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American Association (20th century)
Encyclopedia
The American Association was a minor league baseball
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...
league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
from to and to . Together with the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
, it contested the Junior World Series
Junior World Series
The Junior World Series was the name given to a postseason series between champions of two of the three high-minor baseball leagues, modeled on the World Series of Major League Baseball...
which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the eastern half of the United States. Later, its teams would also compete in the Triple-A World Series
Triple-A World Series
The Triple-A World Series is an infrequently held contest featuring the champions of each Triple-A level minor league of Major League Baseball, with the intent of crowning an overall champion of Triple-A Baseball....
, and its players in the Triple-A All-Star Game
Triple-A All-Star Game
The Triple-A All-Star Game is a single baseball game held between the two Triple-A leagues in minor league baseball—the International League and the Pacific Coast League...
.
History
For most of the American Association's existence, in both incarnations, it comprised teams primarily from the central part of the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The league's attendance base began to be eroded significantly in the 1950s and early 1960s due to expansion and westward migration of major league
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
teams into several of the AA's larger member cities: Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
; and Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
. By , the league was down to six clubs.
After the season, the American Association disbanded, and some of its member teams were distributed between the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
and the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
, while others (the Louisville Colonels
Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team)
The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:...
and Omaha Dodgers
Omaha Dodgers
The Omaha Dodgers were a minor league baseball affiliate, based in Omaha, Nebraska, of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Class AAA American Association in 1961-62. The team was Omaha's second AAA and American Association franchise, succeeding the Omaha Cardinals of 1955-59.The Omaha Dodgers were the...
) folded. The Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
were first assigned to the IL but then, in a geographic oddity, they were switched to the PCL. The Dallas Rangers
Dallas Rangers
The Dallas Rangers were a high-level minor league baseball team located in Dallas, Texas, from 1958-64. The team was known by the Dallas Rangers name in 1958-59 and 1964 and as the Dallas-Fort Worth Rangers from 1960-63...
, the Denver Bears
New Orleans Zephyrs
The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field....
, and the Oklahoma City 89ers also went to the PCL.
With major league expansion in , and the need for four new Triple-A farm teams, the time seemed right for reviving the league, which re-acquired its old Indianapolis territory from the PCL, along with several cities that were new to the Association.
In the early 1990s, with significant cities like Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, Denver, Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, and others in the league, the American Association published a media guide with a league map on the cover and the question "Can It Be the Third Major League?" The President of the American Association at the time was Branch Rickey III, grandson of Branch Rickey
Branch Rickey
Wesley Branch Rickey was an innovative Major League Baseball executive elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967...
, who integrated major league baseball in 1947 and later headed up the proposed Continental League
Continental League
The Continental League was a proposed third major league for baseball, announced in 1959 and scheduled to begin play in the 1961 season...
, which was to be a third major league.
After the season, the American Association disbanded for the second time, and its teams were again distributed to the remaining Triple-A leagues. The Iowa Cubs
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs are a Triple-A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, that plays in the Pacific Coast League. Their home games are played in Des Moines, Iowa, at Principal Park.-Franchise history:...
, Nashville Sounds
Nashville Sounds
The Nashville Sounds are a minor league baseball team of the Pacific Coast League , and the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Nashville, Tennessee, and are named for the city's association with the music industry...
, New Orleans Zephyrs
New Orleans Zephyrs
The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field....
, Oklahoma City 89ers (renamed the Oklahoma RedHawks, now the Oklahoma City RedHawks), and Omaha Royals
Omaha Royals
The Omaha Storm Chasers are a United States minor league baseball team currently based in the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals major league club and has been a member of the expanded Pacific Coast League since 1998. From 1969 to 1997,...
migrated to the West Coast Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
starting with the season. The Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons
The 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...
, Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
, and Louisville Redbirds
Louisville Bats
The Louisville Bats, which play in Louisville, Kentucky, are the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team, formerly known as the Louisville RiverBats, plays in the International League...
became part of the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
, also starting in 1998.
The Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons
The 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...
were the last league champions in 1997, and the trophy is still in their possession.
Interleague play
On and off, from to , the American Association champion played against the champion from the International LeagueInternational League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
in the Junior World Series. The champions from these two leagues and the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
also met during at the Triple-A World Series
Triple-A World Series
The Triple-A World Series is an infrequently held contest featuring the champions of each Triple-A level minor league of Major League Baseball, with the intent of crowning an overall champion of Triple-A Baseball....
