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{{Short description|Minor League Baseball team}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
|name            = Columbus Clippers
|founded         = 1977
|city            = Columbus, Ohio
|misc            = 
|logo            = ColumbusClippers.PNG
|uniformlogo     = ColumbusClipperscap.PNG
|class level     = [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] (1977–present)
|current league  = [[International League]] (1977–present)
|conference      = 
|division        = West Division
|past league     = 
|majorleague     = [[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians / Guardians]] (2009–present)
|pastmajorleague = {{plainlist|
*[[Washington Nationals]] (2007–2008)
*[[New York Yankees]] (1979–2006)
*[[Pittsburgh Pirates]] (1977–1978)
}}
|nickname        = Columbus Clippers (1977–present)
|colors          = Navy, light blue, gray, white<br>{{color box|#002A5C}} {{color box|#68ACDB}} {{color box|#B9BDBF}} {{color box|#ffffff}}
|mascots         = Krash and Lou Seal<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/columbus/forms/mascot-request-form-2020|title=Columbus Clippers Mascot Request Form|website=Columbus Clippers|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=May 1, 2021}}</ref>
|ballpark        = [[Huntington Park (Columbus, Ohio)|Huntington Park]] (2009–present)
|pastparks       = [[Cooper Stadium]] (1977–2008)
|classnum        = 2
|classchamps     = {{hlist|2010|2011}}
|leaguenum       = 11
|leaguechamps    = {{hlist|1979|1980|1981|1987|1991|1992|1996|2010|2011|2015|2019}}
|divnum          = 12
|divisionchamps  = {{hlist|1990|1991|1992|1996|1997|1999|2004|2011|2014|2015|2016|2019}}
|firsthalfnum    = 
|firsthalfchamps = 
|secondhalfnum   = 1
|secondhalfchamps= {{hlist|2024}}
|wildcardnum     = 1
|wildcardberths  = {{hlist|2010}}
|owner           = [[Franklin County, Ohio|Franklin County Government]]
|gm              = Tyler Parsons
|manager         = [[Andy Tracy]]
|website         = {{URL|https://www.milb.com/columbus|milb.com/columbus}}
}}

The '''Columbus Clippers''' are a [[Minor League Baseball]] team of the [[International League]] (IL) and the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] affiliate of the [[Cleveland Guardians]]. They are located in [[Columbus, Ohio]], and are named for speedy [[Merchant ship|merchant]] [[Sailing ship|sailing vessels]] known as [[clipper]]s. The team has played their home games at [[Huntington Park (Columbus, Ohio)|Huntington Park]] since 2009. They previously played at [[Cooper Stadium]] from 1977 to 2008.

The Clippers were established in 1977 as members of the Triple-A International League. In conjunction with [[Major League Baseball]]'s reorganization of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Clippers were shifted to the [[Triple-A East]], but this was renamed the IL in 2022. They won seven [[List of International League champions|IL championships]] during a 28-year affiliation with the [[New York Yankees]] (1979–2006). Columbus has won four more IL titles and two [[Triple-A National Championship Game|Triple-A championships]] since affiliating with Cleveland in 2009.

==History==
===Before the Clippers===
[[Professional baseball]] was first played in [[Columbus, Ohio]], in 1877 by the [[Columbus Buckeyes (minor league)|Columbus Buckeyes]] of the [[International Association for Professional Base Ball Players|International Association]].<ref name=BRcity>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?city=Columbus&state=OH&country=US |title=Columbus, Ohio Encyclopedia |website=Baseball-Reference |publisher=Sports Reference |access-date=May 25, 2021}}</ref> It has been represented at the highest levels of [[Minor League Baseball]] nearly continuously since 1902, at first in the [[American Association (20th century)|American Association]] by the [[Columbus Senators]] (1902–1930) and [[Columbus Red Birds]] (1931–1954) and then in the [[International League]] (IL) by the [[Columbus Jets]] (1955–1970).<ref name=BRcity/> In 1971, the Jets moved to [[Charleston, West Virginia]], as the [[Charleston Charlies]], touching off a six-year drought of minor-league baseball in Columbus.<ref name=BRcity/>

===International League===
====Pittsburgh Pirates (1977–1978)====

[[File:Cooper stadium interior.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|right|The Columbus Clippers played at [[Cooper Stadium]] from 1977 to 2008.]]

