Griffin Pimientos

Last updated
Griffin Pimientos
Minor league affiliations
Class Class D (1947–1951)
League Georgia–Alabama League (1947–1951)
Major league affiliations
Team St. Louis Browns (1948)
Minor league titles
League titles (0)None
Wild card berths (0)None
Team data
NameGriffin Pimientos (1947–1949)
Griffin Tigers (1950)
Griffin Pimientos (1951)
BallparkPimientos Park (1947–1951)

The Griffin Pimientos were a minor league baseball team based in Griffin, Georgia.

Contents

From 1947 to 1951, Griffin played as members of the Class D level Georgia–Alabama League, playing the 1950 season as the Griffin "Tigers." Griffin did not advance to the playoffs in any of their five seasons. The "Pimientos" were preceded in Georgia–Alabama League play by the 1915 to 1917 Griffin Griffs.

In 1948, the "Pimientos" were a minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Browns.

Griffin hosted home minor league games at Pimiento Park. Located on Pimiento Avenue, the ballpark was within the Griffin City Park and is still in use today.

History

Early Griffin teams

The Griffin Pimientos were preceded in league play by the Griffin Lightfoots, who played from 1915 to 1917 as members of the Class D level Georgia–Alabama League. [1] The "Griffin" team proceeded to play the 1920 and 1921 seasons as members of the Class D level Georgia State League to immediately precede the Pimientos in minor league play. [2] [3]

1947 to 1951: Georgia–Alabama League

In 1947, Griffin "Pimientos" began play as members of the eight–team Class D level Georgia–Alabama League, the Griffin franchise was added as the league expanded from six teams to eight, also adding Alexander City Millers franchise. [4] The Alexander City Millers, Carrollton Hornets, LaGrange Troupers, Newnan Brownies, Opelika Owls, Tallassee Indians and Valley Rebels joined the Pimientos in beginning league play on April 23, 1947. [5]

The team use of the "Pimientos" nickname corresponds to local agriculture. In the era, there were many pimiento farms in Griffin and the surrounding era. Their popularity grew because they were more resistant to the boll weevil than other crops. [6]

In their first season of play, the Pimientos placed sixth in the 1947 Georgia–Alabama League and did not qualify for the playoffs. The team missed the playoffs in all five seasons of play. [7] The Pimientos ended the regular season with a record of 53–66, as Abe White served as manager. Griffin finished 20.5 games behind the first place Carrollton Hornets in the final regular season standings.. [8] [3] [9] Griffin's Ken Guettler led the league with both 25 Home Runs and 103 RBI. [3]

In 1948, the Pimientos became a minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Browns for one season. The returning Abe White and Fred Campbell managed the Pimientos to another sixth place finish in the eight–team Georgia–Alabama League. [10] Griffin ended the regular season with a 55–71 record, finishing 20.0 games behind the 1st place Valley Rebels, missing the league playoffs. [3] [11] Player/manager Fred Campbell won the league batting title, hitting .357 and led the Georgia–Alabama with 105 RBI. [3]

The 1949 Pimientos finished last in the eight–team Alabama–Georgia League. [12] Playing under managers Sam Gibson, Lewis Sanders, Buck Etchison and Rudy York, the Pimientos ended the regular season with a record of 50–76, finishing 24.0 games behind the first place Newnan Brownies. The eighth place Griffin Pimientos did not qualify for the league playoffs. [13] [14] [3]

In 1950 Griffin "Tigers" finished in sixth place in the Alabama–Georgia League regular season standings. [15] [3] With the returning Abe White and Jack Bearden as managers, the Tigers ended the season with a record of 57–64, finishing 16.0 games behind the first place La Grange Troupers in the final regular season standings. [16] [17] [3]

Griffin returned to the "Pimientos" nickname in their final season of play, as the 1951 Georgia–Alabama League condensed to six teams to begin the season. [18] Griffin ended the season in fourth place, which was last after the Alexander City Millers and Opelika Owls had folded during the season. With a 58–58 record under the returning Fred Campbell and Jack Bearden as managers, Griffin finished 10.0 games behind the first place LaGrange Troupers. No playoffs were held. [3] Griffin player Joe Campbell won the Georgia–Alabama League batting title, hitting .379. [3]

The Georgia–Alabama League permanently folded following the 1951 season. [3] Griffin has not hosted another minor league team. [2]

(2015) Baseball Field 1, City Park. Griffin, Georgia Baseball field 1, City Park (Griffin).JPG
(2015) Baseball Field 1, City Park. Griffin, Georgia

