Nashville Vols seasons

Last updated

The 1902 Nashville Baseball Club, champions of the Southern Association 1902NashvilleVols4.jpg
The 1902 Nashville Baseball Club, champions of the Southern Association

The Nashville Vols were a Minor League Baseball team that played in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1901 to 1963. They were established as charter members of the Southern Association (SA) in 1901. Known as the Nashville Baseball Club during their first seven seasons, they became the Nashville Volunteers (regularly shortened to Vols) in 1908. Nashville remained in the Southern Association until the circuit disbanded after the 1961 season. The team sat out the 1962 campaign but returned for a final season in the South Atlantic League (SAL) in 1963 before ceasing operations altogether. Over 62 seasons, the Vols played 9,015 regular-season games and compiled a win–loss record of 4,569–4,446 (.507). They qualified for postseason playoffs on 16 occasions in which they had a record of 108–74–1 (.593). Combining all 9,198 regular-season and postseason games, Nashville's all-time record was 4,677–4,520–1 (.509).

Contents

The Southern Association, of which the Volunteers were members for the entirety of its 61-season run, operated at the Class B (1901), Class A (1902–1935), Class A1 (1936–1945), and Double-A (1946–1961) levels of the minors. The South Atlantic League was at the Double-A level during Nashville's only year of membership. In 35 seasons, the Vols were not affiliated with any Major League Baseball team. Across 27 seasons, they served as a farm club for six major league franchises: the New York Giants (1934–1935, 1952–1954), Cincinnati Reds (1936–1937, 1955–1960), Brooklyn Dodgers (1938–1940), Chicago Cubs (1943–1951), Minnesota Twins (1961), and Los Angeles Angels (1963). The Vols typically owned the majority of their players, and these major league clubs furnished Nashville with additional players to round out the roster.

Throughout the Southern Association's existence, the team with the best regular-season record was recognized as the pennant winner. Nashville won eight SA pennants. In some seasons, the circuit utilized a split-season schedule wherein the winners from each half qualified for postseason championship playoffs. In others, the loop used the Shaughnessy playoff system in which the top four teams at the end of the season participated in a tournament to determine a champion. The Vols qualified for the playoffs on 16 occasions and won nine SA playoff championships. From 1920 to 1958, the league's champions met those of the Texas League in the Dixie Series to crown a champion of the Southland. Nashville played in seven Dixie Series, winning four. The South Atlantic League used a split-season format, but the Vols did not qualify in their only season as members.

The team's best season record occurred in 1940 when they finished 101–47 (.682) while having a working agreement with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Their lowest season record was 45–92 (.328) in 1906 as an unaffiliated club. Of the six Major League Baseball teams with which Nashville was affiliated, the Vols experienced their best record with the Dodgers from 1938 to 1940. They had a composite season record of 270–181 (.599) and reached the postseason in all three years, winning one pennant, two playoff championships, and one Dixie Series. Including a postseason mark of 25–16 (.610), their overall record was 295–197 (.600). Conversely, the team's lowest record was with the Los Angeles Angels in 1963. The Vols incurred a 53–86 (.381) record and did not reach the postseason during the partnership. Over the 35 seasons in which they had no major league affiliation, Nashville went 2,428–2,534 (.489) in the regular-season and won four pennants, two playoff titles, and two Dixie Series. Adding in a postseason record of a 22–7 (.759) in two appearances, Nashville was 2,450–2,541 (.491) as an unaffiliated team.

History

Southern Association (1901–1961)

Pre-playoff era (1901–1932)

The 1901 Nashville Baseball Club won the first Southern Association pennant. 1901NashvilleVols.jpg
The 1901 Nashville Baseball Club won the first Southern Association pennant.

The Nashville Baseball Club was created as a charter member of the Southern Association (SA) in 1901. [1] The team did not become known as the Nashville Volunteers (regularly shortened to Vols) until 1908. [2] The Southern Association was a Class B circuit in its inaugural season but was elevated to Class A status in 1902. [3]

Through 1932, seasons concluded with the team in possession of the best regular-season record being recognized as the pennant winner. [4] Nashville won the first Southern Association pennant in 1901 by finishing one game ahead of the second-place Little Rock Travelers with a league-best 78–45 (.634) win–loss record. [5] They captured the 1902 pennant as well, finishing six games ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans atop the league standings at 80–40 (.667). [6] Despite this early success, the Nashvilles posted their all-time lowest winning percentage in 1906, when they went 45–92 (.328). [7] Two years later, in 1908, the newly-named Volunteers won their third pennant with a 75–56 (.573) mark by .002 percentage points ahead of New Orleans. [8] The Vols won their fourth and final pre-playoff title in 1916 by coming in nine games ahead of New Orleans at 84–54 (.609). [9] During this era, the 1931 team incurred a franchise-high 102 losses. [7]

Playoff era (1933–1961)

