The El Paso Chihuahuas, a Minor League Baseball team based in El Paso, Texas, have been a staple of the city’s sports scene since their inception in 2014. As the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, the team has built a loyal fan base and has become an integral part of the community. But have you ever wondered who owns the El Paso Chihuahuas? In this article, we will delve into the team’s history, explore its ownership structure, and highlight the key players involved in its management.
Introduction to the El Paso Chihuahuas
The El Paso Chihuahuas were established in 2014, when the Tucson Padres, a Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, relocated to El Paso. The team’s name, “Chihuahuas,” was chosen through a fan contest, which drew over 5,000 submissions. The name is a nod to the city’s proximity to the Mexican border and the iconic Chihuahuan Desert. Since their debut, the Chihuahuas have played their home games at Southwest University Park, a state-of-the-art stadium located in downtown El Paso.
Team History and Achievements
The El Paso Chihuahuas have a rich history, despite being a relatively new team. In their inaugural season, the team won the Pacific Coast League championship, defeating the Omaha Storm Chasers in the finals. The Chihuahuas have also produced several notable players, including Manuel Margot, Carlos Asuaje, and Franchy Cordero, who have all gone on to play in the Major Leagues. The team’s success on the field has been matched by its popularity off the field, with the Chihuahuas consistently ranking among the top teams in Minor League Baseball in terms of attendance and merchandise sales.
Community Involvement and Charity Work
The El Paso Chihuahuas are committed to giving back to the community. The team has established several charitable initiatives, including the Chihuahuas Foundation, which supports local youth sports programs and provides scholarships to deserving students. The team also hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, including the annual Chihuahuas Golf Tournament and the Chihuahuas Charity Game. These events have raised thousands of dollars for local charities and have helped to cement the team’s reputation as a valued member of the El Paso community.
Ownership Structure and Management
The El Paso Chihuahuas are owned by MountainStar Sports Group, a local investment group led by Josh Hunt and Woody Hunt. The Hunt brothers are well-known businessmen and philanthropists in the El Paso area, with interests in real estate, energy, and healthcare. MountainStar Sports Group was formed in 2012, with the express purpose of bringing a Minor League Baseball team to El Paso. The group’s ownership of the Chihuahuas has been marked by a commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.
Key Players in Team Management
The El Paso Chihuahuas have a experienced and dedicated management team, led by Brad Taylor, the team’s General Manager. Taylor has over 20 years of experience in Minor League Baseball, including stints with the Tucson Padres and the Fresno Grizzlies. The team’s Field Manager is Edwin Rodríguez, a veteran baseball coach with over 30 years of experience. Rodríguez has managed several teams in the Minor Leagues, including the Tucson Padres and the Jacksonville Suns.
Front Office and Support Staff
The El Paso Chihuahuas have a talented and hardworking front office and support staff, including Amanda DeWitt, the team’s Assistant General Manager, and Rick Forney, the team’s Director of Baseball Operations. The team also has a dedicated marketing and promotions staff, led by Brian Lopez, the team’s Director of Marketing and Promotions. These individuals, along with several others, work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the team and to provide a first-class experience for fans.
Conclusion
The El Paso Chihuahuas are a beloved and integral part of the El Paso sports scene, with a rich history and a commitment to excellence. The team’s ownership, led by MountainStar Sports Group, has been instrumental in its success, providing the necessary resources and support to ensure the team’s continued growth and prosperity. As the team looks to the future, fans can expect more exciting baseball, innovative promotions, and a continued commitment to the community. Whether you are a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun and family-friendly activity, the El Paso Chihuahuas are a must-see attraction in the Southwest.
In terms of the team’s ownership, it is clear that MountainStar Sports Group is dedicated to the long-term success of the Chihuahuas. With a strong management team in place, the team is well-positioned for continued growth and success. As the team continues to evolve and improve, fans can expect to see new and exciting developments, both on and off the field.
The following table provides a summary of the key players involved in the ownership and management of the El Paso Chihuahuas:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Josh Hunt | Owner, MountainStar Sports Group |
| Woody Hunt | Owner, MountainStar Sports Group |
| Brad Taylor | General Manager, El Paso Chihuahuas |
| Edwin Rodríguez | Field Manager, El Paso Chihuahuas |
The El Paso Chihuahuas have a strong and dedicated fan base, with a wide range of supporters, from die-hard baseball fans to families and casual observers. Some of the key benefits of being a Chihuahuas fan include:
- Exciting baseball games, with a focus on entertainment and community engagement
- Innovative promotions and giveaways, including themed nights and special events
- A state-of-the-art stadium, with a wide range of amenities and activities
- A commitment to charity and community involvement, with a focus on supporting local organizations and initiatives
Overall, the El Paso Chihuahuas are a unique and special part of the El Paso sports scene, with a rich history, a commitment to excellence, and a strong ownership and management team. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering the team, the Chihuahuas are a must-see attraction in the Southwest.
What is the current ownership structure of the El Paso Chihuahuas?
The El Paso Chihuahuas are a Minor League Baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The team is owned by MountainStar Sports Group, a local investment group led by Woody Hunt and Josh Hunt. MountainStar Sports Group also owns the United Soccer League’s El Paso Locomotive FC. The ownership group has been instrumental in bringing professional sports to the city of El Paso and has played a significant role in the development of the team and its stadium, Southwest University Park.
