From 1973-1982 the Walla Walla Padres, named after their parent the club, served as the Northwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The franchise was owned by Patrica Nelly. After years of declining attendance the franchise was sold to New Jersey-based Big Six Sports. The new ownership group promptly moved the club to Richland, Washington even taking the home run fence with them. The relocated team would become the Tri-Cities Tripletsand sign a player development contract with the Texas Rangers. Seeking to enhance the Northwest League from six team to an eight team circuit to allow for improved travel, Commissioner Bob Freitas sought expansion. Walla Walla was tabbed as one of the expansion locations and Ohio businessman Peter C. Kern was awarded the franchise. In homage to Walla Walla baseball history nickname Bears was selected. While the nickname was familiar the club elected the unique moniker Blue Mountain to provide a great market appeal. The name is in reference to the Blue Mountains that bisect the region. Due to the late finalization of the club, the Bears were unable to secure an affiliation with a Major League Baseball team. The Bears would operate as an independent for the 1983 campaign.
The Ballpark
The Bears played at Borleske Stadium, located at 409 West Rees Avenue in Walla Walla, Washington. The stadium is still in use today.
Team Identity
The Blue Mountain Bears adopted a color scheme of Powder Blue, Red, Navy Blue, and White. On the field, the Bears were clad in powder blue uniforms. Unlike most teams who utilized powder blue as an alternative to road grey, the color was part of the Bears brand. Absent the traditional white and grey of baseball, the team donned the single powder blue uniform set for all games. Manufactured by Wilson, the jersey was a two button top with red/white/navy blue trim on the neck and sleeve ends. The jersey was embellished with a red on white on navy Blue script B applied in tackle twill. The back of the jersey featured a three color number in Wilson block font. In contrast to most teams wearing Powder Blue uniforms at the time the Bears pants utilized a belt similar to the Montreal Expos. The pants were trimmed with a navy blue/white/red stripe.The team wore red stirrups and belts. Capping off the uniform was solid red hat with a two color white outlined in navy blue script B embroidered on the face.
