The Columbus Red Birds began play in 1902 as the Senators in the AA American Association. In 1931, the team was purchased by, and became a farm team of, the St. Louis Cardinals, changing their nickname to Red Birds. In 1946, the Red Birds moved up to Triple A status as the entire American Association was re-classified. The team moved to Omaha after the 1954 season. However, in 1955, the city welcomed the Jets.