Wednesday, September 08, 1999
Reds leave Indy for Louisville
RiverBats join organization as Triple-A affiliate
The Associated Press
LOUISVILLE — The Louisville RiverBats are the Reds' new top farm club, giving the Triple-A team a fresh affiliation for its new ballpark, officials said Tuesday.
The five-year deal ends the Reds affiliation with the Indianapolis Indians.
Indianapolis had the best record among Triple-A franchises during its seven-year affiliation with Cincinnati. But Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said club's “relationship at Indianapolis was strained at times.”
Bowden said Indianapolis' front office complained about some player-development decisions through the years. In 1998, the Indians bemoaned a lack of pitching as they fell just short of first place, he said.
“Those type of comments that were made public, we didn't really think was one that we wanted to continue a relationship like that,” Bowden said.
Louisville cut its ties with the Milwaukee Brewers after two seasons.
Bowden said the new affiliation will strengthen the Reds' following in Louisville.
The RiverBats' season ended Monday with an 8-3 loss to Indianapolis in the team's final game in Cardinal Stadium. Louisville finished with a 63-81 record in the International League. Indianapolis was 75-69.
“We've watched the Reds' Triple-A team totally dominate us over the years. It will be fun to join (them),” RiverBats President Gary Ulmer said.
The Louisville franchise was affiliated with the St.Louis Cardinals from 1982 to 1997, then with Milwaukee.
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