.
From to , the AA and IL voted in to play interleague games during the season.
From until the league's demise in , players from all three Triple-A leagues were selected to play in the mid-season Triple-A All-Star Game
Triple-A All-Star Game
The Triple-A All-Star Game is a single baseball game held between the two Triple-A leagues in minor league baseball—the International League and the Pacific Coast League...
. One team was made up of All-Stars from American League affiliates and the other of National League affiliates.
Complete team list
|
League champions and MVPs 1933-1997
| Year | Champion | MVP |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | Columbus Red Birds Columbus Red Birds The Columbus Red Birds was the name of a top-level minor league baseball team that played in Columbus, Ohio, in the American Association from 1931 through 1954. The Columbus club, a member of the Association continuously since 1902, was previously known as the Columbus Senators — a typical... |
Joe Hauser Joe Hauser Joseph John "Unser Choe" Hauser is a former professional baseball player who played first baseman in the major leagues from 1922–1929, with the Philadelphia Athletics and Cleveland Indians... , Minneapolis |
| 1934 | Columbus Red Birds Columbus Red Birds The Columbus Red Birds was the name of a top-level minor league baseball team that played in Columbus, Ohio, in the American Association from 1931 through 1954. The Columbus club, a member of the Association continuously since 1902, was previously known as the Columbus Senators — a typical... |
Pinky Hargrave Pinky Hargrave William McKinley "Pinky" Hargrave was a Major League Baseball catcher who played ten seasons with the Washington Senators , St. Louis Browns , Detroit Tigers , and Boston Braves . Born in New Haven, Indiana, Hargrave was the younger brother of Cincinnati Reds catcher, Bubbles Hargrave... , Minneapolis |
| 1935 | NONE HELD | Mike Ryba Mike Ryba Dominic Joseph "Mike" Ryba was a Major League Baseball pitcher. A native of De Lancey, Pennsylvania, he attended Saint Francis University, Loretto, Pennsylvania.. He was a right-hander and played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox... , Columbus |
| 1936 | Milwaukee Brewers Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League... |
Rudy York Rudy York Preston Rudolph York was a Major League Baseball first baseman who played for the Detroit Tigers , Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Athletics . York was born in Ragland, Alabama... , Milwaukee |
| 1937 | Columbus Red Birds Columbus Red Birds The Columbus Red Birds was the name of a top-level minor league baseball team that played in Columbus, Ohio, in the American Association from 1931 through 1954. The Columbus club, a member of the Association continuously since 1902, was previously known as the Columbus Senators — a typical... |
Red Kress Red Kress Ralph "Red" Kress was a shortstop and coach in Major League Baseball. From through , he played for the St. Louis Browns , Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , Detroit Tigers and New York Giants . Kress batted and threw right-handed... , Minneapolis |
| 1938 | Kansas City Blues Kansas City Blues (American Association) The Kansas City Blues are a former minor league baseball team located in Kansas City, Missouri, in the Midwestern United States. The team was one of the eight founding members of the American Association.... |
W.Wyatt Whit Wyatt John Whitlow Wyatt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Brooklyn Dodgers , and Philadelphia Phillies... , Mil O.Bejma Ollie Bejma Ollie Bejma was a Major League Baseball infielder for the St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox in the 1930s. He made his major league debut on April 24, 1934 for the Browns in a 15-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians... , St.Paul |
| 1939 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Gil English Gil English Gilbert Raymond English was a third baseman in Major League Baseball. He played all or part of six seasons in the majors between 1931 and 1944.-External links:... , St. Paul |
| 1940 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Phil Rizzuto Phil Rizzuto Philip Francis Rizzuto , nicknamed "The Scooter", was an American Major League Baseball shortstop. He spent his entire 13-year baseball career for the New York Yankees... , Kansas City |
| 1941 | Columbus Red Birds Columbus Red Birds The Columbus Red Birds was the name of a top-level minor league baseball team that played in Columbus, Ohio, in the American Association from 1931 through 1954. The Columbus club, a member of the Association continuously since 1902, was previously known as the Columbus Senators — a typical... |
Johnny Pesky Johnny Pesky John Michael Pesky , nicknamed "The Needle" and "Mr. Red Sox", was a Major League Baseball shortstop, third baseman, and manager. During a 10-year career, he played in 1942 and from 1946-1954 for three different teams. He missed all of the 1943, 1944, and 1945 seasons while serving in World War... , Louisville |
