Tulsa Oilers (baseball)
Encyclopedia
The Tulsa Oilers, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma
, were a minor league baseball team that existed on-and-off in multiple leagues from 1905 to 1976. For most of their history, they played at Oiler Park
, which opened on July 11, 1934, and was located on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds at 15th Street and Sandusky Avenue.
. That year, they finished 44 and 58 under manager Charley Shafft. Unluckily for them, the Missouri Valley League folded after 1905 and so a new league was formed – the South Central League
– in which the Oilers were to be a charter team.
Under managers Frank Smith and Bill Rupp, the Oilers finished the 1906 season with a 45 and 42 record. Like the Missouri Valley League, the South Central League folded after the Oilers had been a member for only one season. Again, the Oilers would have to find a new league to play in.
They played in the Oklahoma-Arkansas-Kansas League
in 1907, where they finished with an unsavory 37 and 60 record, under Hall of Fame manager Jake Beckley
. The Oklahoma-Arkansas-Kansas League saw two teams leave, so in 1908 the Oilers played in the Oklahoma-Kansas League
, which was just the aforementioned Oklahoma-Arkansas-Kansas League minus a couple teams. They finished with the second best record in the league - 69 and 55 under managers Deacon White
and Stu McBirney - but, not surprisingly, this league folded after only one year of existence as well.
The Tulsa Oilers did not organize in 1909, and therefore did not play baseball. However, in 1910, they played in the Western Association
. Their first year in that league was rather unimpressive, as they finished the season 28 and 68 under managers Gus Weyhing
and Con Harlow. On July 22, the Tulsa Oilers team disbanded.
From 1911 to 1913, the Tulsa Oilers were not involved in organized baseball. However, in 1914 they rejoined the Western Association, leading the league with a 74 and 49 record under manager Howard Price. Even after such an impressive season, the Oilers disbanded again, and baseball would not be played under that name until 1919. (Until 1917 Tulsa had a team in the Western Association called the Tulsa Producers.)
, where they played from 1919 until 1929, and in 1932 as well. Their performance during those years can be seen in the following chart.
From 1922 to 1924, Oilers star Lyman Lamb
hit 68, 71 and 100 doubles, respectively - the latter of which is a minor league record.
In 1930, the Oilers' home park was declared unsuitable by the city and so the team eventually moved to Topeka, Kansas
for a spell. In 1930 and 1931, they were known as the Topeka Senators
.
Although 1932 was the Oilers' final season in the Western League, it was also the first season in which they were actually affiliated with a Major League
team - the Pittsburgh Pirates
. That affiliation lasted that year only, however. The 1932 Oilers are listed at Number 83 on the official Minor League Baseball
website list of the best teams in minor league history.
. From 1940 to 1942, they were affiliated with the Chicago Cubs
. The Texas League was shut down from 1943 to 1945 due to World War II
, but when it started up again in 1946, the Oilers again played in the league until 1965. In 1946 and 1947, they were affiliated with the Cubs, but in 1948 they became affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds
. They stayed affiliated with the Reds until 1954. In 1955, they were a Cleveland Indians
affiliate; in 1956, they were again a Cubs affiliate. From 1957 to 1958, they were a Philadelphia Phillies
affiliate. For the rest of their existence, they were a St. Louis Cardinals
affiliate. In 1961 the team was nearly moved to Albuquerque, but A. Ray Smith
bought out the previous owner and began renovating dilapidated Oiler Park. The following shows the Oilers' performance during their years in the Texas League:
. In their first year, they won the Eastern Division, then lost the championship series to the Seattle Angels, 4 games to 3. The following year, future Hall of Famer
Warren Spahn
took over as manager; he would ultimately become the winningest manager in Oilers history. After a poor 1967 season, in 1968 the Oilers had one of their best seasons ever, winning the Eastern Division, then winning the PCL championship series 4 games to 1 over the Spokane Indians
. Oiler outfielder Jim Hicks
was named MVP of the PCL.
