Photograph courtesy of Wayne McCombs

The Cardinals came to town in 1959 and signed up the Tulsa Oilers to an extraordinarily long Player Development Contract. One that would last 7 years before St. Louis actually promoted the team to Triple-A status. With the signing came a steady stream of success. The Oilers would win the Texas League Championship in 1960, and then again in 1962 behind the hitting of Dal Maxville (.348). In 1963 Texas League MVP Jim Beauchamp hit 35 doubles, 10 triples, 31 homers and 105 RBI while batting .337 for the Tulsa Oilers. His talents would help lead the team to their 2nd straight Texas League Championship.