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{{Short description|Minor league baseball team (founded in 1998)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
| name = Memphis Redbirds
| founded = 1998
| city = Memphis, Tennessee
| logo = Memphis Redbirds logo.svg
| uniformlogo = Memphis Redbirds Cap.png
| class level = [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] (1998–present)
| past class level =
| current league = [[International League]] (2021–present)
| past league = [[Pacific Coast League]] (1998–2020)
| division = West Division
| majorleague = [[St. Louis Cardinals]] (1998–present)
| pastmajorleague =
| classnum = 1
| classchamps = 2018
| leaguenum = 4
| leaguechamps = {{hlist|2000|2009|2017|2018}}
| confnum = 5
| conferencechamps = {{hlist|2000|2009|2010|2017|2018}}
| divnum = 6
| divisionchamps = {{hlist|2000|2009|2010|2014|2017|2018}}
| nickname = Memphis Redbirds (1998–present)
| pastnames =
| colors = Red, navy blue, yellow, white<ref>{{cite web|title=2017 Rebranding|url=https://milb.bamcontent.com/documents/6/0/0/306259600/2019_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide.pdf|publisher=Minor League Baseball|work=2019 Memphis Redbirds Media Guide|date=February 4, 2020|access-date=June 25, 2020|page=4}}</ref><br />{{color box|#D31245}} {{color box|#002B5C}} {{color box|#FFE512}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
| mascot = [[Memphis Redbirds#Mascot|Rockey the Redbird]]
| ballpark = [[AutoZone Park]] (2000–present)
| pastparks = [[Tim McCarver Stadium]] (1998–1999)
| media = [[MiLB.TV]]
| owner = [[Diamond Baseball Holdings]]<ref name=KChaney>{{cite web |last1=Chaney |first1=Kim |title=Memphis Redbirds Sold to New Ownership Group as Part of MLB Minor League Deal |url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/sports/local-sports/memphis-redbirds-sold-ownership-group-mlb-minor-league-deal-diamond-baseball-holdings-endeavor/522-919264ed-c67b-4f1b-907c-f8261623fed3 |website=WATN |access-date=September 2, 2023 |date=December 8, 2021}}</ref>
| gm = Craig Unger<ref name=FrontOffice>{{cite web|title=Memphis Redbirds Front Office Staff Directory|url=https://www.milb.com/memphis/ballpark/front-office-staff-directory|website=Memphis Redbirds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=May 4, 2021}}</ref>
| manager = [[Ben Johnson (outfielder)|Ben Johnson]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.milb.com/memphis|milb.com/memphis}}
}}

The '''Memphis Redbirds''' are a [[Minor League Baseball]] team of the [[International League]] and the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] affiliate of the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. They are located in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], and are named for their [[Major League Baseball]] affiliate. The Redbirds play their home games at [[AutoZone Park]], which opened in 2000 and is located in [[Downtown Memphis]]. The team previously played at [[Tim McCarver Stadium]] in 1998 and 1999.

The Redbirds were established as an [[expansion team]] of the Triple-A [[Pacific Coast League]] (PCL) in 1998. In conjunction with [[Major League Baseball]]'s reorganization of Minor League Baseball in 2021, they were placed in the [[Triple-A East]], which became the International League in 2022. A total of eight [[manager (baseball)|managers]] have led the club and its over 600&nbsp;players.<ref name="ATRoster">{{cite web |date=2019 |title=2019 Memphis Redbirds Media Guide |url=https://milb.bamcontent.com/documents/6/0/0/306259600/2019_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250922171028/https://milb.bamcontent.com/documents/6/0/0/306259600/2019_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide.pdf |archive-date=September 22, 2025 |access-date=September 22, 2025 |publisher=Memphis Redbirds |page=68}}</ref>

{{As of|2025|September|alt=As of the end of the 2025 season}}, the Redbirds have played in 3,863&nbsp;regular-season games and compiled a win–loss record of {{Win–loss record|w=1,942|l=1,921}} ({{winpct|1942|1921}}). They have appeared in the [[Playoffs#Minor League Baseball|postseason]] on six occasions and won the [[List of Pacific Coast League champions|PCL championship]] in 2000, 2009, 2017, and 2018. The Redbirds won the [[Triple-A National Championship Game]] in 2018. They have a postseason record of 30–20 ({{winpct|30|20}}). Combining all 3,913&nbsp;regular-season and postseason games, Memphis has an all-time record of 1,972–1,941 ({{winpct|1972|1941}}).

==History==
===Prior professional baseball in Memphis===

[[File:1921 Memphis Chicks.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|alt=Seventeen baseball players wearing light uniforms with dark vertical pinstripes standing with their arms crossed.|The 1921 [[Memphis Chicks (Southern Association)|Memphis Chicks]], champions of the [[Southern Association]] ]]

The first [[professional baseball]] team in [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] was the [[Memphis Reds (League Alliance)|Memphis Reds]] of the [[League Alliance]] in 1877.<ref name="BRMemphis">{{cite web |title=Memphis, Tennessee Register History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Memphis&state=TN&country=US |access-date=April 18, 2016 |work=[[Baseball Reference]]}}</ref> A different [[Memphis Reds (Southern League)|Reds]] team was created as a charter member of the original [[Southern League (1885–1899)|Southern League]] in 1885.<ref name=BRMemphis/> The city's Southern League team was known as the [[Memphis Grays|Grays]] in 1886 and 1888, the [[Memphis Browns|Browns]] in 1887, simply Memphis in 1889, the [[Memphis Giants|Giants]] in 1892 and 1894, the [[Memphis Fever Germs|Fever Germs]] in 1893, and the [[Memphis Lambs|Lambs/Giants]] in 1895.<ref name=BRMemphis/>

