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The International League (IL), a cornerstone of Minor League Baseball, boasts a rich history dating back to 1884. Throughout its long and storied existence, numerous teams have graced its fields, some becoming enduring franchises while others have folded, relocated, or rebranded. This article delves into the history of several International League teams that were active between 1970 and 1990 but no longer exist under the same name in 2025. These teams represent a fascinating chapter in the IL’s past, showcasing the ebb and flow of professional baseball at the Triple-A level.
One such team was the Buffalo Bisons (1886–1970). While a team by the same name currently plays in the International League, the iteration that existed until 1970 ceased operations at that time. This older Buffalo Bisons franchise was a long-standing member of the IL, having been a charter member in 1912 and playing until 1970. A new Buffalo Bisons team later joined the IL in 1998 after the disbandment of the American Association.
Another team that called the International League home in the early 1970s was the Columbus Jets (1955–1970). The Jets were active until 1970. Following their departure, the Columbus market was later represented by the Columbus Clippers, who joined the IL in 1977. The Clippers have become one of the league’s most successful franchises, demonstrating the shifting landscape of minor league baseball markets.
The Winnipeg Whips were a Canadian entry in the International League for a short period, from 1970 to 1971. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Whips were affiliated with the Montreal Expos. After just two seasons, the team relocated and became the Peninsula Whips (1972–1973), marking another transient period for an IL franchise.
Kentucky also had representation in the IL during this era with the Louisville Colonels (1968–1972). This was one of several minor league teams to bear the “Colonels” name in Louisville. Their IL stint lasted until 1972, and the city was later home to the Louisville Redbirds starting in 1982, a team that continues to exist today as the Louisville Bats.
The Memphis Blues (1974–1976) represented Tennessee in the International League for a brief period. After previously competing in the Double-A Texas League, the Blues joined the IL in 1974 and were affiliated with the Montreal Expos and later the Houston Astros. Their time in the IL concluded in 1976. A different Memphis team, the Memphis Redbirds, joined the IL in 1998.
The Charleston Charlies (1971–1983) were another notable team in the International League during the 1970s and early 1980s. They relocated from Miami and played in Charleston, West Virginia. The Charlies even won a Governors’ Cup title in 1977. However, the franchise moved again in 1984 and became the Maine Guides.
The Maine Guides (1984–1987) represented Maine in the International League for a few seasons. After their initial run, they rebranded as the Maine Phillies in 1988, demonstrating the franchise’s ongoing evolution before eventually becoming the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons.
The Richmond Braves (1966–2008) were a consistent presence in the International League for several decades, including the 1970s and 1980s. While the franchise itself continued to exist after 1990 and even won Governors’ Cup titles, the team rebranded and relocated to become the Gwinnett Braves in 2009, making the Richmond Braves moniker a thing of the past in the IL.
Similarly, the Pawtucket Red Sox (1973–1975 & 1977–2020) were a beloved team in the International League throughout the 1970s and 1980s and beyond. They achieved significant success, winning multiple Governors’ Cup championships. However, in 2021, the team relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts, and became the Worcester Red Sox, marking the end of the Pawtucket Red Sox era in the IL.
These examples illustrate the dynamic nature of the International League during the 1970s and 1980s. Teams came and went, relocated, and rebranded, reflecting changes in ownership, market viability, and Major League affiliations. While these specific team names may no longer be active in the IL as of 2025, their history remains an integral part of the league’s rich tapestry and the broader story of Minor League Baseball.
LIST OF DEFUNCT TEAMS
| Team Name | Start Year | Defunct Year | Major League Affiliations | Famous Players |
| Buffalo Bisons | 1886 | 1970 | Unknown | |
| Columbus Jets | 1955 | 1970 | Unknown | |
| Winnipeg Whips | 1970 | 1971 | Montreal Expos | |
| Peninsula Whips | 1972 | 1973 | Montreal Expos (after relocating from Winnipeg) | |
| Louisville Colonels | 1968 | 1972 | Toronto Maple Leafs (previous affiliate) | |
| Memphis Blues | 1974 | 1976 | Montreal Expos (1974-1975), Houston Astros (1976) | |
| Charleston Charlies | 1971 | 1983 | Houston Astros | |
| Maine Guides | 1984 | 1987 | — | |
| Maine Phillies | 1988 | 1988 | Philadelphia Phillies | |
| Richmond Braves | 1966 | 2008 | Atlanta Braves (after 1966) | |
| Pawtucket Red Sox | 1973 | 2020 | Boston Red Sox (from 1973) |