Sumter Braves
Minor league baseball team
- 1985–1990
- Sumter, South Carolina
- Class A
Previous leagues
- Atlanta Braves (1985-1990)
- Montreal Expos (1991)
Previous names
- Sumter Chicks (1949-1950)
- Sumter Braves (1985-1990)
- Sumter Flyers (1991)
- Sumter Indians (1970)
- Sumter Astros (1971)
- Anderson Braves (1980-1984)
Previous parks
- Riley Park
The Sumter Braves were a minor league baseball team located in Sumter, South Carolina. The team played in the South Atlantic League, and were affiliated with the Atlanta Braves. Their home stadium was Riley Park.
History
In 1984, the Anderson Braves relocated to Sumter. In 1991, the affiliate shifted to Macon, Georgia and became known as the Macon Braves,[1][2] eventually becoming today's Rome Braves of Rome, Georgia. An expansion team was awarded to Sumter right after the Sumter Braves relocated and as an affiliate of the Montreal Expos,[2] and Sumter became known as the Sumter Flyers.[3] In 1992, the franchise relocated to Albany, Georgia as the Albany Polecats, eventually becoming today's Delmarva Shorebirds of Salisbury, Maryland.[4]
Notably, 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tom Glavine pitched for Sumter in 1985.
The ballpark
Sumter teams played at Riley Park. Located at Church Street & DuBose Street, 29150. It is still in use today as home to the University of South Carolina Sumter Fire Ants and Morris College Hornet baseball teams. The Sumter Chicks (1949–1950) of the Tri-State League, Sumter Indians (1970) and Sumter Astros (1971) of the Western Carolinas League and the Sumter Braves (1985–1990) and Sumter Flyers (1991) of the South Atlantic League all played at Riley Park.[5][6][7]
Notable alumni
Baseball Hall of Fame alumni
- Tom Glavine (1985) Inducted, 2014
Notable alumni
- Shane Andrews (1991)
- Jeff Blauser (1985) 2 x MLB All-Star
- Jolbert Cabrera (1991)
- Vinny Castilla (1990) 2 x MLB All-Star
- Kevin Foster (1991)
- Ron Gant (1985, 1989) 2 x MLB All-Star
- Ryan Klesko (1989-1990) MLB All-Star
- Mark Lemke (1985)
- Al Martin (1986-1987)
- Carlos Perez (1991) MLB All-Star
- Eddie Perez (1989-1990) NLCS Most Valuable Player
- Kirk Rueter (1991)
- Brian Snitker (1986, MGR)
- Rondell White (1991) MLB All-Star
- Mark Wohlers (1989-1990) MLB All-Star
- Ned Yost (1988-1990, MGR) Manager: 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals
Year-by-year record
Sumter Braves
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 72-63 | 6th | Buddy Bailey | Lost in 1st round |
| 1986 | 77-60 | 3rd | Brian Snitker | |
| 1987 | 75-62 | 3rd | Buddy Bailey | |
| 1988 | 64-73 | 9th | Ned Yost | |
| 1989 | 60-81 | 11th | Ned Yost | |
| 1990 | 73-69 | 7th | Ned Yost |
Sumter Flyers
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 64-75 | 10th | Lorenzo Bundy |
References
- ^ http://digitalballparks.com/SALLY/Macon22.html Sumter Braves become Macon Braves, Digitalballparks.com
- ^ a b http://digitalballparks.com/SALLY/Sumter17.html Sumter Braves relocate to Macon and Sumter gets a new franchise, Digitalballparks.com
- ^ http://digitalballparks.com/SALLY/Sumter18.html New Sumter team is Sumter Flyers
- ^ Baker, Kent (September 21, 1995). "South Atlantic League will have Delmarva Shorebirds next season". Baltimore Sun.
- ^ "Sumter, South Carolina Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com.
- ^ "USC Sumter Athletics - University of South Carolina Sumter". uscfireants.com.
- ^ "Sports - Morris College". www.morris.edu.
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