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Toledo Mud Hens

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"Mud Hens" redirects here. For the bird, see American coot. For other uses, see Mud hen (disambiguation).

The Toledo Mud Hens are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They are located in Toledo, Ohio, and play their home games at Fifth Third Field. A baseball team nicknamed the Mud Hens has played in Toledo for most seasons since 1896, including a 50-year history as a member of the now defunct American Association.[1] The current franchise was established in 1965, joining the International League; this league was called the Triple-A East for the 2021 season.

Toledo Mud Hens
Team logo Cap insignia
Minor league affiliations
ClassTriple-A (1965–present)
Previous classes
LeagueInternational League (1965–present)
DivisionWest Division
Previous leagues
Major league affiliations
TeamDetroit Tigers (1987–present)
Previous teamsSince 1965:
Minor league titles
Class titles (0)Since 1965:
  • None
League titles (3)Since 1965:
  • 1968
  • 2005
  • 2006
Division titles (7)Since 1965:
  • 1967
  • 2002
  • 2005
  • 2006
  • 2007
  • 2018
  • 2021
Team data
NameToledo Mud Hens
Previous names
  • Toledo Iron Men (1916–1918)
  • Toledo Swamp Angels (1901)
ColorsNavy, red, white, gold
       
MascotsMuddy and Muddonna
BallparkFifth Third Field (2002–present)
Previous parks
Ned Skeldon Stadium (1965–2001)
Owner(s)/
Operator(s)
Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club
(a non-profit corporation)
General managerErik Ibsen
ManagerTim Federowicz
Websitemilb.com/toledo

Background

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Professional baseball had been played off and on in Toledo since 1883, and the Mud Hens era began in 1896 with the "Swamp Angels", who played in the Interstate League. They played in Bay View Park, which was outside the Toledo city limits and therefore not covered by the city's blue laws. The park was located near marshland inhabited by American coots, also known as "mud hens." For this reason, the local press soon dubbed the team the "Mud Hens"—a nickname that has stuck to Toledo baseball teams for all but a few years since. The name "Mud Hens" became permanent in 1965.[2] After only one season, the team moved to Armory Park.[3]

History

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1896–1914

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A Mud Hens team played in the Interstate League from 1896 through 1900, then a Toledo team known as the Swamp Angels played in the Western Association in 1901, followed by a Mud Hens team in the American Association from 1902 through 1913. The American Association Mud Hens moved to League Park in Cleveland in 1914 and became the Cleveland Bearcats, playing in Cleveland for two seasons.[4] During the 1914 season, a Class C Mud Hens team played in the Southern Michigan League.[1][5]: 95  No Toledo team was fielded in 1915.[1]

1916–1952

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The team resumed play in the American Association in 1916 as the Iron Men, a nickname they used through 1918.[1] The Mud Hens name returned in 1919, and the team competed in the American Association until 1952.[1]

Mid-season in 1952, team owner Danny Menendez moved the Mud Hens to Charleston, West Virginia,[6] where they competed as the Charleston Senators through 1960. Toledo fielded a replacement franchise in the American Association from 1953 to 1955, the Toledo Sox, which was the former Milwaukee Brewers minor-league team. That franchise subsequently moved to Wichita, Kansas, for the 1956 season, where it competed as the Wichita Braves through 1958.

1965–present

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In 1965, the Richmond Virginians franchise of the International League moved to Toledo and became the current incarnation of the Mud Hens. They were based in Maumee, Ohio, at the converted Fort Miami Fairgrounds. The local ownership group led by Ned Skeldon signed with the New York Yankees to be its top farm team.

In 1967, the Detroit Tigers replaced the Yankees as its major league affiliate. That year, the team was third in the league but claimed the Governors' Cup via the four-team playoff. The next year, the team won a record 83 games and the league pennant, but failed to repeat as Cup winners. The team was affiliated with Detroit through 1973. In 1974 and 1975, the Philadelphia Phillies affiliated with the Mud Hens, followed by two years affiliated with Cleveland Indians. All four seasons were losing seasons.[3]: 77 

The Minnesota Twins took over as the team's major league affiliate in 1978 and brought in Gene Cook as general manager, who was good at promoting the team, particularly as a family event. Cook also got Jamie Farr to incorporate the Mud Hens in Farr's M*A*S*H character's background.[3]: 77  The Twins affiliation lasted through the 1986 season. The Mud Hens resumed their affiliation with the Tigers in 1987, and have remained in the Detroit organization since then.

