:''This article refers to the former minor league that existed from 1902 to 1962 and 1969 to 1997. For the major league, which existed from 1882 to 1891, see
American Association (19th century). For the independent league, which started play in 2006, see
American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.
The 'American Association' was a
minor baseball league at the Class AAA (Triple-A) level of baseball in the
United States from
1902 to
1962 and
1969 to
1997. Together with the
International League, it contested the
Junior World Series which determined the best team in minor league baseball. In 1997, the American Association disbanded. The
Iowa Cubs,
Nashville Sounds,
New Orleans Zephyrs, Oklahoma City 89ers (renamed the
Oklahoma RedHawks), and
Omaha Royals migrated to the west coast
Pacific Coast League starting with the
1998 season. The
Buffalo Bisons,
Indianapolis Indians, and
Louisville Redbirds became part of the
International League, also starting in 1998. For most of its existence it was made up of teams from the central part of the US. The
Buffalo Bisons were the last league champions in 1997, and they still have the trophy in their possession.
Complete team list
League Champions and MVPs
| Year | Champion | MVP |
|---|
| 1969 | Omaha Royals | Bernie Carbo, Indianapolis RF |
| 1970 | Omaha Royals | George Spriggs, Omaha OF |
| 1971 | Denver Bears | Richie Scheinblum, Denver OF |
| 1972 | Evansville Triplets | Pat Bourque, Wichita 1B |
| 1973 | Tulsa Oilers | Cliff Johnson, Denver DH |
| 1974 | Tulsa Oilers | Pete LaCock, Wichita 1B |
| 1975 | Evansville Triplets | Hector Cruz, Tulsa 3B |
| 1976 | Denver Bears | Roger Freed, Denver 1B |
| 1977 | Denver Bears | Frank Ortenzio, Denver 1B |
| 1978 | Omaha Royals | Champ Summers, Indianapolis OF |
| 1979 | Evansville Triplets | Karl Pagel, Wichita OF |
| 1980 | Springfield Redbirds | Randy Bass, Denver 1B |
| 1981 | Denver Bears | Manny Castillo, Omaha 3B |
| 1982 | Indianapolis Indians | Ken Phelps, Wichita 1B |
| 1983 | Denver Bears | Mike Stenhouse, Wichita 1B |
| 1984 | Louisville Redbirds | Alan Knicely, Wichita 1B |
| 1985 | Louisville Redbirds | Steve Buechele, Oklahoma City 3B |
| 1986 | Indianapolis Indians | Barry Larkin, Denver SS |
| 1987 | Indianapolis Indians | Lance Johnson, Louisville OF |
| 1988 | Indianapolis Indians | Luis De Los Santos, Omaha 1B |
| 1989 | Indianapolis Indians | Greg Vaughn, Denver OF |
| 1990 | Omaha Royals | Juan González, Oklahoma City OF |
| 1991 | Denver Zephyrs | Jim Olander, Denver OF |
| 1992 | Oklahoma City 89ers | Jim Tatum, Denver 3B |
| 1993 | Iowa Cubs | Eddie Zambrano, Iowa OF |
| 1994 | Indianapolis Indians | Dwayne Hosey, Omaha OF |
| 1995 | Louisville Redbirds | Eric Owens, Indianapolis 2B |
| 1996 | Oklahoma City 89ers | Lee Stevens, Oklahoma City DH |
| 1997 | Buffalo Bisons | Magglio Ordonez, Nashville OF |
External links
★
AA Standings History
★
Article about American Association disbanding