McCook Braves

The Braves hosted home games at the Ciabola Field, which was within the Red Willow County Fairgrounds.

Baseball Hall of Fame member Phil Niekro pitched for the 1959 McCook Braves.

After the announcement, local McCook Baseball Boosters met with the major league owners.

McCook was one of the cities selected for the new league, along with Superior, Grand Island, Hastings, Lexington, Holdrege, North Platte and Kearney.

McCook ended the season just 1.0 game behind the champion North Platte Indians in the final standings with a record of 40–23, as Bill Steinecke continued as manager.

[8] In their final season, The McCook Braves won the 1959 Nebraska State League Championship.

[8] Baseball Hall of Fame member Phil Niekro pitched for the 1959 McCook Braves, finishing with a 7–1 record and a 3.12 ERA in 23 games.

McCook and the other 1959 league franchises, the Hastings Giants, Holdrege White Sox, Grand Island Athletics, Kearney Yankees and North Platte Indians, all permanently folded as well.

After their demise, the semi-pro McCook Cats of the early 1950s had played in Eastside Park (called Felling Field today).

When the McCook Braves franchise was established, a new field was immediately constructed at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds with help from local clubs and organizations.