The Columbus Clippers began play in 1977 as the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] affiliate of the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] in the International League. They played their home games at Franklin County Stadium, which opened in 1932 as [[Cooper Stadium|Red Bird Stadium]] and was renamed [[Cooper Stadium]] in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-606|title=Harold Cooper Stadium|website=Stats Crew|access-date=May 25, 2021}}</ref> The Clippers were named for speedy [[Merchant ship|merchant]] [[Sailing ship|sailing vessels]] known as [[clipper]]s. Consecutive seventh-place finishes in their first two seasons kept the team out of the playoffs.<ref name=1977BR>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=46ac529b|title=1977 International League|website=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=1978BR>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=6d5b86bd|title=1978 International League|website=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> Off the field, the franchise was recognized with the 1977 [[Larry MacPhail Award]] for outstanding minor league promotions.<ref name=MILBawards>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/about/awards |title=Minor League Baseball Award Winners |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref>

====New York Yankees (1979–2006)====

Columbus changed its affiliation to the [[New York Yankees]] in 1979 in what would become a 28-year relationship and the most successful period in Clippers history. From 1979 to 1982, the Clippers finished atop the league standings and won three consecutive Governors' Cups, the [[List of International League champions|International League championship]]. The 1979 team, [[manager (baseball)|managed]] by [[Gene Michael]], won the league title by defeating the [[Syracuse Chiefs]] in the finals.<ref name=SC1979>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1979|title=1979 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> [[Outfielder]] [[Bobby Brown (outfielder)|Bobby Brown]] was selected as the 1979 [[International League Most Valuable Player Award|IL Most Valuable Player]] (MVP) and [[Rick Anderson (baseball, born 1953)|Rick Anderson]] as the [[International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award|Most Valuable Pitcher]].<ref name=ILawards>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/international/history/award-winners|title=International League Award Winners|website=International League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref> Additionally, the franchise won its second Larry MacPhail Award.<ref name=MILBawards/> [[Joe Altobelli]]'s 1980 Clippers won the next Governors' Cup over the [[Toledo Mud Hens]].<ref name=SC1980>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1980|title=1980 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> [[First baseman]] [[Marshall Brant]] won the league MVP Award, [[Bob Kammeyer]] won the top pitcher award, and Altobelli was chosen as the [[International League Manager of the Year Award|Manager of the Year]].<ref name=ILawards/> In 1981, [[Frank Verdi]] led Columbus to its third title over the [[Richmond Braves]] in a championship series that was shortened due to inclement weather.<ref name=SC1981>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1981|title=1981 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref>

Columbus qualified for the playoffs in each of the next three seasons but was eliminated in the semifinals each time.<ref name=SC1982>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1982|title=1982 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=SC1983>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1983|title=1983 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=SC1984>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1984|title=1984 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> Several Clippers were recognized with league awards during this period. [[Third baseman]] [[Tucker Ashford]] won the 1982 IL MVP Award.<ref name=ILawards/> In 1984, [[catcher]] [[Scott Bradley (baseball)|Scott Bradley]] was the MVP and [[International League Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]],<ref name=ILawards/> and the Clippers won a third Larry MacPhail Award.<ref name=MILBawards/> Outfielder [[Dan Pasqua]] was a dual MVP and Rookie of the Year in 1985.<ref name=ILawards/> The 1985 club reached the finals, but they lost the Governors' Cup to the [[Tidewater Tides]].<ref name=SC1985>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1985|title=1985 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> Though missing the postseason in 1986, first baseman [[Orestes Destrade]] won the Rookie of the Year Award.<ref name=ILawards/> The 1987 Clippers, managed by [[Bucky Dent]], swept the [[Rochester Red Wings]] in the semifinals and Tidewater in the finals to win their fourth IL championship.<ref name=SC1987>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1987|title=1987 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> [[Brad Arnsberg]] won the 1987 Most Valuable Pitcher Award.<ref name=ILawards/> Columbus next returned to the playoffs in 1990 via a Western Division title, but they lost the single round of playoffs and the championship to Rochester.<ref name=SC1990>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1990|title=1990 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> Outfielder [[Hensley Meulens]] was the MVP of the 1990 season, and [[Dave Eiland]] was the top pitcher.<ref name=ILawards/>

