Akron Aeros
Encyclopedia
The Akron Aeros are a minor league baseball
team based in Akron, Ohio
, USA. The team, which plays in the Eastern League
, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians
.
The Aeros play in Canal Park
, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans. The nickname "Aeros" refers to Ohio's history of aerospace
research including being the home state of the Wright Brothers
and astronaut
Neil Armstrong
.
, where it was named the Lynn Sailors
. The team served as the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners
from 1980 to 1982 and the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates
in 1983. After four seasons in Massachusetts, owner Mike Agganis moved the team northward to Burlington, Vermont
. From 1984 through 1987, the franchise was known as the Vermont Reds
and were the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds
. In 1988, they became the Vermont Mariners
for one year when the Seattle Mariners
picked up the franchise to serve as its Double-A affiliate. During their stint in Vermont, the franchise made the playoffs every year, and won three straight Eastern League titles from 1984 to 1986.
, becoming the Cleveland Indians
' Double-A affiliate, and played eight seasons at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium
as the Canton-Akron Indians
, one of many entities (another example is the Akron-Canton Regional Airport
) to use the names of both cities. The "Little Indians" made another five straight playoff appearances from 1989 to 1993, and won the regular-season title in 1992. However, they were never successful at bringing home a league championship trophy.
The franchise did not advance to the postseason in 1994. This snapped a 12-year streak of postseason play from 1982 to 1993.
On November 22, 1994, Agganis signed a lease agreement with the city of Akron
to move the club to that city. It took another two years to build the new Canal Park
, which included selection of architects, land acquisition, and demolition of the Anthony Wayne Hotel which had stood on the new stadium site. Groundbreaking was held on January 5, 1996, and the stadium was completed in February 1997. Meantime, the new "Aeros" nickname had been chosen in November 1996 over the other choices, "Spirit" and "Quest," and replacing a prior working nickname, the "Akron Blast." "Blast" had been chosen in honor of Akron-born astronaut Judith Resnik (who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
), but changed when many misinterpreted it.
on April 10, 1997 marked the debut of the Akron Aeros. With 9,086 fans in attendance, the Aeros and Harrisburg Senators played the first game at Canal Park. The Aeros went on to finish the season with a record of 51–90. Despite the last place record, the team drew a Double-A-leading 473,272 fans to Canal Park that season.
In the 1998 season, the Aeros put together a 30-game "worst-to-first" turnaround; after finishing the prior year 34½ games back, they proceeded to win the Southern Division that season by 8½ games. However, after losing in the playoffs that year, it would be three more years until the Aeros found their way back to the posteason.
On September 6, 1999, the Aeros set an Eastern League attendance record for third straight season and once again led all Double-A teams after 522,459 fans attended Canal Park in 1999.
In 2002, the team posted a 93–48 record, the third-highest win total in the Eastern League in 50 years. They built on that success and finally won two league championships (their first since moving to Ohio) in 2003 and 2005. In 2006 the Aeros again posted the best regular-season record in the league, but lost the playoff title to Portland
after taking the series to a deciding fifth game.
From 2005 to 2008, the Aeros advanced to the Eastern League Championship Series. Although the Aeros won the ELCS in 2005, they were defeated in three consecutive trips from 2006 to 2008.
In 2009, the Aeros again advanced to the league championship and defeated the Connecticut Defenders
(three games to one) capping a 95-win season and their third title in the last seven years. Jared Head was named the playoff MVP.
In their first three seasons in Canal Park, the Aeros led all of Double-A in attendance, becoming the first team at that level to draw a half-million fans in a single season.
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Seattle Mariners
(1980–1982) and Pittsburgh Pirates
(1983)
Vermont Reds (1984–1987)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cincinnati Reds
Vermont Mariners (1988)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Seattle Mariners
Canton-Akron Indians (1989–1996)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cleveland Indians
Akron Aeros (1997–)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cleveland Indians
Note: Place indicates finish in Eastern League's Northern Division from 1980 to 1982; in divisionless Eastern League from 1983 to 1993; in Eastern League's Southern Division from 1994 to 2009; in Eastern League's Western Division from 2010–Present
performed by comedian Lewis Black
. In the segment Black talks about several of the menu items including The "Three Dog Night" consisting of a hotdog in a Bratwurst in a Keilbasa, and "The Nice to Meat You Burger". The food was also covered by CNBC Sports Financial Analyst Darren Rovell
Games are broadcast over WARF-AM Fox Sports 1350. Jim Clark, in his 19th year, as well as local Fox Sports 1350 personality, Ken Carman provide play-by-play.
