The Billings Mustangs are an independent baseball team of the Pioneer League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB) but is an MLB Partner League. They are located in

Billings, Montana Billings is the largest city in the U.S. state of Montana, with a population of 117,116 as of the 2020 census. Located in the south-central portion of the state, it is the seat of Yellowstone County and the principal city of the Billings Met ...

, and have played their home games at Dehler Park since 2008. The team previously played at Cobb Field.

History

The Mustangs joined the Pioneer League in 1948 and, with the exception of a five-year gap between 1964 and 1968, have been members ever since. The league was affiliated with MLB teams until 2020, when it was reorganized as an independent league. Prior to this, the Mustangs had affiliations with the

Brooklyn Dodgers The Brooklyn Dodgers were a Major League Baseball team founded in 1884 as a member of the American Association before joining the National League in 1890. They remained in Brooklyn until 1957, after which the club moved to Los Angeles, Califor ...

(1949–1951),

Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central division. Founded as part of the American Associat ...

(1952–1956), St. Louis Cardinals (1957–1963),

Seattle Pilots The Seattle Pilots were an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington during the 1969 Major League Baseball season. During their single-season existence, the Pilots played their home games at Sick's Stadium and were a ...

(1969), Kansas City Royals (1970–1973), and

Cincinnati Reds The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) National League Central, Central division and were a charter member of ...

(1974–2020). The Mustangs won three consecutive Pioneer League championships from 1992 to 1994, then won another in 1997. In 2003, Billings swept the

Provo Angels Provo or Provos may refer to: In geography In the United States * Provo, Kentucky, an unincorporated community * Provo, South Dakota, an unincorporated community * Provo Township, Fall River County, South Dakota * Provo, Utah, a city ** Provo P ...

in the championship series, winning two games to none. Billings, the last team to qualify for the postseason, won game one at Provo 8–5 in 11 innings, then, Billings won 3–0 on a

no-hitter In baseball, a no-hitter is a game in which a team was not able to record a hit. Major League Baseball (MLB) officially defines a no-hitter as a completed game in which a team that batted in at least nine innings recorded no hits. A pitcher w ...

by James Paduch to win the championship in front of a sold-out Cobb Field in Billings. The game was a

pitchers' duel This is an alphabetical list of selected unofficial and specialized terms, phrases, and other jargon used in baseball, along with their definitions, including illustrative examples for many entries. ...

between two of the top pitchers in the league (Provo's being 2003 Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year Abel Moreno). In 2006, Chris Valaika set a Pioneer League record with a 32-game hitting streak during the Mustangs 51-win campaign. Many major league stars have begun their pro careers in Billings. These include George Brett,

Reggie Sanders Reginald Laverne Sanders (born December 1, 1967) is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball. He batted and threw right-handed. He played professionally with the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, San ...

, Paul O'Neill,

Trevor Hoffman Trevor William Hoffman (born October 13, 1967) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher who played 18 years in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1993 to 2010. A long-time closer, he pitched for the Florida Marlins, San Diego P ...

Keith Lockhart Keith Alan Lockhart (born November 7, 1959) is an American conductor. He is the Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Chief Guest Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the Artistic Director of the Brevard Music Center in North Carol ...

Danny Tartabull Danilo Tartabull Mora (born October 30, 1962) is a Cuban– Puerto Rican former professional baseball right fielder and designated hitter. He played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners (1984–1986), Kansas Cit ...

Ben Broussard Benjamin Isaac Broussard (born September 24, 1976) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He is currently a musician and Leadership Development Coordinator for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball . Broussard was dra ...

, Scott Sullivan,

Aaron Boone Aaron John Boone (born March 9, 1973) is an American baseball manager and former infielder who is the manager of the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for 13 seasons from 1997 through 2009. As a player ...

Adam Dunn Adam Troy Dunn (born November 9, 1979), nicknamed "Big Donkey", is an American former professional baseball left fielder and first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationa ...

Austin Kearns Austin Ryan Kearns (born May 20, 1980) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2002 through 2013 for the Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and ...

, and

B. J. Ryan Robert Victor "B. J." Ryan Jr. (born December 28, 1975) is an American baseball coach and former relief pitcher. He played college baseball at Louisiana, where he played for coach Tony Robichaux in 1997 and 1998. He also played in Major League Bas ...

