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{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
{{Defunct MiLB infobox
|name = Connecticut Defenders
| name = Connecticut Defenders
|firstseason = 1995
| firstseason = 1995
|lastseason = 2009
| lastseason = 2009
| allyears =
|city = Norwich, Connecticut
| city = Norwich, Connecticut
|logo = ConnecticutDefenders 100.png
| logo = ConnecticutDefenders 100.png
|caplogo = CT Defenders cap.PNG
|lastclasslevel = Double-A (1995-2009)
| past class level = Double-A (1995–2009)
|lastleague = [[Eastern League (baseball)|Eastern League]] (1995-2009)
| league = [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]] (1995–2009)
| conference =
|division = Northern Division
| division = Northern Division
|past league =
| past league =
⚫
|lastmajorleague = [[San Francisco Giants]] (2003-2009)
|pastmajorleague = [[New York Yankees]] (1985-2002)
| pastmajorleague = {{plainlist|
*[[Oakland Athletics]] (1983-1984)
*[[San Francisco Giants]] (2003–2009)
*[[New York Yankees]] (1995–2002)
|uniform =
}}
⚫
|lastnickname = Connecticut Defenders (2006-2009)
|pastnames = Norwich Navigators (1995-2005)
| pastnames = {{plainlist|
⚫
*Connecticut Defenders (2006–2009)
⚫
*Albany-Colonie Yankees (1985-1994)
*Norwich Navigators (1995–2005)
*Albany-Colonie A's (1984)
}}
*Albany A's (1983)
| pastparks = {{plainlist|
|lastballpark = [[Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium]] (1995-2009)
*[[Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium]] (1995–2009)
|pastparks = [[Heritage Park (Colonie)|Heritage Park]] (1983-1994)
}}
⚫
|leaguechamps = 2002
| mascot = Cutter (2006–2009)<br /> Tater the Gator (1995–2005)
⚫
|divisionchamps = 2002, 2009
| classchamps =
⚫
| leaguechamps = 2002
| conferencechamps =
⚫
| divisionchamps = 2002, 2009
}}
}}


The '''Connecticut Defenders''' were a [[Minor League Baseball]] team based in [[Norwich, Connecticut]]. The team, which played in the [[Eastern League (U.S. baseball)|Eastern League]], was the Double-A affiliate of the [[San Francisco Giants]] major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to [[Richmond, Virginia]] and are now known as the [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]].
The '''Connecticut Defenders''' were a [[Minor League Baseball]] team based in [[Norwich, Connecticut]]. The team, which played in the [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]], was the Double-A affiliate of the [[San Francisco Giants]] major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to [[Richmond, Virginia]] and are now known as the [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]].


The Defenders played in [[Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium]], located in Norwich; opened in 1995, it seats 6,275 fans. The Defenders had been known as the '''Norwich Navigators''' from 1995 until October 2005. Prior to the 2003 season, the Navigators had been an affiliate of the [[New York Yankees]].
The Defenders played in [[Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium]], located in Norwich; opened in 1995, it seats 6,275 fans. The Defenders had been known as the '''Norwich Navigators''' from 1995 until October 2005. Prior to the 2003 season, the Navigators had been an affiliate of the [[New York Yankees]].


The Defenders were last managed by Steve Decker, who was announced as the team's new skipper on December 28, 2008.[http://www.insidectsports.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1380]
The Defenders were last managed by Steve Decker, who was announced as the team's new skipper on December 28, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.insidectsports.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1380 |title=D’S TAB STEVE DECKER |access-date=2009-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713040049/http://www.insidectsports.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1380 |archive-date=2011-07-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The Defenders were scheduled to host the Eastern League All-Star Game at Dodd Stadium on July 11, 2007, but the game was ultimately canceled due to [[fog]]. The fan activities and home run derby went on as scheduled, with over 6500 fans attending events throughout the day.
The Defenders were scheduled to host the Eastern League All-Star Game at Dodd Stadium on July 11, 2007, but the game was ultimately canceled due to [[fog]]. The fan activities and home run derby went on as scheduled, with over 6,500 fans attending events throughout the day.