The city's longest-operating baseball team, first known as [[Memphis Egyptians]], was formed in 1901 as a charter member of the [[Southern Association]].<ref name=BRMemphis/> From 1909 to 1911, this club was called the [[Memphis Turtles|Turtles]] before receiving its best-known moniker, the [[Memphis Chicks (Southern Association)|Chickasaws]], often shortened to Chicks, in 1912.<ref name=BRMemphis/> The original Chicks remained in the league through 1960, winning eight pennants, one playoff [[List of Southern Association champions|championship]], and one [[Dixie Series]] title. [[Russwood Park]], their home ballpark, was destroyed by fire in April 1960. With the cost of building a new facility too high, the team dropped out of the league after the 1960 season.<ref name=Tn11-12-60>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49981674/chicks-return-sa-franchise/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Chicks Return SA Franchise|work=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=November 12, 1960|access-date=May 1, 2020|page=11}}</ref>

After a seven-year span with no professional team, Memphis became host to the [[Memphis Blues (minor league)|Memphis Blues]], a [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] team of the [[Texas League]], in 1968.<ref name=BRMemphis/> After six seasons, the Blues moved up to the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[International League]] in 1974, but the franchise was revoked by the league due to financial problems after the 1976 season.<ref name=BRMemphis/><ref name=JC11-9-76>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52173516/memphis-without-pro-baseball-seeks/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Memphis Without Pro Baseball, Seeks Texas League Franchise|work=Johnson City Press|location=Johnson City|date=November 9, 1976|page=14}}</ref> Memphis gained an [[expansion team]] in the Double-A [[Southern League (1964–2020)|Southern League]] that played from 1978 to 1997.<ref name=BRMemphis/> The Chicks were relocated to nearby [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]] as the [[West Tenn Diamond Jaxx]] in 1998 to make way for a new Triple-A team.<ref name=Js9-2-97>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50060070/memphis-wins-season-finale/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Memphis Wins Season Finale|work=The Jackson Sun|location=Jackson|date=September 2, 1997|page=2C}}</ref>

===Pacific Coast League (1998–2020)===
The Memphis Redbirds were created as an expansion franchise of the Triple-A [[Pacific Coast League]] in 1998.<ref name="PCLhist">{{cite web |title=Notable Events in Pacific Coast League History |url=http://www.tripleabaseball.com/PCLTimeline.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913230957/http://www.tripleabaseball.com/PCLTimeline.jsp |archive-date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=April 18, 2016 |website=Triple-A Baseball}}</ref> Initially, the team was owned as a [[non-profit organization|non-profit]] community entity called the Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation, which operated the Redbirds until 2009 when management was turned over to [[Comcast Spectacor#Global Spectrum|Global Spectrum]], a [[Comcast]]-owned company.<ref name=2014sale1>{{cite web|title=St. Louis Cardinals to Acquire Memphis Redbirds|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20131115&content_id=63944388&vkey=pr_stl&c_id=stl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226082918/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20131115&content_id=63944388&vkey=pr_stl&c_id=stl|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 26, 2013|website=St. Louis Cardinals|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=March 28, 2014|date=November 15, 2013}}</ref><ref name=2014sale2>{{cite web|title=Cardinals Close Deal to Buy Triple-A Memphis Team|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=10689390|website=ESPN|access-date=March 28, 2014|date=March 28, 2014}}</ref> While a new ballpark, [[AutoZone Park]], was being constructed for the team, they played their first two seasons (1998–99) at the city's [[Tim McCarver Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tim McCarver Stadium|url=https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-1642|website=Stats Crew|access-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref>

The Redbirds became the top minor league affiliate of the [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. Memphis' team name, logo, color scheme, and uniforms were all based on those of the St. Louis team. In their inaugural season, the club was [[manager (baseball)|managed]] by [[Gaylen Pitts]]. The Redbirds played their first game on the road at [[Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium]] in [[Omaha, Nebraska]]. In game one of the [[doubleheader (baseball)|doubleheader]], the [[Omaha Royals]] defeated the Redbirds, 3–2.<ref name=OD>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |title=2016 Memphis Redbirds Media Guide |publisher=Memphis Redbirds| date=2016 |page=180 |access-date=April 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418203141/http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |archive-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> The team finished their first season of play with a 74–70 record, three games out of first place, leaving them second out of four teams in their division.<ref name=BR1998>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0ee275f6|title=1998 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> They finished the 1999 season in third place with a 74–64 record.<ref name=BR1999>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=c7436748|title=1999 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref>

In 2000, Memphis moved into the newly constructed [[AutoZone Park]].<ref>{{cite news|title=AutoZone Park Transformation Under Way as Cardinals Add $2 Million to City's $4.5 Million |first=Zack |last=McMillin |url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/redbirds/zack-mcmillins-daily-dish-cardinals-add-2-million-to-citys-45-million-for-autozone-park_51973018 |newspaper=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |location=Memphis |date=January 6, 2015 |access-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406092651/http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/redbirds/zack-mcmillins-daily-dish-cardinals-add-2-million-to-citys-45-million-for-autozone-park_51973018 |archive-date=April 6, 2015 }}</ref> In the park's first regular season game, held on April 14, the Redbirds defeated the [[Iowa Cubs]], 14–3.<ref name=AZPark>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |title=2016 Memphis Redbirds Media Guide |publisher=Memphis Redbirds| date=2016 |page=214 |access-date=April 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418203141/http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |archive-date=April 18, 2016 }}</ref> Memphis went on to clinch the Pacific Coast League's American Conference East Division championship by ending the season in first place, 13{{frac|2}} games ahead of the second-place [[Oklahoma RedHawks]].<ref name=BR2000>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=c7436748|title=2000 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> In the American Conference series, the Redbirds defeated the [[Albuquerque Isotopes]], three games to two, and advanced to the league finals.<ref name="PCLchamps"/> Memphis then defeated the [[Salt Lake Buzz]], 3–1, to win the [[List of Pacific Coast League champions|PCL championship]].<ref name=PCLchamps>{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/history/champions|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402035555/https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/history/champions|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 2, 2019|title=Past Champions: Pacific Coast League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref> The Redbirds went on to face the [[Indianapolis Indians]], league champions of the Triple-A [[International League]], in the best-of-five [[Triple-A World Series]]. Memphis lost, three games to one.<ref name=AAAWS>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |title=2016 Memphis Redbirds Media Guide |publisher=Memphis Redbirds| date=2016 |page=209 |access-date=April 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418203141/http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |archive-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Nick Stavinoha 2009.jpg|thumb|left|[[Nick Stavinoha]], with the Redbirds from 2007 to 2011, is the team's all-time leader in [[games played]] (479), [[run batted in|RBI]] (316), [[double (baseball)|doubles]] (96), [[hit (baseball)|hits]] (531), and [[home run]]s (74).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |title=2016 Memphis Redbirds Media Guide |publisher=Memphis Redbirds| date=2016 |page=187 |access-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418203141/http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |archive-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref>]]