. After years of award-winning work in the front office, Assistant General Manager Gary Roller was promoted to General Manager for the 2005 season. Roller took over for long time GM and Mustangs Hall-of-Famer Bob Wilson. Matt Bender, who formerly handled the duties of Official Scorer, took over the vacated Assistant General Manager position. Dehler Park (and before at Cobb Field) is renowned in the Pioneer League for the "Beer Batter" tradition. Every game the Mustangs Beer Boosters designate one player as the "Beer Batter." If that player gets a hit, attendees can buy four beers for $10. Many eager buyers stand at the stairs anticipating a hit and the oncoming rush of people. The Billings Mustangs changed their logo for the 2006 season. The 2007 season was their last at Cobb Field and the Mustangs begin the 2008 season at Dehler Park. On September 11, 2014, the Mustangs defeated the Orem Owlz for their first Pioneer League Championship since the 2003 season. After the 2014 season, the team introduced its new ownership group, Main Street Baseball at a December 5 in a press conference at Dehler Park. In conjunction with a contraction of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Pioneer League was converted to an independent baseball league and granted status as an MLB Partner League, with Billings continuing as members.

Playoffs

*1978: Defeated

Idaho Falls Idaho Falls ( Shoshoni: Dembimbosaage) is a city in and the county seat of Bonneville County, Idaho, United States. It is the state's largest city outside the Boise metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of Idaho Falls was 6 ...

2–0 to win league championship *1980: Lost to Lethbridge 2–1 in finals. *1983: Defeated Calgary 3–1 to win league championship. *1984: Lost to Helena 3–1 in finals. *1992: Defeated Salt Lake 2–0 to win league championship. *1993: Defeated Helena 3–2 to win league championship. *1994: Defeated Helena 2–1 to win league championship. *1997: Defeated Great Falls 2–0 to win league championship. *1999: Lost to Missoula 2–0 in finals. *2001: Defeated Provo 2–0 to win league championship. *2003: Defeated Provo 2–0 to win league championship. *2014: Defeated Great Falls 2–0 in semifinals; defeated

Orem Orem is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States, in the northern part of the state. It is adjacent to Provo, Lindon, and Vineyard and is approximately south of Salt Lake City. Orem is one of the principal cities of the Provo-Orem, Utah Me ...

2–0 to win league championship. *2015: Lost to Missoula 2–1 in semifinals. *2016: Defeated Great Falls 2–0 in semifinals; lost to

2–0 in finals. *2018: Lost to Great Falls 2–1 in semifinals.

Roster

Hall of Fame alumni

* George Brett (1971) Inducted, 1999 *

(1989) Inducted, 2018

Notable alumni

;1951: Larry Shepard (Player-Manager) ;1955:

Bennie Daniels Bennie Daniels Jr. (born June 17, 1932), is an American former professional baseball pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates (–) and Washington Senators (–). During his playing days, Daniels stood , wei ...

, Dick Stuart ;1957: Chris Cannizzaro ;1958: Jim Hickman ;1969: Gorman Thomas ;1970:

Al Cowens Alfred Edward Cowens, Jr. (October 25, 1951 – March 11, 2002) was a right fielder in Major League Baseball. From through , Cowens played for the Kansas City Royals (1974–79), California Angels (1980), Detroit Tigers (1980–81) and Seattle Ma ...

Jim Wohlford James Eugene Wohlford (born February 28, 1951) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder from 1972 to 1986 for the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, and ...

;1971:

Mark Littell Mark Alan Littell (January 17, 1953 – September 5, 2022), nicknamed "Country" and "Ramrod", was an American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball in 1973 and from 1975 to 1982 for the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a memb ...

;1972:

Jamie Quirk James Patrick Quirk (; born October 22, 1954) is an American former professional baseball player and coach. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball from 1975 to 1992. Quirk was a member of the world champion 1985 Kansas City Royals team. ...

;1973: Ruppert Jones,

Bob McClure Robert Craig McClure (born April 29, 1952) is an American former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher from 1975 to 1993, most notably as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers with whom he ...

, Rodney Scott ;1974: Ron Oester,

Harry Spilman William Harry Spilman (born July 18, 1954) is a retired Major League Baseball first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds (1978–81), Houston Astros (1981–85, 1988–89), Detroit Tigers (1986), and San Francisco Giants (1986–88). He was also known ...

;1975: Larry Rothschild ;1976: Eddie Milner ;1977: Tom Foley ;1978:

Skeeter Barnes William Henry "Skeeter" Barnes (born March 3, 1957) is a retired Major League Baseball utility player for the Cincinnati Reds (1983–1984 and 1989), Montreal Expos (1985), St. Louis Cardinals (1987) and Detroit Tigers (1991–1994). Biography B ...

