The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from 1902 to 1962 and 1969 to 1997. Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the eastern half of the United States. Later, its teams would also compete in the Triple-A World Series, and its players in the Triple-A All-Star Game.

League history

For most of the American Association's existence, in both incarnations, it comprised teams primarily from the central part of the United States. The league's attendance base began to be eroded significantly in the 1950s and early 1960s due to expansion and westward migration of major league teams into several of the AA's larger member cities: Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Kansas City, Missouri; and Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota. By 1961, the league was down to six clubs.

After the 1962 season, the American Association disbanded, and some of its member teams were distributed between the Pacific Coast League and the International League, while others (the Louisville Colonels and Omaha Dodgers) folded. The Indianapolis Indians were first assigned to the IL but then, in a geographic oddity, they were switched to the PCL. The Dallas Rangers, the Denver Bears, and the Oklahoma City 89ers also went to the PCL.

With major league expansion in 1969, and the need for four new Triple-A farm teams, the time seemed right for reviving the league, which re-acquired its old Indianapolis territory from the PCL, along with several cities that were new to the Association.

In the early 1990s, with significant cities like Buffalo, Denver, Indianapolis, and others in the league, the American Association published a media guide with a league map on the cover and the question "Can It Be the Third Major League?" The President of the American Association at the time was Branch Rickey III, grandson of Branch Rickey, who integrated major league baseball in 1947 and later headed up the proposed Continental League, which was to be a third major league.

After the 1997 season, the American Association disbanded for the second time, and its teams were again distributed to the remaining Triple-A leagues. The Iowa Cubs, Nashville Sounds, New Orleans Zephyrs, Oklahoma City 89ers (renamed the Oklahoma RedHawks, now the Oklahoma City RedHawks), and Omaha Royals migrated to the West Coast Pacific Coast League starting with the 1998 season. The Buffalo Bisons, Indianapolis Indians, and Louisville Redbirds became part of the International League, also starting in 1998.

The Buffalo Bisons were the last league champions in 1997, and the trophy is still in their possession. (Source: Wikipedia)

The following team logos are available for the American Association of Baseball

Example of "Logo with League and Years"

Each garment is produced on a per-order basis and given a thorough check of quality before leaving our office. We're proud to offer this hands-on attention for our customers. Each printed garment is made-to-order, and ships out of our office within 3-10 business days of your order. Embroidered items require up to 15 business days to complete, although we strive for a much quicker turnaround.

Digital printing uses state of the art technology to print images directly to the garment, which provides excellent image durability, wash fastness, and a soft, breathable image feel. Our large and vibrant logo print is second to none. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND when selecting your garment color that direct-to-garment printing does not utilize white ink. Therefore any part of a logo that is to be white will be the color of the shirt. This works well with most all logos on Ash or Tan-colored shirts, but use discretion when ordering Lt. Blue or Yellow garments.

Delivery in the U.S. via USPS Priority Mail. International shipping via USPS Priority Mail with rates based upon your location. PLEASE NOTE: Shipments outside of the United States may incur a customs fee when the package is picked up. The customer is responsible for this fee which is imposed by the receiving country.

ALL IMAGES ARE SIMULATIONS FOR EXAMPLE ONLY and are not actual photographs of the final printed product. Image color and size will vary.

Share This