More References to Baseball in 19th Century Pelham

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In 1884, the Town of Pelham had no newspaper.  Thus, newspapers of surrounding communities included sections with news from "City Island and Pelham."

During the summer of that year, nearby newspapers were replete with descriptions of the exploits of Pelham baseball teams including the Country Club Giants, the Vails of City Island, the Beldens of City Island, and the Pelhamville baseball team, among others.  The exploits of such teams, of course, are part of the history and lore of Historic Pelham.

The Country Club of Pelham on Shore Road was in the midst of its first season in 1884.  It had a baseball team known as the "Country Club Giants."  The beginning of the first season of the Country Club Giants, however, does not seem to have been too successful.  According to a report published on August 8, 1884, the Country Club Giants recently had been defeated by the nearby Calumet Club.  The defeat seems to have been so humbling that the news report noted that the Country Club Giants thereafter had "been resting, but are looking forward to several matches in the autumn, in which they expect to be more victorious."

The following week, The Chronicle of Mount Vernon included numerous reports of local baseball in Pelham.  The paper reported that on August 16, 1884, the Vails of City Island would play the Pelhamville baseball team.  It also reported that the Vails recently had reorganized and had played a game against the Willet's Point baseball club on Saturday, August 9, 1884.  After three innings the game was called due to rain with the Vails leading 8 to 6.  The remainder of the game was scheduled to be finished the following Saturday, August 16.  The same day (Saturday, August 16, 1884), the Beldens of City Island were scheduled to play the New Rochelle baseball club. 

In short, the National Pastime was so popular in Pelham in 1884, that multiple games were held at times on the same day.  Indeed, the Town supported many baseball clubs at the time.

19th Century Baseball Game Like Those Played in Pelham.

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"CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM.

The excursion of the Merry Ten, to Roton Point by steamer Meyers and barge Geraldine, will take place next Wednesday.

Another of Mount Vernon's citizens, with his family, moved down this week to enjoy the cool, salt air, until September 1st.

Some of the principal streets of the town of Pelham are sadly in need of repairs.  One would hardly expect this to be the case with such an efficient Board of Commissioners, as the town of Pelham has a right to feel proud of. -- Pioneer.

Until the 20th inst. the assessment roll of the town of Pelham, will be open for inspection.  One noticeable feature of this assessment roll is the almost entire absence of assessments for personal property.  The real estate owners of the town have just grounds for complaint against the high rate of taxation.  If the personal property in the town, liable to taxation, were assessed and the taxes collected it would materially lighten the burden of the poor man with his little house and half or quarter acre of ground.

The Country Club, at Bartow, has been wonderfully successful and is constantly crowded with members and guests.  The membership of 250 is within four or five of being filled, and its future seems assured.  The bathing beach, the tennis courts and polo field connected with the club add greatly to its attractions and are well patronized.  Since its recent defeat by the Calumet Club nine, the baseball team of the club have been resting, but are looking forward to several matches in the autumn, in which they expect to be more victorious.  The large reading room in the club house has been found an especially agreeable feature and the restaurant has greatly improved and is now in good running order.  The experiment of allowing ladies the privileges of the club has proved very successful, and many of the wives, sisters, and cousins of the members have visited the club and enjoyed its hospitality. -- Pioneer."

Source:  CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 8, 1884, Vol. XV, No. 777, p. 3, col. 4.

"CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM.

The Vails will handle the ash with a Pelhamville nine a week from to-morrow.

Some extensive repairs and alterations are in progress at the Pelham Priory.

Police Justice, C. E. Kene, of New Rochelle, is stopping at the Bay View Hotel.

The Belden baseball club will play a match game with the New Rochelles, tomorrow.

About 350 friends of the Merry Ten accompanied them on their excursion last Wednesday to Roton Point.

Mr. Wm. Belden's residence is ready for occupancy after having undergone extensive alterations.  He will move in, in a few days.

