The Sumter Braves were a minor league baseball team located in Sumter, South Carolina. The team played in the South Atlantic League, and were affiliated with the Atlanta Braves. Their home stadium was Riley Park.

History

In 1984, the Anderson Braves relocated to Sumter. In 1991, the affiliate shifted to Macon, Georgia and became known as the Macon Braves,^[1][2] eventually becoming today's Rome Braves of Rome, Georgia. An expansion team was awarded to Sumter right after the Sumter Braves relocated and as an affiliate of the Montreal Expos,^[2] and Sumter became known as the Sumter Flyers.^[3] In 1992, the franchise relocated to Albany, Georgia as the Albany Polecats, eventually becoming today's Delmarva Shorebirds of Salisbury, Maryland.^[4]

Notably, 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tom Glavine pitched for Sumter in 1985.

The ballpark

Sumner teams played at Riley Park. Located at Church Street & DuBose Street, 29150. It is still in use today as home to the University of South Carolina Sumter Fire Ants and Morris College Hornet baseball teams. The Sumter Chicks (1949–1950) of the Tri-State League, Sumter Indians (1970) and Sumter Astros (1971) of the Western Carolinas League and the Sumter Braves (1985–1990) and Sumter Flyers (1991) of the South Atlantic League all played at Riley Park.^[5][6][7]

Notable alumni

Baseball Hall of Fame alumni

• Tom Glavine (1985) Inducted, 2014

Notable alumni

• Shane Andrews (1991)
• Jeff Blauser (1985) 2 x MLB All-Star
• Jolbert Cabrera (1991)
• Vinny Castilla (1990) 2 x MLB All-Star
• Kevin Foster (1991)
• Ron Gant (1985, 1989) 2 x MLB All-Star
• Ryan Klesko (1989-1990) MLB All-Star
• Mark Lemke (1985)
• Al Martin (1986-1987)
• Carlos Perez (1991) MLB All-Star
• Eddie Perez (1989-1990) NLCS Most Valuable Player
• Kirk Rueter (1991)
• Brian Snitker (1986, MGR)
• Rondell White (1991) MLB All-Star
• Mark Wohlers (1989-1990) MLB All-Star
• Ned Yost (1988-1990, MGR) Manager: 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals

Year-by-year record

Sumter Braves

Sumter Flyers