, Nick Esasky, Gary Redus ;1980: Dave Miley,

;1982: Tom Browning,

Kal Daniels Kalvoski Daniels (born August 20, 1963) is an American former professional baseball left fielder. He played seven seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1986 to 1992 for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs.Gary Denbo Gary Brian Denbo (born December 9, 1960) is a former American baseball front office executive. He was the director of player development and scouting for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). Previously, he served as a hitting coach f ...

Rob Dibble Rob or ROB may refer to: Places * Rob, Velike Lašče, a settlement in Slovenia * Roberts International Airport (IATA code ROB), in Monrovia, Liberia People * Rob (given name), a given name or nickname, e.g., for Robert(o), Robin/Robyn * Rob ...

Lenny Harris Lenny or Lennie may refer to: People and fictional characters * Lenny (given name), a list of people and fictional characters * Lennie (surname), a list of people * Lenny (singer) (born 1993), Czech songwriter Arts and entertainment Music * ''L ...

, Joe Oliver, Kurt Stillwell ;1986:

;1987: Jack Armstrong,

Butch Henry Floyd Bluford "Butch" Henry III (born October 7, 1968) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played for five MLB teams from 1992 to 1999. Listed at and , he pitched and batted left-handed. Henry has also been a coach in ...

Reggie Jefferson Reginald "Reg" Jirod Jefferson (born September 25, 1968) is a former designated hitter who played for from 1991 to 1999 the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox. Playing career Reggie attended Lincoln High ...

Ed Taubensee Edward Kenneth Taubensee (born October 31, 1968) is a former Major League Baseball catcher. Taubensee played for three different ballclubs during his career: the Cleveland Indians (, ), Houston Astros (-), and Cincinnati Reds (-). He made his m ...

;1988:

Jerry Spradlin Jerry Carl Spradlin (born June 14, 1967) is an American former professional baseball player who pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1993 to 2000. Amateur career Spradlin attended Katella High School in Anaheim, California. He pitched thr ...

;1989:

;1992:

Chad Mottola Charles Edward "Chad" Mottola (born October 15, 1971) is an American professional baseball player and coach for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). Mottola played in MLB for five years as an outfielder. Considered a journeyman, Mott ...

, Eric Owens ;1993:

Paul Bako Gabor Paul Bako II (; born June 20, 1972) is an American former catcher in Major League Baseball. Bako is an example of a baseball "journeyman", having played for 11 different major league teams during his 12-year career. He is officially listed ...

, Chris Sexton, Scott Sullivan ;1994:

;1995: Ray King,

Jason LaRue Michael Jason "Rusty" LaRue (born March 19, 1974) is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. Biography A native of Bulverde, Texas, after being selected in the fifth ...

, John Riedling ;1996: Lance Davis ;1997: Gookie Dawkins, Donnie Scott (Manager),

Scott Williamson Scott Ryan Williamson (born February 17, 1976) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) right-handed relief pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds (1999–2003), Boston Red Sox (2003-), Chicago Cubs (2005–2006), San Diego Padres ( ...

DeWayne Wise Larry DeWayne Wise (born February 24, 1978) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He graduated from Chapin High School in 1997 and was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth round (158th overall) of the 1997 Major League ...

;1998:

;1999:

, Scott Dunn,

John Koronka John Vincent Koronka (born July 3, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Florida Marlins. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) ...

, Brad Salmon ;2000: Russ Nixon (Manager),

Randy Ruiz Randy Radames Ruiz (born October 19, 1977) is an American former professional baseball designated hitter and first baseman. He stands 6'1" and weighs 240 pounds. Born in The Bronx, New York to parents from Santurce, Puerto Rico, he attended Jame ...

;2001:

Todd Coffey Todd or Todds may refer to: Places ;Australia: * Todd River, an ephemeral river ;United States: * Todd Valley, California, also known as Todd, an unincorporated community * Todd, Missouri, a ghost town * Todd, North Carolina, an unincorporat ...

, Edwin Encarnación, Ted Power (Pitching Coach) ;2002: William Bergolla ;2003: Rick Burleson (Manager), Chris Dickerson, Miguel Perez,

Joey Votto Joseph Daniel Votto (born September 10, 1983) is a Canadian-American professional baseball first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2007. He is the first Canadian MLB player ...

