After the 1978 season the California League expanded from 8 to 10 teams. The San Jose Missions were welcomed back to the league and the new expansion team was the Santa Clara Padres. Santa Clara operated as a Co-Op and received players from the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Oakland A's, and California Angels. In their lone season, the Santa Clara finished last in the standings and last in attendance. After the season the team relocated to Rohnert Park and became the Redwood Pioneers.