| Sumter Braves | |
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| Minor league affiliations | |
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Previous leagues | South Atlantic League (1985-1991) |
| Major league affiliations | |
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| Minor league titles | |
| League titles (0) | None |
| Team data | |
Previous names |
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Previous parks | |
The Sumter Braves were a minor league baseball team located in Sumter, South Carolina. The team played in the South Atlantic League, and were affiliated with the Atlanta Braves. Their home stadium was Riley Park.
In 1984, the Anderson Braves relocated to Sumter. In 1991, the affiliate shifted to Macon, Georgia and became known as the Macon Braves,[1][2] eventually becoming today's Rome Braves of Rome, Georgia. An expansion team was awarded to Sumter right after the Sumter Braves relocated and as an affiliate of the Montreal Expos,[2] and Sumter became known as the Sumter Flyers.[3] In 1992, the franchise relocated to Albany, Georgia as the Albany Polecats, eventually becoming today's Delmarva Shorebirds of Salisbury, Maryland.[4]
Notably, 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tom Glavine pitched for Sumter in 1985.
Sumner teams played at Riley Park. Located at Church Street & DuBose Street, 29150. It is still in use today as home to the University of South Carolina Sumter Fire Ants and Morris College Hornet baseball teams. The Sumter Chicks (1949–1950) of the Tri-State League, Sumter Indians (1970) and Sumter Astros (1971) of the Western Carolinas League and the Sumter Braves (1985–1990) and Sumter Flyers (1991) of the South Atlantic League all played at Riley Park.[5][6][7]
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 72-63 | 6th | Buddy Bailey | Lost in 1st round |
| 1986 | 77-60 | 3rd | Brian Snitker | |
| 1987 | 75-62 | 3rd | Buddy Bailey | |
| 1988 | 64-73 | 9th | Ned Yost | |
| 1989 | 60-81 | 11th | Ned Yost | |
| 1990 | 73-69 | 7th | Ned Yost |
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 64-75 | 10th | Lorenzo Bundy |