The Vols entered into their first working agreement with a Major League Baseball team in 1934 when they became the Class A farm club of the New York Giants. [10] The Southern Association had begun staging annual postseason championship playoffs in 1933 using a split-season schedule wherein the winners from each half competed for the championship, though the league continued to also recognize regular-season pennant winners. [4] [11] Nashville first qualified for the postseason by winning the first-half of the 1934 season, but they lost the Southern Association playoff championship in a series versus New Orleans, winners of the second-half. [11] In 1935, the circuit adopted the Shaughnessy playoff system in which the top four teams at the end of the season participated in a tournament to determine a champion. [4] The Vols qualified via a fourth-place finish but were eliminated in the opening semi-final round by the Atlanta Crackers. [12] The affiliation with New York ended after the season. [10]

Nashville began an affiliation with the Cincinnati Reds in 1936 at the same time that the Southern Association was elevated to Class A1 status. [3] [13] The second-place Vols made the 1936 playoffs but were defeated in the semifinals by the Birmingham Barons. [14] Their working agreement with Cincinnati ended after the 1937 season in which the team did not reach the playoffs. [13]

Larry Gilbert led the Vols to win four Southern Association pennants, six playoff championships, and three Dixie Series from 1939 to 1948. Larry Gilbert.jpg
Larry Gilbert led the Vols to win four Southern Association pennants, six playoff championships, and three Dixie Series from 1939 to 1948.

The Vols became the Class A1 affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1938. [15] As the league runner-up, the 1938 team advanced past New Orleans in the semifinals but was defeated by Atlanta in the championship round. [16] The next season marked the beginning of one of the most successful periods, in terms of winning percentage and championships, [4] [7] in team history under manager Larry Gilbert, who led the Vols from 1939 to 1948. [17] The third-place 1939 Vols beat the Memphis Chicks in the opening round before winning their first playoff championship against Atlanta. [18] This was the first of six consecutive playoff titles for the Volunteers. [4] Since 1920, the champions of the Southern Association had been meeting the champions of the Texas League in the Dixie Series, a best-of-seven series to crown a champion of the Southland. [19] In their first Dixie appearance, Nashville lost to the Texas League champion Fort Worth Cats. [20] The Vols won their fifth regular-season pennant in 1940 with a franchise-high 101–47 (.682) record, nine-and-a-half games ahead of Atlanta. [7] [21] They beat the Chattanooga Lookouts in the semifinals before winning a second playoff title versus Atlanta. [21] Nashville then defeated the Houston Buffaloes for their first Dixie Series title. [22] In a 2001 ranking, the 1940 Vols were evaluated as the 47th greatest minor league team of all time. [1] Of the six major league teams with which Nashville was affiliated, the Volunteers experienced their best record with the Dodgers from 1938 to 1940. They were 270–181 (.599) in the regular-season and 25–16 (.610) in postseason play, giving them a composite record of 295–197 (.600). [7] [4]

The club operated without major league working agreements in 1941 and 1942. [23] [24] In the 1941 playoffs, the second-place Vols defeated New Orleans on the way to winning their third playoff championship over Atlanta. [25] The season was capped with a second-straight Dixie Series victory over the Dallas Rebels. [26] The 1942 team, which had placed second, downed Birmingham in the semifinals and won a fourth playoff title against Little Rock. [27] Facing the Shreveport Sports, Nashville won a third consecutive Dixie Series title. [28]

In 1943, the Volunteers became the Class A1 affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. [29] With a split-season schedule in place, they won the first-half of the season and later clinched their sixth regular-season pennant with a league-best 83–55 (.601) record, four games ahead of New Orleans. [30] In an abbreviated postseason, Nashville won their fifth consecutive playoff title over New Orleans, winners of the second-half. [30] The Dixie Series was suspended due to World War II. [4] The 1944 Vols won the second-half title on way to capturing their sixth consecutive playoff championship by defeating first-half pennant winners Memphis. [31] The Dixie Series was still on wartime hiatus. [4] In 1946, the Southern Association was reclassified as a Double-A circuit. [3] Nashville next qualified for the playoffs in 1947 with a third-place finish and moved past the semifinals versus New Orleans but were defeated for the league title by the Mobile Bears. [32] Nashville won a seventh regular-season flag in 1948 at 95–58 (.621), besting Memphis by three games. [33] Similar to the previous campaign, they reached the finals with a semifinal win over Mobile but lost the championship to Birmingham. [33] The 1949 squad won their eighth league pennant by four-and-a-half games over Birmingham with a 95–57 (.625) season. [34] Nashville advanced past New Orleans in the semifinals and then won their seventh playoff championship versus Mobile. [34] They followed up with a Dixie Series victory over the Tulsa Oilers. [35] Placing third in 1950, the Vols won their semifinal bout over Birmingham and then beat Atlanta to win an eighth playoff title. [36] They lost the Dixie Series, however, to the San Antonio Missions. [37] The Chicago affiliation was discontinued after the 1951 season, in which Nashville missed the postseason for the first time in five years. [4] [29]

