Photograph courtesy of Iowa Cubs /
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Larry A. Woolis
The loss of these two leagues devastated many franchises and stadiums... many of whom never found another league to play in again. Des Moines, which often led in attendance seemed to be suffering the same consequences. Pioneer Park would go dark for 7 long seasons. It wasn't until 1969, when the newly revamped American Association signed up the stadium which was officially renamed Sec Taylor Stadium (I). The Oakland Athletics tabbed Sec Taylor to be its new Triple-A home as Oakland's "Iowa Oaks" took the field for the first time.