During their final eight years of existence, the Oilers were members of the American Association
. They won the league championship twice. In 1973, the Oilers led the West Division, then won the league playoff 4 games to 3 over the Iowa Oaks. The Oilers went on to play in the 1973 Junior World Series
, where they lost 4 games to 1 to the Pawtucket Red Sox
. The Oilers repeated as league champions in 1974, again winning the West Division and then beating the Indianapolis Indians
4 games to 3. (There was no Junior World Series that year.) The following chart lists their performance during their final eight years of existence:
Through their many years of existence, the Oilers had had many big names both play for and manage the team. Jake Beckley, Gus Weyhing, Deacon White, Gus Mancuso
, Marty McManus
, Whitey Kurowski
, Warren Spahn and Ken Boyer
all managed for the team at one point or another. Steve Carlton, Mike Torrez, Ted Simmons
, Nelson Briles
, Jerry Reuss
, Keith Hernandez
, Bob Forsch
, Dal Maxvill
and Mike Easler
all played for the team.
Again faced with the deteriorating condition of Oiler Park, and unable to secure support to replace or rebuild it, Oilers owner A. Ray Smith moved the team to New Orleans after the 1976 season. For one year they were the New Orleans Pelicans
, then moved on to Springfield, Illinois
, and in 1982 to Louisville, Kentucky
, where the team set minor league attendance records and is now called the Louisville Bats
. In 1977, the Oilers were replaced in Tulsa by the AA Tulsa Drillers
of the Texas League.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 46th-largest city in the United States. With a population of 391,906 as of the 2010 census, it is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region with 937,478 residents in the MSA and 988,454 in the CSA. Tulsa's...
, were a minor league baseball team that existed on-and-off in multiple leagues from 1905 to 1976. For most of their history, they played at Oiler Park
Oiler Park
Oiler Park, also known as Texas League Park and Driller Park, was a stadium located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Located on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds, it was primarily used for baseball and was the home of the Tulsa Oilers until that team was moved to New Orleans and replaced by the Tulsa Drillers after...
, which opened on July 11, 1934, and was located on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds at 15th Street and Sandusky Avenue.
Early years
In 1905, the Oilers were part of the Missouri Valley LeagueMissouri Valley League
The Missouri Valley League was an American minor league baseball league which operated from 1902 through 1904.-1902:New teams in Nevada, Missouri, Springfield, Missouri, Fort Scott, Kansas, Sedalia, Missouri, Joplin, Missouri, Coffeyville, Kansas, Jefferson City, Missouri, and Iola, Kansas formed...
. That year, they finished 44 and 58 under manager Charley Shafft. Unluckily for them, the Missouri Valley League folded after 1905 and so a new league was formed – the South Central League
South Central League
The South Central League refers to two minor league baseball leagues - one that existed in 1906 and another that existed in 1912.The 1906 league consisted of teams from Arkansas and Oklahoma. The six-team league included the Fort Smith Razorbacks, the Guthrie Senators, the Muskogee Indians, the...
– in which the Oilers were to be a charter team.
Under managers Frank Smith and Bill Rupp, the Oilers finished the 1906 season with a 45 and 42 record. Like the Missouri Valley League, the South Central League folded after the Oilers had been a member for only one season. Again, the Oilers would have to find a new league to play in.
They played in the Oklahoma-Arkansas-Kansas League
Oklahoma-Arkansas-Kansas League
The Oklahoma-Arkansas-Kansas League was an eight-team Class-D minor baseball league that existed in 1907. As its name indicates, it consisted of teams from Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas....
in 1907, where they finished with an unsavory 37 and 60 record, under Hall of Fame manager Jake Beckley
Jake Beckley
Jacob Peter Beckley , nicknamed "Eagle Eye", was a Major League Baseball player at the turn of the 20th century. He was born in Hannibal, Missouri.-Professional career:...
. The Oklahoma-Arkansas-Kansas League saw two teams leave, so in 1908 the Oilers played in the Oklahoma-Kansas League
Oklahoma-Kansas League
The Oklahoma-Kansas League was a six-team minor baseball league that existed in 1908. As its name indicates, it consisted of teams from Oklahoma and Kansas....
, which was just the aforementioned Oklahoma-Arkansas-Kansas League minus a couple teams. They finished with the second best record in the league - 69 and 55 under managers Deacon White
Deacon White
James Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
and Stu McBirney - but, not surprisingly, this league folded after only one year of existence as well.
