with the Topes late in the 2012 season and helped them reach the playoffs. Then, in 2013, Gordon made the successful conversion to second base, led the league with 49 stolen bases, and compiled a 20-game hitting streak before returning to the majors for good.

OF Wynton Bernard – 2021

Even before he arrived in Albuquerque, outfielder Wynton Bernard knew all about the city, the food, and the sports facilities. His older brother, Walter, was all All-Conference defensive back for the University of New Mexico football team, and family outings to the Duke City were a regular occurrence. On the diamond, Bernard joined Lindsey and Robinson in getting selected “Fan Favorite” by Isotopes fans in 2021. Bernard wowed fans with his speed, once scoring a game winner on a shallow flyball to left field once, and scored from second base on a groundout to the pitcher. The highlight was making a circus catch, falling down on The Hill in center field, then waving and blowing kisses to the fans while still seated.

https://www.krqe.com/sports/local-sports/isotopes-outfielder-wynton-bernard-has-childhood-ties-to-lobo-football/

Check back to www.abqisotopes.com throughout February as we celebrate the most prominent Black players in the Duke City’s history from the Isotopes era (2003-current), the Dukes Triple-A era (1972-2000) and the Early Years (1888-1971)

Isotopes Annual Job Fair Goes Online

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

The Albuquerque Isotopes, along with Spectra Hospitality, are currently accepting applications for dozens of jobs that are available for the upcoming season. These positions are the seasonal, game day opportunities needed to operate New Mexico’s premier family entertainment venue for approximately 100 Isotopes games, soccer matches and other events at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.

The application process will be done exclusively online this year, with specific instructions available on the Isotopes’ website.

The Isotopes and Spectra, the stadium food services provider, will be accepting applications for a variety of exciting positions. The following openings will be available:

ISOTOPES POSITIONS

Access Controller

Bag Checker/Gate Greeter

Bat Boy/Clubhouse Assistant

Cleaning Staff

Fun Zone Attendant

Grounds Crew (Game Day)

Groundskeeper (Full-Time Seasonal)

Metal Detector/Divestor

Music Operator

Parking Attendant

Pro Shop Attendant

Promo Crew

Security

Ticket Seller

Ticket Taker

Usher

Videoboard Operator

SPECTRA FOOD SERVICES POSITIONS

Bartender

Cashier

Catering Runner

Catering Supervisor

Concession Stand Leader

Concession Supervisor

Cook

Dishwasher

Prep Cook

Security Personnel

Warehouse Worker

Job seekers can expect game day positions to run from mid-March through mid-October, depending on the position.

Isotopes Team Up With Enlace Comunitario For “Homers That Help”

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (home and road), during the Triple-A Final Stretch of the last 10 games of the season, Major League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local charity selected by each team. The club with the most home runs over the 10-game span will generate an additional $5,000 donation for their charity.

The Albuquerque Isotopes have chosen Enlace Comunitario to be the beneficiary of the “Homers That Help” initiative. The mission of Enlace Comunitario is to transform the lives of individuals and their families experiencing domestic violence by working to decrease gender inequity and intimate partner violence in the Latinx immigrant community in Central New Mexico.

The Isotopes’ “Final Stretch” begins tonight as they host Reno at 6:35 p.m. to launch their final homestand of the season. The team finishes the regular season with five games at Sacramento from September 29-October 3.

Concessionaire to Hold Job Fair this Thursday, June 10

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Spectra Food Services and Hospitality, the exclusive concessionaire at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, will be holding a job fair this Thursday afternoon, June 10, from 4-7 p.m.

Spectra is looking to fill more than 50 game-day positions, with some of jobs being fill on-the-spot.

Applicants should bring a resume, photo ID, Social Security card and proof of alcohol certification if applicable.

Those interviewing can apply for a wide range of positions, including:

– Suite attendants

– Hospitality attendants

– Food Runners

– Dishwashers

– Bartenders

– Spectra Security

– Cooks

Applications can be completed in advance to help expedite the process. Applications can be downloaded here.

New Mexico Department of Health & Albuquerque Isotopes Offer COVID-19 Vaccinations

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Fans receiving their first or second shot will receive 2021 Isotopes tickets

 

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the Albuquerque Isotopes have announced a partnership to hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the Isotopes six-game homestand beginning today, June 3 and running through Tuesday, June 8.

