Minor League Gems: Oklahoma City 89ers, 1972

After a four-year span with no professional baseball in the Oklahoma City area, the new Houston Colt .45s decided to purchase and then move the American Association’s Houston Buffaloes out of their home market and into Oklahoma City. The team became the Colt .45s/Astros AAA affiliate and was renamed to the Oklahoma City 89ers. This name made reference to the Land Run of 1889, which led to the founding of Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City 89ers, 1972 program

1972 was the final year of the 89ers’ association with the Astros. Over the ensuing decade the team switched ownership to the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies, before finding a new home with the Texas Rangers for almost 30 years. The Oklahoma City team is now owned by the Los Angeles Dodgers and carries the parent team’s nickname.