Today, the Dirty Birds sell nostalgic "throwback" merchandise from the Pittsburgh-affiliated era of the Charlies, which is generally considered the pinnacle of baseball in the city.
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.
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 just .212 with 23 runs batted in.[4] Due to his limited success at the plate, Hoffman was converted to a pitcher in 1991 on the recommendation of Charleston manager Jim Lett.[5] The transition ultimately set the stage for his Hall of Fame career as a reliever.
The Wheelers won the Class A South Atlantic League championship in 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 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.[6] That 1995 squad finished with a 77–65 record, placing fourth in the league’s North Division.[7] 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.[8]
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.[9] The club’s success that season was driven by a talented core that included right-handers Buddy Carlyle—who would go on to appear in 150 Major League games over nine seasons[10]—and José Acevedo, along with catcher Jason LaRue, both of whom later reached the Major Leagues.[11][12]
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.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15]
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.[16]
West Virginia Power (2005-2021)
Prior to the 2005 season, they adopted the West Virginia Power name. To quote the team's announcement following their decision to change the team name:
"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."
The logo of West Virginia Power, used from 2009 until 2021
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.[18]
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.[19]
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.[20]
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.[21] 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.[22]
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.[23][24]
As of January 20, 2023, 102 former Power players have made their MLB debut.[25]
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.[3] Charleston won the second-half Southern Division championship, but fell short in the playoffs, losing to the eventual league champion Lexington Legends in the decisive 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.[26] Charleston’s 12-inning slugfest 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 outburst helped the Dirty Birds rally multiple times and ultimately secure the dramatic extra-inning win.[27]
Rod Blackstone, better known to fans as “The Toastman”, is a beloved fixture at Charleston Dirty Birds baseball games in West Virginia. His quirky tradition began during the 1990 season, when, at a friend’s suggestion, he started attending Charleston Wheelers games at the old Watt Powell Park. What began as a casual outing soon turned into a longstanding ballpark legend.[29]
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.” That moment officially launched what would become one of minor league baseball’s most unique and enduring fan traditions.[30]
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.
Today, Blackstone occupies a front-row aisle seat in Section 107 behind home plate, where he’s become a central part of the game-day experience. Known for his homemade signs and crowd-leading chants, he energizes the stadium and adds a personal, community-driven touch to every home game.
What truly sets Blackstone apart, however, is his signature toast toss—literally. Each time a visiting batter strikes out, Blackstone hurls slices of toast into the crowd to celebrate. Staying true to his nickname, the toast is made fresh at the stadium. He brings loaves of bread from home and toasts them during the game using a small metal patio table outfitted with a toaster. The team even installed a dedicated electrical outlet near his section, making the ritual a permanent and cherished part of the ballpark’s culture.[31]
Note: *On September 28, 2021, the team officially changed their name to the Charleston Dirty Birds.
Legend
Playoff Appearance
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.
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 showcasing top minor league talent from across the league.[32]
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.
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.Michael Brantley, pictured during his tenure with Cleveland, played for the West Virginia Power in 2006 and 2007.
Jeremy Affeldt (1999) 3× World Series champion (2010, 2012, 2014)
Trevor Hoffman (1990-91) 7x 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)
• 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)
• 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
• 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)
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, 2024, against the Long Island Ducks, tying the professional baseball record originally set by the 1987 Toronto Blue Jays.[40]
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