The Southern League

the long version

The Southern League: Baseball in Dixie 1885-1994 chronicles the history of one of baseball’s most storied leagues. Formed in 1885, the Southern League played a prominent role in the evolution of modern-day baseball including the first 100 plus game season. The league has also been home to more than 90 teams and thousands of players over the years. Hosting cities ranged from Asheville to Spartanburg and the team names were often as unique and colorful as the cities that hosted them. The Columbus Confederate Yankees, Macon Peaches and Montgomery Biscuits are just a few of the mascots in their day. Players who passed through the league on their way to legendary status in professional baseball included Bo Jackson, Reggie Jackson, Harmon Killebrew and Chipper Jones. Bill O’Neal in a lifelong baseball fan and has written several books documenting the history of baseball including “The Texas League, The Pacific Coast League,” “The International League,” and “The American Association.” O’Neal has also written a number of books on Western Americana and served two terms as Texas State Historian.