Charleston Dirty Birds

{{Short description|American professional baseball team}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2025}} {{Infobox Minor League Baseball | name = Charleston Dirty Birds | founded = 1987 | city = Charleston, West Virginia | misc = | logo = Charleston Dirty Birds logo.svg | uniformlogo = Dirty Birds cap.png | class level = Independent (2021–present) | past class level = Single-A (1987–2020) | current league = Atlantic League (2021–present) | conference = | division = South | past league = South Atlantic League (1987–2020) | majorleague = | pastmajorleague = {{plainlist| *Seattle Mariners (2019–2020) *Pittsburgh Pirates (2009–2018) *Milwaukee Brewers (2005–2008) *Toronto Blue Jays (2001–2004) *Kansas City Royals (1999–2000) *Cincinnati Reds (1990–1998) *Chicago Cubs (1988–1989) }} | classnum = | classchamps = | leaguenum = 1 | leaguechamps = 1990 | confnum = | divnum = 9 | divisionchamps = 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1997 • 2007 • 2008 • 2013 • 2015 • 2024 | wildcardnum = | wildcardberths = | nickname = Charleston Dirty Birds (2022–present) | pastnames = {{plainlist| *West Virginia Power (2005–2021) *Charleston Alley Cats (1995–2004) *Charleston Wheelers (1987–1994) }} | colors = Black, blue, orange, yellow, gray {{color box|#000100}} {{color box|#00b6e3}} {{color box|#f5831f}} {{color box|#fed23f}} {{color box|#817d7e}} | mascot =Dusty | ballpark = GoMart Ballpark (4,500) | pastparks = Watt Powell Park (1987–2004) | owner = Andy Shea | president = | gm = Ben Blum<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2023 |title=BEN BLUM NAMED DIRTY BIRDS' GENERAL MANAGER |url=https://dirtybirdsbaseball.com/blogs/news/ben-blum-named-dirty-birds-general-manager |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=Charleston Dirty Birds |language=en}}</ref> | manager = P. J. Phillips<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.atlanticleague.com/news/index.html?article_id=2422 |title=P.J. Phillips to manage Dirty Birds in 2024 |website=Atlantic League of Professional Baseball |date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=February 29, 2024}}</ref> | website = {{URL|https://dirtybirdsbaseball.com/}} |firsthalfnum=5|secondhalfnum=8|firsthalfchamps=1991 • 1992 • 1997 • 2004 • 2007|secondhalfchamps=1990 • 1991 • 1997 • 2008 • 2013 • 2015 • 2021 • 2024}} The '''Charleston Dirty Birds''' are an American professional baseball team based in Charleston, West Virginia. They are a member of the South Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a partner league of Major League Baseball.<ref name="rebranded">{{cite news |first=Nick |last=Scala |title=Charleston Baseball Team Rebranded as Dirty Birds |url=https://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports/west_virginia_power/charleston-baseball-team-rebranded-as-dirty-birds/article_b4b9be94-bddb-58ee-a184-573526df1e30.html |access-date=September 29, 2021 |newspaper=Charleston Gazette-Mail |date=September 28, 2021}}</ref> The Dirty Birds have played their home games at GoMart Ballpark since 2005.

==Team history== ===Before current era (1910–1983)===

The history of professional baseball in Charleston, dates back to {{Baseball year|1910}}, and a team known as the '''Charleston Statesmen''' of the Class D Virginia Valley League. In {{Baseball year|1911}}, the Statesmen moved to the Class D Mountain State League, and then folded after that year. A new team, the '''Charleston Senators''' was formed in 1914 and lasted three seasons in the Class D Ohio State League. In {{Baseball year|1931}}, a new Senators team joined the Class C Mid-Atlantic League as an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. This team lasted until {{Baseball year|1943}}. In {{Baseball year|1949}}, the Senators were reformed as a member of the Class A Central League. In {{Baseball year|1952}}, the city was granted a franchise in the Triple-A American Association. At first, this team was affiliated with the Chicago White Sox, then the Detroit Tigers, and finally the Washington Senators. In {{Baseball year|1958}}, the Charleston Senators won the American Association championship. The franchise ceased operations after the {{Baseball year|1960}} season.

In {{Baseball year|1961}}, the city had no team, but the Triple-A International League '''San Juan Marlins''', affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, moved to the city but on May 19 the team was deemed not financially viable. In {{Baseball year|1962}}, the '''Charleston Indians''', affiliated with the Cleveland Indians, moved to the city in the Class-A Eastern League, and in {{Baseball year|1963}} that league was elevated to Double-A. The team folded after the {{Baseball year|1964}} season.

Baseball returned to the city in {{Baseball year|1971}} with the '''Charleston Charlies''' of the Triple-A International League. The Charlies played in the International League from 1971 to 1983. The team had previously been the Columbus Jets. The Charlies were affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, and finally the Cleveland Indians. The team won the International League championship in {{Baseball year|1973}} and {{Baseball year|1977}}. The Charlies left for Maine following the {{Baseball year|1983}} season, and, after relocating to Moosic, Pennsylvania in 1989, the team is now known as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

Today, the Dirty Birds sell nostalgic "throwback" merchandise from the Pittsburgh-affiliated era of the Charlies.