[[File:Bucky Dent - New York Yankees - 1981.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|[[Bucky Dent]] led the 1987 Clippers to win the fourth IL championship in team history.]]

Manager [[Rick Down]] led the Clippers to back-to-back Governors' Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. The 1991 team defeated the [[Pawtucket Red Sox]] in the finals.<ref name=SC1991>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1991|title=1991 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> They then advanced to the [[Triple-A Classic]], a postseason championship series against the [[Denver Zephyrs]], champions of the American Association, where they were defeated, 4–1.<ref name=TripleAPost>{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/PostSeasonOthers.jsp|title=Triple-A Baseball Interleague Post-Season Play Results|website=Triple-A Baseball|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415031051/https://www.triple-abaseball.com/PostSeasonOthers.jsp|archive-date=April 15, 2021|access-date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> The 1992 squad won their championship over the [[Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons]].<ref name=SC1992>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1992|title=1992 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> First baseman [[J. T. Snow]] was selected as the MVP and Rookie of the Year, while [[Sam Militello]] was chosen as the Most Valuable Pitcher.<ref name=ILawards/> In a 2001 ranking by baseball historians, the 1992 Clippers were recognized as the seventy-second [[The National Baseball Association's top 100 minor league teams|greatest minor league team of all time]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weiss |first1=Bill |last2=Wright |first2=Marshall |url=http://www.milb.com/milb/history/top100.jsp?idx=72 |title=72. 1992 Columbus Clippers |website=Minor League Baseball |date=2001 |access-date=July 30, 2021}}</ref>

The franchise was awarded the 1995 [[John H. Johnson President's Award]], recognizing them as the "complete baseball franchise—based on franchise stability, contributions to league stability, contributions to baseball in the community, and promotion of the baseball industry."<ref name=MILBawards/> Columbus won its final IL championship as a Yankees affiliate in 1996 under [[Stump Merrill]] after winning the Western Division title, sweeping the [[Norfolk Tides]] in the semifinals, and sweeping Rochester in the championship round.<ref name=SC1996>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1996|title=1996 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> They reached the finals in 1997 but lost in the final round to Rochester and were eliminated in the semifinals in 1999 and 2004.<ref name=SC1997>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1997|title=1997 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=SC1999>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-1999|title=1999 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=SC2004>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-2004|title=2004 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> A pair of Clippers won awards in 1999: [[Ed Yarnall]] as the Most Valuable Pitcher and first baseman Kurt Bierek as Rookie of the Year.<ref name=ILawards/> In 2003, first baseman [[Fernando Seguignol]] was selected as the league MVP.<ref name=ILawards/>

====Washington Nationals (2007–2008)====

The Clippers became the Triple-A affiliate of the [[Washington Nationals]] in 2007. The partnership lasted two seasons, with Columbus finishing with losing records each season and failing to qualify for the Governors' Cup playoffs.<ref name=BRcity/> On September 1, 2008, the Clippers played their final game at Cooper Stadium before moving into a new facility the following season. Over 16,000 people attended the game, a 3–0 loss to Toledo.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82479198/16000-plus-show-for-last-game-at/|via=Newspapers.com|title=16,000-Plus Show for Last Game at Cooper Stadium|work=The Advocate|location=Newark|date=September 2, 2008|page=2B}}</ref>

====Cleveland Indians / Guardians (2009–present)====

[[File:Mike Sarbaugh Indians coach April 2015 Houston.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9|[[Mike Sarbaugh]] managed the Clippers to back-to-back IL and Triple-A championships in 2010 and 2011.]]

