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The '''Fostoria Red Birds''' were a [[minor league baseball]] team based in [[Fostoria, Ohio]] from 1937 to 1941. First known as the Fostoria Cardinals in 1936, Fostoria teams played as exclusively as members of the [[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] level [[Ohio State League]] and for their entire existence, the franchise played as a minor league affiliate of the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. Fostoria hosted minor league home games at Redbird Park.
The '''Fostoria Red Birds''' was a [[minor league baseball]] team based in [[Fostoria, Ohio]], playing from 1937 to 1941. First known as the Fostoria "Cardinals" in 1936, Fostoria teams played exclusively as members of the [[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] level [[Ohio State League]], and played as a minor league affiliate of the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] for the entirety of their existence. Fostoria hosted minor league home games at Redbird Park.


==History==
==History==
The '''Fostoria Cardinals''' began minor league baseball play in 1936 as members of the six–team [[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] level [[Ohio State League]]. The "Cardinals" moniker reflected the franchise as an affiliate of the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. Joining Fostoria in the six–team Ohio State League in 1936 were the [[Fremont Reds]], [[Mansfield Tigers]], [[New Philadelphia Red Birds]] (also a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate), Sandusky Sailors and [[Tiffin Mud Hens]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1936|title=1936 Fostoria Cardinals Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1936|title=1936 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=5870c674|title=1936 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>
The '''Fostoria Cardinals''' began minor league baseball play in 1936 as members of the six–team [[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] level [[Ohio State League]]. The "Cardinals" moniker reflected the franchise as an affiliate of the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. Joining Fostoria in the six–team Ohio State League in 1936 were the [[Fremont Reds]], [[Mansfield Tigers]], [[New Philadelphia Red Birds]] (also a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate), [[Sandusky Sailors]] and [[Tiffin Mud Hens]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1936|title=1936 Fostoria Cardinals Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1936|title=1936 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=5870c674|title=1936 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>


Beginning play in the 1936 Ohio State League, the Fostoria Cardinals placed 3rd with a 40–50 record, playing the season under managers Harry Aldrick and George Silvey. Silvey began the season managing the New Philadelphia Red Birds, who folded on May 26, 1936 after eight games. On May 27, 1936, in a game at Redbird Park, the Fostoria Cardinals defeated the Fremont Reds by a score of 27–12. The Cardinals finished 15.0 games behind the 1st place Tiffin Mud Hens in the final Ohio State League regular season standings. Fostoria pitcher Steve Vargo led the 1936 Ohio State League with 156 strikeouts and Cardinal player Ed Zipay led the league in hitting, with a .419 batting average.<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1936|title=1936 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1936 Fostoria Cardinals Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/professionalsportshistory/Home/the-sports-lists/baseball-lists/team-batting-records|title=Team Batting Records - Professional Sports History|website=sites.google.com}}</ref>
Beginning play in the 1936 Ohio State League, the Fostoria Cardinals placed third with a 40–50 record, playing the season under managers Harry Aldrick and George Silvey. Silvey began the season managing the New Philadelphia Red Birds, who folded on May 26, 1936, after eight games. On May 27, 1936, in a game at Redbird Park, the Fostoria Cardinals defeated the Fremont Reds by a score of 27–12. The Cardinals finished 15.0 games behind the first place Tiffin Mud Hens in the final Ohio State League regular season standings. Fostoria pitcher Steve Vargo led the 1936 Ohio State League with 156 strikeouts and teammate Ed Zipay was the league batting champion, hitting with a .419 batting average.<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1936|title=1936 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1936 Fostoria Cardinals Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/professionalsportshistory/Home/the-sports-lists/baseball-lists/team-batting-records|title=Team Batting Records - Professional Sports History|website=sites.google.com}}</ref><ref name="encyc">{{cite book |title=The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball |editor-first1=Lloyd |editor-last1=Johnson |editor-first2=Miles |editor-last2=Wolff |edition=Third |publisher=[[Baseball America]] |date=2007 |isbn=978-1932391176}}</ref>


