McCook Braves
| McCook Braves | |
|---|---|
| Minor league affiliations | |
| Previous classes | Class D (1956–1959) |
| League | Nebraska State League (1928–1932, 1956–1959) |
| Major league affiliations | |
| Previous teams |
|
| Minor league titles | |
| League titles | 4 1928, 1929, 1930, 1959 |
| Team data | |
Previous names |
|
Previous parks | Dibola Field (1956–1959) |
The McCook Braves were a minor league baseball team that played in the short-season Class D Nebraska State League from 1956 to 1959. The McCook Braves were an affiliate of the Milwaukee Braves (1956–1959).
Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Phil Niekro pitched for the McCook Braves in 1959.
History
Based in McCook, Nebraska, the McCook Braves were members of the Nebraska State League (1956–1959). The Braves played at Dibola Field. Earilier, McCook had hosted the McCook Generals who were also members of the Nebraska State League (1928–1932). McCook captured Nebraska State League championships in 1928, 1929, 1930 and 1959.[1]
The Nebraska State League folded after the 1959 season, along with 1959 league members Hastings Giants, Holdrege White Sox, Grand Island Athletics, Kearney Yankees, McCook Braves and North Platte Indians. McCook has not had another minor league franchise.[2]
The ballpark
While the semi-pro McCook Cats of the early 1950s had played in Eastside Park (called Felling Field today), it was decided with a new Nebraska State League team coming to town, a new field was needed. At the Red Willow County Fairgrounds, a new field was constructed. The field was dubbed Dibola Field after the seven cities of Cibola.[3]
Media
The 1959 McCook Braves season is chronicled in the book A False Spring, written by player Pat Jordan, who eventually retired from baseball to became a writer and an author. ISBN 0-80-327626-5[4]
Notable alumni
Baseball Hall of Fame alumni
- Phil Niekro (1959) Inducted 1997
Notable alumni
- Luis Alcaraz (1959)
- Bruce Brubaker (1959)
- Elrod Hendricks (1959) Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame
- Ron Hunt (1959) 2x MLB All-Star
- Pat Jordan (1959) Author, A False Spring.
- Hector Martinez (1957)
- Hugh Mendez (1959)
- Merritt Ranew (1957)
Year-by-year record
(from Baseball Reference Bullpen)
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | 35-28 | 4th | Bill Steinecke | none |
| 1957 | 27-29 | 6th | Bill Steinecke | none |
| 1958 | 40-23 | 2nd | Bill Steinecke | none |
| 1959 | 43-19 | 1st | Bill Steinecke | League Champions |
References
- ^ "McCook Braves - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
- ^ "Nebraska State League - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
- ^ "McCook Braves 1956". www.nebaseballhistory.com.
- ^ "McCook Braves 1959". www.nebaseballhistory.com.
- Red Willow County, Nebraska
- Baseball teams established in 1956
- Defunct minor league baseball teams
- Baseball teams disestablished in 1959
- 1956 establishments in Nebraska
- 1959 disestablishments in Nebraska
- Defunct baseball teams in Nebraska
- Professional baseball teams in Nebraska
- Milwaukee Braves minor league affiliates