94-783: The Memphis Redbirds are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals . They are located in Memphis, Tennessee , and are named for their Major League Baseball affiliate. The Redbirds play their home games at AutoZone Park , which opened in 2000 and is located in Downtown Memphis . The team previously played at Tim McCarver Stadium in 1998 and 1999. The Redbirds were established as an expansion team of
188-532: A 7–5 loss to the Durham Bulls at AutoZone Park. They lost the next four games before collecting their first Triple-A East win with a 7–6 victory in 10 innings over Durham on May 9. Memphis ended the season in fifth place in the Southeastern Division with a 57–63 record. No playoffs were held to determine a league champion; instead, the team with the best regular-season record was declared
282-954: A 91–50 record. They went on to defeat the Colorado Springs Sky Sox , 3–2, to win the American Conference championship. In the PCL finals, the Redbirds defeated the El Paso Chihuahuas , 3–2, to win their third PCL championship. Memphis lost the Triple-A National Championship Game , 5–3, against the International League's Durham Bulls , whom they also faced in 2009. Stubby Clapp won the PCL Manager of
376-688: A championship pennant. The first true minor league is traditionally considered to be the Northwestern League of 1883 to 1884. Unlike the earlier minor associations, it was conceived as a permanent organization. It also, along with the NL and the American Association (AA), was a party to the National Agreement of 1883 . Included in this was the agreement to respect the reserve lists of clubs in each league. Teams in
470-490: A flat-fee purchase amount of $ 5,000 for the contract of any player from an NA member league team. This measure was leveled primarily at the Baltimore Orioles , then a Triple-A team that had dominated the minors by keeping players longer than many competitors, allowing the players to more fully develop, driving up their sale value to major-league teams and giving Baltimore a talent advantage. Deprived of this option by
564-667: A higher level of play. These leagues are intended almost exclusively to allow players to hone their skills; no admission is charged and no concessions are sold. As of the 2024 season, the Arizona Complex League and Florida Complex League seasons commence in early May and conclude in late July in order to provide players with previous experience in the Dominican Summer League with a full season in stateside professional baseball without having to compete for playing time with newly drafted players selected in
658-591: A limited membership which excluded less competitive and financially weaker teams. Professional clubs outside the NL responded by forming regional associations of their own. There was a series of ad hoc groupings, such as the New England Association of 1877 and the Eastern Championship Association of 1881. These were loose groups of independent clubs which agreed to play a series of games over the course of one season for
752-583: A new, permanent stadium was being constructed downtown. The stadium was built in 1963 for use as an American Legion field. When the Texas League 's Memphis Blues came to town in 1968, it became their home ballpark. It was later used by the Memphis Chicks until 1997. The stadium, with an 8,800 person capacity, was demolished in 2005. The Redbirds' current home ballpark is AutoZone Park , which opened on April 1, 2000, originally seated 16,000 and
846-499: A reversal of the team's fortunes. Though winding up in second place in 2008, the team, under second-year manager Chris Maloney , managed a second-place finish with their 75–67 record. In 2009, the Redbirds' first-place finish (77–67) earned them the American Conference North Division title and a return to the postseason for the first time in nine seasons. In the American Conference series, Memphis faced
940-481: A second or third promotion for a minor league player, although some high first-round draftees, particularly those with experience playing college baseball , begin at this level. Below the High-A level is Single-A, named "Class A" before 2021, when it was also known as Single-A or Full-Season A, and "Low-A" for the 2021 season. This classification has three leagues: the 8-team California League , known as Low-A West for
1034-515: A select number of games are also broadcast on KTRS 550 AM in St. Louis, allowing Cardinals fans to keep tabs on up-and-coming players as well as promoting the Redbirds and Memphis tourism to the St. Louis market. The Memphis Redbirds' mascot is an anthropomorphic cardinal named Rockey the Redbird. He is bright red with black eyebrows and feathers around the face and a yellow beak and legs. He wears
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#17327798321501128-516: A statement, asserting that it is "unnecessary and unacceptable to wipe out one-quarter of minor league teams" and characterized the proposal as a way "to improve the profitability of MLB". Manfred rebuked Minor League Baseball for releasing the negotiations to the public and threatened to cut ties with MiLB altogether. The following changes, which represent the first significant overhaul of minor league classifications since 1963, have since been implemented: When MLB teams announced their affiliates for
