Birmingham Barons
Encyclopedia
The Birmingham Barons are a minor league baseball
team based in Birmingham, Alabama
. The team, which plays in the Southern League
, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
major-league club.
The Barons play in Regions Park, located in Hoover, Alabama
; the park seats 10,800 fans. They moved there in 1987 from historic Rickwood Field
in Birmingham's West End community. They still play one "throwback" game called the Rickwood Classic each season in period uniforms at the old facility. In November 2010, the team announced plans to return to Birmingham in a new downtown field beginning with the 2012 season.
The Barons were briefly involved in a media frenzy by virtue of being the minor-league club that Michael Jordan
played for in 1994 after his first retirement from the NBA.
formed with teams in Birmingham, Selma, New Orleans, Shreveport, Little Rock, Memphis
, Nashville
and Chattanooga. The modern Barons 1st Southern Association
title came in 1906 as the team that went 85–47 under manager Harry Vaughn.
In 1887, the Birmingham Barons were playing at Slag Pile (West End Park), located on 6th Street between 1st Avenue North and the Alabama Great Southern Railroad tracks. The old Slag Pile grandstand would only grant one 60-day lease at a time. Also during this time, the Barons played in East Lake. A.H. (Rick) Woodward, the late Birmingham millionaire industrialist, decided to buy the team in 1910 from J.William McQueen, the Barons owner since 1901.
After reaching the final terms in February 1910, Woodward's first objective was to construct a ballpark. In a short time, he produced plans for the first concrete-and-steel ballpark in the minor leagues. Woodward consulted Philadelphia's manager Connie Mack
about building the 12.7 acres (51,395.1 m²) park. From parks such as Philly's Shibe Park and Pittsburgh
's Forbes Field
, Rickwood Field
took shape. The name of the park originated from Woodward's first name and part of his last name. Construction of Rickwood was complete prior to the first game played there on August 18, 1910. The Barons won the opener 3–2 over Montgomery, after a 2-run rally in the 9th inning. A crowd in excess of 10,000 came for the contest.
Carleton Molesworth arrived in Birmingham in 1908 to serve as the Barons manager and outfielder. He ended up serving as skipper until 1922. He helped the Barons to 2 Southern Association titles and became synonymous with Birmingham baseball. The Barons won their first SA title for Molesworth in Rickwood in 1912. The first of 5 Baseball Hall of Famers who played in a Barons uniform was Burleigh Grimes
. The right-hander pitched in Birmingham from 1914–1916 and later became one of the last legal spitball
pitchers in the majors. He was not a major factor as the Barons took their third SA title with an 88–62 record, but he struck out 158 batters in 1915 and won 20 games in 1916 while pitching a team-leading 276 innings.
". During the decade the Barons drew 160,000 or more to Rickwood 8 times, including a then-team-record 299,150 in 1927, a year in which the Barons played all of their games during the day and there were no Sunday games. During 1927, Hall of Famer Rube Marquard
pitched for the Barons.
A total of 14 years passed before the Barons won another Southern Association title in 1928. The team posted a batting average of .331 in winning a club-record 99 games for Johnny Dobbs. This was the first split schedule in the history of the SA and the Barons took the first half title, then beat Memphis in 3 straight for the championship. The next season , the Barons made it back-to-back titles under Dobbs as 13 players hit .300 or better, an SA record. The Barons won their first Dixie Series
appearance 4–2 over Dallas of the Texas League
.
The 1930s, played under the shadow of the Great Depression
, started well for the Barons as the team won the 1931 pennant for second year manager Clyde Milan
. It would be the highlight of a decade which saw the Barons in the SA's top 3 only twice. The depression and its financial crunch forced Woodward to sell his beloved ball club, after 3 years of virtual bank ownership, to Ed Norton in 1938.
brought record crowds to Rickwood from 1948–50. In 1948, the Barons drew 445,926 to Rickwood winning the Dixie Series
over Fort Worth and followed up with 421,305 in 1949. Unfortunately, the Barons did not win another SA pennant until 1958, when they won 91 games and the pennant by 6½ games for Cal Ermer
The remainder of the 1950s and 60s saw the club finish first in 1959 (1st half) but could not win the pennant. Then, for the first time since 1898, Birmingham did not have a team as the Southern Association ceased operations after the 1961 season.
, composed of members of the old Southern Association and the South Atlantic League
. The Barons survived for two years, but moved again after the 1965 season.
The Kansas City (later Oakland) Athletics, owned by Charles O. Finley
brought baseball back to the Magic City in 1967 with the Birmingham A's. Right out of the gate the A's took the Southern League title in 1967 by 3½ games under John McNamara
. During this time (1967–75) the A's featured Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson
and Rollie Fingers
, who went on to be mainstays of the Oakland Athletics
3 consecutive World Series
titles (1972–74). The A's moved after the 1975 season to Chattanooga
and Rickwood did not see Southern League baseball again for 5 seasons.