A game at Sulphur Dell, Nashville's home ballpark (c. 1950s-1960s) Sulphur Dell in color.jpg
A game at Sulphur Dell, Nashville's home ballpark (c.1950s–1960s)

The Vols returned to the New York Giants organization as their Double-A affiliate from 1952 to 1954. [10] While the 1952 and 1954 teams posted losing records, [7] the 1953 club finished second, defeated Atlanta in the semifinals, and won Nashville's ninth and final Southern Association championship over Birmingham. [38] In their last of seven Dixie Series appearances, they were defeated by the Dallas Eagles. [39]

Nashville repartnered with the Cincinnati Reds, who were known as the Cincinnati Redlegs at the time, from 1955 to 1960. [13] Through the six-year partnership, the Vols had an equal number of winning and losing seasons, never finishing higher than third. [7] That was in 1957 when the Vols made their final playoff appearance. After eliminating Memphis, they were beaten by Atlanta. [40]

The Volunteers became the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins in 1961. [41] They finished well-behind pennant-winning Chattanooga. [42] Following the campaign, the Southern Association disbanding after 61 seasons due to the loss of some of its teams and the inability of others to secure major league working agreements for 1962. [43]

South Atlantic League (1963)

The Vols sat out the 1962 campaign, primarily due to the Southern Association's collapse, [44] but returned for a final season in 1963 as the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels in the South Atlantic League. [3] [45] The Vols placed last out of eight teams at 53–86 (.381), a franchise-low among all affiliations, and did not with either half of the Sally League's split-season. [7]

Poor attendance and financial problems resulted in the team's board of directors voting unanimously to surrender the franchise to the league following the season. [46] After 62 seasons in Nashville, the Vols had played 9,015 regular-season games and compiled a win–loss record of 4,569–4,446 (.507). They qualified for postseason playoffs on 16 occasions in which they had a record of 108–74–1 (.593). Combining all 9,198 regular-season and postseason games, Nashville's all-time record was 4,677–4,520–1 (.509). [4] [7]