Last Thursday, Mr. George H. Cameron sold the propellor Joshua Leviness, for $1,400.  The vessel was bought in by Mr. A. Leviness.

The Rev. Mr. Pray, of the M.E. Church is absent from his charge on a six weeks' vacation.  His place is filled every Sunday by clergymen from abroad.

We think it unnecessary to publish the communication from R. B.  As he states the facts they are substantially the same as published in the Chronicle of August 1st, the result being precisely the same.

It begins to look as though the dull season at the ship yards was to be brought to a close.  The Sandy Hook light ship, No. 16, is hauled out at Carll's for extensive repairs, and is also to have an automatic whistle put in.  The lighter jobbing at the yard is picking up.

The steamer Joshua Leviness, is now on the ways for a general overhauling.  When launched she will be taken to New York and offered for sale, but if a purchaser cannot be obtained, she will be put in commission as a freight boat.

The old Vail baseball nine have reorganized.  They went to Willet's Point last Saturday to play a game with the club of that place, but after three innings, game was called on account of the rain, the score standing 8 to 6 in favor of the Vails.  The game will be finished to-morrow.

The Country Club engage in practice games of polo every Friday and Monday afternoon.  They also enjoy a game of base ball occasionally.  The club and their grounds are becoming very popular although this is their first season.  It is proposed to lay out a race course on their grounds so as to have racing there this fall.  The work of preparing the course is progressing finely, and will be ready for use by September 1st.

It is an offense against the health code of Pelham for dogs to run at large, on City Island, unmuzzled.  Well the dogs, like the more intelligent two legged animals, their owners, violate the law, but the dogs are not arrested, they are allowed to go scott free and their owners, poor innocent creatures, are arrested, hauled up before Justice Martin, or some other justince and fined five dollars, unless the dog is able to show it unbuckled the strap and took the muzzle off, in order to get a better hold on a bone or somebody's legs."

Source:  CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 15, 1884, Vol. XV, No. 778, p. 3, col. 3.  

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I have written nearly fifty articles regarding the history of baseball in Pelham and early baseball games played in the Town of Pelham.  Below is a listing, with links, of previous postings on the topic of early baseball in Pelham.


Tue., Aug. 01, 2017:  More on 19th Century Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Wed., Jul. 12, 2017:  The Nonpareils Base Ball Association of City Island During the 1860s.

Wed., Apr. 19, 2017:  Pelham Manor Club Defeated Gramatan Country Club in Baseball Game in August, 1902.

Mon., Feb. 13, 2017:  Important Information About Early Baseball in Pelham Including a Game Against the Monitors of Brooklyn.

Wed., Jan. 11, 2017:  Baseball Star Paddy Smith of Pelham.

Fri., Sep. 30, 2016:  More on 19th Century Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., Jul. 21, 2016:  "Base Ball" Match Played at Arcularius Hotel at Pelham Bridge in 1875.

Thu., Feb. 18, 2016:  More on the Storied History of 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.  

Tue., Dec. 15, 2015:  The 1894 Baseball Season in Pelham, New York.

Tue., Sep. 22, 2015:  Two Newly-Discovered 19th Century Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham.

Thu., Jun. 18, 2015:  More Early References to 19th Century and Early 20th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Apr. 06, 2015:  Early Baseball Game Played by Pelham Team in 1866.

Mon., Dec. 22, 2014:  Rare 1889 Photograph of Baseball Players Playing on Pelham Field.

Wed., Nov. 26, 2014:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham. 

Thu., Nov. 13, 2014:  Baseball Crowds in Pelham Got Out Of Hand in 1896. 

Fri., Sep. 12, 2014:  Reference to an 1884 Baseball Game Between the Country Club of Pelham and Calumet. 

Thu., Jul. 31, 2014:  Fascinating Account of Baseball Game Played at Pelham Bridge in 1878.

