Boise Pilots

From BR Bullpen

The Boise Pilots began were one of the original Pioneer League clubs and finished in third place for skipper Andy Harrington in their inaugural season of 1939. The next season, led by first baseman Walter Lowe, the team reached the league championship, where they fell to the Ogden Reds. Future big leaguer Gerry Staley won 22 games and anchored their pitching staff in 1941 as they lost to the Reds in the finals again. In 1942, pitcher Frank Lamanske went 23-8 for the club as they were league runner-up for the third straight year. From 1943 to 1945, the Pilots and the entire Pioneer League ceased operations due to World War II.

After the war, the Pilots returned, finishing in last place in 1946. The next season, first baseman/manager Walter Lowe led the circuit with 22 homers and 157 RBIs, but the team struggled to another sub-.500 campaign. In 1948, pitcher William Franks won 23 games and struck out 194 batters, but the Pilots struggled to a sixth place finish. The following year they fell to seventh place, a performance they repeated in 1950. The team's fall continued in 1951, when they finished last out of eight clubs. In 1952, the Boise Yankees replaced the Pilots in the Pioneer League.

The Pilots name was used again for one season in 1954. That year the club finished in last place for skipper Ed Fernandes and had one All-Star, pitcher William Francis. In 1955, the Boise Braves took the team's place.

Year-by-Year Record[edit]

Year Record Finish Manager Playoffs
1939 62-62 3rd Andy Harrington
1940 66-63 3rd Andy Harrington Lost League Finals
1941 81-49 1st Jim Keesey Lost League Finals
1942 68-51 2nd Jim Keesey Lost League Finals
1946 52-77 6th Walter Lowe
1947 67-70 4th Walter Lowe
1948 58-68 6th Walter Lowe
1949 47-77 7th William Stenger (7/2)/ Gordon Williamson
1950 50-74 7th Ford Mullen
1951 51-88 8th Thomas Lloyd (5/21)/ Frank Gregory
1954 47-84 8th Ed Fernandes
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