The
Akron Aeros are a
minor league baseballMinor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in North America that compete at levels below that of Major League Baseball. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses, and many are members of Minor League Baseball, an umbrella organization for leagues...
team based in
Akron, OhioAkron is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. In 2008, its population was estimated to be 207,510. The municipality is located in northeastern Ohio on the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland to the north and Canton to the south, approximately 60 miles west of...
, USA. The team, which plays in the
Eastern LeagueThe Eastern League is a minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio since 1989. The Eastern League has played at the AA level since 1963. The league was founded in 1923 as the New York-Pennsylvania League...
, is the Double-A affiliate of the
Cleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field . The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. The Aeros play in
Canal ParkCanal Park is a baseball stadium located in Akron, Ohio, United States, that is the home of the Akron Aeros of the Eastern League. The team is a double-A minor-league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The stadium was designed by HOK Sport, the same architectural firm that designed Jacobs Field ,...
, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans.
The nickname "Aeros" refers to Ohio's history of
aerospaceAerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
research including being the home state of the
Wright BrothersThe Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur , were two Americans who are generally credited with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903...
and
astronautAn astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
Neil ArmstrongNeil Alden Armstrong is an American aviator and a former astronaut, test pilot, university professor, and United States Naval Aviator. He was the first person to set foot on the Moon. His first spaceflight was aboard Gemini 8 in 1966, for which he was the command pilot...
. Akron is also home to the
Goodyear Tire and Rubber CompanyThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was founded in 1898 by Frank Seiberling. Today it is the third largest tire company in the world after Bridgestone and Michelin...
.
The Aeros are managed by
Mike SarbaughMichael "Mike" Sarbaugh is a former minor league baseball player, and is currently a minor league manager for the Akron Aeros , the AA farm team of the Cleveland Indians. After attending Lamar University, where he was an all conference shortstop and earned a degree in kinesiology, Sarbaugh played...
.
The franchise began play in 1980 in
Lynn, MassachusettsLynn is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 89,050 at the 2000 census. An older industrial center, Lynn is home to Lynn Beach and Lynn Heritage State Park. Currently, Edward "Chip" Clancy, Jr. is serving his second term as Mayor.-History:The area known as Lynn...
, where it was named the
Lynn SailorsThe Lynn Sailors were a class AA American minor league baseball team affiliated with the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates. They were a member of the Eastern League and played at Fraser Field in Lynn, Massachusetts from 1980-1983....
.
The
Akron Aeros are a
minor league baseballMinor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in North America that compete at levels below that of Major League Baseball. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses, and many are members of Minor League Baseball, an umbrella organization for leagues...
team based in
Akron, OhioAkron is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. In 2008, its population was estimated to be 207,510. The municipality is located in northeastern Ohio on the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland to the north and Canton to the south, approximately 60 miles west of...
, USA. The team, which plays in the
Eastern LeagueThe Eastern League is a minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio since 1989. The Eastern League has played at the AA level since 1963. The league was founded in 1923 as the New York-Pennsylvania League...
, is the Double-A affiliate of the
Cleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field . The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. The Aeros play in
Canal ParkCanal Park is a baseball stadium located in Akron, Ohio, United States, that is the home of the Akron Aeros of the Eastern League. The team is a double-A minor-league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The stadium was designed by HOK Sport, the same architectural firm that designed Jacobs Field ,...
, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans.
The nickname "Aeros" refers to Ohio's history of
aerospaceAerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
research including being the home state of the
Wright BrothersThe Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur , were two Americans who are generally credited with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903...
and
astronautAn astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
Neil ArmstrongNeil Alden Armstrong is an American aviator and a former astronaut, test pilot, university professor, and United States Naval Aviator. He was the first person to set foot on the Moon. His first spaceflight was aboard Gemini 8 in 1966, for which he was the command pilot...
. Akron is also home to the
Goodyear Tire and Rubber CompanyThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was founded in 1898 by Frank Seiberling. Today it is the third largest tire company in the world after Bridgestone and Michelin...