Mon., Jul. 28, 2014:  Additional 19th Century References to Baseball Being Played in Pelham.  

Tue., Apr. 08, 2014:  More 19th Century References to Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Mar. 28, 2014:  Earliest Evidence Yet! Baseball Was Played in Pelham Only Months After the Civil War Ended. 

Thu., Mar. 20, 2014:  19th Century Baseball in Pelham - Newly-Discovered References.

Tue., Feb. 16, 2010:  Photograph of Only Known 19th Century Women's Baseball Team in Pelham, New York.

Thu., Jan. 28, 2010:   News About Pelham Manor and Pelhamville in 1895 - Lighting Districts, Gas for the Village, Baseball and More.

Tue., Dec. 15, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Beldenites and the City Island Rivals in 1884.  

Mon., Dec. 14, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Shamrocks in 1889.  

Fri., Dec. 11, 2009:  Earliest Reference Yet to Baseball Played in Pelham.  

Thu., Dec. 10, 2009:  More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References. 

Wed., Dec. 9, 2009:  City Island Shamrocks Base Ball Club Changed its Name to the Minnefords in 1888.

Wed., Nov. 25, 2009:  Even More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tue., Nov. 24, 2009:  Yet Another Reference to Early Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 23, 2009:  Additional Brief Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 19th Century.

Fri., Nov. 20, 2009:  More Accounts of Early Baseball Played in Pelham.

Fri., Nov. 13, 2009:  1894 Account of Developments in Pelham Including a Reference to a Baseball Game Played that Year.

Thu., Nov. 12, 2009:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2009:   Score of June 1, 1887 Baseball Game Between the Country Club and The Knickerbocker Club.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2009:   Another Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Tue., Mar. 4, 2008:   Another Brief Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 26, 2007:  Box Score of a Baseball Game Played on Travers Island in Pelham Manor in July 1896.

Wed., Nov. 21, 2007:  Baseball on Travers Island During the Summer of 1897.

Fri., Jul. 20, 2007:  Account of Early Baseball in Pelham: Pelham vs. the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island in 1897.

Fri., Nov. 10, 2006: The Location of Another Early Baseball Field in Pelham.

Mon., Oct. 9, 2006:   Reminiscences of Val Miller Shed Light on Late 19th Century Baseball in Pelham and the Early Development of the Village of North Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 23, 2006:  Baseball Fields Opened on the Grounds of the Westchester Country Club in Pelham on April 4, 1884.  

Tue., Jan. 31, 2006:  Another Account of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 1880s Is Uncovered. 

Thu., Oct. 6, 2005:   Does This Photograph Show Members of the "Pelham Manor Junior Base Ball Team"?

Thu., Sep. 15, 2005:  Newspaper Item Published in 1942 Sheds Light on Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.  

Thu., Feb. 10, 2005:  New Discoveries Regarding Baseball in 19th Century Pelham. 

Bell, Blake A., Baseball in Late 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 17, Apr. 23, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

More on 19th Century Baseball in the Town of Pelham

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

As the sport of baseball grew increasingly popular and became our "National Pastime" during the 19th century, Pelhamites played the game with gusto.  As early as the 1860s until the end of the century, there were many "base ball clubs" founded on City Island and in Pelhamville and Pelham Manor.  Unsurprisingly, records of these various clubs no longer seem to exist given their recreational and social purposes.  Thus, we are left to piece together what can be gleaned from an incomplete collection of local newspapers to develop some semblance of a history of the rise of the sport in Pelham.

In 1884, William J. Belden was a new occupant of "The Mansion" at Belden Point.  When a group of City Islanders approached him for a donation to support a newly-organized "base ball club," Belden donated $20 to help pay for equipment and uniforms.  The new team promptly named itself the "Beldenites" (occasionally referenced as the "Beldens").  Another City Island baseball club at the time was known as the "Muffers."  The newspaper reference quoted below makes clear that by September, 1884, the Muffers had disbanded with many of the team's better players moving to the new Beldenites Base Ball Club.  According to one account, the form Muffer players who joined the new team made the Beldenites "much stronger than heretofore."

