Iowa Cubs
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
|name = Iowa Cubs
|founded = 1969
|city = Des Moines, Iowa
|misc =
|logo = Iowa Cubs Logo.svg
|uniformlogo = Iowa Cubs cap logo 2021.png
|class level = Triple-A (1969–present)
|past class level=
|current league = International League (2021–present)
|conference =
|division = West Division
|past league = {{Plainlist|
- Pacific Coast League (1998–2020)
- American Association (1969–1997)
}}
|majorleague = Chicago Cubs (1981–present)
|pastmajorleague = {{Plainlist|
- Chicago White Sox (1976–1980)
- Houston Astros (1975)
- Chicago White Sox (1973–1974)
- Oakland Athletics (1969–1972)
}}
|leaguenum = 1
|leaguechamps = 1993
|confnum = 1
|conferencechamps= 2004
|divnum = 8
|divisionchamps = {{hlist|1973|1993|1997|1998|2001|2004|2008|2019}}
|nickname = Iowa Cubs (1982–present)
|pastnames = Iowa Oaks (1969–1981)
|colors = Blue, red, white
{{color box|#0E3386}} {{color box|#D12325}} {{color box|white}}
|mascot = Cubbie Bear
|ballpark = Principal Park (1992–present)
|pastparks = Sec Taylor Stadium (1969–1991)
|owner = Diamond Baseball Holdings{{cite web |title=Iowa Cubs Front Office Staff|url=https://www.milb.com/iowa/ballpark/front-office |website=Iowa Cubs |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=December 8, 2022}}
|manager = Marty Pevey
|website = {{URL|https://www.milb.com/iowa|milb.com/iowa}}
}}
The Iowa Cubs are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They are located in Des Moines, Iowa, and are named for their Major League Baseball (MLB) affiliate. The Cubs have played their home games at Principal Park since 1992, replacing Sec Taylor Stadium which the Cubs used from 1969 to 1991.
The club was established as the Iowa Oaks of the Triple-A American Association in 1969. Iowa took on the Cubs moniker in 1982. They joined the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 1998 following the dissolution of the American Association after the 1997 season. In conjunction with MLB's reorganization of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Cubs were shifted to the Triple-A East, which was renamed the International League in 2022.
The only league title in franchise history is the 1993 American Association championship.
History
=American Association (1969–1997)=
Triple-A Minor League Baseball came to Iowa's capital city in 1969, as the Iowa Oaks of the American Association (AA) began play as an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Des%20Moines&state=IA&country=US|title=Des Moines, Iowa Encyclopedia|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} They played their home games at Sec Taylor Stadium, which opened in 1947 and was located at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-710|title=Sec Taylor Stadium I|work=Stats Crew|access-date=April 17, 2021}} Many future Major League Baseball stars such as sluggers Bill McNulty, Hall of Famer Harold Baines, Pat Tabler, and 1971 Cy Young and MVP Award winning left-handed pitcher Vida Blue spent time with the Oaks. Both Bucky Dent and future Hall-of-Famer Goose Gossage played for the Oaks early in their careers.{{Cite web|last=Birch|first=Tommy|title=50 Years of Triple-A Baseball in Des Moines: The Greatest Team Iowa Cubs and Oaks history|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/baseball/iowa-cubs/2018/04/07/chicago-cubs-white-sox-iowa-cubs-minor-league-kris-bryant-anthony-rizzo-ryne-sandberg-greg-maddux/487799002/|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Des Moines Register|language=en-US}} The A's farm club experienced winning seasons in 1970 and 1971, but third and second-place finishes kept them out of the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=11d3a394|title=1970 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=492c9c1d|title=1971 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}}
The Oaks became the top affiliate of the Chicago White Sox in 1973. They won the East Division that season with an 83–53 record, earning a spot in the best-of-seven American Association championship playoffs,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=b4ad3c3e|title=1973 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} but they were defeated by the Tulsa Oilers, 4–3.{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/PostSeasonAA.jsp|title=American Association Playoff Results|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=October 11, 2019|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812213633/https://www.triple-abaseball.com/PostSeasonAA.jsp|url-status=usurped}} Manager Joe Sparks won the American Association Manager of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.tripleabaseball.com/AAAwards.jsp|title=American Association Special Award Winners|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=October 11, 2019}} Oaks pitchers tossed two no-hitters in 1974, both in away games. The first was pitched by Joe Henderson against the Wichita Aeros on July 31.{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AscmKoVLYjYPdE9MLXIzNVo4VnRFc2lpaW4yUF91aFE&authkey=CL_3m-cC&authkey=CL_3m-cC#gid=0 |title=Minor League No-Hitters |last=McGill |first=Chuck |website=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference |access-date=October 12, 2019}} The second occurred on August 25 when Butch Stinson no-hit the Indianapolis Indians.
