Swing of the Quad Cities
Encyclopedia
The Quad Cities River Bandits are a Class A minor league baseball
team, affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals
, that plays in the Midwest League
. Its home games are played at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa
.
for its first two seasons before joining the farm system of the new Los Angeles (later California) Angels
for the 1962 season. Except for a five-year affiliation with the Chicago Cubs
(1979-84), the Angels stayed in the Quad Cities
through the 1992 season. The team was affiliated with the Houston Astros
from 1993 to 1998 and the Minnesota Twins
from 1999 to 2004 before joining the Cardinals' farm system for the 2005 season.
The team used the nickname of its major-league parent through the 1991 season. It was known as the Quad City River Bandits from 1992 through the 2003 season. On October 20, 2003, the team was renamed the Swing of the Quad Cities; the nickname, like the previous one, was chosen as the winning entry in a "name the team" contest. On December 13, 2007, the team announced it would return to its earlier moniker, becoming the Quad Cities River Bandits. More than 48 percent of voters in a contest sponsored by the franchise's new owners preferred the River Bandits name over the Swing and four other finalists: the Channel Cats, the Current, the River Eagles, and the Talons.
The non-profit Quad City Baseball Fans Association operated the franchise from 1960 to 1986. In 1986 Chicago businessman Harry Semrow purchased the team but sold it after the 1987 season due to poor health. Richard Holtzman, another Chicago businessman who owned as many as five minor league teams, owned the franchise from 1987 until 1998. In 1998, Holtzman sold the team to Seventh Inning Stretch, a company owned by Kevin Krause, a businessman out of Mason City, Iowa
, and son of Kum & Go
co-founder William Krause. On December 28, 2006, Krause agreed to sell the team to Florida
-based Main Street Baseball for an undisclosed price; the sale was completed on November 29, 2007.
The Quad City River Bandits and City of Davenport jointly unveiled plans for a $347,000 high definition video board which will be installed at Modern Woodmen Park in early June, shortly before the Bandits hosted the 2011 Midwest League All-Star Game. The 2011 Midwest League All-Star game was held here from June 20-21.
The team's attendance record of 260,471 was set in 1994.
players who have played in Davenport over the years include:
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, affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, that plays in the Midwest League
Midwest League
The Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
. Its home games are played at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is a city located along the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Davenport is the county seat of and largest city in Scott County. Davenport was founded on May 14, 1836 by Antoine LeClaire and was named for his friend, George Davenport, a colonel during the Black Hawk...
.
Franchise history
The club became part of the Midwest League in 1960 and was affiliated with the Milwaukee BravesAtlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
for its first two seasons before joining the farm system of the new Los Angeles (later California) Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
for the 1962 season. Except for a five-year affiliation with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
(1979-84), the Angels stayed in the Quad Cities
Quad Cities
The Quad Cities is a group of five cities straddling the Mississippi River on the Iowa–Illinois boundary. These cities, Davenport and Bettendorf and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline , are the center of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area, which, as of 2010, had an estimated population of...
through the 1992 season. The team was affiliated with the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
from 1993 to 1998 and the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
from 1999 to 2004 before joining the Cardinals' farm system for the 2005 season.
The non-profit Quad City Baseball Fans Association operated the franchise from 1960 to 1986. In 1986 Chicago businessman Harry Semrow purchased the team but sold it after the 1987 season due to poor health. Richard Holtzman, another Chicago businessman who owned as many as five minor league teams, owned the franchise from 1987 until 1998. In 1998, Holtzman sold the team to Seventh Inning Stretch, a company owned by Kevin Krause, a businessman out of Mason City, Iowa
Mason City, Iowa
Mason City is the county seat of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States. The population was 28,079 in the 2010 census, a decline from 29,172 in the 2000 census. The Mason City Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Cerro Gordo and Worth counties....
, and son of Kum & Go
Kum & Go
Kum & Go is a convenience store chain primarily located in the Midwestern United States. The company, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, operates over 400 stores in 11 states—primarily in its home state of Iowa. Kum & Go was ranked as the 23rd-largest convenience store chain in the United States by...
co-founder William Krause. On December 28, 2006, Krause agreed to sell the team to Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
-based Main Street Baseball for an undisclosed price; the sale was completed on November 29, 2007.
The Quad City River Bandits and City of Davenport jointly unveiled plans for a $347,000 high definition video board which will be installed at Modern Woodmen Park in early June, shortly before the Bandits hosted the 2011 Midwest League All-Star Game. The 2011 Midwest League All-Star game was held here from June 20-21.
The team's attendance record of 260,471 was set in 1994.
Notable alumni
Major League BaseballMajor 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...
players who have played in Davenport over the years include:
- Manny ActaManny ActaManuel Elias Acta is a Major League Baseball manager for the Cleveland Indians. He is the former manager of the Washington Nationals . In the Dominican Winter League, he managed the Tigres del Licey from 2002–2004, including leading them to victory at the 2003 Caribbean Series...
