Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs are a professional minor league baseball team based in Des Moines, Iowa, competing as the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs in the International League.[1] Established in 1969 as the Iowa Oaks in the Triple-A American Association, the franchise adopted its current name in 1982 following its affiliation with the Chicago Cubs that began in 1981.[2] The team plays its home games at Principal Park, an 11,500-seat stadium that opened in 1992 and has been renovated multiple times to enhance fan experience, including the addition of skyboxes and picnic areas.[3] Over its history, the Iowa Cubs have achieved notable success, including winning the American Association championship in 1993 and securing Pacific Coast League Central Division titles in 1998, 2001, and 2004 before MLB's reorganization of Minor League Baseball in 2021 that placed the team in the International League (formerly Triple-A East).[2] The team has also set franchise attendance records, drawing 509,384 fans in 2002 and a peak of 576,310 in 2007, reflecting strong community support in Des Moines.[2] As of the 2025 season, the Iowa Cubs maintain a long-term lease at Principal Park through 2037 and continue to serve as a key development hub for Chicago Cubs prospects, hosting a mix of emerging talent and veteran players.[2]Franchise Overview
Affiliations
The Iowa Cubs have operated as a Triple-A minor league baseball team since their inception in 1969, initially as the Iowa Oaks, serving as the highest-level farm club for various Major League Baseball organizations. Triple-A classification represents the uppermost tier of the minor leagues, where players develop advanced skills in preparation for potential major league call-ups, typically featuring 30 teams across two leagues post-2021 reorganization.[4] The franchise's major league parent club affiliations began with the Oakland Athletics from 1969 to 1972, followed by the Chicago White Sox from 1973 to 1974. In 1975, the team affiliated with the Houston Astros for one season before returning to the White Sox from 1976 to 1980. Since 1981, the Iowa Cubs have maintained a continuous partnership with the Chicago Cubs, marking one of the longest active affiliations in minor league baseball.[5]| Year(s) | Major League Parent Club |
|---|---|
| 1969–1972 | Oakland Athletics |
| 1973–1974 | Chicago White Sox |
| 1975 | Houston Astros |
| 1976–1980 | Chicago White Sox |
| 1981–present | Chicago Cubs |
Team Information
The Iowa Cubs are owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings, a California-based investment firm that acquired the team in 2022 as part of a larger transaction involving 11 minor league franchises from Endeavor, the previous ownership group since late 2021.[11] Under this ownership, the organization has focused on operational stability and fan engagement in Des Moines. The team's field management is led by Marty Pevey, who enters his 13th consecutive season as manager in 2025, holding the franchise record with 748 career wins. The 2025 coaching staff includes pitching coach Tony Cougoule (second year with Iowa), hitting coaches Rick Strickland (second year with Iowa) and Rachel Folden (first year with Iowa), bench coach Kyle Moore (first year with Iowa), assistant pitching coach Andrew Betcher (second year in the role), athletic trainers Ed Halbur (eighth year with Iowa) and Logan Severson (fourth year with Iowa), and strength and conditioning coach Connor Rooney (first year with Iowa). The Iowa Cubs' official colors are blue, red, and white, reflecting their affiliation with the Chicago Cubs. The mascot, Cubbie Bear, embodies the team's spirited identity and engages fans at Principal Park. Since the franchise's renaming to the Iowa Cubs in 1982, the primary logo has centered on a stylized bear cub head integrated with a "C," evolving through minor refinements in color shades and line work for a more polished look by the late 1990s, while introducing alternate designs like a fierce bear cap logo in 2022 to highlight the mascot's competitive side.[12][13][14][13] Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the Iowa Cubs play home games at Principal Park, a venue with a seating capacity of 11,500. As members of the International League, their 150-game schedule is broadcast entirely on Hope 940 AM radio, with select contests airing on Marquee Sports Network. Post-2021, attendance has shown steady appeal, averaging 5,800 to 6,000 fans per game annually and totaling 409,706 in 2025 despite a slight league-wide decline.[15][16][17][18]History
