Introduction to the New Orleans Baseball Team
The New Orleans Baseball Team, often referred to as the NOLA Baseball Team, is a Major League Baseball (MLB) team that has been playing in the city of New Orleans since 1993. The team plays in the National League Central Division and is currently owned by the family of Tom and Gayle Benson. The team is also known for its unique logo, which features a fleur-de-lis and a baseball glove.
The History of the New Orleans Baseball Team
The New Orleans Baseball Team began as the New Orleans Pelicans in the late 1800s. The team played in the Southern League from 1893 to 1899. In 1901, the team moved to the newly formed American League and changed its name to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans played in the American League until 1959 when the team disbanded.
In 1993, the New Orleans Baseball Team was re-established as an expansion team in the National League. The team was owned by Tom and Gayle Benson and was initially called the New Orleans Zephyrs. However, the team changed its name to the New Orleans Baseball Team in 1997.
The Team’s Home Field
The New Orleans Baseball Team plays its home games at the iconic Shrine on Airline stadium in Metairie, Louisiana. The stadium was built in 1993 and is the oldest baseball stadium in the city. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 10,000 and features a variety of concessions and amenities, including a kids’ zone, luxury suites, and a restaurant.
The Team’s Uniforms
The New Orleans Baseball Team’s uniforms feature the traditional red and blue colors of New Orleans. The team’s logo is a fleur-de-lis and a baseball glove, which is a nod to the city’s French heritage. The team also wears a special red, white, and blue cap for special occasions.
The Team’s Notable Players
The New Orleans Baseball Team has had many legendary players over the years, including:
- Orel Hershiser: Hershiser was a pitcher for the team from 1993 to 1998. He was also a three-time All-Star and won the National League Cy Young Award in 1988.
- Will Clark: Clark was a first baseman for the team from 1993 to 1997. He was a six-time All-Star and won the Gold Glove Award in 1989.
- Pedro Martinez: Martinez was a pitcher for the team from 1998 to 2001. He was a three-time All-Star and won the Cy Young Award in 1997.
- Andruw Jones: Jones was an outfielder for the team from 1997 to 2001. He was a five-time All-Star and won the Gold Glove Award in 1998.
The Team’s Achievements
The New Orleans Baseball Team has had some notable achievements over the years, including:
- In 1997, the team won the National League Central Division title, their first division title since 1959.
- In 1998, the team made it to the National League Championship Series, but were defeated by the San Diego Padres.
- In 2003, the team won their second National League Central Division title.
- In 2004, the team won the National League wild card spot, but were defeated by the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series.
The Team’s Popularity in New Orleans
The New Orleans Baseball Team is one of the most popular teams in the city of New Orleans. The team’s games are often sold out, and the team is well supported by the community. The team is also a major part of the city’s culture, with many of its players becoming part of the city’s lore.
The Team’s Rivalries
The New Orleans Baseball Team has several rivalries in the National League Central Division, including:
- St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals and the NOLA Baseball Team have a storied rivalry that dates back to the late 1800s. The two teams have faced off many times in the regular season and postseason.
- Chicago Cubs: The Cubs and the NOLA Baseball Team have been rivals since the team’s re-establishment in 1993. The two teams have faced off in the regular season and postseason numerous times.
- Houston Astros: The Astros and the NOLA Baseball Team have been rivals since the Astros joined the National League Central Division in 2013. The two teams have faced off in the regular season and postseason numerous times.
The Team’s Future
The future of the New Orleans Baseball Team is uncertain. The team is currently owned by the family of Tom and Gayle Benson, but there have been rumors that the team could be sold or relocated. However, the team’s popularity in the city of New Orleans remains strong, and many fans are hopeful that the team will remain in the city for years to come.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Baseball Team is one of the most beloved teams in the city of New Orleans. The team has a long and storied history and has produced some of the greatest players in Major League Baseball. The team also has a unique logo and uniforms and is supported by a passionate fan base. The future of the team is uncertain, but many fans are hopeful that the team will remain in New Orleans for years to come.