Savannah Sand Gnats

The Savannah Sand Gnats were a minor league baseball team based in Savannah, Georgia. They were a member of the A-level South Atlantic League. The Sand Gnats were an affiliate of the New York Mets in their final nine seasons.[1] The team relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, in 2016 where they are now known as the Columbia Fireflies.[2]

Savannah Sand Gnats
Minor league affiliations
Previous classesClass A
Previous leagues
South Atlantic League (1984–2015)
Major league affiliations
Previous teams
Minor league titles
League titles (4)
  • 1993
  • 1994
  • 1996
  • 2013
Division titles (2)
  • 1993
  • 2013
Team data
Previous names
  • Savannah Cardinals (1984–1995)
ColorsDark green, burgundy, tan, black, white
         
MascotGnate the Gnat (2005-2015)
Gnic the Gnat (1996-2004)
Previous parks
Grayson Stadium (1984–2015)

History

Formerly known as the Savannah Cardinals, the team played their inaugural season in 1984, affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1996, the team changed its name to the Sand Gnats, and became an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team was affiliated with the Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2002 and the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals from 2003 to 2006.

The Sand Gnats played their home games at Grayson Stadium. Opened in 1927, Grayson Stadium seated 4,700 fans during its time as the home of the Sand Gnats. The Sand Gnats won four SAL championships (1993, 1994, 1996, 2013).

On January 11, 2007, the Sand Gnats named Tim Teufel as manager for the 2007 season.

On May 8, 2007, Jorge Reyes, a pitcher for the Sand Gnats, was suspended for violating Minor League Baseball's substance abuse policy. Reyes was the first player to receive a 100-game suspension for his second violation.[3]

On March 20, 2008, Atlanta-based Hardball Capital purchased the Savannah Sand Gnats.[4]

Among their notable alumni are Adrián Beltré, Jacob DeGrom, Éric Gagné, Edwin Encarnación, Michael Fulmer, Travis Hafner, Hank Blalock, Steven Matz, Collin McHugh, Brandon Nimmo, Josh Whitesell, Josh Satin, and Ryan Zimmerman.

Season-by-season records
Former Sand Gnats, Josh Whitesell and Ryan Zimmerman (left)

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses

SeasonWLFinishPostseason
198478613rd, SouthernLost in semi-finals
198557784th, SouthernDid not qualify
198675602nd, SouthernDid not qualify
198769694th, SouthernDid not qualify
198868675th, SouthernDid not qualify
198969704th, SouthernDid not qualify
199073686th, SouthernLost League Finals
199161777th, SouthernDid not qualify
199262785th, SouthernDid not qualify
199394481st, SouthernLeague Champions
199482552nd, SouthernLeague Champions
199556836th, SouthernDid not qualify
199672692nd, SouthernLeague Champions
199763773rd, SouthernDid not qualify
199866763rd, SouthernDid not qualify
199962784th, SouthernDid not qualify
200074654th, SouthernDid not qualify
200154828th, SouthernDid not qualify
200249898th, SouthernDid not qualify
200358807th, SouthernDid not qualify
200458807th, SouthernDid not qualify
200562767th, SouthernDid not qualify
200656837th, SouthernDid not qualify
200741948th, SouthernDid not qualify
200861767th, SouthernDid not qualify
20096572SouthernDid not qualify
20107564SouthernLost in semi-finals
20117960SouthernLost League Finals[5]
20126967SouthernDid not qualify
20137761SouthernLeague Champions
20148551SouthernLost in semi-finals
201583541st, SouthernLost in League Finals

1984–1995: Savannah Cardinals

Augusta GreenJackets

The Sand Gnats had a in-state rivalry with the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

Charleston RiverDogs

The Sand Gnats had a rivalry with the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees.

References
  1. "Affiliate Dance: 2006". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. 2006. Archived from the original on October 26, 2006. Retrieved September 26, 2006.
  2. Connolly, Matt (September 19, 2015). "Goodbye Sand Gnats, hello Fireflies". The State. Columbia, South Carolina. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  3. "Mets minor league pitcher suspended 100 games". ESPN. Associated Press. May 8, 2007. Retrieved May 8, 2007.
  4. Manasso, John (March 20, 2008). "Savannah Sand Gnats sold to Hardball Capital". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  5. "2011 Savannah Sand Gnats Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
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