The latest version of the Barons came back to Birmingham in 1981. The Barons played in front of their largest opening night crowd in 31 years (9,185) on April 14, 1981 in a 6–5 win over Jacksonville
. The 1981 squad featured future major league star Howard Johnson
and former Arizona Diamondbacks
manager Bob Melvin
. Good times followed as the Barons won the 1983 title over Jacksonville in 4 games. It was apparent by 1986 that historic Rickwood Field would not host the Barons forever. Clarkson made plans to move the team to Hoover, Alabama
, a Birmingham suburb, and a 10,800 seat Hoover Metropolitan Stadium (now called Regions Park). The final game at Rickwood (September 9, 1987) was a 5–4 loss to Charlotte
in the second game of the Southern League title series. The team won "one more for Rickwood" by taking the title in 4 games.
The Barons took the field for the first time at the Hoover Met on April 18, 1988. Birmingham won 8–2 over Greenville
in front of 13,279. The club has won three titles (1989,93,02) since the move to Hoover. The 1993 title was led by former Boston Red Sox
manager Terry Francona
.
switched sports and was assigned to the club on March 31. Jordan's popularity helped shatter the club's previous season attendance record, 467,867. The Barons drew 985,185 overall and millions of others watched as the club played on national or regional television 4 times. Jordan batted .202 with 3 homers and 51 RBI and stole a club-leading 30 bases as the team was covered by journalists from around the world.
The Barons have been to the Southern League playoffs a record-tying six consecutive seasons (2000–2005), winning the Southern League crown in 2002 under former Major League player Wally Backman
(before he was briefly hired as the Arizona Diamondbacks
manager). Another former Major Leaguer, Razor Shines
managed the Barons in 2004–2005 where he made two playoff appearances. Cris Cron, who had previously managed the team during the 1999 season was named the Barons manager for 2006 before another former Major Leaguer, Rafael Santana
, became the manager in January 2007. Santana managed the team for one season and was succeeded by Carlos Subero
.
In September 2005 the Birmingham Barons were sold by Elmore Sports Group Ltd. to Don Logan
and his sons Jeff and Stan. They plan to operate as Birmingham Barons, LLC. The Logans become the 11th owner in the Barons history. Along with city officials, the Barons announced plans in November 2010 to return to Birmingham with a new field to be constructed downtown. Play at the new field is expected to begin with the 2012 season.
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 Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
. The team, which plays in the Southern League
Southern League (baseball)
The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
major-league club.
The Barons play in Regions Park, located in Hoover, Alabama
Hoover, Alabama
Hoover is a city in Jefferson and Shelby Counties in north central Alabama, in the United States. The largest suburb of Birmingham, the population of the city was 62,742 as of the 2000 census and 81,619 in the 2010 census. Hoover is part of the Birmingham-Hoover, AL MSA and is also included in the...
; the park seats 10,800 fans. They moved there in 1987 from historic Rickwood Field
Rickwood Field
Rickwood FieldFacility StatisticsLocation1137 2nd Avenue WestBirmingham, AlabamaBroke GroundSpring 1910Cost$75,000OpenedAugust 18, 1910SurfaceGrassOwnerCity of BirminghamTenantsBirmingham Barons 1910-1961...
in Birmingham's West End community. They still play one "throwback" game called the Rickwood Classic each season in period uniforms at the old facility. In November 2010, the team announced plans to return to Birmingham in a new downtown field beginning with the 2012 season.
The Barons were briefly involved in a media frenzy by virtue of being the minor-league club that Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
played for in 1994 after his first retirement from the NBA.
Early history
The Barons history can be traced back to 1885, when the Barons (originally known as the Coal Barons) played in the many Southern Leagues during the early years of baseball. In those years leagues came and went, but baseball in Birmingham survived. In 1901 the Southern AssociationSouthern Association
The Southern Association was a higher-level minor league in American organized baseball from 1901 through 1961. For most of its existence, the Southern Association was two steps below the Major Leagues; it was graded Class A , Class A1 and Class AA...
formed with teams in Birmingham, Selma, New Orleans, Shreveport, Little Rock, Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
, Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
and Chattanooga. The modern Barons 1st Southern Association
Southern Association
The Southern Association was a higher-level minor league in American organized baseball from 1901 through 1961. For most of its existence, the Southern Association was two steps below the Major Leagues; it was graded Class A , Class A1 and Class AA...
title came in 1906 as the team that went 85–47 under manager Harry Vaughn.
