History of Erie SeaWolves in Timeline

The Erie SeaWolves are a Minor League Baseball team based in Erie, Pennsylvania, founded in 1989 and playing in Erie since 1995. As the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, they compete in the Eastern League's Southwest Division. Their home games are played at UPMC Park, located in downtown Erie.

1989: Team Founded

In 1989, the Erie SeaWolves were founded as a professional baseball team.

1989: Team Established in Welland, Ontario

In 1989, the team was established in Welland, Ontario, as a New York-Penn League member, initially known as the Welland Pirates, playing their home games at Welland Stadium.

1991: Discovery of Mammoth Bones

In 1991, mammoth bones were discovered in Lake Pleasant by local scuba diver George Moon, inspiring the Erie Moon Mammoths rebrand in 2025.

1994: Erie Hosts Independent Franchise

In 1994, Erie hosted an independent franchise in the Frontier League that revived the "Sailors" name. This occurred because the civic government obtained a grant to construct UPMC Park.

June 20, 1995: Inaugural Game Victory

On June 20, 1995, the SeaWolves triumphed over the Jamestown Jammers in their inaugural game in Erie, with José Guillén hitting the game-winning home run.

1995: Affiliation with Pittsburgh Pirates

From 1995, the SeaWolves were affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1995: Original Ownership by Palisades Baseball

In 1995, Palisades Baseball was the original owner of the SeaWolves when the team began play.

1995: Began playing in Erie

In 1995, the Erie SeaWolves began playing in Erie for the first time.

1998: End of Pittsburgh Pirates Affiliation

In 1998, the affiliation between the SeaWolves and the Pittsburgh Pirates ended.

1999: Move to Double-A and Affiliation with Anaheim Angels

In 1999, the SeaWolves transitioned to the Double-A level as part of the Eastern League expansion and affiliated with the Anaheim Angels.

2001: Affiliation with Detroit Tigers

In 2001, the SeaWolves switched their affiliation to the Detroit Tigers, a partnership that continues to this day.

2003: Sale to Mandalay Sports Entertainment

In 2003, Palisades Baseball sold the SeaWolves to Mandalay Sports Entertainment.

2006: Greg Gania Becomes Voice of the SeaWolves

In 2006, Greg Gania became the Voice of the SeaWolves and is the longest-tenured play-by-play broadcaster in team history.

2007: Trenton Thunder's First Championship

In 2007, the Trenton Thunder won the Eastern League championship, starting their repeat win.

2008: Trenton Thunder's Second Championship

In 2008, the Trenton Thunder won the Eastern League championship for the second straight year.

January 20, 2009: Barack Obama's First Presidential Inauguration

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama's first presidential inauguration took place, this event's attendance was compared to Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2017.

March 27, 2015: Fernando Aguirre Becomes New Owner

On March 27, 2015, Fernando Aguirre was announced as the new owner of the SeaWolves, purchasing the team from Mandalay.

September 16, 2015: Erie Times-News Commitment to Erie Award

On September 16, 2015, the SeaWolves earned the Erie Times-News Commitment to Erie Award for community service by a business with 50 or fewer employees.

2016: Akron RubberDucks Earn Eastern League Championship

In 2016, the Akron RubberDucks earned the Eastern League Championship, even though fans received a 2016 SeaWolves Eastern League Championship ring during the Alternative Facts Night promotion on August 25, 2017.

January 20, 2017: Donald Trump's Presidential Inauguration

On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump was inaugurated as U.S. President, an event which was referenced by the Erie SeaWolves "Alternative Facts Night" promotion.

February 2017: Broadcasting Contract Extension

In February 2017, the SeaWolves extended their broadcasting contract with Fox Sports Radio AM 1330: The Fan to air every game during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

March 10, 2017: "Alternative Facts Night" Promotion Announced

On March 10, 2017, the Erie SeaWolves announced their "Alternative Facts Night" promotion for August 25, 2017, referencing Kellyanne Conway's phrase. The promotion was made in reference to the 2016 SeaWolves Eastern League Championship even though the RubberDucks earned the title.

August 25, 2017: "Alternative Facts Night" Game

On August 25, 2017, the SeaWolves hosted "Alternative Facts Night" against the Akron RubberDucks (playing as the Akron Yellow Bath Toys). The first 1,000 fans received a 2016 SeaWolves Eastern League Championship ring despite the RubberDucks earning the title. Proceeds went to the Erie City School District.

2018: Broadcasting contract with Fox Sports Radio AM 1330

In 2018, the SeaWolves had a broadcasting contract with Fox Sports Radio AM 1330 to air every game.

2021: Organized into Double-A Northeast

In 2021, as part of Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball, the SeaWolves were organized into the Double-A Northeast.

2022: Double-A Northeast Renamed Eastern League

In 2022, the Double-A Northeast became known as the Eastern League, reverting to the name historically used before the 2021 reorganization.

September 26, 2023: First Championship Title

On September 26, 2023, the SeaWolves won their first championship title in franchise history after completing a full sweep of the playoffs, defeating the Binghamton Rumble Ponies 10–0 in Game 2 of the Eastern League Championship Series.

September 24, 2024: Second Straight Eastern League Championship

On September 24, 2024, the SeaWolves completed their playoff run by defeating the Somerset Patriots 3-2, winning the Eastern League championship for a second straight year. They became the 11th team in Eastern League history to repeat as champions.

June 17, 2025: Roster Updated

On June 17, 2025, the SeaWolves roster was updated.

2025: Rebranding as Erie Moon Mammoths

In 2025, John Oliver announced on Last Week Tonight that the SeaWolves were selected for a full rebranding, including a new name, mascot, and theme night, becoming the Erie Moon Mammoths for four games.