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team based in Akron, Ohio
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
, USA. The team, which plays in the Eastern League
Eastern League (U.S. baseball)
The Eastern League is a minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio since 1989. The Eastern League has played at the AA level since 1963. The league was founded in 1923 as the New York-Pennsylvania League...
, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
.
The Aeros play in Canal Park
Canal Park (Akron, Ohio)
Canal Park is a baseball stadium located in Akron, Ohio, United States, that is the home of the Akron Aeros of the Eastern League. The team is a double-A minor-league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The stadium was designed by Populous, the same architectural firm that designed Progressive...
, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans. The nickname "Aeros" refers to Ohio's history of aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
research including being the home state of the Wright Brothers
Wright brothers
The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur , were two Americans credited with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903...
and astronaut
Astronaut
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong
Neil Alden Armstrong is an American former astronaut, test pilot, aerospace engineer, university professor, United States Naval Aviator, and the first person to set foot upon the Moon....
.
1980–1988
The franchise began play in 1980 in Lynn, MassachusettsLynn, Massachusetts
Lynn is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 89,050 at the 2000 census. An old industrial center, Lynn is home to Lynn Beach and Lynn Heritage State Park and is about north of downtown Boston.-17th century:...
, where it was named the Lynn Sailors
Lynn Sailors
The Lynn Sailors were a class AA American minor league baseball team affiliated with the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates. They were a member of the Eastern League and played at Fraser Field in Lynn, Massachusetts from 1980-1983....
. The team served as the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
from 1980 to 1982 and the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
in 1983. After four seasons in Massachusetts, owner Mike Agganis moved the team northward to Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont and the shire town of Chittenden County. Burlington lies south of the U.S.-Canadian border and some south of Montreal....
. From 1984 through 1987, the franchise was known as the Vermont Reds
Vermont Reds
The Vermont Reds are a defunct minor league baseball team. They played in the Eastern League at Centennial Field in Burlington, Vermont from 1984 to 1987...
and were the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
. In 1988, they became the Vermont Mariners
Vermont Mariners
The Vermont Mariners are a defunct minor league baseball team. They played in the Eastern League at Centennial Field in Burlington, Vermont in 1988...
for one year when the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
picked up the franchise to serve as its Double-A affiliate. During their stint in Vermont, the franchise made the playoffs every year, and won three straight Eastern League titles from 1984 to 1986.
1989–1996
In 1989, the team moved to Canton, OhioCanton, Ohio
Canton is the county seat of Stark County in northeastern Ohio, approximately south of Akron and south of Cleveland.The City of Caton is the largest incorporated area within the Canton-Massillon Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, becoming the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
' Double-A affiliate, and played eight seasons at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium
Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium
Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium is a stadium in Canton, Ohio primarily used for baseball. The facility is named after former Major League Baseball player Thurman Munson, who grew up in Canton. The ballpark has a capacity of 5,700 people and opened in...
as the Canton-Akron Indians
Canton-Akron Indians
The Canton-Akron Indians are a defunct minor league baseball team. They played in the Eastern League at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium in Canton, Ohio from 1989 to 1996...
, one of many entities (another example is the Akron-Canton Regional Airport
Akron-Canton Regional Airport
Akron-Canton Regional Airport is a commercial Class C airport located in the city of Green, in southern Summit County, Ohio roughly southeast of Akron, northwest of Canton, and northeast of Massillon...
) to use the names of both cities. The "Little Indians" made another five straight playoff appearances from 1989 to 1993, and won the regular-season title in 1992. However, they were never successful at bringing home a league championship trophy.
The franchise did not advance to the postseason in 1994. This snapped a 12-year streak of postseason play from 1982 to 1993.