The Tulsa Oilers did not organize in 1909, and therefore did not play baseball. However, in 1910, they played in the Western Association
Western Association
The Western Association was the name of five different leagues in American minor league baseball during the 19th and 20th centuries.The oldest league, originally established as the Northwestern League in 1883, was refounded as the Western Association on October 28, 1887...
. Their first year in that league was rather unimpressive, as they finished the season 28 and 68 under managers Gus Weyhing
Gus Weyhing
August "Gus" Weyhing was a pitcher for nine professional baseball teams in a career that spanned 14 years from to . He was small for a pitcher by today's standards, listed at 5 feet 10 inches tall and between 120-145 pounds...
and Con Harlow. On July 22, the Tulsa Oilers team disbanded.
From 1911 to 1913, the Tulsa Oilers were not involved in organized baseball. However, in 1914 they rejoined the Western Association, leading the league with a 74 and 49 record under manager Howard Price. Even after such an impressive season, the Oilers disbanded again, and baseball would not be played under that name until 1919. (Until 1917 Tulsa had a team in the Western Association called the Tulsa Producers.)
Western League
In 1919, the Oilers joined the Western LeagueWestern League (defunct minor league)
The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League...
, where they played from 1919 until 1929, and in 1932 as well. Their performance during those years can be seen in the following chart.
| Year | League | Class | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1919 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 77-63 | 2nd | Spencer Abbott Spencer Abbott Spencer Arthur Abbott was a long-time minor league baseball player and manager, as well as a minor league umpire and major league coach and scout.-Playing career:... |
League Champs |
| 1920 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 92-61 | 1st | Spencer Abbott Spencer Abbott Spencer Arthur Abbott was a long-time minor league baseball player and manager, as well as a minor league umpire and major league coach and scout.-Playing career:... |
none League Champs |
| 1921 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 65-103 | 8th | Jimmy Burke Jimmy Burke (baseball) James Timothy Burke was a Major League Baseball third baseman with the Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Perfectos, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Stockings, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals.... / Bill Clymer Bill Clymer William Johnston "Bill" Clymer nicknamed "Derby Day Bill", was an American professional baseball player who played three games for the Philadelphia Athletics. In 11 at bats, he did not collect a hit, but did have one base on balls, and one stolen base... |
none |
| 1922 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 103-64 | 1st | Jack Lelivelt Jack Lelivelt John Frank Lelivelt was an American outfielder who played for the Washington Senators, New York Highlanders, New York Yankees and Cleveland Naps. While playing for the Rochester Hustlers, he set the International League record for the longest hitting streak with a 42-game hitting streak in... |
none League Champs |
| 1923 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 101-67 | 2nd | Jack Lelivelt Jack Lelivelt John Frank Lelivelt was an American outfielder who played for the Washington Senators, New York Highlanders, New York Yankees and Cleveland Naps. While playing for the Rochester Hustlers, he set the International League record for the longest hitting streak with a 42-game hitting streak in... |
none |
| 1924 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 98-69 | 3rd | Jack Lelivelt Jack Lelivelt John Frank Lelivelt was an American outfielder who played for the Washington Senators, New York Highlanders, New York Yankees and Cleveland Naps. While playing for the Rochester Hustlers, he set the International League record for the longest hitting streak with a 42-game hitting streak in... |
none |
| 1925 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 75-91 | 7th | Lyman Lamb Lyman Lamb Lyman Raymond Lamb was a Major League Baseball player for the 1920 and 1921 St. Louis Browns.Lamb made it to the big leagues at the end of 1920. In nine games, he hit .375. He was a utility player for the entire season after that, but his batting average slipped to just .254... / Marty Berghammer Marty Berghammer Martin Andrew Berghammer was a Major League Baseball shortstop who played for four seasons. He played for the Chicago White Sox in 1911 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1913 to 1914. He also played for the Pittsburgh Rebels of the Federal League in 1915.-External links:... |
none |
| 1926 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 86-78 | 4th | Marty Berghammer Marty Berghammer Martin Andrew Berghammer was a Major League Baseball shortstop who played for four seasons. He played for the Chicago White Sox in 1911 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1913 to 1914. He also played for the Pittsburgh Rebels of the Federal League in 1915.-External links:... |
