Alexandria Mariners

The Alexandria Mariners were a minor league baseball located in Alexandria, Virginia. The Mariners were members of the Carolina League for a single season in 1979. The team was an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

Alexandria Mariners
(1979)
Alexandria, Virginia
Minor league affiliations
ClassClass A-Advanced
LeagueCarolina League
Major league affiliations
TeamSeattle Mariners
Team data
Previous names
Alexandria Dukes (1978)
ColorsRoyal blue, gold, white
     
BallparkMunicipal Stadium at Four Mile Run

History

The Alexandria franchise joined the Carolina League in 1978. The team adopted the nickname Dukes and played the season as an independent club.[1] The franchise was owned by shareholders with initial shares sold for $1 with a one hundred share minimum.[2] The Seattle Mariners signed a player development contract with the Seattle Mariners. This was Seattle's first Carolina League affiliate.

The Mariners, skippered by Bobby Floyd, had a roster that included a few future big leaguer M's. Washington native Karl Best and battery mate Dave Valle would both go on to play in Seattle. Bryan Clark led the rotation going 14-5 on the year. Perhaps the most interesting player with the club was Gary Pellant, who played the previous season in Alexandria. On April 30th, Pellant hit home runs from both sides of the plate in a single game. Pellant finished the season with a .279 average and league leading 18 home runs[3] The Mariners finished the season at 74-62 to earn second place in the league.

Following the season the was uncertainty as to whether Alexandria would field a team in 1980. There was speculation that the team may relocate or move to the AA Southern League. Lacking a definitive plan, Seattle terminated their affiliation. Alexandria returned as part of the Carolina League.[4] The club reverted back to its previous moniker, the Dukes, playing as a co-op team.

Ballpark

Municipal Stadium at Four Mile Run Park served as the Mariners home ballpark.

Season-by-season record
Season Division Finish Wins Losses Win% Post-season Manager Attendance
Alexandria Mariners
1979 No divisions 2nd 74 62 .544 Bobby Floyd 34,614

References
  1. "Pilots' Skipper Peruses Bright New Faces". Newspapers.com. 1987-03-21. Retrieved 2020-08-27.
  2. "Alexandria Tryouts Today". Newspapers.com. 1978-04-01. Retrieved 2020-08-27.
  3. Mitchell, Bill (2020-03-30). "Gary Pellant Has The Inning Of His Life: My Most Memorable Minor League Game". www.baseballamerica.com. Retrieved 2020-08-27.
  4. "Alexandria Will Field 1980 Carolina League Team". Newspapers.com. 1979-11-21. Retrieved 2020-08-25.
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