In 2009, Columbus began their affiliation with the [[Cleveland Indians]].<ref name=JBenson4-16-2009>{{cite news|last=Benson|first=John|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82479605/fortune-smiles-on-clippers/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Fortune Smiles On Clippers|work=The Advocate|location=Newark|date=April 16, 2009|page=1D}}</ref> The Clippers also began playing at [[Huntington Park (Columbus, Ohio)|Huntington Park]], a $56-million dollar, 10,000-seat stadium located at the corner of Neil Ave. and Nationwide Blvd. in the Columbus's [[Arena District]].<ref name=JBenson4-16-2009/> The inaugural home opener was played on April 18, 2009, when 11,950 people in attendance saw the Clippers lose to Toledo, 3–1.<ref>{{cite news|last=Storm|first=Stephanie|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82479935/loyalty-to-indians-clear-at-opener/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Loyalty to Indians Clear at Opener|work=The Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron|date=April 19, 2009|page=C7}}</ref>

Managed by [[Mike Sarbaugh]], Columbus won consecutive IL championships in 2010 and 2011. After clinching a 2010 wild card berth, they defeated the [[Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees]] in the semifinals then won the Governors' Cup against the [[Durham Bulls]].<ref name=SC2010>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-2010|title=2010 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> The league title sent them to the [[Triple-A National Championship Game]], a single game against the [[Tacoma Rainiers]], champions of the [[Pacific Coast League]] (PCL), which was won by Columbus, 12–6.<ref name=2010NCG>{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/2010ncgbox.pdf|title=Tacoma Rainiers (74-70) 6, Columbus Clippers (80-65) 12|website=Triple-A Baseball|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916053715/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/2010ncgbox.pdf|archive-date=September 16, 2017|access-date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> As the 2011 Western Division winners, Columbus advanced to the finals with a win over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and won the Governors' Cup over Durham.<ref name=SC2011>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-2011|title=2011 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> In the Triple-A National Championship Game, they defeated the PCL's [[Omaha Storm Chasers]], 8–3.<ref name=2011NCG>{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/2011ncgbox.pdf|title=Columbus Clippers (89-56) 8, Omaha Storm Chasers (79-64) 3|website=Triple-A Baseball|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502111014/https://www.triple-abaseball.com/2011ncgbox.pdf|archive-date=May 2, 2021|access-date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> Sarbaugh was recognized as the 2011 IL Manager of the Year.<ref name=ILawards/>

The 2014 Clippers won the Western Division title but were ousted from the Governors' Cup playoffs by Durham in the semifinals.<ref name=SC2014>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-2014|title=2014 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> In 2015, Columbus was declared co-champion of the Western Division after finishing the season tied for first place with the [[Indianapolis Indians]]. They were seeded as the division champion for the playoffs by tie-breaking procedures.<ref name=JWagner9-9-2015>{{cite web|last=Wagner|first=John|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-148189544|title=International League Playoff Preview|website=Minor League Baseball|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2021}}</ref> Defeating Norfolk in the semifinals, the Clippers met the Indians in the Governors' Cup finals and won the IL championship under manager [[Chris Tremie]].<ref name=SC2015>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-2015|title=2015 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> They then lost the Triple-A Championship to the PCL's [[Fresno Grizzlies]], 7–0.<ref name=2015NCG>{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/2015ncgbox.pdf|title=Fresno Grizzlies (85-59) 7, Columbus Clippers (83-62) 0|website=Triple-A Baseball|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501170528/https://www.triple-abaseball.com/2015ncgbox.pdf|archive-date=May 1, 2021|access-date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> Columbus returned to the postseason in 2016 via a Western Division title, but they fell to the [[Gwinnett Braves]] in the semifinals.<ref name=SC2016>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-2016|title=2016 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> Outfielder [[Yandy Díaz]] was the 2016 IL Rookie of the Year.<ref name=ILawards/> In 2019, under manager [[Tony Mansolino]], the team captured its last International League championship. With another Western Division title and a semifinal win over the [[Gwinnett Stripers]], they won the Governors' Cup against Durham.<ref name=SC2019>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/l-IL/y-2019|title=2019 International League|website=Stats Crew|access-date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> At the Triple-A National Championship Game they lost to the [[Sacramento River Cats]], 4–0.<ref name=2019NCG>{{Cite web|last=Heneghan|first=Kelsie|url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/stingy-caleb-baragar-sacramento-river-cats-take-triple-a-crown-310793274|title=Stingy Baragar, Cats Take Triple-A crown|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> The start of the 2020 season was initially postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] before being cancelled altogether.<ref>{{cite news |title=A Message From Pat O'Conner|url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/message-from-minor-league-baseball-president-ceo-pat-o-conner-313052288|website=Minor League Baseball|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=May 5, 2020}}</ref><ref name=2020can>{{cite news |title=2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved|url=https://www.milb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-shelved|website=Minor League Baseball|date=June 30, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Huntington Park - Columbus, OH - 2021-01-09.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|The Clippers have played at [[Huntington Park (Columbus, Ohio)|Huntington Park]] since 2009.]]