On November 22, 1994, Agganis signed a lease agreement with the city of Akron
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
to move the club to that city. It took another two years to build the new Canal Park
Canal Park (Akron, Ohio)
Canal Park is a baseball stadium located in Akron, Ohio, United States, that is the home of the Akron Aeros of the Eastern League. The team is a double-A minor-league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The stadium was designed by Populous, the same architectural firm that designed Progressive...
, which included selection of architects, land acquisition, and demolition of the Anthony Wayne Hotel which had stood on the new stadium site. Groundbreaking was held on January 5, 1996, and the stadium was completed in February 1997. Meantime, the new "Aeros" nickname had been chosen in November 1996 over the other choices, "Spirit" and "Quest," and replacing a prior working nickname, the "Akron Blast." "Blast" had been chosen in honor of Akron-born astronaut Judith Resnik (who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, leading to the deaths of its seven crew members. The spacecraft disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of central Florida at 11:38 am EST...
), but changed when many misinterpreted it.
1997–Present
Opening DayOpening Day
Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball and most of the minor leagues, this day falls during the first week of April. For baseball fans, Opening Day serves as a symbol of rebirth; writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book...
on April 10, 1997 marked the debut of the Akron Aeros. With 9,086 fans in attendance, the Aeros and Harrisburg Senators played the first game at Canal Park. The Aeros went on to finish the season with a record of 51–90. Despite the last place record, the team drew a Double-A-leading 473,272 fans to Canal Park that season.
In the 1998 season, the Aeros put together a 30-game "worst-to-first" turnaround; after finishing the prior year 34½ games back, they proceeded to win the Southern Division that season by 8½ games. However, after losing in the playoffs that year, it would be three more years until the Aeros found their way back to the posteason.
On September 6, 1999, the Aeros set an Eastern League attendance record for third straight season and once again led all Double-A teams after 522,459 fans attended Canal Park in 1999.
In 2002, the team posted a 93–48 record, the third-highest win total in the Eastern League in 50 years. They built on that success and finally won two league championships (their first since moving to Ohio) in 2003 and 2005. In 2006 the Aeros again posted the best regular-season record in the league, but lost the playoff title to Portland
Portland Sea Dogs
The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
after taking the series to a deciding fifth game.
From 2005 to 2008, the Aeros advanced to the Eastern League Championship Series. Although the Aeros won the ELCS in 2005, they were defeated in three consecutive trips from 2006 to 2008.
In 2009, the Aeros again advanced to the league championship and defeated the Connecticut Defenders
Connecticut Defenders
The Connecticut Defenders were a minor league baseball team based in Norwich, Connecticut. The team, which played in the Eastern League, was the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to Richmond,...
(three games to one) capping a 95-win season and their third title in the last seven years. Jared Head was named the playoff MVP.
In their first three seasons in Canal Park, the Aeros led all of Double-A in attendance, becoming the first team at that level to draw a half-million fans in a single season.
Season-by-season results
Lynn Sailors (1980–1983)Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
(1980–1982) and Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
(1983)
- 1980 Lynn Sailors season: 66–71 (6th), manager Bobby FloydBobby FloydRobert Nathan Floyd is an American former Major League Baseball player. An infielder, Floyd played for the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals....
- 1981 Lynn Sailors season: 62–76 (6th), manager Bobby Floyd
- 1982 Lynn Sailors season: 82–57 (2nd), manager Allen Bowers • Defeated Glens FallsGlens Falls White SoxThe Glens Falls White Sox were an American minor league baseball team from Glens Falls, New York that played in the Eastern League from 1980 until 1985. The team was founded in 1980 as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. In 1986, the team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers and...
2–0 in first round of playoffs; lost to West Haven 3–0 in ELCS - 1983 Lynn Sailors season: 77–62 (2nd), manager Tommy SandtTommy SandtThomas James Sandt is a former Major League Baseball player and minor league manager. He graduated from Pacifica High School in West Garden Grove, CA in 1968 where he excelled as a varsity player.An infielder, Sandt played for the Oakland Athletics in and .Sandt managed in teams in the Eastern...