The team finished each of the next three seasons in fourth place—2001 (62–81),<ref name=BR2001>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=35dd6814|title=2001 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> 2002 (71–71),<ref name=BR2002>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=f88d2df8|title=2002 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> and 2003 (64–79).<ref name=BR2003>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=aa2858dc|title=2003 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> The 2002 campaign was a particularly tight race within the American Conference East Division, as the fourth-place Redbirds were a mere three games behind first-place Oklahoma.<ref name=BR2002/> [[Tom Spencer (baseball)|Tom Spencer]] became manager of the Redbirds in 2013 but was replaced midseason by [[Danny Sheaffer]]. Memphis hosted the [[Triple-A All-Star Game]] at AutoZone Park in 2003.<ref name=2003ASG>{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGSummaries4.jsp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130718063822/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGSummaries4.jsp|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 18, 2013|title=Triple-A All-Star Game Results (2003–2007)|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=April 19, 2016}}</ref> Players Jason Bowers, [[Matt Duff]], and [[Jason Ryan (baseball)|Jason Ryan]] represented Memphis, as they were elected to the PCL All-Star Team.<ref name=ASGplayers>{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/asgbyteam.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060131191215/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/asgbyteam.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 31, 2006|title=All-Time Roster by Team|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=April 19, 2016}}</ref>

Pitcher [[Dan Haren]] was selected for the 2004 PCL All-Star Team and was chosen as the PCL Star of the Game—the most valuable player representing the league.<ref name=2003ASG/> Memphis ended the 2004 season in second place, eight games behind first-place Oklahoma, with a 73–71 record.<ref name=BR2004>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=c08f9965|title=2004 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> The team finished third (71–72) in 2005, {{frac|3|1|2}} games behind the eventual league champion [[Nashville Sounds]].<ref name=BR2005>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=7cf2c40c|title=2005 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> From 2006 to 2007, Memphis finished further out of first place with records of 58–86 in 2006 and 56–88 in 2007.<ref name=BR2006>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=4de400ea|title=2006 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref><ref name=BR2007>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=9bb85c40|title=2007 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref>

The 2008 season began a reversal of the team's fortunes. Though winding up in second place in 2008, the team, under second-year manager [[Chris Maloney]], managed a second-place finish with their 75–67 record.<ref name=BR2008>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0c7928c7|title=2008 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2009, the Redbirds' first-place finish (77–67) earned them the American Conference North Division title and a return to the postseason for the first time in nine seasons.<ref name=BR2009>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=5f155166|title=2009 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> In the American Conference series, Memphis faced the Albuquerque Isotopes, sweeping them in three-straight games.<ref name=BR2009/> They continued to also defeat the [[Sacramento River Cats]], 3–0, in the finals to win their second PCL championship.<ref name=BR2009/> They then competed against the International League's [[Durham Bulls]] in the [[Bricktown Showdown]] for the [[Triple-A National Championship]], but were defeated in the single game, 5–4.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/2009ncgbox.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216011914/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/2009ncgbox.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 16, 2012|title=Durham Bulls (84-61) 5, Memphis Redbirds (77-68) 4|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=August 17, 2014}}</ref>

Having finished the 2010 season in a tie for first place with the [[Iowa Cubs]] (82–62), Memphis was awarded the American Conference North title by virtue of having won the regular season series against Iowa.<ref name=BR2010>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=b6ca3ab2|title=2010 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> Memphis started the postseason by defeating the [[Oklahoma City RedHawks]], 3–0, to win the American Conference championship.<ref name=BR2010/> The [[Tacoma Rainiers]] then swept the Redbirds, defeating them for the PCL crown in three-straight games.<ref name=BR2010/>

[[File:P. J. Walters 2009.jpg|thumb|right|[[P. J. Walters]], a Redbird from 2008 to 2011, is the team's all-time leader in [[Win–loss record (pitching)|wins]] (32), [[strikeout]]s (428), and [[games started]] (78).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |title=2016 Memphis Redbirds Media Guide |publisher=Memphis Redbirds| date=2016 |page=189 |access-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418203141/http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |archive-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref>]]

The 2011, the club narrowly missed the postseason, finishing second with a 77–66 record.<ref name=BR2011>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2b849127|title=2011 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> In 2012, manager Chris Maloney, the longest-tenured skipper in team history, was hired as St. Louis' [[first base coach]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Matthew|last=Leach|url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/25987030|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306091816/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/25987030|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 6, 2016|title=Cards Retain Duncan, McGwire, Oquendo|website=St. Louis Cardinals|publisher=Major League Baseball|date=November 16, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> He was replaced by [[Ron Warner (baseball)|Ron Warner]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-26017386 |title=Ron 'Pop' Warner Named Redbirds Manager |website=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=November 21, 2011 |access-date=April 19, 2016}}</ref> He led the Redbirds to finish in third place (57–87) and 27 games out of first.<ref name=BR2012>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0dccdf2c|title=2012 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> The team fared better in 2013, ending up in second place (69–75), just one game behind the eventual league champion [[Omaha Storm Chasers]].<ref name=BR2013>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=3219ab1a|title=2013 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref>

In March 2014, the Redbirds were purchased by their major league parent club, the St. Louis Cardinals.<ref name=2014sale2/> The transaction also included the City of Memphis acquiring [[AutoZone Park]] and then leasing it to the team.<ref name=2014sale2/> Ron Warner led his club to a first-place finish (79–64), clinching the American Conference South.<ref name=BR2014>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1b5c335f|title=2014 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> They were defeated in the conference series, three games to one, by Omaha, who later won the PCL title.<ref name=BR2014/> The 2015 club, under manager [[Mike Shildt]], finished in second place (73–71), two games behind the [[Round Rock Express]].<ref name=BR2015>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=b685db87|title=2015 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref>