Following the 2020 season, [[Major League Baseball]] assumed control of Minor League Baseball in a move to increase player salaries, modernize facility standards, and reduce travel.<ref name=JMayo2-12-2021>{{cite web|last=Mayo|first=Jonathan|title=MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/new-minor-league-baseball-structure|website=Major League Baseball|date=February 12, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2021}}</ref> The Clippers were organized into the Triple-A East and maintained their affiliation with the Cleveland Indians.<ref name=JMayo2-12-2021/> Columbus ended the season in fifth place in the Midwestern Division with a 56–62 record.<ref name=MILB2021>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/2021?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=division|title=2021 Triple-A East Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 3, 2021}}</ref> No playoffs were held to determine a league champion; instead, the team with the best regular-season record was declared the winner.<ref name=MiLB7-14-2021>{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/triple-a-classification-to-add-10-games-to-2021-schedule |title=MiLB Announces 'Triple-A Final Stretch' for 2021 |website=Minor League Baseball |date=July 14, 2021 |accessdate=July 16, 2021}}</ref> However, 10&nbsp;games that had been postponed from the start of the season were reinserted into the schedule as a postseason tournament called the Triple-A Final Stretch in which all 30 Triple-A clubs competed for the highest winning percentage.<ref name=MiLB7-14-2021/> Columbus finished the tournament tied for 23rd place with a 3–6 record.<ref name=2021FinalStretch>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/|title=2021 Triple-A Final Stretch Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 3, 2021}}</ref>

