Statesville Owls

Statesville first began minor league baseball play in 1900, as charter members of the North Carolina Association, an Independent league. Other charter members were the Charlotte Presbyterians, Durham Bulls, Raleigh Senators, Tarboro Tarheels and Wilmington Giants. Statesville finished 8–12 in 1900. Statesboro folded after the 1900 season and did not return to the North Carolina Association in 1901.[1][2][3]

After a 39-year span, the Statesville Owls became charter members of the Tar Heel League in 1939. Other Tar Heel League charter members were the Gastonia Cardinals, Hickory Rebels, Lenoir Indians, Newton-Conover Twins and Shelby Nationals. The Statesville Owls finished 56–51 (3rd) in 1939. In the playoffs, Statesville defeated Lenoir 3 games to 0. In the finals, the Gastonia Cardinals defeated the Owls 4 games to 3. In 1940, the Statesville Owls finished 73–37 (1st). In the playoffs, the Owls defeated the Lenoir Reds (3 games to 2) and the Hickory Rebels (4 games to one) to win the 1940 Tar Heel League Championship. The Tar Heel League folded after the 1940 season.[4][5]

The Statesville Owls joined the eight-team North Carolina State League in 1942. They finished 48–51 (6th) and missed the playoffs. The North Carolina State League ceased play after the 1942 season due to World War II.[6][5]

When the North Carolina State League resumed play in 1945, Statesville rejoined the league as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The Statesville Cubs finished 53–58 (5th) in 1945 and 41–69 (7th) in 1946, missing the playoffs both seasons.[7][6]

Statesville continued in the North Carolina State League as the Statesville Owls in 1947. The Owls remained in the League through 1952. After finishing last in 1947, Statesville finished 63–47 (2nd) in 1948. In the 1948 playoffs, the Statesville Owls defeated the Lexington Indians (4 games to 1) and the Hickory Rebels (4 games to 3) to win the 1948 North Carolina State League Championship. After 5th-place finishes in 1949 and 1950, the Owls advanced to the 1951 finals, where they were swept by the High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms.[6][5]

In 1952, the Statesville Owls were an affiliate of the New York Giants. The Owls finished 41–68 (5th) in the 1952 North Carolina State League, which was a six-team League. After the 1952 season, the North Carolina State League folded permanently.[6][5]

In 1953, Statesville had two teams during the season, both in the Tar Heel League. First, the Statesville Blues joined as members of the reorganized ten-team Tar Heel League. The Tar Heel League returned after having folded in 1940. However, the Statesville Blues, who were 13–28, disbanded on June 11, 1953. Then, on July 12, 1953, Statesville regained a team. Tar Heel League member Lincolnton Cardinals moved to Statesville, and the Lincolnton/Statesville team completed the 1953 season as the Statesville Sports, finishing 47–64 overall. The Statesville franchise did not return to the Tar Heel League for the 1954 season and the league folded permanently on June 21–1954, with just four teams.[4][8][9][10]

Statesville was without a team until the Statesville Owls joined the reorganized Western Carolina League in 1960, finishing 38–62 (7th). The Statesville Owls were an affiliate of Los Angeles Angels in 1961 and finished 2nd in the Western Carolina League. In 1963, the Owls finished 62–38 (1st) and captured the final Western Carolina League Championship.[11][5]

The Western Carolina League changed their name to Western Carolinas League in 1964, playing as a Class A League. The league changed names again in 1980, becoming today's South Atlantic League. The Statesville Colts played 1964 as an combined affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and Houston Colt .45s, finishing 52–70 (7th). The Colts drew 26,324 for the season, an average of 432 per game. The franchise folded after the 1964 season.[12][13][14]

In 1966, the Statesville Tigers (1966–1967) rejoined the Western Carolinas League, playing as an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers finished 42–81 (7th) in 1966 and 59–62 (4th) in 1967, missing the playoffs both seasons. The Tigers drew 17,473 in 1967, an average of 289 per game. Statesville folded after the 1967 season.[15][16][12]

The Statesville Indians returned to the Western Carolinas League in 1969 as an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The Indians were 33–32 on June 20, 1969, when the franchise moved to Monroe, North Carolina to finish the season as the Monroe Indians. the Statesville/Monroe team finished 61–63 in 1969. Neither Monroe or Statesville fielded a team in 1970. The 1969 Statesville Indians were the last minor league baseball team in Statesville.[17][12][18][19]

The Statesville Owls name has been used by collegiate summer baseball teams playing in Statesville.[20][21]

Statesville played at Athletic Park in 1900.[22]

The Statesville Owls played at Cooper Field from 1939–1942. The ballpark had a capacity of 4,000 (1939) and dimensions (Left, Center, Right) of 410-410-325 (1939). Cooper Park is still in existence as a public park, located at Wilson Lee Avenue &, Goldsboro Avenue, Statesville, North Carolina, 28677.[23][24][25]

In the seasons between 1945–1969, Statesville played at Senior High Stadium, which is at Statesville High School. The ballpark had a capacity of 3,600 (1950), 2,000 (1967) with dimensions (Left, Center, Right) of 414-386-308, 340-408-287 (1961) and 321-426-287 (1969). Sometimes called "High School Park" or "City Park Stadium", the ballpark is still in use at Statesville High School. The address is 474 North Center Street, Statesville, North Carolina, 28677.[26][27][28][29]

Baseball Reference