The Cardinals sold their majority interest in the team to Peter B. Freund of Trinity Baseball Holdings in March 2016.<ref name=FrontOffice/><ref>{{cite web|title=Cardinals to Sell Majority Interest in Redbirds|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-166609720|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2016|date=March 8, 2016}}</ref> Memphis ended the 2016 season in fourth place with a 65–77 record.<ref name=BR2016>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=33b6dd69|title=2016 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref> Prior to the 2017 season, the Redbirds unveiled new logos and uniforms. The primary logo is designed to look like a [[neon sign]], such as those seen on nearby [[Beale Street]], consisting of the team name and a redesigned image of team mascot, Rockey the Redbird. A secondary logo uses similar neon tubing to form an "M" in the shape of a [[music note]] to honor the city's [[blues]] and [[rock 'n' roll]] heritage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-213764248 |title=Redbirds Brand Overhaul Authentically Memphis |website=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=January 18, 2017|access-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref> Led by [[PCL Manager of the Year]] [[Stubby Clapp]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.milb.com/documents/1/2/8/251254128/Clapp_2017_Manager_of_the_Year.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830010811/http://www.milb.com/documents/1/2/8/251254128/Clapp_2017_Manager_of_the_Year.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |title=Clapp Tabbed Manager of the Year After Memphis' Historic Season |website=Pacific Coast League |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=August 29, 2017 |access-date=August 29, 2017}}</ref> the 2017 Redbirds clinched the division title with a 91–50 record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/redbirds/news/champions-the-redbirds-win-the-division-and-head-to-the-playoffs/c-248337968/t-196093376 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814220110/https://www.milb.com/redbirds/news/champions-the-redbirds-win-the-division-and-head-to-the-playoffs/c-248337968/t-196093376 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |title=Champions! The Redbirds Win the Division and Head to the Playoffs! |website=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=August 13, 2017 |access-date=August 14, 2017}}</ref> They went on to defeat the [[Colorado Springs Sky Sox]], 3–2, to win the American Conference championship.<ref name=2017PCLplayoffs>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/milb/events/playoffs/y2017/league.jsp?id=112&sid=l112 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824233950/http://www.milb.com/milb/events/playoffs/y2017/league.jsp?id=112&sid=l112 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 24, 2017 |title=2017 Pacific Coast League Playoffs |website=Pacific Coast League |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=September 17, 2017}}</ref> In the PCL finals, the Redbirds defeated the [[El Paso Chihuahuas]], 3–2, to win their third PCL championship.<ref name=2017PCLplayoffs/> Memphis lost the [[Triple-A National Championship Game]], 5–3, against the International League's [[Durham Bulls]], whom they also faced in 2009.<ref name=2017NCG>{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/redbirds-vs-bulls/2017/09/19/517231#game_state=final,game_tab=,game=517231 |title=Redbirds vs. Bulls Wrapup 09/19/17 |website=Minor League Baseball |date=September 17, 2017 |access-date=September 19, 2017}}</ref>

[[Stubby Clapp]] won the PCL Manager of the Year Award for a second time in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/memphis/news/clapp-repeats-as-pcl-manager-of-the-year-292280142 |title=Clapp Repeats as PCL Manager of the Year |website=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=August 28, 2018 |access-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref> Right-hander [[Dakota Hudson]] won the [[PCL Pitcher of the Year Award]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/memphis/news/hudson-named-pcl-pitcher-of-the-year-292598580 |title=Hudson Named PCL Pitcher of the Year |website=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=August 30, 2018 |access-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref> The team once again finished with the league's best record, winning the 2018 American Southern Division title with an 83–57 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2e132070|title=2018 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref> They defeated the [[Oklahoma City Dodgers]], three games to one, to win the American Conference championship.<ref name=2018PCLplayoffs>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/milb/events/playoffs/y2018/league.jsp?id=112&sid=l112 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921074403/http://www.milb.com/milb/events/playoffs/y2018/league.jsp?id=112&sid=l112 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |title=2018 Pacific Coast League Playoffs |website=Pacific Coast League |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=September 20, 2018}}</ref> The Redbirds won their second PCL championship in as many years by beating the [[Fresno Grizzlies]], 3–1.<ref name=2018PCLplayoffs/> They went on to win the 2018 Triple-A National Championship against the Durham Bulls, 14–4. First baseman [[Alex Mejia]] was named the game's MVP.<ref name=2018NC>{{Cite web|last=Rosenbaum|first=Mike|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/memphis-redbirds-win-triple-a-championship/c-295166156|title=Memphis Slugs Its Way to First Triple-A Title|website=Major League Baseball|date=September 19, 2018|access-date=September 20, 2018}}</ref>

Memphis finished the 2019 season in second place with a 69–71 record under manager [[Ben Johnson (outfielder)|Ben Johnson]].<ref name=BR2019>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d9339ccc|title=2019 Pacific Coast League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref> 

The start of the 2020 season was postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] before ultimately being cancelled on June 30.<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>

===International League (2021–present)===

[[File:Masyn Winn Memphis 2023.jpg|thumb|right|[[Masyn Winn]] won the 2023 [[International League Top MLB Prospect Award]].]]