none |
| 1927 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 101-53 | 1st | Marty Berghammer Marty Berghammer Martin Andrew Berghammer was a Major League Baseball shortstop who played for four seasons. He played for the Chicago White Sox in 1911 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1913 to 1914. He also played for the Pittsburgh Rebels of the Federal League in 1915.-External links:... |
none League Champs |
| 1928 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 96-69 | 2nd | Marty Berghammer Marty Berghammer Martin Andrew Berghammer was a Major League Baseball shortstop who played for four seasons. He played for the Chicago White Sox in 1911 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1913 to 1914. He also played for the Pittsburgh Rebels of the Federal League in 1915.-External links:... |
League Champs |
| 1929 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 95-66 | 1st | Marty Berghammer Marty Berghammer Martin Andrew Berghammer was a Major League Baseball shortstop who played for four seasons. He played for the Chicago White Sox in 1911 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1913 to 1914. He also played for the Pittsburgh Rebels of the Federal League in 1915.-External links:... / Nick Allen Nick Allen Artemus Ward "Nick" Allen was a catcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the Buffalo Buffeds/Blues, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds. Allen became a minor league baseball manager after his playing career was over and earned the nickname "Roarin' Nick" for his altercations with umpires... |
none League Champs |
| 1932 | Western League Western League (defunct minor league) The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League... |
A | 98-48 | 1st | Art Griggs Art Griggs Arthur Carle Griggs played Major League Baseball off and on between 1909 and 1918. He was primarily a first baseman, but also played outfield and second base in a number of games.Griggs played left halfback during college at the University of Pittsburgh.-Sources:... |
League Champs |
From 1922 to 1924, Oilers star Lyman Lamb
Lyman Lamb
Lyman Raymond Lamb was a Major League Baseball player for the 1920 and 1921 St. Louis Browns.Lamb made it to the big leagues at the end of 1920. In nine games, he hit .375. He was a utility player for the entire season after that, but his batting average slipped to just .254...
hit 68, 71 and 100 doubles, respectively - the latter of which is a minor league record.
In 1930, the Oilers' home park was declared unsuitable by the city and so the team eventually moved to Topeka, Kansas
Topeka, Kansas
Topeka |Kansa]]: Tó Pee Kuh) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is situated along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, located in northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was...
for a spell. In 1930 and 1931, they were known as the Topeka Senators
Topeka Senators
The Topeka Senators were a minor league baseball team based in Topeka, Kansas USA that played on-and-off from 1924 to 1934 that played in the Western Association , Southwestern League and Western League . In 1925, under the guidance of managers Bill Meyer and Dutch Wetzel, they won their league's...
.
Although 1932 was the Oilers' final season in the Western League, it was also the first season in which they were actually affiliated with a Major League
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...
team - the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. That affiliation lasted that year only, however. The 1932 Oilers are listed at Number 83 on the official Minor League Baseball
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...
website list of the best teams in minor league history.
Texas League
From 1933 to 1942, the Oilers played in the Texas LeagueTexas 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...
. From 1940 to 1942, they were affiliated with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
. The Texas League was shut down from 1943 to 1945 due to World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, but when it started up again in 1946, the Oilers again played in the league until 1965. In 1946 and 1947, they were affiliated with the Cubs, but in 1948 they became affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
. They stayed affiliated with the Reds until 1954. In 1955, they were a Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
affiliate; in 1956, they were again a Cubs affiliate. From 1957 to 1958, they were a Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
affiliate. For the rest of their existence, they were a St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
affiliate. In 1961 the team was nearly moved to Albuquerque, but A. Ray Smith
A. Ray Smith
A. Ray Smith was a long-time baseball executive, best known for his ownership of the minor-league Tulsa Oilers franchise, which he later moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where the team set minor league attendance records.-Biography:Born in Dugger, Indiana, he played football at, and received a...