After one season as the Houston Astros' Triple-A club in 1975, Iowa returned to the White Sox organization in 1976. Despite a number of winning seasons, they failed to qualify for the postseason during the five years of their second affiliation with Chicago. On September 1, 1977, Chris Knapp and Fred Howard combined to no-hit the Omaha Royals. On May 26, 1978, Jack Kucek tossed a no-hitter at Sec Taylor Stadium against the Oklahoma City 89ers. The franchise was awarded the 1978 John H. Johnson President's Award, recognizing them as the "complete baseball franchise—based on franchise stability, contributions to league stability, contributions to baseball in the community, and promotion of the baseball industry."{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/about/awards |title=Minor League Baseball Award Winners |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=April 17, 2021}} Former St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa managed the Iowa Oaks in 1979 prior to becoming manager of the White Sox. Pitcher Dewey Robinson was selected for the 1979 American Association Most Valuable Pitcher Award after achieving a record of 13–7 and 9 saves with a 2.93 earned run average (ERA) and 76 strikeouts.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=robins001dew|title=Dewey Robinson Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}}
In 1981, the team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. After a final season as the Oaks, they adopted the nickname of their parent team in 1982 becoming the Iowa Cubs. The name is often shortened to "I-Cubs" to avoid confusion with the major league team. Iowa teams of the 1980s often finished high in the standings but were unable to qualify for the championship playoffs, the only exceptions being in 1983 and 1984 when they earned spots in the semi-finals but were eliminated by Denver both years.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=9103199d|title=1983 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1f5744c3|title=1984 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}}
Members of the 1982 team garnered several league awards. Jay Howell, who struck out 139 batters on the way to a 13–4 record and a 2.36 ERA,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=howell001jay|title=Jay Howell Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} won the AA Most Valuable Pitcher Award. Skipper Jim Napier was the league's Manager of the Year. Outfielder Mel Hall was the Rookie of the Year after accruing a batting average of .329 while hitting 34 doubles and 32 home runs and driving in 125 runs.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hall--001mel|title=Mel Hall Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} Another Cub outfielder, Joe Carter, won the 1983 Rookie of the Year Award after stealing 40 bases and hitting .307 with 22 homers.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=carter001jos|title=Joe Carter Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} In 1984, Reggie Patterson fired a no-hitter against the Omaha Royals on August 21. The club was given the 1986 Larry MacPhail Award in rocognition of their marketing and promotion efforts.
File:2014 Principal Park.jpg since 1992.]]