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. As a result, the Pacific Coast League was disbanded, and the Redbirds were placed in the [[Triple-A East]], where they continued to serve as the top farm club for the St. Louis Cardinals.<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> Memphis began competition in the new league on May 4 with a 7–5 loss to the [[Durham Bulls]] at AutoZone Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/bulls-vs-redbirds/2021/05/04/647453#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=647453|title=Bulls vs. Redbirds Box Score 05/04/21|website=Minor League Baseball|date=May 4, 2021|access-date=May 5, 2021}}</ref> They lost the next four games before collecting their first Triple-A East win with a 7–6 victory in 10&nbsp;innings over Durham on May 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/bulls-vs-redbirds/2021/05/09/647417|title=Bulls vs. Redbirds Box Score 05/09/21|website=Minor League Baseball|date=May 9, 2021|access-date=May 11, 2021}}</ref> Memphis ended the season in fifth place in the Southeastern Division with a 57–63 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> Memphis placed 12th in the league standings.<ref name=MILB2021/> 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/> Memphis finished the tournament tied for 13th place with a 4–4 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> Overall, they went 61–67.<ref name=BR2021>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d615ccef|title=2021 Triple-A East|website=Baseball Reference|access-date=March 15, 2025|archive-date=December 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216063207/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d615ccef|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prior to the 2022 season, the Redbirds were sold to [[Diamond Baseball Holdings]], a group which operates other affiliated Minor League Baseball teams and is led by Pat Battle and former team owner Peter B. Freund.<ref name=KChaney/> In 2022, the Triple-A East became known as the [[International League]] (IL), the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization.<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> Memphis began IL play with an Opening Night win against the [[Gwinnett Stripers]], 2–1, at AutoZone Park on April 5.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/gameday/stripers-vs-redbirds/2022/04/05/665604#game_state=final,game_tab=,game=665604|title=Stripers 1, Redbirds 2 (Final Score)|website=Minor League Baseball|date=April 5, 2022|access-date=April 8, 2022}}</ref> They ended the season in sixth place in the Western Division at 73–77.<ref name=BR2022>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e42854f1|title=2022 International League|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=September 29, 2022}}</ref> The league began using a split-season format in 2023 in which the teams with the best league-wide records at the end of each half have qualified for the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/news/triple-a-national-championship-game-2023 |title=2023 Triple-A National Championship Game Set for Sept. 30 in Las Vegas |website=Minor League Baseball |date=March 28, 2023 |accessdate=March 28, 2023}}</ref> Memphis missed the first-half title by nine-and-a-half games, placing eighth at 39–36.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=league|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 16, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916135403/https://www.milb.com/standings/?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=league|url-status=live}}</ref> They dropped further back in the second half, placing 17th at 32–42, fifteen-and-a-half games back.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/2023?standingsView=league|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 25, 2023|archive-date=September 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925125627/https://www.milb.com/standings/2023?standingsView=league|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall, the team went 71–78.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e94f4b04|title=2023 International League|work=Baseball 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> [[Luken Baker]] won the [[International League Most Valuable Player Award]] and [[Masyn Winn]] was chosen for the [[International League Top MLB Prospect Award|IL Top MLB Prospect Award]].<ref name=2023ILawards>{{cite web|last=Terranova|first=Rob|url=https://www.milb.com/news/milb-reveals-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-for-2023|title=The 2023 Triple-A All-Stars and Award Winners|website=Minor League Baseball|date=October 4, 2023|access-date=October 4, 2023|archive-date=October 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004195952/https://www.milb.com/news/milb-reveals-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-for-2023}}</ref> In 2024, Memphis tied for seventh place in the first-half with a 38–37 mark, 12&nbsp;games out of first.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/2024?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=league|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=August 20, 2024|archive-date=August 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820192018/https://www.milb.com/standings/2024?standingsType=firstHalf&standingsView=league|url-status=live}}</ref> They finished in 10th place in the second half at 36–37, eleven-and-a-half games back.<ref>{{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> Their full season record was an even 74–74.<ref name=BR2024>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=1bc2d5aa|title=2024 International League|work=Baseball 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> In 2025, Memphis placed sixth in the first half at 41–32 and tied for ninth in the second half at 39–36.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/milb/standings/first-half/league/2025?date=2025-06-22|title=2025 First Half Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 21, 2025|archive-date=September 21, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250921130623/https://www.mlb.com/milb/standings/first-half/league/2025?date=2025-06-22|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/milb/standings/2025|title=2025 Second Half Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 22, 2025|archive-date=September 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250922122553/https://www.mlb.com/milb/standings/2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall, they went 80–68.<ref name=BR2025>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=6eda1325|title=2025 International League|work=Baseball 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> Shortstop [[JJ Wetherholt]] won the 2025 IL Top MLB Prospect Award.<ref name=2025awards>{{cite web|last=Terranova|first=Rob|url=https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/milb-announces-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-for-2025 |title=The 2025 Triple-A All-Stars and Award Winners |website=Minor League Baseball |date=September 27, 2025 |access-date=September 28, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250928125202/https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/milb-announces-triple-a-all-stars-and-award-winners-for-2025 |archive-date=September 28, 2025}}</ref>

== Season-by-season records ==
{{Main|List of Memphis Redbirds seasons}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center;"
|+Memphis Redbirds records (last five seasons)
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Season
!colspan="5" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Regular-season
!colspan="3" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Postseason
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|MLB affiliate
!class="unsortable" rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Record
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Win %
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|League
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Division
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|{{Abbr|GB|Games behind}}
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Record
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Win %
!class="unsortable" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Result
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2021
| 61–67
| .477
| {{sort|11.1|11th (tie)}}
| {{sort|05.0|5th}}
| {{sort|24.0|24}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| rowspan=5| [[St. Louis Cardinals]]
| <ref name=BR2021/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2022
| 73–77
| .487
| {{sort|13.0|13th}}
| {{sort|06.0|6th}}
| {{sort|18.5|{{frac|18|1|2}}}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| <ref name=BR2022/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2023
| 71–78
| .477
| {{sort|11.0|11th}}
| {{sort|05.0|5th}}
| {{sort|13.5|{{frac|13|1|2}}}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| <ref name=BR2023>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e94f4b04|title=2023 International League|work=Baseball 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
| 74–74
| .500
| {{sort|09.0|9th}}
| {{sort|05.0|5th}}
| {{sort|15.0|15}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| <ref name=BR2024/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|2025
| 80–68
| .541
| {{sort|08.0|8th}}
| {{sort|04.0|4th}}
| {{sort|06.5|{{frac|6|1|2}}}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| {{sort|00.0|—}}
| <ref name=BR2025/>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"| '''Totals'''
! 359–364 !! {{winpct|359|364}} !! — !! — !! — !! 0–0 !! — !! — !! — !! —
|}