1222-526: A steady supply of players, as many NA and independent teams could not afford to keep their doors open without the patronage of Major League Baseball. The leagues of the NA became subordinate to the major leagues, creating the first minor leagues in the current sense of the term. Other than the Pacific Coast League (PCL), which under its president Pants Rowland tried to become a third major league in
1316-517: A temporary replacement. There are currently three leagues in this classification: the 12-team Eastern League , known as Double-A Northeast for the 2021 season, with teams in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S., the eight-team Southern League (known as Double-A South for the 2021 season) with teams in the Deep South, and the 10-team Texas League (known as Double-A Central for
1410-621: A tie for first place with the Iowa Cubs (82–62), Memphis was awarded the American Conference North title by virtue of having won the regular season series against Iowa. Memphis started the postseason by defeating the Oklahoma City RedHawks , 3–0, to win the American Conference championship. The Tacoma Rainiers then swept the Redbirds, defeating them for the PCL crown in three-straight games. The 2011,
1504-492: A win–loss record of 1,858–1,849 (.501). They have appeared in the postseason on seven occasions and won the PCL championship in 2000, 2009, 2017, and 2018. The Redbirds won the Triple-A National Championship Game in 2018. They have a postseason record of 34–24 (.586). Combining all 3,765 regular season and postseason games, Memphis has an all-time record of 1,892–1,873 (.503). The first professional baseball team in Memphis
1598-493: Is a professional baseball organization below Major League Baseball (MLB), including teams affiliated with MLB clubs. Entering the 2021 season, the number of full-season MLB-affiliated minor leagues with teams in the United States and Canada was reduced to 11, with a total of 120 teams (four per each of the 30 MLB franchises). There are also two affiliated rookie leagues based in the United States, with teams based at
1692-485: Is designed to look like a neon sign , such as those seen on nearby Beale Street , consisting of the team name and a redesigned image of team mascot, Rockey the Redbird. A secondary logo uses similar neon tubing to form an "M" in the shape of a music note to honor the city's blues and rock 'n' roll heritage. Led by PCL Manager of the Year Stubby Clapp , the 2017 Redbirds clinched the division title with
1786-414: Is navy blue with a red bill and the music note styled "M" on the front. Memphis' uniforms from 1998 to 2016 were quite similar to those of the St. Louis Cardinals. Home uniforms consisted of white jerseys with the team's primary logo sewn across the chest: the word "Memphis" in red letters surrounded by navy blue set against a yellow baseball bat on which two red cardinals were perched. The player's number
1880-411: Is sewn on the right sleeve, and the St. Louis Cardinals' overlapping "STL" logo is located on the left sleeve. The home cap is solid red with the face of team mascot, Rockey the Redbird, on the front. Road jerseys, though made of gray material, are identical. An alternate jersey is a power blue pullover v-neck reminiscent of those worn by St. Louis in the 1980s. Striped bands of red, white, and blue adorn
1974-486: Is usually that these veteran players will be in the majors by the end of the season, as their salaries tend to be higher than those of most prospects. One level below Double-A is the High-A level, named "Class A-Advanced" before 2021. This classification has three leagues: the 12-team Midwest League , known as High-A Central for the 2021 season, covering the Midwest, the six-team Northwest League , known as High-A West for
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#17327798321502068-672: The Arizona Complex League and Florida Complex League , known as the Arizona League and Gulf Coast League, respectively, before 2021, and one Caribbean-based league, the Dominican Summer League . The U.S.-based Rookie leagues play a schedule of approximately 60 games and are named "complex leagues" because games are played at their parent clubs' spring training complexes. Rosters consist primarily of newly drafted players who are not yet ready for
2162-568: The Arizona Complex League or Florida Complex League , and international summer baseball teams in the Dominican Summer League . While major league teams play a 162-game schedule, minor league seasons are shorter. As of 2022 , a complete season in Triple-A is 150 games, Double-A is 138 games, and High-A and Single-A are each 132 games. In addition to the below organized leagues, the off-season Arizona Fall League has six teams that play approximately 30 games apiece in autumn, with rosters comprising
2256-590: The Fresno Grizzlies , 3–1. They went on to win the 2018 Triple-A National Championship against the Durham Bulls, 14–4. First baseman Alex Mejia was named the game's MVP. Memphis finished the 2019 season in second place with a 69–71 record under manager Ben Johnson . The start of the 2020 season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic before ultimately being cancelled on June 30. Following