==History==
==History==


On June 3, 1994, the Yankees announced they would move their double-A franchise from [[Albany, New York]], where it had been known as the [[Albany-Colonie Yankees]] since 1985, to [[Norwich, Connecticut]], and would be known as the Norwich Navigators. Ground was broken for a new stadium in Norwich on November 3 of that year, and the team began play on April 6, 1995, with a win over [[Bowie Baysox|Bowie]]. The home opener occurred 11 days later and was another Navigators victory (this time over [[Reading Phillies|Reading]]).
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[file:Norwich Navigators Logo.jpeg|thumb|left|200px|Norwich Navigators logo]] -->On June 3, 1994, the Yankees announced they would move their double-A franchise from [[Albany, New York]], where it had been known as the [[Albany-Colonie Yankees]] since 1985, to [[Norwich, Connecticut]], and would be known as the Norwich Navigators. Ground was broken for a new stadium in Norwich on November 3 of that year, and the team began play on April 6, 1995, with a win over [[Bowie Baysox|Bowie]]. The home opener occurred 11 days later and was another Navigators victory (this time over [[Reading Phillies|Reading]]).


Norwich reached the Eastern League playoffs four times in six years, with many current or former [[New York Yankees]] leading the way. On September 14, 2002, the Navigators won their first and only Eastern League championship with a five-game series victory at home over [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]], under the direction of rookie manager [[Luis Sojo]].
Norwich reached the Eastern League playoffs four times in six years, with many current or former [[New York Yankees]] leading the way. On September 14, 2002, the Navigators won their first and only Eastern League championship with a five-game series victory at home over [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]], under the direction of rookie manager [[Luis Sojo]].
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Within weeks, the Yankees announced that they were ending their [[Farm team|affiliation]] with the Navigators and beginning one with the [[Trenton Thunder]]. Later that fall, the [[San Francisco Giants|Giants]] signed on as the new parent club, effective for the 2003 season.
Within weeks, the Yankees announced that they were ending their [[Farm team|affiliation]] with the Navigators and beginning one with the [[Trenton Thunder]]. Later that fall, the [[San Francisco Giants|Giants]] signed on as the new parent club, effective for the 2003 season.


In 2005, the team was bought by a group led by [[boxing]] promoter [[Lou DiBella]]. With attendance figures declining, management announced an overhaul of the franchise's image and held a contest during the season allowing the public to select a new name submitted by [[Robert Schaub]] of [[East Hampton, Connecticut]]. and logo for the franchise. These were unveiled on November 14, and a new mascot (a [[bald eagle]]) debuted eight days later. Another contest was held to name the mascot, and on February 11, 2006, "Cutter" was christened.
In 2005, the team was bought by a group led by [[boxing]] promoter [[Lou DiBella]]. With attendance figures declining, management announced an overhaul of the franchise's image and held a contest during the season allowing the public to select a new name submitted by Robert Schaub of [[East Hampton, Connecticut]]. and logo for the franchise. These were unveiled on November 14, and a new mascot (a [[bald eagle]]) debuted eight days later. Another contest was held to name the mascot, and on February 11, 2006, "Cutter" was christened.


The "Defenders" name, and the bald eagle mascot, are a reference to the [[United States Coast Guard Academy]] located a short drive away in [[New London, Connecticut|New London]], and also to the [[Naval Submarine Base New London|U.S. submarine base]] also located nearby in [[Groton, Connecticut|Groton]]. In 2005, the team sponsored several rallies in support of the sub base after it was placed on the [[Base Realignment and Closure]] list. The base was eventually removed from the list.
The "Defenders" name, and the bald eagle mascot, are a reference to the [[United States Coast Guard Academy]] located a short drive away in [[New London, Connecticut|New London]], and also to the [[Naval Submarine Base New London|U.S. submarine base]] also located nearby in [[Groton, Connecticut|Groton]]. In 2005, the team sponsored several rallies in support of the sub base after it was placed on the [[Base Realignment and Closure]] list. The base was eventually removed from the list.
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===Relocation to Richmond===
===Relocation to Richmond===


On Friday, 13 February 2009 the ''[[Norwich Bulletin]]'' reported that a Virginia businessman Bryan Bostic, was interested in purchasing the franchise and relocating the team to [[Richmond, Virginia]] in time for the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.norwichbulletin.com/breaking/x679398855 | title=Defenders on way to Richmond, Va., for 2010 | author=Joe Perez |work=Norwich Bulletin | date=2009-02-13}}</ref>
On Friday, February 13, 2009 the ''[[Norwich Bulletin]]'' reported that a Virginia businessman Bryan Bostic, was interested in purchasing the franchise and relocating the team to [[Richmond, Virginia]] in time for the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.norwichbulletin.com/breaking/x679398855 | title=Defenders on way to Richmond, Va., for 2010 | author=Joe Perez | work=Norwich Bulletin | date=2009-02-13 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