Continuing play in the 1937 Ohio State League season, the team became the "Fostoria Red Birds" while remaining as an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, a partnership that would continue for the duration of the franchise. The 1937 Red Birds finished a distant last in the six–team league. With a 20–68 record, Fostoria placed 6th under managers John Cavanaugh, Red Jenkins (twice), Rex Bowen and Harry Aldrick. The Red Birds finished 41.5 games behind the 1st place [[Mansfield Red Sox]] in the final standings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1937|title=1937 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1937|title=1937 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=a90ecdbc|title=1937 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1937 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>
Continuing play in the 1937 Ohio State League season, the team became known as the "Fostoria Red Birds" while remaining an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The 1937 Red Birds finished a distant last in the six–team league. With a 20–68 record, Fostoria placed sixth under managers John Cavanaugh, Red Jenkins (twice), Rex Bowen and Harry Aldrick. The Red Birds finished 41.5 games behind the first place [[Mansfield Red Sox]] in the final standings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1937|title=1937 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1937|title=1937 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=a90ecdbc|title=1937 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1937 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="encyc"/>


The 1938 Fostoria Red Birds won the Ohio State League pennant, as the Ohio State League played the 1938 season as a four–team league. With a regular season record of 55–41, Fostoria finished 1st in the standing, managed by Jack Farmer. The Red Birds finished 3.0 games ahead of the 2nd place Fremont Reds/Green Sox in the regular season standings. In the Ohio State League final, Fostoria lost to Fremont 3 games to 0. Player/manager Jack Farmer led the Ohio State League with 164 strikeouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1987|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1938|title=1938 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1938 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=abd8db25|title=1938 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>
The 1938 Fostoria Red Birds won the Ohio State League pennant, as the Ohio State League played the 1938 season as a four–team league. With a regular season record of 55–41, Fostoria finished first in the regular season standings, playing the season under manager Jack Farmer. The Red Birds finished 3.0 games ahead of the second place Fremont Reds/Green Sox in the regular season standings. In the Ohio State League final, Fostoria lost to Fremont 3 games to 0. Player/manager Jack Farmer led the Ohio State League with 164 strikeouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1938|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1938|title=1938 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1938 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=abd8db25|title=1938 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="encyc"/>


As the Ohio State League returned to a six–team league 1939, Fostoria again qualified for the playoffs. The Red Birds placed 3rd in the regular season with a 66–63 record under returning player/manager Jack Farmer, finishing 1.5 games behind the 1st place [[Findlay Oilers]]. The Red Birds lost in first round of the playoffs to Findlay 2 games to 0. Fostoria pitcher Fred Berger led the Ohio State League with 231 strikeouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1939|title=1939 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1939|title=1939 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=deebc651|title=1939 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1939 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>
In 1939 the Ohio State League returned to a six–team league and Fostoria again qualified for the playoffs. The Red Birds placed third in the regular season standings with a 66–63 record. Playing under returning player/manager Jack Farmer, Fostoria ended the season 1.5 games behind the first place [[Findlay Oilers]]. The Red Birds lost in first round of the playoffs to Findlay 2 games to 0. Fostoria pitcher Fred Berger led the Ohio State League with 231 strikeouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1939|title=1939 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1939|title=1939 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=deebc651|title=1939 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1939 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>


The Fostoria Red Birds finished in 5th place in the 1940 Ohio State League. Managed by Bobby Jones, Fostoria ended the season with a 44–73 record, finishing 40.0 games behind the 1st place Lima Pandas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1940|title=1940 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1940|title=1940 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1940 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=53a61c07|title=1940 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>
The Fostoria Red Birds finished in fifth place in the 1940 Ohio State League. Managed by Bobby Jones, Fostoria ended the season with a 44–73 record, finishing 40.0 games behind the first place Lima Pandas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1940|title=1940 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1940|title=1940 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1940 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=53a61c07|title=1940 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="encyc"/>