2350-542: The Gwinnett Stripers , 2–1, at AutoZone Park on April 5. They ended the season in sixth place in the Western Division at 73–77. The league began using a split-season format in 2023 in which the teams with the best league-wide records at the end of each half have qualified for the playoffs. Memphis missed the first-half title by nine-and-a-half games, placing eighth at 39–36. They dropped further back in
2444-610: The National Association of Professional Base Ball Players of 1871 to 1875, commonly referred to as the National Association, comprised all fully professional teams. This system proved unworkable, however, as there was no way to ensure competitive balance, and financially unsound clubs often failed in midseason. This problem was solved in 1876 with the formation of the National League (NL), with
2538-695: The Northwest League and Midwest League promoted with 75% of their teams. The Carolina League dropped to Low-A with seven of its ten teams and added five from the old South Atlantic League in trade; the SAL in turn moved to High-A with half of its previous 12-team roster, filling it out with two Carolina League High-A holdovers, one Midwest League returnee, and three formerly short-season New York-Penn League promotees. On February 12, 2021, Major League Baseball announced new league alignments for all 120 affiliated Minor League Baseball clubs effective as of
2632-567: The United States Congress signed a letter sent to Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred opposing the proposal, noting that it "is not in the best interest of the overall game of baseball" and that it would "devastate our communities, their bond purchasers and other stakeholders affected by the potential loss of these clubs." A response from MLB highlighted that the proposal aims to improve player travel and working conditions. On November 21, 2019, Minor League Baseball released
2726-595: The 1950s and early 1960s. In 1949, the peak of the postwar minor league baseball boom, 448 teams in 59 leagues were members of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, with the number of teams falling to 324 in 1952, and 243 in 1955. By the end of 1963, only 15 leagues above Rookie-level survived in the United States and Canada. After the 1962 season, the Triple-A American Association—which had lost key markets such as Milwaukee , Kansas City , Minneapolis–Saint Paul and Houston to
2820-656: The 1976 season. Memphis gained an expansion team in the Double-A Southern League that played from 1978 to 1997. The Chicks were relocated to nearby Jackson as the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx in 1998 to make way for a new Triple-A team. The Memphis Redbirds were created as an expansion franchise of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 1998. Initially, the team was owned as a non-profit community entity called
2914-507: The 1999 season in third place with a 74–64 record. In 2000, Memphis moved into the newly constructed AutoZone Park . In the park's first regular season game, held on April 14, the Redbirds defeated the Iowa Cubs , 14–3. Memphis went on to clinch the Pacific Coast League's American Conference East Division championship by ending the season in first place, 13 1 ⁄ 2 games ahead of the second-place Oklahoma RedHawks . In
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3008-473: The 2020 season, Major League Baseball assumed control of Minor League Baseball in a move to increase player salaries, modernize facility standards, and reduce travel. As a result, the Pacific Coast League was disbanded, and the Redbirds were placed in the Triple-A East , where they continued to serve as the top farm club for the St. Louis Cardinals. Memphis began competition in the new league on May 4 with
3102-457: The 2021 season on December 9, 2020, each of the 30 MLB teams had one affiliate at four levels—Triple-A, Double-A, High-A, and Low-A—for a total of 120 affiliated teams. Approximately 40 teams lost their MLB affiliations; the Fresno Grizzlies were demoted from Triple-A to Low-A; and the majority of surviving clubs at High-A and Low-A swapped levels, with the former Florida State League and California League dropped down nearly as intact units and
3196-466: The 2021 season) with teams in the Southwest and Great Plains. Some players jump to the majors from this level, as many of the top prospects are put here to play against each other rather than against minor and major league veterans in Triple-A. A small handful of players might be placed here to start, usually veterans from foreign leagues with more experience in professional baseball. The expectation
3290-486: The 2021 season, located entirely in California , the 12-team Carolina League , known as Low-A East for the 2021 season, and the 10-team Florida State League , known as Low-A Southeast for the 2021 season. All three leagues were demoted from High-A to Single-A effective with the 2021 season. These leagues are a mix of players moving up from Rookie leagues, as well as the occasional experienced first-year player. Most of
3384-673: The 2021 season, with teams in the Pacific Northwest, and the 12-team South Atlantic League , known as High-A East for the 2021 season, with teams in the eastern states. All three leagues were reclassified prior to the 2021 season, with the Midwest League and the South Atlantic League promoted from Single-A and the Northwest League promoted from Class A Short Season. This level of play is often