;2004: Paul Janish, Chris Sabo (Hitting Coach),

Craig Tatum Craig Browning Tatum (born March 18, 1983) is a retired American professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles from 2009 through 2011. Early years Tatum attended Hattiesburg High ...

;2005:

Jay Bruce Jay Allen Bruce (born April 3, 1987) is an American former professional baseball right fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies and New Y ...

Carlos Fisher Charles Edward "Carlos" Fisher (born February 22, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds. Early life Fisher graduated from Duarte High School (Duarte, Cali ...

Sam LeCure Samuel Rohrer LeCure (born May 4, 1984) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He attended Helias High School in Jefferson City, Missouri and the University of Texas. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinna ...

, Adam Rosales, Jeff Stevens,

Travis Wood Travis Alan Wood (born February 6, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, and San Diego Padres. Amateur career Born and raise ...

;2006: Danny Dorn,

Juan Francisco Juan Ramón Francisco González (born June 24, 1987) is a Dominican former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays. He also ...

Chris Heisey Christopher J. Heisey (born December 14, 1984) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals in Major League Baseball (MLB). Early life Heisey graduated fr ...

Marcos Mateo Marcos Aurelio Mateo Lora (born April 18, 1984) is a Dominican right-handed former professional baseball pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hanshin Tigers. ...

Logan Ondrusek Logan Jared Ondrusek (born February 13, 1985) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds and Bal ...

, Denis Phipps,

Josh Roenicke Joshua James Roenicke (born August 4, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He most recently pitched for the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) ...

, Jordan Smith,

Drew Stubbs Robert Andrew Stubbs (born October 4, 1984) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Baltimore ...

Justin Turner Justin Matthew Turner (born November 23, 1984) is an American professional baseball third baseman for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets and Los Angeles Dod ...

Chris Valaika Christopher Andrew Valaika (born August 14, 1985) is an American former professional baseball infielder and current coach who is the hitting coach for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) ...

;2007: Scott Carroll, Enerio Del Rosario,

Todd Frazier Todd Brian Frazier (born February 12, 1986), nicknamed "The Toddfather", is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Texas Rang ...

Jeremy Horst Jeremy M. Horst (born October 1, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He attended Iowa Western Community College and Armstrong Atlantic State University. The Cincinnati Reds drafted him in the 21st round of the 2007 Major Le ...

, Curtis Partch ;2008: Justin Freeman, Josh Ravin, Miguel Rojas, Dave Sappelt, Neftali Soto ;2009: Daniel Corcino,

Didi Gregorius Mariekson Julius "Didi" Gregorius (born February 18, 1990) is a Dutch professional baseball shortstop who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees and Philadel ...

Donnie Joseph Don Atley Joseph (born November 1, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2013 and 2014 for the Kansas City Royals. Early life Joseph graduated from Hays High School, where he play ...

;2010:

Tucker Barnhart Tucker Jackson Barnhart (born January 7, 1991) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers. He made his MLB debut i ...

, Billy Hamilton, Yorman Rodriguez ;2011:

Tony Cingrani Anthony Michael Cingrani (born July 5, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers. Prior to playing professionally, he playe ...

, Carlos Contreras, Steve Selsky, Kyle Waldrop ;2012: Amir Garrett,

Jon Moscot Jonathan Solomon Moscot (ג'ון מוסקוט; born August 15, 1991) is an American-Israeli former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds in 2015 and 2016, and who played internationally for Team Israel. Moscot ...

Sal Romano Salvatore J. Romano (born October 12, 1993) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees. Early life Romano was born in Syosset, Ne ...

Robert Stephenson Robert Stephenson FRS HFRSE FRSA DCL (16 October 1803 – 12 October 1859) was an English civil engineer and designer of locomotives. The only son of George Stephenson, the "Father of Railways", he built on the achievements of his father. R ...

, Jesse Winker ;2013: Layne Somsen, Zack Weiss, Daniel Wright ;2019: Noah Davis

References

External links

*
Statistics from ''Baseball-Reference''
{{Pioneer League Baseball teams established in 1948 1948 establishments in Montana Pioneer League (baseball) teams Sports in Billings, Montana Professional baseball teams in Montana Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliates Brooklyn Dodgers minor league affiliates Kansas City Royals minor league affiliates St. Louis Cardinals minor league affiliates Pittsburgh Pirates minor league affiliates Seattle Pilots minor league affiliates