1996 California League season

The 1996 California League was a Class A-Advanced baseball season played between April 4 and September 1. Ten teams played a 140-game schedule, as three teams from each division qualified for the post-season, the winner of each half of the season plus playoff qualifiers. The Lake Elsinore Storm won the California League championship, as they defeated the San Jose Giants in the final round of the playoffs. == Team changes == The Riverside Pilots are relocated to Lancaster, California and are renamed to the Lancaster JetHawks. The club remained affiliated with the Seattle Mariners. The San Bernardino Spirit are renamed to the San Bernardino Stampede. The club remained affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Visalia Oaks began an affiliation with the Detroit Tigers. == Teams == == Map of teams == == Regular season == === Summary === The San Jose Giants finished with the best record in the regular season for the first time since 1991. === Standings === == League Leaders == === Batting leaders === === Pitching leaders === == Playoffs == The Lake Elsinore Storm won their first California League championship, as they defeated the San Jose Giants in five games. === Playoff bracket === == Awards == == See also == 1996 Major League Baseball season == References == == External links == Minor League Baseball official website