Sec Taylor Stadium was demolished after the 1991 season, and a new facility of the same name, later renamed Principal Park, was constructed on the site in time for the Cubs' 1992 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-711|title=Principal Park|work=Stats Crew|access-date=April 17, 2021}}
Following a dismal 1992 campaign in which the Cubs went 51–92,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=7e453000|title=1992 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} they rebounded to win the 1993 Western Division title at 85–59 under manager Marv Foley.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=30dcf9c4|title=1993 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} They met the Nashville Sounds in the best-of-seven championship series. Leading the series 3–1, the Cubs lost two consecutive games and were forced to a game seven.{{cite news|last=Taft|first=Larry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30976608/iowa_ends_sounds_championship_charge/|title=Iowa Ends Sounds' Championship Charge|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 16, 1993|page=1C}} In the final game, Nashville held a 2–1 lead from the third inning to the seventh before the Cubs tied the game necessitating extra innings. An eleventh-inning walk-off home run by Iowa's Tuffy Rhodes ended the game and gave the Cubs their first league title. Outfielder Eduardo Zambrano garnered the American Association Most Valuable Player Award after collecting 115 RBI and hitting 32 home runs with a .303 average.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=zambra001edu|title=Eddie Zambrano Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} Iowa did not reach the playoffs again until 1997. They captured the Western Division title with a 74–69 record before defeating the New Orleans Zephyrs in the semi-finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=8cdf6a67|title=1997 American Association|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} They were swept by the Buffalo Bisons, 3–0, in the championship round.
=Pacific Coast League (1998–2020)=
The American Association, of which the Cubs had been members since their inaugural 1969 campaign, disbanded after the 1997 season. Its teams were absorbed by the two remaining Triple-A leagues—the International League and Pacific Coast League (PCL). The Cubs joined the PCL and won the American Conference Central Division title in 1998 with an 85–59 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0ee275f6|title=1998 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} In the American Conference series, they were bested by the New Orleans Zephyrs, 2–1, in a rain-shortened series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-148679|title=Past Champions|work=Pacific Coast League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 11, 2019}} Manager Terry Kennedy won the PCL Manager of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/history/award-winners|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012133012/https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/history/award-winners|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 12, 2019|title=Pacific Coast League Award Winners|work=Pacific Coast League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 11, 2019}} Former Chicago Cubs manager and Iowa native Bruce Kimm managed the I-Cubs from 2001 to 2002. He led them to the 2001 division title (83–60),{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=35dd6814|title=2001 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} but they were again eliminated by New Orleans in the conference series. The Cubs won their second John H. Johnson President's Award in 2002.
File:Geovany Soto 2010.jpg won the 2007 PCL Most Valuable Player Award.]]
Mike Quade, former manager of the Chicago Cubs, managed Iowa from 2003 to 2006. The Cubs ended the 2004 season at 79–64 giving them another division title.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=c08f9965|title=2004 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} This time, they defeated the Oklahoma RedHawks, 3–2, to win the American Conference championship. In the best-of-five Pacific Coast League championship series, they lost to the Sacramento River Cats, 3–0. In 2007, catcher Geovany Soto, with a .353 average, 26 home runs, and 109 RBI, won the PCL Most Valuable Player Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=soto--001geo|title=Geovany Soto Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 12, 2019}} Led by PCL Manager of the Year Pat Listach, the 2008 Cubs won the American Conference Northern Division (83–59),{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0c7928c7|title=2008 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} but were beaten in the conference series by Oklahoma, 3–2.
