Iowa Oaks?

[farmzoid]

Question...

Does anyone know if there was ever an affiliation between the White Sox and the now defunct Iowa Oaks? They played at Des Moines' Sec Taylor Stadium (also on the south side) until the lates 70's early 80's. I won't even mention which AAA team (ryhmes with scrubs) now plays there (shudder).

As a kid growing up in Central Iowa, I remember going to a game or two but have no clue if they were affiliated with a major league club or independent. I came across some photos on line at http://www.chicago-baseball-photos.com of some Sox players from '76 and '77 when they were with the Oaks and was curious if there was an organizational history.

If so, this could explain my affinity for the Chicago White Sox.

Thanks

[MisterB]

Originally Posted by farmzoid

Question...

Does anyone know if there was ever an affiliation between the White Sox and the now defunct Iowa Oaks? They played at Des Moines' Sec Taylor Stadium (also on the south side) until the lates 70's early 80's. I won't even mention which AAA team (ryhmes with scrubs) now plays there (shudder).

As a kid growing up in Central Iowa, I remember going to a game or two but have no clue if they were affiliated with a major league club or independent. I came across some photos on line at http://www.chicago-baseball-photos.com of some Sox players from '76 and '77 when they were with the Oaks and was curious if there was an organizational history.

If so, this could explain my affinity for the Chicago White Sox.

Thanks

The Iowa Oaks were the Sox AAA affiliate throughout the 70's. (from '69-'81 I believe)

[jortafan]

This is all the more reason to look down upon Des Moines as a city. What kind of people with any sense would willingly give up White Sox ties to become a Cubs affiliate?

[Daver]

Originally Posted by jortafan

This is all the more reason to look down upon Des Moines as a city. What kind of people with any sense would willingly give up White Sox ties to become a Cubs affiliate?

IIRC the Sox ended the affiliation.

[farmzoid]

Thanks for the information. Hmmm, I wonder if I ever saw LaMarr Hoyt pitch?

I’m sure this has been discussed at length, but having a farm team less than 400 miles West on I-80 could do much for building a regional fan base. Iowa could be retaken as White Sox country!

It’s a shame Des Moines/Central Iowa fell prey to the cute and cuddly swarm. I have to believe that my Iowa brethren were innocents in the Sox misguided decision to leave town. Although I’m sure the Sox had good reason to go, this is just another example of the opportunistic Chicago NL team taking advantage of a Sox throw away.

Now to see if I can find an Iowa Oaks hat somewhere…

[MUsoxfan]

Originally Posted by farmzoid

Now to see if I can find an Iowa Oaks hat somewhere…

I'm halfway there....

[MUsoxfan]

Found a t-shirt....



Here's the link

[StillMissOzzie]

Originally Posted by farmzoid

Does anyone know if there was ever an affiliation between the White Sox and the now defunct Iowa Oaks? They played at Des Moines' Sec Taylor Stadium (also on the south side) until the lates 70's early 80's. I won't even mention which AAA team (ryhmes with scrubs) now plays there (shudder).

Thanks

I went to school in Des Moines from 9/1977 - 5/1979, and yes, the Iowa Oaks were affiliated with the White Sox during that time. I always regret that I had neither the money, time, or car to get to Sec Taylor before heading back to the suburbs of Chicago for the summer to see a game, but I did keep up on the team in the papers. IIRC, Mike Squires was one of the bigger names then.

As mentioned earlier, the Sox have moved around plenty, at least with their AAA affiliate, over the last 20+ years. They've been in Hawaii, Vancouver, Des Moines, and probably a few more that I've forgotten, before landing in Charlotte. I'll have to check out my minor league card collection now.

SMO

[farmzoid]

Holy dog crap! You just blew my mind. Ordering immediately.

Everything is so much clearer now. Thank you.

[doublem23]

Their AAA affiliate was in Nashville right before Charlotte, IIRC.

[WinningUgly!]

Originally Posted by doublem23

Their AAA affiliate was in Nashville right before Charlotte, IIRC.

Yep, 1993-97. It seems like that's where Rodney McCray ran through the wooden outfield fence.

[MisterB]

Originally Posted by WinningUgly!

Yep, 1993-97. It seems like that's where Rodney McCray ran through the wooden outfield fence.

Actually McCray did that while playing for the Vancouver Canadians (the Sox AAA team before Nashville and after Iowa) in 1991.

[WinningUgly!]

Originally Posted by MisterB

Actually McCray did that while playing for the Vancouver Canadians (the Sox AAA team before Nashville and after Iowa) in 1991.

I knew that...I was just testing you.

[Clembasbal]

Just ordered an Iowa Oaks sox shirt, it was sweet and it shows that at one time Iowians used to love the Sox. Good thing we left that State.

[Clembasbal]

Just wondering some things.

I was trying to do some research, but I just haven't mastered the search engine thing yet.

Anyway, I know that the Sox were the Iowa Oaks Oaks, the Vancouver Canadians, and the Nashville Sounds...I was wondering what other teams were we.

And if will take somebody too long to find, a link would be perfect.

Also, other than that great website for retro t-shirts, is there anywhere else I could buy old school White Sox Minor League affliate shirts? Link?

Thanks guys!