(1997 MGR) current MGR AL Cleveland Indians - Willie Mays Aikens (1975) MLB AS
- Sandy AlomarSandy Alomar, Sr.Santos "Sandy" Alomar, Sr., or in the Spanish naming system Santos Alomar Conde is a former Major League Baseball second baseman who played for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves , New York Mets , Chicago White Sox , California Angels , New York Yankees , and Texas Rangers . Alomar was a...
(1961) MLB AS - Rich AmaralRich AmaralRichard Louis Amaral is a former utility player in Major League Baseball who played with the Seattle Mariners , and Baltimore Orioles . He batted and threw right-handed....
(1984) - Garret AndersonGarret AndersonGarret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
(1991) MLB AS - Rick AnkielRick AnkielRichard Alexander Ankiel is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently with the Washington Nationals. He bats and throws left-handed....
(2005) - Damon BerryhillDamon BerryhillDamon Scott Berryhill is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played ten seasons for the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox, the Cincinnati Reds, and the San Francisco Giants from to . He threw right and was a switch hitter...
(1984) - Dante BichetteDante BichetteAlphonse Dante Bichette, Sr. is a former Italian-American Major League Baseball player. Bichette was a four-time All-Star as a member of the Colorado Rockies.-Career:...
(1985) 4 x MLB AS - Thad BosleyThad BosleyThaddis Bosley Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the California Angels , Chicago White Sox , Milwaukee Brewers , Seattle Mariners , Chicago Cubs , Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers ....
(1975) - Jim BunningJim BunningJames Paul David "Jim" Bunning is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and politician.During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1955 to 1971, most notably with the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. When he retired, he had the second-highest total of career...
(1951) 7 x MLB AS; MLB Perfect Game; MLB HOF - Rico CartyRico CartyRicardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty is a former professional baseball player. Nicknamed Beeg Boy, he played mostly as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from to...
(1960) MLB AS; 1970 NL Batting Title - Ray ChapmanRay ChapmanRaymond Johnson Chapman was an American baseball player, spending his entire career as a shortstop for Cleveland....
(1911 Davenport Team) MLB HBP died from injury - Mark ClearMark ClearMark Alan Clear is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played for the California Angels , Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers . He batted and threw right-handed....
(1976) MLB AS - Henry CottoHenry CottoHenry Cotto is a former professional baseball outfielder. He played all or part of ten seasons in Major League Baseball, from until . He also played one season in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants in , winning a world championship...
(1980-81) - Julio Cruz (1975)
- Dave CollinsDave CollinsDavid S. Collins is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball from to .Collins is one of three players to have made it to the major leagues who played for the storied Rapid City Post 22 American Legion baseball program in Rapid City, SD...
(1973) - Keith ComstockKeith ComstockKeith Martin Comstock is a former left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He went to high school in San Carlos, California. He played for the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners over his six-year career. He also played for the Yomiuri Giants in...
(1976) - Chad CurtisChad CurtisChad Curtis is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from -, notably for the New York Yankees...
(1989-1990) - Paul DadePaul DadeLonnie Paul Dade is a former Major League Baseball outfielder/third baseman. On June 4, 1970 he was drafted by the California Angels in the 1st round of the 1970 amateur draft...
(1970) - Shawon DunstonShawon DunstonShawon Donnell Dunston is a former shortstop and right-handed batter in Major League Baseball. He resides in Fremont, CA. He was the first overall pick in the 1982 MLB draft by the Chicago Cubs, and played for the Cubs , San Francisco Giants , Pittsburgh Pirates , Cleveland Indians , St...
(1983 "Prospect of the Year" MWL) MLB AS - Damion EasleyDamion EasleyJacinto Damion Easley is a former Major League Baseball player who is currently Executive Director of Warrior Baseball Academy. He is also an assistant coach for the Peoria Padres.-Biography:...
(1990) MLB AS - Jim EdmondsJim EdmondsJames Patrick "Jim" Edmonds is a former American Major League Baseball center fielder. He played for the California/Anaheim Angels, the St. Louis Cardinals, the San Diego Padres, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs, and the Cincinnati Reds...
(1989) 4 x MLB AS; 8 x Gold Glove. - Scott ElartonScott ElartonVincent Scott Elarton is a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent...
(1994-1995) - Chuck FinleyChuck FinleyCharles Edward "Chuck" Finley is an American former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1986-2002 for three different teams, but pitched primarily with the California Angels...
(1986) 4 x MLB AS - Freddie GarciaFreddie GarciaFreddie Garcia is a retired Mexican-American soccer forward who spent seven seasons in the North American Soccer League and two in the Major Indoor Soccer League....
