Savannah Sand Gnats

Savannah Sand Gnats 1984–2015 Savannah, Georgia
Team logo Cap insignia
Class-level
Previous	Single-A (1984–2015)
Minor league affiliations
Previous leagues	South Atlantic League (1984–2015)
Major league affiliations
Previous	New York Mets (2007–2015) Washington Nationals (2005–2006) Montreal Expos (2003–2004) Texas Rangers (1998–2002) Los Angeles Dodgers (1996–1997) St. Louis Cardinals (1984–1995)
Minor league titles
League titles (4)	1993 1994 1996 2013
Division titles (2)	1993 2013
Team data
Previous names	Savannah Cardinals (1984–1995)
Colors	Dark green, burgundy, tan, black, white
Previous parks	Grayson Stadium (1984–2015)

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 became known as the Columbia Fireflies.

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, 1997, 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.^[2]

Among their notable alumni are Adrián Beltré, Jacob DeGrom, Éric Gagné, Edwin Encarnación, Travis Hafner, Hank Blalock, 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

1984–1995: Savannah Cardinals

In popular culture

• The team was featured in the first season of Da Ali G Show, when the character Borat sang his national anthem, and then ventured into the locker room.^[4]
• The Gnats were featured on the Food Network show Paula's Home Cooking during the episode "Ball Game", when Paula Deen threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a game and wore a team jersey while cooking.^[5]
• They were featured on the television sitcom George Lopez, when the character Jason McNamara is drafted by the Nationals, and is going to play for the Sand Gnats.
• In June 2013, the Royal Pains episode "Lawson Translation" features two main characters attending Sand Gnats games and taking a (fictional) veteran player on as a medical patient.

References