Missoula PaddleHeads

Missoula PaddleHeads
Team logo Cap insignia
Minor league affiliations
ClassIndependent (from 2021)
Previous classesRookie Advanced (1999–2020)
LeaguePioneer League (1999–present)
Major league affiliations
TeamIndependent (from 2021)
Previous teamsArizona Diamondbacks (1999–2020)
Minor league titles
League titles (5)
  • 1999
  • 2006
  • 2012
  • 2015
  • 2021
Division titles (5)
  • 1999
  • 2006
  • 2009
  • 2021
  • 2022
Team data
NameMissoula PaddleHeads (2020–present)
Previous names
Missoula Osprey (1999–2019)
BallparkOgren Park at Allegiance Field (2004–present)
Previous parks
Lindborg-Cregg Field (1999–2003)
Owner(s)/
Operator(s)
Big Sky Professional Baseball
PresidentMatt Ellis[1]
ManagerMichael Schlact

The Missoula PaddleHeads are an independent baseball team of the Pioneer League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB) but is an MLB Partner League. They are located in Missoula, Montana, and play their home games at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field.

In conjunction with a contraction of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Pioneer League, of which the PaddleHeads have been members since 1999, was converted from an MLB-affiliated Rookie Advanced league to an independent baseball league and granted status as an MLB Partner League, with Missoula continuing as members.[2] Prior to this, the PaddleHeads had been affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks (1996–2020).

The team has won the Pioneer League championship five times; in 1999, 2006, 2012, 2015, and 2021.

The club was known as the Missoula Osprey from 1999 through the 2019 season. Previously, the franchise played in Lethbridge, Alberta, as the Lethbridge Black Diamonds. Missoula has had baseball since the early 1900s, with previous team names being the Highlanders and the Timberjacks.[3]

In 2019, the team rebranded as the Missoula PaddleHeads, a term referencing moose antlers being known as "paddles", making the male moose a "paddlehead".[4] The brand also showcases the diversity of kayaking, canoeing and other river-based activities found in Missoula, while the logo features a baseball bat paddle and a partially submerged moose.[5]

  1. ^ Reichard, Kevin (October 1, 2021). "Personnel News: Nashville, Missoula, Stockton, Danville". Ballpark Digest. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  2. ^ "Pioneer League named MLB Partner League". Baseball America. November 30, 2020. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  3. ^ "Missoula Osprey rebranded as Missoula PaddleHeads". KPAX.com. 4 November 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  4. ^ "Shore thing: PaddleHeads row into Missoula". MiLB.com. Retrieved 2022-06-12.
  5. ^ Hill, Benjamin (4 November 2019). "Shore thing: PaddleHeads row into Missoula". milb.com. Retrieved 15 December 2020.