In 1936, Cleveland continued minor league play, when the A's became members of the eight–team Class D level Cotton States League, playing as a minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Athletics and adopting the nickname. The Clarksdale Ginners, El Dorado Lions, Greenville Bucks, Greenwood Giants, Helena Seaporters, Jackson Senators and Pine Bluff Judges joined Cleveland in beginning league play on April 22, 1936.
