The initial Missions club came into existence with Joe Gagliardi, owner of the San Jose Bees, making a deal to lease the AAA Pacific Coast league Sacramento franchise from Bob Piccinini.

[1] Piccinini's Solons were without a ballpark as Hughes Stadium was in poor condition and had failed to meet earthquake standards.

Following the season, owner Bob Piccinini ended his lease of the club and sold it for a reported $175,000 to Dennis Job.

With San Jose vacant, Joe Gagliardi gained approval for a California League team.

Gagliardi resurrected the Missions name as the club accompanied the Santa Clara Padres in the expansion of the California League in 1979.

With a roster that included Dave Henderson, Orlando Mercado, and Jim Maler the Missions won the south division title with a record of 89-51.

San Jose finished the year at 73-66, only a half game behind the south division leading Fresno Giants.