• Defeated BuffaloBuffalo BisonsThe Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
2–0 in first round of playoffs; lost to New BritainNew Britain Rock CatsThe New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. They compete in the Eastern League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut.-History:...
3–1 in ELCS
Vermont Reds (1984–1987)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
- 1984 Vermont Reds season: 75–65 (4th), manager Jack LindJack LindJackson Hugh Lind is a retired Major League Baseball shortstop, first baseman, second baseman, and third baseman. He played during two seasons at the major league level for the Milwaukee Brewers, as well as one season in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants...
• Defeated Albany-Colonie 3–0 in first round of playoffs; defeated Waterbury 3–2 in ELCS - 1985 Vermont Reds season: 71–67 (4th), manager Jack Lind • Defeated Albany-Colonie 3–1 in first round of playoffs; defeated New BritainNew Britain Rock CatsThe New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. They compete in the Eastern League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut.-History:...
3–1 in ELCS - 1986 Vermont Reds season: 77–62 (2nd), manager Jay WardJay Ward (baseball)John Francis "Jay" Ward is a former Major League Baseball player and minor league manager.An infielder, Ward played for the Minnesota Twins in and and the Cincinnati Reds in...
• Defeated PittsfieldPittsfield CubsThe Pittsfield Cubs, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, were a minor league baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1985 to 1988...
3–2 in first round of playoffs; defeated ReadingReading PhilliesThe Reading Phillies are a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League. Since the 1967 season, they have been the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies....
3–2 in ELCS - 1987 Vermont Reds season: 73–67 (4th), manager Tom RunnellsTom RunnellsThomas William Runnells is the Bench Coach of the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball, and a former infielder, coach and manager in American Major League Baseball.-Biography:...
• Defeated PittsfieldPittsfield CubsThe Pittsfield Cubs, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, were a minor league baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1985 to 1988...
3–1 in first round of playoffs; lost to HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
3–1 in ELCS
Vermont Mariners (1988)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
- 1988 Vermont Mariners season: 79–60 (2nd), manager Rich MoralesRich MoralesRichard Angelo Morales was an infielder who played from 1967-1974. He played for the Chicago White Sox until early in the 1973 season; most of '73 and all of 1974 were spent with the San Diego Padres. Morales played 480 games, starting 294...
• Defeated PittsfieldPittsfield CubsThe Pittsfield Cubs, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, were a minor league baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1985 to 1988...
3–1 in first round of playoffs; lost to Albany-Colonie 3–1 in ELCS
Canton-Akron Indians (1989–1996)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
- 1989 Canton-Akron Indians season: 70–69 (3rd), manager Bob MolinaroBob MolinaroRobert Joseph Molinaro is a former professional baseball outfielder in the minor and major leagues in a career that lasted 18 years. His baseball career began in 1968, and lasted till 1985...
• Lost to HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
3–2 in first round of playoffs - 1990 Canton-Akron Indians season: 76–64 (3rd), manager Ken BolekKen BolekKen Bolek is a former minor league baseball coach, major league coach and minor league manager. He is currently an instructor for The Baseball Academy, a high level training school for elite baseball players from all levels of amateur and professional competition, run by IMG Academies.Bolek...
• Lost to LondonLondon TigersThe London Tigers were a professional AA baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1989 to 1993. They played at Labatt Memorial Park in London, Ontario, and were affiliated with the Detroit Tigers.-History:...
3–2 in first round of playoffs - 1991 Canton-Akron Indians season: 75–65 (4th), manager Ken Bolek • Lost to HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
3–1 in first round of playoffs - 1992 Canton-Akron Indians season: 80–58 (1st), manager Brian GrahamBrian GrahamFor the Scottish footballer, see Brian Graham Brian Graham is a former minor league baseball player, coach and manager and major league coach for the Cleveland Indians...
• Defeated Albany-Colonie 3–0 in first round of playoffs; lost to BinghamtonBinghamton MetsThe Binghamton Mets are a U.S. minor league baseball team based in Binghamton, New York. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets major-league club...
3–2 in ELCS - 1993 Canton-Akron Indians season: 75–63 (2nd), manager Brian Graham • Defeated BowieBowie BaysoxThe Bowie Baysox are a minor league baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League...
