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Savannah Sand Gnats
1984–2015 Savannah, Georgia
Minor league affiliations
Previous classes	Class A
Previous leagues	South Atlantic League (1984–2015)
Major league affiliations
Previous teams	New York Mets (2007–2015) Washington Nationals (2005–2006) Montreal Expos (2003–2004) Texas Rangers (1998–2002) Los Angeles Dodgers (1996–1997) St. Louis Cardinals (1984–1995)
Minor league titles
League titles (4)	1993 1994 1996 2013
Division titles (2)	1993 2013
Team data
Previous names	Savannah Cardinals (1984–1995)
Colors	Dark green, burgundy, tan, black, white
Mascot	Gnate the Gnat (2005-2015) Gnic the Gnat (1996-2004)
Previous parks	Grayson Stadium (1984–2015)

The Savannah Sand Gnats were a minor league baseball team based in Savannah, Georgia. They were a member of the A-level South Atlantic League. The Sand Gnats were an affiliate of the New York Mets in their final nine seasons. The team relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, in 2016 where they are now known as the Columbia Fireflies.

History

Formerly known as the Savannah Cardinals, the team played their inaugural season in 1984, affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1996, the team changed its name to the Sand Gnats, and became an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team was affiliated with the Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2002 and the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals from 2003 to 2006.

The Sand Gnats played their home games at Grayson Stadium. Opened in 1927, Grayson Stadium seated 4,700 fans during its time as the home of the Sand Gnats. The Sand Gnats won four SAL championships (1993, 1994, 1996, 2013).

On January 11, 2007, the Sand Gnats named Tim Teufel as manager for the 2007 season.

On May 8, 2007, Jorge Reyes, a pitcher for the Sand Gnats, was suspended for violating Minor League Baseball's substance abuse policy. Reyes was the first player to receive a 100-game suspension for his second violation.

On March 20, 2008, Atlanta-based Hardball Capital purchased the Savannah Sand Gnats.

Among their notable alumni are Adrián Beltré, Jacob DeGrom, Éric Gagné, Edwin Encarnación, Michael Fulmer, Travis Hafner, Hank Blalock, Steven Matz, Collin McHugh, Brandon Nimmo, Josh Whitesell, Josh Satin, and Ryan Zimmerman.

Season-by-season records

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses

1984–1995: Savannah Cardinals

Rivals

Augusta GreenJackets

The Sand Gnats had a in-state rivalry with the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

Charleston RiverDogs

The Sand Gnats had a rivalry with the Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees.

References

1. "Affiliate Dance: 2006". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. 2006. Archived from the original on October 26, 2006. Retrieved September 26, 2006.
2. Connolly, Matt (September 19, 2015). "Goodbye Sand Gnats, hello Fireflies". The State. Columbia, South Carolina. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
3. "Mets minor league pitcher suspended 100 games". ESPN. Associated Press. May 8, 2007. Retrieved May 8, 2007.
4. Manasso, John (March 20, 2008). "Savannah Sand Gnats sold to Hardball Capital". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
5. "2011 Savannah Sand Gnats Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 20, 2021.

• Baseball teams established in 1984
• Baseball teams disestablished in 2015
• Defunct South Atlantic League teams
• Baseball teams in Savannah, Georgia
• Professional baseball teams in Georgia (U.S. state)
• Montreal Expos minor league affiliates
• New York Mets minor league affiliates
• Los Angeles Dodgers minor league affiliates
• St. Louis Cardinals minor league affiliates
• Texas Rangers minor league affiliates
• Washington Nationals minor league affiliates
• 1984 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)
• 2015 disestablishments in Georgia (U.S. state)
• Defunct baseball teams in Georgia (U.S. state)