.
The Aeros are managed by
Mike SarbaughMichael "Mike" Sarbaugh is a former minor league baseball player, and is currently a minor league manager for the Akron Aeros , the AA farm team of the Cleveland Indians. After attending Lamar University, where he was an all conference shortstop and earned a degree in kinesiology, Sarbaugh played...
.
1980–1988
The franchise began play in 1980 in
Lynn, MassachusettsLynn is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 89,050 at the 2000 census. An older industrial center, Lynn is home to Lynn Beach and Lynn Heritage State Park. Currently, Edward "Chip" Clancy, Jr. is serving his second term as Mayor.-History:The area known as Lynn...
, where it was named the
Lynn SailorsThe Lynn Sailors were a class AA American minor league baseball team affiliated with the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates. They were a member of the Eastern League and played at Fraser Field in Lynn, Massachusetts from 1980-1983....
. The team served as the Double-A affiliate of the
Seattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League...
from 1980 to 1982 and the Double-A affiliate of the
Pittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions, in addition to the distinction of playing in the first modern World Series. The Pirates are also often...
in 1983. After four seasons in Massachusetts, owner Mike Agganis moved the team northward to
Burlington, VermontBurlington is the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont and the shire town of Chittenden County. With a population of 38,889 at the 2000 census, the city is the core of one of the nation's smaller metropolitan areas, and is also the smallest U.S. city to be the largest city in its state...
. From 1984 through 1987, the franchise was known as the
Vermont RedsThe Vermont Reds are a defunct minor league baseball team. They played in the Eastern League at Centennial Field in Burlington, Vermont from 1984 to 1987...
and were the Double-A affiliate of the
Cincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. They are members of the Central Division of the National League....
. In 1988, they became the
Vermont MarinersThe Vermont Mariners are a defunct minor league baseball team. They played in the Eastern League at Centennial Field in Burlington, Vermont in 1988...
for one year when the
Seattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League...
picked up the franchise to serve as its Double-A affiliate. During their stint in Vermont, the franchise made the playoffs every year, and won three straight Eastern League titles from 1984 to 1986.
1989–1996
In 1989, the team moved to
Canton, OhioCanton is the county seat of Stark County in northeastern Ohio, approximately south of Akron and south of Cleveland.Founded in 1805 on the West and Middle Branches of the Nimishillen Creek, Canton became a manufacturing center because of its numerous railroad lines...
, becoming the
Cleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field . The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
' Double-A affiliate, and played eight seasons at
Thurman Munson Memorial StadiumThurman Munson Memorial Stadium is a stadium in primarily used for baseball. The facility is named after former Major League Baseball player Thurman Munson, who grew up in Canton...
as the
Canton-Akron IndiansThe Canton-Akron Indians are a defunct minor league baseball team. They played in the Eastern League at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium in Canton, Ohio from 1989 to 1996...
, one of many entities (another example is the
Akron-Canton Regional AirportAkron-Canton International Airport is a commercial Class C airport located in the city of Green, in southern Summit County, Ohio roughly southeast of Akron, Ohio, roughly northwest of Canton, Ohio, and roughly south of Cleveland, Ohio...
) to use the names of both cities. The "Little Indians" made another five straight playoff appearances from 1989 to 1993, and won the regular-season title in 1992. However, they were never successful at bringing home a league championship trophy.
The franchise did not advance to the postseason in 1994. This snapped a 12-year streak of postseason play from 1982 to 1993.
On November 22, 1994, Agganis signed a lease agreement with the
city of AkronAkron is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. In 2008, its population was estimated to be 207,510. The municipality is located in northeastern Ohio on the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland to the north and Canton to the south, approximately 60 miles west of...
to move the club to that city. It took another two years to build the new
Canal ParkCanal Park is a baseball stadium located in Akron, Ohio, United States, that is the home of the Akron Aeros of the Eastern League. The team is a double-A minor-league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The stadium was designed by HOK Sport, the same architectural firm that designed Jacobs Field ,...