bought out the previous owner and began renovating dilapidated Oiler Park. The following shows the Oilers' performance during their years in the Texas League:
| Year | League | Class | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 | 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... |
A | 65-86 | 6th | Art Griggs Art Griggs Arthur Carle Griggs played Major League Baseball off and on between 1909 and 1918. He was primarily a first baseman, but also played outfield and second base in a number of games.Griggs played left halfback during college at the University of Pittsburgh.-Sources:... |
|
| 1934 | 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... |
A | 77-75 | 5th | Jake Atz Jake Atz John Jacob Atz, born Jacob Henry Atz was an American second baseman for the Washington Senators and Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball. He also was the most successful minor league managers of the 1920s, winning all or parts of the Texas League championship in seven consecutive seasons ... |
|
| 1935 | 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... |
A | 82-79 | 4th | Art Griggs Art Griggs Arthur Carle Griggs played Major League Baseball off and on between 1909 and 1918. He was primarily a first baseman, but also played outfield and second base in a number of games.Griggs played left halfback during college at the University of Pittsburgh.-Sources:... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1936 | 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... |
A1 | 80-74 | 3rd | Marty McManus Marty McManus Martin Joseph "Marty" McManus was a Major League Baseball infielder who played principally as a second baseman and third baseman .-St. Louis Browns: 1920-1926:... |
League Champs |
| 1937 | 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... |
A1 | 89-69 | 2nd | Bruce Connatser Bruce Connatser Broadus Milburn "Bruce" Connatser was a Major League Baseball first baseman who played for two seasons. He played for the Cleveland Indians from 1931 to 1932.-External links:... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1938 | 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... |
A1 | 86-75 | 4th | Bruce Connatser Bruce Connatser Broadus Milburn "Bruce" Connatser was a Major League Baseball first baseman who played for two seasons. He played for the Cleveland Indians from 1931 to 1932.-External links:... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1939 | 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... |
A1 | 78-82 | 6th | Bruce Connatser Bruce Connatser Broadus Milburn "Bruce" Connatser was a Major League Baseball first baseman who played for two seasons. He played for the Cleveland Indians from 1931 to 1932.-External links:... / Stanley Schino |
|
| 1940 | 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... |
A1 | 76-82 | 5th | Roy Johnson Roy Johnson (baseball manager) Roy J. Johnson was an American right-handed pitcher and longtime coach in Major League Baseball. He also was the interim manager of the Chicago Cubs for one game in 1944. He was nicknamed "Hardrock" as a minor league manager because his teams played in a tough, uncompromising way.Born in Madill,... |
|
| 1941 | 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... |
A1 | 86-66 | 2nd | Roy Johnson Roy Johnson (baseball manager) Roy J. Johnson was an American right-handed pitcher and longtime coach in Major League Baseball. He also was the interim manager of the Chicago Cubs for one game in 1944. He was nicknamed "Hardrock" as a minor league manager because his teams played in a tough, uncompromising way.Born in Madill,... |
Lost League Finals |
| 1942 | 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... |
A1 | 76-75 | 6th | Roy Johnson Roy Johnson (baseball manager) Roy J. Johnson was an American right-handed pitcher and longtime coach in Major League Baseball. He also was the interim manager of the Chicago Cubs for one game in 1944. He was nicknamed "Hardrock" as a minor league manager because his teams played in a tough, uncompromising way.Born in Madill,... |
|
| 1946 | 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... |
AA 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... |
84-69 | 4th | Gus Mancuso Gus Mancuso August Rodney Mancuso , nicknamed "Blackie", was a professional baseball player, coach, scout and radio sports commentator. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants , Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1947 | 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... |
AA 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... |
79-75 | 4th | Gus Mancuso Gus Mancuso August Rodney Mancuso , nicknamed "Blackie", was a professional baseball player, coach, scout and radio sports commentator. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants , Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1948 | 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... |
AA 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... |
93-63 | 2nd | Al Vincent Al Vincent Albert Linder Vincent was a manager and coach in Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball. He was also a coach at Lamar University... |
Lost League Finals |
| 1949 | 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... |
AA 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... |
90-64 | 2nd | Al Vincent Al Vincent Albert Linder Vincent was a manager and coach in Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball. He was also a coach at Lamar University... |
League Champs |
| 1950 | 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... |
AA 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... |
83-69 | 3rd | Al Vincent Al Vincent Albert Linder Vincent was a manager and coach in Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball. He was also a coach at Lamar University... |
Lost League Finals |
| 1951 | 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... |
AA 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... |
67-94 | 7th | Al Vincent Al Vincent Albert Linder Vincent was a manager and coach in Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball. He was also a coach at Lamar University... |
|
| 1952 | 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... |
AA 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... |