=== Charleston Wheelers (1987–1994) === In {{Baseball year|1987}}, the city resumed minor league baseball after a three-year absence. The new team was first called the Charleston Wheelers, so named for the city's history of stern- and side-wheeled boats. The Wheelers began as a co-op team, with players from several Major League Baseball franchises including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves.

In 1988, the franchise became the Chicago Cubs' third full-season Class A franchise (the other two being Peoria in the Midwest League and Winston-Salem in the Carolina League). The only two players on that 1988 squad to reach the Major Leagues were SS Alex Arias and C Matt Walbeck. alt=Trevor Hoffman pitching in relief for the San Diego Padres closing out a game against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park on June 4, 2008.|left|thumb|Trevor Hoffman, pitching in relief for the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on June 4, 2008, played for the Charleston Wheelers in 1990 and 1991.

Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman began his professional career as an infielder with Charleston, then the Single-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Over his first 103 games, he struggled offensively, batting .212 with 23 runs batted in.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trevor Hoffman |url=https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/hoffman-trevor |website=National Baseball Hall of Fame |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref> Due to this, Hoffman was converted to a pitcher in 1991 on the recommendation of Charleston manager Jim Lett.<ref>{{cite web |last=Verducci |first=Tom |title=From shortstop to shutdown closer: Trevor Hoffman's unlikely journey to Cooperstown |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/07/27/trevor-hoffman-hall-fame-career-relief-pitcher |website=Sports Illustrated |date=July 27, 2018 |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref>

The Wheelers won the Class A South Atlantic League championship in {{Baseball year|1990}}, the only league title for the franchise. By that point, they had changed affiliation to the Cincinnati Reds. SAL Northern Division championships followed in 1991 and 1992, with the Wheelers losing the championship series both years.

In late {{Baseball year|1993}}, the Wheelers were purchased from then-owner Dennis Bastien by a conglomerate of local owners led by Charleston businessman Michael Paterno.

=== Charleston Alley Cats (1995–2004) === The Charleston Alley Cats were established in 1995 as a Class A South Atlantic League affiliate, initially for the Cincinnati Reds. The team was managed in its inaugural season by Razor Shines, in what would become the first year of a managerial career that extended through 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Razor Shines Minor League Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=shines001ant |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref> That 1995 squad finished with a 77–65 record, placing fourth in the league's North Division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1995 South Atlantic League (A) Standings |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=f9ef4055 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref> Notably, future Major League pitcher Brett Tomko made his professional debut with the Alley Cats, posting a 1.84 ERA over nine appearances, including seven starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brett Tomko Minor League Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=tomko-001bre |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref>

[[File:Royals take batting practice - Alex Ríos (22132909802).jpg|thumb|Alex Rios, 2× All-Star and World Series champion, played for the Charleston Alley Cats in 2001.]]

The Alley Cats made their first postseason appearance in 1997 after finishing first in the North Division with a 76–62 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 South Atlantic League (A) Standings |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0cc1341b |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref> The club's success that season was driven by various well-trained members that included right-handers Buddy Carlyle—who would go on to appear in 150 Major League games over nine seasons<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buddy Carlyle Stats |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/buddy-carlyle-150009 |website=MLB.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref>—and José Acevedo, along with catcher Jason LaRue, both of whom later reached the Major Leagues.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jason LaRue Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/larueja01.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=José Acevedo Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/acevejo01.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref>

After the 1997 season, the Alley Cats did not return to the playoffs until their final year of existence in 2004. The franchise spent the 1999 and 2000 seasons as a Kansas City Royals affiliate before joining the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charleston, West Virginia Baseball History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Charleston&state=WV&country=US |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref> In their final season, the 2004 Alley Cats went 84–56, powered by strong performances from right-handed pitchers Tom Mastny and Shaun Marcum, along with slugger Ryan Roberts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Charleston Alley Cats Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=cb9efec2 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref> Despite their success, they did not win the league championship, as the Hickory Crawdads defeated the Capital City Bombers in the South Atlantic League Finals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Atlantic League 2004 Season Overview |url=https://www.milb.com/south-atlantic/history |website=MiLB.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref>

During their 10-year run and affiliation with three different Major League clubs, the Alley Cats featured numerous players who later reached the Major Leagues. Notable alumni include Alex Rios, Jeremy Affeldt, Erik Kratz, and Brandon League.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charleston Alley Cats Alumni |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=cb9efec2 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 21, 2025}} </ref>

===West Virginia Power (2005–2021)===

Prior to the {{Baseball year|2005}} season, they adopted the West Virginia Power name. To quote the team's announcement following their decision to change the team name:

''<blockquote>"West Virginia is and will continue to be recognized as one of the leading energy providers for the country. The energy production from coal, natural gas, and hydro-electric sources, combined with the fact that Charleston serves as the center for the state's political and economic powers led us to the name of the team. We felt it was extremely important that the name reflect the entire region and are excited about the tremendous marketing opportunities that will go along with the name."</blockquote>''

thumb|right|The logo of West Virginia Power, used from 2009 until 2021<ref>{{cite web |title=West Virginia Power Logos History |url=https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/list_by_team/2756/West_Virginia_Power/ |website=SportsLogos.Net |access-date=August 24, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