In conjunction with Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Mud Hens were organized into the Triple-A East.[7] Toledo won the Midwestern Division title by ending the season in first place with a 69–51 record.[8] No playoffs were held to determine a league champion; instead, the team with the best regular-season record was declared the winner.[9] However, 10 games that had been postponed from the start of the season were reinserted into the schedule as a postseason tournament called the Triple-A Final Stretch in which all 30 Triple-A clubs competed for the highest winning percentage.[9] Toledo finished the tournament tied for 13th place with a 5–5 record.[10] In 2022, the Triple-A East became known as the International League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization.[11]

Season-by-season records

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Muddy in a parade

Toledo Mud Hens seasons are listed below.[12]

Toledo Mud Hens season records
Season Wins Losses Place
1896 86 46 1st in ISL
1897 83 43 1st in ISL
1898 86 68 2nd in ISL
1899 82 58 4th in ISL
1900 81 58 3rd in ISL
1901 78 60 3rd in WA
1902 42 98 8th in AA
1903 48 91 8th in AA
1904 42 109 8th in AA
1905 60 91 7th in AA
1906 79 69 4th in AA
1907 88 65 2nd in AA
1908 81 72 4th in AA
1909 80 86 6th in AA
1910 91 75 2nd in AA
1911 78 86 6th in AA
1912 98 66 2nd in AA
1913 69 98 6th in AA
1914 53 93 8th in SML
1919 59 91 7th in AA
1920 87 79 3rd in AA
1921 80 88 7th in AA
1922 65 101 7th in AA
1923 54 114 8th in AA
1924 82 83 5th in AA
1925 77 90 6th in AA
1926 87 77 4th in AA
1927 101 67 1th in AA
1928 79 88 6th in AA
1929 67 100 4th in AA
1930 88 66 3rd in AA
1931 68 100 8th in AA
1932 87 80 4th in AA
1933 70 83 T-5th in AA
1934 68 84 6th in AA
1935 64 86 7th in AA
1936 59 92 8th in AA
1937 89 65 2nd in AA
1938 79 74 5th in AA
1939 47 107 8th in AA
1940 59 90 7th in AA
1941 82 72 5th in AA
1942 78 73 4th in AA
1943 76 76 4th in AA
1944 95 58 2nd in AA
1945 69 84 6th in AA
1946 69 84 6th in AAA
1947 61 92 8th in AAA
1948 61 91 7th in AAA
1949 64 90 8th in AAA
1950 65 87 7th in AAA
1951 70 82 6th in AAA
1952 46 107 8th in AAA
1965 68 78 7th in IL
1966 71 75 6th in IL
1967 73 66 3rd in IL
1968 83 64 1st in IL
1969 68 72 6th in IL
1970 51 89 8th in IL
1971 60 80 7th in IL
1972 75 69 5th in IL
1973 65 81 4th in IL North
1974 70 74 3rd in IL North
1975 62 78 7th in IL
1976 55 85 8th in IL
1977 56 84 8th in IL
1978 74 66 3rd in IL
1979 63 76 7th in IL
1980 77 63 2nd in IL
1981 53 87 8th in IL
1982 60 80 7th in IL
1983 68 72 5th in IL
1984 74 63 3rd in IL
1985 71 68 6th in IL
1986 62 77 6th in IL
1987 70 70 5th in IL
1988 58 84 4th in IL West
1989 69 76 4th in IL West
1990 58 86 4th in IL West
1991 74 70 3rd in IL West
1992 64 80 3rd in IL West
1993 65 77 5th in IL West
1994 63 79 5th in IL West
1995 71 71 4th in IL West
1996 70 72 3rd in IL West
1997 68 73 5th in IL West
1998 52 89 4th in IL West
1999 57 87 4th in IL West
2000 55 86 4th in IL West
2001 65 79 4th in IL West
2002 81 63 1st in IL West
2003 65 78 3rd in IL West
2004 65 78 4th in IL West
2005 89 55 1st in IL West
2006 76 66 1st in IL West
2007 82 61 1st in IL West
2008 75 69 2nd in IL West
2009 73 70 2nd in IL West
2010 70 73 4th in IL West
2011 67 77 4th in IL West
2012 60 84 3rd in IL West
2013 61 83 4th in IL West
2014 69 74 3rd in IL West
2015 61 83 4th in IL West
2016 68 76 4th in IL West
2017 70 71 3rd in IL West
2018 73 66 1st in IL West
2019 66 74 T-2nd in IL West
2020 Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021 69 51 1st in AAA East Midwest
2022 87 63 2nd in IL West
2023 70 78 (1st half)
9th in IL West
(2nd half)
6th in IL West
2024 69 80 (1st half)
6th in IL West
(2nd half)
8th in IL West

Rivalries

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Columbus Clippers

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The Mud Hens' rivalry with the Columbus Clippers is a rivalry that dates back to 1977 when the Clippers joined the International League and were the second Ohio team in the league. The two teams play in the International League's West Division. The Clippers are an affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, who compete against the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central, adding another layer to the rivalry.

Indianapolis Indians

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The Mud Hens' rivalry with the Indianapolis Indians dates back to 1998 when the Indians joined the International League. They faced each other in the Governors' Cup Finals in 2005, which the Mud Hens won in a sweep. The following season, they faced each other in a play-in game—the winner would win the IL West Division and clinch a spot in the 2006 Governor's Cup playoffs—which the Mud Hens won, 4–0.

Playoffs

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The Mud Hens also won Interstate League playoffs in 1896, and 1897. While competing in the American Association, Toledo was the league champion in 1927, prior to the league having a postseason. Subsequently, Toledo reached the semifinals in 1937, 1943, and 1944. They reached the championship series in 1942. In 1967, Toledo played their first playoff game in Governors' Cup playoffs. In 1968, the Mud Hens finished first for the regular season but lost in the playoff semifinals.

