third baseman Mike Lowell (1997) pitcher Randy Flores (1999–2001) first baseman Nick Johnson (1999) shortstop Alfonso Soriano (1999) outfielder Marcus Thames (1999–2001) infielder Andy Phillips (2000–02) pitcher Roger Clemens (2002) outfielder Juan Rivera (1999) From years as a Giants affiliate: pitcher Matt Cain (2004) pitcher Brad Hennessey (2004) outfielder Brian Horwitz (2006) catcher Justin Knoedler (2004–05) outfielder Dan Ortmeier (2004–06) outfielder Fred Lewis (2005) third baseman Ryan Rohlinger (2008) third baseman Pablo Sandoval (2008) outfielder Nate Schierholtz (2006) pitcher Alfredo Simón (2005) infielder Eugenio Vélez (2007) first baseman Travis Ishikawa (2006–08) shortstop Brandon Crawford (2009) pitcher Madison Bumgarner (2009) Season records (Place indicates finish in Northern Division) As Norwich Navigators 1995: 70–71 (3rd), manager Jimmy Johnson 1996: 71–70 (3rd), manager Jim Essian 1997: 73–69 (2nd), manager Trey Hillman 1998: 66–76 (4th), manager Trey Hillman 1999: 78–64 (2nd), manager Lee Mazzilli 2000: 76–66 (3rd), manager Dan Radison 2001: 83–59 (2nd), manager Stump Merrill 2002: 76–64 (1st), manager Luis Sojo 2003: 62–79 (6th), manager Shane Turner 2004: 69–74 (5th), manager Shane Turner 2005: 71–72 (3rd), manager Dave Machemer As Connecticut Defenders 2006: 64–77 (5th), manager Dave Machemer 2007: 63–78 (5th), managers Dave Machemer (through July 21) and Shane Turner 2008: 68–73 (4th), manager Bien Figueroa 2009: 83–59 (1st), manager Steve Decker Playoffs 1997 season: Lost to Portland, 3–2, in first round 1999 season: Defeated Trenton 3–2, in first round; lost to Harrisburg 3–2, in championship round. 2001 season: Lost to New Britain, 3–1, in first round 2002 season: Defeated New Haven, 3–0, in first round; defeated Harrisburg 3–2 to win Eastern League title. 2009 season: Defeated New Britain, 3–1, in first round; lost to Akron 3–1, in championship round. See also Professional baseball in Connecticut References Notes Sources Defenders sale dead, for now Norwich Bulletin May 29, 2009 EASTERN LEAGUE ANNOUNCES RELOCATION TO RICHMOND FOR THE 2010 SEASON Official Eastern League Press Release External links Connecticut Defenders MiLB Page Baseball teams established in 1995 Baseball teams disestablished in 2009 Defunct Eastern League (1938–present) teams Norwich, Connecticut San Francisco Giants minor league affiliates Professional baseball teams in Connecticut New York Yankees minor league affiliates 1995 establishments in Connecticut 2009 disestablishments in Connecticut Defunct baseball teams in Connecticut fr:Defenders du Connecticut