Anderson Braves
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
| name = Anderson Braves
| firstseason = 1980
| lastseason = 1984
| allyears =
| city = Anderson, South Carolina
| logo =
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| past class level = {{plainlist|
- Class A
}}
| pastmajorleague = {{plainlist|
}}
| conference =
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| past league = South Atlantic League
| pastparks = {{plainlist|
}}
| pastnames =
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| leaguechamps = None
}}
The Anderson Braves were a minor league baseball team located in Anderson, South Carolina. The team played in the South Atlantic League, and were affiliated with and owned by the Atlanta Braves.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19800523&id=Y4MsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=484EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5234,4927852|title=SAL Schedule Won't Be Affected By Strike|first=Terry|last=Hamilton|work=Herald-Journal|date=May 23, 1980|page=C1}} Their home stadium was the Anderson Memorial Stadium.
The Anderson Braves started playing in 1980, with a roster featuring future major leaguers Brett Butler, Brook Jacoby and Brad Komminsk.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=51fbdec1|title=1980 Anderson Braves Statistics|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|accessdate=2014-01-18}} The Braves received a great deal of support from the community during the 1980 season. Local radio station WANS AM/FM was a major sponsor. "Hank Aaron Night" brought out many fans to the ballpark in August 1980.
The team experienced relatively high attendance figures that were facilitated by numerous promotions and inexpensive concessions. Despite local support for the team, Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner moved the team to Sumter, South Carolina after the 1984 season. The team then became the Sumter Braves.
The ballpark
The Braves played at Anderson Memorial Stadium. The stadium was built in 1970 and is still in use today, as home to the Anderson University Trojans. The ballpark seats 2,500 and is located at 1921 White Street Extension, Anderson, SC 29624.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mapquest.com/us/south-carolina/anderson-memorial-stadium-378943404|title=Anderson Memorial Stadium 1921 White Street Ext Anderson, SC Stadiums Arenas & Athletic Fields - MapQuest}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.autrojans.com/fan-zone/directions|title = Anderson University}}
Notable alumni
- Brett Butler (1980) MLB All-Star
- Ron Gant (1984) 2 x MLB All-Star
- Sonny Jackson (1980-1981)
- Brook Jacoby (1980) 2 x MLB All-Star
- Brad Komminsk (1980)
- Mark Lemke (1984)
- Zane Smith (1982)
- Brian Snitker (1982) 2018 NL Manager of the Year
Year-by-year record
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2022}}
class="wikitable" | ||||
Year
! Record ! Finish ! Manager ! Playoffs | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
1980 | 64-76 | 6th | Sonny Jackson | |
1981 | 57-86 | 8th | Sonny Jackson | |
1982 | 72-70 | 5th | Brian Snitker | |
1983 | 64-79 | 7th | Rick Albert | |
1984 | 61-82 | 9th | Rick Albert |
References
{{reflist}}
Category:Defunct South Atlantic League teams
Category:1980 establishments in South Carolina
Category:1984 disestablishments in South Carolina
Category:Atlanta Braves minor league affiliates
Category:Professional baseball teams in South Carolina
Category:Defunct minor league baseball teams
Category:Defunct baseball teams in South Carolina
Category:Baseball teams disestablished in 1984
Category:Baseball teams established in 1980
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