(1996) 2 x MLB AS - Jaime GarciaJaime Garcia (baseball)Jaime Omar García is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.-Early life:Jaime García was born on July 8, 1986 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico as the second of three children to civil engineer Jaime García, Sr. and Gloria Rodríguez Flores. García was raised between the border of...
(2006) - Carlos GuillénCarlos GuillénCarlos Alfonso Guillén is a Major League Baseball second baseman and switch-hitter....
(1996) 3 x MLB AS - John HalamaJohn HalamaJohn Thadeuz Halama is a Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently playing for the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. During his major league career, Halama played with the Houston Astros , Seattle Mariners , Oakland Athletics , Tampa Bay Devil Rays , Boston Red Sox , Washington...
(1996) - Mel HallMel HallMelvin Hall Jr. is a former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball from 1981 to 1996 with the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants. He also played in Japan from 1993-1995...
(1980) - Brian HarperBrian HarperBrian David Harper is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played for teams in both the American and National Leagues during his 16-year career and is currently the manager of the Chicago Cubs' AA club, the Tennessee Smokies.-Minor leagues:Harper was drafted by the California Angels in...
(1978 Record 24 HR with QC Angels) - Paul HartzellPaul HartzellPaul Franklin Hartzell is a former professional baseball player who played six seasons for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball....
(1975) - Bryan HarveyBryan HarveyBryan Stanley Harvey is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played from to for the California Angels of the American League and the Florida Marlins of the National League....
(1985) MLB AS - Roberto HernándezRoberto Hernández (baseball player)Roberto Manuel Hernández Rodríguez is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher.-Early life:...
(1987-1988) MLB AS. - Richard HidalgoRichard HidalgoRichard José Hidalgo [ee-DAHL-go] is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He played with the Houston Astros , New York Mets , and the Texas Rangers . He batted and threw right-handed....
(1994) - Dane IorgDane IorgDane Charles Iorg is a retired Major League Baseball infielder and outfielder. He played for ten seasons for four teams, including eight seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is the brother of former third basemen Garth Iorg; they played against each other in the 1985 American League...
(1976) - Darrin JacksonDarrin JacksonDarrin "D. J." Jay Jackson is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played 12 years for the Chicago Cubs , San Diego Padres , Toronto Blue Jays , New York Mets , Chicago White Sox , Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers...
(1982) - Jason KubelJason KubelJason James Kubel is an American professional baseball player. A Belle Fourche, South Dakota native, Kubel was drafted by the Twins in the 12th round of the 2000 Draft after playing high school ball at Highland High School.-Early life:...
(2002) - Harvey KuennHarvey KuennHarvey Edward Kuenn was an American player, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. As a shortstop and outfielder, he played with the Detroit Tigers , Cleveland Indians , San Francisco Giants , Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies . He batted and threw right-handed...
(1952) MLB AS; MLB MGR - Carney LansfordCarney LansfordCarney Ray Lansford is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball and the hitting coach of the Colorado Rockies...
(1976) MLB AS; 1981 AL Batting Title. - Dave LaRocheDave LaRocheDavid Eugene LaRoche is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. LaRoche is currently the pitching coach for the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s....
(1968) - Brad LidgeBrad LidgeBradley Thomas "Brad" Lidge is a reliever who is currently a free agent. Nicknamed "Lights Out", he is the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with at least 200 appearances in their career...
(1998) 2 x MLB AS - Joe MaddonJoe MaddonJoseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...
(1976) MLB MGR - Carmelo MartinezCarmelo MartinezCarmelo Martínez Salgado is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of nine seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily as a first baseman and outfielder, from 1983 to 1991. He also played one season in Japan for the Orix BlueWave in...
(1980) - Dave MartinezDave MartinezDavid Martinez is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams from 1986 to 2001. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:...
(1983) - Joe MatherJoe MatherJoseph Paul Mather is an American professional baseball outfielder and third baseman who is a free agent.-Early life:Mather was born on July 23, 1982, in Sandpoint, Idaho. At Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee, Arizona he played basketball and was also an All-State performer in baseball...
(2005) - Joe MauerJoe MauerJoseph Patrick Mauer is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Minnesota Twins. He is the only catcher in Major League history to win three batting titles...
(2002) 3 x MLB AS; 2 x AL Batting titles; 2009 AL MVP. - Rudy MeoliRudy MeoliRudolph Bartholomew Meoli is a former professional baseball player who played six seasons for the California Angels, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.-References:...
(1970) - Wade MillerWade MillerWade Thomas Miller is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Houston Astros from through the Boston Red Sox in and the Chicago Cubs in and . He bats and throws right-handed...
