American Association (1970-1984)
Tombstone
Founded: 1970 – American Association expansion franchise
Moved: September 7, 1984 (Buffalo Bisons)1Scott, Casey. “Glickman Officially Sells Aeros”. The Eagle (Wichita, KS). September 8, 1984
First Game: April 17, 1970 (W 2-1 vs. Tulsa Oilers)
Last Game: September 4, 1984 (L 3-0 @ Louisville Redbirds)
American Association Championships: None
Stadium
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium (9,000)21980 Iowa Oaks Program
Opened: 1934
Demolished: 2018
Dimensions (1982): Left: 344′, Center: 401′, Right: 312′31982 Omaha Royals Program
Ownership & Affiliation
Owner: Milton Glickman
Sale (1984): ~$1 million (Milton Glickman to Bob Rich)4Scott, Casey. “Glickman Officially Sells Aeros”. The Eagle (Wichita, KS). September 8, 1984
Major League Affiliations:
- 1970-1971: Cleveland Indians
- 1972-1980: Chicago Cubs
- 1981: Texas Rangers
- 1982-1983: Montreal Expos
- 1984: Cincinnati Reds
Trophy Case
American Association Most Valuable Player
- 1972: Pat Bourque
- 1974: Pete LaCock
- 1979: Karl Pagel
- 1982: Ken Phelps
- 1983: Mike Stenhouse
- 1984: Alan Knicely
Background
The Aeros were Wichita, Kansas’ Class AAA baseball club from 1970 through 1984. For majority of their run, the Aeros were the top farm club of the Chicago Cubs (1972-1980).
Future Major League stars Buddy Bell, Eric Davis, John Franco, Bruce Sutter and Lee Smith all spent time with the Aeros on their way up to the bigs.
After 15 seasons, long-time owner Milton Glickman sold the Aeros for a reported $1.0 million to Bob Rich in September 1984. Rich moved the team to Buffalo, New York where it became the Buffalo Bisons.
After the Aeros left town, Wichita went without minor league baseball for two summers. Pro ball returned to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in 1987 with the formation of the Class AA Wichita Wranglers of the Texas League.
Wichita Aeros Shop
Links
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2 Responses
My name is Bill Snell & I am looking for info on my father. He went by William (and/or Bill or “Doc”) Eugene Snell. He died in 1983. From talking to him back then, he said he worked with the Wichita Aeros in the early 70s. (I have a couple of photos also) I believe he was a trainer, maybe team doctor. I am trying to piece together his baseball work history. Any info you can provide about him or any other teams he worked with would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to call me.
Thanks, Bill
360-620-0417
I would contact Bob Lutz, he is retired now but was a sports writer starting in 1974 for the Wichita Eagle