Historic Pelham: The 1894 Baseball Season in Pelham, New York

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The Town of Pelham had baseball fever in 1894. As one would expect, with most of the population of the Town located on City Island (nearly 1,800 residents), much of the excitement centered around City Island teams. One team that was a source of local pride was the "Minneford Base Ball Club Jr." It was a team made up of older youth in the town.

Additionally, in mid-July, 1894, a Pelham resident named T. J. Jordan who was described as "of the Pelham Park House" organized a "new base ball club." The club was named the Pelham Base Ball Club ("Pelham B. B. C."). This men's team quickly became known as "the Pelhams."

T. J. Jordan secured an area on nearby Locust Point on which the Club's home games would be played. On July 14, 1894, an announcement appeared in the New Rochelle Pioneer that the new club would "play all uniformed clubs" and that "Good guarantees will be given competitors." The reference to "Good guarantees" likely meant that admission was charged for all games and that visiting teams were guaranteed to receive a fixed amount of the admission proceeds as opposed to a percentage of the admission proceeds (known as a percentage plan system).

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog details a little about the two 1894 seasons of the two Pelham baseball teams: the Minneford Base Ball Club Jr. (known as the Minnefords) and the Pelham Base Ball Club (known as the Pelhams).

The 1894 Season of The Minneford Base Ball Club Jr.

The Minnefords opened their 1894 season with an away game against a team from Port Washington on Saturday, May 5, 1894. The members of the team at the outset of the season were: Frank Wood (the Captain), George "Doc" Wilson (catcher), Alex. Banta, Sam Reynolds, Wilson Reynolds, John Rolf, Will Price, Walter Horton, and Ira Weaver. The first game of the season was a close one, though the Minnefords lost to Portchester, 14 to 15.

On Saturday, May 12, 1894, the Minnefords played an away game against a team from Port Washington. The Minnefords lost the game 7 to 10, apparently due to errors by their fielders and the absence of their catcher, George "Doc" Wilson. Five days later, however, a "return game" was played between the two teams with the Port Washington club visiting the Minnefords. In another close game, the Minnefords lost by a score of 14 to 13.

With their record standing at won - 0, lost 3 on May 19, 1894 the Minnefords were scheduled to host Port Washington in a "return game." Regarding the contest, the local newspaper asked "What will be the outcome? Is this to be a defeat too?"

By the summer of 1894, it seems that the Minnefords were in turmoil. On August 4, 1894, The City Island Drift reported "The Minnefords, it is said, do too much growling to hang together."

It took a pick-up game against an unidentified group of ballplayers to restore a little swagger to the poor Minnefords. On August 8, 1894, the Minnefords beat a pick-up team by an unknown score, although a newspaper account indicated the score for the Minnefords was in the thirties versus a pick-up team that failed to score.

Though the Minnefords likely played other games during the 1894 season, the known record for the baseball-challenged team was won - 1 pickup game; lost - 3 games. The summary of season results was as follows:

May 5, 1894: Minnefords, 14 vs. Port Washington, 15
May 12, 1894: Minnefords, 7 vs. New Rochelle Resolutes, 10
May 17, 1894: New Rochelle Resolutes, 14 vs Minnefords, 13
May 19, 1894: Port Washington vs. Minnefords (result unknown if game was played)
Aug. 8, 1894: Pick Up Team, 0 vs. Minnefords, 30+

The 1894 Season of The Pelham Base Ball Club (The "Pelhams")

The games played in 1894 by the Pelham Base Ball Club were played on a variety of days of the week, but often on Saturdays -- never Sundays. The Pelhams played both home and away games. Over the course of the season, the roster of the Pelhams included at least the following players, in alphabetical order: Tom Barton (catcher), Alfred Booth, Henry Carey, Jr., John Collard, Tom Collins, John Hogan (club secretary), John Knapp, David B. Leviness (captain), E. Leviness, Merritt, Rohlf (sometimes "Rolf"), Joe Smith (pitcher), and Turner. There is evidence that following a number of the games the home team hosted a dinner for the participants -- a baseball social celebration common during the nineteenth century in the region. When the Pelhams, based on City Island, hosted, the dinner included chowder and steamed clams.

Within a week after the founding of the new club, The City Island Drift reported that the team was "practicing regularly" and "waiting for challenges now, being ready to play any club within the reasonable distance that will offer to play with them." The same report warned, however, that the members of the club "positively refuse to do any playing on Sundays, either on their own grounds or anyone else's.

