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TheEau Claire Bears was the primary nickname of theminor league baseball teams fromEau Claire, Wisconsin. Eau Claire was a member of the Class CNorthern League (1933–1942, 1946–1962) and were affiliates of theBoston Red Sox (1936),Chicago Cubs (1937–1939) and theBoston Braves (1947–1962).
The team played its home games atCarson Park in Eau Claire.
Baseball Hall of Fame inducteesHank Aaron,Joe Torre andFord C. Frick Award recipientBob Uecker played for Eau Claire.[1]
Originally named theEau Claire Cardinals, the team adopted its most enduring nickname when new owners bought the team in July of its first season.[2] Beginning in 1954, the Eau Claire Bears were renamed theEau Claire Braves after the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee.[3]
The Bears, along with the rest of theNorthern League, did not play the 1943-45 seasons due to World War II.
After the 1962 season, both Eau Claire andMinot dropped out of the Northern League as the league contracted to six teams. Eau Claire club officials cited lack of interest in minor league baseball.[4]
In 1998, an amateur team in Eau Claire began using the Bears name and has been a member of the Chippewa River Baseball League ever since. Along with many league titles, they also won the Wisconsin Baseball Association (WBA) state championship in 2005, 2008, and 2009.
From 1933-1938 Eau Claire played at Chappell Field, which seated 2,000 with temporary bleachers.[5]
From 1937 to 1962, Eau Claire teams played atCarson Park, which still exists today. Built in 1937, the park had a capacity of 3500. It is located at 1 Carson Park Drive in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.[6]
Today, Carson Park is home to theEau Claire Express of the summer collegiateNorthwoods League and[7] the Eau Claire Bears of the Chippewa River Baseball League.[8]
The most accomplished player in the team's history wasHall of FamerHank Aaron, who made his minor league début with the team in 1952. Aaron arrived to the team in mid June, 1952, after signing a contract with the Braves on June 15 for $350 per month. Aaron played shortstop and breaking from his cross-handed style of batting, was selected to play in the 1952 Northern League All-Star Game. He was selected as the league's Rookie of the Year at the conclusion of the season.[9][10] Aaron hit .336 with 9 Home Runs for Eau Claire, helping the team to a 72-53 record.[11]
Today, there is a statue of Aaron and plaque in front of Carson Park to honor his achievements.[10] Aaron was present for the statue dedication ceremonies on August 17, 1994.[12]
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