3–2 in first round of playoffs; lost to HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
, 3–2 in ELCS - 1994 Canton-Akron Indians season: 69–73 (6th), manager Ted KubiakTed KubiakTheodore Rodger Kubiak is a former switch-hitting infielder for the Kansas City Athletics, the Oakland Athletics, the Milwaukee Brewers, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Texas Rangers, and the San Diego Padres. He was a member of the Oakland Athletics teams that won three World Series in a row...
- 1995 Canton-Akron Indians season: 67–75 (5th), manager Ted Kubiak
- 1996 Canton-Akron Indians season: 71–71 (3rd), manager Jeff DatzJeff DatzJeffrey William Datz is an American former Major League Baseball player and current third base coach for the Seattle Mariners. A former catcher, Datz played in seven games for the Detroit Tigers in 1989...
Akron Aeros (1997–)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
- 1997 Akron Aeros season: 51–90 (5th), manager Jeff Datz
- 1998 Akron Aeros season: 81–60 (1st), manager Joel SkinnerJoel SkinnerJoel Patrick Skinner is a former Major League Baseball catcher and former third base coach of the Cleveland Indians. Skinner was dismissed effective with the end of the 2009 season on September 30, 2009. He is the son of Bob Skinner, a National League outfielder in the 1950s and '60s...
• Lost to HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
3–1 in first round of playoffs - 1999 Akron Aeros season: 69–71 (5th), manager Joel Skinner
- 2000 Akron Aeros season: 75–68 (3rd), manager Eric WedgeEric WedgeEric Michael Wedge is a Major League Baseball manager and former catcher, and is the current manager of the Seattle Mariners. As a player, Wedge attended Northrop High School in Fort Wayne and played on the school's state champion baseball team in 1983...
- 2001 Akron Aeros season: 68–74 (3rd), manager Chris BandoChris BandoChristopher Michael Bando was a catcher in Major League Baseball in the 1980s, spending much of his career with the Cleveland Indians before also playing for the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics. He was formerly the manager of the South Coast League's Aiken Foxhounds and The New York - Penn...
- 2002 Akron Aeros season: 93–48 (1st), manager Brad KomminskBrad KomminskBrad Komminsk , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. Despite a sterling record in the minor leagues, he never played well in the majors...
• Lost to HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
3–2 in first round of playoffs - 2003 Akron Aeros season: 88–53 (1st), manager Brad Komminsk • Defeated AltoonaAltoona CurveThe Altoona Curve are a minor league baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, named after nearby Horseshoe Curve . The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club...
3–1 in first round of playoffs; defeated New HavenNew Hampshire Fisher CatsThe New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a minor league baseball team based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays major-league club....
3–0 in ELCS - 2004 Akron Aeros season: 63–78 (5th), manager Brad Komminsk
- 2005 Akron Aeros season: 84–58 (1st), manager Torey LovulloTorey LovulloSalvatore Anthony "Torey" Lovullo is a former Major League Baseball infielder and current first base coach of The Toronto Blue Jays. He was the manager of the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. He is an alumnus of the University of California, Los Angeles...
• Defeated AltoonaAltoona CurveThe Altoona Curve are a minor league baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, named after nearby Horseshoe Curve . The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club...
3–2 in first round of playoffs; defeated PortlandPortland Sea DogsThe Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
3–1 in ELCS - 2006 Akron Aeros season: 87–55 (1st), manager Tim BogarTim BogarTimothy Paul Bogar is a former Major League Baseball infielder. Currently, Bogar is the third base coach for the Boston Red Sox.-Playing career:...
• Defeated AltoonaAltoona CurveThe Altoona Curve are a minor league baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, named after nearby Horseshoe Curve . The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club...
3–2 in first round of playoffs; lost to PortlandPortland Sea DogsThe Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
3–2 in ELCS - 2007 Akron Aeros season: 80–61 (2nd), manager Tim Bogar • Defeated ErieErie SeaWolvesThe Erie SeaWolves are a minor league baseball team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball club....