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held on the concourse at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park during each of the six games during the homestand. Fans who want to receive the vaccine can do so from the time the gates open until approximately the fifth inning of each game. Specifically, the schedule is as follows:

Thursday, June 3
Gates open at 5:30 PM
Game scheduled to start at 6:35 PM

Friday, June 4
Gates open at 5:30 PM
Game scheduled to start at 6:35 PM

Saturday, June 5
Gates open at 5:30 PM
Game scheduled to start at 6:35 PM

Sunday, June 6
Gates open at 5:00 PM
Game scheduled to start at 6:05 PM

Monday, June 7
Gates open at 5:30 PM
Game scheduled to start at 6:35 PM

Tuesday, June 8
Gates open at 11:00 AM
Game scheduled to start at 12:05 PM

The NMDOH will be dispensing the Pfizer vaccine, including the booster, to anyone 12 and older who hasn’t yet received their vaccine. There is no registration required, however fans can schedule an appointment by visiting VaccineNM.org and using the special event code Isotopes3 for June 3, Isotopes4 for June 4, Isotopes for June 5, Isotopes6 for June 6, Isotopes7 for June 7, and Isotopes8 for June 8.

Individuals who receive a shot will be given two (2) Reserved Level ticket vouchers for any remaining 2021 Albuquerque Isotopes game, excluding July 4, based on ticket availability.

Fan vaccinations – like all COVID-19 vaccinations – are free of charge and are being made available on a walk-up basis. Attendees who receive their first COVID-19 vaccination at one of these events can then schedule a follow-up appointment to receive their second vaccination at a later date with any provider.

For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit https://cv.nmhealth.org/. Also, protect yourself and your family by activating NMNotify, the state’s COVID-19 exposure notification system, on your Android or iPhone. For instructions visit https://NMNotify.com.

For tickets and information about the Isotopes, please visit abqisotopes.com.

NMDOH

Matt Bieber, Communications Director | [email protected] | (505) 470-2290

The Department of Health works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, DOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 23 Native American tribes, Pueblos and nations.

Concessionaire Now Hiring for 2021 Season

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Spectra Food Services & Hospitality, exclusive concessionaire of the Albuquerque Isotopes, is now hiring for the 2021 season. Over 100 jobs will be available covering a wide range of event-day, part-time, seasonal positions at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.

“Spectra is very excited to be able to offer over one hundred jobs back to the Albuquerque community,” said Spectra General Manager Boris Revilla. “We are looking forward to our continued partnership with the Isotopes and welcoming back returning and new workers to RGCU Field at Isotopes Park in 2021.”

Interested applicants can submit their resumes to Boris Revilla at [email protected] or mail resumes and applications to:

Spectra Food Services & Hospitality

Attn: Boris Revilla

1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE

Albuquerque, NM 87106

The interview process will be done virtually via video interviews. All of the information, including downloadable applications will be available on the Isotopes social media platforms (@abqtopes).

Available positions include:

Banquet attendants

Bartenders

Cashiers

Concession workers

Cooks

Dishwashers

Supervisors

Warehouse workers

*DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE*

Mariachis Jersey Auction to Benefit AHCC Education Excellence Scholarships

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Albuquerque Isotopes announced today an online jersey auction to benefit the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) Foundation’s Education Excellence Scholarships program.

The auction will be held exclusively online at abqisotopes.com. Bidding will start this Sunday at 5:00 pm and will conclude at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 22.

In addition to the players’ autographed, game-worn jerseys, two other items will be up for auction; a team-signed Mariachis de Nuevo México jersey and a unique Coco-themed, team-signed guitar.

Members of the AHCC’s own Board of Directors collectively raised $2000 to purchase the first Mariachis jersey, which will be on display inside the Chamber’s board room.

“The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation does phenomenal work and provides terrific services and opportunities to students through these scholarships,” said Isotopes Vice President / General Manager John Traub. “Like all great causes, this program needs funding, and that’s what we hope to do through this auction.”

“John Traub said it best when he said that Mariachi is the soundtrack to our lives,”

said AHCC Vice President Jim Garcia. “We appreciate our partnership with the Mariachis de Nuevo México and are grateful that they have chosen to give back to our community with this generous gift to our Foundation.”

The AHCC Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which support, benefit or carry out the purposes of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

AHCC’s Education Excellence Scholarships program strives to empower future leaders by providing an average of 100 students annually with college access, financial aid awareness and scholarships.

BIDDING LINK WILL BE POSTED SOON

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Isotopes, Cumulus Media to hold “Pack the Van” Clothing Caravan

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Albuquerque Isotopes and Cumulus Media Albuquerque are partnering to help Locker #505 provide clothing to Bernalillo County students in grades K-12 in need.

