Keokuk Kernels

• Location: Keokuk, IA
• League: Three-I League 1952-1957
• Affiliation: Cleveland Indians 1954-1957
• Ballpark: Joyce Park II

The Keokuk Kernels joined the Three-I League in 1952. The club struggled on the field for its first two seasons but improved when it became a Cleveland Indians farm team in 1954. The 1955 Kernels won 92 games and posted a .730 winning percentage, both league records, en route to a championship. The team was led by manager Pinky May and featured several future big leaguers in their lineup. Catcher Russ Nixon hit a league-best .385, and outfielder Gordy Coleman hit .349. Pitcher Mudcat Grant won 19 games for the club, and Bill Dailey notched 17 victories. Despite the team's great success on the field, they strugged at the gate every year. After the 1957 season, the Kernels left the Three-I League, and a new club represented the city in the Midwest League. The team played its games at Joyce Park II.

Year-by-Year Record

Year	Record	Finish	Manager	Playoffs
1952	56-66	5th	Rudy Laskowski
1953	53-75	7th	Rudy Laskowski
1954	78-58	2nd	Jo-Jo White	Lost in 1st round
1955	92-34	1st	Pinky May	League Champs
1956	60-59	3rd	Pinky May	none
1957	55-74	5th	Pinky May	none