In their final season of play, the 1941 Fostoria Red Birds finished 4th in the six–team Ohio State League. With a record of 49–57 under managers Lee Ellison and Charles Cronin, Fostoria finished 21.5 games behind the 1st place [[Fremont Green Sox]]. In 1941, Jim Pruett of Fostoria led the Ohio State League in hitting with a .340 batting average. After the 1941 season, the Ohio State League ceased play until 1944 due to [[World War II]]. Fostoria did not field a franchise when the Ohio State League returned to play, Fostoria has not hosted another minor league team since the 1941 Red Birds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1941|title=1941 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1941|title=1941 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?code=OHSL&class=D|title=Ohio State League (D) Encyclopedia and History|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=223f264b|title=1941 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1941 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>
In their final season of play, the 1941 Fostoria Red Birds placed fourth in the six–team Ohio State League. With a record of 49–57 under managers Lee Ellison and Charles Cronin, Fostoria finished 21.5 games behind the first place [[Fremont Green Sox]]. In 1941, Jim Pruett of Fostoria led the Ohio State League in hitting with a .340 batting average. After the 1941 season, the Ohio State League ceased play until 1944 due to [[World War II]]. Fostoria did not field a franchise when the Ohio State League returned to play. Fostoria has not hosted another minor league team since the 1941 Red Birds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-OHSL4/y-1941|title=1941 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-OHSL4/y-1941|title=1941 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?code=OHSL&class=D|title=Ohio State League (D) Encyclopedia and History|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=223f264b|title=1941 Ohio State League|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi|title=1941 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="encyc"/>


==Ballpark==
==Ballpark==
The Fostoria teams played home games at '''Redbird Park'''. The ballpark had a capacity of 1,500 in 1939 and dimensions of (Left, Center, Right): 340–445–340 in 1939. Redbird Park was located at 201 South Main Street, Fostoria, Ohio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-919|title=Redbird Park in Fostoria, OH history and teams on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/findlay-republican-courier-apr-29-1939-p-13/|title=Findlay Republican Courier Archives, Apr 29, 1939, p. 13|date=April 29, 1939|website=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref>
The Fostoria teams played home games at '''Redbird Park'''. The ballpark had a capacity of 1,500 in 1939 and dimensions of (Left, Center, Right): 340–445–340 in 1939. Redbird Park was located on the southwest side of town at the southeast corner of the intersection of Findlay and Lytle streets, and Independence Ave.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Winegardner |first=Mark |title=Prophet of the Sandlots, Journeys with a Major League Scout |publisher=Prentice Hall Press |year=1990 |isbn=0-13-726373-2 |edition=1st |pages=19, 22}}</ref> The ballpark was demolished sometime around 1944.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Winegardner |first=Mark |title=Prophet of the Sandlots, Journeys with a Major League Scout |publisher=Prentice Hall Press |year=1990 |isbn=0-13-726373-2 |edition=1st |pages=19, 21}}</ref>

==Timeline==
==Timeline==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
! Year(s) !! # Yrs. !! Team !! Level !! League!!Affiliate!!Ballpark
! Year(s) !! # Yrs. !! Team !! Level !! League!!Affiliate!!Ballpark
|-
|-
|1936|| 1 || Fostoria Cardinals ||rowspan=2|[[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] ||rowspan=2|[[Ohio State League]]||rowspan=2|[[St. Louis Cardinals]]||rowspan=2|Redbird Park
|1936|| 1 || Fostoria Cardinals ||rowspan=2|[[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] ||rowspan=2|[[Ohio State League]]||rowspan=2|[[St. Louis Cardinals]]||rowspan=2|Redbird Park
Line 50: Line 51:
|1937–1941|| 5 ||Fostoria Red Birds
|1937–1941|| 5 ||Fostoria Red Birds
|}
|}

==Year–by–year record==
==Year–by–year records==
{{unref-section|date=June 2022}}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background: #F2F2F2;"
|- style="background: #F2F2F2;"
! Year !! Record !! Finish !! Manager !! Playoffs
! Year !! Record !! Finish !! Manager !! Playoffs / notes
|- align=center
|- align=center
| 1936 || 40–50 || 3rd|| Harry Aldrick / George Silvey|| Did not qualify
| 1936 || 40–50 || 3rd|| Harry Aldrick / George Silvey|| Did not qualify
Line 62: Line 63:
| 1938 || 55–41 || 1st || Jack Farmer || Lost league finals
| 1938 || 55–41 || 1st || Jack Farmer || Lost league finals
|- align=center
|- align=center
| 1939 || 66–63 || 3rd || Jack Farmer || lost first round
| 1939 || 66–63 || 3rd || Jack Farmer || Lost 1st round
|- align=center
|- align=center
| 1940 || 44–73 || 5th || Bobby Jones ||Did not qualify
| 1940 || 44–73 || 5th || Bobby Jones ||Did not qualify
Line 69: Line 70:
|- align=center
|- align=center
|}
|}
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1936|title=1936 Fostoria Cardinals minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1937|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1938|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1939|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1940|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1941|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1936|title=1936 Fostoria Cardinals minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1937|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1938|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1939|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1940|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-fc11607/y-1941|title=Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref name="encyc"/>

