Columbus Clippers

The Columbus Clippers stand as a unique institution in American professional sports: a Triple-A baseball franchise owned by a county government. When the original Columbus Jets abruptly moved to Charleston, West Virginia, in 1970, outraged fans petitioned to bring baseball back. Franklin County answered in 1977, purchasing a franchise from the Pittsburgh Pirates for $25,000. Today, that investment is valued at roughly $55 million, a testament to nearly five decades of civic stewardship and on-field success.

The Clippers' most storied chapter came during their 28-year affiliation with the New York Yankees (1979-2006), a partnership that produced seven Governors' Cup championships and a parade of future Bronx Bombers. The 1992 squad, managed by Rick Down, posted a franchise-best 95-49 record with eight of eleven postseason All-Star selections, including MVP and Rookie of the Year J.T. Snow. Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada all wore Clippers uniforms on their way to Yankee Stadium.

After brief affiliations with Washington (2007-2008), the Clippers partnered with Cleveland in 2009, a relationship that has flourished. Manager Mike Sarbaugh guided the team to back-to-back Governors' Cup titles and Triple-A National Championships in 2010 and 2011 — a feat that cemented Columbus as one of minor league baseball's premier organizations. Chris Tremie managed a franchise-record six consecutive seasons (2013-2018), and the club added another league title in 2015 and 2019.

The 2009 move from aging Cooper Stadium to Huntington Park in Columbus's Arena District transformed the fan experience. The $70 million, 10,100-seat ballpark has been widely praised as one of the finest in the minor leagues. Under current manager Andy Tracy, entering his sixth season in 2026, the Clippers continue to develop Guardians prospects while drawing fans to one of the best-located ballparks in the country.