Carthage Pirates


The Carthage Pirates was a primary name of the minor league baseball club based in Carthage, Missouri from 1938-1941 and 1946-1951.

History

Carthage was initially a Class D affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates that played in the Arkansas–Missouri League. The league existed for only two full seasons, with the Pirates winning the league title each of those years. The league formally disbanded on July 1, 1940. When this occurred, the Pirates held a 10 1/2 game lead on first place in the league standings. The team then folded with the league.
The franchise then became the Class C Carthage Browns in 1941 after the St. Joseph Ponies relocated to Carthage on June 3. They were an affiliate of the St. Louis Browns, playing in the Western Association.
From 1946-1948 the Carthage Cardinals were an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals playing in the Class D Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri League. The franchise remained in the league until 1951, becoming the Carthage Cubs, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They won the league title in 1951.

The ballpark

Carthage played at Carl Lewton Stadium. The ballpark is still in use today, located at Richard Webster Drive & Oak Street, Carthage, MO. The Stadium's namesake was a local umpire and educator.

Notable alumni

YearRecordWin-Loss %ManagerRegular Season FinishPlayoffs/Notes
193869-49.585Adolph Arlitt2nd placeWon Championship vs. Neosho Yankees, 4-1
193967-54.554Adolph Arlitt2nd placeWon Championship vs. Fayetteville Angels, 4-1
194037-18.673Adolph Arlitt1st placeLeague disbanded on July 1, 1940
194140-96.294Gus Albright /Dennis Burns8thSt. Joseph Ponies moved to Carthage June 3
194654-66.450Adolph Arlitt5th-
194766-59.573Woody Fair/Alvin Kluttz5th place-
194851-67.432Alvin Kluttz6th Place-
194962-64,492Don Anderson6th Place-
195075-50.600Don Anderson3rd PlaceLost in 1st round
195160-65.480Don Anderson /Al Reitz 4th PlaceLeague Champs