Recent Accomplishments
The club was sold to new ownership in 1995 (Elmore Sports Group Ltd.). Among the innovations under the new ownership was the Rickwood Classic. Once a year the Barons return to play a game at Rickwood Field, honoring baseball's rich history in a "turn back the clock" game. The Classic is a favorite of players and fans alike.
The Barons have been to the Southern League playoffs a record-tying six consecutive seasons (2000–2005), winning the Southern League crown in 2002 under former Major League player Wally Backman (before he was briefly hired as the Arizona Diamondbacks manager). Another former Major Leaguer, Razor Shines managed the Barons in 2004–2005 where he made two playoff appearances. Cris Cron, who had previously managed the team during the 1999 season was named the Barons manager for 2006 before another former Major Leaguer, Rafael Santana, became the manager in January 2007. Santana managed the team for one season and was succeeded by Carlos Subero.
In September 2005 the Birmingham Barons were sold by Elmore Sports Group Ltd. to Don Logan and his sons Jeff and Stan. They plan to operate as Birmingham Barons, LLC. The Logans become the 11th owner in the Barons history. Along with city officials, the Barons announced plans in November 2010 to return to Birmingham with a new field to be constructed downtown. Play at the new field is expected to begin with the 2013 season.
Read more about this topic: Birmingham Barons