The ballpark

From 1947 to 1951, Griffin teams hosted minor league home games exclusively at Pimientos Park, which had a capacity of 4,500. [19] The ballpark location was within Griffin City Park, a 185 acre park still in use today as a public park. Griffin City Park is located at 821 Pimiento Avenue in Griffin, Georgia. [20] [21] [22]

Timeline

Year(s)# Yrs.TeamLevelLeagueAffiliateBallpark
19471Griffin Pimientos Class D Georgia–Alabama League NonePimientos Park
19481 St. Louis Browns
19491None
19501Griffin Tigers
19511Griffin Pimientos

Year–by–year records

YearRecordFinishManagerAttendPlayoffs/Notes
194753–666th Abe White 66,142Did not qualify
194855–716th Abe White / Fred Campbell 63,672Did not qualify
194950–768th Sam Gibson / Lewis Sanders /
Buck Etchison / Rudy York 		47,825Did not qualify
195057–646th Abe White / Jack Bearden37,167Did not qualify
195158–584th Fred Campbell / Jack Bearden24,804No playoffs held

[3]

Notable alumni

Related Research Articles

The Springfield Browns was a primary moniker of the minor league baseball teams based in Springfield, Illinois between 1931 and 1950. Springfield teams played as members of the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League (1931–1932), Mississippi Valley League (1933), Central League (1934), Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League and Mississippi-Ohio Valley League (1950), winning the 1939 league championship. Hosting home games at Reservoir Park, Lanphier Park and Jim Fitzpatrick Memorial Stadium, Springfield teams were an affiliate of the 1931 St. Louis Browns, St. Louis Cardinals (1933–1934), 1935 Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Browns.

The Tifton Blue Sox were a minor league baseball team based in Tifton, Georgia. From 1949 to 1955, Tifton played as members of the Class D level Georgia State League (1949–1950) and Georgia–Florida League (1951–1956), winning the 1949 league championship. The Tifton teams hosted home minor league games at Eve Park.

The Rehoboth Beach Pirates were a minor league baseball team based in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. From 1947 to 1949 Rehoboth Beach played exclusively as members of the Class D level Eastern Shore League, winning the 1949 league championship in the league's final season of play. The Rehoboth Beach "Pirates" were a minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1947 and 1948 seasons. After the affiliation with the Pirates ended, the 1949 Rehoboth Beach "Sea Hawks" captured the championship. Rehoboth Beach teams hosted home minor league games at the Rehoboth Beach Ball Park.

The Cedartown Sea Cows were a minor league baseball team based in Cedartown, Georgia. Cedartown teams played as members of the Class D level Georgia-Alabama League from 1928 to 1930, winning one league pennant and one league championship. The 1930 team became known as the "Braves."

The Seminole Oilers were a minor league baseball team based in Seminole, Oklahoma. Between 1947 and 1957, Seminole teams played exclusively as members of the Class D level Sooner State League from 1947 to 1951 and 1954 to 1957, winning league championships in 1948 and 1956. The Oilers and Seminole Ironmen hosted minor league home games at Oiler Park.

The Greenville Greenies were a minor league baseball team based in Greenville, North Carolina. The "Greenies" playes as members of the Coastal Plain League from 1934 to 1941, having been preceded by the Greenville Tobacconists, who played as members of the Eastern Carolina League in 1928 and 1929. Following World War II, the Greenies resumed play in the Class D Coastal Plain League from 1946 to 1949 before beind renamed the Greenville "Robins" for the 1950 and 1951 seasons.

The Carbondale Pioneers were a minor league baseball team based in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. Between 1895 and 1950, Carbondale teams played as members of the Pennsylvania State League in 1895 and 1896 and North Atlantic League from 1946 to 1950. The Carbondale Pioneers were a minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies from 1947 to 1950, winning league championships in 1947 and 1948. The Pioneers hosted minor league home games at Russell Park.

The Newark Yankees were a minor league baseball team based in Newark, Ohio. From 1948 to 1951, the "Yankees" played as members of the Class D level Ohio-Indiana League as an affiliate of the New York Yankees. Before the league changed names, the Newark "Moundsmen" played as members of the Class D level Ohio State League from 1944 to 1947, winning the 1944 league championship. The Moundsmen were a minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Browns. Newark hosted minor league home games at White Field from 1944 to 1946 before moving to Arnold Park from 1947 to 1951.

The Federalsburg A's were a minor league baseball team based in Federalsburg, Maryland. Federalsburg teams played as exclusively as members of the Class D level Eastern Shore League from 1937 to 1941 and 1946 to 1949, winning the 1939 league pennant. The "A's" moniker was interchanged with the similar "Athletics" and "Little A's" before the franchise became the "Feds" for their final season of 1949. Hosting all minor league home games at Federal Park, Federalsburg played as a minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Athletics from 1937 to 1941 and 1946 to 1948.

