Adopting the namesake of their parent club, Walla Walla became the Padres. In their first season affiliated with the Padres, Walla Walla won the league title in 1973. The Padres claimed the Northwest League crown again in 1976, defeating the fabled Portland Mavericks two games to one in the championship series. Walla Walla sought a third title in 1979, but fell to the Central Oregon Phillies.
