Springfield Redbirds

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

Team History

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.

Year-by-Year Record

Year	Record	Finish	Manager	Playoffs
1978	70-66	3rd	Jimy Williams
1979	73-63	2nd	Hal Lanier
1980	75-61	2nd	Hal Lanier	League Champs
1981	66-70	5th	Tommy Thompson	Lost in 1st round