In 1887, the Birmingham Barons were playing at Slag Pile (West End Park), located on 6th Street between 1st Avenue North and the Alabama Great Southern Railroad tracks. The old Slag Pile grandstand would only grant one 60-day lease at a time. Also during this time, the Barons played in East Lake. A.H. (Rick) Woodward, the late Birmingham millionaire industrialist, decided to buy the team in 1910 from J.William McQueen, the Barons owner since 1901.
After reaching the final terms in February 1910, Woodward's first objective was to construct a ballpark. In a short time, he produced plans for the first concrete-and-steel ballpark in the minor leagues. Woodward consulted Philadelphia's manager Connie Mack
Connie Mack (baseball)
Cornelius McGillicuddy, Sr. , better known as Connie Mack, was an American professional baseball player, manager, and team owner. The longest-serving manager in Major League Baseball history, he holds records for wins , losses , and games managed , with his victory total being almost 1,000 more...
about building the 12.7 acres (51,395.1 m²) park. From parks such as Philly's Shibe Park and Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
's Forbes Field
Forbes Field
Forbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to 1971. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's National Football League franchise...
, Rickwood Field
Rickwood Field
Rickwood FieldFacility StatisticsLocation1137 2nd Avenue WestBirmingham, AlabamaBroke GroundSpring 1910Cost$75,000OpenedAugust 18, 1910SurfaceGrassOwnerCity of BirminghamTenantsBirmingham Barons 1910-1961...
took shape. The name of the park originated from Woodward's first name and part of his last name. Construction of Rickwood was complete prior to the first game played there on August 18, 1910. The Barons won the opener 3–2 over Montgomery, after a 2-run rally in the 9th inning. A crowd in excess of 10,000 came for the contest.
Carleton Molesworth arrived in Birmingham in 1908 to serve as the Barons manager and outfielder. He ended up serving as skipper until 1922. He helped the Barons to 2 Southern Association titles and became synonymous with Birmingham baseball. The Barons won their first SA title for Molesworth in Rickwood in 1912. The first of 5 Baseball Hall of Famers who played in a Barons uniform was Burleigh Grimes
Burleigh Grimes
Burleigh Arland Grimes was an American professional baseball player, and the last pitcher officially permitted to throw the spitball. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1954. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964.-Career:Nicknamed "Ol' Stubblebeard", Grimes was...
. The right-hander pitched in Birmingham from 1914–1916 and later became one of the last legal spitball
Spitball
A spitball is an illegal baseball pitch in which the ball has been altered by the application of saliva, petroleum jelly, or some other foreign substance....
pitchers in the majors. He was not a major factor as the Barons took their third SA title with an 88–62 record, but he struck out 158 batters in 1915 and won 20 games in 1916 while pitching a team-leading 276 innings.
The 1920s and 30s
The Barons set attendance records during the "Roaring TwentiesRoaring Twenties
The Roaring Twenties is a phrase used to describe the 1920s, principally in North America, but also in London, Berlin and Paris for a period of sustained economic prosperity. The phrase was meant to emphasize the period's social, artistic, and cultural dynamism...
". During the decade the Barons drew 160,000 or more to Rickwood 8 times, including a then-team-record 299,150 in 1927, a year in which the Barons played all of their games during the day and there were no Sunday games. During 1927, Hall of Famer Rube Marquard
Rube Marquard
Richard William "Rube" Marquard was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball in the 1910s and early 1920s...
pitched for the Barons.
A total of 14 years passed before the Barons won another Southern Association title in 1928. The team posted a batting average of .331 in winning a club-record 99 games for Johnny Dobbs. This was the first split schedule in the history of the SA and the Barons took the first half title, then beat Memphis in 3 straight for the championship. The next season , the Barons made it back-to-back titles under Dobbs as 13 players hit .300 or better, an SA record. The Barons won their first Dixie Series
Dixie Series
The Dixie Series was an Interleague Minor League Postseason Series pitting the playoff champions of the Southern Association and the Texas League in a best-of-seven matchup from 1920 to 1958. It was revived for one year in 1967, pitting the Southern League champ against the Texas League champ...
appearance 4–2 over Dallas of the Texas League
Texas League
The Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
.
The 1930s, played under the shadow of the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
, started well for the Barons as the team won the 1931 pennant for second year manager Clyde Milan
Clyde Milan
Jesse Clyde Milan was an American baseball player who spent his entire career as an outfielder with the Washington Senators . He was not a powerful batter, but was adept at getting on base and was fleet of foot, receiving the nickname "Deerfoot" for his speed...
. It would be the highlight of a decade which saw the Barons in the SA's top 3 only twice. The depression and its financial crunch forced Woodward to sell his beloved ball club, after 3 years of virtual bank ownership, to Ed Norton in 1938.