American Association Era (1969–1997)
The Iowa Oaks were established in 1969 as a Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics in the American Association, marking the return of professional baseball to Des Moines after a seven-year absence and filling Sec Taylor Stadium, which had been renovated in the 1950s.[19][9] The franchise, founded by local businessman Ray Johnston, played its home games at the aging Sec Taylor Stadium and quickly became a fixture in the city's sports landscape.[19] Over the next decade, the team shifted affiliations to the Chicago White Sox from 1973 to 1980, reflecting the fluid nature of minor league partnerships during that era.[6] In 1981, the Oaks aligned with the Chicago Cubs, prompting a rebranding to the Iowa Cubs in 1982 under new ownership by Ken Grandquist, which averted a threatened relocation to Springfield, Illinois, and solidified the team's commitment to Des Moines.[9][19] Key milestones included the 1973 season, when the Oaks captured the American Association Eastern Division title with an 83–53 record under manager Joe Sparks, though they fell short in the playoffs against the Tulsa Oilers.[9][6] The pinnacle came in 1993, as the Iowa Cubs clinched their first league championship with an 85–59 regular-season mark, defeating the Nashville Sounds in the finals amid a dramatic Game 7 walk-off home run by Tuffy Rhodes.[20] Throughout the era, the franchise faced significant hurdles, including the deteriorating condition of Sec Taylor Stadium by the late 1980s, which prompted community efforts and a voter-approved bond issue in 1990 to fund a complete rebuild, resulting in a new facility opening in 1992.[9] These challenges, coupled with earlier relocation scares, underscored the team's precarious position but also galvanized local support.[19] In Des Moines, the Oaks and Cubs fostered a strong sense of community, drawing fans to games that provided escapism and unity, especially during the 1993 season's adversities like devastating floods that surrounded the stadium—yet the team played on without missing a home contest, culminating in celebrations that reinforced baseball's role as a cultural anchor in the capital city. In their final American Association season, the Iowa Cubs won the Western Division title with a 74-69 record.[20][19][9]Pacific Coast League Era (1998–2020)
Following the dissolution of the American Association after the 1997 season, the Iowa Cubs transitioned to the Pacific Coast League (PCL) as part of Major League Baseball's realignment of Triple-A baseball, expanding the PCL from 10 to 16 teams.[9] The team, which had been affiliated with the Chicago Cubs since 1981, maintained its partnership and continued playing home games at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa, where it had relocated in 1992.[9] This move marked a new era of growth for the franchise, with the Iowa Cubs immediately capturing the PCL's Central Division title in their inaugural 1998 season, finishing with an 85-59 record.[9] The Iowa Cubs experienced sustained success in the PCL, securing additional division titles in 2001 (83-60 record under manager Bruce Kimm), 2004 (79-64 record), and 2008 (83-59 record).[9] In 2004, the team not only won the Central Division but also advanced to claim the American Conference championship by defeating the Oklahoma RedHawks 3-2 in the semifinals, though they fell to the Sacramento River Cats in the league finals.[9] Throughout this period, the franchise's stable affiliation with the Chicago Cubs provided continuity in player development and organizational support, fostering a pipeline of talent from the major league club.[9] Attendance at Principal Park saw significant growth during the PCL era, reflecting increased fan interest in the team's competitive play and the broader appeal of Triple-A baseball. The Iowa Cubs set franchise records multiple times, drawing 483,176 fans in 2000, surpassing that mark with 509,384 in 2002—the first season exceeding half a million attendees—and reaching 576,310 in 2007.[9] These figures positioned the team among the PCL's attendance leaders, contributing to the league's overall rise, which broke its single-season record in consecutive years during the mid-2000s.[21] Within the American Conference, the Iowa Cubs developed key rivalries with division foes, notably the Nashville Sounds, against whom they frequently battled for playoff positioning in intense series, including a tied first-place finish in the East Division during the 2001 season.[22] The era concluded abruptly in 2020 when the entire Minor League Baseball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 0-0 record for the Iowa Cubs and halting what had been a period of steady expansion.[23]International League Era (2021–Present)
