This article refers to the former minor league that existed from 1902 to 1962 and 1969 to 1997. For the major league, which existed from 1882 to 1891, see American Association (19th century). For the independent league, which started play in 2006, see American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.
The American Association was a minor baseball league at the Class AAA (Triple-A) level of baseball in the United States from 1902 to 1962 and 1969 to 1997. Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the best team in minor league baseball. In 1997, the American Association disbanded. The Iowa Cubs, Nashville Sounds, New Orleans Zephyrs, Oklahoma City 89ers (renamed the Oklahoma RedHawks), and Omaha Royals migrated to the west coast Pacific Coast League starting with the 1998 season. The Buffalo Bisons, Indianapolis Indians, and Louisville Redbirds became part of the International League, also starting in 1998. For most of its existence it was made up of teams from the central part of the US. The Buffalo Bisons were the last league champions in 1997, and they still have the trophy in their possession.

Complete team list

Wichita Aeros (1970-1984) → Buffalo Bisons (1985-1997)
Columbus Senators (1902-1939) → Columbus Red Birds (1940-1954) → Omaha Cardinals (1954-1959)
Indianapolis Indians (1902-1962, 1969-1997)
Iowa Cubs (1969-1997, as Iowa Oaks from 1969-1981)
Louisville Colonels (1902-1962)
Tulsa Oilers (1969-1976) → New Orleans Pelicans (1977) → Springfield Redbirds (1978-1981) → Louisville Redbirds (1982-1997)
Milwaukee Brewers (1902-1952) → Toledo Mud Hens (1953-1955) → Wichita Braves (1956-1958) → Fort Worth Cats (1959) → Dallas Rangers (1960-1962)
Minneapolis Millers (1902-1960)
Evansville Triplets (1970-1984) → Nashville Sounds (1985-1997)
Kansas City Blues (1902-1954) → Denver Bears (1955-1962, 1969-1983) → Denver Zephyrs (1984-1992) → New Orleans Zephyrs (1993-1997)
Houston Buffaloes (1959-1961) → Oklahoma City 89ers (1962, 1969-1997)
Saint Paul Apostles (1902-1914) → St. Paul Saints (1915-1960) → Omaha Dodgers (1961)
Toledo Mud Hens (1902-1952) → Charleston Senators (1953-1960)
Omaha Royals (1969-1997)