The brief article quoted below is significant for several reasons.  First, the article states that the Beldenites played an Eastchester club named the "Rock Crabs" on Thursday, September 18, 1882, although the results of the game are not recorded.  Second, the article describes the postponement of a game between the Beldenites and the Pelhamville baseball club that was originally scheduled on Saturday, September 13, 1882.  Third, the article notes that a game "was to be played" the previous day (Thursday, September 18, 1882) between the Beldenites and Pelhamville, "with what result we did not learn."  This, of course, means that the Beldenites either played two games against two different teams (the Eastchester Rock Crabs and the Pelhamville baseball club) on September 18 or that one (or both) games were never played.  Finally, the article notes (as referenced above) that "[t]he muffers having disbanded the better players joining the Beldenites, makes the latter club much stronger than heretofore."

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The text of the article containing these 1882 references to baseball played in Pelham is quoted in full below, followed by a citation and link to the source.

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND.

Painters are still at work on the interior of Mr. Belden's mansion, although the owner is occupying it.

A baseball nine, from Eastchester, styling themselves the Rock Crabs, played a game with the Belden's yesterday.

A rumor is current that Mr. William B. Astor is negotiating for the purchase of the Col. Duryea place, and intends to erect an elegant mansion.

Next Tuesday evening, the 23rd inst., as previously announced, the Bartow association will hold their third annual summer-nights hop at Secord's pavilion.  It promises to be enjoyable to the fullest degree.

Mrs. Bryant gave a birthday party, in honor of her niece, Miss Jennie Johnthrie, on Wednesday evening last.  A large number of invitations were issued, and the gathering of the friends of the hostess and her niece was very large.

Mr. John P. Hawkins has completed the arrangements for the reconstruction of the building, at the shipyard, now used for a dwelling and business purposes.  It is to be greatly enlarged and improved.  Mr. Isaiah Kinzy has the contract.

Mr. David Carll is expected home, from Florida next week.  Mr. C. went south to look after the interests of his orange groves, which were reported as suffering for the want of care, on account of the inability of his manager to look after them, he being seriously ill.

The Beldenites were to have gone to Pelhamville, on Saturday last, to test its powers with the club of that place, on the diamond field, but for some reason not explained, at the last moment telephoned that they could not go.  A game between the two clubs was to be played yesterday afternoon, with what result we did not learn.  The muffers having disbanded the better players joining the Beldenites, makes the latter club much stronger than heretofore.

The fishing season has fairly opened, and matters are lively around Pelham Bridge.  Large messes of snappers are being caught daily, and the bass and blackfish season has about opened.  A gentleman while fishing at Pelham Bridge, one day last week, caught a drum fish weighing 59 1/2 pounds.  It took him over two hours to land his splendid catch.  Capt. Gus Lawrence will be found always at his post of duty courteous and obliging, ready to fit you out with all the requisites to capture the members of the finny tribe.

The court house on City Island, has recently been painted inside and out, at a cost, it is said by the man who did the work, of $150.  No proposals were asked for, and in fact no competition was allowed for the work.  The labor was performed by days work, and the person doing it was allowed to purchase the material where he saw fit, and have the same charged against the town.  There are painters on City Island who would have given bonds to perform the work in the same manner as now done, and supply all material, for $100, had competition been allowed.  This may, to some, seem like a small matter, but it is the small leaks which lead to large ones."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 19, 1884, Vol. XVI, No. 783, p. 3, col. 5.  

1887 Baseball Game Like Those Played in Pelham.

"THROWN OUT ON SECOND BASE - GILBERT

GAUL -- [SEE PAGE 647.]"  Source: Harper's Weekly,

Sep. 10, 1887.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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

Thu., Jul. 21, 2016:  "Base Ball" Match Played at Arcularius Hotel at Pelham Bridge in 1875.