Rickwood's grand years
The Barons did not claim an SA pennant during the 1940s, but the resurgence of baseball across the country after World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
brought record crowds to Rickwood from 1948–50. In 1948, the Barons drew 445,926 to Rickwood winning the Dixie Series
Dixie Series
The Dixie Series was an Interleague Minor League Postseason Series pitting the playoff champions of the Southern Association and the Texas League in a best-of-seven matchup from 1920 to 1958. It was revived for one year in 1967, pitting the Southern League champ against the Texas League champ...
over Fort Worth and followed up with 421,305 in 1949. Unfortunately, the Barons did not win another SA pennant until 1958, when they won 91 games and the pennant by 6½ games for Cal Ermer
Cal Ermer
Calvin Coolidge Ermer was an American second baseman, manager, coach and scout in Major League Baseball. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II...
The remainder of the 1950s and 60s saw the club finish first in 1959 (1st half) but could not win the pennant. Then, for the first time since 1898, Birmingham did not have a team as the Southern Association ceased operations after the 1961 season.
The new Southern League
Rickwood Field remained dark for just 2 years before the Barons were reborn in 1964 in the newly formed Southern LeagueSouthern League (baseball)
The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
, composed of members of the old Southern Association and the South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
. The Barons survived for two years, but moved again after the 1965 season.
The Kansas City (later Oakland) Athletics, owned by Charles O. Finley
Charles O. Finley
Charles Oscar Finley , nicknamed Charlie O or Charley O, was an American businessman who is best remembered for his tenure as the owner of the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball team. Finley purchased the franchise while it was located in Kansas City, moving it to Oakland in 1968...
brought baseball back to the Magic City in 1967 with the Birmingham A's. Right out of the gate the A's took the Southern League title in 1967 by 3½ games under John McNamara
John McNamara (baseball)
John Francis McNamara is a former manager and coach in Major League Baseball. He managed six major league teams, directing the 1986 Boston Red Sox to the American League pennant, only to experience an excruciating defeat in that season's World Series at the hands of the New York Mets.-Playing,...
. During this time (1967–75) the A's featured Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson
Reginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
and Rollie Fingers
Rollie Fingers
Roland Glen Fingers is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. During his 18-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers . He became only the second reliever to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992...
, who went on to be mainstays of the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
3 consecutive World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
titles (1972–74). The A's moved after the 1975 season to Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is the fourth-largest city in the US state of Tennessee , with a population of 169,887. It is the seat of Hamilton County...
and Rickwood did not see Southern League baseball again for 5 seasons.
The Hoover Met
Jacksonville Suns
The Jacksonville Suns are a minor league baseball team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The team is currently a member of the Southern League and is the class Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball team...
. The 1981 squad featured future major league star Howard Johnson
Howard Johnson (baseball player)
Howard Michael Johnson , nicknamed HoJo, is a switch hitting third baseman for the Rockland Boulders of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball. He is best known for his career in Major League Baseball, where he played for the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies and...
and former Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
manager Bob Melvin
Bob Melvin
Robert Paul Melvin is the manager of the Oakland Athletics, and a former Major League Baseball catcher.During a 10-year playing career, he played from 1985–94 for seven different teams...
. Good times followed as the Barons won the 1983 title over Jacksonville in 4 games. It was apparent by 1986 that historic Rickwood Field would not host the Barons forever. Clarkson made plans to move the team to Hoover, Alabama
Hoover, Alabama
Hoover is a city in Jefferson and Shelby Counties in north central Alabama, in the United States. The largest suburb of Birmingham, the population of the city was 62,742 as of the 2000 census and 81,619 in the 2010 census. Hoover is part of the Birmingham-Hoover, AL MSA and is also included in the...
, a Birmingham suburb, and a 10,800 seat Hoover Metropolitan Stadium (now called Regions Park). The final game at Rickwood (September 9, 1987) was a 5–4 loss to Charlotte
CHARLOTTE
- CHARLOTTE :CHARLOTTE is an American blues-based hard rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1986. Currently, they are signed to indie label, Eonian Records, under which they released their debut cd, Medusa Groove, in 2010. Notable Charlotte songs include 'Siren', 'Little Devils',...
in the second game of the Southern League title series. The team won "one more for Rickwood" by taking the title in 4 games.
The Barons took the field for the first time at the Hoover Met on April 18, 1988. Birmingham won 8–2 over Greenville
Greenville Braves
The Greenville Braves were an American minor league baseball franchise, based in Greenville, South Carolina, that served as the Class AA farm team of the Atlanta Braves between 1984 and 2004...
in front of 13,279. The club has won three titles (1989,93,02) since the move to Hoover. The 1993 title was led by former Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
manager Terry Francona
Terry Francona
Terry Jon Francona , nicknamed "Tito," is a former Major League Baseball manager and a former player. He was a first baseman and outfielder in the majors from 1981 to 1990. After retiring as a player, he managed several minor league teams in the 1990s before managing the Philadelphia Phillies for...