In 2010, the team was managed by Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ryne Sandberg who was also selected as the league's Manager of the Year. First baseman Bryan LaHair won the 2010 PCL MVP Award with his .331 average, 38 homers, and 109 RBI.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lahair001bry|title=Bryan LaHair Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 12, 2019}} On May 7, 2014, Iowa starter Chris Rusin pitched a no-hitter against the New Orleans Zephyrs.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-74665368 |title=Rusin Tosses First PCL No-hitter Since '09 |last=Dykstra |first=Sam |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=May 7, 2014 |access-date=August 12, 2015}} In 2015, right-hander Carlos Pimentel won the PCL Pitcher of the Year Award after achieving a 12–6 record with 118 strikeouts and a 2.95 ERA.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=piment002car|title=Carlos Pimentel Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 12, 2019}} The Cubs returned to the postseason in 2019 having won the division with a 75–65 record,{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d9339ccc|title=2019 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 11, 2019}} but they were eliminated by the Round Rock Express in the American Conference series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings?id=112&sid=l112|title=2019 Pacific Coast League Playoffs|work=Pacific Coast League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 11, 2019}} Colin Rea, who paced the league with 14 wins, was recognized as the PCL Pitcher of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=rea---000col|title=Colin Rea Minor League Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=November 5, 2020}}
The start of the 2020 season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before the whole season was cancelled on June 30.{{cite news |title=A Message From Pat O'Conner|url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/message-from-minor-league-baseball-president-ceo-pat-o-conner-313052288|website=Minor League Baseball|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=May 5, 2020}}{{cite news |title=2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved|url=https://www.milb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-shelved|website=Minor League Baseball|date=June 30, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020}}
=Triple-A East / International League (2021–present)=
Following the 2020 season, Major League Baseball assumed control of Minor League Baseball in a move to increase player salaries, modernize facility standards, and reduce travel. The Chicago Cubs retained Iowa as their Triple-A affiliate, but the Pacific Coast League disbanded, and the Cubs were placed in the Triple-A East.{{cite web|last=Mayo|first=Jonathan|title=MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/new-minor-league-baseball-structure|website=Major League Baseball|date=February 12, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2021}} Iowa began competition in the new league on May 4 with a 3–0 loss to the Indianapolis Indians at Principal Park.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/indians-vs-cubs/2021/05/04/649830#game_state=final,game_tab=box,game=649830|title=Indians vs. Cubs Box Score 05/04/21|website=Minor League Baseball|date=May 4, 2021|access-date=May 5, 2021}} On May 9, the Cubs tossed the league's first no-hitter when Shelby Miller, Tommy Nance, Brad Wieck, and Ryan Meisinger combined to no-hit Indianapolis, 2–0, in Des Moines.{{cite web|last=Maun|first=Tyler|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shelby-miller-leads-iowa-cubs-no-hitter|title=Miller Leads I-Cubs' Combined No-hitter|website=Major League Baseball|date=May 9, 2021|access-date=May 9, 2021}} Pitchers Justin Steele, Scott Effross, and Dillon Maples threw the league's second no-hitter in the first game of a seven-inning doubleheader against the St. Paul Saints on July 11, a 1–0 home win.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/iowa/news/july-11-recap|title=I-Cubs Sweep Doubleheader to Split Series Against St. Paul|website=Iowa Cubs|publisher=Major League Baseball|date=July 11, 2021|access-date=July 18, 2021}} Iowa ended the season in seventh place in the Midwestern Division with a 50–70 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/2021?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=division|title=2021 Triple-A East Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 3, 2021}} No playoffs were held to determine a league champion; instead, the team with the best regular-season record was declared the winner.{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/triple-a-classification-to-add-10-games-to-2021-schedule |title=MiLB Announces 'Triple-A Final Stretch' for 2021 |website=Minor League Baseball |date=July 14, 2021 |accessdate=July 16, 2021}} However, 10 games that had been postponed from the start of the season were reinserted into the schedule as a postseason tournament called the Triple-A Final Stretch in which all 30 Triple-A clubs competed for the highest winning percentage. Iowa finished the tournament in 29th place with a 1–8 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings|title=2021 Triple-A Final Stretch Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 3, 2021}} In December 2021, owner Michael Gartner announced that the team had been sold to Endeavor.{{cite news |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/editorials/2021/12/19/iowa-cubs-endeavor-minor-league-baseball-purchases-des-moines-future/8925576002/ |title=Editorial: After a rare change at the top for the Iowa Cubs, metro leaders need to look out for a local gem's future |website=Des Moines Register |date=December 19, 2021 |accessdate=December 31, 2021}} In 2022, the Triple-A East became known as the International League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-historical-league-names-to-return-in-2022|title=Historical League Names to Return in 2022|website=Minor League Baseball|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=March 16, 2022}}
