The
Fostoria Cardinals began minor league baseball play in 1936 as members of the six–team
Class D level
Ohio State League. The "Cardinals" moniker reflected the franchise as an affiliate of the
St. Louis Cardinals. Joining Fostoria in the six–team Ohio State League in 1936 were the
Fremont Reds,
Mansfield Tigers,
New Philadelphia Red Birds (also a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate),
Sandusky Sailors and
Tiffin Mud Hens. Beginning play in the 1936 Ohio State League, the Fostoria Cardinals placed third with a 40–50 record, playing the season under managers Harry Aldrick and George Silvey. Silvey began the season managing the New Philadelphia Red Birds, who folded on May 26, 1936, after eight games. On May 27, 1936, in a game at Redbird Park, the Fostoria Cardinals defeated the Fremont Reds by a score of 27–12. The Cardinals finished 15.0 games behind the first place Tiffin Mud Hens in the final Ohio State League regular season standings. Fostoria pitcher Steve Vargo led the 1936 Ohio State League with 156 strikeouts and teammate Ed Zipay was the league batting champion, hitting with a .419 batting average. Continuing play in the 1937 Ohio State League season, the team became known as the "Fostoria Red Birds" while remaining an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The 1937 Red Birds finished a distant last in the six–team league. With a 20–68 record, Fostoria placed sixth under managers John Cavanaugh, Red Jenkins (twice), Rex Bowen and Harry Aldrick. The Red Birds finished 41.5 games behind the first place
Mansfield Red Sox in the final standings. The Fostoria Red Birds finished in fifth place in the 1940 Ohio State League. Managed by Bobby Jones, Fostoria ended the season with a 44–73 record, finishing 40.0 games behind the first place Lima Pandas. ==Ballpark==