New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Location: Manchester, NH
- League: Eastern League 2004-2019; Double-A Northeast 2021; Eastern League 2022-
- Affiliation: Toronto Blue Jays 2004-present
- Ballpark: Gill Stadium 2004; Northeast Delta Dental Stadium 2005-present
Team History[edit]
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, of the Eastern League and briefly in Double-A Northeast, quickly learned a thing or two about New Hampshire politics. The Toronto Blue Jays farmhands play their home games at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, NH.
In 2004, the recently sold New Haven Ravens announced, in conjunction with moving to Manchester, that they would become the "New Hampshire Primaries" - complete with an elephant-and-donkey-in-stars-and-stripes logo - but the local populace shouted that down. "Fisher Cats" won the subsequent "Name the Team" contest, but "Primaries" debuted as an alternate nickname in August 2007 and has been used occasionally since. The Cats also sometimes uses the contest also-ran "Granite State Mountain Men".
A fisher, a type of weasel that is prized for its pelt, is often called a fisher cat - especially in New England. Oddly, they aren't felines and they don't eat fish.[1]
The Cats play Copa de la Diversión Hispanic engagement campaign games as Gatos Feroces de New Hampshire (New Hampshire Wild Cats, or literally Ferocious Cats).
Year-by-Year History[edit]
2004[edit]
In their first season, the Fisher Cats won the Eastern League title under the leadership of skipper Mike Basso. Shortstop Aaron Hill hit .280 with 11 home runs and was an All-Star. Gustavo Chacin starred for the club on the mound, winning 16 games and striking out 109.
2005[edit]
The Fisher Cats moved to a new ballpark, Fisher Cats Ballpark, in 2005 but fell below .500 and missed out on the playoffs. Josh Banks anchored the rotation with 8 wins, a 3.83 ERA, and 145 strikeouts, and closer Lee Gronkiewicz notched 24 saves.
2006[edit]
Under new manager Doug Davis in now corporately named Merchantsauto.com Stadium, the Fisher Cats lost one fewer game in 2006 than the previous year. Outfielder Adam Lind hit .310 with 19 homers in 91 games and was an All-Star, and catcher Curtis Thigpen hit .259 with 5 triples. On the mound, Mike MacDonald won 13 games and recorded 103 strikouts, while Ismael Ramirez posted a 2.08 ERA.
2007[edit]
Led by skipper Bill Masse, the Fisher Cats improved by two wins in 2007 but still finished sub-.500 and missed the playoffs again. Catcher Robinzon Diaz hit .316 in 74 games, and outfielder David Smith knocked 24 home runs and drove in 70 runs.
2008[edit]
The Fisher Cats posted their worst record in 2008, falling 20 games below .500, but drew 373,227 fans, a franchise-best. Second baseman Scott Campbell hit .302, and outfielder Travis Snider hit 17 homers and had 67 RBIs.
Year-by-Year Record[edit]
External Sites[edit]
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