On Monday, 16 March 2009 the ''Norwich Bulletin'' reported that the Norwich City Council unanimously approved a request to transfer the lease on Dodd Stadium to [[Richmond Baseball Club LC]], chaired by Bryan Bostic.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/pros/x1331530183/Norwich-council-paves-way-for-Defenders-to-go | title=Norwich council paves way for Defenders to go | author=Michael Gannon | work=Norwich Bulletin | date=2009-03-16}}</ref>
On Monday, March 16, 2009 the ''Norwich Bulletin'' reported that the Norwich City Council unanimously approved a request to transfer the lease on Dodd Stadium to [[Richmond Baseball Club LC]], chaired by Bryan Bostic.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/pros/x1331530183/Norwich-council-paves-way-for-Defenders-to-go | title=Norwich council paves way for Defenders to go | author=Michael Gannon | work=Norwich Bulletin | date=2009-03-16 | access-date=2009-04-22 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904172205/http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/pros/x1331530183/Norwich-council-paves-way-for-Defenders-to-go | archive-date=2012-09-04 | url-status=dead }}</ref>


On Wednesday, 22 April 2009, the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'' reported that the [[Richmond Metropolitan Authority]] (RMA) has signed a two-year agreement with the Richmond Baseball Club LC to allow a professional baseball team to play at [[The Diamond (Richmond, Virginia)|The Diamond]], Richmond's current baseball venue, which is owned by the RMA. The agreement also includes an option for 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/sports/local_other/article/DIAM22_20090421-222421/261964 | title=RMA has deal with new team | work=Richmond Times-Dispatch | date=2009-04-22}}</ref>
On Wednesday, April 22, 2009, the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'' reported that the [[Richmond Metropolitan Authority]] (RMA) signed an agreement with the Richmond Baseball Club LC to allow a professional baseball team to play at [[The Diamond (Richmond, Virginia)|The Diamond]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/sports/local_other/article/DIAM22_20090421-222421/261964 | title=RMA has deal with new team | work=Richmond Times-Dispatch | date=2009-04-22}}</ref>


On September 23, 2009, the Eastern League officially announced that the Defenders were leaving Norwich and moving to Richmond, where they will play in The Diamond while continuing to seek proposals for a new ballpark in the Richmond vicinity. Also, the "Defenders" nickname will not be retained, rather the new team will be called the [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]] after a name-the-team contest.
On September 23, 2009, the Eastern League officially announced that the Defenders were leaving Norwich and moving to Richmond, where they will play in The Diamond while continuing to seek proposals for a new ballpark in the Richmond vicinity. Also, the "Defenders" nickname will not be retained, rather the new team will be called the [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]] after a name-the-team contest.
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* From years as a Yankees affiliate:
* From years as a Yankees affiliate:
** [[outfielder]] [[Bernie Williams]] (1989–90)
⚫
** [[shortstop]] [[Derek Jeter]] (1994)
** [[catcher]] [[Mike Figga]] (1995)
** [[catcher]] [[Mike Figga]] (1995)
** [[pitcher]] [[Ramiro Mendoza]] (1995)
** [[pitcher]] [[Ramiro Mendoza]] (1995)
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** [[third baseman]] [[Mike Lowell]] (1997)
** [[third baseman]] [[Mike Lowell]] (1997)
** [[pitcher]] [[Randy Flores]] (1999–2001)
** [[pitcher]] [[Randy Flores]] (1999–2001)
** [[first baseman]] [[Nick Johnson]] (1999)
** [[first baseman]] [[Nick Johnson (baseball)|Nick Johnson]] (1999)
** [[shortstop]] [[Alfonso Soriano]] (1999)
** [[shortstop]] [[Alfonso Soriano]] (1999)
** [[outfielder]] [[Marcus Thames]] (1999–2001)
** [[outfielder]] [[Marcus Thames]] (1999–2001)
** [[infielder]] [[Andy Phillips]] (2000–02)
** [[infielder]] [[Andy Phillips (baseball)|Andy Phillips]] (2000–02)
** [[pitcher]] [[Roger Clemens]] (2002)
** [[pitcher]] [[Roger Clemens]] (2002)
** [[outfielder]] [[Juan Rivera (baseball)|Juan Rivera]] (1999)
** [[outfielder]] [[Juan Rivera (baseball)|Juan Rivera]] (1999)

