Dayton Aviators

The Aviators were preceded in minor league play by the Dayton Veterans who had played from 1903 to 1917, as members of a previous version of the Class B level Central League.[1][2][3]

In 1928, the Dayton "Aviators" resumed minor league play, as the team became members of the six-team, Class B level Central League.[4] The Akron Tyrites, Canton Terriers, Erie Sailors, Fort Wayne Chiefs and Springfield Buckeyes teams joined Dayton in beginning Central League play on April 25, 1928.[5][3]

The Dayton "Aviators" nickname corresponds to Dayton aviation and history. Since 1923, Dayton has been home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, located on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.[6] Today, Dayton is also home to the Wright Brothers National Museum.[7]

(2010) Wright Cycle Company Offices. National Register of Historic Places. Dayton, Ohio.

In their first season of play, the Aviators placed second in the Central League overall standings.[4][8] With a record of 76–59, Dayton finished 1.0 game behind the first place Erie Sailors (76–57) in the final regular season standings. Erie won the second half of the split-season schedule, and the Fort Wayne Chiefs won the first half standings, with Fort Wayne eventually winning the playoff championship over Erie.[9][3] Jimmy Jordan of the Aviators led the Central League with a .362 batting average and 27 home runs. Teammate Ed Clough had 130 strikeouts to lead the league pitchers.[3]

The Aviators continued play in the 1929 Central League, placing third in the final standings of the six-team league.[10] The Dayton Aviators had an overall record of 68-69 and finished 11.5 games behind the first place Canton Terries in the final standings, as the league held no playoffs. The Aviators were managed by Merito Acosta during the season.[11][3][12]

Baseball Hall of Fame member Billy Herman played for the Aviators in 1929. At age 19, in his second professional season, Herman hit .329 for the Aviators in 138 games.[13]

1933 Goudey baseball card. Billy Herman.

The Dayton Aviators played their final season in the 1930 Central League and finished last in the standings.[14] Playing under manager Nick Cullup, the Aviators placed sixth in the six-team league. With a record of 56-81, Dayton finished 26.0 games behind the first place Springfield Blue Sox.[3] Clyde Hatter of Dayton led Central League pitchers with 217 strikeouts.[3]

The Central League did not return to play in 1931.[3] The Aviators were succeeded in minor league play by the 1932 Dayton Ducks, who were formed when the Central League resumed play.[15] The Ducks continued play in the Middle Atlantic League in 1933.[3]

Today, the Dayton Dragons continue minor league play as members of the Class A level Midwest League.[16]

The Dayton Aviators teams hosted minor league home games at North Side Park. The ballpark had a capacity of 4,000.[17] The ballpark had dimensions of (Left, Center, Right) of: 370, 420, 285 with a high Right Field fence. The ballpark was located northwest of Leo Street & Troy Pike Street. The ballpark site was located behind the location of the Philips Swimming Club, first built in 1901.[18][19] Philips was once operated by the family of Baseball Hall of Fame member Mike Schmidt, a Dayton native.[20][21] Schmidt's parents Joseph Jack Schmidt and Lois Jane Philipps managed the Philipps Aquatic Club, which had been founded by Lois's great-grandfather Charles A. Philipps. Schmidt worked as a lifeguard at the club and trainied there as a competitive swimmer. The club remained in the family until it was sold and closed in 2009.[22]

• Dayton Baseball Parks
• Dayton - Baseball Reference
• Dayton - Stats Crew