In the heart of South Carolina, Columbia, the state's capital city, boasts an impressive and long-standing baseball history. More like a patchwork quilt than a finely woven tapestry, the city's baseball character comes from the colorful bits and pieces that have come together over time. Since the emergence of the first recognized teams over a century ago, various clubs have passed through the South Carolina Midlands baseball scene. Despite this somewhat uneven history, Columbia has enjoyed three major eras of athletic success and prosperity: the Columbia Comers, the Columbia Reds/Gems, and the Columbia Mets/Capital City Bombers. These remarkable teams have carried the thrill of the great American pastime to generations of South Carolina fans, who have proudly watched their players win pennants and produce Hall of Fame athletes.