Season-by-season records

Key
SeasonSome years are linked to articles about that Nashville season.
GB Games behind the team that finished in first place that season
Dixie Series champions (1920–1958)
Playoff champions (1903, 1928–1960, 1963)
*Pennant winners (1901–1961, 1963)
^Postseason berth (1903, 1928–1960, 1963)
Season-by-season records
SeasonLeagueRegular-seasonPostseasonMLB affiliateRef.
RecordWin %FinishGBRecordWin %Result
1901
*
SA78–45.6341stWon SA pennant [47] Unaffiliated [5]
1902
*
SA80–40.6671stWon SA pennant [48] Unaffiliated [6]
1903SA60–62.4925th11+12Unaffiliated [49]
1904SA72–67.5185th11Unaffiliated [50]
1905SA47–88.3487th40Unaffiliated [51]
1906SA45–92.3287th43+12Unaffiliated [52]
1907SA59–78.4318th21+12Unaffiliated [53]
1908
*
SA75–56.5731stWon SA pennant [54] Unaffiliated [8]
1909SA82–55.5992nd5+12Unaffiliated [55]
1910SA64–76.4575th23Unaffiliated [56]
1911SA69–64.5194th9+12Unaffiliated [57]
1912SA67–70.4895th18+12Unaffiliated [58]
1913SA62–76.4497th19+12Unaffiliated [59]
1914SA77–72.5175th10Unaffiliated [60]
1915SA75–78.4904th15+12Unaffiliated [61]
1916
*
SA84–54.6091stWon SA pennant [62] Unaffiliated [9]
1917SA77–73.5135th19Unaffiliated [63]
1918 [n 1] SA30–40.4297th19Unaffiliated [65]
1919SA55–83.3998th30Unaffiliated [66]
1920SA65–89.4227th26+12Unaffiliated [67]
1921SA62–90.4086th41+12Unaffiliated [68]
1922SA56–96.3687th41Unaffiliated [69]
1923SA75–77.4936th17Unaffiliated [70]
1924SA78–75.5104th26Unaffiliated [71]
1925SA81–72.5293rd5+12Unaffiliated [72]
1926SA83–68.5504th16+12Unaffiliated [73]
1927SA84–69.5494th12Unaffiliated [74]
1928SA59–94.3868th40Unaffiliated [75]
1929SA90–63.5882nd3Unaffiliated [76]
1930SA66–87.4317th32Unaffiliated [77]
1931SA51–102.3338th46+12Unaffiliated [78]
1932SA75–78.4904th25+12Unaffiliated [79]
1933SA77–69.5273rd14+12Unaffiliated [80]
1934
^
SA87–65.5722nd62–3.400Won first-half title [81]
Lost SA championship vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 3–2 [82]
New York Giants [11]
1935
^
SA82–69.5434th90–3–1.000Lost semifinals vs. Atlanta Crackers, 3–0–1 [83] New York Giants [12]
1936
^
SA86–65.5702nd72–3.400Lost semifinals vs. Birmingham Barons, 3–2 [84] Cincinnati Reds [14]
1937SA80–73.5235th17+12 Cincinnati Reds [85]
1938
^
SA84–66.5602nd5+124–6.400Won semifinals vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 3–2 [86]
Lost SA championship vs. Atlanta Crackers, 4–1 [87]
Brooklyn Dodgers [16]
1939
^
SA85–68.5563rd1+1210–7.588Won semifinals vs. Memphis Chicks, 3–0 [88]
Won SA championship vs. Atlanta Crackers, 4–3
[89]
Lost Dixie Series vs. Fort Worth Cats, 4–3 [20]
Brooklyn Dodgers [18]
1940
^ *
SA101–47.6821st11–3.786Won SA pennant [90]
Won semifinals vs. Chattanooga Lookouts, 3–0 [91]
Won SA championship vs. Atlanta Crackers, 4–2 [92]
Won Dixie Series vs. Houston Buffaloes, 4–1 [22]
Brooklyn Dodgers [21]
1941
^
SA83–70.5422nd15+1211–4.733Won semifinals vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 3–1 [93]
Won SA championship vs. Atlanta Crackers, 4–3 [94]
Won Dixie Series vs. Dallas Rebels, 4–0 [26]
Unaffiliated [25]
1942
^
SA85–66.5632nd4+1211–3.786Won semifinals vs. Birmingham Barons, 3–1 [95]
Won SA championship vs. Little Rock Travelers, 4–0 [96]
Won Dixie Series vs. Shreveport Sports, 4–2 [28]
Unaffiliated [27]
1943
^ *
SA83–55.6011st4–1.800Won first-half title [97]
Won SA pennant [98]
Won SA championship vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 4–1 [99]
Chicago Cubs [30]
1944
^
SA79–61.5643rd7+124–3.571Won second-half title [100]
Won SA championship vs. Memphis Chicks, 4–3 [101]
Chicago Cubs [31]
1945SA55–84.3967th38+12 Chicago Cubs [102]
1946SA75–78.4905th (tie)20+12 Chicago Cubs [103]
1947
^
SA80–73.5233rd146–5.545Won semifinals vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 4–1 [104]
Lost SA championship vs. Mobile Bears, 4–2 [105]
Chicago Cubs [32]
1948
^ *
SA95–58.6211st6–7.462Won SA pennant [106]
Won semifinals vs. Mobile Bears, 4–3 [107]
Lost SA championship vs. Birmingham Barons, 4–2 [108]
Chicago Cubs [33]
1949
^ *
SA95–57.6251st12–7.632Won SA pennant [109]
Won semifinals vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 4–2 [110]
Won SA championship vs. Mobile Bears, 4–2 [111]
Won Dixie Series vs. Tulsa Oilers, 4–3 [35]
Chicago Cubs [34]
1950
^
SA86–64.5733rd5+1211–6.647Won semifinals vs. Birmingham Barons, 4–1 [112]
Won SA championship vs. Atlanta Crackers, 4–1 [113]
Lost Dixie Series vs. San Antonio Missions, 4–3 [37]
Chicago Cubs [36]
1951SA78–76.5065th15+12 Chicago Cubs [114]
1952SA73–79.4806th13 New York Giants [115]
1953
^
SA85–69.5522nd210–7.588Won semifinals vs. Atlanta Crackers, 4–2 [116]
Won SA championship vs. Birmingham Barons, 4–1 [117]
Lost Dixie Series vs. Dallas Eagles, 4–2 [39]
New York Giants [38]
1954SA64–90.4166th (tie)30 New York Giants [118]
1955SA77–74.5105th12 Cincinnati Redlegs [119]
1956SA75–79.4877th14 Cincinnati Redlegs [120]
1957
^
SA83–69.5463rd34–6.400Won semifinals vs. Memphis Chicks, 4–2 [121]
Lost SA championship vs. Atlanta Crackers, 4–0 [122]
Cincinnati Redlegs [123]
1958SA76–78.4945th15+12 Cincinnati Redlegs [124]
1959SA84–64.5683rd5+12 Cincinnati Redlegs [125]
1960SA71–82.4646th15+12 Cincinnati Reds [126]
1961SA69–83.4546th21 Minnesota Twins [127]
1963SAL53–86.3818th27+12 Los Angeles Angels [128]
Totals4,569–4,446.507108–74–1.593

Split-season records

The Southern Association sporadically used a split-season schedule wherein the winners from each half qualified for postseason championship playoffs. [4] The South Atlantic League utilized the same format in the Vols' only season of membership. [128]

