The Fort Myers Sun Sox were one of the eight original franchises that began play in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989. The Sun Sox finished their inaugural season in second place in the Southern Division with a 37-35 record. Their offense was led by the league's top hitter, Tim Ireland, who hit .374, and the circuit's stolen base leader, Kim Allen, who has 33 steals. Amos Otis added 11 homers. Unfortunately, the Sun Sox were eliminated by the Bradenton Explorers in the playoffs. The following season, ownership squabbles in Fort Myers caused the Sun Sox to fold and the league to cease operations less than halfway through its second season.
Home Ballpark: Terry Park
Manager: Pat Dobson
Coaches: Joe Coleman, Tony Torchia
1989 Opening Day Roster:
PITCHERS: Doug Bird, Rich Gale, Wayne Garland, Don Hood, Dave LaRoche, Dennis Leonard, Steve Luebber, Steve McCatty, Eric Rasmussen, Rick Waits
CATCHERS: Marty Castillo, Tim Hosley, Ron Pruitt
INFIELDERS: Kim Allen, Dan Driessen, Tim Ireland, Ron Jackson, Pat Putnam
OUTFIELDERS: Dave Collins, Larry Harlow, Bob Jones, Rick Manning, Amos Otis, Tom Spencer
DISABLED LIST: Dick Drago, Jim Slaton, Champ Summers
Other Players: Alan Ashby