Tombstone
Born: 1982 – Re-branded from Spartanburg Traders
Re-Branded: 1984 (Spartanburg Suns)
First Game:
Last Game:
South Atlantic League Championships: None
Stadium
Duncan Park (3,000)11983 Anderson Braves Program
Ownership & Affiliation
Owners: Robert Anderson & Clyde Wilmeth
Major League Affiliation: Philadelphia Phillies
Attendance
Background
Spartanburg, South Carolina was a long-time minor league outpost of the Philadelphia Phillies organization, hosting a Class A affiliate of the Major League club from 1963 to 1994. For most of that era Spartanburg’s local nine were also known as the Phillies. But during a six-year period from 1980 to 1985 the team experimented with several different local identities, including the Traders (1980-1982), the Spinners (1983) and the Suns (1984-1985).
In 1986 the team went back to being known as the Phillies.
On The Field
The Spartanburg Spinners lasted just one summer under that name. The club finished 72-71 under the direction of manager Roly DeArmas and produced nine future Major League ballplayers.
20-year old Chris James split time between 3rd base and the outfield and was the Spinners most dangerous player. The brother of New England Patriots running back and future ESPN college football analyst Craig James hit .297 with 26 homers and 121 RBIs for the Spinners. He would go onto to a 10-year Major League career that lasted from 1986 to 1995.
Pitcher Mike Maddux spent 15 seasons in the big leagues and was the last active Spinners player when he threw his last pitch in 2000.
Legacy
New owners took over the Spinners in 1984 and changed the name (again!) to the Spartanburg Suns.
The former Spartanburg Spinners franchise is still active in the South Atlantic League today. After several subsequent name changes and a move to Kannapolis, North Carolina in 1995, the franchise is known today as the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
Spartanburg Spinners Shop
Downloads
July 1983 Spinners vs. Charleston Royals Game Notes & Rosters Sheet
July 1983 Spartanburg Spinners vs. Charleston Royals Game Notes
In Memoriam
Outfielder Greg Jelks became a star in the Australian Baseball League during the 1990’s. He eventually acquired dual citizenship and played for Australia’s national team in the late 90’s. Jelks passed away in his sleep during an intercontinental flight between the U.S. and Australia on January 6, 2017 at age 55. MLB.com obituary.
Links
##