Thu., Feb. 18, 2016:  More on the Storied History of 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.  

Tue., Dec. 15, 2015:  The 1894 Baseball Season in Pelham, New York.

Tue., Sep. 22, 2015:  Two Newly-Discovered 19th Century Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham.

Thu., Jun. 18, 2015:  More Early References to 19th Century and Early 20th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Apr. 06, 2015:  Early Baseball Game Played by Pelham Team in 1866.

Mon., Dec. 22, 2014:  Rare 1889 Photograph of Baseball Players Playing on Pelham Field.

Wed., Nov. 26, 2014:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham. 

Thu., Nov. 13, 2014:  Baseball Crowds in Pelham Got Out Of Hand in 1896. 

Fri., Sep. 12, 2014:  Reference to an 1884 Baseball Game Between the Country Club of Pelham and Calumet. 

Thu., Jul. 31, 2014:  Fascinating Account of Baseball Game Played at Pelham Bridge in 1878.

Mon., Jul. 28, 2014:  Additional 19th Century References to Baseball Being Played in Pelham.  

Tue., Apr. 08, 2014:  More 19th Century References to Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Mar. 28, 2014:  Earliest Evidence Yet! Baseball Was Played in Pelham Only Months After the Civil War Ended. 

Thu., Mar. 20, 2014:  19th Century Baseball in Pelham - Newly-Discovered References.

Tue., Feb. 16, 2010:  Photograph of Only Known 19th Century Women's Baseball Team in Pelham, New York.

Thu., Jan. 28, 2010:   News About Pelham Manor and Pelhamville in 1895 - Lighting Districts, Gas for the Village, Baseball and More.

Tue., Dec. 15, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Beldenites and the City Island Rivals in 1884.  

Mon., Dec. 14, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Shamrocks in 1889.  

Fri., Dec. 11, 2009:  Earliest Reference Yet to Baseball Played in Pelham.  

Thu., Dec. 10, 2009:  More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References. 

Wed., Dec. 9, 2009:  City Island Shamrocks Base Ball Club Changed its Name to the Minnefords in 1888.

Wed., Nov. 25, 2009:  Even More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tue., Nov. 24, 2009:  Yet Another Reference to Early Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 23, 2009:  Additional Brief Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 19th Century.

Fri., Nov. 20, 2009:  More Accounts of Early Baseball Played in Pelham.

Fri., Nov. 13, 2009:  1894 Account of Developments in Pelham Including a Reference to a Baseball Game Played that Year.

Thu., Nov. 12, 2009:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2009:   Score of June 1, 1887 Baseball Game Between the Country Club and The Knickerbocker Club.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2009:   Another Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Tue., Mar. 4, 2008:   Another Brief Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 26, 2007:  Box Score of a Baseball Game Played on Travers Island in Pelham Manor in July 1896.

Wed., Nov. 21, 2007:  Baseball on Travers Island During the Summer of 1897.

Fri., Jul. 20, 2007:  Account of Early Baseball in Pelham: Pelham vs. the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island in 1897.

Fri., Nov. 10, 2006: The Location of Another Early Baseball Field in Pelham.

Mon., Oct. 9, 2006:   Reminiscences of Val Miller Shed Light on Late 19th Century Baseball in Pelham and the Early Development of the Village of North Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 23, 2006:  Baseball Fields Opened on the Grounds of the Westchester Country Club in Pelham on April 4, 1884.  

Tue., Jan. 31, 2006:  Another Account of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 1880s Is Uncovered. 

Thu., Oct. 6, 2005:   Does This Photograph Show Members of the "Pelham Manor Junior Base Ball Team"?

Thu., Sep. 15, 2005:  Newspaper Item Published in 1942 Sheds Light on Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.  

