Omaha Storm Chasers

The 2011 PCL champion Storm Chasers

After having been known as the Royals from their inaugural 1969 season through 1998, the team nickname was changed to the Omaha Golden Spikes in 1999. The name change was a reference to the Golden Spike driven at Promontory Summit, Utah, to celebrate the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. It was intended to celebrate the rich railroad tradition in Omaha, headquarters of the Union Pacific Railroad. The well-intentioned name change proved unpopular with many fans; after three seasons as the Golden Spikes, the Union Pacific sold their majority ownership and the nickname was returned to "Royals" for 2002.

Following the 2010 season, the Omaha Royals began the process of changing their nickname. Fans had the opportunity to submit their choice of nicknames, as well as vote on the finalists. The list of 24 fan-submitted names was whittled down to nine finalists through voting at the team's website, and the new name, "Storm Chasers," was revealed on November 15.

The first game under the Storm Chasers name was played on April 7, 2011, in Albuquerque, New Mexico against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Mike Montgomery started the game for the Storm Chasers and Clint Robinson hit a homerun in the top of the second inning, giving him the first hit, homerun, and RBI in the team's history as the Storm Chasers. The first win for the team came two days later when they took the third game of the series against the Isotopes, 10–4. Pitcher Kevin Pucetas got the win.

The home opener at Werner Park was to be on April 15, but was postponed due to rain. As such, the first Storm Chasers home game was on April 16 against the Nashville Sounds. David Lough recorded the first Chasers home hit and Mike Moustakas doubled in Eric Hosmer for the first RBI. The Storm Chasers won their home debut, 2–1. Danny Duffy started the game, but the win went to reliever Jesse Chavez. The first homerun at Werner wasn't hit until April 20, a two run shot by Mike Moustakas that again brought Eric Hosmer around to score.

In July 2015, the Storm Chasers hosted the Triple-A All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, the first time the events had been held in Omaha.[5] The International League defeated the PCL 4–3 and Norfolk's Dariel Álvarez won the Home Run Derby. The Storm Chasers were well represented at the game with three All-Star players in Cheslor Cuthbert, Louis Coleman, and John Lamb as well as trainer Dave Innicca and manager Brian Poldberg, who skippered the PCL team.[6] Another Omaha All-Star in 2015, outfielder José Martínez, led the league in on-base percentage (OBP, .461) that year[7] and broke the PCL batting record with a .384 average.[8]

The Storm Chasers have four uniform tops and three hats that they wear during the season. The uniforms are manufactured by Russell Athletic and the hats are made by New Era. Blue or black socks are worn high with all uniforms, per team policy. Player names are worn on the backs of the home white jerseys only.

The franchise has four retired numbers, three of which are also retired by the parent Kansas City Royals.

5 – George Brett: Played for the Omaha Royals in 1973–74, but is remembered most for his 21-year Hall of Fame Major League Baseball career, all with the Kansas City Royals. Brett was a 13-time all-star and 3-time batting champion as well as a Gold Glover, MVP, and World Series Champion.

10 – Dick Howser: Managed the Kansas City Royals from 1981–86, including guiding the team to two Western Division titles and the 1985 World Series title

20 – Frank White: Spent the first half of 1973 in Omaha, then got called up to the majors. He went on to spend his entire 18-year career with the Kansas City Royals, picking up 8 Gold Gloves and 5 all-star selections. He was part of the 1985 World Series team and was named the MVP of the 1980 ALCS.

23 – Mike Jirschele: Not only managed Omaha from 1995–97 and 2003–13, he also played for the team in 1988–89. His tenure as manager was the most successful in team history with five playoff berths, two Pacific Coast League titles, and a national championship. He accumulated 995 wins during his 14 seasons in Omaha.

The franchise has had several American Association (1969–1997) and Pacific Coast League (1998–present) award winners.

Most Valuable Player

• George Spriggs, 1970
• E. Manuel Castillo, 1981
• Luis De Los Santos, 1988
• Dwyane Hosey, 1994
• Chris Hatcher, 1998

Rookie of the Year

• James Wohlford, 1972
• Clint Hurdle, 1977
• Joe Vitiello, 1994
• Jeremy Giambi, 1998
• Mark Quinn, 1999

Most Valuable Pitcher

• Mark Littell, 1973
• Mark Huismann, 1985
• Luis Mendoza, 2011

Manager of the Year

• Jack McKeon, 1969, 1970
• Joe Sparks, 1981
• Sal Rende, 1990

PCL ERA Champions

• Les Walrond, 2004, 3.06 ERA (123.2 IP)
• Anthony Lerew, 2010, 2.55 ERA (123.1 IP)
• Luis Mendoza, 2011, 2.18 ERA (144.1 IP)

PCL Batting Champion

• Jeremy Giambi, 1998, .372
• Mark Quinn, 1999, .360
• Jose Martinez, 2015, .384 (PCL modern era record[9])

PCL Homerun Champion

• Chris Hatcher, 1998, 46

The following players were named to the Triple-A All-Star team as Storm Chasers.

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

• 1969–1985 – Kansas City Royals
• 1986–1991 – Irving "Gus" Cherry
• 1991–2001 – Union Pacific Railroad (majority owner), with Warren Buffett and Walter Scott as minority owners
• 2001–2006 – Matt Minker (majority owner), with Warren Buffett and Walter Scott as minority owners
• 2006–2012 – William (Bill) Shea (majority owner), with Warren Buffett and Walter Scott as minority owners
• 2012–present – Alliance Baseball LLC.; principal owners include Gary Green (Chief Executive Officer/Managing Owner), Larry Botel, Eric Foss, Brian Callaghan, Peter Huff, Evan Friend and Steve Alepa[10]

• Official website
• Statistics from Baseball-Reference
• Nebraska Minor League Baseball website