, which included selection of architects, land acquisition, and demolition of the Anthony Wayne Hotel which had stood on the new stadium site. Groundbreaking was held on January 5, 1996, and the stadium was completed in February 1997. Meantime, the new "Aeros" nickname had been chosen in November 1996 over the other choices, "Spirit" and "Quest," and replacing a prior working nickname, the "Akron Blast." "Blast" had been chosen in honor of Akron-born astronaut
Judith ResnikJudith Arlene Resnik was an American engineer and a NASA astronaut who died in the destruction of the Space Shuttle Challenger during the launch of mission STS-51-L.-Life:...
(who died in the
Space Shuttle Challenger disasterThe Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, leading to the deaths of its seven crew members. The spacecraft disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of central Florida, United States, at 11:39...
), but changed when many misinterpreted it.
1997–Present
Opening DayOpening Day is warmly regarded in North American tradition as the beginning of a new Major League Baseball season. It falls annually around the beginning of April, signaling such a generational feeling of rebirth for some that the writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book titled, Why Time Begins On...
on April 10, 1997 marked the
debut of the Akron AerosThe Akron Aeros season was the franchise's eighteenth year of play and first in the city of Akron. The team finished the regular season in fifth place of the Southern Division with a record of 51 wins and 90 losses.-Season standings:...
. With 9,086 fans in attendance, the Aeros and Harrisburg Senators played the first game at Canal Park. The Aeros went on to finish the season with a record of 51-90. Despite the last place record, the team drew a Double-A-leading 473,272 fans to Canal Park that season.
In the 1998 season, the Aeros put together a 30-game "worst-to-first" turnaround; after finishing the prior year 34½ games back, they proceeded to win the Southern Division that season by 8½ games. However, after losing in the playoffs that year, it would be three more years until the Aeros found their way back to the posteason.
On September 6, 1999, the Aeros set an Eastern League attendance record for third straight season and once again led all Double-A teams after 522,459 fans attended Canal Park in 1999.
In 2002, the team posted a 93-48 record, the third-highest win total in the Eastern League in 50 years. They built on that success and finally won two league championships (their first since moving to Ohio) in 2003 and 2005. In 2006 the Aeros again posted the best regular-season record in the league, but lost the playoff title to
PortlandThe Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
after taking the series to a deciding fifth game.
From 2005 to 2008, the Aeros advanced to the Eastern League Championship Series. Although the Aeros won the ELCS in 2005, they were defeated in three consecutive trips from 2006 to 2008.
In 2009, the Aeros again advanced to the league championship and defeated the
Connecticut DefendersThe Connecticut Defenders were a minor league baseball team based in Norwich, Connecticut. The team, which played in the Eastern League, was the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to Richmond,...
(three games to one) capping a 95-win season and their third title in the last seven years. Jared Head was named the playoff MVP.
In their first three seasons in Canal Park, the Aeros led all of Double-A in attendance, becoming the first team at that level to draw a half-million fans in a single season. In recent seasons however, attendance at Canal Park has dipped to the middle of the pack among the 12 Eastern League teams.
Season-by-season results
Lynn Sailors (1980–1983)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Seattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League...
(1980–1982) and Pittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions, in addition to the distinction of playing in the first modern World Series. The Pirates are also often...
(1983)
- 1980 Lynn Sailors season
The Lynn Sailors season was the franchise's first year of play. An affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, the team finished its inaugural season in third place of the Northern division of the Eastern League with a record of 66 wins and 71 losses....
: 66-71 (6th), manager Bobby FloydRobert Nathan Floyd is an American former Major League Baseball player. An infielder, Floyd played for the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals....
- 1981 Lynn Sailors season
The Lynn Sailors season was the franchise's second year of play. An affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, the team finished the regular season in third place of the Northern division of the Eastern League with a record of 62 wins and 76 losses....
