Springfield Redbirds

From BR Bullpen

• Location: Springfield, IL
• League: American Association 1978-1981
• Affiliation: St. Louis Cardinals 1978-1981
• Ballpark:

The Springfield Redbirds began play in the American Association in 1978 when the New Orleans Pelicans moved to Springfield, IL. The site was chosen after the Pelicans played a series in Springfield at the arrangement of local businessmen, after a conflict schedule prevented use of the Super Dome. They won the league title in 1980. Pitching coach Hub Kittle started one game at age 63, making him the oldest pitcher in Organized Baseball history. Attendance topped 120,000 in 1981, a club record, but owner A. Ray Smith broke a contract with the city to move the team to Kentucky where they became the Louisville Redbirds. The city filed a suit against Smith and settlements led to ~$500,000 being paid to Springfield for the loss of the team.

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