Thu., Feb. 10, 2005:  New Discoveries Regarding Baseball in 19th Century Pelham. 

Bell, Blake A., Baseball in Late 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 17, Apr. 23, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

More 19th Century References to Baseball in the Town of Pelham

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Today's Historic Pelham Blog presents additional 19th century references to baseball in the Town of Pelham.  It includes information about the 19th century baseball teams known as the Rivals of City Island, the Vails Base Ball Club and the Belden Baseball Club of City Island (sometimes referenced as the Beldenites or the Beldonites).  I previously have written about the Rivals and provided a brief reference to two of their games played against Pelhamville and the Nationals of Willets Point during the summer of 1884.  See Tue., Dec. 15, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Beldenites and the City Island Rivals in 1884.  I also previously have written about the Belden Baseball Club and certain of its games.  See Fri., Apr. 16, 2010:  Formation of the City Island Beldonites Baseball Club in June 1884 and Thu., Nov. 12, 2009:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham and Tue., Nov. 24, 2009:  Yet Another Reference to Early Baseball in Pelham and Mon., Nov. 23, 2009:  Additional Brief Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 19th Century and  Fri., Nov. 20, 2009:  More Accounts of Early Baseball Played in Pelham.  Today's posting also presents a brief reference to a recreational game between a group of City Island oystermen and ship carpenters and a baseball team from Greenpoint, Brooklyn with a bet involved.

Cover of "Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide 1878"

Published by A.G. Spalding & Bro.

Below is a brief excerpt of an article published on May 24, 1878 identifying a City Island baseball team of which I have never heard, the Leviness Base Ball Club, and describing a game they played against the Vails Base Ball Club on Tuesday, May 21, 1878.  The excerpt is transcribed immediately below, followed by a citation to its source.

"City Island. . . . 

The Vail and Leviness base ball clubs played a game of seven innings on Tuesday [Mary 14, 1878] last, which resulted in a victory for the Vails by a score of 12 to 11.  The Levinesses had four whitewashes, and the Vails two.  Mr. John Statup, catcher for the Vails, had his nose broken while trying to take a ball from the bat.  The Vails will play against the Clam Diggers on the grounds of the former, tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon [May 18, 1878]."  

Source:  City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], May 17, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 452, p. 2, cols. 4-5.

Below is a brief excerpt of an article published on May 31, 1878 providing the results of a baseball game played by the Vails Base Ball Club.  It is significant because it identifies the captain of the team at the time as William Waterhouse.  The excerpt also references plans for the Vail Base Ball Club to sponsor an upcoming party.  The excerpt is transcribed immediately below, followed by a citation to its source.

"City Island. . . . 

On Thursday evening a hop was given at Leviness's Hall by a number of young ladies for the purpose of raising funds for the temperance cause.  Floor Managers, Messrs. K. Biller and J. Price; General Committee, Messrs. M. Prout, M. Ketchem, G. Miller, L. Baxter, C. Leviness, G. Wilson, K. Wood.  Everything went off pleasantly and wound up at 4 o'clock in the morning.  On the 13th of June another hop will be given by the Vail Base Ball Club. . . . 

The Base Ball Club of City Island, called the Vails, Captain Wm. Waterhouse, defeated the clam diggers of City Island, on Saturday last [May 25, 1878] on the grounds of the Vails.  A. F. Vail acted as umpire, to the entire satisfaction of both clubs."

Source:  City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], May 31, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 454, p. 2, col. 5.  

Below is a brief article that identifies the principal officers of the Rivals.  The article is about the success of the "First Annual" ball sponsored by the Rivals held in an establishment owned by Joshua Leviness of City Island during November, 1884.  The brief article provides:  

"CITY ISLAND.