The West Virginia Power played their inaugural game at Appalachian Power Park in April 2005, a stadium named in recognition of the state's diverse energy industry. The team hosted the Hagerstown Suns on April 14, 2005, securing an 8–3 victory before a crowd of 5,354 fans. The game marked the official opening of the new ballpark, which was considered one of the premier new facilities in Minor League Baseball at the time.<ref> https://www.milb.com/west-virginia-power/ballpark/ballpark-history </ref>

From the team's inaugural season in 2005 through the end of 2008, the West Virginia Power served as the Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. During this period, the club drew strong attendance, with fans coming to see future Major League players such as Yovani Gallardo, Ryan Braun, Michael Brantley and Alcides Escobar. The Power won the South Atlantic League Northern Division titles in both 2007 and 2008, but fell short of a championship—losing the 2007 league title series to the Columbus Catfish in a three-game sweep, and dropping the 2008 championship series to the Augusta GreenJackets.<ref> https://www.milb.com/west-virginia-power/ballpark/ballpark-history </ref>

[[File:Gregory Polanco 2012.jpg|thumb|Gregory Polanco with the West Virginia Power in 2012]]

In 2009, the Power hosted the South Atlantic League All-Star Game. The Home Run Derby was won by Power first baseman and All-Star Calvin Anderson. The All-Star Game itself drew a sellout crowd to Appalachian Power Park.<ref> https://www.milb.com/west-virginia-power/ballpark/ballpark-history </ref>

The franchise again hosted the 2019 South Atlantic League All-Star Game on Tuesday, June 18, at Appalachian Power Park, marking the second time the franchise hosted the league's mid-summer classic since 2005, with the first occurring in 2009.

In conjunction with Major League Baseball's reorganization of the minors after the 2020 season, the Mariners opted to discontinue their affiliation with West Virginia, leaving them in need of a new affiliate for 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=J.J. |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2021-minor-league-baseball-affiliation-chart/ |title=2021 Minor League Affiliation Chart |website=Baseball America |date=November 19, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020}}</ref> It was later confirmed that the Power would be dropped from affiliated baseball, with the team stating its intent to continue playing for 2021 and beyond in another league.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Virginia Power among 11 minor league teams not invited back for 2021 season |date=December 9, 2020 |first=Nick |last=Scala |url=https://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports/west_virginia_power/west-virginia-power-among-11-minor-league-teams-not-invited-back-for-2021-season/article_31fa19d2-52b5-519a-a466-664be7274eee.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126023230/https://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports/west_virginia_power/west-virginia-power-among-11-minor-league-teams-not-invited-back-for-2021-season/article_31fa19d2-52b5-519a-a466-664be7274eee.html |archive-date=January 26, 2021}}</ref>

On February 24, 2021, the team announced that it had been sold to a new ownership group led by Andy Shea, also owner of the Power's former South Atlantic League rivals the Lexington Legends. The Power joined the Legends in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent MLB Partner league, for the 2021 season and beyond.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Atlantic League Welcomes West Virginia Power |url=https://www.atlanticleague.com/news/?article_id=1528&fbclid=IwAR2AprYLB84uqsQP3hBjbOS8B4rnP4jBuQEDx6NbJIMjOP9jaOSCDww2kyw |access-date=February 24, 2021 |website=AtlanticLeague.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Power announces new league, ownership for 2021 |url=https://www.milb.com/west-virginia-power/news/power-announces-new-league-ownership-for-2021 |access-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225232825/https://www.milb.com/west-virginia-power/news/power-announces-new-league-ownership-for-2021 |archive-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>

As of January 20, 2023, 102 former Power players have made their MLB debut.<ref> {{Cite web |title=All-Time Roster – Dirty Birds Baseball |url=https://dirtybirdsbaseball.com/pages/all-time-roster |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=Charleston Dirty Birds |language=en}} </ref>

===Charleston Dirty Birds (2021–present)===

On September 28, 2021, the team officially changed their name to the Charleston Dirty Birds, a reference to canaries once used to detect poisonous gases in the state's coal mines.<ref name="rebranded" /> Charleston won the second-half Southern Division championship, but fell short in the playoffs, losing to the eventual league champion Lexington Legends in the third game of their playoff series.

