- Source: Sumter Braves
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, 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, and Sumter became known as the Sumter Flyers. In 1992, the franchise relocated to Albany, Georgia as the Albany Polecats, eventually becoming today's Delmarva Shorebirds of Salisbury, Maryland.
Notably, 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tom Glavine pitched for Sumter in 1985.
The ballpark
Sumter 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.
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