== Rivals ==
{{main|Redbirds–Sounds rivalry}}
Memphis' chief rivals have been those based in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]]. Located approximately {{convert|200|mi}} to the northeast and connected to Memphis by [[Interstate 40]], Nashville has fielded several teams which have competed in the same leagues as Memphis' teams since the late 19th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1885 Southern League |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2c3f47fa |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref> The Redbirds entered the rivalry when they joined the Pacific Coast League in 1998.<ref name=BR1998/> The teams have been division rivals ever since.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dykstra|first=Sam|url=https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/news/pcl-undergoing-realignment-in-2014/c-57182318|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514064923/https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/news/pcl-undergoing-realignment-in-2014/c-57182318|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 14, 2018|title=PCL Undergoing Realignment in 2014|work=Pacific Coast League|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=August 16, 2013|access-date=November 12, 2018}}</ref> In 2009, Memphis clinched the American Conference North Division title, finishing the season just two games ahead of Nashville, which spent the majority of the season in first place.<ref name=BR2009/> Similarly, Memphis finished the 2014 season two-and-a-half games ahead of Nashville despite trailing the Sounds for most of the season.<ref name=BR2014/> In 2021, both teams were placed in the Southeast Division of the Triple-A East.<ref name=JMayo2-12-2021/> This became the International League in 2022,<ref name=ILrename/> and both clubs were realigned into its West Division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/standings/international/2022|title=Standings|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=April 6, 2022}}</ref> As of the completion of the 2025 head-to-head series, the Sounds lead the 28-year rivalry against the Redbirds with a record of 243–203 in 445&nbsp;meetings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/documents/3/2/6/223421326/2017_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_1nu962k8.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610200843/http://www.milb.com/documents/3/2/6/223421326/2017_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_1nu962k8.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 10, 2017 |title=Nashville Sounds |work=Memphis Redbirds 2017 Media Guide |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=June 10, 2017 |page=114}}</ref>

From 2012 to 2015, the two teams competed in the [[I-40 Cup Series]], a season-long, 16-game promotional series between the clubs.<ref name=I40>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-32928020|title=Tennessee Lottery I-40 Cup Series|work=Nashville Sounds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref> Whichever of the two won the most games played between them was declared the winner and got to keep the trophy cup until the next season. The losing team donated game tickets to a charity selected by the winner. The Sounds won the inaugural 2012 contest (9–7), and Memphis won the 2013 series (7–9).<ref name=I40/> The teams tied the 2014 and 2015 series (both 8–8), but the Redbirds retained the title in both instances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-142253862|title=Redbirds Retain I-40 Cup With 11-2 Win Over Sounds|work=Memphis Redbirds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=August 9, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref> The teams discontinued the promotion after the 2015 season.

== Ballparks ==

[[File:AutoZone Park, Memphis.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|Memphis' [[AutoZone Park]]]]

=== Tim McCarver Stadium (1998–1999) ===
{{Main|Tim McCarver Stadium}}
The Redbirds played their first two seasons at [[Tim McCarver Stadium]] while a new, permanent stadium was being constructed downtown. The stadium was built in 1963 for use as an [[American Legion baseball|American Legion]] field. When the [[Texas League]]'s [[Memphis Blues (minor league)|Memphis Blues]] came to town in 1968, it became their home ballpark. It was later used by the [[Memphis Chicks (Southern League)|Memphis Chicks]] until 1997. The stadium, with an 8,800 person capacity, was demolished in 2005.

=== AutoZone Park (2000–present) ===
{{Main|AutoZone Park}}

The Redbirds' current home ballpark is [[AutoZone Park]], which opened on April 1, 2000, originally seated 16,000 and was later downsized in 2015 to the current seating capacity of 10,000 people. The reduced seating due to $6 million in renovations allowed for picnic tables, seating in grassy areas, and the elimination of the popular left field bluff seating. It was constructed in downtown Memphis at a cost of $80.5 million.<ref name="FACTS">{{cite web |title=AutoZone Park Facts|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-37304|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=January 4, 2006|access-date=February 19, 2013}}</ref> It was built to Major League Baseball standards, but with the absence of outfield seats or food vendors far down the foul lines. The first game played at the park was an exhibition between Memphis and St. Louis. A standing-room-only crowd witnessed the big league club defeat their Triple-A affiliate, 10–6.<ref name=AZPark/>

== Uniforms ==
[[File:Jack Flaherty Memphis 2018.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|[[Jack Flaherty]] pitching in the Redbirds' road uniform (2018)]]

The Redbirds' current home jerseys are white with the word "Memphis" written across the chest in red and white characters surrounded by navy blue and neon yellow which resemble a [[neon sign]]. The team's primary logo is sewn on the right sleeve, and the St. Louis Cardinals' overlapping "STL" logo is located on the left sleeve. The home cap is solid red with the face of team mascot, Rockey the Redbird, on the front. Road jerseys, though made of gray material, are identical.<ref name=2017unis>{{cite web |url=https://spark.adobe.com/page/qAttzsys5xgnq/|title=Memphis Redbirds 2017 Rebranding|website=Memphis Redbirds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref>

An alternate jersey is a power blue pullover v-neck reminiscent of those worn by St. Louis in the 1980s. Striped bands of red, white, and blue adorn the neck and sleeve openings. The front features an image of Rockey the Redbird looking over his shoulder, ball in hand, as if waiting to pitch the ball, on the left chest (this is an homage to a classic St. Louis Cardinals logo, used in the 1950s, sometimes known as the "Dirty Bird").<ref name=2017unis/> The primary Memphis logo is displayed on the left sleeve, and the STL lettering is displayed on the right. An alternate cap is navy blue with a red bill and the music note styled "M" on the front.<ref name=2017unis/>

Memphis' uniforms from 1998 to 2016 were quite similar to those of the St. Louis Cardinals. Home uniforms consisted of white jerseys with the team's primary logo sewn across the chest: the word "Memphis" in red letters surrounded by navy blue set against a yellow baseball bat on which two red [[Northern cardinal|cardinals]] were perched. The player's number was displayed on the front left below the Memphis wordmark in red block characters bordered by navy blue. The upper left sleeve had a circular navy blue patch with the St. Louis Cardinals' overlapping "STL" logo on the center in red letters bordered by white. The player's last name was sewn on the back in red block characters surrounded by navy blue, and his number was displayed below his name in the same font and colors. White pants were worn with red belts and predominately red shoes. Some players wore higher pants paired with red socks with white and navy blue stripes. The home cap was solid red with a white "M" bordered by navy blue on the center.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-171294560|title=Sulbaran, Four Relievers Combine to Four-Hit Colorado Springs|date=April 8, 2016|website=Memphis Redbirds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=April 19, 2016}}</ref> Road uniforms were identical to those worn for home games with only a few exceptions: jerseys and pants were made from gray material, the St. Louis patch was absent from the sleeve, and the cap was navy blue with a red button and a red "M" with white border.<ref>{{cite web |first=Minda|last=Haas Kuhlmann|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mindahaas/19884347993/|title=Christian Colon Catching Up With Tommy Pham|date=April 8, 2016|website=Flickr|access-date=August 11, 2015}}</ref>

