The Iowa Cubs joined the Pacific Coast League in 1998, but the franchise’s roots stretch back more than just a couple decades. The team was born in 1969 and known as the Iowa Oaks through the 1981 season. The team was renamed the Cubs in 1982, a year after the Chicago Cubs took over as the team’s Major League Baseball parent club. Previously, the minor league team had been affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros. The franchise played in the American Association from its inception through the 1997 season and joined the PCL in 1998 when the AA folded.Ballpark
The Cubs play the home games on their schedule at Principal Park, which opened in 1992. The park is located in downtown Des Moines and holds 11,500 spectators. It has a view of not only the Des Moines, but also the Iowa State Capitol building. Principal Park underwent a significant renovation project prior to the 2006 season at a cost of nearly $8 million. Upgrades included a new video board, extensive fountain, kids’ play area and new seating.
No Pacific Coast League Championships
Like their parent organization in Chicago, the Iowa Cubs have made new headlines for struggling in the postseason. The franchise has only won one league title since its inception in 1969, with the title coming in 1993 while in the American Association. The Cubs won a conference championship in 2004 and have won a total of seven division titles throughout their history.
Iowa Cubs Roster
Given the team’s long history, the Iowa Cubs roster has included a number of Major League Baseball stars. These names include Joe Carter, Mark Grace, Shawon Dunston, Greg Maddux, Rafael Palmeiro, Carlos Zambrano, Kerry Wood, and Mark Prior. Current and past Cubs stars such as Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano have rehabbed in Iowa.
Spring Training
During Spring Training, members of the Iowa Cubs share Cubs Park with other players from the Chicago Cubs system. The park opened in 2014, replacing HoHoKam Stadium, and holds 15,000 fans. Cubs Park is the largest-capacity Spring Training facility in baseball.
The Ballpark Guide hasn’t visited the Iowa Cubs yet, but hopes to in the near future. If you’re excited to read a fan guide to Principal Park, check out the many ways you can support The Ballpark Guide on future baseball road trips.