.
Michael Jordan
The 1994 season was historic for the Barons as former NBA superstar Michael JordanMichael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
switched sports and was assigned to the club on March 31. Jordan's popularity helped shatter the club's previous season attendance record, 467,867. The Barons drew 985,185 overall and millions of others watched as the club played on national or regional television 4 times. Jordan batted .202 with 3 homers and 51 RBI and stole a club-leading 30 bases as the team was covered by journalists from around the world.
Recent accomplishments
The club was sold to new ownership in 1995 (Elmore Sports Group Ltd.). Among the innovations under the new ownership was the Rickwood Classic. Once a year the Barons return to play a game at Rickwood Field , honoring baseball's rich history in a "turn back the clock" game. The Classic is a favorite of players and fans alike.The Barons have been to the Southern League playoffs a record-tying six consecutive seasons (2000–2005), winning the Southern League crown in 2002 under former Major League player Wally Backman
Wally Backman
Walter Wayne Backman is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. He is best known for his time with the New York Mets from - and was a member of their 1986 World Series-winning team...
(before he was briefly hired as the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
manager). Another former Major Leaguer, Razor Shines
Razor Shines
Anthony Razor Shines is a retired baseball player who played first base for the Montreal Expos for four seasons, from 1983–1985 and 1987. He also served as a base coach for the New York Mets from 2009 to 2010....
managed the Barons in 2004–2005 where he made two playoff appearances. Cris Cron, who had previously managed the team during the 1999 season was named the Barons manager for 2006 before another former Major Leaguer, Rafael Santana
Rafael Santana
Rafael Francisco Santana de la Cruz is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who won a World Series ring with the 1986 New York Mets. He currently serves as the Dominican Republic scouting and player development supervisor for the Chicago White Sox.-St...
, became the manager in January 2007. Santana managed the team for one season and was succeeded by Carlos Subero
Carlos Subero
Carlos Ingver Subero is a former player and current manager in Minor league baseball. He currently manages the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Los Angeles Dodgers Class "AA" affiliate in the Southern League....
.
In September 2005 the Birmingham Barons were sold by Elmore Sports Group Ltd. to Don Logan
Don Logan
Don Logan is an American media executive from Hartselle, Alabama who currently lives in Birmingham. A retired Time Warner media chairman, Logan also owns Seek Publishing company and the Birmingham Barons minor-league baseball team, both of which are located in Birmingham and are co-ventures with...
and his sons Jeff and Stan. They plan to operate as Birmingham Barons, LLC. The Logans become the 11th owner in the Barons history. Along with city officials, the Barons announced plans in November 2010 to return to Birmingham with a new field to be constructed downtown. Play at the new field is expected to begin with the 2012 season.
Playoffs and championships
- Southern League Playoff Appearances (15): 1983, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011
- Southern League Championships (5): 1983, 1987, 1989, 1993, 2002
Major League affiliations
- Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
1986–Present - Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
1981–85 - Kansas City/Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
1964–65, 1967–75 - Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
1957–61 - New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
1953–56 - Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
1947–52
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; BB = Base on balls; SO = Strikeouts; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases| Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | AVG | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Bour, C | 28 | 90 | 13 | 25 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 12 | 23 | .278 | 0 |
| Alden Carrithers, 2B | 102 | 359 | 49 | 99 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 39 | 51 | 33 | .276 | 19 |
| Christian Colonel, 3B | 15 | 49 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 16 | .143 | 0 |
| Andrew Garcia, SS | 35 | 125 | 19 | 33 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 20 | 15 | 45 | .264 | 1 |
| Jon Gilmore, 3B | 50 | 180 | 19 | 51 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 28 | 18 | 32 | .283 | 0 |
| Justin Greene, CF | 95 | 325 | 50 | 85 | 22 | 3 | 8 | 35 | 31 | 122 | .262 | 11 |
| Tyler Kuhn, 2B | 107 | 414 | 61 | 141 | 28 | 10 | 1 | 55 | 39 | 64 | .341 | 16 |
| Ozzie Lewis, DH | 20 | 67 | 7 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 24 | .239 | 1 |
| Seth Loman, 1B | 122 | 427 | 53 | 117 | 24 | 0 | 19 | 65 | 44 | 122 | .274 | 5 |
| Christian Marrero, OF | 115 | 420 | 70 | 123 | 25 | 8 | 12 | 59 | 61 | 69 | .293 | 10 |
| Jose Martinez, RF | 53 | 200 | 19 | 59 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 15 | 25 | .295 | 5 |
| Jake Oester, 2B | 49 | 167 | 11 | 36 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 15 | 50 | .216 | 1 |