(1997) MLB AS - Sid MongeSid MongeIsidro "Sid" Monge Pedroza is a retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher with a ten-year career from 1975 to 1984...
(1971) - Mark MulderMark MulderMark Alan Mulder is a retired left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball.-Oakland Athletics:...
(2006) 1 game Rehab; 2 x MLB AS - Rance MulliniksRance MulliniksSteven Rance Mulliniks is a former Major League Baseball player.Originally drafted as a shortstop, Mulliniks made his major league debut in for the California Angels, batting .269 in 78 games...
(1975) - Pat NeshekPat NeshekPatrick J. Neshek is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Neshek is a graduate of Park Center Senior High School in Minnesota and of Butler University.-Early career:...
(2003) - Dave OwenDave OwenDave Owen , is a former professional baseball player who played infielder in the Major Leagues from -. He played for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. He got the game-winning RBI game during the The Sandberg Game. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington and played for the...
(1979) - Orlando PalmeiroOrlando PalmeiroOrlando Palmeiro is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He attended high school at Miami Southridge High School and played college baseball at the University of Miami....
(1992) - Marty PattinMarty PattinMartin William "Marty" Pattin is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He pitched for the California Angels , Seattle Pilots , Milwaukee Brewers , Boston Red Sox , and the Kansas City Royals...
(1966) MLB AS - Glen PerkinsGlen PerkinsGlen Weston Perkins is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Minnesota Twins. He made his major league debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2006. Perkins attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Stillwater Area High School in Oak Park Heights...
(2003) - Colby RasmusColby RasmusColby Ryan Rasmus is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball.-Early years:...
(2006) - Jerry RemyJerry RemyGerald Peter "Rem Dawg" Remy is a Major League Baseball broadcaster and former Major League Baseball second baseman. Remy grew up in Somerset, Massachusetts.-Playing career:...
(1973 .335 BA With QC Angels - Best All-time) MLB AS - Juan RinconJuan RincónJuan Manuel Rincón is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is with the Bridgeport Bluefish in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Rincón bats and throws right-handed. He throws a low 90s fastball and a mid low 80s slider...
(1999) - Michael RestovichMichael RestovichMichael Jerome Restovich is an American professional baseball first baseman and outfielder.-High school career:...
(1999) - Rick ReuschelRick ReuschelRickey Eugene Reuschel is a former professional baseball pitcher from the early 1970s into the early 1990s. His nickname was "Big Daddy" because of his portly physique...
(1983 Rehab, 7 starts) 3 x MLB AS; 2 x Gold Glove. - Johan SantanaJohan SantanaJohan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
(1998) MLB AS; 2 x AL Cy Young - Paul SorrentoPaul SorrentoPaul Anthony Sorrento is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball. From 1989 through 1999, Sorrento played for the Minnesota Twins , Cleveland Indians , Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Devil Rays . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
(1986) - Jim SpencerJim SpencerJames Lloyd Spencer was a Major League Baseball first baseman. Born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, the left-handed Spencer was recognized for his excellent fielding ability, but also served in later years as a designated hitter....
(1965) - Mark SweeneyMark SweeneyMark Patrick Sweeney is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball. He is best known for his skill as a pinch hitter, where he ranks second in career pinch hits with 175 and first in career pinch hit runs batted in with 102....
(1992) - Frank TananaFrank TananaFrank Daryl Tanana is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He was the California Angels' 1st round draft pick in 1971....
(1972) 3 x MLB AS; 1975 AL Strikeouts Leader; 1977 AL ERA Title - Chuck TannerChuck TannerCharles William "Chuck" Tanner was a left fielder and manager in Major League Baseball. He was known for his unwavering confidence and infectious optimism. He managed the Pittsburgh Pirates to a World Series championship in 1979...
(MGR1963-64) WS Champion Manager 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates. - Dickie ThonDickie ThonRichard William "Dickie" Thon is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball.- Early life :Thon was raised in Puerto Rico after spending only the first two weeks of his life in Indiana where his father had just completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Notre Dame.- Professional career :He...
(1976) MLB AS - John VerhoevenJohn VerhoevenJohn C Verhoeven is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played 4 seasons in the majors for the California Angels, Chicago White Sox, and Minnesota Twins.-References:...
(1974) - Billy WagnerBilly WagnerWilliam Edward Wagner , nicknamed "Billy the Kid", is a retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He pitched for the Houston Astros , the Philadelphia Phillies , the New York Mets , the Boston Red Sox , and the Atlanta Braves...
(1994) 6 x MLB AS; MLB Rolaids Reliever - Alan WigginsAlan WigginsAlan Anthony Wiggins was a Major League Baseball second baseman and left fielder. He was the first baseball player known to die of AIDS.-Early career:Wiggins was born in 1958 in Los Angeles, California...
(1978) .341 Post Season 1984