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, against the Long Island Ducks, the Charleston Dirty Birds tied a professional baseball record by hitting 10 home runs in a single game. The feat matched a mark last achieved by the Toronto Blue Jays on September 14, 1987, against the Baltimore Orioles.<ref> {{Cite web |last=Young |first=Matt |date=July 23, 2025 |title=Dirty Birds hit 10 Home Runs to tie professional baseball record |url=https://therealwv.com/2025/07/23/dirty-birds-hit-10-home-runs-to-tie-professional-baseball-record/ |access-date=November 12, 2025 |language=en-US}} </ref> Charleston's 12-inning game ended in a 17–16 victory, fueled by a power surge from James Nelson (2 HR), Keon Barnum (2 HR), Chad Sedio (2 HR), Alsander Womack (2 HR), Zach Daniels, and Joseph Rosa. The offensive helped the Dirty Birds rally multiple times and ultimately secure the extra-inning win.<ref> {{Cite web |last=BROWN |first=ZACH |date=July 22, 2025 |title=Charleston Dirty Birds match baseball record with 10 home runs in single game |url=https://wchstv.com/sports/top-sports/charleston-dirty-birds-match-baseball-record-with-10-home-runs-in-single-game |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=WCHS |language=en}} </ref>

==Roster== Source<ref> https://dirtybirdsbaseball.com/pages/2025-dirty-birds-roster </ref> {{IndyLB roster | league = Atlantic League | TeamName = 2025 Charleston Dirty Birds | RosterCode = 163527 | BC1 = #000100 | BC2 = #00b6e3 | FC1 = #f5831f | FC2 = black | Date = April 23, 2026

| Pitchers = {{MLBplayer|--|Samuel Reyes}} {{MLBplayer|--|Kyle McGowin}} {{MLBplayer|--|David Lebron}} {{MLBplayer|--|Carlos Meza}} {{MLBplayer|--|Frank Moscatiello}} {{MLBplayer|--|Lance Lusk}} {{MLBplayer|--|Edison Suriel}} {{MLBplayer|--|Jamison Hill}} {{MLBplayer|--|Jonh Henriquez}} {{MLBplayer|--|Eddy Demurias}} {{MLBplayer|--|Brendan Medoro}} {{MLBplayer|--|Ronaldo Alesandro}} {{MLBplayer|--|Luis De Avila}} {{MLBplayer|—-|Franklin Van Gurp}}

| Catchers = {{MLBplayer|--|Wilin Rosario}}

| Infielders = {{MLBplayer|--|Keon Barnum}} {{MLBplayer|--|James Nelson}} {{MLBplayer|--|Joseph Rosa}} {{MLBplayer|--|Alsander Womack}} {{MLBplayer|--|Benjamin Blackwell}} {{MLBplayer|--|Chad Sedio}}

| Outfielders = {{MLBplayer|--|Zach Daniels}} {{MLBplayer|--|Travis Demeritte}} {{MLBplayer|--|Demetrius Moorer}} | Manager = {{MLBplayer|--|P. J. Phillips}} | Coaches = {{MLBplayer|--|Cip Garza}} }}

==Traditions== ==="The Toastman"=== Rod Blackstone, better known to fans as "The Toastman", is a known figure at Charleston Dirty Birds baseball games in West Virginia. His tradition began during the 1990 season, when, at a friend's suggestion, he started attending Charleston Wheelers games at the old Watt Powell Park.<ref> {{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Benjamin |title='Toastman' a ballpark icon in West Virginia |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-85937268 |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=MiLB.com |language=en}} </ref>

In 1992, the team's owner took notice of Blackstone's growing presence and enthusiasm, telling him: "I love that cheer and you need to make toast in the stands. You can sit down front and we'll plug in a toaster."<ref> {{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Chris |date=August 3, 2017 |title=Celebrating 25 years of toasting in Charleston |url=https://wvmetronews.com/2017/08/03/celebrating-25-years-of-toasting-in-charleston/ |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=WV MetroNews |language=en-US}} </ref>

thumb|Rod Blackstone, AKA, the "Toast Man" at Appalachian Power Park, July 2010. Blackstone sits behind home plate during home games and heckles the opposing team's players with a chant of "You Are Toast". He then throws toast into the crowd.

Each time a visiting batter strikes out, Blackstone hurls slices of toast into the crowd to celebrate. The toast is made fresh at the stadium. He brings loaves of bread from home and toasts them during the game using a toaster on top of a metal patio table. The team installed a dedicated electrical outlet near his section, making the ritual a permanent part of the ballpark's culture.<ref> {{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Benjamin |title='Toastman' a ballpark icon in West Virginia |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-85937268 |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=MiLB.com |language=en}} </ref>