| Greg Paiml, 3B | 108 | 360 | 36 | 78 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 32 | 28 | 110 | .217 | 22 |
| Josh Phegley, C | 94 | 364 | 43 | 88 | 21 | 2 | 7 | 50 | 23 | 61 | .242 | 1 |
| Jared Price, C | 31 | 106 | 9 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 6 | 42 | .132 | 0 |
| Kyle Shelton, 3B | 42 | 141 | 20 | 35 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 17 | 17 | 24 | .248 | 2 |
| Brandon Short, OF | 130 | 526 | 75 | 138 | 29 | 5 | 13 | 60 | 36 | 125 | .262 | 21 |
| Luis Sierra, C | 11 | 42 | 7 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 5 | .262 | 0 |
| Kenneth Williams Jr., OF | 83 | 318 | 31 | 62 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 26 | 30 | 83 | .195 | 4 |
| Ross Wilson, 2B | 10 | 35 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | .229 | 0 |
| |
140 | 4715 | 601 | 1226 | 257 | 47 | 79 | 552 | 469 | 1082 | .260 | 119 |
Pitching
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; HR = Home runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts| Player | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Axelrod Dylan Axelrod Dylan Axelrod is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox.-Amateur career:He had a 13-1 record his senior year at Santa Barbara High School, where he was named team MVP. He was undrafted out of high school, and went on to Santa Barbara City College... |
3 | 2 | 3.34 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 59.1 | 52 | 23 | 22 | 1 | 14 | 57 |
| Joe Bisenius Joe Bisenius Joseph Richard "Joe" Bisenius is an National Major League Baseball pitcher. A 6'5" right-hander, he formerly played in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.-College and draft:... |
1 | 0 | 2.70 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 20.0 | 14 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 16 | 23 |
| Anthony Carter Anthony Carter (baseball) Anthony Scott Carter is a professional baseball pitcher in the Chicago White Sox organization. He was drafted by the White Sox in the 26th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft.-External links:*... |
1 | 0 | 1.26 | 12 | 0 | 5 | 14.1 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 14 |
| Kyle Cofield Kyle Cofield Kyle Steven Cofield is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. He was drafted in the 8th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft. He bats and pitches right-handed.Cofield was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Chicago White Sox for... |
1 | 2 | 2.89 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 28.0 | 26 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 13 | 23 |
| Tyson Corley | 1 | 3 | 5.63 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 32.0 | 32 | 20 | 20 | 2 | 17 | 17 |
| Freddy Dolsi Freddy Dolsi Freddy Dolsi is a Major League Baseball pitcher.In May 2008, Dolsi was called up to the Tigers from the Double-A Erie SeaWolves to replace injured Denny Bautista. Dolsi made his major league debut on May 6, 2008, in relief against the Boston Red Sox... |
0 | 0 | 13.50 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Terry Doyle | 7 | 5 | 3.24 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 100.0 | 91 | 38 | 36 | 8 | 22 | 73 |
| Justin Edwards | 4 | 8 | 4.89 | 28 | 27 | 0 | 152.2 | 191 | 103 | 83 | 9 | 52 | 72 |
| Nevin Griffith | 5 | 9 | 6.23 | 25 | 22 | 0 | 108.1 | 101 | 90 | 75 | 8 | 96 | 85 |
| Gregory Infante Gregory Infante Gregory Alexander Infante is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox.-External links:... |
2 | 0 | 0.00 | 12 | 0 | 7 | 15.1 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Nathan Jones | 2 | 3 | 3.27 | 42 | 0 | 12 | 63.1 | 58 | 27 | 23 | 3 | 27 | 67 |
| Brandon Kloess | 4 | 2 | 1.31 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 34.1 | 21 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 31 |
| Charles Leesman | 10 | 7 | 4.03 | 27 | 27 | 0 | 152.0 | 150 | 79 | 68 | 4 | 83 | 113 |
| Shane Lindsay Shane Lindsay Shane Anthony Lindsay is an Australian professional baseball pitcher who is with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.-Colorado Rockies:... |
1 | 1 | 4.05 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 6.2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 12 |
| Johnnie Lowe | 7 | 4 | 3.65 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 69.0 | 56 | 32 | 28 | 6 | 35 | 44 |
| Henry Mabee | 0 | 1 | 27.00 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2.1 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Brian Omogrosso | 0 | 2 | 2.51 | 31 | 0 | 2 | 43.0 | 36 | 18 | 12 | 2 | 16 | 53 |
| Jake Peavy Jake Peavy Jacob Edward Peavy is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who plays for the Chicago White Sox. He bats and throws right-handed... |
0 | 0 | 6.23 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4.1 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Addison Reed Addison Reed Addison Devon Reed is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox.-Professional career:Reed was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft out of San Diego State University... |
0 | 1 | 0.87 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 20.2 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 33 |
| Dan Remenowsky | 4 | 2 | 2.79 | 26 | 0 | 7 | 38.2 | 25 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 10 | 53 |