==Television and radio==
All Memphis Redbirds games are televised live on [[MiLB.TV]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/milb/multimedia/index.jsp?affiliateID=MiLBmenu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325200817/http://www.milb.com/milb/multimedia/index.jsp?affiliateID=MiLBmenu |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 25, 2015 |title=MiLB.tv |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=July 24, 2017}}</ref> Jack Keffer is the team's lead broadcaster.<ref>{{cite web|last=Coil|first=Alex|url=https://www.milb.com/memphis/news/redbirds-announce-broadcast-team-schedule-for-2022 |title=Redbirds Announce Broadcast Team, Schedule for 2022  |website=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=April 13, 2022 |access-date=April 15, 2022}}</ref> Steve Selby was the voice of the Redbirds from 2000 until before the 2021 season, when he retired.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/memphis/news/selby-retires |title=Longtime "Voice of the Redbirds," Steve Selby, Retires |work=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref> Evan Stockton followed Selby as the lead broadcaster in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/app-firstpitch/syracuse/news/syracuse-mets-announce-2022-play-by-play-broadcast-team |title=Syracuse Mets Announce 2022 Play-by-Play Broadcast Team |website=Syracuse Mets |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=April 5, 2022 |access-date=April 15, 2022}}</ref> Past broadcast commentators have included Tom Stocker, David Kelly, Charlie Lea, and Reggie Williams. Since 2018, a select number of games are also broadcast on [[KTRS (AM)|KTRS]] 550 AM in St. Louis, allowing Cardinals fans to keep tabs on up-and-coming players as well as promoting the Redbirds and Memphis tourism to the St. Louis market.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/memphis/news/fifteen-redbirds-games-to-air-in-st-louis-on-ktrs-274887112|title=Fifteen Redbirds Games to Air in St. Louis on KTRS|website=Memphis Redbirds|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=May 2, 2018|access-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref>

==Mascot==
[[File:Rockey the Redbird 2007.jpg|thumb|right|Rockey the Redbird, the team mascot]]

The Memphis Redbirds' [[mascot]] is an [[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[Northern cardinal|cardinal]] named Rockey the Redbird. He is bright red with black eyebrows and feathers around the face and a yellow beak and legs. He wears the same style jerseys as the team bearing the number 901, which is [[Area code 901|Memphis' telephone area code]]. He made his debut in the Redbirds' inaugural 1998 season.<ref name="Rockey">{{cite web |title=Rockey the Redbird Appearances |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-8808910 |access-date=April 18, 2016 |website=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball}}</ref>

==Roster==
{{Memphis Redbirds roster}}

== Achievements ==

=== Awards ===
Seven individuals have won league awards in recognition of their performance while with the Redbirds. [[Stubby Clapp]] won the [[PCL Manager of the Year Award]] in 2017 and 2018.<ref name=PCLawards>{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/PCLAwards.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031226151816/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/PCLAwards.jsp|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 26, 2003|title=Pacific Coast League Special Award Winners|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=April 19, 2021}}</ref> [[Luken Baker]] won the [[IL Most Valuable Player Award]] in 2023.<ref name=2023ILawards/> [[Dakota Hudson]] was selected for the [[PCL Pitcher of the Year Award]] in 2018.<ref name=PCLawards/> Two players have won the [[IL Top MLB Prospect Award]]: [[Masyn Winn]] (2023) and [[JJ Wetherholt]] (2025).<ref name=2023ILawards/><ref name=2025awards/> Additionally, two members of the front office staff have won the PCL Executive of the Year Award: Allie Prescott (2000) and Ben Weiss (2012).<ref name=PCLawards/>

Thirty-seven players have been selected for the midseason [[Triple-A All-Star Game]].<ref name=AAAAll-Stars>{{cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/asgbyteam.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060131191215/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/asgbyteam.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 31, 2006|title=All-Time Triple-A All-Star Roster by Team|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=April 19, 2021}}</ref> Of those players, only [[Brandon Dickson]] (2010 and 2012) and [[Ryan Sherriff]] (2016 and 2017) have been selected twice while playing for Memphis.<ref name=AAAAll-Stars/> Two players have been chosen as the All-Star Game's MVP: [[Dan Haren]] (2004) and [[Michael Wacha]] (2013).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGRecords.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129132756/http://www.triple-abaseball.com/ASGRecords.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 29, 2012|title=Triple-A All-Star Game Records|website=Triple-A Baseball|access-date=September 1, 2018}}</ref>

=== Retired numbers ===
The Memphis Redbirds have not honored any of their players by [[Uniform number (Major League Baseball)#Retired numbers|retiring]] their [[Uniform number (Major League Baseball)|uniform numbers]]. However, the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]' retired numbers are also retired throughout the Cardinals' minor league organization. When a number is retired, only the player with the retired number can wear that number if he returns to that team as a player or coach. This ensures that the number will be associated with one player of particular importance to the team. The following numbers are, therefore, also retired by Memphis:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/memphis/ballpark/a-to-z |title=AutoZone Park A to Z |website=Memphis Redbirds |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=August 17, 2022}}</ref>