3478-409: The 2021 season. Contrary to previously published reports indicating that realignment would retain the names of the existing minor leagues, Major League Baseball elected to abandon the names of existing minor leagues in favor of a new, class- and region-based naming system. Triple-A was divided into two leagues: Comcast Spectacor#Global Spectrum Too Many Requests If you report this error to
3572-695: The Albuquerque Isotopes, sweeping them in three-straight games. They continued to also defeat the Sacramento River Cats , 3–0, in the finals to win their second PCL championship. They then competed against the International League's Durham Bulls in the Bricktown Showdown for the Triple-A National Championship , but were defeated in the single game, 5–4. Having finished the 2010 season in
3666-663: The American Conference North Division title, finishing the season just two games ahead of Nashville, which spent the majority of the season in first place. Similarly, Memphis finished the 2014 season two-and-a-half games ahead of Nashville despite trailing the Sounds for most of the season. In 2021, both teams were placed in the Southeast Division of the Triple-A East. This became the International League in 2022, and both clubs were realigned into its West Division. As of
3760-726: The American Conference series, the Redbirds defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes , three games to two, and advanced to the league finals. Memphis then defeated the Salt Lake Buzz , 3–1, to win the PCL championship . The Redbirds went on to face the Indianapolis Indians , league champions of the Triple-A International League , in the best-of-five Triple-A World Series . Memphis lost, three games to one. The team finished each of
3854-567: The Cardinals' minor league organization. When a number is retired, only the player with the retired number can wear that number if he returns to that team as a player or coach. This ensures that the number will be associated with one player of particular importance to the team. The following numbers are, therefore, also retired by Memphis: Over the course of 27 seasons, the Memphis Redbirds have employed 8 managers . The duties of
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3948-522: The Dominican Summer League who have not yet been assigned to a domestic affiliate, as well as players placed on the minor league 60-day and full-season injured lists—during the minor league season, with a limit of 175 domestic players during the offseason. During the minor league season, the following roster limits for each classification are used: Triple-A Double-A High-A Single-A Rookie Off-season leagues Showcase league Partner leagues The earliest professional baseball league,
4042-603: The July Major League Baseball draft . This adjusted schedule also allows the top Rookie-level prospects in each organization to be promoted to class Single-A for the final two months of the professional baseball season upon the conclusion of the complex league seasons. As of the 2024 season, each major league club may have no more than 165 players assigned to the rosters of their domestic affiliates (i.e., Triple-A, Double-A, High-A, Single-A, and complex-league Rookie)—excluding international players assigned to
4136-553: The Major Leagues since 1953—disbanded. The surviving International and Pacific Coast leagues absorbed the four remaining American Association franchises. Meanwhile, at the Double-A level and below there were even more significant changes: Designations below Class A disappeared because the lower levels could not sustain operation during a large downturn in the financial fortunes of minor league baseball, due to factors including
4230-674: The Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation, which operated the Redbirds until 2009 when management was turned over to Global Spectrum , a Comcast -owned company. While a new ballpark, AutoZone Park , was being constructed for the team, they played their first two seasons (1998–99) at the city's Tim McCarver Stadium . The Redbirds became the top minor league affiliate of the Major League Baseball 's St. Louis Cardinals . Memphis' team name, logo, color scheme, and uniforms were all based on those of
4324-625: The NL and the AA could only reserve players who had been paid at least $ 1,000. Northwestern League teams could reserve players paid $ 750, implicitly establishing the division into major and minor leagues. Over the next two decades, more minor leagues signed various versions of the National Agreement. Eventually, the minor leagues allied to negotiate jointly. In the late 1890s, the Western League run by Ban Johnson decided to challenge
4418-581: The NL's position. In 1900, he changed the name of the league to the American League (AL) and vowed to make deals to sign contracts with players who were dissatisfied with the pay and terms of their deals with the NL. This led to a turf war that heated up in 1901 enough to concern Patrick T. Powers , president of the Eastern League, and many other minor league owners about the conflict potentially affecting their organizations. Representatives of
