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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 2:32 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2008

MLB: Dodgers linked to Albuquerque again

By TIM KORTE
Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Los Angeles Dodgers, who broke off a 29-year relationship with Albuquerque eight years ago, renewed it today through a two-year player development contract with the Albuquerque Isotopes.

The Isotopes have been the Triple-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins since 2003. Before that, the city was home to the Dodgers' Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Dukes, from 1972-2000, and the Double-A Albuquerque Dodgers from 1963-71.

"We are excited to welcome the Dodgers back to Albuquerque," Isotopes president Ken Young said. "The Dodgers franchise enjoyed so much success here over the years and they have a very strong fan base throughout New Mexico."

Young said the Isotopes have developed a strong individual identity since the old Albuquerque Sports Stadium was renovated in 2002. Last season, the team set a single-season attendance record with 593,606 fans.

But there's an old affection for the Dodgers that never went away.

"While we feel that Albuquerque has really become an Isotopes town, we also know there are generations of fans who still love the Dodgers," Young said.

Some of the standout players who came through Albuquerque in the Dodgers' farm system included Mike Piazza, Pedro Martinez, Orel Hershiser, Pedro Guerrero, Ron Cey, Bill Russell, Davey Lopes, Mike Marshall and Tom Paciorek.

During their partnership with Los Angeles, the Dukes won eight Pacific Coast League championships under managers Tommy Lasorda (1972), Del Crandall (1980-82), Terry Collins (1987), Kevin Kennedy (1990) and Rick Dempsey (1994).

The Albuquerque Dodgers won the Texas League under Roy Hartsfield (1965), Duke Snider (1967) and Del Crandall (1970).

The Las Vegas 51s of the PCL were the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate from 2001-08.

"We are thrilled to affiliate with the Isotopes," Los Angeles owner Frank McCourt said in a news release. "They are a first-class organization and run one of the finest facilities in minor league baseball."