On Monday evening, Nov. 21st.  The first annual ball of the Rivals, at City Island, was an immense success.  It was enjoyed by all who participated in its pleasures, until the young gents bid their lady friends good bye in the morning.  Many visitors were there from the neighboring towns and New York City.  The spacious hall of Mr. Joshua Leviness, well calculated for for a racket of that kind, was the place chosen by the committee of arrangements to receive their friends and tip the fantastic toe to their hearts content, which they did to perfection in unison to the music of Professor Bonn and his talented artists.  All of the appointments to this very social entertainment seemed to be well taken and reflected great credit on those who not only directed its management but also the entire company, showing conclusively in every respect that they are fully entitled to be the Rivals of all similar affairs.  The officers are J.E. Stamp, President; W. W. Clisbee, Vice President; W. Stringham, Treasurer; W. Graham, Secretary, Floor Manager, E. C. Leviness.  

OBSERVER."

Source:  CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mt. Vernon, NY], Nov. 29, 1877, Vol. XIX, No. 1,041, p. 3, col. 3.  

As this article suggests, in these early days of baseball in the New York City region, the "base ball" clubs were important social outlets for their members.  Indeed, matches were arranged via "challenges" issued to and accepted by the secretaries of the various clubs in the region.  The games often were grand spectacles followed by even grander repasts enjoyed by the players and their guests.  

Immediately below is another article.  It contains a brief reference to a baseball game played by the Belden Baseball Club against the New Rochelle Clippers on Thursday, August 14, 1884.

"CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM.

The Rev. Mr. Pray returned from his sojourn in the Adirondacks last Monday.  

On Thursday of last week, the Belden Baseball Club was defeated by the Clippers of New Rochelle by a score of 24 to 7.

Nicholas W. Abbott, of City Island, was drawn as a petit juror last week.  His presence at White Plains will be required a week from Monday.

There is a growing interest in the temperance question, on City Island, as was evidenced by the meeting in the M.E. Church, last Tuesday.

The twentieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bacon was celebrated last Monday evening.  Between 75 and 80 friends gave them a complete surprise.

Some workmen digging in the cellar of Mr. Guion, at Pelham Bridge, recently, dug up an old iron pot, containing between $500 and $600 in old Spanish coin.

Mr. and Mrs. Nash returned, on Monday afternoon last, from their wedding tour.  The young men of the Island paid their compliments, by a skimmerton.  

The body of a colored infant was found in a segar [i.e., cigar] box, on the shore near Rhinbolt's, City Island, last Wednesday evening.  Investigation proved it to be a stillborn.  

The new building in course of erection by Mr. Elisha Booth, is nearing completion.  The little cottage of Mr. James D. Bell is inclused.  Mr. Stephen D. Horton is erecting a dwelling on his property, at the lower end.  

Last Wednesday night, Flynn's pavilion was occupied by an assemblage of pleasure seekers, the occasion being a soiree or summer night's festival, given by Mr. Flynn.  Next Wednesday night a similar affair will be held at the same place.  A good time is always had at Flynn's.

There is prospect of considerable work at Carll's shipyard.  It is understood that Mr. Carll can have two or three contracts, provided he will take them at a certain figure; but should he do so, it would necessitate a slight reduction in wages, and the only question to be determined is, which should the men prefer, to work at reduced wages or not work at all.  It remains for them to say.

The race track on the grounds of the Country Club is nearly completed, and it is expected that the races will begin early next month, and will consist of races between polo ponies, flat races, steeple chases and hurdle races.  There will also be farm races, that is, races between horses owned and used for farm work, each horse to be ridden or driven by its owner or a farm hand.  There will be no stakes other than small prizes, such as cups or a trifling purse, to cover entrance fee.  In each case, and for each class, small entrance fees will be charged.

