It’s been 20 years since the professional baseball team in Modesto changed its name to the Modesto Nuts. As I look back on that time, I do so with years of experience, a little bit of wisdom, a healed psyche, and a whole lot of memories. Take a trip down memory lane as I revisit the end of the relationship with the Oakland A’s, the beginning of a relationship with the Colorado Rockies, the process of changing the team name, the immediate aftermath, and the long-term results.
Part I: The End of an Era
In January 2004, I achieved my career goal. At just 26 years old, I was named the General Manager of the Modesto A’s after five seasons in Minor League Baseball, working across three teams in various roles. It was exhilarating—yet terrifying. I had finally reached the top of my field, but the pressure I put on myself to succeed was immense.
The 2004 season marked the 30th year of the Modesto A’s affiliation with the Oakland Athletics. A Major League team only 70 miles away, the A's had sent us future legends—Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire, Miguel Tejada, Jason Giambi, and many others. They were the same A’s that became famous in the early 2000s for their "Moneyball" approach—an underdog story loved by baseball fans everywhere.
Back in the mid-1970s, it was common for minor league teams to take on the moniker and colors of their Major League affiliate, and Modesto proudly wore the gold and green of Oakland. However, by the early 2000s, we were experimenting with alternate logos and color schemes. The truth was, unless you were an A’s die-hard, gold and green gear wasn’t exactly flying off the shelves.
The 2004 season was all about celebrating our long-standing partnership with Oakland. We marked our 30th anniversary with promotions, giveaways, and themed events highlighting our Major League connection. It was a time of nostalgia, but underneath, I knew we were approaching a pivotal moment: our player development contract (PDC) with Oakland was set to expire at the end of the season.
The Calm Before the Storm
Ownership reassured me not to worry; they were confident the 30-year relationship would naturally continue. As a first-year GM, I deferred to their experience and focused on the day-to-day operations, but there was always a nagging uncertainty in the back of my mind.
At that time, the PDC was the cornerstone of any affiliation between Major and Minor League teams. Every two to four years, these agreements were up for renewal or termination. Yet, as a Minor League team, you were guaranteed a Major League partner, with 30 teams on each side, at each level.
Despite my concerns, the 2004 Modesto A’s were a powerhouse. Led by manager and former Major League outfielder Von Hayes and current Oakland A’s pitching coach Scott Emerson, the team won an impressive 90 games—the most of any team in Minor League Baseball that year.
Still, as we marched towards the playoffs, I couldn’t help but worry about the PDC. I made periodic check-ins with the owners, but the answer was always the same: “It’s being handled.” Meanwhile, just 25 miles north, the Stockton Ports were building a brand-new, state-of-the-art ballpark, and I knew Oakland was their target. I wanted to do more to secure our future, but I was told to stay the course.
The First Shoe Drops
Then, right before the California League playoffs, I received an official letter from Minor League Baseball, notifying us that our PDC with Oakland would not be renewed. We had 21 days to secure a new Major League partner, and I was provided with a list of Major League teams that were currently without an Advanced A affiliate. It was a shock, but not a total surprise.
The owners were caught off-guard and remained optimistic we could still work something out with the A’s. I was instructed to hold off on contacting any other Major League teams, but my instincts told me otherwise. Confidence in ownership’s approach was fading.
I decided to take matters into my own hands, quietly reaching out to a few teams on the list. I made a long-shot call to the Boston Red Sox, but they were firm about not wanting to be on the West Coast (ironically, they ended up in Lancaster, CA, just two years later). The Minnesota Twins, who I had previously worked with, were on the brink of finalizing a deal elsewhere. The Texas Rangers even came out for a clandestine visit before one of our playoff games.
We advanced to the California League championship after defeating the San Jose Giants in a thrilling five-game series. As we celebrated, I was also in deep discussions with Bill Geivett, Director of Player Development for the Colorado Rockies. From our very first conversation, we were aligned in vision and goals. The Rockies were emerging as a great option for our future.
A Delicate Dance
I told Geivett that two things had to happen before we finalized a deal:
1) We wanted the Oakland A’s to officially announce they were leaving.
2) I wanted to meet in person before making any final decisions.
The 21-day PDC window felt like a middle school dance: there were 10 Major League teams and 10 Minor League teams without partners. As teams began to align, the options narrowed quickly. Geivett and I both had to trust that we weren’t entertaining other suitors.
Meanwhile, the California League playoffs continued. After tying the best-of-five championship series 1-1, I arranged a lunch meeting with Geivett and my Assistant GM, Alex Schwerin, on our way to Lancaster for Game 3. Over sandwiches at a Marie Callender’s, we agreed in principle to a deal, but I asked Geivett to wait a few more days. We wanted to finish the season with a win, allowing our fans to celebrate a championship before announcing the significant changes that would inevitably alter the team’s future.
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