What is the history of the Goldeyes baseball team?

The Winnipeg Goldeyes were founded in 1994 and originally played in the Northern League, which was a professional independent baseball league.

In 2011, the Goldeyes switched leagues and joined the American Association of Professional Baseball, where they have played ever since.

The team's name "Goldeyes" is a reference to a species of freshwater fish native to Manitoba, Canada.

The Goldeyes have won three American Association championships - in 2012, 2016, and 2017.

The team's home stadium, Shaw Park, opened in 1999 and can seat over 7,000 fans.

During the 2020 season, the Goldeyes played their home games in Fargo, North Dakota due to COVID-19 restrictions in Manitoba.

Several former Major League Baseball players have spent time with the Goldeyes, including outfielder Reggie Abercrombie and pitcher Matt Rusch.

The Goldeyes hold the American Association record for longest winning streak at 17 games, set during the 2016 season.

In 2018, the Goldeyes had one of the highest attendance averages in the American Association, drawing over 5,800 fans per game.

The team's mascot is a golden retriever named Casper, who has been entertaining fans since the team's inception in 1994.

The Goldeyes have hosted the American Association All-Star Game three times - in 2001, 2009, and 2019.

The team's ownership group, led by Sam Katz, has owned the Goldeyes since 1999.

The Goldeyes have had over 20 players go on to play in Major League Baseball, including outfielder Tyler Kuhn and pitcher Chris Kissock.

The team's longest-tenured manager is Rick Forney, who has been with the Goldeyes since 2005 and has led the team to five division titles.

The Goldeyes have had a partnership with the Winnipeg Jets hockey team, which has included co-branded merchandise and joint promotions.

The team's home ballpark, Shaw Park, was the first in the American Association to feature an artificial turf playing surface.

The Goldeyes have a strong community outreach program, with players and coaches regularly visiting local schools and hospitals.

The team's fan base is known for its passionate support, with the Goldeyes consistently ranking among the attendance leaders in the American Association.

The Goldeyes have had several players go on to have successful careers in the Major Leagues, including outfielder Reggie Abercrombie and pitcher Matt Rusch.

The team has won several awards over the years, including being named the American Association's Organization of the Year in 2016.