: 62-76 (6th), manager Bobby Floyd
- 1982 Lynn Sailors season
The Lynn Sailors season was the franchise's third year of play. An affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, the team finished the regular season in first place of the Northern division of the Eastern League with a record of 82 wins and 57 losses....
: 82-57 (2nd), manager Allen BowersAllen LeGrant Bowers is a former minor league baseball player and manager. Bowers played in Philadelphia Phillies organization from 1968 to 1970....
• Defeated Glens FallsThe Glens Falls White Sox were an American minor league baseball team from Glens Falls, New York that played in the Eastern League from 1980 until 1984. The tean was founded in 1980 as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. In 1985, the team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers and...
2-0 in first round of playoffs; lost to West Haven 3-0 in ELCS
- 1983 Lynn Sailors season
The Lynn Sailors season was the franchise's fourth year of play. A first-year affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team finished the regular season in second place of the Eastern League with a record of 77 wins and 62 losses.-Season standings:...
: 77-62 (2nd), manager Tommy SandtThomas James Sandt is a former Major League Baseball player and minor league manager.An infielder, Sandt played for the Oakland Athletics in and ....
• Defeated BuffaloThe Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York which plays in the International League . They are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
2-0 in first round of playoffs; lost to New BritainThe New Britain Rock Cats are a minor league baseball team based in New Britain, Connecticut. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins major-league club...
3-1 in ELCS
Vermont Reds (1984–1987)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. They are members of the Central Division of the National League....
- 1984 Vermont Reds season
The Vermont Reds season was the franchise's fifth year of play. A first year affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the team finished its regular season in fourth place of the Eastern League with a record of 75 wins and 65 losses and went on to win the 1984 Eastern League Championship...
: 75-65 (4th), manager Jack LindJackson Hugh Lind is a retired Major League Baseball shortstop, first baseman, second baseman, and third baseman. He played during two seasons at the major league level for the Milwaukee Brewers, as well as one season in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants...
• Defeated Albany-Colonie 3-0 in first round of playoffs; defeated Waterbury 3-2 in ELCS
- 1985 Vermont Reds season
The Vermont Reds season was the franchise's sixth year of play. An affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the team finished its regular season in fourth place of the Eastern League with a record of 71 wins and 67 losses and went on to win the Eastern League Championship for the second consecutive...
: 71-67 (4th), manager Jack Lind • Defeated Albany-Colonie 3-1 in first round of playoffs; defeated New BritainThe New Britain Rock Cats are a minor league baseball team based in New Britain, Connecticut. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins major-league club...
3-1 in ELCS
- 1986 Vermont Reds season
The Vermont Reds season was the franchise's seventh year of play. An affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the team finished its season in second place of the Eastern League with a record of 77 wins and 62 losses and went on to win the Eastern League Championship for the third consecutive...
: 77-62 (2nd), manager Jay WardJohn Francis "Jay" Ward is a former Major League Baseball player and minor league manager....
• Defeated PittsfieldThe Pittsfield Cubs, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, were a minor league baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1985 to 1988...
3-2 in first round of playoffs; defeated ReadingThe Reading Phillies are a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing in the Southern Division of the Eastern League. Since the 1967 season, they have been the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies...
3-2 in ELCS
- 1987 Vermont Reds season
The Vermont Reds season was the franchise's eighth year of play. An affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the team finished its season in fourth place of the Eastern League with a record of 73 wins and 67 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players:...
: 73-67 (4th), manager Tom RunnellsThomas William Runnells is the Bench Coach of the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball, and a former infielder, coach and manager in American Major League Baseball.-Biography:...
• Defeated PittsfieldThe Pittsfield Cubs, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, were a minor league baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1985 to 1988...
3-1 in first round of playoffs; lost to HarrisburgThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Senators play in Metro Bank Park, located on City Island in Harrisburg; originally opened in 1987 as...
3-1 in ELCS
Vermont Mariners (1988)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Seattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League...