* From years as a Giants affiliate:
* From years as a Giants affiliate:
** [[pitcher]] [[Matt Cain]] (2004)
** [[pitcher]] [[Matt Cain]] (2004)
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** [[outfielder]] [[Nate Schierholtz]] (2006)
** [[outfielder]] [[Nate Schierholtz]] (2006)
** [[pitcher]] [[Alfredo Simón]] (2005)
** [[pitcher]] [[Alfredo Simón]] (2005)
** [[infielder]] [[Eugenio Velez]] (2007)
** [[infielder]] [[Eugenio Vélez]] (2007)
** [[first baseman]] [[Travis Ishikawa]] (2006–08)
** [[first baseman]] [[Travis Ishikawa]] (2006–08)
⚫
** [[shortstop]] [[Brandon Crawford]] (2009)
** [[pitcher]] [[Madison Bumgarner]] (2009)
** [[pitcher]] [[Madison Bumgarner]] (2009)


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(Place indicates finish in Northern Division)
(Place indicates finish in Northern Division)
*As Norwich Navigators
*As Norwich Navigators
**'''1995''': 70-71 (3rd), manager Jimmy Johnson
**'''1995''': 70–71 (3rd), manager Jimmy Johnson
**'''1996''': 71-70 (3rd), manager [[Jim Essian]]
**'''1996''': 71–70 (3rd), manager [[Jim Essian]]
**'''1997''': 73-69 (2nd), manager [[Trey Hillman]]
**'''1997''': 73–69 (2nd), manager [[Trey Hillman]]
**'''1998''': 66-76 (4th), manager [[Trey Hillman]]
**'''1998''': 66–76 (4th), manager [[Trey Hillman]]
**'''1999''': 78-64 (2nd), manager [[Lee Mazzilli]]
**'''1999''': 78–64 (2nd), manager [[Lee Mazzilli]]
**'''2000''': 76-66 (3rd), manager [[Dan Radison]]
**'''2000''': 76–66 (3rd), manager [[Dan Radison]]
**'''2001''': 83-59 (2nd), manager [[Stump Merrill]]
**'''2001''': 83–59 (2nd), manager [[Stump Merrill]]
**'''2002''': 76-64 (1st), manager [[Stump Merrill]]
**'''2002''': 76–64 (1st), manager [[Luis Sojo]]
**'''2003''': 62-79 (6th), manager [[Shane Turner]]
**'''2003''': 62–79 (6th), manager [[Shane Turner]]
**'''2004''': 69-74 (5th), manager [[Shane Turner]]
**'''2004''': 69–74 (5th), manager [[Shane Turner]]
**'''2005''': 71-72 (3rd), manager [[Dave Machemer]]
**'''2005''': 71–72 (3rd), manager [[Dave Machemer]]
*As Connecticut Defenders
*As Connecticut Defenders
**'''2006''': 64-77 (5th), manager [[Dave Machemer]]
**'''2006''': 64–77 (5th), manager [[Dave Machemer]]
**'''2007''': 63-78 (5th), managers [[Dave Machemer]] (through July 21) and [[Shane Turner]]
**'''2007''': 63–78 (5th), managers [[Dave Machemer]] (through July 21) and [[Shane Turner]]
**'''2008''': 68-73 (4th), manager [[Bien Figueroa]]
**'''2008''': 68–73 (4th), manager [[Bien Figueroa]]
**'''2009''': 83-59 (1st), manager [[Steve Decker]]
**'''2009''': 83–59 (1st), manager [[Steve Decker]]


==Playoffs==
==Playoffs==
*1997 season: Lost to [[Portland Sea Dogs|Portland]], 3-2, in first round
*1997 season: Lost to [[Portland Sea Dogs|Portland]], 3–2, in first round
*1999 season: Defeated [[Trenton Thunder|Trenton]] 3-2, in first round; lost to [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]] 3-2, in championship round.
*1999 season: Defeated [[Trenton Thunder|Trenton]] 3–2, in first round; lost to [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]] 3–2, in championship round.
*2001 season: Lost to [[New Britain Rock Cats|New Britain]], 3-1, in first round
*2001 season: Lost to [[New Britain Rock Cats|New Britain]], 3–1, in first round
*2002 season: Defeated [[New Haven Ravens|New Haven]], 3-0, in first round; defeated [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]] 3-2 to win Eastern League title.
*2002 season: Defeated [[New Haven Ravens|New Haven]], 3–0, in first round; defeated [[Harrisburg Senators|Harrisburg]] 3–2 to win Eastern League title.
*2009 season: Defeated [[New Britain Rock Cats|New Britain]], 3-1, in first round; lost to [[Akron Aeros|Akron]] 3-1, in championship round.
*2009 season: Defeated [[New Britain Rock Cats|New Britain]], 3–1, in first round; lost to [[Akron Aeros|Akron]] 3–1, in championship round.