Toledo Mud Hens playoff appearances
Season Semifinals Finals Class Title
Interstate League (Class–C), (Class–B)
1896 — W, 4–0, Wayne Farmers —
1897 — W, 4–0, Dayton Old Soldiers —
American Association (AA)
1937 L, 4–2, Milwaukee Brewers — —
1942 W, 4–2, Milwaukee Brewers L, 4–0, Columbus Red Birds —
1943 L, 3–2, Indianapolis Indians — —
1944 L, 4–3, St. Paul Saints — —
International League (AAA)
1967 W, 3–2, Richmond Braves W, 4–1, Columbus Jets —
1968 L, 3–1, Jacksonville Suns — —
1978 L, 3–2, Pawtucket Red Sox — —
1980 W, 3–1, Rochester Red Wings L, 4–1, Columbus Clippers —
1984 L, 3–0, Maine Guides — —
2002 L, 3–0, Durham Bulls — —
2005 W, 3–2, Norfolk Tides W, 3–0, Indianapolis Indians —
2006 W, 3–1, Charlotte Knights W, 3–2, Rochester Red Wings L, 1–0, Tucson Sidewinders
2007 L, 3–0, Durham Bulls — —
2018 L, 3–1, Durham Bulls — —

Retired numbers

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Toledo Mud Hens retired numbers
No. Player Position
1 Gene Cook General Manager
15 Larry Parrish Manager
27 Mike Hessman 3B

Roster

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Toledo Mud Hens roster
Players Coaches/Other

Pitchers

Catchers

  • 89 Sergio Tapia

Infielders

Outfielders


Manager

Coaches


  7-day injured list
* On Detroit Tigers 40-man roster
~ Development list
# Rehab assignment
∞ Reserve list
‡ Restricted list
§ Suspended list
† Temporarily inactive list
Roster updated December 17, 2024
 Transactions
→ More rosters: MiLB • International League
 → Detroit Tigers minor league players

Notable players

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See also: Category:Toledo Mud Hens players

Mud Hens players who were later inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame include:

Mud Hens players who were selected as MLB All-Stars during their careers include:

Mud Hens players who later managed MLB teams include:

Other Mud Hens players of note:

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  • M*A*S*H character Maxwell Klinger (played by Jamie Farr) hailed from Toledo and often mentioned the Mud Hens as his favorite baseball team throughout the series. He was often seen wearing a Toledo Mud Hens cap (which bears a strong resemblance to a Texas Rangers cap). In fact, Klinger feels so strongly about the Mud Hens that he gets put on KP duty for a month when he punches his archnemesis, Sgt. Zelmo Zale, who insulted the Mud Hens. Like Klinger, Farr was born and raised in Toledo, and the Mud Hens retired jersey No. 1 in Farr's honor. Colonel Sherman Potter (played by Harry Morgan) was also a fan of the Mud Hens and was seen wearing their swag on several episodes of the series.
  • The title character of the comic strip Crankshaft was a pitcher for the Mud Hens just before World War II when he enlisted in the Army. He invariably wears a Mud Hens cap in the strip, and reminisces often about his playing days. In the summer of 2016 the Mud Hens retired jersey No. 13 in Crankshaft's honor.
  • Lou Brown, the fictional manager of the Cleveland Indians in the film Major League, was said to have managed in Toledo for 30 years prior to managing the Indians.
  • Richard Pryor's character, Montgomery Brewster, in the 1985 film Brewster's Millions was said to have previously pitched for the Mud Hens.
  • The Melissa & Joey character Joe Longo (played by Joey Lawrence) is a Mud Hens fan and claims they win every single time he goes to the game with his foam finger. In season 3, episode 21 "Plus One", Mel Hart (played by Melissa Joan Hart) gets tickets right behind first base for Joe. They both end up at the game later in the episode.

See also

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Sources

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  • The Toledo Baseball Guide of the Mud Hens 1883–1943, Ralph Elliott Lin Weber, 1944.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Toledo, Ohio Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  2. ^ Witt, Derek (March 29, 2024). "Backstory of a bird: How the Toledo Mud Hens got their name". www.13abc.com. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Husman, John (2003). Baseball in Toledo. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0738523275.
  4. ^ Krsolovic, Ken; Fritz, Bryan (2013). League Park: historic home of Cleveland baseball, 1891–1946. McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 8–12, 36–38. ISBN 978-0-7864-6826-3.
  5. ^ Johnson, Lloyd; Wolff, Miles, eds. (2007). The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball (Third ed.). Baseball America. ISBN 978-1932391176.
  6. ^ Whiteford, Mike (August 17, 2019). "Out of nowhere in 1952, Charleston had a chance for Class AAA baseball". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  7. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  8. ^ "2021 Triple-A East Standings". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  9. ^ a b "MiLB Announces 'Triple-A Final Stretch' for 2021". Minor League Baseball. July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  10. ^ "2021 Triple-A Final Stretch Standings". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  11. ^ "Historical League Names to Return in 2022". Minor League Baseball. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  12. ^ "Toledo, Ohio Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
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