Split-season records
SeasonLeagueHalfRegular-seasonPostseasonMLB affiliateRef.
RecordWin %FinishGBRecordWin %Result
1928SA1st31–42.4256th17+12Unaffiliated [129]
2nd28–52.3508th25+12 [130]
1933SA1st39–37.5135th10+12 New York Giants [131]
2nd38–32.5433rd5 [132]
1934
^
SA1st46–26.6391st2–3.400Won first-half title [81]
Lost SA championship vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 3–2 [82]
New York Giants [133]
2nd41–39.5134th12 [134]
1943
^ *
SA1st49–26.6531st4–1.800Won first-half title [97]
Won SA pennant [98]
Won SA championship vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 4–1 [99]
Chicago Cubs [135]
2nd34–29.5403rd6+12 [136]
1944
6
SA1st32–36.4715th9+124–3.571Won second-half title [100]
Won SA championship vs. Memphis Chicks, 4–3 [101]
Chicago Cubs [137]
2nd47–25.6531st [138]
1959SA1st41–24.6312nd12 Cincinnati Redlegs [139]
2nd43–40.5185th12 [140]
1963SAL1st24–47.3388th21+12 Los Angeles Angels [141]
2nd29–39.4266th16+12 [142]

Franchise totals

By classification

Franchise totals by classification
ClassificationRegular-seasonPostseasonComposite
RecordWin %AppearancesRecordWin %RecordWin %
Class B (1901)78–45.634078–45.634
Class A (1902–1935)2,351–2,487.48622–6–1.2502,353–2,493–1.486
Class A1 (1936–1945)821–655.556857–30.655878–685.562
Double-A (1946–1961, 1963)1,319–1,259.512649–38.5631,368–1,297.513
All-time4,569–4,446.50716108–74–1.5934,677–4,520–1.509

By league

Franchise totals by league
LeagueRegular-seasonPostseasonComposite
RecordWin %AppearancesRecordWin %RecordWin %
Southern Association (1901–1961)4,516–4,360.50916108–74–1.5934,624–4,434–1.510
South Atlantic League (1963)53–86.381053–86.381
All-time4,569–4,446.50716108–74–1.5934,677–4,520–1.509

By affiliation

Franchise totals by affiliation
AffiliationRegular-seasonPostseasonComposite
RecordWin %AppearancesRecordWin %RecordWin %
New York Giants (1934–1935, 1952–1954)391–372.512312–13–1.480403–385–1.511
Cincinnati Reds/Redlegs (1936–1937, 1955–1960)632–584.52026–9.400638–593.518
Brooklyn Dodgers (1938–1940)270–181.599325–16.610295–197.600
Chicago Cubs (1943–1951)726–606.545643–29.597769–635.548
Minnesota Twins (1961)69–83.454069–83.454
Los Angeles Angels (1963)53–86.381053–86.381
Unaffiliated (1901–1908, 1909–1933, 1941–1942)2,428–2,534.489222–7.7592,450–2,541.491
All-time4,569–4,446.50716108–74–1.5934,677–4,520–1.509

Notes

  1. The 1918 season was suspended after the games of June 28 as team owners voted to end the season early due to poor attendance, increased transportation costs, and in response to the country's "work or fight" order to aid the effort to win World War I. [64]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern League (1964–present)</span> Minor League Baseball league in the Southern United States

The Southern League is a Minor League Baseball league that has operated in the Southern United States since 1964. Along with the Eastern League and Texas League, it is one of three circuits playing at the Double-A level, which is two grades below Major League Baseball (MLB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nashville Sounds</span> Minor League Baseball team in Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Sounds are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Nashville, Tennessee, and are named for the city's association with the music industry, specifically the "Nashville sound", a subgenre of country music which originated in the city and became popular in the mid-1950s. The team plays their home games at First Horizon Park, which opened in 2015 on the site of the historic Sulphur Dell ballpark. The Sounds previously played at Herschel Greer Stadium from its opening in 1978 until the end of the 2014 season. They are the oldest active professional sports franchise in Nashville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jackson Generals</span> Minor league baseball team

The Jackson Generals were a professional baseball team located in Jackson, Tennessee. From 1998 to 2020, they were a part of Minor League Baseball's Southern League (SL) as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs (1998–2006), Seattle Mariners (2007–2016), and Arizona Diamondbacks (2017–2020). Known as the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx from 1998 to 2010, the team borrowed its Generals moniker from the original Jackson Generals in 2011. They played their home games at The Ballpark at Jackson, which opened in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indianapolis Indians</span> Minor League Baseball team in Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indianapolis Indians are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League (IL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. They are located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and play their home games at Victory Field, which opened in 1996. The Indians previously played at Owen J. Bush Stadium from 1931 to 1996 and at two versions of Washington Park from 1902 to 1931.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlotte Knights</span> Minor league baseball team

