After nearly 2 decades, San Manuel Stadium will once again host future Mariner stars like it did back in the early 2000’s. In December of 2024, Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), owner of the 66ers, announced their acquisition of Seattle's current affiliate, the Modesto Nuts. This year's 2025 season could potentially be the last time the 66ers are affiliated with the Angels.
We took to San Manuel Stadium recently to get some insights on this bitter-sweet transition for the team, and how minor league baseball has touched so many generations of our community.
I spoke with the General Manager of the 66ers, Holly Haines.
“We're excited about it. Obviously, you know, we love being an Angels affiliate, but I think actually there will be some new energy and we're excited for it.”
For many residents of the Inland Empire, attending 66ers games are about more than just baseball, they're a cherished part about growing up, family, and community.
Local long time fan, Lowell Trask shared some of his memories of cheering on our hometown favorites.
“Before that they were the ‘Spirit’ on Highland Avenue, we used to go and watch the games there at what used to be the old Perris Hill/ Fiscalini field. We had a friend, our next door neighbor… He was able to get a hold of Ken Griffey’s (Jr.) first home run here!”
Throughout their many eras of different team names and ownership, the Spirit, the Stampede, or the 66ers, minor league baseball has been ingrained in the heart of San Bernardino for decades.
It was during their previous Mariners affiliation, that the 66ers had two of their most memorable seasons, winning 2 minor league championships in the years 2003 and 2006. With the rekindling of the two organizations on the horizon, should fans be expecting another new championship win around the corner?
While preparing for this new chapter, one thing is for certain, the future's looking bright for 66er’s baseball. With the Mariner’s colors back in San Manuel Stadium, fans will be wrapped up in excitement and nostalgia, reliving fond memories from the previous Mariners era, exactly 20 years prior.
For KVCR News, I’m Hannah Junker