By Staff Writer: Jacob Mattox
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team located in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team began play in Albuquerque in 2003, though they were not the first semi-professional baseball team to call Albuquerque their home.
Before the existence of the Isotopes, the Albuquerque Dukes were the first professionally recognized baseball team based out of the city. The Dukes played in Albuquerque until March of 2000 when the team was sold and moved to Portland, Oregon leaving Albuquerque without a baseball team.
That was until January of 2001, when a group of businessmen from Tampa, Florida purchased the Calgary Cannons out of Salt Lake City, Utah with the intention of bringing baseball back to Albuquerque. One major condition of moving the team to Albuquerque was that a new stadium needed to be built, or the old one needed to be remodeled.
In May of 2001 their request was granted. The city approved a $25 million renovation to the existing stadium. The renovation was completed in 2003 and the team was then renamed the “Isotopes” and moved to Albuquerque in time for the 2003 season.
Since their arrival the Isotopes have served as a staple in the Albuquerque sports community. While minor league baseball is often about player development, the Isotopes have created a lasting impression with fans and residents. Their history reflects both the evolution of baseball in Albuquerque as well as the community’s relentless support for its sports.