| Hector Santiago Hector Santiago Hector Felipe Santiago is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball... |
7 | 5 | 3.56 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 83.1 | 71 | 34 | 33 | 4 | 39 | 74 |
| Leyson Septimo Leyson Septimo Leyson Septimo is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher.On June 13, 2011, he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox from the Arizona Diamondbacks and optioned to the Double-A Birmingham Barons.-External links:... |
2 | 1 | 4.10 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 26.1 | 23 | 16 | 12 | 1 | 16 | 38 |
| Kyle Shelton | 0 | 1 | 3.86 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2.1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Charles Shirek | 4 | 7 | 3.87 | 24 | 10 | 1 | 88.1 | 94 | 47 | 38 | 6 | 28 | 57 |
| Miguel Socolovich | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| Matt Wickswat | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6.1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Matt Zaleski | 3 | 3 | 2.74 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 49.1 | 35 | 17 | 15 | 2 | 14 | 45 |
| |
71 | 69 | 3.77 | 140 | 140 | 39 | 1246.2 | 1146 | 614 | 522 | 64 | 555 | 1024 |
Famous Barons/Birmingham A's
- Jeff Abbott
- Wilson AlvarezWilson AlvarezWilson Eduardo Álvarez Fuenmayor is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher...
- Wally BackmanWally BackmanWalter Wayne Backman is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. He is best known for his time with the New York Mets from - and was a member of their 1986 World Series-winning team...
(manager) - Sal BandoSal BandoSalvatore Leonard Bando is a former third baseman and executive in professional baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers . He batted and threw right-handed. During the A's championship years of 1971-75, he captained the team and led the club in runs batted...
- Jason BereJason BereJason Phillip Bere is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for parts of 11 seasons from to...
- Eddie Brinkman (manager)
- Vida BlueVida BlueVida Rochelle Blue Jr. is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 17-year career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Francisco Giants , and Kansas City Royals He won the American League Cy Young award and Most Valuable Player Award in 1971...
- Mark BuehrleMark BuehrleMark Alan Buehrle is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He has pitched his entire baseball career for the Chicago White Sox, starting the opening game every season from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2011....
- Mike CameronMike CameronMichael Terrance Cameron is an American professional baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. He has previously played for the Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, and Florida Marlins.Cameron has won 3...
- Bert CampanerisBert CampanerisDagoberto Campaneris Blanco , nicknamed "Campy", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for four American League teams, primarily the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics...
- Phil CavarrettaPhil CavarrettaPhilip Joseph Cavarretta was an American Major League Baseball first baseman, outfielder, and manager.Cavarretta spent almost his entire baseball career with the Chicago Cubs. He was voted the National League Most Valuable Player after leading the Cubs to the pennant while winning the batting...
(manager) - Ron CoomerRon CoomerRonald "Coom Dawg" Coomer is a former first baseman and third baseman in Major League Baseball who had a 9-year career from to . He played for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers...
- Joe CredeJoe CredeJoseph Taylor Crede is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. Crede attended high school at Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri which he led to 3 district championships and two final four berths as a pitcher...
- Rob DibbleRob DibbleRobert Keith Dibble is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and television analyst.-Personal life:Dibble is a graduate of Southington High School in Southington, Connecticut...
- Ray DurhamRay DurhamRay Durham , nicknamed The Sugarman, is a former Major League Baseball second baseman.A two-time All-Star, Durham in his prime was one of the premier offensive catalysts in all of baseball, providing prototypical lead-off hitting with power...
- Darrell EvansDarrell EvansDarrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
- Scott EyreScott EyreScott Alan Eyre is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Career:Eyre attended the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 9th round of the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft...
- Rollie FingersRollie FingersRoland Glen Fingers is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. During his 18-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers . He became only the second reliever to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992...
- Terry FranconaTerry FranconaTerry Jon Francona , nicknamed "Tito," is a former Major League Baseball manager and a former player. He was a first baseman and outfielder in the majors from 1981 to 1990. After retiring as a player, he managed several minor league teams in the 1990s before managing the Philadelphia Phillies for...
(manager) - Jon GarlandJon GarlandJon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...
