The 1993 season was a season to remember. The International League granted George Shinn's request for the city of Charlotte (and Fort Mill) to have a AAA expansion franchise, which would be the affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 1993 roster would include players like Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Sandy Alomar Jr., and Julian Tavarez.

In August of 1993, the Knights played a turn back the clock game against the Syracuse Chiefs, turning back to the 1956 Harmon Killebrew era Charlotte Hornets. They had throwback uniforms, programs, were announced as the Hornets, and manager Charlie Manuel (left photo) was proud to wear the uniform as he was a former Hornet himself (1968 Twins AA level). Knights attendance that

season topped the 400,000 level, the team defeated the Richmond Braves and                                                                                    Rochester Red Wings in the playoffs, becoming the 1993 International League

                                                                              champions.

In 1994 the Knights switched to teal and purple, a marketing idea that George Shinn thought up. You make say, some promotional bags, so on half of them, you print Charlotte Hornets, and the other half you print Charlotte Knights.

With a roster compiled of players like Brian Giles and Paul Byrd (right photo), the Knights ended up finishing the '94 season witha record of 77-65, losing to the Richmond Braves in the playoffs. This would mark the end of the Indians

affiliation with Charlotte, as the Knights would switch Major League affiliations the following season.