| Henderson Gamecocks | |
|---|---|
| Minor league affiliations | |
| Class | Class C (1929–1931) |
| League | Piedmont League (1929–1931) |
| Major league affiliations | |
| Team | None |
| Minor league titles | |
| League titles(0) | None |
| Conference titles(1) | 1930 |
| Team data | |
| Name | Henderson Bunnies (1929) Henderson Gamecocks (1930–1931) |
| Ballpark | Lassiter Park (1929–1931) |
TheHenderson Gamecocks were aminor league baseball team based inHenderson, North Carolina. From 1929 to 1931, Henderson teams played exclusively as members of theClass C levelPiedmont League, winning the 1930 pennant. The 1929 team was known as the "Henderson Bunnies," in reference to managerBunny Hearn. The Bunnies and the Gamecocks hosted minor league home games as Lassiter Park.
Henderson, North Carolina first hosted league baseball play in 1929. TheHenderson Bunnies became members of the six–teamClass C levelPiedmont League. TheDurham Bulls,Greensboro Patriots,High Point Pointers,Salisbury-Spencer Colonials, andWinston-Salem Twins joined Henderson as 1929 league members. The Henderson franchise replaced theRaleigh Capitals in league play.[1][2]
Beginning Piedmont League play on April 24, 1929, the Henderson Bunnies placed fifth in the six–team Piedmont League regular season standings. The Bunnies ended the regular season with a record of 54–85, playing under manager and "Bunnies" namesakeBunny Hearn. On May 24, 1929, Hearn was replaced as manager by Lewis Murphy. Other managers during the season were Guy Winston andLee Gooch. Henderson finished 32.5 games behind the first place Durham Bulls in the final Piedmont League regular season standings. The Bunnies did not qualify for the two–team playoffs won by the Greensboro Patriots.[3][4][5][6]
Continuing in their second season of play, the team became known as the Henderson "Gamecocks" and won the 1930 Piedmont League pennant. The Gamecocks placed first in the six–team Piedmont League regular season standings, ending the regular season with a record of 78–63, playing under manager Jimmy Teague. Henderson finished 9.0 games ahead the second place Durham Bulls in the Piedmont League regular season standings and qualified for the two–team playoff. The Durham Bulls defeated the Henderson 4 games to 3 in the Finals.[7][8][9][6]
In their final season of play, the 1931 Henderson Gamecocks played in the eight–team Class C level Piedmont League, which expanded in 1931 adding theAsheville Tourists andCharlotte Hornets franchises. The Gamecocks ended their final season in seventh place. With a record of 51–82, playing under managers Jimmy Teague and Mack Arnette, the Gamecocks finished 42.5 games behind the first place Charlotte Hornets in the final regular season standings. Henderson did not qualify for the two–team playoff, won by the Charlotte Hornets. The Piedmont League was elevated to a Class B level league following the 1931 season.[2][10][11][12][6]
The Henderson Gamecocks did not return to play in 1932 and the team was replaced in the 1932 eight-team Piedmont League by theWilmington Pirates franchise.[13][6]
Henderson, North Carolina has not hosted another minor league team.[14]
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The Henderson Bunnies and Gamecocks teams hosted home minor league home games atLassiter Park. It was reported the ballpark had a capacity of 3,000.[15]
| Year(s) | # Yrs. | Team | Level | League | Affiliate | Ballpark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1929 | 1 | Henderson Bunnies | Class C | Piedmont League | None | Lassiter Park |
| 1930–1931 | 2 | Henderson Gamecocks |
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1929 | 54–85 | 5th | Bunny Hearn / Guy Winston / Lewis Murphy /Lee Gooch | Did not qualify |
| 1930 | 78–63 | 1st | Jimmy Teague | League pennant Lost in Finals |
| 1931 | 51–82 | 7th | Jimmy Teague / Mack Arnette | Did not qualify |