- 1988 Vermont Mariners season
The Vermont Mariners season was the franchise's ninth year of play. An affiliate of the Seattle Mariners for the first time since 1982 when the franchise was known as the Lynn Sailors, the Vermont Mariners finished the season in second place of the Eastern League with a record of 79 wins and 60...
: 79-60 (2nd), manager Rich MoralesRichard Angelo Morales was an infielder who played from 1967-1974. He played for the Chicago White Sox until early in the 1973 season; most of '73 and all of 1974 were spent with the San Diego Padres. Morales played 480 games, starting 294...
• Defeated PittsfieldThe Pittsfield Cubs, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, were a minor league baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1985 to 1988...
3-1 in first round of playoffs; lost to Albany-Colonie 3-1 in ELCS
Canton-Akron Indians (1989–1996)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field . The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
- 1989 Canton-Akron Indians season
The Canton-Akron Indians season was the franchise's tenth year of play and the first of eight years in the city of Canton, Ohio. It was also the franchise's first year as an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians...
: 70-69 (3rd), manager Bob MolinaroRobert Joseph Molinaro , was a professional baseball player who played outfielder in the minor and major leagues in a career that lasted eighteen years.Now, this is a story all about how...
• Lost to HarrisburgThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Senators play in Metro Bank Park, located on City Island in Harrisburg; originally opened in 1987 as...
3-2 in first round of playoffs
- 1990 Canton-Akron Indians season
The Canton-Akron Indians season was the franchise's eleventh year of play. The team finished the regular season in third place of the Eastern League with a record of 76 wins and 64 losses.-Regular season:-Season standings:-Notable players:...
: 76-64 (3rd), manager Ken BolekKen Bolek, is a former minor league baseball coach, major league coach, and minor league manager, and is currently an instructor for The Baseball Academy - a high level training school for elite baseball players from all levels of amateur and professional competition, run by IMG Academies.Bolek...
• Lost to LondonThe London Tigers were a professional 'AA' baseball team that played in the Eastern League from 1989 to 1993. They played at historic Labatt Memorial Park in London, Ontario, and were affiliated with the Detroit Tigers.-History:...
3-2 in first round of playoffs
- 1991 Canton-Akron Indians season
The Canton-Akron Indians season was the franchise's twelfth year of play. The team finished the regular season in fourth place of the Eastern League with a record of 75 wins and 65 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players:...
: 75-65 (4th), manager Ken Bolek • Lost to HarrisburgThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Senators play in Metro Bank Park, located on City Island in Harrisburg; originally opened in 1987 as...
3-1 in first round of playoffs
- 1992 Canton-Akron Indians season
The Canton-Akron Indians season was the franchise's thirteenth year of play. The team finished the regular season in first place of the Eastern League with a record of 80 wins and 58 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players:...
: 80-58 (1st), manager Brian GrahamFor the Scottish footballer, see Brian Graham Brian Graham is a former minor league baseball player, coach and manager and major league coach for the Cleveland Indians...
• Defeated Albany-Colonie 3-0 in first round of playoffs; lost to BinghamtonThe Binghamton Mets, are a minor league baseball team based in Binghamton, New York in the United States. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets major-league club...
3-2 in ELCS
- 1993 Canton-Akron Indians season
The Canton-Akron Indians season was the franchise's fourteenth year of play. The team finished the regular season in second place of the Eastern League with a record of 75 wins and 63 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players:...
: 75-63 (2nd), manager Brian Graham • Defeated BowieThe Bowie Baysox are a minor league baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League...
3-2 in first round of playoffs; lost to HarrisburgThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Senators play in Metro Bank Park, located on City Island in Harrisburg; originally opened in 1987 as...
, 3-2 in ELCS
- 1994 Canton-Akron Indians season
The Canton-Akron Indians season was the franchise's fifteenth year of play. The team finished the regular season in third place of the Southern Division with a record of 69 wins and 73 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players:...