78-83 | 6th | Joe Schultz Joe Schultz Joseph Charles Schultz, Jr. was an American Major League Baseball catcher, coach and manager. Schultz was the first and only manager for the Seattle Pilots franchise during their lone season before they became the Milwaukee Brewers... |
|
| 1953 | 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... |
AA 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... |
83-71 | 2nd | Joe Schultz Joe Schultz Joseph Charles Schultz, Jr. was an American Major League Baseball catcher, coach and manager. Schultz was the first and only manager for the Seattle Pilots franchise during their lone season before they became the Milwaukee Brewers... |
Lost League Finals |
| 1954 | 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... |
AA 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... |
78-83 | 6th | Joe Schultz Joe Schultz Joseph Charles Schultz, Jr. was an American Major League Baseball catcher, coach and manager. Schultz was the first and only manager for the Seattle Pilots franchise during their lone season before they became the Milwaukee Brewers... |
|
| 1955 | 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... |
AA 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... |
86-75 | 5th | Dutch Meyer / Hank Schenz Hank Schenz Henry Leonard Schenz was an infielder in major league baseball from 1946 to 1951. He primarily played second base. Most of his career was playing in the minor leagues or being a backup. His only year with considerable playing time in the majors was in 1948 with the Chicago Cubs, when he had 337 at... |
|
| 1956 | 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... |
AA 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... |
77-77 | 4th | Al Widmar Al Widmar Albert Joseph Widmar was an American starting pitcher and a pitching coach in Major League Baseball. Between 1945 and 1952, Widmar played for the Boston Red Sox , St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox . He batted and threw right-handed... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1957 | 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... |
AA 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... |
75-79 | 4th | Al Widmar Al Widmar Albert Joseph Widmar was an American starting pitcher and a pitching coach in Major League Baseball. Between 1945 and 1952, Widmar played for the Boston Red Sox , St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox . He batted and threw right-handed... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1958 | 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... |
AA 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... |
71-81 | 7th | Al Widmar Al Widmar Albert Joseph Widmar was an American starting pitcher and a pitching coach in Major League Baseball. Between 1945 and 1952, Widmar played for the Boston Red Sox , St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox . He batted and threw right-handed... (45-54) / Jim Fanning Jim Fanning William James Fanning is a former catcher, manager and front office executive in Major League Baseball... (26-27) |
|
| 1959 | 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... |
AA 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... |
77-67 | 3rd | Vern Benson Vern Benson Vernon Adair Benson is a retired infielder/outfielder, coach, scout and interim manager in American Major League Baseball. During his playing career, he stood 5'11" tall, weighed 180 pounds , batted left-handed, and threw right-handed.Benson attended Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1960 | 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... |
AA 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... |
76-68 | 3rd | Vern Benson Vern Benson Vernon Adair Benson is a retired infielder/outfielder, coach, scout and interim manager in American Major League Baseball. During his playing career, he stood 5'11" tall, weighed 180 pounds , batted left-handed, and threw right-handed.Benson attended Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina... |
League Champs |
| 1961 | 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... |
AA 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... |
83-55 | 2nd | Whitey Kurowski Whitey Kurowski George John Kurowski was a third baseman in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals . Kurowski batted and threw right-handed. He debuted on September 23, 1941, and played his final game on October 1, 1949... |
Lost in 1st round |
| 1962 | 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... |
AA 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... |
77-63 | 2nd | Whitey Kurowski Whitey Kurowski George John Kurowski was a third baseman in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals . Kurowski batted and threw right-handed. He debuted on September 23, 1941, and played his final game on October 1, 1949... |
League Champs |
| 1963 | 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... |
AA 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... |
74-66 | 3rd | Grover Resinger Grover Resinger Grover S. Resinger was an American coach in Major League Baseball during the 1960s and 1970s. Previously, he was a minor league third baseman and manager. A native of St... |
League Champs |
| 1964 | 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... |
AA 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... |
79-61 | 2nd | Grover Resinger Grover Resinger Grover S. Resinger was an American coach in Major League Baseball during the 1960s and 1970s. Previously, he was a minor league third baseman and manager. A native of St... |
Lost League Finals |
| 1965 | 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... |
AA 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... |
81-60 | 1st | Vern Rapp Vern Rapp Vernon Fred Rapp is a retired Major League Baseball manager and coach. A career minor league catcher and a successful skipper in the minors, Rapp had two brief tours of duty as a big league manager.-Minor League playing career:... |
Lost League Finals |
AAA years
In 1966 the Oilers moved up to AAA baseball as part of the Pacific Coast LeaguePacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
. In their first year, they won the Eastern Division, then lost the championship series to the Seattle Angels, 4 games to 3. The following year, future Hall of Famer
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of...