== See also ==
* [[Professional baseball in Connecticut]]
* [[Sports in New England]]


==References==
==References==
'''Notes'''
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
⚫
* [http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x726818527/Defenders-sale-dead-for-now Defenders sale dead, for now] ''Norwich Bulletin'' May 29, 2009
'''Sources'''
{{refbegin}}
⚫
* [https://archive.today/20130208143539/http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x726818527/Defenders-sale-dead-for-now Defenders sale dead, for now] ''Norwich Bulletin'' May 29, 2009
* [http://eastern.league.milb.com/documents/2009/09/23/7112642/1/PRESS_RELEASE_--_Richmond_Relocation.pdf EASTERN LEAGUE ANNOUNCES RELOCATION TO RICHMOND FOR THE 2010 SEASON] Official Eastern League Press Release
* [http://eastern.league.milb.com/documents/2009/09/23/7112642/1/PRESS_RELEASE_--_Richmond_Relocation.pdf EASTERN LEAGUE ANNOUNCES RELOCATION TO RICHMOND FOR THE 2010 SEASON] Official Eastern League Press Release
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.ctdefenders.com/ Connecticut Defenders official site]
* [http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t514 Connecticut Defenders MiLB Page]
* [http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t514 Connecticut Defenders MiLB Page]


{{s-start}}
⚫
[[Category:Sports clubs established in 1995]]
{{succession box
⚫
[[Category:Sports clubs disestablished in 2009]]
⚫
| before = [[Albany-Colonie Yankees]]
⚫
[[Category:Defunct Eastern League baseball teams]]
| title = [[New York Yankees]]<br>Double-A Affiliate
⚫
[[Category:Norwich, Connecticut]]
| after = [[Trenton Thunder]]
| years = 1995–2002
}}
{{succession box
| before = [[Shreveport Swamp Dragons]]
⚫
| title = [[San Francisco Giants]]<br>Double-A affiliate
| after = [[Richmond Flying Squirrels]]
| years = 2003–2009}}
{{s-end}}

⚫
[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1995]]
⚫
[[Category:Baseball teams disestablished in 2009]]
⚫
[[Category:Defunct Eastern League (1938–present) teams]]
⚫
[[Category:Sports in Norwich, Connecticut]]
[[Category:San Francisco Giants minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:San Francisco Giants minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Connecticut]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Connecticut]]
[[Category:New York Yankees minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:1995 establishments in Connecticut]]
[[Category:2009 disestablishments in Connecticut]]
[[Category:Defunct baseball teams in Connecticut]]


[[fr:Defenders du Connecticut]]
[[fr:Defenders du Connecticut]]

Latest revision as of 23:11, 25 October 2023

Connecticut Defenders
Minor league affiliations
Previous classesDouble-A (1995–2009)
LeagueEastern League (1995–2009)
DivisionNorthern Division
Major league affiliations
Previous teams
Minor league titles
League titles 2002
Division titles 2002, 2009
Team data
Previous names
  • Connecticut Defenders (2006–2009)
  • Norwich Navigators (1995–2005)
MascotCutter (2006–2009)
Tater the Gator (1995–2005)
Previous parks

The Connecticut Defenders were a Minor League Baseball team based in Norwich, Connecticut. The team, which played in the Eastern League, was the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to Richmond, Virginia and are now known as the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

The Defenders played in Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium, located in Norwich; opened in 1995, it seats 6,275 fans. The Defenders had been known as the Norwich Navigators from 1995 until October 2005. Prior to the 2003 season, the Navigators had been an affiliate of the New York Yankees.

The Defenders were last managed by Steve Decker, who was announced as the team's new skipper on December 28, 2008.[1]

The Defenders were scheduled to host the Eastern League All-Star Game at Dodd Stadium on July 11, 2007, but the game was ultimately canceled due to fog. The fan activities and home run derby went on as scheduled, with over 6,500 fans attending events throughout the day.

