I have discussed co-op teams in the past, but one in particular is very interesting.
In 1985 the Daytona Beach Astros were renamed the Daytona Beach Islanders after the Astros moved to Kissimmee, FL. Owned by Texas Rangers VP Larry Schmittou, the Daytona Beach team was a co-op with players from the Rangers and Baltimore Orioles. The Islanders were managed by former Oriole Jim Hutto. It was a weak club, like most co-ops, finishing 53-87, last in the Florida State League. The Islanders had no All-Stars and were outscored 649-474. Hitting only 14 homers in 140 games, led by Jeff Melrose's 3 HRs.
Since co-op teams don't usually receive a teams top prospects, it's interesting to note that four players on the team wore Oriole uniforms.
Allan Ramirez , Bob Milacki, Jeff Tackett and a young Billy Ripken.
Manager Jim Hutto
Hutto, Jim 1.jpg
Program and schedule
1985 Daytona Beach Islanders.jpg 1985 Daytona Beach Islanders (On the River Restaurant).jpg
Team Issued Card set
Bill probably knows, but I believe this is Billy's first card (middle row, 4 cards down). It's the earliest in my collection. Another oddity in the set is the card of Ron Johnson (not the former Tides manager). He has a card in the set, but is shown as "Picture not Available". I hope that wasn't his only baseball card .
1985 Team Daytona Beach Islanders #1.jpg 1985 Team Daytona Beach Islanders #2.jpg
1985 Team Daytona Beach Islanders #3.jpg 1985 Team Daytona Beach Islanders #4.jpg