==Season-by-season records== {| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto; font-size: 95%; text-align:center;" ! colspan="9"|Charleston Wheelers (South Atlantic League) |- ! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="4"|Regular Season !! colspan="7"|Postseason |- ! Manager !! Record !! Win % !! Finish !! Record !! Win % !! Result !! MLB |- | {{Baseball year|1987}} || Hal Dyer || 66–73 || .475 || 2nd (Northern) || — || — || — || co-op |- | {{Baseball year|1988}} || Brad Mills||51–86 || .372 || 5th (Northern) || — || — || — || Cubs |- | {{Baseball year|1989}} || Greg Mahlberg || 58–76 || .433 || 6th (Northern) || — || — || — || Cubs |-style="background:#ffc9a9;" | {{Baseball year|1990}} ||Jim Lett || 77–66 || .538 || 3rd (Northern) || 5–0 || 1.000 || Won semifinals vs Fayetteville Generals, 2–0 '''Won SAL Championship vs Savannah Cardinals, 3–0''' || Reds |- |- style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|1991}} || P. J. Carey Dave Miley || 92–50 || .648 || 1st (Northern) || 0–3 || .000 || Lost SAL Championship vs Columbia Mets, 0–3 || Reds |-! style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|1992}} || P. J. Carey || 77–64 || .546 || 2nd (Northern) || 2–3 || .400 || Won semifinals vs Spartanburg Phillies, 2–0 Lost SAL Championship vs Myrtle Beach Hurricanes, 0–3 || Reds |- | {{Baseball year|1993}} || Tom Nieto || 76–64 || .543 || 2nd (Northern)|| — || — || — || Reds |- | {{Baseball year|1994}} || Tom Nieto || 65–75 || .464 || 5th (Northern) || — || — || — || Reds |- ! Subtotals !! !! 562–554 !! .504 !! — !! 7–6 !! .636 !! '''1 SAL Championships''' |- ! colspan="9"|Charleston AlleyCats (South Atlantic League) |- ! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="4"|Regular Season !! colspan="7"|Postseason |- ! Manager !! Record !! Win % !! Finish !! Record !! Win % !! Result !! MLB |- | {{Baseball year|1995}} || Razor Shines || 77–65 || .542 || 3rd (Northern) || — || — || — || Reds |- | {{Baseball year|1996}} || Donnie Scott Tommy Thompson || 58–84 || .408 || 4th (Northern) || — || — || — || Reds

|- ! style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|1997}} || Barry Lyons || 76–62 || .551 || 2nd (Northern) || 3–2 || .600 || Won First Round vs Cape Fear Crocs, 2–0 Lost Semifinal vs Delmarva Shorebirds, 1–2 || Reds |- | {{Baseball year|1998}} || Barry Lyons || 44–96 || .314 || 4th (Northern)|| — || — || — || Reds |- | {{Baseball year|1999}} || Tom Poquette || 61–80 || .433 || 13th || — || — || — || Royals |- | {{Baseball year|2000}} || Joe Szekely || 53–80 || .398 || 14th || — || — || — || Royals |- | {{Baseball year|2001}} || Rolando Pino || 51–87 || .370 || 16th || — || — || — || Blue Jays |- | {{Baseball year|2002}} || Paul Elliott || 61–79 || .436 || 15th || — || — || — || Blue Jays |- | {{Baseball year|2003}} || Mark Meleski || 57–76 || .429 || 12th || — || — || — || Blue Jays

|- ! style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|2004}} || Ken Joyce || 84–56 || .600 || 3rd || 0–2 || .000 || Lost Semifinal vs Capital City Bombers, 0–2 || Blue Jays |- ! Subtotals !! !! 622–765 !! .448 !! — !! 3–4 !! .429 !! '''0 SAL Championships''' |- ! colspan="9"|West Virginia Power (South Atlantic League) |- ! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="4"|Regular Season !! colspan="7"|Postseason |- ! Manager !! Record !! Win % !! Finish !! Record !! Win % !! Result !! MLB |- | {{Baseball year|2005}} || Ramon Aviles || 60–78 || .435 || 6th (Northern) || — || — || — || Brewers |- | {{Baseball year|2006}} || Mike Guerrero || 74–62 || .544 || 3rd (Northern) || — || — || — || Brewers |-! style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|2007}} || Jeff Isom || 82–54 || .603 || 1st (Northern) || 2–4 || .333 || Won Semifinal vs Hickory Crawdads, 2–1 Lost SAL Championship vs Columbus Catfish, 0–3 || Brewers |-! style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|2008}} || Jeff Isom || 77–62 || .554 || 3rd (Northern) || 3–3 || .500 || Won Semifinal vs Lake County Captains, 3–0 Lost SAL Championship vs Augusta GreenJackets, 0–3 || Brewers |- | {{Baseball year|2009}} || Gary Green || 67–70 || .489|| 4th (Northern) || — || — || — || Pirates |- | {{Baseball year|2010}} || Gary Green || 65–74|| .468 || 6th (Northern)|| — || — || — || Pirates |- | {{Baseball year|2011}} || Gary Robinson || 69–69|| .500 || 5th (Northern) || — || — || — || Pirates |- | {{Baseball year|2012}} || Rick Sofield || 61–79|| .436 || 6th (Northern) || — || — || — || Pirates

|- ! style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|2013}} || Michael Ryan || 82–58|| .586 || 1st (Northern) || 1–2 || .333 || Lost Semifinal vs Hagerstown Suns, 1–2 || Pirates |- | {{Baseball year|2014}} || Michael Ryan || 54–81|| .586 || 6th (Northern) || — || — || — || Pirates

|- ! style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|2015}} || Brian Esposito || 87–52|| .626 || 1st (Northern) || 1–2 || .333 || Lost Semifinal vs Hickory Crawdads, 1–2 || Pirates |- | {{Baseball year|2016}} || Brian Esposito|| 71–68 || .511 || 5th (Northern) || — || — || — || Pirates |- | {{Baseball year|2017}} || Wyatt Toregas || 69–67 || .507 || 4th (Northern) || — || — || — || Pirates |- | {{Baseball year|2018}} || Wyatt Toregas || 71–62 ||.534 ||3rd (Northern) ||— ||— ||— || Pirates |- | {{Baseball year|2019}} || Dave Berg || 69–70 || .469 || 4th (Northern)|| – || – ||— || Mariners |- ! Subtotals !! !! 1055–1006!! .512 !! — !! 7–11 !! .389 !!'''0 SAL Championships''' |- ! Totals !! !! 2,242–2325 !! .491 !! — !! 17–21 !! .447 !!'''1 League Championship''' |- |}

