Columbus Discoverers

Last updated
Columbus Discoverers
Minor league affiliations
Class Class D (1907–1908, 1912–1913)
Class C (1935)
League Cotton States League (1907–1908, 1912–1913)
East Dixie League (1935)
Major league affiliations
TeamNone
Minor league titles
League titles (0)None
Conference titles (0)None
Team data
NameColumbus Discoverers (1907–1908)
Columbus Joy Riders (1912–1913)
Columbus Bengals (1935)
BallparkFairgrounds Park (1907–1908, 1912–1913, 1935)

The Columbus Discoverers were a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Mississippi. The Columbus "Discoverers" and "Joy Riders" teams played as members of the Cotton States League from 1907 to 1908 and 1912 to 1913, before the 1935 Columbus "Bengals" played a partial season as members of the East Dixie League.

Contents

The Columbus teams hosted home minor league games exclusively at Fairgrounds Park.

History

Cotton States League - 1907 & 1908, 1912 & 1913

Columbus, Mississippi first hosted minor league baseball in 1907. The Columbus "Discoverers" became members of the six–team Class D level Cotton States League. The Gulfport Crabs, Jackson Senators, Meridian White Ribbons, Mobile Sea Gulls and Vicksburg Hill Billies joined Columbus in 1907 league play. [1] [2]

The 1907 Columbus Discoverers finished last in their first season of play. The Discoverers ended the season with a record of 42–96 to place sixth in the final standings. Managed by Jack Law, Columbus finished 42.5 games behind the first place Mobile Sea Gulls in the final standings, as the Cotton States League had no playoffs. [3] [4] [5]

The Columbus Discoverers continued Cotton States League play in 1908. [6] In their first season of play, the Discoverers ended the season in fourth place with a final record of 58–56. Managed by Billy May, Louis Hall, Ace Stewart and Jack Toft, Columbus finished 12.0 games behind the first place Jackson Senators in the final standings of the six–team league. [7] [5] Pitcher Al Demaree of Columbus led the Cotton States League with 23 wins. [5] Following the 1908 season, the Cotton States League did not play in 1909, before returning to play in 1910 without a Columbus franchise in the league. [5]

In 1912, Columbus rejoined the six–team Class D level Cotton States League during the season and placed fourth. [8] The Columbus "Joy Riders" began play when the Hattiesburg Timberjacks franchise moved to Columbus, Mississippi on June 5, 1912, with a record of 19–24. Compiling a 37–35 record while based in Columbus, the team finished with an overall record of 56–59, playing under manager Carlos Smith in both locations. The Hattiesburg/Columbus team finished 13.5 games behind the first place Vicksburg Hill Billies in the final standings. Pitcher Walt Kinney of Columbus led the Cotton States League with 22 wins. [9] [5]

On June 11, 1912, Columbus played a double header against the Yazoo City Zoos. Reportedly, the Columbus catcher was injured in the second inning of the first game and the Joy Riders did not have another player available to play catcher. Taylor, the catcher for Yazoo City then volunteered to play catcher for both teams in order for the games to be played. Yazoo City was noted to have won both games, with Taylor catching 32 total innings behind the plate. [10]

The Columbus Joy Riders continued play in the 1913 Cotton States League. [11] The Joy Riders ended the 1913 season in fourth place with a record of 40–57, playing under manager Bob Kennedy in Columbus' final season of Cotton League play. The Joy Riders finished 32.0 games behind the first place Jackson Lawmakers. Pitcher Ed Poole of Columbus led the league with 163 strikeouts. [12] [13] [14] [5] The Cotton States League shortened their season to August 15, 1913 and did not return to play in 1914, due to World War I. [5]

East Dixie League - 1935

In 1935, Minor league baseball briefly returned to Columbus, Mississippi for a partial final season. The Columbus "Bengals" briefly played as members of the eight–team Class C level East Dixie League before relocating. [15] On June 18, 1935, the Columbus Bengals moved to Cleveland, Mississippi. The Bengals relocated with a record of 36–41 at the time of their move to Cleveland. After compiling a 28–32 record based in Cleveland, the Cleveland Bengals team placed sixth in the final standings under manager Slim Brewer, with a 64–73 overall record. Columbus/Cleveland finished 19.5 games behind the first place Pine Bluff Judges in the final standings. The East Dixie League permanently folded following the 1935 season. [16] [17] [5]

Columbus, Mississippi has not hosted another minor league team. [5] [18]

(2011) Images. Columbus, Mississippi Columbus MS.jpg
(2011) Images. Columbus, Mississippi

