The AKRON RUBBERDUCKS, established in 1923, are a prominent Minor League Baseball team located in Akron, Ohio. Competing in the Eastern League, they function as the Double-A affiliate of the CLEVELAND GUARDIANS and call Canal Park, situated in downtown Akron and boasting a seating capacity of 7,630 fans, home. The team's moniker, the "RubberDucks," pays homage to Akron's historical significance in the rubber industry, where it served as the birthplace of major tire and rubber companies like Goodyear, Firestone, B.F. Goodrich, and General Tire.
The franchise began in 1923 as the Binghamton (NY) Triplets. Over the years, it underwent several relocations and name changes, eventually settling in Akron in 1997 as the Akron Aeros. In 2013, the team officially changed its name to the Akron RubberDucks. This shift coincided with a successful period for the team, culminating in their first Eastern League Championship in 2016, where they swept Trenton 3-0. Additionally, Canal Park field played host to the 2016 Eastern League All-Star Game.
The RubberDucks have seen notable success throughout their history, including a remarkable 30-game "worst-to-first" turnaround in 1998, league championships in 2003 and 2005, and consistent appearances in the Eastern League Championship Series from 2005 to 2008. The franchise's attendance records have been remarkable, and it led the Double-A in attendance during its early years at Canal Park. In 2023, the RubberDucks' attendance remains strong, with an average of 3904 people per game.
In 2021, as part of Major League Baseball's restructuring of the Minor League circuit, the RubberDucks transitioned to the Double-A Northeast. They clinched the Southwest Division title with a 73–46 record and went on to win the Double-A Northeast Championship by defeating the Bowie Baysox 3–0 in the best-of-five series. The team's manager, Rouglas Odor, was recognized as the league's Manager of the Year. In 2022, the league reverted to its historical name, the Eastern League.
The RubberDucks' season-by-season results have been a mix of successes and challenges, including multiple playoff appearances and three Eastern League titles in the last seven years. The team actively engages and helps build its fan base with various promotions and events, such as Thirsty Thursdays, Star Wars Night, and Shooter McGavin Bobblehead Night.
The team’s games are broadcast on WHLO AM 640 and the iHeartRadio app, and feature play-by-play commentary by Jim Clark and Marco LaNave. The team's enduring popularity has made it the cornerstone of Akron's baseball culture and helped attract crowds to the city center.
Samuel Trunley