Isotopes staying true to Dodger blue

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Citing the success of their partnership the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Albuquerque Isotopes announced Monday they are extending their affiliation through the 2012 baseball season.

The 'Topes are currently finishing up their second season as a Dodgers' farm club after seven years as an affiliate of the Florida Marlins. The former Albuquerque Dukes also were a Dodgers' Triple-A farm team from 1972 to 2000 when new owners moved the team to Portland, Ore.

Albuquerque went without professional baseball in 2001 and 2002 as voters approved a renovation of Dukes Stadium and an ownership group moved the Triple-A Calgary Cannons to Albuquerque and renamed the team the Isotopes.

“We are excited about extending our partnership with the Albuquerque Isotopes,” De Jon Watson, Dodgers Assistant General Manager, Player Development, said. “The partnership has been outstanding, the fan base has been great, and we’re really excited to be reacquainted with our great fans in Albuquerque.”

In the two seasons through Monday the Isotopes are 143-128 including last year's PCL playoff appearance capping a team record 80-win campaign.

The Albuquerque Dukes also were the Dodger's Double-A affiliate from 1965 to 1971.

“The Dodgers have been ingrained in the Albuquerque community for the better part of 50 years and we’re excited to continue our successful relationship,” Isotopes General Manager John Traub said. “From the exciting, competitive clubs we’ve fielded the last two years to the fun promotional things we’ve been able to do in conjunction with the Dodgers, we’re thrilled that Albuquerque will continue to be known as Dodgertown, New Mexico.”

The 'Topes are wrapping up their season with a marathon 14-game homestand through Aug. 31.