- Burleigh GrimesBurleigh GrimesBurleigh Arland Grimes was an American professional baseball player, and the last pitcher officially permitted to throw the spitball. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1954. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964.-Career:Nicknamed "Ol' Stubblebeard", Grimes was...
- Mike HeathMike HeathMichael Thomas Heath is a former catcher in Major League Baseball. Heath played fourteen seasons in the major leagues with the New York Yankees , Oakland Athletics , St...
(manager) - Roberto HernandezRoberto Hernández (baseball player)Roberto Manuel Hernández Rodríguez is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher.-Early life:...
- Bo JacksonBo JacksonVincent Edward "Bo" Jackson is a former American baseball and football player. He was the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major American sports, and also won the Heisman Trophy in 1985....
- Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
- Bobby JenksBobby JenksRobert Scott "Bobby" Jenks is an American professional baseball relief pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
- Howard JohnsonHoward Johnson (baseball player)Howard Michael Johnson , nicknamed HoJo, is a switch hitting third baseman for the Rockland Boulders of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball. He is best known for his career in Major League Baseball, where he played for the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies and...
- Michael JordanMichael JordanMichael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
- Tony LaRussa
- Carlos LeeCarlos LeeCarlos Noriel Lee is a first basemen in Major League Baseball who plays for the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right-handed....
- Rube MarquardRube MarquardRichard William "Rube" Marquard was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball in the 1910s and early 1920s...
- Jack McDowellJack McDowellJack Burns McDowell is a former Major League Baseball player. A right-handed pitcher, McDowell won the American League Cy Young Award in 1993. He was nicknamed "Black Jack."...
- John McNamaraJohn McNamara (baseball)John Francis McNamara is a former manager and coach in Major League Baseball. He managed six major league teams, directing the 1986 Boston Red Sox to the American League pennant, only to experience an excruciating defeat in that season's World Series at the hands of the New York Mets.-Playing,...
(manager) - Bob MelvinBob MelvinRobert Paul Melvin is the manager of the Oakland Athletics, and a former Major League Baseball catcher.During a 10-year playing career, he played from 1985–94 for seven different teams...
- Miguel OlivoMiguel OlivoMiguel Eduardo Olivo Peña is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners. He bats and throws right-handed.-Career:...
- Magglio OrdóñezMagglio OrdóñezMagglio 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:...
- Jake PeavyJake PeavyJacob Edward Peavy is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who plays for the Chicago White Sox. He bats and throws right-handed...
- Jimmy PiersallJimmy PiersallJames Anthony Piersall is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. Between 1950 and 1967, he played for the Boston Red Sox , Cleveland Indians , Washington Senators , New York Mets , and Los Angeles/California Angels .While he had a fairly good professional career as a center...
- Aaron PoredaAaron PoredaAaron Andermon Poreda is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball....
- Johnny RiddleJohnny RiddleJohn Ludy Riddle was an American Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , Boston Bees , Cincinnati Reds , and Pittsburgh Pirates . At the age of 42 in 1948 , he was the oldest player to appear in a National League game that season...
(player/manager) - Aaron RowandAaron RowandAaron Ryan Rowand is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who has played for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was released by the Giants in September 2011.-Early life and college career:...
- Joe RudiJoe RudiJoseph Oden Rudi is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics , California Angels and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
- Razor ShinesRazor ShinesAnthony Razor Shines is a retired baseball player who played first base for the Montreal Expos for four seasons, from 1983–1985 and 1987. He also served as a base coach for the New York Mets from 2009 to 2010....
(manager) - Bobby ThigpenBobby ThigpenRobert Thomas "Bobby" Thigpen is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He is noted for setting the major league record of 57 saves during the season, which has since been broken by Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Francisco Rodríguez...
- Frank ThomasFrank Thomas (AL baseball player)Frank Edward Thomas, Jr. , nicknamed "The Big Hurt", is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and first baseman....
- Pie TraynorPie TraynorHarold Joseph "Pie" Traynor was an American professional baseball player, manager, scout and radio broadcaster. He played his entire Major League Baseball career as a third baseman with the Pittsburgh Pirates . He batted and threw right-handed...
- Robin VenturaRobin VenturaRobin Mark Ventura is the current manager of the Chicago White Sox. He is a former professional baseball player, a third baseman who played for four major league teams, most notably for the Chicago White Sox...
- Bob WickmanBob WickmanRobert Joe Wickman is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Wickman played for the New York Yankees , Milwaukee Brewers , Cleveland Indians , Atlanta Braves , and Arizona Diamondbacks . He batted and threw right-handed...
External links
- Birmingham Barons
- BirminghamProSports.com
- "Our Summer with Michael" newspaper story about Michael Jordan's season with the Barons