The 1983 California League was a Class A baseball season played between April 8 and August 28. Ten teams played a 140-game schedule, as the winner of each half of the season qualified for the playoffs.
The Redwood Pioneers won the California League championship, as they defeated the Visalia Oaks in the final round of the playoffs.
Team changes The San Jose Expos ended their affiliation with the Montreal Expos. The club was renamed to the San Jose Bees.
Teams 1983 California League Division Team City MLB Affiliate Stadium North Lodi Dodgers Lodi, California Los Angeles Dodgers Lawrence Park Modesto A's Modesto, California Oakland Athletics John Thurman Field Redwood Pioneers Rohnert Park, California California Angels Rohnert Park Stadium Reno Padres Reno, Nevada San Diego Padres Moana Stadium Stockton Ports Stockton, California Milwaukee Brewers Billy Hebert Field South Bakersfield Mariners Bakersfield, California Seattle Mariners Sam Lynn Ballpark Fresno Giants Fresno, California San Francisco Giants John Euless Park Salinas Spurs Salinas, California Chicago Cubs Salinas Municipal Stadium San Jose Bees San Jose, California None San Jose Municipal Stadium Visalia Oaks Visalia, California Minnesota Twins Recreation Park
Map of teams
Regular season Summary The Visalia Oaks finished with the best record in the regular season for the first time since 1981. Donell Nixon of the Bakersfield Mariners set a league-record with 144 stolen bases.
Standings CALL Standings at stats-crew.com, URL accessed November 10, 2025 North Division Team Win Loss % GB Stockton Ports 79 59 – Modesto A's 75 64 4.5 Redwood Pioneers 73 65 6 Reno Padres 63 76 16.5 Lodi Dodgers 60 78 19South Division Team Win Loss % GB Visalia Oaks 87 53 – Fresno Giants 78 62 9 Bakersfield Mariners 68 72 19 Salinas Spurs 57 83 30 San Jose Bees 56 84 31
League Leaders Batting leaders 1983 CALL Batting Leaders at baseball-reference.com, URL accessed November 10, 2025 Stat Player Total AVG Dave Klipstein, Stockton Ports .341 H Dave Klipstein, Stockton Ports 185 R Donell Nixon, Bakersfield Mariners 116 2B Greg Howe, Visalia Oaks 30 3B Gary Varsho, Salinas Spurs 13 HR Stan Holmes, Visalia Oaks 37 RBI Stan Holmes, Visalia Oaks 115 SB Donell Nixon, Bakersfield Mariners 144
Pitching leaders 1983 CALL Pitching Leaders at baseball-reference.com, URL accessed November 9, 2025 Stat Player Total W Bill Wegman, Stockton Ports 16 ERA Bill Wegman, Stockton Ports 1.30 CG Tony Mack, Redwood Pioneers Bill Wegman, Stockton Ports 15 SHO Tim Meeks, Lodi Dodgers Bill Wegman, Stockton Ports 4 SV Pete Kutsukos, Reno Padres 19 IP Tony Mack, Redwood Pioneers 196.1 SO Randy Bockus, Fresno Giants 144
Playoffs The Visalia Oaks finished in first place in each half of the season, therefore earning byes to the finals. The final round was shortened to a best-of-five series. The Redwood Pioneers won their first California League championship, as they defeated the Visalia Oaks in four games.
Playoff bracket
Awards California League awards Award name Recipient Most Valuable Player Stan Holmes, Visalia Oaks
See also 1983 Major League Baseball season
References
External links Minor League Baseball official website