The “Pack the Van” Clothing Caravan’s goal is to collect new or gently used clothing for the Locker #505 program. There is a need for clothing in a variety of sizes for children in grades K-12, with an emphasis on hoodies, winter gloves, winter coats, winter hats and new socks. Donations for the Caravan will be accepted from Feb. 20 through Mar. 2. The Clothing Caravan of Isotopes and Cumulus vans to Locker #505 will take place on Saturday, Mar. 3.

“Our eight radio stations are dedicated to serving New Mexico,” said Cumulus Albuquerque Market Managers Jeff Berry. “We’re proud to work with our long-time partner, the Albuquerque Isotopes and Locker #505, whose mission is so noble and critical in helping clothe the students of Bernalillo County.”

Isotopes Vice President and General Manager John Traub stated, “This is a great opportunity for everyone to help the kids of our community. We look forward to working with Cumulus over the next two weeks, bringing in as much clothing as possible for the youth of Albuquerque.”

Donations can be dropped off at Isotopes Park or at a number of Cumulus radio remotes throughout Albuquerque over the Caravan’s two week duration. Collection sites for “Pack the Van” include Isotopes Park (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) and the Burlington Coat Factory East and West side locations on Feb. 23 and Mar. 2, 4pm – 6pm.

Locker #505 is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has established a student-focused facility where children can try on and choose outfits that they feel good about wearing. Having appropriate school clothing allows children to concentrate on their school work, not their clothing. It also helps keep children, who might not go to class because of their clothes, stay in school.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

APD Officer Golson To Throw Out First Pitch

Golson Is Recovering From Being Shot In The Line Of Duty January 3

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Albuquerque-IsotopesAlbuquerque Police Officer Lou Golson is scheduled to throw out the first pitch for the Albuquerque Isotopes on Opening Night, April 9, when the Isotopes host the Reno Aces at 6:35 p.m.

Officer Golson was shot four times on January 3 when he initiated a traffic stop for a suspected DWI. Upon Golson approaching the vehicle, the driver flung open his door and fired five shots at Golson, striking him four times. He was shot in the leg, breaking his left femur, while another bullet penetrated his bulletproof vest. He also broke his wrist when he fell to the pavement.

Golson returned fire as the suspect fled the scene and maintained his composure to call for help on his radio. Golson was able to accurately identify the suspect, and the suspect was apprehended a few days later.

“We are honored to have Officer Golson joining us for Opening Night,” Isotopes General Manager John Traub said. “He has been making a remarkable recovery since being shot in the line of duty earlier this year, and we’re thrilled he will be able to throw out the first pitch of the 2015 season. We are very thankful for his service to the community as well as the service of all of our military members and public safety officers.”

A 31-year veteran of the Albuquerque Police Department, Golson also served in the Armed Forces in many different capacities. He’s worked a variety of beats at APD, including traffic and SWAT, but recently volunteered to return to DWI Patrol. He was also honored by MADD as a hero awardee on November 8.

Mayor Richard J. Berry, Colorado Rockies Senior Director of Player Development Zach Wilson and Isotopes President Ken Young are also scheduled to be on hand for the Opening Night festivities.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Donate $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House

“Dodger Blue” Jerseys Benefit Domestic Violence Shelter

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Albuquerque-IsotopesThe Albuquerque Isotopes presented a check in the amount of $3,996.14 to S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter on Tuesday, November 18th with funds raised from the “Dodger Blue” weekend jersey auction.

This money is invaluable to us,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. “We will use it help residents register for day care, buy gas so a survivor can continue to get to work, or pay for a child’s birthday cake. Many, many thanks to the Isotopes organization and to all of their fans for making this possible.”

SAFE-HouseIn recognition of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Isotopes held an online auction from October 17-24 for their “Dodger Blue” jerseys, many of which were game-worn. Bids were received nationwide with Alex Guerrero garnering the highest overall bid at nearly $220. Although most of the bids were from New Mexico, winning bids were also received from Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Utah and Wisconsin.

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey featured “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve.

“S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we hope that this donation will help fulfill their mission,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes. “Michele and her staff do a tremendous job to help heal wounds of families and raise awareness for domestic violence in Albuquerque.”

