Visalia Oaks

MiLB infobox
name = Visalia Oaks
founded = 1946
city = Visalia, California
misc =

uniform
class level = High Class-A
past class level=
current league = California League
conference =
division = North Division
past league =
majorleague = Arizona Diamondbacks (2007–present)
* Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2005-2006)
* Colorado Rockies (2003-2004, 1993-1994)
* Oakland Athletics (1997-2002, 1960-1961)
* Co-op (1995-1996)
* Minnesota Twins (1977-1992)
* New York Mets (1968-1975)
* Chicago White Sox (1962)
* Cincinnati Reds (1957-1959)
* Chicago Cubs (1946-1952)
pastmajorleague =
nickname = Visalia Oaks (1977-1992, 1995-present)
* Central Valley Rockies (1993-1994)
* Visalia Mets (1968-1975)
* Visalia White Sox (1962)
* Visalia Athletics (1960-1961)
* Visalia Redlegs (1957-1959)
* Visalia Cubs (1954-1956, 1946-1952)
* Visalia Stars (1953)
pastnames =
ballpark = Recreation Park
pastparks =
leaguechamps = 2 (1971, 1978)
divisionchamps =
misc6 =
owner = Top of the Third Sports LLC
manager = Mike Bell
gm = Tom Seidler

The Visalia Oaks are a minor league baseball team in Visalia, California, U.S. They are a "high-A" class team of the Arizona Diamondbacks operating in the California League, and have recently agreed to renew their affiliation through 2010.

The Oaks play home games at Recreation Park; opened in 1967, the stadium seats 1,800 fans. The city of Visalia agreed in the summer of 2006 to a multimillion dollar renovation of Recreation Park with the condition that a 10 year lease was signed by the Visalia Oaks.

The current team owner desires to change the team name and mascot to a more "marketable" one. Recently, fans have began submitting ideas and opinions on the change. The Visalia Times-Delta has reported that the new name and mascot will most likely reflect the local agricultural lifestyle.

Mascot

The Visalia Oaks mascot is a squirrel named Chatter. Chatter was introduced in the early 1990's after the team changed their name back to the Oaks from the Central Valley Rockies. Chatter has since changed his appearance to today's more cartoonish look. Many fans question as to where exactly Chatter's tail has gone, as he has not appeared in public with it for some time Fact|date=March 2008.

Major League Affiliates

The Oaks have been affiliated with numerous Major League franchises. The most recent are the Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, Oakland A's, Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Radio Broadcast

The Oaks are heard terrestrially on KJUG AM 1270, and over the internet through their website in association with MILB.com. Dan Besbris and Donny Baarns are the Oaks' play-by-play voices.

Alumni

* Rod Barajas
* Ángel Berroa
* Eric Byrnes
* Eric Chavez
* Jeff DaVanon
* Estéban Germán
* Franklyn Germán
* Eddie Guardado
* Rich Harden
* Ramón Hernández
* Kent Hrbek
* Evan Longoria
* Lee Mazzilli
* David Newhan
* Neifi Perez
* Vada Pinson
* Kirby Puckett
* Dave Roberts
* Max Scherzer
* Nick Swisher
* Justin Thompson
* Justin Upton
* Juan Uribe
* Barry Zito

External links

* [http://www.oaksbaseball.com/ Visalia Oaks Official Site]
* [http://www.futurebacks.com/ FutureBacks.com - In-depth Oaks coverage]