In 2021, Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball realigned the Triple-A level by dividing the 30 teams into two temporary leagues: the 20-team Triple-A East and the 10-team Triple-A West, emphasizing geographic divisions to reduce travel while preserving the overall number of affiliates. The Iowa Cubs, previously in the Pacific Coast League, were assigned to the Triple-A East's Midwest Division alongside teams like the Omaha Storm Chasers and St. Paul Saints. This shift marked a departure from the traditional league structures, with the Iowa Cubs adapting to a 120-game schedule amid the broader contraction of Minor League rosters from 160 to 120 teams across all levels. The team finished the season with a 51–78 record, placing seventh in their division and missing the Triple-A Final Stretch postseason tournament, which featured the top six teams in a 10-game sprint.[24][25][26] The league names reverted to their historical monikers in 2022, with the Triple-A East becoming the International League (20 teams) and the Triple-A West the Pacific Coast League (10 teams), restoring the Iowa Cubs to a familiar competitive framework while maintaining the new divisional alignment. Under this structure, the team posted a 68–81 record in 2022, finishing ninth in the International League West and out of playoff contention. Performance improved in 2023 with an 82–65 mark, securing third place in the West Division, though the expanded playoff format—awarding spots to the top four teams from each half-season—prevented postseason qualification. The 2024 season saw a regression to 68–82, again ninth in the West, highlighting challenges in consistency amid roster turnover and prospect promotions to the Chicago Cubs.[26][27][28][29] A significant off-field development occurred in December 2021 when the Iowa Cubs were sold by longtime owner Michael Gartner to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), a subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings, as part of a broader acquisition of nine Minor League teams. This transaction, valued as part of DBH's expansive portfolio now encompassing over 40 teams, brought enhanced financial resources and operational expertise to the franchise, enabling investments in player development and fan engagement without disrupting the Chicago Cubs' affiliation, which was extended through 2030. The change ensured continuity in Des Moines, with minimal alterations to game-day experiences while positioning the team to navigate the restructured league's demands more effectively.[30][31][32][33] As of November 2025, the Iowa Cubs concluded their 2025 International League campaign with a 74–75 record, finishing fifth in the West Division and missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. The season featured streaks of competitiveness, including a six-game winning run in September against divisional rivals, but overall inconsistencies in pitching and timely hitting prevented a deeper run. Under DBH's stewardship, the team emphasized youth integration, with prospects like Owen Caissie contributing significantly—hitting 15 home runs—while serving as a key rehabilitation hub for Chicago Cubs players. This era has underscored the Iowa Cubs' resilience in a more regionally focused Triple-A environment, prioritizing sustainable growth amid evolving Minor League dynamics.[34][35][36][37]Principal Park
Stadium History