| 1942 | Columbus Red Birds Columbus Red Birds The Columbus Red Birds was the name of a top-level minor league baseball team that played in Columbus, Ohio, in the American Association from 1931 through 1954. The Columbus club, a member of the Association continuously since 1902, was previously known as the Columbus Senators — a typical... |
Eddie Stanky Eddie Stanky Edward Raymond Stanky , nicknamed "The Brat", was an American second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. He played for the Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Dodgers , Boston Braves , New York Giants , and St. Louis Cardinals... , Milwaukee |
| 1943 | Columbus Red Birds Columbus Red Birds The Columbus Red Birds was the name of a top-level minor league baseball team that played in Columbus, Ohio, in the American Association from 1931 through 1954. The Columbus club, a member of the Association continuously since 1902, was previously known as the Columbus Senators — a typical... |
Stew Hofferth Stew Hofferth Stewart Edward Hofferth was an American catcher in Major League Baseball player. Born in Logansport, Indiana, he played from 1944-1946 for the Boston Braves. He died at age 81 in Valparaiso, Indiana.-External links:... , Indianapolis |
| 1944 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Babe Martin Babe Martin Boris Michael "Babe" Martin , was an Major League Baseball outfielder for the St. Louis Browns and a catcher for the Boston Red Sox .Martin was born in Seattle, Washington... , Toledo |
| 1945 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Stan Wentzel Stan Wentzel Stanley Aaron Wentzel was an American professional baseball player. A longtime minor league outfielder and, later, a manager, Wentzel's only stint in Major League Baseball came at the end of the season, when he appeared in four games in centerfield for the Boston Braves. The 28-year-old rookie... , Indianapolis |
| 1946 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Jerry Witte Jerry Witte Jerome Charles Witte was a Major League Baseball first baseman. He played parts of two seasons in the majors, and , for the St. Louis Browns. He also had a long minor league baseball career, spanning 16 seasons from until... , Toledo |
| 1947 | Milwaukee Brewers Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League... |
Steve Gerkin Steve Gerkin Stephen Paul “Steve” Gerkin was a professional baseball pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Athletics of the American League in 1945.... , Minneapolis |
| 1948 | Saint Paul Saints | Les Fleming Les Fleming Leslie Harvey Fleming was an American Major League Baseball first baseman who played for seven seasons. He played for the Detroit Tigers in 1939, the Cleveland Indians from 1941 to 1942 and from 1945 to 1947, and the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1949.-External links:... , Indianapolis |
| 1949 | Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis... |
Froilan Fernandez, Indianapolis |
| 1950 | Columbus Red Birds Columbus Red Birds The Columbus Red Birds was the name of a top-level minor league baseball team that played in Columbus, Ohio, in the American Association from 1931 through 1954. The Columbus club, a member of the Association continuously since 1902, was previously known as the Columbus Senators — a typical... |
Ray Dandridge Ray Dandridge Raymond Emmitt Dandridge was an American third baseman in baseball's Negro leagues. He was born in Richmond, Virginia. Dandridge was one of the greatest fielders in the history of baseball, and one of the sport's greatest hitters for average, but unfortunately his name is not familiar to the... , Indianapolis |
| 1951 | Milwaukee Brewers Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League... |
Al Unser Al Unser (baseball) Albert Bernard Unser was a Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds . He was a native of Morrisonville, Illinois and the father of MLB center fielder Del Unser.... , Milwaukee |
| 1952 | Kansas City Blues Kansas City Blues (American Association) The Kansas City Blues are a former minor league baseball team located in Kansas City, Missouri, in the Midwestern United States. The team was one of the eight founding members of the American Association.... |
Don Bollweg Don Bollweg Donald Raymond Bollweg was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for three teams from 1950 to 1955.... , Kansas City |
| 1953 | Kansas City Blues Kansas City Blues (American Association) The Kansas City Blues are a former minor league baseball team located in Kansas City, Missouri, in the Midwestern United States. The team was one of the eight founding members of the American Association.... |
Gene Conley Gene Conley Donald Eugene Conley is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played eleven seasons from to for four different teams. Conley also played forward in the 1952-1953 season and from 1958 to 1964 for two teams in the National Basketball Association... , Toledo |
| 1954 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Herb Score Herb Score Herbert Jude Score was a Major League Baseball pitcher and announcer.-Athletic career:Score came up as a rookie in with the Cleveland Indians... , Indianapolis |