S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter aims to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and to improve the way New Mexico responds to domestic violence. S.A.F.E. House strives for a community that is free from all forms of oppression and violence and serves more than 1,000 families through our doors annually. S.A.F.E. House provides programming aimed at healing the wounds, breaking the cycle, and improving the lives of families in our community. More information about S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter can be found at http://www.safehousenm.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Support Operation Christmas Child

Toy Drive at Isotopes Park Pro Shop This Saturday

Albuquerque-IsotopesAlbuquerque Isotopes fans are invited to join Orbit this Saturday at the Isotopes Park Pro Shop from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. as the Isotopes will be hosting an Operation Christmas Child toy drive, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind that uses gift-filled shoeboxes to share God’s love in a tangible way with needy children around the world.

Fans are encouraged to bring either a packed shoebox or “shoebox sized” toy (such as a stuffed animal) for donation to Operation Christmas Child. Gifts can include toys, school supplies, non-liquid hygiene items, accessories and a personal note. A $7 donation is needed to help cover the shipping cost for each box. Additional details on how to pack your shoebox can be found at samaritanspurse.org.

“ThisSamaritans-Purse-Operation-Christmas-Child is a great organization and a great event that is able to provide a little bit of Christmas to children around the world,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Isotopes. “We are thrilled to be able to open our Pro Shop for a great cause like this and invite our fans to contribute.”

Orbit will be on hand to welcome guests and select prizes will be given away throughout the day. The Isotopes Pro Shop will open exclusively for this event from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has collected and delivered more than 113 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 150 countries through Operation Christmas Child. In 2014, Samaritan’s Purse hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 10 million children through the Operation Christmas Child project. Shoebox gifts are collected in the United States, Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. More than 500,000 volunteers worldwide, with more than 100,000 of those in the United States, are involved in collecting, shipping, and distributing shoebox gifts.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Auction Off “Dodger Blue” Jerseys

Weekend Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter

Weekend "Dodger Blue" Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter.
Weekend “Dodger Blue” Jerseys To Benefit S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter.

Albuquerque-IsotopesIn recognition of “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the Albuquerque Isotopes will be auctioning off authentic “Dodger Blue” weekend jerseys with net proceeds benefiting S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter. More than 40 game-worn jerseys featuring player nameplates will be auctioned off exclusively online, and an additional 26 authentic jerseys without nameplates will be auctioned.

SAFE-House“With October being domestic violence awareness month, we saw this as a great opportunity to provide a unique, game-used item to our fans and give something back to the community,” said John Traub, General Manager of the Isotopes. “S.A.F.E. House does great work in our community, and we are honored to be able to donate funds to help them fulfill their mission.”

The auction will begin Friday, October 17th, at noon MT and run through Friday, October 24, at noon MT. To bid on a jersey, visit http://isotopes.milbauctions.com. Opening bids for game-worn jerseys with nameplates will start at $180, while other authentic jerseys without a nameplate will begin at $150. Each jersey will also be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity.

“We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the Isotopes over the last several years,” said Michele Fuller, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House. “The jersey auction is an exceptional event because it demonstrates both their awareness of domestic violence and their commitment to helping end that violence in our community.”

Traditionally donned by Albuquerque during weekend home games, the jersey features “Isotopes” script lettering across the front with the Topes’ “A” logo on the right sleeve and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “LA” logo on the left sleeve (see photo attached).

S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter aims to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and to improve the way New Mexico responds to domestic violence. S.A.F.E. House strives for a community that is free from all forms of oppression and violence and serves more than 1,000 families through our doors annually. S.A.F.E. House provides programming aimed at healing the wounds, breaking the cycle, and improving the lives of families in our community. More information about S.A.F.E. House Domestic Violence Shelter can be found at http://www.safehousenm.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.

Isotopes Raise More than $7,000 to Strike Out Cancer

Net Proceeds of Breast Cancer Awareness Homestand to Benefit Susan G. Koman of Central New Mexico

The Albuquerque Isotopes raised more than $7,000 during their Breast Cancer Awareness homestand that took place from July 26-29. In support of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, the Isotopes wore special pink jerseys each game of the series which were then signed and auctioned off to benefit Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico in their fight to strike out cancer.

The top selling item in the live auction was Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp’s game-worn Isotopes jersey for $725, while the item with the highest bid in the three-day silent auction was Justin Sellers’ game-worn pink Isotopes jersey, which went for $465. The four-game homestand included ceremonial first pitches honoring breast cancer survivors, various organizations providing information to fans and a Mammogram Van provided by Lovelace Health Systems on site.

The net proceeds from the silent and live auctions totaled $7,006.40 and will benefit Susan G. Komen of Central New Mexico.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Albuquerque Isotopes. Click here to view the original story.