4512-726: The PCL All-Star Team. Pitcher Dan Haren was selected for the 2004 PCL All-Star Team and was chosen as the PCL Star of the Game—the most valuable player representing the league. Memphis ended the 2004 season in second place, eight games behind first-place Oklahoma, with a 73–71 record. The team finished third (71–72) in 2005, 3 + 1 ⁄ 2 games behind the eventual league champion Nashville Sounds . From 2006 to 2007, Memphis finished further out of first place with records of 58–86 in 2006 and 56–88 in 2007. The 2008 season began
4606-531: The PCL title. The 2015 club, under manager Mike Shildt , finished in second place (73–71), two games behind the Round Rock Express . The Cardinals sold their majority interest in the team to Peter B. Freund of Trinity Baseball Holdings in March 2016. Memphis ended the 2016 season in fourth place with a 65–77 record. Prior to the 2017 season, the Redbirds unveiled new logos and uniforms. The primary logo
4700-403: The Redbirds were sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings , a group which operates other affiliated Minor League Baseball teams and is led by Pat Battle and former team owner Peter B. Freund. In 2022, the Triple-A East became known as the International League (IL), the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization. Memphis began IL play with an Opening Night win against
4794-954: The Redbirds. Stubby Clapp won the PCL Manager of the Year Award in 2017 and 2018. Dakota Hudson was selected for the PCL Pitcher of the Year Award in 2018. Luken Baker won the IL Most Valuable Player Award in 2023. Masyn Winn won the IL Top MLB Prospect Award in 2023. Additionally, two members of the front office staff have won the PCL Executive of the Year Award: Allie Prescott (2000) and Ben Weiss (2012). Thirty-seven players have been selected for
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#17327798321504888-441: The St. Louis team. In their inaugural season, the club was managed by Gaylen Pitts . The Redbirds played their first game on the road at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska . In game one of the doubleheader , the Omaha Royals defeated the Redbirds, 3–2. The team finished their first season of play with a 74–70 record, three games out of first place, leaving them second out of four teams in their division. They finished
4982-416: The Texas League, which had last operated in 1942, and the Southern Association) became Class AA. Class A remained the third-highest classification, with lower levels still ranked Class B through Class D in descending order, with Class D being the equivalent of later Rookie leagues. The impact of the Korean War in 1950 caused a player shortage in many cities below Class B. In 1952, the "Open" classification
5076-460: The Triple-A Inter–American League (1979). None lasted more than a full season. In October 2019, Baseball America reported that Major League Baseball had proposed dramatic changes to MiLB that would take effect after expiration of the Professional Baseball Agreement, which governed the MLB–MiLB relationship, at the end of the 2020 season. This included the elimination of many minor league teams. In mid-November 2019, more than 100 members of
5170-424: The Triple-A Pacific Coast League (PCL) in 1998. In conjunction with Major League Baseball 's reorganization of Minor League Baseball in 2021, they were placed in the Triple-A East , which became the International League in 2022. A total of eight managers have led the club and its over 500 players. As of the completion of the 2024 season, the Redbirds have played in 3,707 regular season games and compiled
5264-474: The Triple-A level. Such players are eligible to be added to a team's active major league roster. For teams in contention for a playoff spot late in a season, it gives them fresh players, while for teams not in contention, it gives them an opportunity to evaluate their second-tier players against major league competition. Some Triple-A players are "career minor leaguers", former prospects whose skill growth has halted and who are not likely to advance to MLB, unless as
5358-508: The Western states, the other leagues maintained autonomy in name only, being totally economically dependent upon the AL and NL. In 1922, the United States Supreme Court decision Federal Baseball Club v. National League (259 U.S. 200), which grants baseball a special immunity from antitrust laws , had a major effect on the minor leagues. The special immunity meant that the AL and NL could dictate terms under which every independent league did business. By 1925, major league baseball established
5452-426: The Year Award for a second time in 2018. Right-hander Dakota Hudson won the PCL Pitcher of the Year Award . The team once again finished with the league's best record, winning the 2018 American Southern Division title with an 83–57 record. They defeated the Oklahoma City Dodgers , three games to one, to win the American Conference championship. The Redbirds won their second PCL championship in as many years by beating
5546-399: The club narrowly missed the postseason, finishing second with a 77–66 record. In 2012, manager Chris Maloney, the longest-tenured skipper in team history, was hired as St. Louis' first base coach . He was replaced by Ron Warner . He led the Redbirds to finish in third place (57–87) and 27 games out of first. The team fared better in 2013, ending up in second place (69–75), just one game behind
