SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS
Defending Triple-A Champions Again!

The Sacramento River Cats look to defend their back-to-back Pacific Coast League and Triple-A championship as they head into the 2009 season with returning manager Tony DeFrancesco. Fans bring an amazing passion to Raley Field, where the River Cats have now won seven division titles and four Pacific Coast League championships. It's clear this team, leading the league in attendance for nine consecutive years, will be a fan favorite for years to come.

The 2008 Triple-A Champion River Cats celebrate their second straight title. Photo: courtesy Sacramento River Cats.

The Pacific Coast League has been in existence in one form or another since 1903 and has seen the rise of baseball legends like Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, as well as modern greats like Barry Bonds.

As the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, the River Cats boast an all-star roster of alumni, including 2005 American League Rookie of the Year Huston Street, 2004 American League Rookie of the Year Bobby Crosby and 2002 American League Cy Young Award-winner Barry Zito. Other major-league notables like Eric Chavez, Rich Harden, Nick Swisher and Mark Mulder and star-of-the-future Daric Barton have also called Raley Field home.

The River Cats and the A's have a symbiotic relationship. The Oakland organization is serious about player development. A's general manger Billy Beane credits director of player development Keith Lieppman as being an integral part of the A's success over the past decade. Lieppman stresses consistent coaching throughout the organization as a major factor in grooming players for success in the majors, a strategy from which both Oakland and Sacramento have reaped benefits. In the 2009 season, look for top prospects like starting pitchers Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill and Vince Mazzaro to have breakout years in Sacramento (unless the big club beckons!).

The team's 2009 home opener is April 9, against the Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. DeFrancesco, who guided the team to three championships (2003, 2004 and 2007) in his first five years at the helm of the Cats, returns after spending 2008 on the A's major-league coaching staff. On staff for the 2009 season are hitting coach Brian McArn, pitching coach Rick Rodriguez and athletic trainer Brad La Rosa.

Raley Field, the River Cats' popular home field is in West Sacramento, just across the Sacramento River from the city's vibrant downtown area. The beautiful and easily accessible modern ballpark is one of the best in the league and has been a key element in attracting record-setting crowds. With a seating capacity of 14,414, Raley Field offers all the attractions of a major-league park. Standout amenities include catered luxury suites, a party deck that can be reserved, delicious concessions and an on-site cantina.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of River Cats baseball is the fun, excitement and convenience. Minor-league baseball is a low-cost, low-stress alternative to a major-league game, while offering a high level of play. Creative promotions are the norm at Raley Field, including many that are family oriented. River Cats games are home to KCRA-Channel 3 giveaways, where items like River Cats jersey T-shirts and bobbleheads are handed out. Other exciting events this summer will include a singles night, couples night, golf night, faith nights, teacher-appreciation night and Boy Scout /Girl Scout night. Every night of the week features a new, fun promotion. For more information, visit www.rivercats.com.