Soon the new team had its first challenge. It played its first game of the season a week later on July 28, 1894 against the baseball club from Davids Island. Before the game, a local newspaper said, hopefully, "The Pelham B. B. Club will play at Davids Island today. We'll soon know the material that makes up the new nine." Soon, however, the hopes of the Pelhams were dashed. The final score of the game is unclear. A flummoxed reporter wrote that the Pelhams "were defeated by eleven runs, the score being 17 to 19 [sic]." Though the score is unclear, it is clear that the Pelhams were beaten badly, likely by eleven runs. Their weak fielding was so poor that the club's exasperated catcher, Tom Barton, grew sufficiently "disheartened by slack playing" that he "began to let the balls pass him." According to one account, at that point, the "game was then practically given away." Shortly after the loss, David Leviness resigned as captain of the team. Joe Smith became the team's captain. In short, the first game ever played by the Pelhams was a disaster.

The Pelhams played their second game of the season the following Saturday (August 4) on their home grounds at Locust Point. It was a "return game" against the Davids Island Club. Although the Pelhams lost again (by a score of 9 to 20), the score reportedly failed to illustrate how well they actually played. According to a local newspaper report: "They were playing a well disciplined nine and a nine that has had considerable practice. The first few innings were exciting and 'our boys' looked as though they might win, but the visitors gradually increased their lead in the score."

The team played its next game on Saturday, August 18, 1894 against a visiting team from Davids Island in New Rochelle known as the "Davids Islanders." The published account of the game indicates that it was a terrific contest. The score was tied at the end of nine innings, 4 to 4. In the top of the tenth inning, the Davids Islanders failed to score. In the bottom of the tenth, according to one account: "Rolf made a base hit, Booth struck out, Smith got his base on balls, advancing Rolf to second, Hogan then made a two base hit. Rolf scored and the game belonged to the Pelhams; score, 5 to 4." The local newspaper was quick to report that although the play of the infielders of the Pelhams was stellar, the outfielders could have had a better game. As the newspaper put it, "Had the outfielders of the Pelhams played good ball, it is doubtful that the D. I.s would have scored at all."

After the game, as was often the case, the Pelhams "gave the visitors a chowder" at the East Side Pavilion. Although the teames "enjoyed themselves immensely," the festivities were marred by the fact that the catcher's chest protector of the visiting team had been stolen at the conclusion of the game. The next day, however, the chest protector was recovered from "one of the small boys who attended the game." It was returned and the local newspaper made clear that "The club know the tief, and hereafter he may consider himself as a marked person while attending the ball-games."

The September 8, 1894 issue of The City Island Drift reported on a game played between the Harlem Ontarios and the Pelhams on Saturday, September 1, 1894. The Pelhams did not fare so well that day, however. Once again, the game was a disaster. The Ontarios beat The Pelhams soundly by a score of 39 to 19. The City Island Drift lamented "The team work of the Pelhams was never so poor before, and we hope it will never be again."

Two days later, on Monday, September 3, 1894 -- the very first federally-recognized Labor Day holiday in America -- the Pelhams played a baseball team from West Morrissania. The Pelhams fared much better with a slightly different roster for the contest. They beat the West Morrissania team 23 to 17. The game was the second victory of the season for the Pelhams. Chowder and steamed clams were served following the game.

It appears that the Pelhams played an away game against the Willetts Point Athletic Association (Willetts Point A. A.) on Saturday, September 22, 1884. No account of the result, if the game was played, has been located. The game may not have been played since an announcement the day of the game noted it would be played "at Willetts Point, weather permitting."

By late September, the inaugural season of the Pelhams was over. The members of the Club apparently were ready to move on to the next season of sport. According to a newspaper report:

"The Pelham B. B. Club, held a meeting at Smith's pavilion last night [i.e., Sep. 28, 1894], and disbanded as a base ball club, and organized as a bowling club."

Though the Pelhams may have played one or two other games during the 1894 season, the known record for the team was won - 2 games; lost - 4 games. The summary of season results was as follows:

Jul. 28, 1894: Pelhams vs. Davids Island Club (score unclear, but Pelhams lost)
Aug. 4, 1894: Davids Island Club, 20 vs. Pelhams, 9
Aug. 11, 1894: Pelhams vs. West Morrisania (score unknown, but the Pelhams lost)
Aug. 18, 1894: Davids Island Club, 4 vs. Pelhams, 5
Sep. 1, 1894: Harlem Ontarios, 39 vs. Pelhams, 19
Sep. 3, 1894: West Morrisania, 17 vs. Pelhams, 23
Sep. 22, 1894: Pelhams vs. Willetts Point Athletic Association (results unknown if game was played; notice stated it would be played "weather permitting")

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ARTICLES ABOUT THE 1894 SEASON OF THE MINNEFORDS

"BASE BALL BEGUN!
-----

The Minneford Base Ball Club Jr., played a game of ball at Port Washington last Saturday with the club of that place, and were beaten by one run, the score being 14 to 15. This is fair scoring for an amateur team, and reflects well for young players.

Today they play at New Rochelle with a club of that village. Of course we wish them success.