5640-403: The completion of the 2024 head-to-head series, the Sounds lead the 27-year rivalry against the Redbirds with a record of 231–197 in 428 meetings. From 2012 to 2015, the two teams competed in the I-40 Cup Series , a season-long, 16-game promotional series between the clubs. Whichever of the two won the most games played between them was declared the winner and got to keep the trophy cup until
5734-414: The cost of building a new facility too high, the team dropped out of the league after the 1960 season. After a seven-year span with no professional team, Memphis became host to the Memphis Blues , a Double-A team of the Texas League , in 1968. After six seasons, the Blues moved up to the Triple-A International League in 1974, but the franchise was revoked by the league due to financial problems after
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#17327798321505828-400: The different minor leagues met at the Leland Hotel in Chicago on September 5, 1901. In response to the NL–AL battle, they agreed to form the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL), sometimes shortened to National Association (NA), which would later adopt the trade name "Minor League Baseball". The purpose of the NAPBL at the time was to maintain the independence of
5922-452: The eventual league champion Omaha Storm Chasers . In March 2014, the Redbirds were purchased by their major league parent club, the St. Louis Cardinals. The transaction also included the City of Memphis acquiring AutoZone Park and then leasing it to the team. Ron Warner led his club to a first-place finish (79–64), clinching the American Conference South. They were defeated in the conference series, three games to one, by Omaha, who later won
6016-435: The flat-fee policy, minor league teams had little choice but to sell players as soon as they drew major-league interest. The earliest classifications used in the minor leagues began circa 1890, for teams that were party to the National Agreement of 1883. The different levels represented different levels of protection for player contracts and reserve clauses : After the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues
6110-446: The following assignments entering the 1902 season: Additional classifications added prior to World War II included: In 1946, with the minor leagues poised for unprecedented growth, the higher-level classifications were changed. Class AAA ("Triple-A") was created and the three Double-A circuits (the Pacific Coast League , International League , and the American Association ) were reclassified into Triple-A. Class A1 (comprising
6204-412: The foul lines. The first game played at the park was an exhibition between Memphis and St. Louis. A standing-room-only crowd witnessed the big league club defeat their Triple-A affiliate, 10–6. The Redbirds' current home jerseys are white with the word "Memphis" written across the chest in red and white characters surrounded by navy blue and neon yellow which resemble a neon sign . The team's primary logo
6298-451: The later stages of the negotiations to develop rules for the acquisition of players from their leagues by the NL and the AL. The 1903 agreement ensured that teams would be compensated for the players that they had taken the time and effort to scout and develop, and no NA team was required to sell their players, although most did because the cash was an important source of revenue for most teams. The NA leagues were still fiercely independent, and
6392-405: The leagues involved. Several did not sign the agreement and continued to work independently. Powers was made the first president of the NAPBL, whose offices were established in Auburn, New York . In 1903, the conflict between the AL and NL ended in the National Agreement of 1903 , which created the National Baseball Commission to oversee the major and minor leagues. The NAPBL became involved in
6486-468: The midseason Triple-A All-Star Game . Of those players, only Brandon Dickson (2010 and 2012) and Ryan Sherriff (2016 and 2017) have been selected twice while playing for Memphis. Two players have been chosen as the All-Star Game's MVP: Dan Haren (2004) and Michael Wacha (2013). The Memphis Redbirds have not honored any of their players by retiring their uniform numbers . However, the St. Louis Cardinals ' retired numbers are also retired throughout
6580-465: The minor leagues, such as Buzz Arlett , Jigger Statz , Ike Boone , Buddy Ryan , Earl Rapp , and Frank Shellenback , as comparable to major league players. Leagues in the NA would not be truly called minor until Branch Rickey developed the first modern farm system in the 1930s. The Commissioner of Baseball , Kenesaw Mountain Landis fought Rickey's scheme, but, ultimately, the Great Depression drove teams to establish systems like Rickey's to ensure
6674-410: The neck and sleeve openings. The front features an image of Rockey the Redbird looking over his shoulder, ball in hand, as if waiting to pitch the ball, on the left chest (this is an homage to a classic St. Louis Cardinals logo, used in the 1950s, sometimes known as the "Dirty Bird"). The primary Memphis logo is displayed on the left sleeve, and the STL lettering is displayed on the right. An alternate cap
