Duluth-Superior Dukes (1956–1970)
The Duluth-Superior Dukes was the final moniker of the minor league baseball team, that represented Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin, playing from 1956 to 1970 exclusively as members of the Northern League.
| Duluth-Superior Dukes | |
|---|---|
| Minor league affiliations | |
| Previous classes |
|
Previous leagues | Northern League (1956–1970) |
| Major league affiliations | |
| Previous teams |
|
| Minor league titles | |
| League titles | 2 1969, 1970 |
| Conference titles | 1956, 1961, 1963 |
| Team data | |
Previous names |
|
Previous parks | Wade Stadium (1956–1970) |
Duluth-Superior teams were affiliates of the Chicago White Sox (1956–1959), Detroit Tigers (1960–1965), Chicago Cubs (1965–1967) and Chicago White Sox (1967–1970).
History
The franchise formed in 1956 as the Duluth-Superior White Sox after a merger of the Duluth Dukes and the Superior Blues. The team name was changed back to the Dukes in 1960.
From 1960 to 1964, they were affiliated with the Detroit Tigers. In 1965, they were affiliated with the Tigers and Chicago Cubs. In 1966, they were affiliated with the Cubs. In 1967, they were affiliated with the Cubs and Chicago White Sox. From 1968 to 1970, they were affiliated with the White Sox alone.
The ballpark
The Dukes played their home games at Wade Stadium, located at 101 N. 35th Avenue West Duluth, Minnesota 55807. The stadium, built in 1940 is still in use today as home to the Duluth Huskies.
Year-by-year record
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 70–51 | 2nd | Frank Carswell | Lost League Finals |
| 1961 | 76–52 | 1st | Bob Swift | Lost in 1st round |
| 1962 | 69–55 | 2nd | Al Lakeman | Lost in 1st round |
| 1963 | 77–43 | 1st | Bob Mavis | 2nd in Baukol Playoffs |
| 1964 | 61–55 | 3rd | Gail Henley | 2nd in Baukol Playoffs |
| 1965 | 31–35 | 2nd | Doc Daugherty | none |
| 1966 | 29–36 | 4th | Joe Grace | none |
| 1967 | 30–39 | 5th | Ira Hutchinson | none |
| 1968 | 31–39 | 4th | Bruce Andrew | none |
| 1969 | 46–23 | 1st | Pel Austin | League Champs |
| 1970 | 48-21 | 1st | Joe Sparks | League Champs |
Notable alumni
- Gates Brown (1960)
- Pat Dobson (1962) MLB All-Star
- Bill Freehan (1961) 11x MLB All-Star
- John Hiller (1964) MLB All-Star
- Glen Hobbie (1956)
- Joe Hoerner (1957–1959) MLB All-Star
- Willie Horton (1962) 4x MLB All-Star
- Ira Hutchinson (1967, MGR)
- Pat Jarvis (1962–1963)
- Lamar Johnson (1970)
- Bruce Kimm (1970)
- Denny McLain (1963) 3x MLB All-Star; 2x AL Cy Young Award (1968–1969); 1968 AL Most Valuable Player
- J.C. Martin (1958)
- Don Mincher (1956–1957) 2x MLB All-Star
- Jim Northrup (1961–1962)
- Jim Rooker (1964)
- Joe Sparma (1963)
- Mickey Stanley (1961–1962) 5x Gold Glove
Other Major League player alumni
(from baseball-reference.com)
- 1960 – Aubrey Gatewood, Ray Oyler, Willie Smith
- 1961 – Leo Marentette, Tom Timmermann
- 1962 – Ike Brown, Vern Holtgrave
- 1963 – Pete Craig
- 1964 – Arlo Brunsberg, Wayne Comer, Jack DiLauro, Andy Kosco
- 1965 – Bill Butler
- 1968 – Don Eddy, Dan Neumeier, Scott Northey, Denny O'Toole
- 1969 – Stan Perzanowski, Glenn Redmon, Hugh Yancy
- 1970 – Bruce Miller, Hugh Yancy