: 69-73 (6th), manager Ted KubiakTheodore Rodger Kubiak is a former switch-hitting infielder for the Kansas City Athletics, the Oakland Athletics, the Milwaukee Brewers, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Texas Rangers, and the San Diego Padres...
- 1995 Canton-Akron Indians season
The Canton-Akron Indians season was the franchise's sixteenth year of play. The team finished the regular season in fourth place of the Southern Division with a record of 67 wins and 75 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players:...
: 67-75 (5th), manager Ted Kubiak
- 1996 Canton-Akron Indians season
The Canton-Akron Indians season was the franchise's seventeenth year of play. It was also the franchise's final year in the city of Canton, Ohio. The team finished the regular season in third place of the Southern Division with a record of 71 wins and 71 losses...
: 71-71 (3rd), manager Jeff DatzJeffrey William Datz is an American former Major League Baseball player and current bench coach for the Cleveland Indians...
Akron Aeros (1997–)
Eastern League • Double-A affiliate of Cleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field . The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
- 1997 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's eighteenth year of play and first in the city of Akron. The team finished the regular season in fifth place of the Southern Division with a record of 51 wins and 90 losses.-Season standings:...
: 51-90 (5th), manager Jeff Datz
- 1998 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's nineteenth year of play. The team finished the regular season in first place of the Southern Division with a record of 81 wins and 60 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players:
...
: 81-60 (1st), manager Joel SkinnerJoel Patrick Skinner is a former catcher in Major League Baseball and is a former third base coach of the Cleveland Indians. Skinner was dismissed effective with the end of the 2009 season on September 30, 2009...
• Lost to HarrisburgThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Senators play in Metro Bank Park, located on City Island in Harrisburg; originally opened in 1987 as...
3-1 in first round of playoffs
- 1999 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's twentieth year of play. The team finished the regular season with a record of 69 wins and 71 losses...
: 69-71 (5th), manager Joel Skinner
- 2000 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's twenty-first year of play. The team finished the regular season with a record of 75 wins and 68 losses...
: 75-68 (3rd), manager Eric WedgeEric Michael Wedge is the former manager of the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball's American League Central Division. Wedge and his staff will be fired at the end of the 2009 season. He attended Northrop High School in Fort Wayne and played on the school's state champion baseball team...
- 2001 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's twenty-second year of play. The team finished the regular season with a record of 64 wins and 78 losses...
: 68-74 (3rd), manager Chris BandoChristopher Michael Bando was a catcher in Major League Baseball in the 1980s, spending much of his career with the Cleveland Indians before also playing for the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics. He was formerly the manager of the South Coast League's Aiken Foxhounds....
- 2002 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's twenty-third year of play. The team finished the regular season in first place with a record of 93 wins and 48 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players: *Milton Bradley...
: 93-48 (1st), manager Brad KomminskBrad Komminsk , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as an outfielder from 1983-1987 and 1989-1991. Despite a sterling record in the minor leagues, he never played well in the majors...
• Lost to HarrisburgThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Senators play in Metro Bank Park, located on City Island in Harrisburg; originally opened in 1987 as...
3-2 in first round of playoffs
- 2003 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros 2003 season was the franchise's twenty-fourth year of play. The team finished the regular season in first place with a record of 88 wins and 53 losses and went on to win the 2003 Eastern League Championship.-Season standings:...
: 88-53 (1st), manager Brad Komminsk • Defeated AltoonaThe Altoona Curve are a minor league baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, named after nearby Horseshoe Curve . The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club...
3-1 in first round of playoffs; defeated New HavenThe New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a minor league baseball team based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays major-league club....
3-0 in ELCS
- 2004 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's twenty-fifth year of play. The team finished the regular season in fifth place with a record of 63 wins and 78 losses and did not qualify for the 2004 Eastern League Playoffs.-Season standings:...
: 63-78 (5th), manager Brad Komminsk
- 2005 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's twenty-sixth year of play. The team finished the regular season in first place with a record of 84 wins and 58 losses and went on to win the 2005 Eastern League Championship.-Regular season:...