The Charlotte Knights are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. They are located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and play their home games at Truist Field, which opened in 2014 and is located in Uptown Charlotte. The team previously played at Knights Park (1976–1988), Knights Castle (1989), and Knights Stadium (1990–2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nashville Vols</span> Former Minor League Baseball team in Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Vols were a Minor League Baseball team that played in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1901 to 1963. Known as the Nashville Baseball Club during their first seven seasons, they became the Nashville Volunteers in 1908 in reference to Tennessee's nickname, "The Volunteer State". The Vols played their home games at Athletic Park, which had been home to the city's professional baseball teams since 1885 and was renamed Sulphur Dell in 1908.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Memphis Blues (minor league)</span> Minor league baseball team

The Memphis Blues were a Minor League Baseball team that played in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1968 to 1976. They competed in the Double-A Texas League from 1968 to 1973 as an affiliate of the New York Mets. Memphis transferred to the Triple-A International League in 1974, where they were affiliated with the Montreal Expos from 1974 to 1975 and Houston Astros in 1976. Their home games were played at Blues Stadium

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dixie Series</span> A minor league baseball postseason championship series

The Dixie Series was an interleague postseason series between the playoff champions of Minor League Baseball's Southern Association (SA) and Texas League (TL). The best-of-seven series was held at the conclusion of each season from 1920 to 1958, with the exception of 1943 to 1945 due to World War II. It was revived by the Dixie Association for one year in 1967, pitting the Texas League champion against the Southern League (SL) champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferdinand E. Kuhn</span>

Ferdinand Emery Kuhn was a shoe merchant known as the "Father of the Knights of Columbus in the South." He was also president of the 1908 Southern Association champion Nashville Vols baseball team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the Nashville Sounds</span> History of the Minor League Baseball franchise

The Nashville Sounds Minor League Baseball team was established in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1978, after Larry Schmittou and a group of investors purchased the rights to operate an expansion franchise of the Double-A Southern League. The Sounds played their home games at Herschel Greer Stadium from its opening in 1978 until the end of the 2014 season. In 2015, the Sounds left Greer for First Tennessee Park, now known as First Horizon Park, a new facility located on the site of the historic Sulphur Dell ballpark, home to Nashville's minor league teams from 1885 to 1963.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1908 Nashville Vols season</span>

The 1908 Nashville Vols season was the 15th season of minor league baseball in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Nashville Vols' 8th season in the Southern Association. The Vols finished the previous season in last place, but this year won the league pennant, by defeating he New Orleans Pelicans 1-0 on the last day of the season in a game dubbed by Grantland Rice "The Greatest Game Ever Played In Dixie."

The Jackson Generals were a Minor League Baseball team that played in the Class D Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League from 1935 to 1942 and again from 1950 to 1954. The Generals were located in Jackson, Tennessee, and played their home games at Lakeview Ball Park in their first run and at Municipal Park in their second stretch. They were an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds in 1953.

The Clarksville Volunteers were a Minor League Baseball team that played in the Class D Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League from 1910 to 1915 and in 1916. They were located in Clarksville, Tennessee, and played their home games at League Park. The team operated under various names over their six-year run: the Volunteers in their first and last years, the Clarksville Billies (1911), Clarksville Rebels (1912), and Clarksville Boosters (1913–1914). They won the KITTY League pennant in 1912.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of professional baseball in Nashville, Tennessee</span> History of the citys professional baseball teams

Nashville, Tennessee, has hosted Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams since the late 19th century but has never been home to a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. The city's professional baseball history dates back to 1884 with the formation of the Nashville Americans, who were charter members of the original Southern League in 1885 and played their home games at Sulphur Spring Park, later renamed Athletic Park and Sulphur Dell. This ballpark was the home of Nashville's minor league teams through 1963. Of the numerous clubs to play there, the best known and longest in operation was the Nashville Vols, who competed from 1901 to 1963, primarily in the Southern Association.