'''Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (2021–present)'''

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: font-size: 95%; text-align:center;" ! colspan="9"|West Virginia Power/Charleston Dirty Birds (Atlantic League) |- ! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="4"|Regular Season !! colspan="7"|Postseason |- ! Manager !! Record !! Win % !! Finish !! Record !! Win % !! Result !! MLB |- ! style="background:#ccffff;" | | {{Baseball year|2021}}* || Mark Minicozzi || 58–62 || {{Winning percentage|58|62}} || 3rd (South) || 1–2 || {{Winning percentage|1|2}} || Lost Semifinal vs Lexington Legends, 1–2 || Independent |- | {{Baseball year|2022}} || Billy Horn || 53–79 || {{Winning percentage|53|79}} || 5th (South) || — || — || — || Independent |- | {{Baseball year|2023}} || Billy Horn || 56–70 || {{Winning percentage|56|70}} || 3rd (South) || — || — || — || Independent |-! style="background:#ccffff;" | {{Baseball year|2024}} || P. J. Phillips || 69–57 || {{Winning percentage|69|57}} || 3rd (South) || 3–4 || {{Winning percentage|3|4}} || Lost Atlantic League Championship vs York Revolution, 0–3 || Independent |- | {{Baseball year|2025}} || P. J. Phillips || 52–72 || {{Winning percentage|52|72}} || 5th (South) || — || {{Winning percentage|0|0}} ||— || Independent |- ! Sub- totals !! — !! 288–340 !! {{Winning percentage|288|340}} !! — !! 4–6 !! {{Winning percentage|4|6}} !! 0 ALPB Championships |- ! colspan="8"|Note: <nowiki>*</nowiki> On September 28, 2021, the team officially changed their name to the Charleston Dirty Birds. |}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:50%" |+ '''Legend''' |- ! style="background:#ccffff;" | | style="text-align:left;" | Playoff Appearance |- ! style="background:#ffc9a9;" | | style="text-align:left;" | Won League Championship |}

==GoMart Ballpark== Watt Powell Park located in the Kanawha City neighborhood of Charleston. Originally opened on April 28, 1949, the ballpark remained in use until 2004 and seated approximately 4,500 fans.

center|660x660px|thumb|West Virginia Power vs. Lexington Legends at GoMart Ballpark on June 12, 2010

The Dirty Birds now play their home games at GoMart Ballpark, located on the east edge of downtown Charleston. Formerly known as ''Appalachian Power Park'', the ballpark opened on April 14, 2005, and features seating for 4,500 spectators. It has twice hosted the South Atlantic League All-Star Game—first in 2009 and again in 2019.<ref> {{Cite web |title=Appalachian Power Park History |url=https://www.milb.com/west-virginia-power/ballpark/ballpark-history |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=MiLB.com |language=en}} </ref>

==Notable alumni==

Several former Charleston players went on to achieve success at the Major League level, including All-Star selections, major awards, and Hall of Fame inductions. [[File:Ryan Braun 2008-2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Ryan Braun, the 2011 National League Most Valuable Player and a six-time MLB All-Star, played for the West Virginia Power in 2005 while in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.]]

[[File:Michael Brantley on July 16, 2011.jpg|thumb|Michael Brantley, pictured during his tenure with Cleveland, played for the West Virginia Power in 2006 and 2007.]]

