As I already have a thread devoted to the Memphis Chicks and their ballpark Russwood, I thought it would be interesting to start a new one on the whole Southern Association. This historical league which produced so much fine talent including many HOF started in 1901 and lasted until 1961. It consisted mainly of teams from Memphis, Little Rock, New Orleans, Mobile, Birmingham, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga & Atlanta with a few others scattered through the years. Anything you have to post pertaining to the league go ahead whether it be photos of players, tickets, balls, etc. or simple discussion is welcome, after all its all about the memories and history of this grand Old League. I'll get it started with a few scorecards....
Just wanted to say hello. Originnaly from the Crescent City,(NO.) now living in Memphis, TN. Been a big fan of the teams in the Association. I got my education of the league, especially the history of the Pelicans from a good friend of mine and mentor, Arthur Schott. Being from N.O., I took photos of the places that the birds once called home throughout the city. The location of Heinemann Park, later called Pelican Stadium was my favorite. I was born two years after the birds went out of business, and the same year the league folded. My loss.
Been to the site of Russwood park several times. Got what I think is a good shot of the marker as to where Russwood once stood. Believe it or not, there is no marker where Pelican Stadium once stood. Sad. Many great players as we all know came out of the league. Love those shots of the score cards. Hope to chat with you sometime.
Thanks and welcome to the thread....I was fortunate enough to see many of the teams play at Russwood mid 50's until the fire...It was definately a different brand of minor league ball back then. The New Orleans program that I posted was actually scored...Written inside is the date of 6-27-59. Supposedly a New Orleans pitcher by the name of Kildoo beat Birmingham 5 to 0 and pitched a no-hitter. I haven't researched this out yet....maybe somebody out there can verify this.
Chicks1957....Per your advice I'm posting some info on
the 2009 Southern Association Conference.
I will post the full press release in a seperate topic in this section.
The Friends of Rickwood Field announce the 6th Annual Southern Association Conference to be held in Birmingham at historic Rickwood Field, on Saturday, March 7, 2009. This year’s conference will focus primarily on the history of the Southern Association All-star Game.
Saturday’s activities will be held at Rickwood Field, and will begin at 9:00 a.m. (central), and will feature presentations by authors and researchers, as well as collector exhibits. Rickwood will also be hosting a local tournament on Saturday, so there will be baseball on the diamond.
For registration info: Contact : David Brewer [mailto:david@rickwood.com]
For anyone who has never been to these conference, you are missing a great time
Don Kiddo of New Orleans pitched a no-hitter against the Barons on Friday, June 26, 1959 at City Park Stadium,(home of the Pelicans, 1958-1959). He struck out 8, walked 6 in front of 1,425. That was the last no-hitter by a Pelican pitcher. Hope that answers your question.
Thanks for the information. I re-checked the scorecard and looked in Marshall Wright's Book...Both have the spelling of his name as Don Kildoo....I will be posting some interesting pics soon...Thanks again.
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