{{retired number list|
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired1.PNG|name=[[Ozzie Smith|Ozzie<br />Smith]]|pos=SS|date=1996}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired2.PNG|name=[[Red Schoendienst|Red<br />Schoendienst]]|pos=2B, Mgr, Coach|date=1996}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired6.PNG|name=[[Stan Musial|Stan<br />Musial]]|pos=OF, 1B, GM|date=1963}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired9.PNG|name=[[Enos Slaughter|Enos<br />Slaughter]]|pos=RF|date=1996}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired10.PNG|name=[[Tony La Russa|Tony<br />La Russa]]|pos=Mgr|date=2012}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired14.PNG|name=[[Ken Boyer|Ken<br />Boyer]]|pos=3B, Mgr, Coach|date=1984}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired17.PNG|name=[[Dizzy Dean|Dizzy<br />Dean]]|pos=SP|date=1974}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired20.PNG|name=[[Lou Brock|Lou<br />Brock]]|pos=LF, Coach|date=1979}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired23.PNG|name=[[Ted Simmons|Ted<br />Simmons]]|pos=C|date=2021}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired24.png|name=[[Whitey Herzog|Whitey<br />Herzog]]|pos=Mgr, GM|date=2010}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired42.PNG|name=[[Bruce Sutter|Bruce<br />Sutter]]|pos=RP|date=2006}}{{retired number|image=CardsRetired42.PNG|name=[[Jackie Robinson|Jackie<br />Robinson]]|pos=2B|date=by MLB 1997}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired45.PNG|CardsRetired45.PNG|name=[[Bob Gibson|Bob<br />Gibson]]|pos=SP, Coach|date=1975}}
{{retired number|image=CardsRetired85.PNG|name=[[Gussie Busch|Gussie<br />Busch]]|pos=Owner|date=1984}}
}}

==Managers==
[[File:Stubby Clapp in Memphis in Sept 2016.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|[[Stubby Clapp]], Redbirds manager from 2017 to 2018]]
Over the course of 28 seasons, the Memphis Redbirds have employed 8&nbsp;[[manager (baseball)|managers]]. The duties of the team manager include team strategy and leadership on and off the field.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/manager|title=Manager: Definition|year=2006|work=Dictionary.com|access-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref> Three managers have guided the team to win the Pacific Coast League championship: [[Gaylen Pitts]] (2000), [[Chris Maloney]] (2009), and Stubby Clapp (2017 and 2018).<ref name=PS>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |title=2016 Memphis Redbirds Media Guide |publisher=Memphis Redbirds| date=2016 |pages=209–210 |access-date=April 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418203141/http://www.milb.com/documents/6/2/2/171183622/2016_Memphis_Redbirds_Media_Guide_dxnaanqg.pdf |archive-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref> Clapp also led Memphis to the Triple-A championship in 2018. [[Ben Johnson (outfielder)|Ben Johnson]], who has led the team since 2019, is the longest-tenured manager in team history, having managed them for 862&nbsp;games from 2019 to 2025.

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+Memphis Redbirds managerial record
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|{{Abbr|No.|Number}}
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Manager
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Season(s)
!colspan="4" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Regular season
!colspan="4" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Postseason
!rowspan="2" scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-top:#D31245 5px solid; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Games
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Wins
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Losses
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Win %
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|{{Abbr|Apps.|Appearances}}
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Wins
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Losses
!scope="col" style="background-color:#ffffff; border-bottom:#D31245 5px solid; color:#002B5C"|Win %
|-
|1
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"| {{sort|Pitts|[[Gaylen Pitts]]}}
|  1998–2002 || 711 || 364 || 347 || .512 || 1 || 7 || 6 || .538 || <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=pitts-001gay|title=Gaylen Pitts Managerial Record|access-date=September 3, 2010 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>
|-
|2
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"| {{sort|Spencer|[[Tom Spencer (baseball)|Tom Spencer]]}}
| 2003 || 64 || 22 || 42 || .344 || — || — || — || — || <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=spence001hub|title=Tom Spencer Managerial Record|access-date=September 3, 2010 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>
|-
|3
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{sort|Sheaffer|[[Danny Sheaffer]]}}
| 2003–2006 || 510 || 244 || 266 || .478 || — || — || — || — || <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sheaff001dan|title=Danny Sheaffer Managerial Record|access-date=September 3, 2010 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>
|-
|4
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"| {{sort|Maloney|[[Chris Maloney]]}}
| 2007–2011 || 717 || 367 || 350 || .512 || 2 || 9 || 4 || .692 || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=malone003jam |title=Chris Maloney Managerial Record |access-date=November 16, 2011 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>
|-
|5
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"| {{sort|Warner|[[Ron Warner (baseball)|Ron Warner]]}}
| 2012–2014 || 431 || 205 || 226 || .476 || 1 || 1 || 3 || .250 || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=warner001ron |title=Ron Warner Managerial Record |access-date=November 16, 2011 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>
|-
|6
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"| {{sort|Shildt|[[Mike Shildt]]}}
| 2015–2016 || 286 || 138 || 148 || .483 || — || — || — || — || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=shildt001mik |title=Mike Shildt Managerial Record |access-date=April 9, 2015 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>
|-
|7
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"| {{sort|Clapp|[[Stubby Clapp]]}}
| 2017–2018 || 281 || 174 || 107 || .619 || 2 || 13 || 7 || .650 || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=clapp-001ric |title=Stubby Clapp Managerial Record |access-date=July 24, 2017 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>
|-
|8
!scope="row" style="text-align:center"| {{sort|Johnson|[[Ben Johnson (outfielder)|Ben Johnson]]}}
| 2019–present || 862 || 427 || 435 || {{winpct|427|435}} || — || — || — || — || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=johnso003ben |title=Ben Johnson Managerial Record |access-date=September 22, 2025 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center" colspan="2"| '''Totals'''
! 1998–2025 !! 3,863 !! 1,942 !! 1,921 !! {{winpct|1942|1921}} !! 6 !! 30 !! 20 !! {{winpct|30|20}} !! —
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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

{{Memphis Redbirds}}
{{St. Louis Cardinals}}
{{International League}}
{{Tennessee Sports}}
{{Diamond Baseball Holdings}}

[[Category:Memphis Redbirds| ]]
[[Category:1998 establishments in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1998]]
[[Category:International League teams]]
[[Category:Pacific Coast League teams]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Tennessee]]
[[Category:St. Louis Cardinals minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Triple-A East teams]]
[[Category:Baseball teams in Memphis, Tennessee]]