Memphis Redbirds manager Ben Johnson sat on the bench inside the third-base dugout at AutoZone Park on Sept. 24.
His team’s season ended less than an hour earlier with a 3-2 loss to the Rochester Red Wings in Game 3 of the best-of-three International League Championship Series.
Johnson replayed Chase Davis’ deep fly ball from the bottom of the ninth inning that he thought would’ve left the yard and tied the game a week earlier (before a cold front moved through the region). The Germantown native reflected on the successful season (83-68) that was the eighth of his tenure with the Redbirds. He expressed pride for his coaching staff’s role in developing players such as Joshua Baéz, former DeSoto Central star Blaze Jordan and Leo Bernal, who went
on to help the St. Louis Cardinals win games in 2026.
But Johnson also reserved some space within his postseason commentary to offer his take on the future of the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate in Memphis.
“We’ve gone through a lot this year, as far as, you know, some political events that have taken place,” Johnson began.
Those “political events” he referred to came to a head in June and resulted in a significant chunk of the conversation surrounding the Redbirds this season playing out somewhat uncomfortably. It largely revolved around money — specifically, the amount the organization says it needs from the city for “critical infrastructure, life-safety, and Major League Baseball compliance projects” at the 26-year-old, city-owned facility.
The Redbirds, whose lease at AutoZone Park expires in 2030, requested $5 million for repairs it viewed as urgent. Memphis City Council vice chairman Chase Carlisle initially balked, citing in a statement the council’s responsibility to taxpayers “to think clearly about the highest and best use of this asset rather than spending first and planning later.”
Memphis City Council approved the $5 million expenditure on June 23. But the Redbirds have continued to push for more, including $50 million the organization says is necessary for things “including seating, restrooms, concessions, technology, and other amenities to serve fans in today's sports and entertainment venues.”
The uncertainty and public jousting led some to wonder whether the Redbirds’ days in Memphis are numbered. Johnson seems confident it won’t come to that.
“In the end, I think we were on the right side of all that, and I’m looking forward to a future here downtown,” he said.
Johnson added he was proud his team and the organization never let the political wrangling become a distraction.
“I almost feel like, it felt like, you know, we were playing for something,” he said. “We were playing for more than maybe just us. You know, we were playing to represent baseball here in the city of Memphis. I feel like, if anything, it kind of maybe created a buzz about what we’re doing.
“So, it was a good thing, in a sense.”
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Redbirds manager Ben Johnson confident team's long-term future is in Memphis
