Southern Association
Encyclopedia
The Southern Association was a higher-level minor league
in American
organized baseball
from 1901 through 1961. For most of its existence, the Southern Association was two steps below the Major Leagues
; it was graded Class A (1902–1935), Class A1 (1936–1945) and Class AA (1946–1961). Although the SA was known as the Southern League through 1919, today's Class AA Southern League
is not descended from the Southern Association; the modern SL came into existence in 1964 as the successor to the original South Atlantic ("Sally") League.
A stable, eight-team loop, the Southern Association's member teams typically included the Atlanta Crackers
, Birmingham Barons
, Chattanooga Lookouts
, Little Rock Travelers
, Memphis Chicks
, Nashville Vols
, and New Orleans Pelicans
. Either the Knoxville Smokies, Mobile Bears
, or Shreveport Sports
typically comprised the eighth club.
After Jackie Robinson
broke the color barrier
in 1946
with the Montreal Royals
of the International League
, the Southern Association adhered to the Jim Crow
segregation laws of the time and never permitted an African-American to play in the circuit. As a result, its Major-League parent clubs were forced to field all-white teams during the 1950s, a period when African-Americans and Latin-American players of African descent were beginning to dominate baseball. By the end of the 1950s, the SA also was boycotted by civil rights leaders
. The Association finally ceased operation after the 1961 season, still a bastion of segregation.
Member cities slowly began to join remaining leagues. The Atlanta club moved up to the AAA International League
in 1962, with Little Rock following suit (as the renamed Arkansas Travelers
) in 1963. Macon, a longtime member of the Sally League, returned to that circuit in 1962. After a one-year hiatus, Nashville and Chattanooga joined the Sally League in 1963; Birmingham and Mobile would field teams in the Southern League, and Memphis and Shreveport would enter the Texas League
(and Arkansas/Little Rock would settle there), later during the 1960s.
captured the most league championships, with 15 titles over the Association's 61 years of existence — dominating the league with six straight championships from 1939-44. The Atlanta Crackers
, termed by some the "New York Yankees
of the minors," won the SA crown 13 times, and almost annually finished near the top of the standings. The Birmingham Barons
and New Orleans Pelicans
each won ten championships, counting the Pelicans' first-place standing during the war-shortened 1918 season. On the other hand, the Chattanooga Lookouts
, charter members of the SA, won only one title — with that coming during the Southern Association's final, 1961 campaign.
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
in American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
organized baseball
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
from 1901 through 1961. For most of its existence, the Southern Association was two steps below the Major Leagues
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
; it was graded Class A (1902–1935), Class A1 (1936–1945) and Class AA (1946–1961). Although the SA was known as the Southern League through 1919, today's Class AA Southern League
Southern League (baseball)
The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
is not descended from the Southern Association; the modern SL came into existence in 1964 as the successor to the original South Atlantic ("Sally") League.
A stable, eight-team loop, the Southern Association's member teams typically included the Atlanta Crackers
Atlanta Crackers
The Atlanta Crackers were minor league baseball teams based in Atlanta, Georgia, between 1901 and 1965. The Crackers were Atlanta's home team until the Atlanta Braves moved from Milwaukee in 1966....
, Birmingham Barons
Birmingham Barons
The Birmingham Barons are a minor league baseball team based in Birmingham, Alabama. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox major-league club....
, Chattanooga Lookouts
Chattanooga Lookouts
The Chattanooga Lookouts are a minor league baseball team based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. They are named for nearby Lookout Mountain. The team, which plays in the Southern League, has been a Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers major-league club since the 2009 season. The Lookouts...
, Little Rock Travelers
Little Rock Travelers
The Little Rock Travelers were an American minor league baseball team located in Little Rock, Arkansas and members of the Southern Association, which as a Class A, A1 or AA circuit was typically two rungs below Major League Baseball...
, Memphis Chicks
Memphis Chicks
The Memphis Chicks were an American minor league baseball team based in Memphis, Tennessee. The Chicks were charter members of the Southern Association from 1901 until November 18, 1960, when the club folded and was transferred to Macon, Georgia for 1961.The Chicks suffered a...
, Nashville Vols
Nashville Vols
The Nashville Vols were a minor league baseball team based in Nashville, Tennessee from 1901 to 1963; the team was inactive in 1962. Known as the Nashville Baseball Club during their first seven seasons, they were officially named the Nashville Volunteers in 1908 for the state's nickname, The...