3–1 in first round of playoffs; lost to TrentonTrenton ThunderThe Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
3–1 in ELCS - 2008 Akron Aeros season: 80–62 (2nd), manager Mike SarbaughMike SarbaughMichael "Mike" Sarbaugh is a former minor league baseball player, and is currently a minor league manager for the Columbus Clippers the AAA farm team of the Cleveland Indians. After attending Lamar University, where he was an all conference shortstop and earned a degree in kinesiology, Sarbaugh...
• Defeated BowieBowie BaysoxThe Bowie Baysox are a minor league baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League...
3–1 in first round of playoffs; lost to TrentonTrenton ThunderThe Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
3–1 in ELCS - 2009 Akron Aeros season: 89–53 (1st), manager Mike Sarbaugh • Defeated ReadingReading PhilliesThe Reading Phillies are a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League. Since the 1967 season, they have been the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies....
3–0 in first round of playoffs; defeated ConnecticutConnecticut DefendersThe Connecticut Defenders were a minor league baseball team based in Norwich, Connecticut. The team, which played in the Eastern League, was the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to Richmond,...
3–1 in ELCS - 2010 Akron Aeros season: 71–71 (4th), manager Joel Skinner
- 2011 Akron Aeros season: 73–69 (4th), manager Chris TremieChris TremieChristopher James Tremie is a former Major League Baseball player who served primarily as a catcher. He began his MLB career in with the Chicago White Sox...
Note: Place indicates finish in Eastern League's Northern Division from 1980 to 1982; in divisionless Eastern League from 1983 to 1993; in Eastern League's Southern Division from 1994 to 2009; in Eastern League's Western Division from 2010–Present
Notoriety
Over the off-season between the 2010–2011 season, the Aeros received national attention after introducing a number of new promotions as well as menu items at Canal Park. The team was featured in a segment titled "Back in Black" during The Daily ShowThe Daily Show
The Daily Show , is an American late night satirical television program airing each Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central. The half-hour long show premiered on July 21, 1996, and was hosted by Craig Kilborn until December 1998...
performed by comedian Lewis Black
Lewis Black
Lewis Niles Black is an American stand-up comedian, author, playwright, social critic and actor. He is known for his comedy style, which often includes simulating a mental breakdown, or an increasingly angry rant, ridiculing history, politics, religion, trends and cultural phenomena...
. In the segment Black talks about several of the menu items including The "Three Dog Night" consisting of a hotdog in a Bratwurst in a Keilbasa, and "The Nice to Meat You Burger". The food was also covered by CNBC Sports Financial Analyst Darren Rovell
Darren Rovell
Darren Rovell is a sports business reporter who joined the financial news channel CNBC in 2006.- Education :Rovell graduated from Roslyn High School in Roslyn Heights, NY in 1996....
Media
Several outlets throughout Northeast Ohio cover the Aeros including Sports Time Ohio,and all four Cleveland television stations. In print, the Aeros are covered by Akron News Now (a website run by radio group, Rubber City Radio), and longtime standard The Akron Beacon JournalGames are broadcast over WARF-AM Fox Sports 1350. Jim Clark, in his 19th year, as well as local Fox Sports 1350 personality, Ken Carman provide play-by-play.
Attendance
| Season | Total attendance | League rank | Total Aeros openings | Average attendance per Aeros opening |
Average attendance per Eastern League opening (not including Aeros openings) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 473,232 | 1st | 71 (approx.) | 6,665 | 4,260 |
| 1998 | 521,122 | 1st | 71 (approx.) | 7,340 | 4,334 |
| 1999 | 522,459 | 1st | 71 (approx.) | 7,359 | 4,954 |
| 2000 | 481,060 | 1st | 71 (approx.) | 6,775 | 4,147 |
| 2001 | 485,582 | 1st | 71 (approx.) | 6,839 | 4,294 |
| 2002 | 400,187 | 3rd | 71 (approx.) | 5,636 | 4,284 |
| 2003 | 445,603 | 2nd | 71 (approx.) | 6,276 | 4,128 |
| 2004 | 478,611 | 1st | 71 (approx.) | 6,741 | 4,399 |
| 2005 | 455,056 | 2nd | 71 (approx.) | 6,409 | 4,468 |
| 2006 | 412,995 | 3rd | 71 (approx.) | 5,817 | 4,353 |
| 2007 | 355,376 | 6th | 64 | 5,553 | 4,831 |
| 2008 | 342,816 | 7th | 67 | 5,117 | 4,570 |
Notable alumni
- Pitcher Danys BaezDanys BáezDanys Báez González is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Báez has previously played for the Cleveland Indians , Tampa Bay Devil Rays , Los Angeles Dodgers , Atlanta Braves , Baltimore Orioles , and Philadelphia Phillies .-Cleveland Indians:Báez was signed by the Cleveland...