==Notable alumni==
==Notable alumni==
{{Div col|colwidth=40em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
*[[Pat Capri]] (1938–1939)
*[[Pat Capri]] (1938–1939)
*[[Glenn Crawford]] (1939)
*[[Glenn Crawford]] (1939)
Line 81: Line 83:
===See also===
===See also===
[[:Category:Fostoria Red Birds players|Fostoria Red Birds players]]
[[:Category:Fostoria Red Birds players|Fostoria Red Birds players]]

==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
==External links==
[https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Fostoria&state=OH&country=US Baseball Reference]
*[https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Fostoria&state=OH&country=US Fostoria - Baseball Reference]


[[Category:Defunct minor league baseball teams]]
[[Category:Defunct minor league baseball teams]]

Latest revision as of 08:24, 29 February 2024

Fostoria Red Birds
Minor league affiliations
ClassClass D (1936–1941)
LeagueOhio State League (1936–1941)
Major league affiliations
TeamSt. Louis Cardinals (1936–1941)
Minor league titles
League titles (0)None
Wild card berths (1)1939
Team data
NameFostoria Cardinals (1936)
Fostoria Red Birds (1937–1941)
BallparkRedbird Park (1936–1941)

The Fostoria Red Birds was a minor league baseball team based in Fostoria, Ohio, playing from 1937 to 1941. First known as the Fostoria "Cardinals" in 1936, Fostoria teams played exclusively as members of the Class D level Ohio State League, and played as a minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals for the entirety of their existence. Fostoria hosted minor league home games at Redbird Park.

History

[edit]

The Fostoria Cardinals began minor league baseball play in 1936 as members of the six–team Class D level Ohio State League. The "Cardinals" moniker reflected the franchise as an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Joining Fostoria in the six–team Ohio State League in 1936 were the Fremont Reds, Mansfield Tigers, New Philadelphia Red Birds (also a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate), Sandusky Sailors and Tiffin Mud Hens.[1][2][3]

Beginning play in the 1936 Ohio State League, the Fostoria Cardinals placed third with a 40–50 record, playing the season under managers Harry Aldrick and George Silvey. Silvey began the season managing the New Philadelphia Red Birds, who folded on May 26, 1936, after eight games. On May 27, 1936, in a game at Redbird Park, the Fostoria Cardinals defeated the Fremont Reds by a score of 27–12. The Cardinals finished 15.0 games behind the first place Tiffin Mud Hens in the final Ohio State League regular season standings. Fostoria pitcher Steve Vargo led the 1936 Ohio State League with 156 strikeouts and teammate Ed Zipay was the league batting champion, hitting with a .419 batting average.[1][4][5][3][6][7]

Continuing play in the 1937 Ohio State League season, the team became known as the "Fostoria Red Birds" while remaining an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The 1937 Red Birds finished a distant last in the six–team league. With a 20–68 record, Fostoria placed sixth under managers John Cavanaugh, Red Jenkins (twice), Rex Bowen and Harry Aldrick. The Red Birds finished 41.5 games behind the first place Mansfield Red Sox in the final standings.[8][9][10][11][7]

The 1938 Fostoria Red Birds won the Ohio State League pennant, as the Ohio State League played the 1938 season as a four–team league. With a regular season record of 55–41, Fostoria finished first in the regular season standings, playing the season under manager Jack Farmer. The Red Birds finished 3.0 games ahead of the second place Fremont Reds/Green Sox in the regular season standings. In the Ohio State League final, Fostoria lost to Fremont 3 games to 0. Player/manager Jack Farmer led the Ohio State League with 164 strikeouts.[12][13][14][15][7]

In 1939 the Ohio State League returned to a six–team league and Fostoria again qualified for the playoffs. The Red Birds placed third in the regular season standings with a 66–63 record. Playing under returning player/manager Jack Farmer, Fostoria ended the season 1.5 games behind the first place Findlay Oilers. The Red Birds lost in first round of the playoffs to Findlay 2 games to 0. Fostoria pitcher Fred Berger led the Ohio State League with 231 strikeouts.[16][17][18][19]

