The Birmingham Barons have a long, storied history that dates back more than a century. Since 1885, the franchise has played in a handful of leagues under a handful of names, but has always been situated in Alabama’s largest city. The team has been known by such colorful names as the Ironmakers, Maroons, Grays, Blues, Bluebirds, Reds and A’s, along with three stretches as the Barons. Those periods came between 1901 and 1961, 1964 and 1965 and since 1981. The Barons have been a member of the present-day Southern League since 1981. The franchise has had affiliations with the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers and has been with the Chicago White Sox since 1986.
Ballpark
Like most teams with such an extensive history, the Barons franchise has played in a number of ballparks. Most recently, the club has played the home games on its schedule at Regions Field, which opened in 2013. The park has an official capacity of 8,500 and has a brick and steel design that pays tribute to the city’s industrial history. Regions Field replaced Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, which had housed the Barons between 1988 and 2013.
Several Southern League Championships
Under various names, the Barons franchise has won 17 league championships over the last century, including its most recent victory in 2013. With the exception of the 1970s, the franchise has won at least one title in every decade since the 1900s.
Birmingham Barons Roster
The most celebrated name to appear on the Barons roster is that of Michael Jordan, who famously made news headlines around the world during his stint with the team after signing with the Chicago White Sox to try his hand at baseball. Jordan suited up for 127 games for the Barons in 1994, hitting just .202 but stealing 30 bases. Other notable former players in the organization include Vida Blue, Mark Buehrle, Mike Cameron, Rob Dibble, Ray Durham, Rollie Fingers, Bo Jackson, Reggie Jackson, Howard Johnson, Carlos Lee, Rube Marquard, Magglio Ordonez, Jake Peavy, Frank Thomas and Robin Ventura.
Spring Training
During Spring Training, members of the Barons share Camelback Ranch with other players from the Chicago White Sox system. The 13,000-capacity park in Phoenix, AZ, opened in 2009. It’s also the Spring Training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Ballpark Guide hasn’t visited the Birmingham Barons yet, but hopes to in the near future. If you’re excited to read a fan guide to Regions Field, check out the many ways you can support The Ballpark Guide on future baseball road trips.