The Iowa Cubs' original home was Sec Taylor Stadium, located in Des Moines, Iowa, which the team used from its inception in 1969 through the 1991 season. Originally constructed in 1947 as Pioneer Memorial Stadium with a capacity of approximately 5,000, the venue was renamed Sec Taylor Stadium in 1959 to honor Des Taylor, a prominent sports editor for the Des Moines Register who had passed away that year. The stadium featured a traditional design typical of mid-20th-century minor league ballparks, including wooden grandstands and an open-air configuration along the Des Moines River, seating around 7,500 by the late 1980s. It served as the host for Triple-A baseball in Des Moines during the American Association era, accommodating the Cubs' games amid growing concerns over its aging infrastructure.[38][3] By the late 1980s, Sec Taylor Stadium had deteriorated significantly, with splintering wooden seats, inadequate facilities, and maintenance issues prompting calls for replacement to retain professional baseball in the city. Planning for a new stadium began in August 1988, driven by local business leaders and team ownership who highlighted the risk of the franchise relocating without upgrades. Community involvement culminated in August 1990, when Des Moines voters approved a $12 million bond issue by a 57-43 margin, providing public funding for the project while private contributions from sponsors and the team covered additional costs. This voter-backed initiative reflected strong civic support for keeping Triple-A baseball, averting potential moves to other cities. The old stadium was fully demolished on September 10, 1991, clearing the site for reconstruction.[9][3][39] The new Sec Taylor Stadium—later renamed Principal Park—opened on April 16, 1992, with an inaugural attendance of over 10,000 for a 3-2 victory against the Louisville Redbirds. Built on the same riverside site at a cost of $12 million, the modern facility expanded capacity to 11,500, incorporating steel and concrete construction, improved sightlines, and enhanced amenities to meet contemporary minor league standards. The stadium's debut occurred during the final years of the American Association, preceding the team's affiliation shift to the Pacific Coast League in 1998, but no further venue changes were needed as Principal Park accommodated the transition seamlessly. In 2004, the ballpark was renamed Principal Park following a naming rights deal with Principal Financial Group, honoring the site's legacy while aligning with corporate sponsorship trends.[40][3][9] Stadium transitions significantly boosted attendance, reflecting improved fan experience and facility appeal. At the aging Sec Taylor Stadium, average yearly crowds hovered below 200,000 in the 1980s, constrained by the venue's limitations. Following the 1992 opening, Principal Park saw immediate upticks, with over 300,000 fans in its debut season, and by 2002, the Cubs shattered franchise records with 509,384 attendees. The venue reached a peak of 576,310 in 2007, and by 2017, cumulative attendance since the rebuild exceeded 13 million, underscoring the enduring impact of the modernization on community engagement.[9][3][41]Features and Renovations
Principal Park features a diverse seating layout designed to accommodate a variety of fan experiences. The stadium offers approximately 11,500 seats, including field-level seating along the baselines, reserved sections behind home plate, and premium skybox suites in sections 314-316 and 401 that can hold up to 50 guests with indoor and outdoor options. Bullpens for home and visiting teams were relocated in 2025 from the foul lines to integrated areas within the seating bowl, enhancing playing field space while maintaining visibility for spectators. Fan zones include the Cubbie Village area with a playground and splash pad for children, located in the outfield, providing interactive entertainment beyond the game. A large videoboard in left field delivers replays and stats, complemented by an exterior-facing screen for concourse viewers.[42][43][44] Since its opening in 1992, Principal Park has undergone several renovations to improve functionality, safety, and technology, particularly post-2010. In 2013, clubhouse facilities were expanded with larger locker, shower, and restroom areas for both teams. Safety upgrades included extending protective netting to the dugout ends in 2016 and adding netting along nearly the full length of both foul lines in 2020 at a cost of $90,000, funded jointly by the Iowa Cubs and the City of Des Moines to better protect fans without obstructing views. The 2022 offseason saw a $10 million overhaul of locker rooms and training facilities to meet MLB standards, including accommodations for additional coaches and female staff. In 2025, a $1.3 million project moved the bullpens off the field, as approved by the Des Moines City Council, to optimize gameplay and seating flow. These efforts are part of a broader $65 million vision announced in 2023 to transform the area into an entertainment district similar to Chicago's Gallagher Way, incorporating mezzanine suites, a new main entry, parking garage, and public art.