| 1955 | Minneapolis Millers Minneapolis Millers The Minneapolis Millers were an American professional minor league baseball team that played in Minneapolis, Minnesota, until 1960. In the 19th century a different Minneapolis Millers were part of the Western League.The team played first in Athletic Park and later Nicollet Park.The name Minneapolis... |
Rance Pless Rance Pless Rance Pless is a retired American professional baseball player. A third baseman, first baseman and outfielder over the course of a 14-year professional career, he played part of one season of Major League Baseball with the 1956 Kansas City Athletics... , Indianapolis |
| 1956 | Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis... |
Marv Throneberry Marv Throneberry Marvin Eugene Throneberry was an American Major League Baseball player, best remembered as the starting first baseman for the 1962 New York Mets, a team which set the modern record for most losses in a season with 120.... , Denver |
| 1957 | Denver Bears | Carlton Willey Carlton Willey Carlton Francis Willey was an American professional baseball player who pitched eight seasons for the Milwaukee Braves and New York Mets of Major League Baseball... , Wichita |
| 1958 | Minneapolis Millers Minneapolis Millers The Minneapolis Millers were an American professional minor league baseball team that played in Minneapolis, Minnesota, until 1960. In the 19th century a different Minneapolis Millers were part of the Western League.The team played first in Athletic Park and later Nicollet Park.The name Minneapolis... |
Wayne Terwilliger Wayne Terwilliger Willard Wayne "Twig" Terwilliger is a former second baseman, coach, and manager in Major League Baseball.-Early life:... , Charleston |
| 1959 | Minneapolis Millers Minneapolis Millers The Minneapolis Millers were an American professional minor league baseball team that played in Minneapolis, Minnesota, until 1960. In the 19th century a different Minneapolis Millers were part of the Western League.The team played first in Athletic Park and later Nicollet Park.The name Minneapolis... |
Bob Will Bob Will (baseball) Robert Lee Will was an American professional baseball player who played outfielder in the Major Leagues between and for the Chicago Cubs.Born in Berwyn, Illinois, Will threw and batted left-handed, stood tall and weighed... , Fort Worth |
| 1960 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Steve Boros Steve Boros Stephen Boros Jr. was an American infielder, coach, manager, advance scout, and farm system official in Major League Baseball.... , Denver |
| 1961 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Cliff Cook Cliff Cook Raymond Clifford Cook is a former Major League Baseball player, who primarily played third base, though he played some games as an outfielder throughout his career. Cook stood tall, weighed , and threw and batted right-handed.-Career:Cook made his Major League debut in 1959 with the Cincinnati Reds... , Indianapolis |
| 1962 | Louisville Colonels Louisville Colonels (minor league baseball team) The Louisville Colonels was the name of several minor league baseball teams that played in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 20th century. The name is derived from the historic Kentucky colonels.-Twentieth century minor league teams:... |
Jack Smith Jack Smith (pitcher) Jack Hatfield Smith was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched in 34 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Braves from 1962-1964.-External links:... , Omaha |
| 1969 | Omaha Royals Omaha Royals The Omaha Storm Chasers are a United States minor league baseball team currently based in the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals major league club and has been a member of the expanded Pacific Coast League since 1998. From 1969 to 1997,... |
Bernie Carbo Bernie Carbo Bernardo 'Bernie' Carbo is a former outfielder and designated hitter who played from through for the Cincinnati Reds , St. Louis Cardinals , Boston Red Sox , Milwaukee Brewers , Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed... , Indianapolis RF |
| 1970 | Omaha Royals Omaha Royals The Omaha Storm Chasers are a United States minor league baseball team currently based in the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals major league club and has been a member of the expanded Pacific Coast League since 1998. From 1969 to 1997,... |
George Spriggs George Spriggs George Herman Spriggs is an American former professional baseball player who played parts of four seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Kansas City Royals.... , Omaha OF |
| 1971 | Denver Bears New Orleans Zephyrs The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field.... |
Richie Scheinblum Richie Scheinblum Richard Alan "Richie" Scheinblum is a former professional All Star Major League Baseball player.He played for the Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, California Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals... , Denver OF |