Warren Spahn
Warren Spahn
Warren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42...
took over as manager; he would ultimately become the winningest manager in Oilers history. After a poor 1967 season, in 1968 the Oilers had one of their best seasons ever, winning the Eastern Division, then winning the PCL championship series 4 games to 1 over the Spokane Indians
Spokane Indians
The Spokane Indians are a minor league baseball team located in Spokane, Washington, United States. They are a Short-Season A classification team in the Northwest League and have been a farm team of the Texas Rangers since 2003. The Indians play home games at Avista Stadium...
. Oiler outfielder Jim Hicks
Jim Hicks
James Edward Hicks is a former professional baseball player who played five seasons for the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and California Angels of Major League Baseball...
was named MVP of the PCL.
| 1966 | Pacific Coast League Pacific Coast League The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The... |
AAA | 85-62 | 1st | Charlie Metro Charlie Metro Charlie Metro was an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Athletics, as well as a manager for the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals. He adopted the name "Metro" from his father, Metro Moreskonich, a Ukrainian immigrant... |
Lost League Playoff |
| 1967 | Pacific Coast League Pacific Coast League The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The... |
AAA | 65-79 | 11th | Warren Spahn Warren Spahn Warren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42... |
|
| 1968 | Pacific Coast League Pacific Coast League The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The... |
AAA | 95-53 | 1st | Warren Spahn Warren Spahn Warren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42... |
League Champs |
During their final eight years of existence, the Oilers were members of the American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
. They won the league championship twice. In 1973, the Oilers led the West Division, then won the league playoff 4 games to 3 over the Iowa Oaks. The Oilers went on to play in the 1973 Junior World Series
Junior World Series
The Junior World Series was the name given to a postseason series between champions of two of the three high-minor baseball leagues, modeled on the World Series of Major League Baseball...
, where they lost 4 games to 1 to the Pawtucket Red Sox
Pawtucket Red Sox
The Pawtucket Red Sox are the minor league baseball Triple-A affiliates of the Boston Red Sox and belong to the International League...
