Abilene Prairie Dogs
Encyclopedia
The Abilene Prairie Dogs (Abilene, Texas
) were a minor-league baseball team in the former Texas-Louisiana League. Beginning in 1995, the Prairie Dogs, (or Dogs, as the fans commonly called them), began play at Abilene Christian University
's Crutcher Scott Field
. Under the management of Charlie Kerfeld
, the Prairie Dogs accumulated a dismal 40-60 record, earning them the last place in their League. 1996 brought a new manager, Phil Stephenson
, who led the Dogs to a League Championship with a 67-31 record. In 1997, the Dogs returned to last place standing (36-52) under the management of Barry Jones
. Jones rallied the Dogs in 1998, to take a fourth place position with a 39-45 record for the year. In 1999, Jones moved on to the Ozark Mountain Ducks, and was replaced by Dan Madsen, who took the Dogs to a 46-38 third place League standing in their final year of play.
The franchise was plagued by low home-field attendance numbers after 1996. Most fans declined to attend games at Crutcher Scott Field
, because of Abilene Christian University
's smoke-free, alcohol-free policies.
Abilene, Texas
Abilene is a city in Taylor and Jones counties in west central Texas. The population was 117,063 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Abilene Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2006 estimated population of 158,063. It is the county seat of Taylor County...
) were a minor-league baseball team in the former Texas-Louisiana League. Beginning in 1995, the Prairie Dogs, (or Dogs, as the fans commonly called them), began play at Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University is a private university located in Abilene, Texas, affiliated with Churches of Christ. ACU was founded in 1906, as Childers Classical Institute...
's Crutcher Scott Field
Crutcher Scott Field
Crutcher Scott Field is a 4,500 seat baseball stadium located in Abilene, Texas. It hosted the Abilene Prairie Dogs from 1995 to 1998 and is the current home of the Abilene Christian University college baseball team. Located on the campus of Abilene Christian University, its seating is entirely...
. Under the management of Charlie Kerfeld
Charlie Kerfeld
Charles Patrick "Charlie" Kerfeld is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Almost all of his career was spent with the Houston Astros.-Career:...
, the Prairie Dogs accumulated a dismal 40-60 record, earning them the last place in their League. 1996 brought a new manager, Phil Stephenson
Phil Stephenson
Phillip Raymond Stephenson is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played all or part of four seasons in the majors, from until .- Amateur career :...
, who led the Dogs to a League Championship with a 67-31 record. In 1997, the Dogs returned to last place standing (36-52) under the management of Barry Jones
Barry Jones
Barry Jones may refer to:*Barry Jones, Baron Jones , British politician*Barry Jones , member of the ALP*Barry Jones , British-born actor...
. Jones rallied the Dogs in 1998, to take a fourth place position with a 39-45 record for the year. In 1999, Jones moved on to the Ozark Mountain Ducks, and was replaced by Dan Madsen, who took the Dogs to a 46-38 third place League standing in their final year of play.
The franchise was plagued by low home-field attendance numbers after 1996. Most fans declined to attend games at Crutcher Scott Field
Crutcher Scott Field
Crutcher Scott Field is a 4,500 seat baseball stadium located in Abilene, Texas. It hosted the Abilene Prairie Dogs from 1995 to 1998 and is the current home of the Abilene Christian University college baseball team. Located on the campus of Abilene Christian University, its seating is entirely...
, because of Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University is a private university located in Abilene, Texas, affiliated with Churches of Christ. ACU was founded in 1906, as Childers Classical Institute...
's smoke-free, alcohol-free policies.