In 2022, the Triple-A East became known as the International League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization, after Major League Baseball acquired the rights to the name.<ref name=ILrename>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-historical-league-names-to-return-in-2022|title=Historical League Names to Return in 2022|website=Minor League Baseball|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref> The Clippers won the second half of the 2024 season,<ref name=2024secondhalf>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/international/2024?standingsView=league|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923131803/https://www.milb.com/standings/international/2024?standingsView=league|url-status=live}}</ref> giving them a playoff berth, but they lost the IL championship to the Omaha Storm Chasers, 2–1, in a best-of-three series.<ref name=2024champ>{{cite web |title=Omaha Storm Chasers Win International League Championship |url=https://www.milb.com/omaha/news/omaha-storm-chasers-win-international-league-championship-x2868 |website=MiLB.com |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=September 27, 2024 |date=September 26, 2024}}</ref> Their full season record was 80–68.<ref name=BR2024>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1bc2d5aa|title=2024 International League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923131145/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1bc2d5aa|url-status=live}}</ref> Outfielder [[Johnathan Rodríguez]] won the IL MVP Award.<ref name=2024awards>{{cite web|last=Avallone|first=Michael|url=https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/minor-league-baseball-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-2024|title=Here are the 2024 Triple-A All-Stars and Award Winners|website=Major League Baseball|date=October 2, 2024|access-date=October 2, 2024|archive-date=October 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002183839/https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/minor-league-baseball-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Season-by-season records==
{{Main|List of Columbus Clippers seasons}}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="font-size: 95%; text-align:center;"
|+Season-by-season records (last five seasons)
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Season
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|League
!colspan="5" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Regular-season
!colspan="3" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Postseason
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|MLB affiliate
!class="unsortable" rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Record
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Win %
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|League
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Division
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|{{Abbr|GB|Games behind}}
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Record
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Win %
!class="unsortable" rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Result
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2021
| AAAE
| 56–62
| .475
| {{sort|12.1|12th (tie)}}
| {{sort|05.0|5th}}
| {{sort|12.0|12}}
| 3–6
| {{sort|333|.333}}
| Lost series vs. [[Nashville Sounds]], 5–0<br/>''Won series vs. [[Louisville Bats]], 3–1''<br/>Placed 23rd (tie) in the Triple-A Final Stretch<ref name=2021FinalStretch/>
| [[Cleveland Indians]]
| <ref name=MILB2021/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2022
| IL
| 85–64
| .570
| {{sort|04.0|4th}}
| {{sort|03.0|3rd}}
| {{sort|06.0|6}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| [[Cleveland Guardians]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e42854f1|title=2022 International League|website=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2023
| IL
| 68–79
| .463
| {{sort|17.0|17th}}
| {{sort|10.0|10th}}
| {{sort|15.5|{{frac|15|1|2}}}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| [[Cleveland Guardians]]
| <ref name=BR2023>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e94f4b04|title=2023 International League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 25, 2023|archive-date=September 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925124946/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e94f4b04|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2024
| IL
| 80–68
| .541
| {{sort|03.0|3rd}}
| {{sort|02.0|2nd}}
| {{sort|09.0|9}}
| 1–2
| {{sort|333|.333}}
| ''Won second-half title''<ref name=2024secondhalf/><br/>Lost [[List of International League champions|IL championship]] vs. [[Omaha Storm Chasers]], 2–1''<ref name=2024champ/>
| [[Cleveland Guardians]]
| <ref name=BR2024/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2025
| IL
| 64–81
| .441
| {{sort|13.0|13th}}
| {{sort|07.0|7th}}
| {{sort|21.0|21}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| [[Cleveland Guardians]]
| <ref name=BR2025>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=6eda1325|title=2025 International League|work=Baseball-Reference|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=September 22, 2025|archive-date=September 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250922123032/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=6eda1325|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- class="sortbottom"
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|'''Totals'''
! —
! 353–354
! {{winpct|353|354}}
! —
! —
! —
! 4–8
! {{winpct|4|8}}
! —
! —
! —
|}

==Roster==
{{Columbus Clippers roster}}

== Awards ==

[[File:Bobby Brown - New York Yankees - 1981.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|alt=|[[Bobby Brown (outfielder)|Bobby Brown]] won the [[International League Most Valuable Player Award]] in 1979.]]
[[File:Dan Pasqua Yankees.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|alt=|[[Dan Pasqua]] was the [[International League Most Valuable Player Award|IL MVP]] and [[International League Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]] in 1985.]]
[[File:1987 Rookies Cartoon Back Brad Arnsberg.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|alt=|[[Brad Arnsberg]] won the [[International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award|IL Most Valuable Pitcher Award]] in 1987.]]
[[File:Yandy Diaz (36058547483) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|alt=|[[Yandy Díaz]] was the [[International League Rookie of the Year Award|IL Rookie of the Year]] in 2016.]]

The franchise has been awarded these honors by Minor League Baseball.<ref name=MILBawards>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/about/awards |title=Minor League Baseball Award Winners |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Minor League Baseball Awards
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C" width="220px"|Award
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Season
!class="unsortable" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|[[John H. Johnson President's Award]]
|1995||<ref name=MILBawards/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|[[Larry MacPhail Award]]
|1977||<ref name=MILBawards/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|[[Larry MacPhail Award]]
|1979||<ref name=MILBawards/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|[[Larry MacPhail Award]]
|1984||<ref name=MILBawards/>
|}