History

[edit]

On June 3, 1994, the Yankees announced they would move their double-A franchise from Albany, New York, where it had been known as the Albany-Colonie Yankees since 1985, to Norwich, Connecticut, and would be known as the Norwich Navigators. Ground was broken for a new stadium in Norwich on November 3 of that year, and the team began play on April 6, 1995, with a win over Bowie. The home opener occurred 11 days later and was another Navigators victory (this time over Reading).

Norwich reached the Eastern League playoffs four times in six years, with many current or former New York Yankees leading the way. On September 14, 2002, the Navigators won their first and only Eastern League championship with a five-game series victory at home over Harrisburg, under the direction of rookie manager Luis Sojo.

Within weeks, the Yankees announced that they were ending their affiliation with the Navigators and beginning one with the Trenton Thunder. Later that fall, the Giants signed on as the new parent club, effective for the 2003 season.

In 2005, the team was bought by a group led by boxing promoter Lou DiBella. With attendance figures declining, management announced an overhaul of the franchise's image and held a contest during the season allowing the public to select a new name submitted by Robert Schaub of East Hampton, Connecticut. and logo for the franchise. These were unveiled on November 14, and a new mascot (a bald eagle) debuted eight days later. Another contest was held to name the mascot, and on February 11, 2006, "Cutter" was christened.

The "Defenders" name, and the bald eagle mascot, are a reference to the United States Coast Guard Academy located a short drive away in New London, and also to the U.S. submarine base also located nearby in Groton. In 2005, the team sponsored several rallies in support of the sub base after it was placed on the Base Realignment and Closure list. The base was eventually removed from the list.

In September 2008 the San Francisco Giants renewed their PDC with the Defenders until 2010. The following season, the Defenders won the Southern Division title and qualified for the Eastern League playoffs, defeating the New Britain Rock Cats three games to one in the ELDS to advance to the second Eastern League Championship Series in franchise history. However, the Defenders fell short in the end, losing three games to one to the Akron Aeros.

Relocation to Richmond

[edit]

On Friday, February 13, 2009 the Norwich Bulletin reported that a Virginia businessman Bryan Bostic, was interested in purchasing the franchise and relocating the team to Richmond, Virginia in time for the 2010 season.[2]

On Monday, March 16, 2009 the Norwich Bulletin reported that the Norwich City Council unanimously approved a request to transfer the lease on Dodd Stadium to Richmond Baseball Club LC, chaired by Bryan Bostic.[3]

On Wednesday, April 22, 2009, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that the Richmond Metropolitan Authority (RMA) signed an agreement with the Richmond Baseball Club LC to allow a professional baseball team to play at The Diamond.[4]

On September 23, 2009, the Eastern League officially announced that the Defenders were leaving Norwich and moving to Richmond, where they will play in The Diamond while continuing to seek proposals for a new ballpark in the Richmond vicinity. Also, the "Defenders" nickname will not be retained, rather the new team will be called the Richmond Flying Squirrels after a name-the-team contest.

Alumni

[edit]

Notable players to pass through the franchise include...

Season records

[edit]

(Place indicates finish in Northern Division)

Playoffs

[edit]
  • 1997 season: Lost to Portland, 3–2, in first round
  • 1999 season: Defeated Trenton 3–2, in first round; lost to Harrisburg 3–2, in championship round.
  • 2001 season: Lost to New Britain, 3–1, in first round
  • 2002 season: Defeated New Haven, 3–0, in first round; defeated Harrisburg 3–2 to win Eastern League title.
  • 2009 season: Defeated New Britain, 3–1, in first round; lost to Akron 3–1, in championship round.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

  1. ^ "D'S TAB STEVE DECKER". Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2009-07-17.
  2. ^ Joe Perez (2009-02-13). "Defenders on way to Richmond, Va., for 2010". Norwich Bulletin.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ Michael Gannon (2009-03-16). "Norwich council paves way for Defenders to go". Norwich Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  4. ^ "RMA has deal with new team". Richmond Times-Dispatch. 2009-04-22.

Sources

[edit]
Preceded by New York Yankees
Double-A Affiliate
1995–2002 		Succeeded by
Preceded by San Francisco Giants
Double-A affiliate
2003–2009 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Connecticut_Defenders&oldid=1181907412"