[39][45][46] The park's unique elements enhance its appeal, with prime views of the Iowa State Capitol and downtown Des Moines skyline from its location at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Concessions emphasize local Iowa flavors, such as pork tenderloin sandwiches, brisket from Stu's BBQ, and ranch-drenched fries, alongside standard ballpark options like hot dogs and craft beers, available at stands along the external concourse. Capacity has evolved from 10,500 at its 1992 debut to the current 11,500 through phased seating additions during renovations. Beyond baseball, Principal Park hosts non-baseball events including concerts by artists like Straight No Chaser and The Lacs, as well as community gatherings, leveraging its versatile layout for year-round use. Sustainability features outlined in the 2021 master plan include energy-efficient infrastructure and commissioning to reduce consumption. Accessibility is prioritized with KultureCity sensory inclusion certification, offering free sensory bags (noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools) and quiet rooms, plus annual sensory-friendly games tailored for neurodivergent individuals.[3][47][40][48][49][50]Records and Achievements
Season-by-Season Records
The Iowa Cubs franchise, originating as the Iowa Oaks in 1969, has maintained a presence in Triple-A minor league baseball for over five decades, transitioning through leagues and affiliations while serving as the Chicago Cubs' top farm club since 1982.[51] The following table summarizes the team's annual performance metrics, including league affiliation, regular-season record, finishing position, playoff results (where applicable), manager, and attendance figures when documented.[51][52]| Year | League | Record (W-L) | Finishing Position | Playoffs Outcome | Manager | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | American Association | 62-78 | 4th | None | Jimmy Williams | |
| 1970 | American Association | 70-68 | 2nd (tied) | None | Sherm Lollar | |
| 1971 | American Association | 71-69 | 3rd (tied) | None | Sherm Lollar | |
| 1972 | American Association | 62-78 | 5th | None | Sherm Lollar | |
| 1973 | American Association | 83-53 | 1st | Lost League Finals | Joe Sparks | |
| 1974 | American Association | 74-62 | 3rd | None | Joe Sparks | |
| 1975 | American Association | 56-79 | 7th | None | Joe Sparks | |
| 1976 | American Association | 68-68 | 4th | None | Loren Babe | |
| 1977 | American Association | 61-75 | 7th | None | Joe Sparks | |
| 1978 | American Association | 66-70 | 5th | None | Joe Sparks | |
| 1979 | American Association | 69-67 | 4th | None | Tony La Russa / Joe Sparks | |
| 1980 | American Association | 59-77 | 7th | None | Pete Ward / Sam Ewing | |
| 1981 | American Association | 53-82 | 8th | None | Randy Hundley / Roy Hartsfield | |
| 1982 | American Association | 73-62 | 2nd (tied) | None | Jim Napier | |
| 1983 | American Association | 71-65 | 3rd | Lost in 1st round | Jim Napier | |
| 1984 | American Association | 80-74 | 2nd | Lost in 1st round | Jim Napier | |
| 1985 | American Association | 66-75 | 6th | None | Larry Cox | |
| 1986 | American Association | 74-68 | 3rd | None | Larry Cox | |
| 1987 | American Association | 64-74 | 6th | None | Larry Cox | |
| 1988 | American Association | 78-64 | 3rd | None | Pete Mackanin | |
| 1989 | American Association | 62-82 | 7th | None | Pete Mackanin | |
| 1990 | American Association | 72-74 | 5th | None | Jim Essian | |
| 1991 | American Association | 78-66 | 3rd | None | Jim Essian / Mick Kelleher | |
| 1992 | American Association | 51-92 | 8th | None | Brad Mills | |
| 1993 | American Association | 85-59 | 1st | League Champions | Marv Foley | |
| 1994 | American Association | 69-74 | 5th | None | Rick Patterson | |
| 1995 | American Association | 69-74 | 5th | None | Ron Clark | |
| 1996 | American Association | 64-78 | 6th | None | Ron Clark | |
| 1997 | American Association | 74-69 | 3rd (tied) | Lost League Finals | Tim Johnson | |
| 1998 | Pacific Coast League | 85-59 | 1st | Lost in 1st round | Terry Kennedy | |