References

  1. 1 2 Weiss, Bill; Wright, Marshall (2001). "47. 1940 Nashville Vols". Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
  2. "'Volunteers' is the New Name for Nashville's Baseball Club". The Nashville American. Nashville. February 29, 1908. p. 6 via Newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Nashville, Tennessee Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 O'Neal, Bill (1994). The Southern League: Baseball in Dixie, 1885–1994. Eakin Press. pp. 306–308. ISBN   978-0-89015-952-1.
  5. 1 2 "1901 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  6. 1 2 "1902 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Nashville Vols Franchise History (1901–1963)". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  8. 1 2 "1908 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  9. 1 2 "1916 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 "San Francisco Giants Minor League Affiliates". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 "1934 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  12. 1 2 "1935 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  13. 1 2 3 "Cincinnati Reds Minor League Affiliates". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  14. 1 2 "1936 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  15. "Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League Affiliates". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  16. 1 2 "1938 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  17. "Larry Gilbert Minor League Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  18. 1 2 "1939 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  19. Johnson, Raymond (October 4, 1939). "One Man's Opinion". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 14 via Newspapers.com.
  20. 1 2 Johnson, Raymond (October 4, 1939). "Texans Blank Nashville 6-0 to Win Series". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  21. 1 2 3 "1940 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  22. 1 2 Johnson, Raymond (October 1, 1940). "Vols Win Dixie Series, Defeat Houston 5 to 3". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  23. "1941 Southern Association". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  24. "1942 Southern Association". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  25. 1 2 "1941 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  26. 1 2 Johnson, Raymond (September 26, 1941). "Vols Beat Dallas to Sweep Series". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  27. 1 2 "1942 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  28. 1 2 Johnson, Raymond (October 5, 1942). "Erickson Blanks Shreveport to Give Vols Dixie Series". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 8 via Newspapers.com.
  29. 1 2 "Chicago Cubs Minor League Affiliates". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  30. 1 2 3 "1943 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  31. 1 2 "1944 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  32. 1 2 "1947 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  33. 1 2 3 "1948 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  34. 1 2 3 "1949 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  35. 1 2 Leonard, George K. (October 8, 1949). "City Toasts Victorious Vols After Dixie Series Comeback". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 8 via Newspapers.com.
  36. 1 2 "1950 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  37. 1 2 "Baseball Results". The Knoxville News-Sentinel. Knoxville. October 6, 1950. p. 12 via Newspapers.com.
  38. 1 2 "1953 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  39. 1 2 Leonard, George K. (October 1, 1953). "Vols Gain One Title, Just Miss Two Others After Fine 1953 Effort". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 39 via Newspapers.com.
  40. "1957 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  41. "Minnesota Twins Minor League Affiliates". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  42. "1957 Southern Association". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  43. Williams, F. M. (January 27, 1962). "City Loses Baseball for 1962". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  44. Williams, F. M. (August 22, 1962). "Vols Meet Friday to Talk '63 Plans". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 19 via Newspapers.com.
  45. "Los Angeles Angels Minor League Affiliates". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  46. Williams, F. M. (September 17, 1963). "Vols Owe $22,000, Surrender Franchise". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 14 via Newspapers.com.
  47. "Pennant Will Wave Over Athletic Park". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. September 26, 1901. p. 7 via Newspapers.com.
  48. "Southern League Pennant". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. September 22, 1902. p. 7 via Newspapers.com.
  49. "1903 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  50. "1904 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  51. "1905 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  52. "1906 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  53. "1907 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  54. "Nashville Wins League Pennant in Fierce Fight". The Nashville American. Nashville. September 20, 1908. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  55. "1909 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  56. "1910 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  57. "1911 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  58. "1912 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  59. "1913 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  60. "1914 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  61. "1915 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  62. "Herbert Wins Final Game of Year From Travelers". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 10, 1916. p. 21 via Newspapers.com.
  63. "1917 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  64. "Southern League Closes June 28". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. June 11, 1918. p. 7 via Newspapers.com.
  65. "1918 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  66. "1919 Southern League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  67. "1920 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  68. "1921 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  69. "1922 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  70. "1923 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  71. "1924 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  72. "1925 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  73. "1926 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  74. "1927 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  75. "1928 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  76. "1929 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  77. "1930 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  78. "1931 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  79. "1932 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  80. "1933 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  81. 1 2 Russell, Freddie (July 3, 1934). "Lookouts, Pebs Only One Given No Flag Chance". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 8 via Newspapers.com.
  82. 1 2 Russell, Freddie (September 25, 1934). "Just a Hairline Separated Vols From 1934 Flag". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 8 via Newspapers.com.
