The Winter Haven Super Sox were one of the eight original franchises that began play in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989. The club featured future Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins as part of its pitching staff. In the league's inaugural season, the Super Sox struggled and went through several managerial changes. Player/manager Bill Lee was replaced after just seven games by Ed Nottle, who was in turn replaced by Leon Roberts. Besides, Doug Griffin served as a coach and Dalton Jones played and coached. Among others, Cecil Cooper retired after just 16 games with the club.