Golden Age
In 1974, Jim Paul bought the team, creating what is arguably the golden age of El Paso baseball. The name was changed from the Sun Kings to the Diablos; Paul also held numerous promotions and promoted a lively, fan-friendly atmosphere at the ballpark. The Diablos became the first Double A team to ever draw 300,000 fans. The Dodgers’ partnership with the Diablos ended in 1974, after which the Diablos resumed their affiliation with the Angels from 1974 until 1981.
In 1981, the Diablos became an affiliate of the Milwakee Brewers, a relationship which lasted until 1999. Also in 1981, Texaco installed a $70,000 electronic scoreboard at Dudley Field. The Diablos won the Texas League Pennant in 1986. It became apparent that the team would need a new facility, as the city was expanding and the area around the Dudley Dome was becoming increasingly destitute. Construction began in the growing Northeast area of El Paso on a new facility, with the stadium completed in time for the 1990 season. In 1989. the Diablos said farewell to the Dudley Dome, their home of 65 years, and greeted their new ballpark,Cohen Stadium, named after the Cohen brothers, who had returned to El Paso to work for the club. Both Cohen brothers died within 6 months of each other in El Paso in 1988. In 1999, the Diablos ended their relationship with the Brewers, and soon agreed to become the Double A affiliate for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Around the same time, Paul, after years of building the Diablos into the model franchise, sold the team to Brett Sports and Entertainment, a sports conglomerate headed by former major leaguer George Brett.
In 1981, the Diablos became an affiliate of the Milwakee Brewers, a relationship which lasted until 1999. Also in 1981, Texaco installed a $70,000 electronic scoreboard at Dudley Field. The Diablos won the Texas League Pennant in 1986. It became apparent that the team would need a new facility, as the city was expanding and the area around the Dudley Dome was becoming increasingly destitute. Construction began in the growing Northeast area of El Paso on a new facility, with the stadium completed in time for the 1990 season. In 1989. the Diablos said farewell to the Dudley Dome, their home of 65 years, and greeted their new ballpark,Cohen Stadium, named after the Cohen brothers, who had returned to El Paso to work for the club. Both Cohen brothers died within 6 months of each other in El Paso in 1988. In 1999, the Diablos ended their relationship with the Brewers, and soon agreed to become the Double A affiliate for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Around the same time, Paul, after years of building the Diablos into the model franchise, sold the team to Brett Sports and Entertainment, a sports conglomerate headed by former major leaguer George Brett.