| 1999 | Pacific Coast League | 65-76 | 14th | None | Terry Kennedy | |
| 2000 | Pacific Coast League | 57-87 | 16th | None | Dave Trembley | 483,176 |
| 2001 | Pacific Coast League | 83-60 | 3rd | Lost in 1st round | Bruce Kimm | |
| 2002 | Pacific Coast League | 71-73 | 11th | None | Bruce Kimm / Pat Listach | 509,384 |
| 2003 | Pacific Coast League | 70-72 | 9th (tied) | None | Mike Quade | |
| 2004 | Pacific Coast League | 79-64 | 4th | Lost League Finals | Mike Quade | |
| 2005 | Pacific Coast League | 64-75 | 13th | None | Mike Quade | |
| 2006 | Pacific Coast League | 76-68 | 5th (tied) | None | Mike Quade / Bobby Dickerson / Mike Quade | |
| 2007 | Pacific Coast League | 79-65 | 3rd | None | Buddy Bailey | 576,310 |
| 2008 | Pacific Coast League | 83-59 | 1st | Lost in 1st round | Pat Listach | |
| 2009 | Pacific Coast League | 72-72 | 9th | None | Bobby Dickerson | |
| 2010 | Pacific Coast League | 82-62 | 1st (tied) | None | Ryne Sandberg | |
| 2011 | Pacific Coast League | 66-77 | 12th | None | Bill Dancy | |
| 2012 | Pacific Coast League | 53-87 | 16th | None | Dave Bialas | |
| 2013 | Pacific Coast League | 66-78 | 14th | None | Marty Pevey | |
| 2014 | Pacific Coast League | 74-70 | 7th (tied) | None | Marty Pevey | |
| 2015 | Pacific Coast League | 80-64 | 3rd (tied) | None | Marty Pevey | |
| 2016 | Pacific Coast League | 67-76 | 13th | None | Marty Pevey | |
| 2017 | Pacific Coast League | 67-72 | 10th | None | Marty Pevey | |
| 2018 | Pacific Coast League | 50-88 | 16th | None | Marty Pevey | |
| 2019 | Pacific Coast League | 75-65 | 5th | Lost in 1st round | Marty Pevey | 489,173 |
| 2020 | Triple-A East | 0-0 | N/A | None | N/A | |
| 2021 | Triple-A East | 50-70 | 16th | 1-8 | Marty Pevey | 314,749 |
| 2022 | International League | 68-81 | 16th | None | Marty Pevey | 437,543 |
| 2023 | International League | 82-65 | 5th | None | Marty Pevey | 432,246 |
| 2024 | International League | 68-82 | 19th | None | Marty Pevey | 409,712 |
| 2025 | International League | 74-75 | 5th | None | Marty Pevey | 409,706 |
Championships and Awards
The Iowa Cubs have secured one league championship in their history, winning the 1993 American Association title after defeating the Nashville Sounds 4-3 in the best-of-seven championship series, marking the franchise's only Triple-A postseason crown.[9][53] The team has claimed eight division titles, advancing to the playoffs each time but falling short of further league honors. In 1973, as the Iowa Oaks, they captured the American Association Western Division with an 83-53 record before losing the championship series to the Tulsa Drillers 3-4.[54][5] The 1993 squad also won the AA Western Division en route to their league title. In 1997, Iowa took the AA Western Division at 74-69, sweeping the New Orleans Zephyrs 3-0 in the division series but losing the finals 0-3 to the Buffalo Bisons.[9][53] The 1998 Pacific Coast League Central Division champions (85-59) were eliminated 1-2 by the New Orleans Zephyrs in the American Conference series.[9][53] Iowa clinched the 2001 PCL Central Division by winning 24 of their final 32 games (83-60 overall), only to fall 0-3 to New Orleans in the conference playoffs.[9][53] The 2004 team swept the PCL Central and American Conference titles (79-64), defeating the Oklahoma RedHawks 3-2 before a 0-3 sweep by Sacramento in the PCL finals.[9][55] In 2008, Iowa won the PCL American North Division at 83-59 but lost 2-3 to Oklahoma in the conference series.[56] The 2019 American North Division winners (75-65) were ousted 2-3 by the Round Rock Express in the PCL semifinals.[57]| Year | League/Division | Regular Season Record | Postseason Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | AA Western | 83-53 | Lost AA Championship Series to Tulsa 3-4 |
| 1993 | AA Western | 85-59 | Won AA Championship Series vs. Nashville 4-3 |
| 1997 | AA Western | 74-69 | Won Division Series vs. New Orleans 3-0; Lost Finals vs. Buffalo 0-3 |
| 1998 | PCL Central | 85-59 | Lost Conference Series vs. New Orleans 1-2 |
| 2001 | PCL Central | 83-60 | Lost Conference Series vs. New Orleans 0-3 |
| 2004 | PCL Central/American Conference | 79-64 | Won Conference Series vs. Oklahoma 3-2; Lost PCL Finals vs. Sacramento 0-3 |
| 2008 | PCL American North | 83-59 | Lost Conference Series vs. Oklahoma 2-3 |
| 2019 | PCL American North | 75-65 | Lost Semifinals vs. Round Rock 2-3 |