| 1972 | Evansville Triplets Evansville Triplets The Evansville Triplets were a minor league baseball team of the American Association from to . In its last season, Evansville was the Triple-A farm team for the Detroit Tigers... |
Pat Bourque Pat Bourque Patrick Daniel Bourque was a first baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for several teams in a three year career.... , Wichita 1B |
| 1973 | Tulsa Oilers Tulsa Oilers (baseball) The Tulsa Oilers, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, were a minor league baseball team that existed on-and-off in multiple leagues from 1905 to 1976. For most of their history, they played at Oiler Park, which opened on July 11, 1934, and was located on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds at 15th Street and... |
Cliff Johnson, Denver DH |
| 1974 | Tulsa Oilers Tulsa Oilers (baseball) The Tulsa Oilers, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, were a minor league baseball team that existed on-and-off in multiple leagues from 1905 to 1976. For most of their history, they played at Oiler Park, which opened on July 11, 1934, and was located on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds at 15th Street and... |
Pete LaCock Pete LaCock Ralph Pierre "Pete" LaCock, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball first baseman/outfielder.In 1975, he hit the only grand slam of his career, on the final pitch ever thrown by St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson.-Career:LaCock was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 1970... , Wichita 1B |
| 1975 | Evansville Triplets Evansville Triplets The Evansville Triplets were a minor league baseball team of the American Association from to . In its last season, Evansville was the Triple-A farm team for the Detroit Tigers... |
Héctor Cruz, Tulsa 3B |
| 1976 | Denver Bears New Orleans Zephyrs The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field.... |
Roger Freed Roger Freed Roger Vernon Freed was a Major League Baseball outfielder and pinch hitter. He played all or part of eight seasons between and for five different major league teams.-Orioles:... , Denver 1B |
| 1977 | Denver Bears New Orleans Zephyrs The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field.... |
Frank Ortenzio Frank Ortenzio Frank Joseph Ortenzio, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played nine games for the Kansas City Royals in . He also played two seasons in Japan for the Nankai Hawks.... , Denver 1B |
| 1978 | Omaha Royals Omaha Royals The Omaha Storm Chasers are a United States minor league baseball team currently based in the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals major league club and has been a member of the expanded Pacific Coast League since 1998. From 1969 to 1997,... |
Champ Summers Champ Summers John Junior "Champ" Summers , is a former Major League Baseball player who played primarily as an outfielder and designated hitter for six teams during his eleven year career that spanned from 1974 to 1984... , Indianapolis OF |
| 1979 | Evansville Triplets Evansville Triplets The Evansville Triplets were a minor league baseball team of the American Association from to . In its last season, Evansville was the Triple-A farm team for the Detroit Tigers... |
Karl Pagel Karl Pagel Karl Douglas Pagel is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for five seasons. He played for the Chicago Cubs from 1978 to 1979 and the Cleveland Indians from 1981 to 1983.... , Wichita OF |
| 1980 | Springfield Redbirds Louisville Bats The Louisville Bats, which play in Louisville, Kentucky, are the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team, formerly known as the Louisville RiverBats, plays in the International League... |
Randy Bass Randy Bass is a former American baseball player and current politician. He is less notable for his career in Major League Baseball than for his success in Japan's Hanshin Tigers of Central League, where he had the most spectacular run of any American to ever play in Japan... , Denver 1B |
| 1981 | Denver Bears New Orleans Zephyrs The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field.... |
Manny Castillo Manny Castillo Estaban Manuel Antonio Castillo Cabrera is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. He batted and threw right-handed, and was 5 foot 9. Castillo played 3 seasons in Major League Baseball, with the Kansas City Royals in and the Seattle Mariners in and... , Omaha 3B |
| 1982 | Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis... |
Ken Phelps Ken Phelps Kenneth Allan Phelps, nicknamed "Digger", is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and first baseman. During an 11-year baseball career, he played from 1980-1990 for six different teams, but he played primarily with the Seattle Mariners... , Wichita 1B |
| 1983 | Denver Bears New Orleans Zephyrs The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field.... |
