The New Orleans Zephyrs are a AAA-Minor League baseball team. 1997 is a year of two firsts for the Zephyrs. It's the first year they are an affiliate of the Houston Astros major league ball club, and this is the inaugural season playing in their new ballpark. The park, located on Airline Highway in Metairie, is a beautiful 10,000-seat facility that is reminiscent of the old traditional ballparks. The Zephyrs play in the Western Division of the American Association. There are eight teams in the American Association:
| Team | Affiliate |
| Buffalo Bisons | Cleveland Indians |
| Indianapolis Indians | Cincinatti Reds |
| Louisville Redbirds | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Nashville Sounds | Chicago White Sox |
| Team | Affiliate |
| Iowa Cubs | Chicago Cubs |
| New Orleans Zephyrs | Houston Astros |
| Oklahoma City 89ers | Texas Rangers |
| Omaha Royals | Kansas City Royals |