: 84-58 (1st), manager Torey LovulloSalvatore Anthony Lovullo was a Major League Baseball infielder and current manager of the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. He is an alumnus of the University of California, Los Angeles...
• Defeated AltoonaThe Altoona Curve are a minor league baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, named after nearby Horseshoe Curve . The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club...
3-2 in first round of playoffs; defeated PortlandThe Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
3-1 in ELCS
- 2006 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's twenty-seventh year of play. The team finished the regular season in first place with a record of 87 wins and 55 losses.-Regular season:-Season standings:-Notable players: ...
: 87-55 (1st), manager Tim BogarTimothy Paul Bogar is a former Major League Baseball infielder. Currently, Bogar is the first base coach for the Boston Red Sox.-Playing career:...
• Defeated AltoonaThe Altoona Curve are a minor league baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, named after nearby Horseshoe Curve . The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club...
3-2 in first round of playoffs; lost to PortlandThe Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
3-2 in ELCS
- 2007 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros season was the franchise's twenty-eighth year of play. The team finished the regular season in second place of the Southern Division with a record of 80 wins and 61 losses.-Season standings:-Notable players:-Playoffs:...
: 80-61 (2nd), manager Tim Bogar • Defeated ErieThe Erie SeaWolves are a minor league baseball team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball club....
3-1 in first round of playoffs; lost to TrentonThe Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
3-1 in ELCS
- 2008 Akron Aeros season
The 2008 Akron Aeros season was the 12th season for the franchise in Akron, Ohio, and the 29th overall in the Eastern League.- Spring Training :...
: 80-62 (2nd), manager Mike SarbaughMichael "Mike" Sarbaugh is a former minor league baseball player, and is currently a minor league manager for the Akron Aeros , the AA farm team of the Cleveland Indians. After attending Lamar University, where he was an all conference shortstop and earned a degree in kinesiology, Sarbaugh played...
• Defeated BowieThe Bowie Baysox are a minor league baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League...
3-1 in first round of playoffs; lost to TrentonThe Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
3-1 in ELCS
- 2009 Akron Aeros season
The Akron Aeros baseball season was the franchise's thirtieth year of play.The Aeros began the season at home in Canal Park with a 9-5 victory against the Bowie Baysox on April 8 and ended the season in Canal Park on September 19 with a 10-6 victory against the Connecticut Defenders in Game 4 of...
: 89-53 (1st), manager Mike Sarbaugh • Defeated ReadingThe Reading Phillies are a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing in the Southern Division of the Eastern League. Since the 1967 season, they have been the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies...
3-0 in first round of playoffs; defeated ConnecticutThe Connecticut Defenders were a minor league baseball team based in Norwich, Connecticut. The team, which played in the Eastern League, was the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to Richmond,...
3-1 in ELCS
Note: Place indicates finish in Eastern League's Northern Division from 1980 to 1982; in divisionless Eastern League from 1983 to 1993; in Eastern League's Southern Division from 1994 to present
Attendance
| Season |
Total attendance |
League rank |
Total Aeros openings |
Average attendance per Aeros opening
|
Average attendance per Eastern League opening
(not including Aeros openings) |
| 1997 |
473,232 |
1st |
71 (approx.) |
6,665 |
4,260 |
| 1998 |
521,122 |
1st |
71 (approx.) |
7,340 |
4,334 |
| 1999 |
522,459 |
1st |
71 (approx.) |
7,359 |
4,954 |
| 2000 |
481,060 |
1st |
71 (approx.) |
6,775 |
4,147 |
| 2001 |
485,582 |
1st |
71 (approx.) |
6,839 |
4,294 |
| 2002 |
400,187 |
3rd |
71 (approx.) |
5,636 |
4,284 |
| 2003 |
445,603 |
2nd |
71 (approx.) |
6,276 |
4,128 |
| 2004 |
478,611 |
1st |
71 (approx.) |
6,741 |
4,399 |
| 2005 |
455,056 |
2nd |
71 (approx.) |
6,409 |
4,468 |
| 2006 |
412,995 |
3rd |
71 (approx.) |
5,817 |
4,353 |
| 2007 |
355,376 |
6th |
64 |
5,553 |
4,831 |
| 2008 |
342,816 |
7th |
67 |
5,117 |
4,570 |
Notable alumni
- Pitcher Danys Baez
Danys Báez González is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. Báez has previously played for the Cleveland Indians , Tampa Bay Devil Rays , Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves...