  83. "Crackers to Battle Pels for Southern Loop Flag". The Knoxville Journal. Knoxville. September 23, 1935. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  84. "Barons Win Place in Southern Race". Kingsport Times. Kingsport. Associated Press. September 21, 1936. p. 2 via Newspapers.com.
  85. "1937 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  86. Johnson, Raymond (September 20, 1938). "Victory Gains Right to Meet Crax in Finals". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 10 via Newspapers.com.
  87. Johnson, Raymond (September 27, 1938). "Bill Beckman Beats Locals Second Time". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 10 via Newspapers.com.
  88. Rule, Bob (September 15, 1939). "Jeffcoat, Smoll Hurl Dell Opener". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 25 via Newspapers.com.
  89. Russell, Fred (September 23, 1939). "Sam Nahem No. 1 Hero of Playoff". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  90. Leonard, George (September 9, 1940). "Vols' Average Is Highest In Majors, Leading Minors". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  91. Johnson, Raymond (September 14, 1939). "Win 16th in Row; Boken, Hockett Four in Second". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 6 via Newspapers.com.
  92. Johnson, Raymond (September 24, 1940). "Vols Trounce Crax, 7 to 5, to Play Buffs". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  93. "Standing of the Clubs". Chattanooga Daily Times. Chattanooga. September 12, 1941. p. 15 via Newspapers.com.
  94. "Nashville Beats Atlanta in Deciding Game of Series, 3-2, in 10 Frames". The Chattanooga Times. Chattanooga. September 20, 1941. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  95. Johnson, Raymond (September 14, 1942). "Erickson Throttles Barons, 2-0; Vols Gain Playoff Final". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 8 via Newspapers.com.
  96. Johnson, Raymond (September 24, 1942). "Vols Beat Pebs; Play Shreveport in Dell Friday". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  97. 1 2 Russell, Fred (July 5, 1943). "Vol-Pel Double Bill Tonight Opens Second Half Flag Race". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 12 via Newspapers.com.
  98. 1 2 "Vols and Pelicans Open Series Today". The Knoxville Journal. Knoxville. Associated Press. September 8, 1943. p. 10 via Newspapers.com.
  99. 1 2 O'Donnell, Red (September 14, 1943). "Gardner Paints 7-Hit Masterpiece in Box". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 12 via Newspapers.com.
  100. 1 2 Johnson, Raymond (September 11, 1944). "Greek's Homer in 9th Ices 9-5 Flag Clincher as 12,000 Cheer". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 8 via Newspapers.com.
  101. 1 2 Bibb, John (September 21, 1944). "Nashvols Defeat Memphis 11-10 for League Flag". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  102. "1945 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  103. "1946 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  104. "Club Standings". Chattanooga Daily Times. Chattanooga. September 15, 1947. p. 8 via Newspapers.com.
  105. Roberts, Bill (September 23, 1947). "Real Story Is Not That Mobile Won Playoff but Gameness of Crippled Vols to Final Out". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 15 via Newspapers.com.
  106. Russell, Fred (September 13, 1948). "Pennant Winners to Face Mobile; Need Two 'Tricks' for Grand Slam". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 14 via Newspapers.com.
  107. "Southern Playoff". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 22, 1948. p. 21 via Newspapers.com.
  108. Johnson, Raymond (September 30, 1948). "Barons End Vol Season, Crush Dellers 11-2". The Nashville Tennesseawn. Nashville. p. 24 via Newspapers.com.
  109. "5000 Nashvillians Roar Vols Welcome". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 12, 1949. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  110. "Minor Loop Scores". The Knoxville News-Sentinel. Knoxville. September 20, 1949. p. 14 via Newspapers.com.
  111. "Southern Playoff". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 27, 1949. p. 16 via Newspapers.com.
  112. "Southern Association Playoffs". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 18, 1950. p. 14 via Newspapers.com.
  113. Melvin, Russ (September 24, 1950). "Boguskie's Bat Blast Vols Into Dixie Play". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  114. "1951 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  115. "1952 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  116. Leonard, George K. (September 15, 1953). "Vols Four Wins Away From Chance for Dixie Series Title". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 18 via Newspapers.com.
  117. Leonard, George K. (September 22, 1953). "Vols' Goal: Fifth Dixie Title in Seven Tries". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 16 via Newspapers.com.
  118. "1954 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  119. "1955 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  120. "1956 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  121. Leonard, George (September 17, 1957). "Vols Gain Finals Playoff Berth for 11th Time". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 20 via Newspapers.com.
  122. Leonard, George (September 24, 1957). "Vols Were Essentially a First Half Team; Dotterer, Osteen Join Cincy". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. p. 17 via Newspapers.com.
  123. "1957 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  124. "1958 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  125. "1959 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  126. "1960 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  127. "1961 Southern Association Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  128. 1 2 "1963 South Atlantic League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  129. "Southern League Clubs Facing New Start—Barons Dominated Play in First Half of Battle". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. June 28, 1928. p. 15 via Newspapers.com.
  130. "Southern League". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 17, 1928. p. 8 via Newspapers.com.
  131. "Southern League". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 27, 1933. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  132. "Southern League". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 11, 1933. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  133. "Southern League". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. July 3, 1934. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  134. "Southern League". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. September 17, 1934. p. 9 via Newspapers.com.
  135. "Southern Association". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. July 5, 1943. p. 13 via Newspapers.com.
  136. "Southern League". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. September 7, 1943. p. 15 via Newspapers.com.
  137. "Southern League". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. July 5, 1944. p. 19 via Newspapers.com.
  138. "Southern League". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. September 11, 1944. p. 7 via Newspapers.com.
  139. "Southern Association". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. June 15, 1959. p. 27 via Newspapers.com.
  140. "Southern Association". The Nashville Banner. Nashville. September 8, 1959. p. 20 via Newspapers.com.
  141. "South Atlantic League". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. July 1, 1963. p. 21 via Newspapers.com.
  142. "Southern League". The Nashville Tennessean. Nashville. September 9, 1963. p. 20 via Newspapers.com.