Rogers Lions

The Rogers Lions were a minor league baseball team based in Rogers, Arkansas in 1936 and 1937. Beginning play as the Rogers Rustlers in 1934, and with Rogers using other nicknames (Cardinals, Reds), Rogers teams were members of the Class D level Arkansas State League from 1934 to 1935 and the Arkansas-Missouri League from 1936 to 1938, winning league championships in 1934, 1935 and 1938. Rogers was a minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1935 and the Cincinnati Reds in 1938. Rogers teams hosted minor league home games at the Athletic Park.

Rogers Lions
Minor league affiliations
ClassClass D (1934–1948)
LeagueArkansas State League (1934–1935)
Arkansas-Missouri League (1936–1938)
Major league affiliations
TeamSt. Louis Cardinals (1935)
Cincinnati Reds (1938)
Minor league titles
League titles (3)
  • 1934
  • 1935
  • 1937
Conference titles (1)1937
Wild card berths (2)
  • 1934
  • 1938
Team data
NameRogers Rustlers (1934)
Rogers Cardinals (1935)
Rogers Lions (1936–1937)
Rogers Reds (1938)
BallparkAthletic Park (1934–1938)

History

In 1934, the Rogers Rustlers began play as members of the four–team Class D level Arkansas State League.[1][2] The Bentonville Officeholders, Fayetteville Educators and Siloam Springs Buffaloes joined Rogers in beginning league play on May 7, 1934.[3]

In their first season of play, the 1934 Rogers Rustlers won the Arkansas State League championship.[4] The Rustlers ended the Arkansas State League regular season with a record of 36–35, placing 3rd while playing the season under managers Ed Hawk and J.L. Casey. In the playoffs, the Rogers Rustlers beat the Siloam Springs Buffaloes in a one–game playoff for first half title. In the Finals, Rogers defeated the Bentonville Officeholders 4 games to 3 to win the championship.[5]

The Rogers Cardinals played as an affiliate of the St Louis Cardinals in 1935 and defended their Arkansas State League championship.[6] The Cardinals ended the 1935 season with a record of 59–50 losses, placing 2nd in the regular season standings of the four–team league. Fred Cato and Bud Stapleton served as the managers. In the playoff, the Rogers Cardinals defeated the Siloam Springs Travelers 4 games to 3 to win their second consecutive championship.[7]

In 1936, the Arkansas State League evolved to become the Class D level Arkansas-Missouri League, expanding to six teams. No longer a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate, Rogers continued play as the Rogers Lions.[8][9] The Bentonville Mustangs, Cassville Blues, Fayetteville Bears, Monett Red Birds and Siloam Springs Travelers joined Rogers as charter members of the Arkansas-Missouri League.[10] Rogers finished last in the regular season standings and did not qualify for the playoffs. With a regular season record of 44–75, the Lions place 6th, playing the season under managers Doc Ledbetter and Bud Stapleton. Rogers was 30.5 games behind 1st place Silom Springs.[11]

The 1937 Rogers Lions continued Arkansas–Missouri League play and won both the regular season pennant and playoff championship.[12] The Lions ended the 1937 season with a record of 79–48, winning the pennant by 8.5 games over the 2nd place Fayetteville Angels. Ted Mayer served as manager. In the 1st round playoffs, the Rogers Lions defeated the Neosho Night Hawks 3 games 1 to advance. Rogers defeated the Fayetteville Angels 4 games to 1 in the finals to give the franchise a third championship.[13]

In their final season, Rogers became an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds in 1938, advancing to the Arkansas–Missouri League playoffs.[14] The Rogers Reds ended the regular season with a record of 63–54, placing 4th in the standings. Pat Patterson served as manager. In the Playoffs, the Neosho Yankees swept Rogers in 3 games, which proved to be the final games for the Rogers franchise.[15]

In 1939, Rogers did not return to league play, as the Arkansas–Missouri League reduced franchises and played the season as a four–team league.[16]

Rogers, Arkansas has not hosted another minor league franchise.[17]

The ballpark

The Rogers minor league teams hosted home games at Athletic Park.[18][19][20]

Timeline
Year(s)# Yrs.TeamLevelLeagueAffiliateBallpark
19341Rogers RustlersClass DArkansas State LeagueNoneAthletic Park
19351Rogers CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
1936–19373Rogers LionsArkansas-Missouri LeagueNone
19381Rogers RedsCincinnati Reds

Year–by–year records
YearRecordFinishManagerPlayoffs/Notes
193436–353rdEd Hawk / J.L CaseyLeague champions
193559–502ndFred Cato / Bud StapletonLeague champions
193644–756thDoc Ledbetter / Bud StapletonDid not qualify
193779–481stTed MayerLeague champions
193863–544thPat PattersonLost in 1st Round

Notable alumni

See also

Rogers Lions players
Rogers Cardinals players
Rogers Reds players
Rogers Rustlers players

References
  1. "1934 Arkansas State League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  2. "Arkansas Baseball Encyclopedia | Rogers Rustlers (1934)". Arkansas Baseball Encyclopedia.
  3. "1934 Arkansas State League (ASL) Minor League Baseball on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  4. "1934 Rogers Rustlers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  5. "1934 Rogers Appleknocker/Rustlers minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  6. "1935 Rogers Cardinals Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  7. "1935 Rogers Cardinals minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  8. "1936 Rogers Lions Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  9. "Arkansas Baseball Encyclopedia | Rogers Lions (1936-1937)". Arkansas Baseball Encyclopedia.
  10. "1936 Arkansas-Missouri League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  11. "1936 Rogers Lions minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  12. "1937 Rogers Lions Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  13. "1937 Rogers Lions minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  14. "1938 Rogers Reds Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  15. "1938 Rogers Reds minor league baseball Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  16. "1939 Arkansas-Missouri League". Baseball-Reference.com.
  17. "Rogers, Arkansas Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com.
  18. "Athletic Park in Rogers, AR minor league baseball history and teams on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  19. "Cincinnati Reds Baseball Stadiums Past & Present - Minor League Teams & Ballparks - Spring Training Goodyear Baseball Stadium - Photos of the Cincinnati Reds Minor League Baseball Stadiums". digitalballparks.com.
  20. "Arkansas Baseball Encyclopedia | Athletic Park". Arkansas Baseball Encyclopedia.
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