, and New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans were a Minor league professional baseball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana.-Team history:Founded in 1887, the Pelicans became part of the Southern Association in 1901...
. Either the Knoxville Smokies, Mobile Bears
Mobile Bears
The Mobile Bears were an American minor league baseball team based in Mobile, Alabama. The franchise was a member of the old Southern Association, a high-level circuit that folded after the 1961 season. Mobile joined the SA in 1908 as the Sea Gulls, but changed its name to the Bears in 1918, and...
, or Shreveport Sports
Shreveport Sports
The Shreveport-Bossier Captains are a professional baseball team based in Shreveport, Louisiana, in the United States. The Captains are a member of the South Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
typically comprised the eighth club.
After Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
broke the color barrier
Baseball color line
The color line in American baseball excluded players of black African descent from Organized Baseball, or the major leagues and affiliated minor leagues, until Jackie Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization for the 1946 season...
in 1946
1946 in sports
-American football:* All-America Football Conference begins play. Cleveland Browns win the championship by beating New York Yankees 14-9.* Chicago Bears win the NFL crown by defeating the New York Giants 24-14 in New York.-Association football:England...
with the Montreal Royals
Montreal Royals
The Montreal Royals were a minor league professional baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, that existed from 1897–1917 and from 1928–60 as a member of the International League and its progenitor, the original Eastern League...
of the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
, the Southern Association adhered to the Jim Crow
Jim Crow laws
The Jim Crow laws were state and local laws in the United States enacted between 1876 and 1965. They mandated de jure racial segregation in all public facilities, with a supposedly "separate but equal" status for black Americans...
segregation laws of the time and never permitted an African-American to play in the circuit. As a result, its Major-League parent clubs were forced to field all-white teams during the 1950s, a period when African-Americans and Latin-American players of African descent were beginning to dominate baseball. By the end of the 1950s, the SA also was boycotted by civil rights leaders
African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968)
The African-American Civil Rights Movement refers to the movements in the United States aimed at outlawing racial discrimination against African Americans and restoring voting rights to them. This article covers the phase of the movement between 1955 and 1968, particularly in the South...
. The Association finally ceased operation after the 1961 season, still a bastion of segregation.
Member cities slowly began to join remaining leagues. The Atlanta club moved up to the AAA International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
in 1962, with Little Rock following suit (as the renamed Arkansas Travelers
Arkansas Travelers
The Arkansas Travelers, also known informally as The Travs, are a Minor League Baseball team based in Little Rock, Arkansas. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Major League club....
) in 1963. Macon, a longtime member of the Sally League, returned to that circuit in 1962. After a one-year hiatus, Nashville and Chattanooga joined the Sally League in 1963; Birmingham and Mobile would field teams in the Southern League, and Memphis and Shreveport would enter the Texas League
Texas League
The Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
(and Arkansas/Little Rock would settle there), later during the 1960s.
Member teams
- Atlanta CrackersAtlanta CrackersThe Atlanta Crackers were minor league baseball teams based in Atlanta, Georgia, between 1901 and 1965. The Crackers were Atlanta's home team until the Atlanta Braves moved from Milwaukee in 1966....
1902–1961 - Birmingham BaronsBirmingham BaronsThe Birmingham Barons are a minor league baseball team based in Birmingham, Alabama. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox major-league club....
1901–1961 — at times known as the Iron Barons - Chattanooga LookoutsChattanooga LookoutsThe Chattanooga Lookouts are a minor league baseball team based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. They are named for nearby Lookout Mountain. The team, which plays in the Southern League, has been a Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers major-league club since the 2009 season. The Lookouts...
1901–1943; 1944–1961 - Knoxville Smokies 1931–1944
- Little Rock TravelersLittle Rock TravelersThe Little Rock Travelers were an American minor league baseball team located in Little Rock, Arkansas and members of the Southern Association, which as a Class A, A1 or AA circuit was typically two rungs below Major League Baseball...
1901–1909; 1915–1956; 1957–1958; 1960–1961 - Macon PeachesMacon PeachesThe Macon Peaches was the predominant name of the American minor league baseball franchise representing Macon, Georgia, during the 20th century....
1961 - Memphis ChicksMemphis ChicksThe Memphis Chicks were an American minor league baseball team based in Memphis, Tennessee. The Chicks were charter members of the Southern Association from 1901 until November 18, 1960, when the club folded and was transferred to Macon, Georgia for 1961.The Chicks suffered a...