The ballpark

Columbus minor league teams hosted their home games at the Fairgrounds Park in Columbus. [19] Today, the Columbus Fairgrounds are still in use as a public fairgrounds, owned by the city of Columbus. [20] [21] The fairgrounds are located at 764 Highway 69 South in Columbus, Mississippi. [22]

Timeline

Year(s)# Yrs.TeamLevelLeagueBallpark
1907–19082Columbus Discoverers Class D Cotton States League Fairgrounds Park
1912–19132Columbus Joy Riders
19351Columbus Bengals Class C East Dixie League

Year-by-year records

YearRecordFinishManagerPlayoffs
190742–966thJack LawNo playoffs held
190858–564thBilly May / Louis Hall
Ace Stewart /Jack Toft		No playoffs held
191256–594thCarlos SmithHattiesburg (19–24) moved to Columbus June 5
191340–574thBob KennedySeason ended August 15
193564–736thSlim BrewerColumbus (36–41) moved to Cleveland June 18

[5]

Notable alumni

Related Research Articles

The Rock Island Islanders was the primary name of the minor league baseball teams based in Rock Island, Illinois, one of the Quad Cities, between 1892 and 1937. Rock Island teams played as members of the Illinois–Iowa League (1892), Western Association (1894), Eastern Iowa League (1895), Western Association (1898–1899), Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League (1901–1911), Central Association (1914), Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League, Mississippi Valley League (1922–1933) and Western League (1934–1937).

The Pensacola Snappers were a minor league baseball team based in Pensacola, Florida. In 1913, the Snappers played as members of the Class D level Cotton States League, finishing second in the league standings before the league folded following the season. Pensacola played minor league home games at Maxent Park, which had hosted major league spring training in 1913.

The Missoula Timberjacks represented Missoula, Montana, in the Class C level Pioneer League from 1956 to 1960. Previously, Missoula played as members of the Montana State League and Union Association (1911–1913). Their best season was 1958 when they went 70–59 under manager Jack McKeon and had Jim Kaat on the roster.

The Opelousas Indians was the primary name of the minor league baseball teams based in Opelousas, Louisiana. Between 1907 and 1941, Opelousas teams played as members of the Class D level 1907 Gulf Coast League, 1932 Cotton States League, playing that season known as the "Orphans" and Evangeline League from 1934 to 1941. The Indians won the 1937 league championship. Opelousas hosted minor league home games at Elementary School Park. The Opelousas Indians were a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians from 1935 to 1937 and in 1939.

The Vicksburg Hill Billies was the primary moniker of the minor league baseball teams based in Vicksburg, Mississippi between 1893 and 1955. Vicksburg teams played as a member of the Mississippi State League (1893–1894), Cotton States League, Southeastern League (1946–1950) and Cotton States League (1955).

The South Carolina League was a minor league baseball league that played from 1906 to 1908. The Class D level South Carolina League consisted entirely of franchises based in South Carolina for its three seasons of play. The Sumter Gamecocks won league championships in 1907 and 1908.

The Delta League was a Class D level minor league baseball league that played in the 1904 season. The six–team Delta League consisted of franchises based in Mississippi. The Delta League permanently folded after completing the 1904 season, in which Clarksdale captured the league championship.

The Yazoo City Zoos were a minor league baseball team based in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Between 1904 and 1912, the Yazoo City Zoos played as members of two Class D level leagues, the 1904 Delta League and the Cotton States League from 1910 to 1912.

The Laurel Cardinals was the final moniker of the minor league baseball teams based in Laurel, Mississippi. From 1923 to 1929, Laurel teams played exclusively as a member of the Cotton States League, hosting home games at Kamper Park. The Laurel Cardinals were minor league affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1928 and 1929, having first played as the Laurel "Lumberjacks."

The Gulfport Tarpons were a minor league baseball team based in Gulfport, Mississippi. Gulfport teams played exclusively as members of the Class D level Cotton States League. The Gulfport "Crabs" teams played in the league from 1906 to 1908, with the Tarpons playing from 1926 to 1928. The Tarpons hosted home minor league games at the Fair Grounds.

The Brookhaven Truckers were a minor league baseball team based in Brookhaven, Mississippi. After the Brookhaven team played as a member of the 1904 Class D level Delta League, the Truckers were a member of the Class D level Cotton States League in 1924 and 1925, hosting home games at the High School Park.

The Columbus Pawnees were a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Nebraska. From 1910 to 1915, Columbus teams played exclusively as members of the Class D level Nebraska State League for their six seasons of minor league play. The "Pawnees" played in the 1914 and 1915 seasons, after the team was called Columbus "Discovers" from 1910 to 1913. After placing second in their first season, Columbus did not finish above fourth place in their remaining seasons, before the franchise folded during the 1915 season.