6768-423: The next season. The losing team donated game tickets to a charity selected by the winner. The Sounds won the inaugural 2012 contest (9–7), and Memphis won the 2013 series (7–9). The teams tied the 2014 and 2015 series (both 8–8), but the Redbirds retained the title in both instances. The teams discontinued the promotion after the 2015 season. The Redbirds played their first two seasons at Tim McCarver Stadium while
6862-691: The next three seasons in fourth place—2001 (62–81), 2002 (71–71), and 2003 (64–79). The 2002 campaign was a particularly tight race within the American Conference East Division, as the fourth-place Redbirds were a mere three games behind first-place Oklahoma. Tom Spencer became manager of the Redbirds in 2013 but was replaced midseason by Danny Sheaffer . Memphis hosted the Triple-A All-Star Game at AutoZone Park in 2003. Players Jason Bowers, Matt Duff , and Jason Ryan represented Memphis, as they were elected to
6956-525: The other two leagues, as part of a reorganization of the Triple-A level in 1997. The International League features teams from the Atlantic coast and midwestern U.S., while the Pacific Coast League features teams from the Pacific coast and the southwest. Both young players and veterans play for Triple-A teams. Parent clubs often hold players who are on the 40-man roster , but not on the active MLB roster, at
7050-591: The parent clubs' spring training complexes in Arizona and Florida , an off-season autumn league, and one affiliated rookie league in the Dominican Republic . Additionally, four independent leagues are in association with MiLB. As of the 2022 season, the minor league system is divided into four classes: Triple-A (AAA), Double-A (AA), High-A (A+), and Single-A (A). Major League Baseball franchises may also maintain one or two complex-based rookie teams in
7144-608: The rise of television broadcasts of major league sports across broad regions of the country. As part of the 1963 reorganization, Major League clubs increased their commitments to affiliate with minor league teams through Player Development Contracts, outright ownerships, or shared affiliations and co-op arrangements. The minor league system that evolved following the 1963 reorganization remained in place through 2020, categorizing leagues into one of six classes: Triple-A (AAA), Double-A (AA), Class A-Advanced (High A or A+), Class A (Low A), Class A Short Season, and Rookie. Furthermore, Rookie
7238-413: The same font and colors. White pants were worn with red belts and predominately red shoes. Some players wore higher pants paired with red socks with white and navy blue stripes. The home cap was solid red with a white "M" bordered by navy blue on the center. Road uniforms were identical to those worn for home games with only a few exceptions: jerseys and pants were made from gray material, the St. Louis patch
7332-755: The same style jerseys as the team bearing the number 901, which is Memphis' telephone area code . He made his debut in the Redbirds' inaugural 1998 season. Pitchers Catchers Infielders Outfielders Manager Coaches [REDACTED] 7-day injured list * On St. Louis Cardinals 40-man roster ~ Development list # Rehab assignment ∞ Reserve list ‡ Restricted list § Suspended list † Temporarily inactive list Roster updated November 4, 2024 Transactions → More rosters: MiLB • International League → St. Louis Cardinals minor league players Six individuals have won league awards in recognition of their performance while with
7426-561: The second half, placing 17th at 32–42, fifteen-and-a-half games back. Overall, the team went 71–78. Luken Baker won the International League Most Valuable Player Award and Masyn Winn was chosen for the IL Top MLB Prospect Award . In 2024, Memphis tied for seventh place in the first-half with a 38–37 mark, 12 games out of first. They finished in 10th place in the second half at 36–37, eleven-and-a-half games back. Their full season record
7520-484: The team manager include team strategy and leadership on and off the field. Three managers have guided the team to win the Pacific Coast League championship: Gaylen Pitts (2000), Chris Maloney (2009), and Stubby Clapp (2017 and 2018). Clapp also led Memphis to the Triple-A championship in 2018. Maloney is the longest-tenured manager in team history, having managed the team for 717 games from 2007 to 2011. Minor League Baseball Minor League Baseball ( MiLB )
7614-534: The teams in the Florida State League are owned by major league parent clubs and use their spring training complexes. In 2022, the official name of the class became Single-A. Minor leagues with the Rookie classification play a shortened season that traditionally began in mid-June and ended in late August or early September. This lowest level of minor league baseball consists of two US-based leagues,
7708-404: The term minor was seldom used in reference to them, save by the major-market sportswriters. Sports news, like most news generally, often did not travel far in the days before radio and television, so, while the leagues often bristled at the major market writers' descriptions, they viewed themselves as independent sports businesses. Many baseball writers of that time regarded the greatest players of
