Introduction to Chapter 3:

1961-1965: Prosperity, and Finally, A Pennant

The 1966 season marked a welcome turnaround in the fortunes of Rochester Community Baseball. President and General Manager Morrie Silver continued to work his administrative magic and the Wings' six-figure profit astounded the baseball world. The windfall helped RCB retire its outstanding debt and, reflecting Silver's concern for the fans, allowed it to pour money into making Red Wing Stadium one of the minor league's top ballparks.

The same year saw manager Earl Weaver bring his emotional and demonstrative style to the diamond. With a green squad expected to finish in the second division, Weaver broke a 13-year pennant jinx, bringing Rochester its first IL flag under the reign of community ownership. In typical Red Wing style, that pennant was copped on the season's last scheduled day; in 1967 Weaver's squad likewise went to the final game in order to decide the regular-season champion.

The prosperous pairing lasted only two seasons. Neither Silver or Weaver were present for the opening of the 1968 campaign - Weaver moved up to a coaching role in Baltimore (and would subsequently become the Oriole manager), while Silver stunned local fans by announcing his resignation just prior to the season's home opener. Not only was he leaving the Red Wings, but Rochester as well, as family and health concerns influenced his exodus to Florida. As partial payment for the massive debt owed him, Red Wing Stadium was officially renamed Silver Stadium.

Rochester continued fielding competitive teams under successive managers Billy DeMars and Cal Ripken. Third baseman Steve Demeter remained the cornerstone, providing clutch hitting and quiet leadership, until lost in an off-season roster gamble. The era saw three young sluggers - Mike Epstein, Merv Rettenmund and Roger Freed - capture MVP honors, while other memorable performers included Mark Belanger, Curt Motton, Dave Leonhard, Mike Ferraro, Terry Crowley, and Fred Beene. But despite the enduring and deepening flow of top Baltimore prospects, further championships of any kind were not to be realized.

The contending teams kept RCB on the plus side of the financial ledger, but profits declined. Despite the stretch of black ink, some alarm was sounded when rising operating costs and competition for the entertainment dollar bit into earnings. By the end of the decade gate receipts were not enough to keep the club afloat; profit margins were largely dependent on auxiliary income such as advertising, radio and concessions.

Yet 1970 gave strong hints of future prosperity, at least on the field. The awesome offensive capabilities of that team gave a hint of tantalizing potential, as home-grown prospects such as Bobby Grich and Don Baylor made impressive impacts at the Triple-A level. The parent Orioles were becoming an American League dynasty, and the organization's backlog of talent promised to keep Rochester well-supplied with skilled players.

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