The Radford Rockets were a minor league baseball team based in Radford, Virginia. From 1946 to 1950, the Radford Rockets played exclusively as members of the Class D level Blue Ridge League, qualifying for the playoffs on three occasions. The Rockets hosted home minor league games at the Redford High School Park.

Minor league baseball teams were based in Lindale, Georgia in various seasons between 1917 and 1930. Lindale teams played as members of the Class D level Georgia-Alabama League in 1917, Georgia State League from 1920 to 1921 and Georgia-Alabama League from 1928 to 1930, winning three league pennants.

The New Bern Bears were a minor league baseball team based in New Bern, North Carolina. Between 1937 and 1952, with a break during World War II, the Bears teams played exclusively as members of the Coastal Plain League, winning three league championships with six playoff appearances. New Bern hosted minor league home games at Kafer Park.

The Newnan Cowetas were a minor league baseball team based in Newnan, Georgia and Coweta County, Georgia.

The Newnan Brownies were a minor league baseball team based in Newnan, Georgia. From 1946 to 1950, the Brownies played as members of the Class D level Georgia–Alabama League, winning the 1949 league pennant and qualifying for the playoffs in all five seasons of play. The Brownies were preceded in Georgia–Alabama League play by the 1913 to 1916 Newnan Cowetas.

The Griffin Lightfoots were a minor league baseball team based in Griffin, Georgia. From 1915 to 1917, Griffin played as members of the Class D level Georgia–Alabama League, playing the 1917 season as the Griffin "Griffs." The Griffs were later succeeded in Georgia–Alabama League play by the 1947 to 1951 Griffin Pimientos.

The LaGrange Troupers were a minor league baseball team based in LaGrange, Georgia and Troup County, Georgia.

The LaGrange Grangers were a minor league baseball team based in LaGrange, Georgia. From 1913 to 1917, the Grangers and their predecessor, the LaGrange "Terrapins," played exclusively as members of the Class D level Georgia–Alabama League.

The Rome Red Sox were a minor league baseball team based in Rome, Georgia.

The Nazareth Barons were a minor league baseball team based in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. From 1946 to 1950, Nazareth teams played exclusively as members of the Class D level North Atlantic League, qualifying for the 1946 playoffs and finishing in last place in both of their final two seasons. Nazareth was a minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers in 1947. Nazateth hosted home minor league home games at Nazareth Borough Park.

The Rome Romans were a minor league baseball team based in Rome, Georgia. Between 1910 and 1916, the "Romans" played as members of the Class D level Georgia–Alabama League, winning the 1916 league championship. The team continued Georgia–Alabama League play in 1917 known as the "Rome-Lindale Romans" followed by Rome teams of the 1920 and 1921 Class D level Georgia State League.

References

  1. ↑ "1917 Georgia-Alabama League (GGL) Minor League Baseball on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  2. 1 2 "Griffin, Georgia Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Johnson, Lloyd; Wolff, Miles, eds. (2007). The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball (Third ed.). Baseball America. ISBN   978-1932391176.
  4. ↑ "Georgia-Alabama League (GGL) Minor League Baseball on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  5. ↑ "1947 Georgia-Alabama League (GGL) Minor League Baseball on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  6. ↑ "Pimento pepper history in Georgia | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener". May 9, 2020.
  7. ↑ "1947 Griffin Pimientos Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  8. ↑ "1947 Georgia-Alabama League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  9. ↑ "1947 Georgia-Alabama League (GGL) Minor League Baseball Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  10. ↑ "1948 Griffin Pimientos Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  11. ↑ "1948 Georgia-Alabama League (GGL) Minor League Baseball Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  12. ↑ "1949 Griffin Pimientos Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  13. ↑ "1949 Georgia-Alabama League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  14. ↑ "1949 Georgia-Alabama League (GGL) Minor League Baseball Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  15. ↑ "1950 Griffin Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  16. ↑ "1950 Griffin Tigers minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  17. ↑ "1950 Georgia-Alabama League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  18. ↑ "1951 Georgia-Alabama League (GGL) Minor League Baseball on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  19. ↑ "Pimiento Park in Griffin, GA minor league baseball history and teams on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  20. ↑ "City Park". Official Georgia Tourism & Travel Website | Explore Georgia.org.
  21. ↑ "Public Works | Griffin, GA". www.cityofgriffin.com.
  22. ↑ "Griffin City Park". griffin-city-park.edan.io.
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.