The members at present are: -- Frank Wood, Captain; George Wilson, Alex. Banta, Sam: Reynolds, Wilson Reynolds, John Rolf, Will. Price, Wal. Horton, and Ira Weaver. When the return games are played we will have a chance to witness their playing."

Source: BASE BALL BEGUN!, The City Island Drift, May 12, 1894, Vol. I, No. 18, p. 1, col. 3.

"--The Minneford Ball Club played a game of ball with the Resolutes at New Rochelle last Saturday, and were defeated by three runs. The score stood 7 to 10; a very good game. They were handicapped by the absence of their catcher 'Doc' Wilson, and the 'off' playing of the fielders."

Source: [Untitled], The City Island Drift, May 19, 1894, p. 4, col. 2.

"THE RETURN GAME, played by the Resolutes of New Rochelle and Minnefords of City Island was the event of Thursday afternoon on the ball ground.

Thirteen runs were scored by the home club, and fourteen by the visitors. The home club needs more practice.

Today they expect to play a nine from Port Washington as a return game. What will be the outcome? Is this to be a defeat too?"

Source: THE RETURN GAME, The City Island Drift, May 19, 1894, p. 3, col. 2.

"BASE-BALL NOTES.
-----
* * *

The Minnefords, it is said, do too much growling to hang together. . . ."

Source: BASE-BALL NOTES, The City Island Drift, Aug. 4, 1894, p. 8, col. 1.

"BASE BALL
-----
* * *

The Minneford played a 'picked up' nine last Wednesday and were victors by the score of - 0, the game went up into the thirties. The Pelhams and Minnifords should cross bats soon."

Source: BASE BALL, The City Island Drift, Aug. 11, 1894, p. 5, col. 2.

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ARTICLES ABOUT THE 1894 SEASON OF THE PELHAM BASE BALL CLUB

"We had feared that the sporting element had entirely forsaken the island. But recently a new ball club has been organized, and are to distinguish themselves under the name of The Pelhams. The club consists of the following members, some of whom will be recognizedas experienced players: Joe Smith, Tom Barton, David Leviness, John Collard, Tom Collins, John Knapp, Henry Carey, Jr., John Hogan and Alfred Booth. Now we hope to see some playing."

Source: [Untitled], The City Island Drift, Jul. 14, 1894, p. 3, col. 3.

"ALONG THE SOUND.
-----
CITY ISLAND. . . .

-- A new base ball club has been organized here. The name of it is the Pelham B. B. C. It is under the management of Mr. T. J. Jordan of the Pelham Park House. Its batteries are Joseph Smith and William Barton. They have secured the grounds on Locust Point, and will play all uniformed clubs. Good guarantees will be given competitors. . . ."

Source: ALONG -- CITY ISLAND, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jul. 14, 1894, Vol. XXXIV, No. 15, p. 4, col. 3.

"PELHAM B. B. CLUB
-----

The members of the base ball club that is hereafter to be known as the 'Pelhams,' are practicing regularly, and getting in trim for the match games they expect to play before the season is over. They are waiting for challenges now, being ready to play any club within the reasonable distance that will offer to play with them. They, however, positively refuse to do any playing on Sundays, either on their own grounds or anyone else's. The team will be captained by David B. Leviness for the season, and Joe Smith and Tom Barton will constitute the regular battery. All communications, whether challenges or otherwise should be addressed to John Hogan who is secretary for the club."

Source: PELHAM B. B. CLUB, The City Island Drift, Jul. 21, 1894, p. 3, col. 1.

"The Pelham B. B. Club will play at Davids Island today. We'll soon know the material that makes up the new nine."

Source: [Untitled], The City Island Drift, Jul. 28, 1894, p. 2, col. 1.

"BASE-BALL NOTES.
-----

The Pelhams played a game with the Davids Island club last Saturday at Davids Island and were defeated by eleven runs, the score being 17 to 19 [sic]. The weakness of the club in its fielding seems to be everywhere but in the battery. They did about all the work, until Barton, becoming disheartened by slack playing in the field began to let the balls pass him. The game was then practically given away.

The boys will do better at their next game however, and after they have met several clubs they will be in trim.

The Minnefords, it is said, do too much growling to hang together.

The Pelhams praise their battery. And they deserve it.

A match game between the Davids Islands and Pelhams is played here today.

What is the matter with the left fielder of the Pelhams. Do you think he's fly paper!

Capt. David Leviness has resigned his office in the Pelhams and Joe Smith will captain the team.

The young Burges are taking a back seat. Some were good players. They need more encouragement.

The Pelhams have a fair record for batting. You can see them Saturday."

Source: BASE-BALL NOTES, The City Island Drift, Aug. 4, 1894, p. 8, cols. 1-2.

"The Pelhams Play at West Morrissania today with a nine of that place. Let us expect to see them bring the 'trophy' home with them."

