The Melbourne Twins were a minor league baseball team based in

Melbourne, Florida Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It is located southeast of Orlando. As of th2020 Decennial Census there was a population of 84,678. The municipality is the second-largest in the county by both size and population. ...

, that played in the 1964 and seasons. The Melbourne Twins played as members of the

Rookie A rookie is a person new to an occupation, profession, or hobby. In sports, a ''rookie'' is a professional athlete in their first season (or year). In contrast with a veteran who has experience and expertise, a rookie is usually inexperienced ...

level Cocoa Rookie League in 1964 and

Florida East Coast League The Florida East Coast League was the name of two United States, American minor league baseball circuits based on the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic coast of Florida. The first edition of the league operated as a Class D (baseball), Class D level league ...

in 1972, with both leagues folding after one season of play. The Twins were a minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins in both seasons and won the 1964 league championship. Baseball Hall of Fame member

Rod Carew Rodney Cline Carew (born October 1, 1945) is a Panamanian former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a first baseman, second baseman and designated hitter from 1967 to 1985 for the Minnesota Twins ...

played for the 1964 Melbourne Twins.

History

The Cocoa Rookie League began play in the 1964 season, with all games based in Cocoa, Florida. The Melbourne "Twins" became charter members of the four–team

level Cocoa Rookie League. The Cocoa Colts, Cocoa Mets and Cocoa Tigers joined the Twins in beginning league play on July 1, 1964. Melbourne Twins' pitchers threw two no–hitters during the 1964 season. On July 4, 1964, Jerry Lyscio and Gene Melton threw a combined 7–inning no-hitter in a 2–0 victory over the Cocoa Tigers. On August 30, 1964, Lyscio and Melton combined for a second no–hitter in defeating the Cocoa Colts 2–1 in a 5–inning victory. The Twins played in 1964 as members of the four team Cocoa Rookie League, playing under manager

Fred Waters Fred Warren Waters (February 2, 1927 – August 28, 1989) was an American professional baseball player, manager, scout and coach. The left-handed pitcher appeared in 25 Major League games for the – 56 Pittsburgh Pirates. Born in Benton, ...

. The four teams, operated by the Detroit Tigers,

Houston Colt .45s The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston, Texas. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division, having moved to the division in 2013 after s ...

, Minnesota Twins and

New York Mets The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) East division. They are one of two major league ...

, played a league schedule of over 50 games. The Twins ended the season with a 34-18 record and were led by 19—year-old

, a future member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Twins won the Cocoa Rookie League championship, finishing 5.0 games ahead of the second place Mets' club. Total attendance for the year was only 1,683 for the entire league. The Cocoa Rookie League folded after the season, while the Sarasota—based circuit became the basis for the

Gulf Coast League The Florida Complex League (FCL) is a rookie-level Minor League Baseball league that operates in Florida, United States. Before 2021, it was known as the Gulf Coast League (GCL). Together with the Arizona Complex League (ACL), it forms the l ...

, which still plays today. In 1972, a successor to the Cocoa Rookie League, the

, operated for one season, with the four league teams based in Cocoa and Melbourne. The 1972 Melbourne Twins were a charter member of the rookie-level Florida East Coast League. During the only season of Florida East Coast league play, the Twins posted a 35–22 record, which gave them second place in the league. The Twins finished 8.0 games behind the first place

Melbourne Reds The Melbourne Reds were a Victorian-based baseball team in the Australian Baseball League. They were the only team to win the championship 3 times. The Reds originally played at the home of VFL/AFL football, Waverley Park from 1989 until the 19 ...

in the final standings.

Notable alumni

Randy Bass Randy William Bass (born March 13, 1954) is an American politician and former baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and served in the Oklahoma Senate. Bass made his MLB debut in 1977, a ...

(1972) *

(1964) *

Doug Clarey Doug Clarey (born April 20, 1954) is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played one season in Major League Baseball (MLB), appearing in nine games for the 1976 St. Louis Cardinals. Listed at and , he batted and threw right-ha ...

(1972) * Dave Edwards (1972) * Danny Morris (1964) *

(1964, MGR)

References

BR 1972 Melbourne Twins
Defunct minor league baseball teams Defunct baseball teams in Florida Baseball teams established in 1972 1972 establishments in Florida 1972 disestablishments in Florida Melbourne, Florida Baseball teams disestablished in 1972 {{Florida-baseball-team-stub

History

Notable alumni

See also

References