. The Oilers repeated as league champions in 1974, again winning the West Division and then beating the Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
4 games to 3. (There was no Junior World Series that year.) The following chart lists their performance during their final eight years of existence:
| 1969 | American Association American Association (20th century) The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the... |
AAA | 79-61 | 2nd | Warren Spahn Warren Spahn Warren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42... |
none |
| 1970 | American Association American Association (20th century) The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the... |
AAA | 70-70 | 5th | Warren Spahn Warren Spahn Warren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42... |
|
| 1971 | American Association American Association (20th century) The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the... |
AAA | 64-76 | 7th | Warren Spahn Warren Spahn Warren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42... / Gary Geiger Gary Geiger Gary Merle Geiger was a major league outfielder for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Astros from . He was born in Sand Ridge, Illinois. His offseason home while a major leaguer was Murphysboro, Illinois. His wife Lyn's parents were St... |
|
| 1972 | American Association American Association (20th century) The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the... |
AAA | 78-62 | 3rd | Jack Krol Jack Krol John Thomas Krol was an American coach and manager in Major League Baseball.Primarily a second baseman and shortstop, the right-handed hitting and throwing Krol never reached the major leagues during his playing career . The native of Chicago, Illinois spent most of that period in the St... |
|
| 1973 | American Association American Association (20th century) The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the... |
AAA | 68-67 | 3rd | Jack Krol Jack Krol John Thomas Krol was an American coach and manager in Major League Baseball.Primarily a second baseman and shortstop, the right-handed hitting and throwing Krol never reached the major leagues during his playing career . The native of Chicago, Illinois spent most of that period in the St... |
League Champs |
| 1974 | American Association American Association (20th century) The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the... |
AAA | 76-58 | 2nd | Ken Boyer Ken Boyer Kenton Lloyd Boyer was an American Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. During a 15-year baseball career, he played for 1955-1969 for four different teams, playing primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals... |
League Champs |
| 1975 | American Association American Association (20th century) The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the... |
AAA | 73-63 | 3rd | Ken Boyer Ken Boyer Kenton Lloyd Boyer was an American Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. During a 15-year baseball career, he played for 1955-1969 for four different teams, playing primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals... |
|
| 1976 | American Association American Association (20th century) The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the... |
AAA | 65-70 | 5th | Ken Boyer Ken Boyer Kenton Lloyd Boyer was an American Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. During a 15-year baseball career, he played for 1955-1969 for four different teams, playing primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals... |
Through their many years of existence, the Oilers had had many big names both play for and manage the team. Jake Beckley, Gus Weyhing, Deacon White, Gus Mancuso
Gus Mancuso
August Rodney Mancuso , nicknamed "Blackie", was a professional baseball player, coach, scout and radio sports commentator. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants , Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies...
, Marty McManus
Marty McManus
Martin Joseph "Marty" McManus was a Major League Baseball infielder who played principally as a second baseman and third baseman .-St. Louis Browns: 1920-1926:...
, Whitey Kurowski
Whitey Kurowski
George John Kurowski was a third baseman in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals . Kurowski batted and threw right-handed. He debuted on September 23, 1941, and played his final game on October 1, 1949...
, Warren Spahn and Ken Boyer
Ken Boyer
Kenton Lloyd Boyer was an American Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. During a 15-year baseball career, he played for 1955-1969 for four different teams, playing primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals...
all managed for the team at one point or another. Steve Carlton, Mike Torrez, Ted Simmons
Ted Simmons
Ted Lyle Simmons is an American former professional baseball player and coach. A switch-hitter, Simmons was a catcher for most of his Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals , the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves...
, Nelson Briles
Nelson Briles
Nelson Kelley "Nellie" Briles was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Pittsburgh Pirates , Kansas City Royals , Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles...
, Jerry Reuss
Jerry Reuss
Jerry Reuss -- pronounced "royce" -- is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the United States, who had a 22-year career from to ....
, Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Keith Barlow Hernandez is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He is currently a baseball analyst working for the New York Mets, for whom he played from –, on SportsNet New York and WPIX television broadcasts...
, Bob Forsch
Bob Forsch
Robert Herbert Forsch was an American right-handed starting pitcher who spent most of his sixteen years in Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals before finishing his playing career with the Houston Astros...
, Dal Maxvill
Dal Maxvill
Charles Dallan Maxvill is a former shortstop, coach and general manager in Major League Baseball. A graduate of St. Louis' Washington University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering, Maxvill signed a professional baseball contract in 1960 with the hometown St...
and Mike Easler
Mike Easler
Michael Anthony Easler is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder who enjoyed a 14 year major league career from 1973 to 1987 with the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, California Angels, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees...
all played for the team.
Again faced with the deteriorating condition of Oiler Park, and unable to secure support to replace or rebuild it, Oilers owner A. Ray Smith moved the team to New Orleans after the 1976 season. For one year they were the 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...
, then moved on to Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...
, and in 1982 to Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, where the team set minor league attendance records and is now called the Louisville Bats
Louisville Bats
The Louisville Bats, which play in Louisville, Kentucky, are the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team, formerly known as the Louisville RiverBats, plays in the International League...
. In 1977, the Oilers were replaced in Tulsa by the AA Tulsa Drillers
Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are a minor league baseball team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies major-league club.-Stadium:...
of the Texas League.