El Paso Chihuahuas

The story of the El Paso Chihuahuas begins with MountainStar Sports Group's acquisition of the Tucson Padres in 2012. Led by the Hunt and Foster families — two of El Paso's most prominent business dynasties — MountainStar relocated the franchise to El Paso and built Southwest University Park, a state-of-the-art downtown ballpark with views of the Franklin Mountains and the international border with Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

The Chihuahuas debuted in 2014 under manager Pat Murphy, posting a .500 record in their inaugural season (72-72). The team quickly found its footing, and in 2016 — just the franchise's third year — manager Rod Barajas guided the Chihuahuas to a dramatic 11th-inning victory over the Oklahoma City Dodgers in the PCL championship game, giving El Paso its first professional baseball title. The championship validated the community's investment and cemented the Chihuahuas as a legitimate force in the Pacific Coast League.

The early years established the franchise's identity: high-scoring games in the desert air, a passionate bilingual fanbase straddling the U.S.-Mexico border, and a ballpark experience that blended Southwestern culture with top-flight baseball. Attendance figures consistently placed the Chihuahuas among the PCL's most popular teams.

With the championship behind them, the Chihuahuas settled into their primary role as the San Diego Padres' top development arm. The late 2010s saw an influx of talent that would transform the Padres from also-rans into contenders, and much of that talent passed through El Paso. Fernando Tatis Jr., who would become one of baseball's brightest stars, played for the Chihuahuas in 2019 before his electric debut in San Diego. Luis Urias, Franmil Reyes, and Chris Paddack also made their mark at Southwest University Park.

Rod Barajas managed through 2018 before giving way to Edwin Rodriguez in 2019. The 2019 season was one of the franchise's best on the field, as the high-altitude offense produced eye-popping numbers that were characteristic of El Paso's hitter-friendly environment. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 campaign — the first under the reorganized Minor League Baseball structure — saw the Chihuahuas struggle with a 46-74 record.

Through the ups and downs, the Chihuahuas maintained their position as one of the most entertaining franchises in the minor leagues, with fans showing up to see future stars and enjoy the unique atmosphere of baseball on the border.