1901–1960 — at times known as the Chickasaws or Egyptians - Mobile BearsMobile BearsThe Mobile Bears were an American minor league baseball team based in Mobile, Alabama. The franchise was a member of the old Southern Association, a high-level circuit that folded after the 1961 season. Mobile joined the SA in 1908 as the Sea Gulls, but changed its name to the Bears in 1918, and...
1908-31; 1944-61 — known as Marines (1931) - Montgomery Rebels 1903–1914; 1943; 1956 — at times known as the Black Sox, Senators, Climbers and Billikens
- Nashville VolsNashville VolsThe Nashville Vols were a minor league baseball team based in Nashville, Tennessee from 1901 to 1963; the team was inactive in 1962. Known as the Nashville Baseball Club during their first seven seasons, they were officially named the Nashville Volunteers in 1908 for the state's nickname, The...
1901–1961 - New Orleans PelicansNew Orleans PelicansThe New Orleans Pelicans were a Minor league professional baseball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana.-Team history:Founded in 1887, the Pelicans became part of the Southern Association in 1901...
1901–1959 - Selma Christians 1901
- Shreveport SportsShreveport SportsThe Shreveport-Bossier Captains are a professional baseball team based in Shreveport, Louisiana, in the United States. The Captains are a member of the South Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
1901–1907; 1959–1961 — at times known as the Giants and Pirates
Champions
The Nashville VolsNashville Vols
The Nashville Vols were a minor league baseball team based in Nashville, Tennessee from 1901 to 1963; the team was inactive in 1962. Known as the Nashville Baseball Club during their first seven seasons, they were officially named the Nashville Volunteers in 1908 for the state's nickname, The...
captured the most league championships, with 15 titles over the Association's 61 years of existence — dominating the league with six straight championships from 1939-44. The Atlanta Crackers
Atlanta Crackers
The Atlanta Crackers were minor league baseball teams based in Atlanta, Georgia, between 1901 and 1965. The Crackers were Atlanta's home team until the Atlanta Braves moved from Milwaukee in 1966....
, termed by some the "New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
of the minors," won the SA crown 13 times, and almost annually finished near the top of the standings. The Birmingham Barons
Birmingham Barons
The Birmingham Barons are a minor league baseball team based in Birmingham, Alabama. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox major-league club....
and New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans were a Minor league professional baseball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana.-Team history:Founded in 1887, the Pelicans became part of the Southern Association in 1901...
each won ten championships, counting the Pelicans' first-place standing during the war-shortened 1918 season. On the other hand, the Chattanooga Lookouts
Chattanooga Lookouts
The Chattanooga Lookouts are a minor league baseball team based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. They are named for nearby Lookout Mountain. The team, which plays in the Southern League, has been a Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers major-league club since the 2009 season. The Lookouts...
, charter members of the SA, won only one title — with that coming during the Southern Association's final, 1961 campaign.
- 1901—Nashville
- 1902—Nashville
- 1903—Little Rock
- 1904—Memphis
- 1905—New Orleans
- 1906—Birmingham
- 1907—Atlanta
- 1908—Nashville
- 1909—Atlanta
- 1910—New Orleans
- 1911—New Orleans
- 1912—Birmingham
- 1913—Atlanta
- 1914—Birmingham
- 1915—New Orleans
- 1916—Nashville
- 1917—Atlanta
- 1918—New Orleans (Season suspended June 18 due to World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
) - 1919—Atlanta
- 1920—Little Rock
- 1921—Memphis
- 1922—Mobile
- 1923—New Orleans
- 1924—Memphis
- 1925—Atlanta
- 1926—New Orleans
- 1927—New Orleans
- 1928—Birmingham
- 1929—Birmingham
- 1930—Memphis
- 1931—Birmingham
- 1932—Memphis
- 1933—New Orleans
- 1934—New Orleans
- 1935—Atlanta
- 1936—Birmingham
- 1937—Little Rock
- 1938—Atlanta
- 1939—Nashville
- 1940—Nashville
- 1941—Nashville
- 1942—Nashville
- 1943—Nashville
- 1944—Nashville
- 1945—Mobile
- 1946—Atlanta
- 1947—Mobile
- 1948—Birmingham
- 1949—Nashville
- 1950—Nashville
- 1951—Birmingham
- 1952—Memphis
- 1953—Nashville
- 1954—Atlanta
- 1955—Mobile
- 1956—Atlanta
- 1957—Atlanta
- 1958—Birmingham
- 1959—Mobile
- 1960—Atlanta
- 1961—Chattanooga