Lafayette White Sox

The Lafayette White Sox was the primary name of the minor league baseball franchise based in Lafayette, Louisiana in various seasons from 1907–2000. The White Sox were members of the Class C Evangeline League (1934–1942). Lafayette teams played in the Gulf Coast League (1907) and Louisiana State League (1920), Evangeline League (1934–1942, 1948–1953, 1954–1957) and the Class AA Texas League (1975–1976).

Lafayette White Sox
1907–1976
Lafayette, Louisiana
Minor league affiliations
Previous classes
  • Class AA (1975–1976)
  • Class C (1949–1957)
  • Class D (1907, 1920, 1934–1942, 1948)
Previous leagues
  • Gulf Coast League (1907)
  • Louisiana State League (1920)
  • Evangeline League (1934–1942, 1948–1953, 1954–1957)
  • Texas League (1975–1976)
  • Texas-Louisiana League (1998–2000)
Major league affiliations
Previous teams
Minor league titles
League titles 1934, 1939, 1955, 1975
Conference titles 1950, 1956
Team data
Previous names
  • Lafayette Browns (1907)
  • Lafayette Hubs (1920)
  • Lafayette White Sox (1934–1942)
  • Lafayette Bulls (1948–1953)
  • Lafayette Oilers (1954–1957)
  • Lafayette Drillers (1975–1976)
  • Bayou Bullfrogs (1998–2000)
Previous parks
  • Parkdale Park (1934–1942)
  • Clark Field (1945–1957, 1975–1976)
  • Tigue Moore Field (1998–2000)

Lafayette was an affiliate of the St. Louis Browns (1936–1941), Chicago Cubs (1955–1957) and San Francisco Giants (1975–1976).

History

Minor League baseball began in Lafayette, with the Lafayette Browns (1907) who played one season in the early Gulf Coast League. The Lafayette Browns finished 46–64 (5th) in 1907.[1]

Baseball returned in 1920, when the Lafayette Hubs played one season in the Louisiana State League, finishing 36–31. The Hubs were in 2nd place on July 15, 1920 when the six team league folded.[2][3]

After 12 years, the Lafayette White Sox began play in 1934 as founding members of the Evangeline League. The White Sox won the first league championship in 1934 and another in 1939 when they had a record of 93–49. Despite the moniker, the White Sox were affiliates of the St. Louis Browns from 1936–1941. In 1942, the White Sox disbanded on May 22.[4][5]

In 1948, the Lafayette Bulls returned to play in the Evangeline League and Lafayette would remain in the league until it folded after the 1957 season. The Bulls captured the regular season title in 1950. The franchise changed their moniker to become the Lafayette Oilers in 1954. The Oilers were affiliates of the Chicago Cubs (1955–1957). The Oilers won the 1955 Evangeline League Championship and had the best record in the 1956 season when no playoffs took place. On June 20, 1957, the team disbanded.[6][6][7]

Later, the Lafayette Drillers (1975–1976) were an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and began play in the Class AA Texas League when the Amarillo Giants relocated to Lafayette. After the 1976 season, the franchise relocated to become the Tulsa Drillers.[8]

The Bayou Bullfrogs played as members of the independent Texas-Louisiana League from 1998–2000.[9][10]

The ballparks

The Lafayette White Sox played at Parkdale Clark for their duration (1934–1942). It had a capacity of 3,500 and dimensions (Left, Center, Right): 303-375-280. Parkdale Park was located on East Simcoe at Jefferson Boulevard, in Lafayette, Louisiana.[11]

The Bulls, Oilers and Drillers played at Clark Field (1948–1957, 1975–1976), Clark Field called "Bull Stadium" when hosting the Bulls. Clark Field was located on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The ballpark was torn down in 2000.[12][13]

The Bayou Bullfrogs played at Tigue Moore Field from 1998–2000. Built in 1979, the ballpark is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Raijun Cajuns baseball team. The ballpark is located at 121 Reinhardt Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana.[14][10]

Notable alumni
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References
  1. "Lafayette Browns - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  2. "Lafayette Hubs - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Louisiana_State_League
  4. "Evangeline League - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  5. "Lafayette White Sox - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  6. "Lafayette Bulls - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  7. "Lafayette Oilers - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  8. "Lafayette Drillers - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  9. "Texas-Louisiana League - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  10. "Bayou Bullfrogs - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  11. "Parkdale Park in Lafayette, LA history and teams on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  12. "Clark Field - Lafayette Louisiana - Former Home of the Lafayette Drillers / Oilers". www.digitalballparks.com.
  13. "Clark Field in Lafayette, LA history and teams on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  14. "M.L. 'Tigue' Moore Field in Lafayette, LA history and teams on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
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