Eighteen players, two managers, and two executives have won league awards in recognition for their performance with Columbus.<ref name=ILawards>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/international/history/award-winners|title=International League Award Winners|website=International League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+International League Awards
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C" width="220px"|Award
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C" width="130px"|Recipient
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|Season
!class="unsortable" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#002A5C 5px solid; border-bottom:#68ACDB 5px solid; color:#002A5C"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Bobby|Brown|dab=outfielder}}
|1979||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Marshall|Brant}}
|1980||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Tucker|Ashford}}
|1982||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Scott|Bradley|dab=baseball}}
|1984||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Dan|Pasqua}}
|1985||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Hensley|Meulens}}
|1990||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|J. T.|Snow}}
|1992||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Fernando|Seguignol}}
|2003||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Johnathan|Rodríguez}}
|2024||<ref name=2024awards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award|Most Valuable Pitcher]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Rick|Anderson|dab=baseball, born 1953}}
|1979||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award|Most Valuable Pitcher]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Bob|Kammeyer}}
|1980||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award|Most Valuable Pitcher]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Brad|Arnsberg}}
|1987||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award|Most Valuable Pitcher]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Dave|Eiland}}
|1990||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award|Most Valuable Pitcher]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Sam|Militello}}
|1992||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award|Most Valuable Pitcher]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Ed|Yarnall}}
|1999||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Scott|Bradley|dab=baseball}}
|1984||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Dan|Pasqua}}
|1985||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Orestes|Destrade}}
|1986||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|J. T.|Snow}}
|1992||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Kurt|Bierek|nolink=1}}
|1999||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Yandy|Díaz}}
|2016||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Manager of the Year Award|Manager of the Year]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Joe|Altobelli}}
|1980||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|[[International League Manager of the Year Award|Manager of the Year]]
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Mike|Sarbaugh}}
|2011||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|Executive of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|George H.|Sisler Jr.|nolink=1}}
|1977||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|Executive of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|George H.|Sisler Jr.|nolink=1}}
|1979||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|Executive of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|George H.|Sisler Jr.|nolink=1}}
|1980||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|Executive of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Ken|Schnacke|nolink=1}}
|1991||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|Executive of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Ken|Schnacke|nolink=1}}
|2011||<ref name=ILawards/>
|-
|Executive of the Year
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sortname|Ken|Schnacke|nolink=1}}
|2018||<ref name=ILawards/>
|}

==Radio and television==

All Clippers home and road games are broadcast on [[WMNI]] AM 920.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wmni.com/index.php/on-air/sports/columbus-clippers|title=Columbus Clippers|website=WMNI|publisher=North American Broadcasting Company|access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> Live audio broadcasts are also available online through the station's website as well as on the team's website and the MiLB First Pitch app. Games can be viewed through the [[MiLB.TV]] subscription feature of the official website of Minor League Baseball.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe |title=MiLB.tv |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref>

As of 2021, Ryan Mitchell and Scott Leo serve as [[Sports commentator|play-by-play announcers]].<ref name=frontoffice>{{cite web |title=Clippers Front Office Staff|url=https://www.milb.com/columbus/team/front-office-staff|website=Columbus Clippers|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=May 1, 2021}}</ref> Several former Clippers broadcasters have gone to work in Major League Baseball, including: [[John Gordon (sportscaster)|John Gordon]] (1977–1981), [[Rick Rizzs]] (1981–1982), [[Pat Hughes (sportscaster)|Pat Hughes]] (1982), [[Terry Smith (sportscaster)|Terry Smith]] (1983–2001), and [[Tom Hamilton (sportscaster)|Tom Hamilton]] (1987–1989).

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.milb.com/columbus}}
* [https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Columbus&state=OH&country=US Statistics from ''Baseball-Reference'']

{{Columbus Clippers}}
{{Cleveland Guardians}}
{{International League}}
{{Columbus, Ohio}}
{{Ohio Sports}}

[[Category:Columbus Clippers| ]]
[[Category:1977 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1977]]
[[Category:Cleveland Guardians minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:International League teams]]
[[Category:New York Yankees minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Baseball teams in Columbus, Ohio]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Triple-A East teams]]