Season-by-season records
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="font-size:85%"
|+Table key !scope="row" style="text-align:center"|League |The team's final position in the league standings |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|Division
|The team's final position in the divisional standings |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|GB
|Games behind the team that finished in first place in the division that season |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background-color:#FFBBBB"|{{‡|alt=Class champions}}
|Class champions (1970–present) |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background-color:#FFE6BD"|{{†|alt=League champions}}
|League champions (1969–present) |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background-color:#FFFFBB"|§
|Conference champions (1998–2020) |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background-color:#DDFFDD"|*
|Division champions (1970–present) |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background-color:#D0E7FF"|^
|Postseason berth (1981–1997) |
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="font-size: 95%; text-align:center;"
|+Season-by-season records !rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Season !rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|League !colspan="5" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Regular-season !colspan="3" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Postseason !rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|MLB affiliate !class="unsortable" rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Record
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Win % !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|League !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Division !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|{{Abbr|GB|Games behind}} !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Record !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Win % !class="unsortable" rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Result |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1969
| AA | 62–78 | .443 | {{sort|04.1|4th (tie)}} | {{sort|04.1|—}} | {{sort|23.0|23}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1970
| AA | 70–68 | .507 | {{sort|02.1|2nd (tie)}} | {{sort|02.1|2nd (tie)}} | {{sort|03.0|3}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1971
| AA | 71–69 | .507 | {{sort|03.1|3rd (tie)}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|13.5|{{frac|13|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1972
| AA | 62–78 | .443 | {{sort|05.0|5th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|21.0|21}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DDFFDD"|1973 * | AA | 83–53 | .610 | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | 3–4 | {{sort|429|.429}} | bgcolor="#DDFFDD"|Won Eastern Division title |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1974
| AA | 74–62 | .544 | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|04.5|{{frac|4|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1975
| AA | 56–79 | .415 | {{sort|07.0|7th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|20.5|{{frac|20|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1976
| AA | 68–68 | .500 | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|10.0|10}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1977
| AA | 61–75 | .449 | {{sort|07.0|7th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|15.5|{{frac|15|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1978
| AA | 66–70 | .485 | {{sort|05.0|5th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|12.5|{{frac|12|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1979
| AA | 69–67 | .507 | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|09.0|9}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1980
| AA | 59–77 | .434 | {{sort|07.0|7th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|16.0|16}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1981
| AA | 53–82 | .393 | {{sort|08.0|8th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|19.5|{{frac|19|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1982
| AA | 73–62 | .541 | {{sort|02.1|2nd (tie)}} | {{sort|02.1|2nd (tie)}} | {{sort|01.5|{{frac|1|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#D0E7FF"|1983 ^ | AA | 71–65 | .522 | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|07.5|{{frac|7|1|2}}}} | 1–3 | {{sort|250|.250}} | bgcolor="#D0E7FF"|Lost semifinals vs. Denver Bears, 3–1{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-AA2/y-1983|title=1983 American Association Standings|website=Stats Crew|access-date=May 30, 2020}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#D0E7FF"|1984 ^ | AA | 80–74 | .519 | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|02.0|—}} | {{sort|11.0|11}} | 1–4 | {{sort|200|.200}} | bgcolor="#D0E7FF"|Lost semifinals vs. Denver Zephyrs, 4–1{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-AA2/y-1983|title=1983 American Association Standings|website=Stats Crew|access-date=May 30, 2020}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1985
