The club held a name the team contest and of the roughly sixty entries the nickname Bucks was selected.
[2] The team played as a co-op composed of prospects from the Dodgers, Padres, Pirates, and Rangers along with members of the Phillies including manager Mel Roberts.
After playing their first year as a co-op team, Bend signed a player development contract with the California Angels.
Two years into a three season agreement the Angels terminated their affiliation with Bend on the grounds of poor conditions at Vince Genna Stadium.
In 1990 the Bucks roster consisted of players from several organizations, including the Athletics, Phillies, and Giants.