Mike Stenhouse Mike Stenhouse Michael Steven Stenhouse is a former outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter in Major League Baseball who played for the Montreal Expos from -, the Minnesota Twins in , and the Boston Red Sox in . Listed at 6'1", 195 lb., Stenhouse batted left-handed and threw right-handed... , Wichita 1B |
| 1984 | Louisville Redbirds Louisville Bats The Louisville Bats, which play in Louisville, Kentucky, are the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team, formerly known as the Louisville RiverBats, plays in the International League... |
Alan Knicely Alan Knicely Alan Lee Knicely is a former professional baseball catcher. He played all or part of eight seasons in Major League Baseball from 1979 until 1986... , Wichita 1B |
| 1985 | Louisville Redbirds | Steve Buechele Steve Buechele Steven Bernard Buechele is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. Buechele played from to for the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs. He joined the Rangers in after he was named the Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year... , Oklahoma City 3B |
| 1986 | Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis... |
Barry Larkin Barry Larkin Barry Louis Larkin is a retired Major League Baseball player. Larkin played shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds from 1986 to 2004 and was one of the pivotal players on the 1990 Reds' World Series championship team... , Denver SS |
| 1987 | Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis... |
Lance Johnson Lance Johnson Kenneth Lance Johnson is a retired Major League Baseball player. At the age of 24, Johnson broke into the big leagues on July 10, 1987, with the St. Louis Cardinals after being drafted by them in the 6th round of the 1984 amateur draft. In 1987 Johnson, playing for the Louisville Redbirds, was... , Louisville OF |
| 1988 | Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis... |
Luis de los Santos Luis de los Santos Luis Manuel de los Santos Martinez is a former Major League Baseball first baseman... , Omaha 1B |
| 1989 | Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis... |
Greg Vaughn Greg Vaughn Gregory Lamont Vaughn is a former Major League Baseball left fielder and right-handed batter who played for the Milwaukee Brewers , San Diego Padres , Cincinnati Reds , Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Colorado Rockies . He was born in Sacramento, California, where he attended Kennedy High School... , Denver OF |
| 1990 | Omaha Royals Omaha Royals The Omaha Storm Chasers are a United States minor league baseball team currently based in the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals major league club and has been a member of the expanded Pacific Coast League since 1998. From 1969 to 1997,... |
Juan González, Oklahoma City OF |
| 1991 | Denver Zephyrs New Orleans Zephyrs The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field.... |
Jim Olander Jim Olander James Bentley Olander is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and currently a baseball scout.... , Denver OF |
| 1992 | Oklahoma City 89ers Oklahoma RedHawks The Oklahoma City RedHawks are a minor league baseball team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros... |
Jim Tatum, Denver 3B |
| 1993 | Iowa Cubs Iowa Cubs The Iowa Cubs are a Triple-A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, that plays in the Pacific Coast League. Their home games are played in Des Moines, Iowa, at Principal Park.-Franchise history:... |
Eduardo Zambrano Eduardo Zambrano Eduardo José Zambrano is a former Major League Baseball right fielder/first baseman who played for the Chicago Cubs . He batted and threw right-handed.... , Iowa OF |
| 1994 | Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis... |
Dwayne Hosey Dwayne Hosey Dwayne Samuel Hosey is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. He threw right-handed, and was a switch hitter.... , Omaha OF |
| 1995 | Louisville Redbirds Louisville Bats The Louisville Bats, which play in Louisville, Kentucky, are the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team, formerly known as the Louisville RiverBats, plays in the International League... |
Eric Owens, Indianapolis 2B |
| 1996 | Oklahoma City 89ers Oklahoma RedHawks The Oklahoma City RedHawks are a minor league baseball team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros... |
Lee Stevens Lee Stevens DeWain Lee Stevens is a former first baseman and designated hitter drafted by the California Angels out of Lawrence High School in the first round of the 1986 amateur draft in Major League Baseball who played from to and from to for the California Angels, Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, and... , Oklahoma City DH |
| 1997 | Buffalo Bisons Buffalo Bisons The 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... |
Magglio Ordóñez Magglio Ordóñez Magglio José Ordóñez Delgado is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right fielder. He has played for the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers . Ordóñez is six feet, one inch tall and weighs .-Professional career:... , Nashville OF |