The Reds were a member of the Western Carolinas League, before transferring with the league to the South Atlantic League in 1980. The club was initially affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds. In 1979, the Pittsburgh Pirates became their affiliate, changing the team's name to the Shelby Pirates. The team changed affiliates again in 1981, this time to the New York Mets. As result their name changed a final time to the Shelby Mets. Among earlier teams were the Shelby Colonels, Shelby Farmers, Shelby Yankees, Shelby Rebels, Shelby Senators and Shelby Cubs.
.jpg){kind=small}