The Fostoria Red Birds finished in fifth place in the 1940 Ohio State League. Managed by Bobby Jones, Fostoria ended the season with a 44–73 record, finishing 40.0 games behind the first place Lima Pandas.[20][21][22][23][7]

In their final season of play, the 1941 Fostoria Red Birds placed fourth in the six–team Ohio State League. With a record of 49–57 under managers Lee Ellison and Charles Cronin, Fostoria finished 21.5 games behind the first place Fremont Green Sox. In 1941, Jim Pruett of Fostoria led the Ohio State League in hitting with a .340 batting average. After the 1941 season, the Ohio State League ceased play until 1944 due to World War II. Fostoria did not field a franchise when the Ohio State League returned to play. Fostoria has not hosted another minor league team since the 1941 Red Birds.[24][25][26][27][28][7]

Ballpark

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The Fostoria teams played home games at Redbird Park. The ballpark had a capacity of 1,500 in 1939 and dimensions of (Left, Center, Right): 340–445–340 in 1939. Redbird Park was located on the southwest side of town at the southeast corner of the intersection of Findlay and Lytle streets, and Independence Ave.[29] The ballpark was demolished sometime around 1944.[30]

Timeline

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Year(s) # Yrs. Team Level League Affiliate Ballpark
1936 1 Fostoria Cardinals Class D Ohio State League St. Louis Cardinals Redbird Park
1937–1941 5 Fostoria Red Birds

Year–by–year records

[edit]
Year Record Finish Manager Playoffs / notes
1936 40–50 3rd Harry Aldrick / George Silvey Did not qualify
1937 20–68 6th John Cavanaugh / Red Jenkins /
Rex Bowen/ Harry Aldrick		 Did not qualify
1938 55–41 1st Jack Farmer Lost league finals
1939 66–63 3rd Jack Farmer Lost 1st round
1940 44–73 5th Bobby Jones Did not qualify
1941 49–57 4th Lee Ellison / Charles Cronin Did not qualify

[31][32][33][34][35][36][7]

Notable alumni

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See also

[edit]

Fostoria Red Birds players

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "1936 Fostoria Cardinals Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  2. ^ "1936 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  3. ^ a b "1936 Ohio State League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  4. ^ "1936 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  5. ^ "1936 Fostoria Cardinals Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  6. ^ "Team Batting Records - Professional Sports History". sites.google.com.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Johnson, Lloyd; Wolff, Miles, eds. (2007). The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball (Third ed.). Baseball America. ISBN 978-1932391176.
  8. ^ "1937 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  9. ^ "1937 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  10. ^ "1937 Ohio State League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  11. ^ "1937 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  12. ^ "Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew". www.statscrew.com.
  13. ^ "1938 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  14. ^ "1938 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  15. ^ "1938 Ohio State League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  16. ^ "1939 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  17. ^ "1939 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  18. ^ "1939 Ohio State League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  19. ^ "1939 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  20. ^ "1940 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  21. ^ "1940 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  22. ^ "1940 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  23. ^ "1940 Ohio State League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  24. ^ "1941 Ohio State League (OSL) on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  25. ^ "1941 Ohio State League (OSL) Standings on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  26. ^ "Ohio State League (D) Encyclopedia and History". Baseball-Reference.com.
  27. ^ "1941 Ohio State League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  28. ^ "1941 Fostoria Red Birds Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  29. ^ Winegardner, Mark (1990). Prophet of the Sandlots, Journeys with a Major League Scout (1st ed.). Prentice Hall Press. pp. 19, 22. ISBN 0-13-726373-2.
  30. ^ Winegardner, Mark (1990). Prophet of the Sandlots, Journeys with a Major League Scout (1st ed.). Prentice Hall Press. pp. 19, 21. ISBN 0-13-726373-2.
  31. ^ "1936 Fostoria Cardinals minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  32. ^ "Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew". www.statscrew.com.
  33. ^ "Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew". www.statscrew.com.
  34. ^ "Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew". www.statscrew.com.
  35. ^ "Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew". www.statscrew.com.
  36. ^ "Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew". www.statscrew.com.
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