| AA | 66–75 | .468 | {{sort|06.0|6th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|12.5|{{frac|12|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1986
| AA | 74–68 | .521 | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|02.0|2}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1987
| AA | 64–74 | .464 | {{sort|06.0|6th}} | {{sort|06.0|—}} | {{sort|14.0|14}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1988
| AA | 78–64 | .549 | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|03.0|3}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1989
| AA | 62–82 | .431 | {{sort|07.0|7th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|11.0|11}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1990
| AA | 72–74 | .493 | {{sort|05.0|5th}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|14.0|14}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1991
| AA | 78–66 | .542 | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|01.0|1}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1992
| AA | 51–92 | .357 | {{sort|08.0|8th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|22.5|{{frac|22|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#FFE6BD"|1993 * {{†|alt=League champions}} | AA | 85–59 | .590 | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | 4–3 | {{sort|571|.571}} | bgcolor="#FFE6BD"|Won Western Division title |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1994
| AA | 69–74 | .483 | {{sort|05.0|5th}} | {{sort|05.0|—}} | {{sort|17.0|17}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1995
| AA | 69–74 | .483 | {{sort|05.0|5th}} | {{sort|05.0|—}} | {{sort|18.5|{{frac|18|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 1996
| AA | 64–78 | .451 | {{sort|06.0|6th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|14.0|14}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DDFFDD"|1997 * | AA | 74–69 | .517 | {{sort|03.1|3rd (tie)}} | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | 3–3 | {{sort|500|.500}} | bgcolor="#DDFFDD"|Won Western Division title |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DDFFDD"|1998 * | PCL | 85–59 | .590 | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | 1–2 | {{sort|333|.333}} | bgcolor="#DDFFDD"|Won American Conference Central Division title |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|1999
| PCL | 65–76 | .461 | {{sort|14.0|14th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|16.0|16}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2000
| PCL | 57–87 | .396 | {{sort|16.0|16th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|29.0|29}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DDFFDD"|2001 * | PCL | 83–60 | .580 | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|0.3|0–3}} | {{sort|001|.000}} | bgcolor="#DDFFDD"|Won American Conference Central Division title |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2002
| PCL | 71–73 | .493 | {{sort|11.0|11th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|07.0|7}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2003
| PCL | 70–72 | .493 | {{sort|08.1|8th (tie)}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|03.0|3}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#FFFFBB"|2004 * § | PCL | 79–64 | .552 | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | 3–5 | {{sort|375|.375}} | bgcolor="#FFFFBB"|Won American Conference Central Division title |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2005
| PCL | 64–75 | .460 | {{sort|13.0|13th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|08.5|{{frac|8|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2006
| PCL | 76–68 | .528 | {{sort|05.1|5th (tie)}} | {{sort|01.1|1st (tie)}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2007
| PCL | 79–65 | .549 | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|02.0|2nd}} | {{sort|10.0|10}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DDFFDD"|2008 * | PCL | 83–59 | .585 | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | 2–3 | {{sort|400|.400}} | bgcolor="#DDFFDD"|Won American Conference Northern Division title |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2009
| PCL | 72–72 | .500 | {{sort|09.0|9th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|05.0|5}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2010
| PCL | 82–62 | .569 | {{sort|01.1|1st (tie)}} | {{sort|01.1|1st (tie)}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2011
| PCL | 66–77 | .462 | {{sort|12.0|12th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|13.5|{{frac|13|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2012
| PCL | 53–87 | .379 | {{sort|16.0|16th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|28.0|28}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2013
| PCL | 66–78 | .458 | {{sort|14.0|14th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|04.0|4}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2014
| PCL | 74–70 | .514 | {{sort|07.1|7th (tie)}} | {{sort|02.1|2nd (tie)}} | {{sort|02.5|{{frac|2|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2015
| PCL | 80–64 | .556 | {{sort|03.1|3rd (tie)}} | {{sort|02.1|2nd (tie)}} | {{sort|06.0|6}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2016
| PCL | 67–76 | .469 | {{sort|13.0|13th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|15.0|15}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 2017
