Idaho Falls Chukars
- Location: Idaho Falls, ID
- League: Pioneer League 2004-2019, 2021-
- Affiliation: Kansas City Royals 2004-2019; Independent Leagues 2021-
- Ballpark: McDermott Field 2004-2006; Melaleuca Field 2007-2019
Team History[edit]
Prior to the 2004 season, the Idaho Falls Padres changed affilliations and became the Idaho Falls Chukars. After calling McDermott Field in Idaho Falls, Idaho home for their first three seasons, the Chukars moved into a new ballpark, Melaleuca Field, in 2007.
Under skipper Brian Rupp, the Chukars reached the playoffs in 2004, losing to the Provo Angels in the first round. Third baseman Billy Butler led the league with a .373 batting average and tied a teammate, outfielder Brian McFall, for the league lead with 68 RBIs. McFall also led the circuit with 23 stolen bases. They were joined by second baseman Eddie Solis, who hit .366, as All-Stars.
The Chukars struggled a bit in 2005, posting identical 17-21 marks in each half of the season. The lineup was led by a pair of All-Stars: shortstop Chris McConnell, who hit .331 with 6 homers, and outfielder Ethien Santana, who hit .300 and swiped 20 bases.
In 2006, Rupp's club returned to the playoffs, sweeping the Orem Owlz in the first round before falling to the Missoula Osprey in the league finals. Reliever Aaron Hartsock tied for the league lead with 6 wins, while posting a 2.91 ERA in 18 appearances.
In 2007, the Chukars won their division in both halves of the season before falling to Orem in the first round of the playoffs. Outfielder Clint Robinson won the league's MVP award, hitting .336 with 15 homers and a league-best 66 RBIs, and shortstop Anthony Seratelli hit .327 with 10 home runs and paced the circuit with 29 stolen bases.
Year-by-Year Record[edit]
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 58-39 | 2nd | Billy Gardner Jr. |
External Link[edit]
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