It was the year 2016, and a young talent found himself in town without a place to stay.
Long before his breakout performance in the 2018 Arizona Fall League, propelling him to a top-100 prospect status, and well ahead of his appearance on the cover of MLB The Show, Jazz Chisholm, an 18-year-old, was stranded 2500 miles away from home, struggling to secure accommodation.
In my conversation with Dawna Kulaski, whom I initially knew only by her job title and tenure with the Missoula Osprey/PaddleHeads since 2018, I discovered a deeper connection to baseball in Missoula dating back many years. Unaware of the extensive responsibilities her role entailed or the impact she had on the lives of Diamondbacks prospects and current players, I gained a newfound appreciation for the peripheral aspects of baseball and the bonds that communities forge with their teams.
Missoula, Montana, a college town nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains with a population of approximately 75,000, boasts a rich history. Notably, it was the residence of the first woman to serve in Congress, the birthplace of renowned figures like David Lynch and Dana Carvey, and a long-standing affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks until the restructuring of the minor leagues post the COVID-19 pandemic. The Missoula Osprey, as they were known during their affiliation with the Diamondbacks, propelled 86 players to the major leagues. In the 2009 season alone, eleven players who would later make it to the big leagues passed through Missoula, including the likes of Paul Goldschmidt, a potential future Hall of Famer who traversed his path through Missoula on his journey to stardom.
Originating in 1999 after relocating from Lethbridge, Alberta, the Missoula Osprey, previously known as the Lethbridge Black Diamonds, thrived under the leadership of Lyle Overbay, who remarkably drove in 101 runs in just 75 games, leading the Osprey to clinch the Pioneer League title. Noteworthy players such as Miguel Montero, Gerardo Parra, Ender Inciarte, and Jake Lamb, among others, graced Missoula with their presence. Despite the team’s association with the Diamondbacks, the annual influx of future Diamondbacks stars gradually diminished as the team underwent name changes and the affiliation concluded.
In 2016, Jazz Chisholm faced a housing predicament, prompting Dawna Kulaski’s transition from a mere baseball enthusiast residing in Missoula to an integral figure actively engaged with the team, eventually evolving into a full-time commitment. Over the years, the Kulaskis extended their hospitality to numerous players in need of accommodation, fostering lasting relationships with individuals like Chisholm and Alek Thomas. The challenges faced by these young players, many of whom were under 21 during their time in Missoula, were palpable, with cultural disparities and homesickness adding to their struggles.
In 2018, the Kulaskis hosted a group of promising players, including Alek Thomas, Kristian Robinson, and Blaze Alexander, all poised for potential major league debuts. Despite the conclusion of the Diamondbacks’ affiliation with Missoula in 2019, the legacy of former Osprey players making their mark in professional baseball endures.
Following the sale of the Osprey in 2019 and their rebranding as the PaddleHeads, a renewed emphasis on player hosting programs was instituted under Dawna’s stewardship. The transition to an independent franchise brought about changes, with older players now accustomed to being away from home appreciating the stability of host families. Managing accommodations for 25 players year-round presents logistical challenges, necessitating stringent guidelines and a continuous search for suitable host families.
Beyond her hosting responsibilities, Dawna’s involvement with the team extends to managing the retail store, a year-round venture offering a diverse range of merchandise. Despite the shift away from affiliated baseball, the PaddleHeads continue to thrive, with a strong community backing and notable success on the field, culminating in a championship victory in 2021.
While the future of affiliated baseball in Missoula remains uncertain, the transition to independent baseball has not diminished the team’s spirit or success. The autonomy to recruit personnel and sign players independently has ushered in a new era for the franchise, marked by sustained achievements and a loyal fan base.
As the PaddleHeads continue their journey in independent baseball, the community support and unwavering dedication of individuals like Dawna Kulaski underscore the enduring appeal and significance of baseball in Missoula.