The team first came into existence in 1989 as a shared affiliate of the
Pittsburgh Pirates and the
New York Mets. In 1990, they shared an affiliation with the
Houston Astros. From 1991 to 1993, they shared an affiliation with the
Detroit Tigers and from 1994 to 1995, they shared an affiliation with the
Philadelphia Phillies. The team became an independent Cardinals affiliate in 1996 and has remained so ever since, with the exception of the 2004 season during which team operations were suspended. ==Roster==