Source: [Untitled], The City Island Drift, Aug. 11, 1894, p. 3, col. 2.

"BASE BALL
-----

Although the Pelhams were beaten in their game with the Davids Island team last Saturday, that is not saying that they did not play good ball. They were playing a well disciplined nine and a nine that has had considerable practice. The first few inning were exciting and 'our boys' looked as though they might win, but the visitors gradually increas'd their lead in the score, until at the end of the game, the score stood 9 to 20 in favor of the visitors. . . "

Source: BASE BALL, The City Island Drift, Aug. 11, 1894, p. 5, col. 2.

"BASE BALL NOTES.

The Pelhams played a winning game on Labor Day, with the nine from West Morrissania as their opponents. This club has beaten the Ontarios in three straight games before coming here. So there must have been something the matter with the Pelhams last Saturday.

The team work of the Pelhams was never so poor before, and we hope it will never be again.

The score by innings was:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	total
Ontar.	2	6	8	3	5	10	5	0	0	39
Pel.	1	3	4	0	9	0	0	2	0	19

The players were: Ontarios, Douglass, Munsinge, Renton, Feiznx, Moclair, Smith, Cupf, Foster, and Howell. Pelhams: G. Booth, Smith Hogan, Merritt, Collard, E. Leviness, Barton D. Leviness, Rohlf.

The game of Labor Day was as follows:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	total
W.M.	2	8	1	0	1	1	0	1	3	17
Pel.	2	0	3	0	1	6	3	8	-	23

The players were the same except Booth and Leviness, and Rohlf, Collins, Knapp, and Turner playing instead.

--There will be no game today.

--Chas. Burge is using his influence toward getting a game for the 15 inst., with the 7th or 122nd Reg. N. G. S. N. Y.

--That chowder and steamed clams were fine.

--Our correspondent fails to say anything about the umpire, whose fair decisions have given entire satisfaction all around."

Source: BASE BALL NOTES, The City Island Drift, Sep. 8, 1894, p. 4, col. 1.

"BASE BALL NOTES.

This is the time they did it! The Pelhams have won a game, and deserve all the credit they got. In their game with the Davids Islanders last Saturday they showed their mettle. For ten innings they fought desperately, winning by one run. The score stood 4 to 4 from the fourth to the tenth inning; then, after the Davids Islands had been retired without scoring, Rolf made a base hit, Booth struck out, Smith got his base on balls, advancing Rolf to second, Hogan then made a two base hit. Rolf scored, and the game belonged to the Pelhams; score 5 to 4.

Had the outfielders of the Pelhams played good ball, it is doubtful that the D. I.s would have scored at all.

The infield work of the P.s was like clockwork. Not an error can be charged against them.

Knapp and Merritt made some exceptionally good stops during the game.

The Ontarios of Harlem are booked for next Saturday, Sept. 1, and the West Morrisanias for Labor Day, Sept. 3. Both games will be played on these grounds.

After the game last Saturday the Pelhams gave the visitors a chowder at the East Side Pavilion. The[y] enjoyed themselves immensely, and expressed themselves as highly satisfied with Mr. Smith's chowder. They are willing to come again.

We are sorry to say that one of . . . the small boys who attended the game last Saturday should be so mean as to steal the chest protector belonging to the Davids Island Club. It was recovered Sunday by Joe Smith, who returned it to the owners. The club know the thief, and hereafter he may consider himself a marked person while attending ball-games."

NOTE: The following purports to be quoted from a copy of The City Island Drift erroneously designated as follows: BASE BALL NOTES, The City Island Drift, Sep. 22, 1894, p. 4, cols. 1-2. As is apparent from a few other instances of the database containing pages from The City Island Drift, the page from which the article quoted immediately above is taken appears to have been erroneously included with pages from the September 22, 1894 copy of The City Island Drift in the database. The article appears, from its substance, either to have been part of the August 25, 1894 issue of the newspaper or was written for that issue and erroneously placed in the September 22, 1894 issue. In any event, it is clear that the item describes a game played between the Pelhams and the David Islanders on Saturday, August 18, 1894.

"--The Pelhams will play ball with the Willetts Point A. A. today at Willetts Point, weather permitting."

Source: [Untitled], The City Island Drift, Sep. 22, 1894, p. 7, col. 2.

"The Pelham B. B. Club, held a meeting at Smith's pavilion last night, and disbanded as a base ball club, and organized as a bowling club. If the other bowling club reorganizes this fall, we may witness some friendly tussles."

Source: [Untitled], City Island Drift, Sep. 29, 1894, Vol. 1, No. 38, p. 1, col. 2.

19th Century Baseball as it Likely Was Played in Pelham.

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I have written quite extensively regarding the history of baseball in Pelham and early baseball games played in the Town of Pelham. Below is a listing, with links, of my previous postings on the topic of 19th century baseball in Pelham.