(2000, 01)
- Outfielder Albert Belle
Albert Jojuan Belle is a former American Major League Baseball outfielder for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles...
(1989, 90)
- First baseman Sean Casey
Sean Thomas Casey , nicknamed "the Mayor," is a former Major League Baseball first baseman for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox. He is currently a broadcaster for Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:Casey attended Upper St...
(1997)
- Outfielder Ryan Church (2002, 03)
- Pitcher Bartolo Colón
Bartolo Colón is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who is currently a free agent. He won the American League Cy Young Award with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in .-Early life:...
(1996)
- Outfield Brian Giles
Brian Stephen Giles is an American Major League Baseball right fielder who currently plays for the San Diego Padres...
(1992, 93)
- Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff
Kevin Kouzmanoff , known as "Kooooz","The Crushin' Russian" , is a Major League Baseball third baseman with the San Diego Padres....
(2006)
- Catcher Víctor Martínez (2002, 03)
- Pitcher Charles Nagy
Charles Harrison Nagy is a former Major League Baseball all-star right-handed pitcher. He played for 14 seasons in the major leagues, from to . His father's family is Hungarian...
(1989, 90, 93, 2000)
- Shortstop Jhonny Peralta
Jhonny Antonio Peralta is a baseball player who is currently the starting third baseman for the Cleveland Indians. He signed with the Indians in as an undrafted free agent.-Biography:...
(2002)
- Outfielder Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Aristides Ramírez Onelcida is a Dominican-American Major League Baseball left fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A nine-time Silver Slugger, and one of 25 people to have hit over 500 career home runs, he is well recognized for his strong offensive abilities...
(1993, 2000)
- Pitcher C. C. Sabathia (2000, 05)
- Infielder Marco Scutaro
Marcos Hernandez "Marco" Scutaro is a Major League Baseball infielder who plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. Previously, Scutaro played with the New York Mets and the Oakland Athletics...
(1998)
- First baseman Richie Sexson
Richmond Lockwood "Richie" Sexson is an American first baseman. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, he is the tallest position player in the history of Major League Baseball.-High school career:...
(1996)
- Center fielder Grady Sizemore
Grady Sizemore III is a Major League Baseball center fielder who currently plays for the Cleveland Indians. A fan favorite in Cleveland, Sizemore was acquired from the Montreal Expos in along with Brandon Phillips, Cliff Lee, and Lee Stevens in exchange for Bartolo Colón and Tim Drew...
(2003)
- Pitcher Julián Tavárez
Julián Tavárez Carmen is a Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent.-Minor leagues:...
(1993)
- First baseman Jim Thome
James Howard "Jim" Thome is a Major League Baseball First Baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers.-Cleveland Indians:...
(1991, 92)
- Pitcher Jaret Wright
Jaret Samuel Wright is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. He is the son of former major league pitcher Clyde Wright. He attended Katella High School....
(1997, 99, 2000, 01)
Main
Baseball Cube
- Lynn Sailors; Alumni list; Seasons: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983
- Vermont Reds; Alumni list; Seasons: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
- Vermont Mariners; Alumni list; Seasons: 1988
- Canton-Akron Indians; Alumni list; Seasons: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
- Akron Aeros; Alumni list; Seasons: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Baseball Reference
- Canton-Akron Indians seasons: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
- Akron Aeros seasons: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
BR Bullpen
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