Travelers Baseball Fun Facts

Get ready to discover some fascinating insights into one of Minor League Baseball's most enduring and unique franchises!

Unpacking the Diamond: Travelers Baseball Fun Facts You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered about the rich history behind your favorite local baseball team? Beyond the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd, every team has a story, and the Arkansas Travelers, affectionately known as the "Travs," are no exception. Far from just another minor league team, the Travelers boast a lineage filled with groundbreaking firsts, legendary players, and a deep connection to their community. If you're curious about what makes this team truly special, you're in the right place. We're about to dive into some of the most captivating Travelers Baseball Fun Facts that highlight their unique journey in American sports.

A Storied Past: From Little Rock to Arkansas

The history of the Travelers is as rich and winding as the Arkansas River itself, marked by significant milestones that set them apart in the world of baseball.

The First State-Named Franchise

Did you know the Arkansas Travelers were trailblazers in more ways than one? Originally known as the Little Rock Travelers, the team made a pivotal change in 1957. They were renamed the Arkansas Travelers, making them the first professional sports franchise in the United States to be named after an entire state, rather than a city. This innovative move aimed to draw fans from across the Natural State, solidifying their identity as a team for all Arkansans.

A Nickname for the Ages

The "Travelers" moniker itself is steeped in local folklore, derived from the famous 19th-century folk song, "The Arkansas Traveler." This nickname isn't just old; it's one of the longest-running continuous nicknames in all of Minor League Baseball, trailing only the Buffalo Bisons. This enduring name reflects the team's steadfast presence through changing leagues and affiliations over more than a century.

A Team Owned by Its Fans

In a truly unique turn of events, the Travelers became a fan-owned enterprise in 1960. Faced with the prospect of the team leaving Little Rock, shares were sold to fans to ensure professional baseball remained in the city. This unusual ownership model highlights the deep community ties and the unwavering passion of their fanbase, a rarity in professional sports. The team has been a member of five professional baseball leagues throughout its history, including the Southern Association, International League, Pacific Coast League, and most consistently, the Texas League since 1966.

Home Sweet Home: The Ballparks of the Travs

Over their long history, the Travelers have called only three ballparks home, each with its own story.

From Kavanaugh to Ray Winder Field

The Travs began their journey at Kavanaugh Field, playing there from 1896 through 1931. In 1932, they moved to a new facility, Travelers Field, which was later renamed Ray Winder Field in 1966. Ray Winder, for whom the field was named, was a legendary figure who started as a ticket taker in 1915 and rose to general manager, often credited with single-handedly keeping baseball alive in Little Rock for decades.

Dickey-Stephens Park: A Modern Marvel with Deep Roots

Since 2007, the Travelers have played their home games at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. This state-of-the-art stadium is unique for several reasons:

• Named for Brothers: The park isn't named for one person, but for two sets of baseball-loving brothers: Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Dickey and his brother Skeeter (both former Major League players), and prominent businessmen Jack and Witt Stephens. Bill Dickey even played for the Little Rock Travelers in 1925 before his illustrious career with the New York Yankees.
• Railroad Motif: Located near the Union Pacific Railyard, Dickey-Stephens Park beautifully incorporates a train station motif throughout its design, from its brick exterior and clock tower to concession stands named "The Box Car" and "Doubleday's Depot."
• Community Investment: The majority of the ballpark's construction cost was publicly funded through a temporary sales tax approved by North Little Rock voters, showcasing the community's commitment to the team.

Beyond the Diamond: Mascots and Community Spirit

The Travelers' identity extends beyond the players on the field to their beloved mascots and their significant community contributions.

Ace and Otey: The Travs' Dynamic Duo

Since 2014, the Arkansas Travelers have been cheered on by their two distinctive mascots: Ace, a large horse, and Otey, a swamp possum. Otey is particularly special, named after R.C. Otey, a former Traveler infielder and groundskeeper, adding another layer of historical connection to the team's present. Before Ace and Otey, the team's mascot was Shelly, also a horse, who retired in 2013 after 17 years.

Fostering Future Generations

The Travelers are deeply committed to their community, particularly through the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation. Launched in 2021, this 501(c)(3) public charity serves as the team's official charity, focusing on fostering baseball and softball in Central Arkansas. The foundation provides community impact grants and scholarships, aiming to empower young athletes and support youth sports and education programs across the state. They regularly host free youth baseball clinics, allowing aspiring young players to learn from current Travs players.

Stars of the Show: Notable Travelers Alumni

Over their extensive history, many talented players have worn the Travelers uniform, with some going on to achieve greatness in Major League Baseball.

Hall of Famers and Future Legends

The Travs can proudly claim to have been a stepping stone for five future National Baseball Hall of Famers: Tris Speaker, Travis Jackson, Bill Dickey, Jim Bunning, and Ferguson Jenkins. Imagine watching these legends before they became household names!

Beyond the Hall of Famers, the Travelers have seen numerous other notable talents pass through their ranks, including:

• Dick Allen: The first Black player in Travelers history, known as "Richie Allen" during his time with the Travs, he hit a franchise record 33 home runs as a right-handed batter in 1963 and later became an MLB MVP.
• Keith Hernandez: A future Gold Glove first baseman and World Series champion.
• Mike Trout: One of the greatest players of his generation, who played for the Travs early in his career.
• Ray Lankford and Bernard Gilkey: Talented outfielders who went on to have successful MLB careers.

The list of accomplished players who have honed their skills with the Travelers is a testament to the team's enduring role in developing baseball talent.

Conclusion

The Arkansas Travelers are more than just a baseball team; they are a living piece of sports history, deeply woven into the fabric of Arkansas. From being the first state-named professional franchise and their unique fan ownership to their iconic ballparks and commitment to youth development, the Travs embody a rich tradition of baseball excellence and community spirit. These Travelers Baseball Fun Facts only scratch the surface of their fascinating story.

Have these facts sparked your interest? The best way to truly appreciate the legacy of the Travs is to experience it firsthand. We invite you to visit Dickey-Stephens Park and catch a game, immerse yourself in the atmosphere, and perhaps even discover a new fun fact for yourself! What's your favorite Travelers memory or fact? Share it in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who are the Arkansas Travelers?

A1: The Arkansas Travelers, often called the Travs, are a Minor League Baseball team based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. They are currently the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and play in the Texas League.

Q2: What is Dickey-Stephens Park named after?

A2: Dickey-Stephens Park is named in honor of two sets of brothers: Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Dickey and his brother George "Skeeter" Dickey, both former Major League baseball players, and businessmen Jackson T. Stephens and W.R. Stephens, founders of Stephens Inc.

Q3: What are the Arkansas Travelers' mascots?

A3: The current mascots for the Arkansas Travelers are Ace, a horse, and Otey, a swamp possum. Otey is notably named after a former Travelers player and groundskeeper, R.C. Otey.

Q4: Have any famous players been on the Travelers?

A4: Yes, many famous players have played for the Travelers. Five future National Baseball Hall of Famers played for the team: Tris Speaker, Travis Jackson, Bill Dickey, Jim Bunning, and Ferguson Jenkins. Other notable alumni include Dick Allen, Keith Hernandez, and current MLB superstar Mike Trout.