While the franchise was honored with the Bob Freitas Award – given for excellence in all aspects of its operations –  the team was not quite as successful on the field. 

The team finished 65-77 and failed to make the playoffs for a second straight season.

Additional Photos

STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN EWING -- Wednesday, August 18, 1999 -- Brad Penny delivers a pitch to an Altoona hitter during his start on Wednesday afternoon.

STAFF PHOTO BY HERB SWANSON -- Sunday, June 6, 1999 -- Pablo Ozuna fires to first base for a double play as Adam Robinson of the Akron Aeros turns to look after being forced out. Sea Dog early game action at Hadlock Field Herb Swanson

STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN EWING -- Wednesday, August 18, 1999 -- Chris Norton is greeted by teammates after hitting his 34th home run of the season to give the Sea Dogs a 4-2 lead in the seventh inning. John Ewing

STAFF PHOTO BY HERB SWANSON -- Sunday, August 15, 1999 -- Sea Dog's pitcher Michael Tejera delivers during Sunday's game against the Erie Seawolves at Hadlock Field in Portland. Herb Swanson

Designated hitter Chris Norton belted 38 home runs, three short of the all-time Eastern League record of 41 held by both Ken Strong (1930) and Rick Lancellotti (1979). Norton’s slugging percentage of .633 also set a team record.

In the meantime, Julio Ramirez was leaving opposing players in the dust. He set single-season and career records with 10 triples and 64 stolen bases. Ramirez broke Todd Dunwoody’s single-season record with 568 at-bats.

Fletcher Bates set two career records with 279 games played and 1,074 at-bats. Also noteworthy was Nate Rolison, who set a Sea Dog mark with 132 walks. Pitcher Michael Tejera was dominating, earning 13 victories and tying Tony Saunders for the most in a season. Tejera also broke Saunders’ single-season record for earned- run average with a mark of 2.62.

Many fans that left Hadlock Field on Aug. 8 during the 3-hour, 37-minute rain delay could only shake their heads the next morning as they read the paper. Brad Penny and Luis Arroyo had combined to pitch the first no-hitter in Sea Dog history in a 3-0 win.

Penny threw six hitless innings, striking out five and walking four in his first outing with the team. Arroya came on in the seventh to throw three scoreless innings and get his first save.

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