THE BIRMINGHAM BARONS: PIPELINE TO THE MAJORS

The Birmingham Barons were a consistent source of talent for the New York Yankees and other big-league powerhouses in the Dixie League days of the 1920s and 30s. As the Oakland A’s affiliate in the 1970s, such greats as Rollie Fingers and Reggie Jackson could be found on the team roster. And who can forget the 1994 season, when basketball great Michael Jordan wore the Barons uniform?

Join Barons GM Jonathan Nelson for a rundown of the big league talent who made their mark in Birmingham, presented in an informal talk format with lots of time for Q and A.

Fairhope, Alabama native Jonathan Nelson enters his 14th season as the Birmingham Barons’ General Manager — and his 26th in professional baseball. During Nelson’s tenure the Barons organization was named Baseball America’s 2008 AA Bob Freitas Award winner and the Don Mincher Southern League Organization of the Year in 2013 and 2016. He was also instrumental in the relocation and design of Regions Field which opened in 2013.