7802-464: The time it seemed like the PCL would eventually become a third major league. The PCL would revert to Triple-A in 1958, due to increasing television coverage of major league games and in light of the Dodgers and Giants moving to Los Angeles and San Francisco , respectively. A significant reorganization of the minor leagues took place in 1963, caused by the contraction of clubs and leagues during
7896-439: The top prospects associated with each of the six MLB divisions. This classification currently includes two affiliated leagues: the 20-team International League and the 10-team Pacific Coast League , known as Triple-A East and Triple-A West, respectively, for the 2021 season. For most of the 20th century, Triple-A also included the American Association , based in the Midwest, but that league disbanded with its clubs absorbed by
7990-477: The winner. Memphis placed 12th in the league standings. However, 10 games that had been postponed from the start of the season were reinserted into the schedule as a postseason tournament called the Triple-A Final Stretch in which all 30 Triple-A clubs competed for the highest winning percentage. Memphis finished the tournament tied for 13th place with a 4–4 record. Prior to the 2022 season,
8084-485: Was absent from the sleeve, and the cap was navy blue with a red button and a red "M" with white border. All Memphis Redbirds games are televised live on MiLB.TV . Jack Keffer is the team's lead broadcaster. Steve Selby was the voice of the Redbirds from 2000 until before the 2021 season, when he retired. Evan Stockton followed Selby as the lead broadcaster in 2021. Past broadcast commentators have included Tom Stocker, David Kelly, Charlie Lea, and Reggie Williams. Since 2018,
8178-525: Was an even 74–74. Memphis' chief rivals have been those based in Nashville . Located approximately 200 miles (320 km) to the northeast and connected to Memphis by Interstate 40 , Nashville has fielded several teams which have competed in the same leagues as Memphis' teams since the late 19th century. The Redbirds entered the rivalry when they joined the Pacific Coast League in 1998. The teams have been division rivals ever since. In 2009, Memphis clinched
8272-410: Was created. The Pacific Coast League (PCL), which had been rated Triple-A since 1946, was the only minor league to obtain this classification, which it held through 1957. At this time, the major leagues only extended as far west as St. Louis, Missouri , and as far south as Washington, D.C. This classification severely restricted the rights of the major leagues to draft players out of the PCL, and at
8366-454: Was displayed on the front left below the Memphis wordmark in red block characters bordered by navy blue. The upper left sleeve had a circular navy blue patch with the St. Louis Cardinals' overlapping "STL" logo on the center in red letters bordered by white. The player's last name was sewn on the back in red block characters surrounded by navy blue, and his number was displayed below his name in
8460-672: Was formed in 1901 as a charter member of the Southern Association . From 1909 to 1911, this club was called the Turtles before receiving its best-known moniker, the Chickasaws , often shortened to Chicks, in 1912. The original Chicks remained in the league through 1960, winning eight pennants, one playoff championship , and one Dixie Series title. Russwood Park , their home ballpark, was destroyed by fire in April 1960. With
8554-422: Was founded in 1901, classifications were redefined: † Draft fee set an amount for a team in a higher class to select a player; n/a for Class A as it would be up to each team to negotiate with an interested major league club. ‡ Protection fee reserved a player to a team, even after a contract expired, preventing the player for seeking employment with any other team. All minor leagues were classified, and had
8648-519: Was further informally subdivided into Rookie Advanced, complex-based Rookie, and international summer baseball. There have also been some failed start-up leagues. During the 1970s, three official minor leagues (members of NAPBL) attempted unsuccessfully to revive unaffiliated baseball (teams not associated with specific MLB franchises) within the organized baseball structure. These were the Class A Gulf States League (1976) and Lone Star League (1977), and
8742-423: Was later downsized in 2015 to the current seating capacity of 10,000 people. The reduced seating due to $ 6 million in renovations allowed for picnic tables, seating in grassy areas, and the elimination of the popular left field bluff seating. It was constructed in downtown Memphis at a cost of $ 80.5 million. It was built to Major League Baseball standards, but with the absence of outfield seats or food vendors far down
8836-846: Was the Memphis Reds of the League Alliance in 1877. A different Reds team was created as a charter member of the original Southern League in 1885. The city's Southern League team was known as the Grays in 1886 and 1888, the Browns in 1887, simply Memphis in 1889, the Giants in 1892 and 1894, the Fever Germs in 1893, and the Lambs/Giants in 1895. The city's longest-operating baseball team, first known as Memphis Egyptians ,
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