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}} *Jeremy Affeldt (''1999'') 3× World Series champion (2010, 2012, 2014) *'''Elvis Alvarado''' ''(2019)'' *'''Josh Bell''' (''2012–13'') MLB All-Star (2019) *Michael Brantley (''2006–07'') 5× MLB All-Star (2014, 2017–2019, 2021); World Series champion (2022) *Ryan Braun (''2005'') 6× MLB All-Star (2008–2012, 2015); 2007 NL Rookie of the Year; 2011 NL Most Valuable Player *Lorenzo Cain (''2006'') 2× MLB All-Star; ALCS MVP (2014); World Series champion (2015); Gold Glove Award (2019) *'''Rodolfo Castro''' (''2018'') *Tony Cogan (''2000'') *Carlos Corporán (''2005'') *'''Oneil Cruz''' (''2017–18'') *'''Elías Díaz''' (''2011–12'') MLB All-Star (2023) *Robinzon Díaz (''2004'') *Brendan Donnelly (''1995'') MLB All-Star (2003) *Alcides Escobar (''2005'') MLB All-Star (2015); ALCS MVP (2015); World Series champion (2015); Gold Glove Award (2015) *Yovani Gallardo (''2005'') MLB All-Star (2010); 1× Silver Slugger (2010) *Mat Gamel (''2005–06'') *'''Logan Gilbert''' ''(2019)'' MLB All-star (2024) *Jimmy Gobble (''2000'') *Taylor Green ''(2007)'' *'''Robbie Grossman''' ''(2009)'' *'''Ke'Bryan Hayes''' ''(2016)'' Gold Glove Award (2023) *Trevor Hoffman (''1990–91'') 7× MLB All-Star (1998–2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009); 2× NL saves leader (1998, 2006); 2nd all time in career saves (601); National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (2018) *'''Clay Holmes''' (''2013'') 2× All-Star (2022, 2024) *Norris Hopper (''1999-00'') *Hernán Iribarren (''2005'') *Danny Jackson (1990) 2× All-Star *JaCoby Jones (''2014'') *'''Jarred Kelenic''' (''2019'') *'''Mitch Keller''' (''2016'') MLB All-Star (2023) *Matt LaPorta (''2007'') *Jason LaRue (''1996–97'') *Brandon League (''2003'') MLB All-Star; Pitched a combined no-hitter on June 8, 2012 *Jonathan Lucroy (''2008'') 2× All-Star; 1× Silver Slugger (2014) *'''Starling Marte''' (''2009'') 2× All-Star (2016, 2022); 2× Gold Glove (2015, 2016) *'''Martín Maldonado''' (''2007'') Gold Glove Award (2017); World Series champion (2022) *Shaun Marcum (''2004'') *Austin Meadows (''2014'') MLB All-Star (2019) *'''Kevin Newman''' (''2015'') *Gregory Polanco (''2012'') *Scott Pose (''1990'') *'''Cal Raleigh''' ''(2019)'' MLB All-star; Gold Glove (2024); Home Run Derby winner (2025) *Ryan Roberts (''2004'') *Pokey Reese (''1992'') 2× Gold Glove Award (1999, 2000); World Series Champion (2004) *'''Pablo Reyes''' (''2015'') *Alex Ríos (''2001'') 2× MLB All-Star (2006, 2007); World Series champion (2015) *'''Julio Rodríguez''' (''2019'') 3× All-Star (2022, 2023, 2025); (2022) AL Rookie of the Year; (2022) AL Most Valuable Player *B. J. Ryan (''1998'') 2× All-Star (2005, 2006) *Ángel Salomé (''2005'') *'''Austin Shenton''' ''(2019)'' *'''Hunter Strickland''' (''2014'') 2× World Series champion (2014, 2019) *'''Jameson Taillon''' (''2011'') *Joe Thatcher (''2006'') *Brett Tomko (''1995'') *Cole Tucker (''2015–16'') *Dan Wilson (''1990–91'') MLB All-Star (1996) *'''Yaramil Hiraldo''' (''2023'') {{Div col end}} '''Bold''' currently active in MLB

===National Baseball Hall of Fame alumni===

The following former Charleston players—spanning all teams past and present—were later inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" |+ Charleston Alumni in the National Baseball Hall of Fame ! Player !! Team !! Year(s) in Charleston !! Position !! All-Star Selections !! Notable achievements |- | thumb'''Trevor Hoffman''' || Charleston Wheelers || 1990–1991 || RHP || 7× (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009) || • '''National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (2018)''' • 2× NL saves leader (1998, 2006) • 601 career saves (2nd all time) • 2× NL Rolaids Relief Man Award (1998, 2006) |- | thumb|'''Dave Parker'''† || Charleston Charlies || 1973 || RF/DH || 7× (1977, 1979–1981, 1985, 1986, 1990) || • '''National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (2025)''' • NL MVP (1978) • 3× Gold Glove (1977–1979) • 3× Silver Slugger (1985, 1986, 1990) • 2× NL batting champion (1977, 1978) • NL RBI leader (1985) • 2× World Series champion (1979, 1989) |- | thumb| '''Jim Bunning'''† || Charleston Senators || 1956 || RHP || 9× (1957, 1959, 1961–1964, 1966) || • '''National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (1996)''' • AL wins leader (1957) • 3× Strikeout leader (1959, 1960, 1967) • Pitched a perfect game on June 21, 1964 • Pitched a no-hitter on July 20, 1958 |- | thumb|'''Tony La Russa'''† ||Charleston Charlies || 1974 ||INF || None || • '''National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (Manager) (2014)''' • 3× World Series champion (1989, 2006, 2011) • 4× Manager of the Year (1983, 1988, 1992, 2002) • Second in major league history in victories as a manager (2,884) |- | thumb|'''Jim Kaat'''† ||Charleston Senators || 1960 ||LHP || 3× (1962, 1966, 1975) || • '''National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (2022)''' • 16× Gold Glove Award (1962–1977) • World Series champion (1982) • AL wins leader (1966) |} † Did not play for the current franchise but played in Charleston under a different franchise.

===Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame=== ''Class of 2007'' * Rod "The Toastman" Blackstone * Jim Bunning * Trevor Hoffman * Dave Parker * Willie Randolph * Wheeler Bob

''Class of 2008'' * Dave Augustine * Don Cook * John Dickensheets * Joe Nuxhall * Michael Paterno

''Class of 2009'' * Cal Bailey * Ryan Braun * Art Howe * Tommy John * Tony La Russa * Jim Lett * Kent Tekulve

''Class of 2011'' * Bob Levine * Timothy Pollitt

''Class of 2014'' *Omar Moreno * Watt Powell

''Class of 2015'' * 1990 Charleston Wheelers

''Class of 2017'' * Lanny Frattare * Bruce Kison * "Rowdy Alley"

''Class of 2018'' * Paul Nyden

<ref> {{Cite web |title=2019 media guide – Charleston Dirty Birds |url=https://www.sportsarchive.net/documents/3943#page/n38/mode/1up |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=SportsArchive |language=en}} </ref>

==Franchise records==

*'''Win–loss record entering 2025:''' :*{{winpct|5668|5820|record=y}} all-time (including Charleston Senators, Marlins, Indians, and Charlies) :*{{winpct|2478|2593|record=y}} franchise total (1987–present) :*{{winpct|236|268|record=y}} as the Charleston Dirty Birds (2021–present) *'''League titles all-time:''' (1914, 1932, 1963, 1977, 1990) *'''Most wins in a season:''' 92 (1991) *'''Most losses in a season:''' 96 (1998) *'''Longest winning streak:''' 0 games (June 5–17, 2022) *'''Longest losing streak:''' 0 games (August 1–10, 2023) *'''Pitcher with most wins in a season:''' Austin Coley (2015) and John Ray (1991) – 16 wins *'''Hitter with most home runs in a season:''' Keon Barnum (2024) – 41 home runs <ref> {{Cite web |title=2019 media guide (alt) – Charleston Dirty Birds |url=https://www.sportsarchive.net/documents/3944#page/n39/mode/1up |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=SportsArchive |language=en}} </ref>

===Individual Offensive Records (1987-pres)=== '''Career Hits''' {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |+ '''All-Time Hit Leaders ''' ! style="background:#000000; color:#ffffff;" | Rank ! style="background:#a7a9ac; color:#000000;" | Player ! style="background:#a7a9ac; color:#000000;" | Season(s) ! style="background:#fdb827; color:#000000;" | Hits |- | 1 || Edwin Espinal || 2014, 21–22 || style="background:#ffffff;" | 293 |- | 2 || Bobby Perna || 1991–1992 || style="background:#ffffff;" | 264 |- | 3 || Rodney Medina || 2002–2004 || style="background:#ffffff;" | 259 |- | 4 || Mike Snyder || 2001–2002 || style="background:#ffffff;" | 239 |- | T-5 || Raul Tablado || 2001–2003 || style="background:#ffffff;" | 221 |- | T-5 || Maikel Jova || 2001–2003 || style="background:#ffffff;" | 221 |- |} <ref> https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/leaders/t-cc10807 </ref><ref> https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/leaders/t-wp15339 </ref>

'''Career Home Runs''' {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |+ '''All-time Home Run Leaders''' ! style="background:#000000; color:#ffffff;" | Rank ! style="background:#a7a9ac; color:#000000;" | Player ! style="background:#a7a9ac; color:#000000;" | Season(s) ! style="background:#a7a9ac; color:#000000;" | Home Runs |- | 1 || Keon Barnum || 2024 || 41 |- | 2 || Bobby Bradley || 2023 || 30 |- | 3 || Edwin Espinal || 2014, 21–22 || 25 |- | T-4 || Mark Snyder || 2001–2002 || 24 |- | T-4 || Rogelio Noris || 2010–2011 || 24 |- | T-4 || Stephen Chapman || 2007 || 24 |- | 7 || JaCoby Jones || 2014 || 23 |- | T-8 || Jason Parsons || 1996–1997 || 23 |} <ref> https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/leaders/t-wp15339 </ref><ref> https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/leaders/t-cc10807 </ref><ref> https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/leaders/t-cw10828 </ref>

===South Atlantic League records=== * Six home runs in one inning by the Power vs. the Lexington Legends – South Atlantic League record * Ten combined home runs in one game vs. the Lexington Legends (seven by the Power) – South Atlantic League record

===Baseball records=== * Hit 10 home runs in a single game on July 20, 2025, against the Long Island Ducks, tying the professional baseball record originally set by the 1987 Toronto Blue Jays.<ref> {{Cite web |last=BROWN |first=ZACH |date=July 22, 2025 |title=Charleston Dirty Birds match baseball record with 10 home runs in single game |url=https://wchstv.com/sports/top-sports/charleston-dirty-birds-match-baseball-record-with-10-home-runs-in-single-game |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=WCHS |language=en}} </ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

== External links == * {{Official website|http://www.milb.com/west-virginia-power}} * [https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Charleston&state=WV&country=US Statistics from ''Baseball-Reference'']

Category:Atlantic League of Professional Baseball teams Category:Baseball teams established in 1987 Category:Defunct South Atlantic League teams Dirty Birds Category:Professional baseball teams in West Virginia Category:Seattle Mariners minor league affiliates Category:Pittsburgh Pirates minor league affiliates Category:Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliates Category:Toronto Blue Jays minor league affiliates Category:Kansas City Royals minor league affiliates Category:Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliates Category:Chicago Cubs minor league affiliates Category:Minor league baseball teams Category:Baseball teams in West Virginia