Location: Marion, NC League: Western Carolina League 1948–1952; Tar Heel League 1953-1954 Affiliation: Baltimore Orioles, 1954 Ballpark: Marion Municipal Stadium
The Marion Marauders were a Class D Minor League baseball team based in Marion, North Carolina. During their existence from 1948 to 1954, they had an overall record of 361–333. Their most successful season was in 1953, when they won the Tar Heel League regular season, and saw their star pitcher Kelly Jack Swift go 30–7 with a 2.54 ERA, winning the pitching Triple Crown. Swift still remains the last 30-game winner in Minor League baseball history. The team folded along with the rest of the Tar Heel League on June 21, 1954.
Year–by–year records Year Record Finish Manager Playoffs 1948 49–54 6th Wes Ferrell Did not qualify 1949 40–62 6th Johnny Lanning / Jack Triplett Did not qualify 1950 56–54 4th Russell "Red" Mincy Lost in 1st round 1951 58–52 6th Russell "Red" Mincy Did not qualify 1952 58–50 3rd Gabby Grant / William Smith / Franklin Robinson Lost in 1st round 1953 74–35 1st Bob Beal Won league pennantLost League Finals 1954 26–26 2nd (t) Robert Knoke League disbanded June 21 Total 361–333
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