The Seward Statesmen were a minor league baseball team based in Seward, Nebraska. From 1910 to 1913, the Statesmen teams played exclusively as members of the Class D level Nebraska State League, hosting home games at Fairgrounds Park. During their final 1913 season, the franchise was relocated to Beatrice, Nebraska after a tornado struck the city of Seward.

Minor league baseball teams were based in Bangor, Maine between 1894 and 1913, before resuming minor league play in 1994. Playing under numerous nicknames, Bangor teams played as members of the New England League from 1894 to 1896, Maine State League in 1897, New England League in 1901, Maine State League from 1907–1908 and New Brunswick-Maine League in 1913, winning two league championships while hosting early minor league home games at Maplewood Park.

Minor league baseball teams were based in Galesburg, Illinois between 1890 and 1914. Galesburg teams played as members of the Central Interstate League and Illinois-Iowa League in 1890, Eastern Iowa League in 1895, the Illinois-Missouri League in 1908 and 1909 and the Central Association from 1910 to 1912 and 1914. Galesburg hosted home games at Willard Field, Illinois Field and Lombard College Field.

Minor league baseball teams were based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in various seasons between 1902 and 2003. The Baton Rouge minor league teams played as members of the Cotton States League, Dixie League (1933), East Dixie League (1934), Evangeline League (1946–1957), Gulf States League (1976), All-American Association (2001) and Southeastern League (2002–2003).

Minor league baseball teams were based in Lake Charles, Louisiana in various seasons between 1906 and 1957. Lake Charles teams played as members of the South Texas League (1906), Gulf Coast League (1907–1908), Cotton States League (1929–1930), Evangeline League (1934–1942), Gulf Coast League (1950–1953) and Evangeline League (1954–1957). Lake Charles teams won three league championships and two league pennants.

The Cleveland A's were a minor league baseball team based in Cleveland, Mississippi. In 1935, the Cleveland "Bengals" played a partial season as members of the Class C level East Dixie League. After the East Dixie League folded, the A's joined the 1936 Class D level Cotton States League, as a minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Athletics. Cleveland hosted home minor league games exclusively at Boyle Park.

The Marion Diggers were a minor league baseball team based in Marion, Ohio and Marion County, Ohio. From 1908 to 1912, the Diggers played as members of the Class D level Ohio State League, hosting home minor league games at Webb Park. Despite not winning a league championship, the Diggers finished in the top three in the final standings in each full season of play. Future president Warren Harding was a part owner of the Marion Diggers.

The Jackson Convicts were a minor league baseball team based in Jackson, Michigan. From 1906 to 1915, Jackson teams played as members of the Southern Michigan League for the duration of the league but did not claim a league championship in their tenure. In 1914 and 1915, Jackson played one season each known as the "Chiefs" and "Vets." Jackson teams hosted home minor league teams at Keeley Park. The team "Convicts" nickname corresponded to Jackson serving as home to the Michigan State Prison in the era.

References

  1. ↑ "1907 Cotton States League (CSL) minor league baseball on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  2. ↑ "1907 Cotton States League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  3. ↑ "1907 Columbus Discoverers minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  4. ↑ "1907 Columbus Discoverers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Johnson, Lloyd; Wolff, Miles, eds. (2007). The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball (Third ed.). Baseball America. ISBN   978-1932391176.
  6. ↑ "1908 Columbus Discoverers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  7. ↑ "1908 Columbus Discoverers minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  8. ↑ "1912 Hattiesburg Timberjacks/Columbus Joy Riders Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  9. ↑ "1912 Hattiesburg Timberjacks/Columbus Joy Riders minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  10. ↑ "Two-timing: The catcher who played for both teams in one day". www.sportingnews.com.
  11. ↑ "1913 Columbus Joy Riders Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  12. ↑ "1913 Columbus Joy Riders minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  13. ↑ "Columbus Joy Riders minor league baseball Statistics and Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  14. ↑ "1935 Columbus/Cleveland Bengals Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  15. ↑ "1935 Columbus/Cleveland Bengals Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  16. ↑ "1935 Columbus/Cleveland Bengals minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  17. ↑ "East Dixie League (C) Encyclopedia and History". Baseball-Reference.com.
  18. ↑ "Columbus, Mississippi Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com.
  19. ↑ "Fairgrounds Park in Columbus, MS minor league baseball history and teams on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  20. ↑ "Columbus Fairgrounds: A history of great and terrible moments". The Dispatch. January 7, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Four-day carnival starts Wednesday at fairgrounds". The Dispatch. September 29, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Columbus Fairgrounds". Columbus MS.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.