(2000–01) - Outfielder Albert BelleAlbert BelleAlbert Jojuan Belle is a former American Major League Baseball outfielder for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles...
(1989–90) - First baseman Sean Casey (1997)
- Outfielder Ryan Church (2002–03)
- Pitcher Bartolo ColónBartolo ColónBartolo Colón is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He played in Major League Baseball from 1997 to 2009 and again in 2011...
(1996) - Outfield Brian GilesBrian GilesBrian Stephen Giles is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. During his career he played for the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres...
(1992–93) - Second baseman Jason KipnisJason KipnisJason Michael Kipnis is an American baseball player who plays second base for the Cleveland Indians. He was called up from the minor leagues to the Indians on July 22, 2011....
(2010) - Third baseman Kevin KouzmanoffKevin KouzmanoffKevin Kouzmanoff is an American professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent.Kouzmanoff had trouble with various sports in high school. He got special help for batting practice, just to learn how to swing a bat for three years, implementing a swing...
(2006) - Catcher Víctor Martínez (2002–03)
- Pitcher Charles NagyCharles NagyCharles Harrison Nagy is an American former Major League Baseball All-Star right-handed pitcher who played for 14 seasons in the major leagues from to , mostly with the Cleveland Indians, and currently serves as the pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-Early life and amateur career:Nagy...
(1989–90, 93, 2000) - Shortstop Jhonny PeraltaJhonny PeraltaJhonny Antonio Peralta is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He previously played with the Cleveland Indians.-Playing career:...
(2002)
- Pitching coach Scott RadinskyScott RadinskyScott David Radinsky is the pitching coach of the Cleveland Indians.He is also a left-handed former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, who had an 11-year career from – and –...
- Outfielder Manny RamírezManny RamírezManuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...
(1993, 2000) - Pitcher C. C. Sabathia (2000, 05)
- Infielder Marco ScutaroMarco ScutaroMarcos Hernandez "Marco" Scutaro is a Venezuelan professional baseball shortstop with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. A native of Yaracuy State, Venezuela, Scutaro formerly played with the New York Mets , Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays...
(1998) - First baseman Richie SexsonRichie SexsonRichmond Lockwood "Big Sexy" Sexson is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for five teams from 1997 to 2008...
(1996) - Center fielder Grady SizemoreGrady SizemoreGradius "Grady" Sizemore III is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
(2003) - Pitcher Julián TavárezJulián TavárezJulián Tavárez Carmen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Minor leagues :...
(1993) - First baseman Jim ThomeJim ThomeJames Howard "Jim" Thome is a Major League Baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is the eighth player to hit 600 home runs in the major leagues. He is widely considered a future Hall of Famer.-Cleveland Indians :...
(1991–92) - Pitcher Jaret WrightJaret WrightJaret Samuel Wright is an American former Major League Baseball starting pitcher, who played 10 years for five teams. He is the son of former major league pitcher Clyde Wright.-Early life and education:...
(1997, 1999–2001) - Infielder Maicer IzturisMaicer IzturisMaicer Eduardo Izturis is a Major League Baseball third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...
(2001–02)
Main
Baseball Cube
- Lynn Sailors; Alumni list; Seasons: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983
- Vermont Reds; Alumni list; Seasons: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
- Vermont Mariners; Alumni list; Seasons: 1988
- Canton-Akron Indians; Alumni list; Seasons: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
- Akron Aeros; Alumni list; Seasons: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Baseball Reference
- Canton-Akron Indians seasons: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
- Akron Aeros seasons: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008