The ownership structure of the El Paso Chihuahuas has been relatively stable since the team’s inception in 2014. MountainStar Sports Group has maintained a strong commitment to the team and the city of El Paso, investing heavily in the stadium and the surrounding downtown area. The ownership group has also been involved in various community outreach and charitable initiatives, aiming to make a positive impact on the local community. With a strong ownership group in place, the El Paso Chihuahuas have been able to establish themselves as a successful and beloved team in the city, with a loyal fan base and a reputation for exciting baseball.
How did the El Paso Chihuahuas come to be?
The El Paso Chihuahuas were established in 2014, when MountainStar Sports Group purchased the Tucson Padres, a Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, and relocated the team to El Paso. The team’s move to El Paso was the result of a long and complex process, involving negotiations between the ownership group, the city of El Paso, and the San Diego Padres. The relocation of the team was made possible by the construction of a new stadium, Southwest University Park, which was built specifically for the Chihuahuas and opened in 2014.
The establishment of the El Paso Chihuahuas marked a significant milestone for the city of El Paso, which had been without a professional baseball team for many years. The team’s arrival brought a new level of excitement and energy to the city, and the Chihuahuas quickly established themselves as a beloved and integral part of the local sports scene. With a strong ownership group and a state-of-the-art stadium, the El Paso Chihuahuas have been able to thrive in their new home, attracting fans from across the region and providing a unique and entertaining experience for baseball enthusiasts of all ages.
Who are the key personnel involved in the management of the El Paso Chihuahuas?
The El Paso Chihuahuas are managed by a team of experienced and dedicated professionals, led by General Manager Brad Taylor. Taylor has been with the team since its inception and has played a key role in shaping the Chihuahuas’ roster and on-field strategy. Other key personnel involved in the management of the team include the coaching staff, led by Manager Edwin Rodríguez, and the front office staff, which handles day-to-day operations, marketing, and community outreach.
The management team of the El Paso Chihuahuas has a strong focus on community engagement and fan experience, and has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at making the team more accessible and appealing to local fans. From promotional events and giveaways to charitable initiatives and outreach programs, the management team is committed to building a strong and loyal fan base in El Paso. With a talented and experienced management team in place, the El Paso Chihuahuas are well-positioned for long-term success and continued growth as a beloved and integral part of the local sports scene.
What is the relationship between the El Paso Chihuahuas and the San Diego Padres?
The El Paso Chihuahuas are the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, which means that the team serves as a feeder system for the Padres, providing a platform for young players to develop and refine their skills before being called up to the major leagues. The relationship between the Chihuahuas and the Padres is close and collaborative, with the two teams working together to identify and develop talented players, and to create a cohesive and effective player development system.
The partnership between the El Paso Chihuahuas and the San Diego Padres has been highly successful, with many players making the transition from El Paso to San Diego and going on to achieve success in the major leagues. The relationship between the two teams is built on a foundation of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, and has been instrumental in helping the Padres to build a strong and competitive roster. With the Chihuahuas serving as a key part of the Padres’ player development system, fans in El Paso are able to see many of the team’s top prospects in action, and to follow their progress as they work their way towards the major leagues.
How has the El Paso Chihuahuas’ ownership group contributed to the local community?
The ownership group of the El Paso Chihuahuas, MountainStar Sports Group, has been deeply committed to giving back to the local community, and has been involved in a range of charitable and outreach initiatives since the team’s inception. From hosting fundraising events and donating to local charities, to partnering with community organizations and supporting youth sports programs, the ownership group has demonstrated a strong commitment to making a positive impact in El Paso. The team’s stadium, Southwest University Park, has also served as a venue for a range of community events, including concerts, festivals, and high school baseball games.
The El Paso Chihuahuas’ ownership group has also been instrumental in helping to revitalize the downtown area of El Paso, with the construction of Southwest University Park serving as a catalyst for new development and investment in the region. The team’s presence has helped to bring new energy and excitement to the area, and has contributed to a renewed sense of pride and community spirit in El Paso. With a strong focus on community engagement and outreach, the ownership group of the El Paso Chihuahuas is dedicated to building a lasting and positive legacy in the city, and to ensuring that the team remains a beloved and integral part of the local sports scene for generations to come.
What are the long-term plans for the El Paso Chihuahuas?
The long-term plans for the El Paso Chihuahuas involve continued growth and success as a Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, as well as a deepening commitment to the local community. The team’s ownership group, MountainStar Sports Group, is dedicated to building a strong and loyal fan base in El Paso, and to creating a unique and entertaining experience for fans at Southwest University Park. The team is also focused on developing a strong and competitive roster, and on helping to identify and develop talented players who can go on to achieve success in the major leagues.
The El Paso Chihuahuas are also exploring new ways to engage with the local community, including through expanded outreach and charitable initiatives, and through the development of new programs and events aimed at promoting baseball and healthy lifestyles in the region. With a strong ownership group and a talented management team in place, the El Paso Chihuahuas are well-positioned for long-term success, and are likely to remain a beloved and integral part of the local sports scene in El Paso for many years to come. As the team continues to grow and evolve, fans can expect to see new and exciting developments, from improved facilities and amenities to enhanced community outreach and engagement initiatives.