| PCL | 67–72 | .482 | {{sort|10.1|10th (tie)}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|14.0|14}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2018
| PCL | 50–88 | .362 | {{sort|16.0|16th}} | {{sort|04.0|4th}} | {{sort|24.0|24}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; background:#DDFFDD"|2019 * | PCL | 75–65 | .536 | {{sort|05.0|5th}} | {{sort|01.0|1st}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | 2–3 | {{sort|400|.400}} | bgcolor="#DDFFDD"|Won American Conference Northern Division title |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"| 2020
| PCL | colspan="8"|Season cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic) |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2021
| AAAE | 50–70 | .417 | {{sort|16.0|16th}} | {{sort|07.0|7th}} | {{sort|19.0|19}} | 1–8 | {{sort|111|.111}} | Lost series vs. St. Paul Saints, 4–1 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2022
| IL | 68–81 | .456 | {{sort|16.0|16th}} | {{sort|09.0|9th}} | {{sort|23.0|23}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2023
| IL | 82–65 | .558 | {{sort|05.0|5th}} | {{sort|03.0|3rd}} | {{sort|01.5|{{frac|1|1|2}}}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2024
| IL | 68–82 | .453 | {{sort|19.0|19th}} | {{sort|09.0|9th}} | {{sort|22.0|22}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} | {{sort|00.0|—}} |
| class="sortbottom"
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|Totals ! — ! 3,816–3,943 ! {{winpct|3816|3943}} ! — ! — ! — ! 21–41 ! {{winpct|21|41}} ! — ! — ! — |
Roster
{{Iowa Cubs roster}}
Awards
File:Dewey Robinson Iowa Oaks.jpg won the AA Most Valuable Pitcher Award in 1979.]]
File:Pic of ryne sandberg from the early 90's.jpg won the PCL Manager of the Year Award in 2010.]]
The franchise has been awarded these honors by Minor League Baseball.
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Minor League Baseball Awards !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Award !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Season !class="unsortable" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|John H. Johnson President's Award |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|John H. Johnson President's Award |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center"|Larry MacPhail Award |
Nine players, five managers, and one executive have won league awards in recognition for their performance with Iowa.
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+American Association Awards !width="130px" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Award !width="115px" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Recipient !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Season !class="unsortable" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} | |
| Most Valuable Player
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Eduardo|Zambrano}} |1993 | |
| Most Valuable Pitcher
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Dewey|Robinson|dab=baseball}} |1979 | |
| Most Valuable Pitcher
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Jay|Howell}} |1982 | |
| Rookie of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Mel|Hall}} |1982 | |
| Rookie of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Joe|Carter}} |1983 | |
| Manager of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Joe|Sparks|dab=coach}} |1973 | |
| Manager of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Jim|Napier}} |1982 |
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Pacific Coast League Awards !width="130px" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Award !width="115px" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Recipient !scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|Season !class="unsortable" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#0E3386 5px solid; border-bottom:#D12325 5px solid; color:#0E3386"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} | |
| Most Valuable Player
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Geovany|Soto}} |2007 | |
| Most Valuable Player
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Bryan|LaHair}} |2011 | |
| Pitcher of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Carlos|Pimentel|nolink=1}} |2015 | |
| Pitcher of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Colin|Rea}} |2019 | |
| Manager of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Terry|Kennedy|dab=baseball}} |1998 | |
| Manager of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Pat|Listach}} |2008 | |
| Manager of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Ryne|Sandberg}} |2010 | |
| Executive of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Sam|Bernabe|nolink=1}} |2008 |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Iowa Cubs}}
- [https://www.milb.com/iowa Official website]
- [https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Des%20Moines&state=IA&country=US Statistics from Baseball-Reference]
{{Chicago Cubs}}
{{Diamond Baseball Holdings}}
{{International League}}
{{Iowa Sports}}
Category:1969 establishments in Iowa
Category:American Association (1902–1997) teams
Category:Baseball teams established in 1969
Category:Chicago Cubs minor league affiliates
Category:Chicago White Sox minor league affiliates
Category:Defunct Pacific Coast League teams
Category:International League teams
Category:Houston Astros minor league affiliates
Category:Oakland Athletics minor league affiliates
Category:Professional baseball teams in Iowa