Last Monday Evening, about seven o'clock, Oglesby Stinard, of Goose Island, was drowned by falling overboard from his float.  He had been around the water from about three o'clock in the afternoon, and had fallen in three or four times, and each time was rescued by Mr. Cunmmins, keeper of the railroad draw.  The first time he fell off the trestle and caught by one leg of his trousers in a spike.  Mr. Cummins rescued him, and placed him in a boat, from which he fell and hung with this legs to the boat.  Again he was rescued when almost exhausted; but between six and seven o'clock, fell off the float in about two feet of water.  He began swimming on his back, toward deep water, and after going about fifteen feet, turned over and sank head first.  He was taken out as soon as possible, but all efforts at resuscitation failed.  Coroner Tice held an inquest on Tuesday."

Source:  CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Vol. XV, No. 779, Aug. 22, 1884, p. 3, cols. 3-4.  

Below is a brief reference to a recreational game between oystermen and ship carpenters from City Island and a team from Greenpoint, Brooklyn in 1883.

"CITY ISLAND . . . 

On July 4th, a game of baseball between a nine of oystermen and ship carpenters, and a nine from Greenpoint, will be played on the King estate.  While the game is in progress, a Rhode Island clam bake will be gotten ready, and the vanquished club will have to pay for it."

Source:  CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], June 29, 1883, Vol. XIV, No. 719, p. 3, col. 4.  

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Below is a listing, with links, of my previous postings on the topic of 19th century baseball in Pelham.

Fri., Mar. 28, 2014:  Earliest Evidence Yet! Baseball Was Played in Pelham Only Months After the Civil War Ended.  

Thu., Mar. 20, 2014:  19th Century Baseball in Pelham - Newly-Discovered References.

Tue., Feb. 16, 2010:  Photograph of Only Known 19th Century Women's Baseball Team in Pelham, New York.

Thu., Jan. 28, 2010:   News About Pelham Manor and Pelhamville in 1895 - Lighting Districts, Gas for the Village, Baseball and More.

Tue., Dec. 15, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Beldenites and the City Island Rivals in 1884.  

Mon., Dec. 14, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Shamrocks in 1889.  

Fri., Dec. 11, 2009:  Earliest Reference Yet to Baseball Played in Pelham.  

Thu., Dec. 10, 2009:  More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References. 

Wed., Dec. 9, 2009:  City Island Shamrocks Base Ball Club Changed its Name to the Minnefords in 1888.

Wed., Nov. 25, 2009:  Even More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tue., Nov. 24, 2009:  Yet Another Reference to Early Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 23, 2009:  Additional Brief Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 19th Century.

Fri., Nov. 20, 2009:  More Accounts of Early Baseball Played in Pelham.

Fri., Nov. 13, 2009:  1894 Account of Developments in Pelham Including a Reference to a Baseball Game Played that Year.

Thur., Nov. 12, 2009:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2009:   Score of June 1, 1887 Baseball Game Between the Country Club and The Knickerbocker Club.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2009:   Another Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Tue., Mar. 4, 2008:   Another Brief Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 26, 2007:  Box Score of a Baseball Game Played on Travers Island in Pelham Manor in July 1896.

Wed., Nov. 21, 2007:  Baseball on Travers Island During the Summer of 1897.

Fri., Jul. 20, 2007:  Account of Early Baseball in Pelham: Pelham vs. the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island in 1897.

Fri., Nov. 10, 2006: The Location of Another Early Baseball Field in Pelham.

Mon., Oct. 9, 2006:   Reminiscences of Val Miller Shed Light on Late 19th Century Baseball in Pelham and the Early Development of the Village of North Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 23, 2006:  Baseball Fields Opened on the Grounds of the Westchester Country Club in Pelham on April 4, 1884.  

Tue., Jan. 31, 2006:  Another Account of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 1880s Is Uncovered.  

Thu., Oct. 6, 2005:   Does This Photograph Show Members of the "Pelham Manor Junior Base Ball Team"?

Thu., Sep. 15, 2005:  Newspaper Item Published in 1942 Sheds Light on Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.  

Thu., Feb. 10, 2005:  New Discoveries Regarding Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.  

Bell, Blake A., Baseball in Late 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 17, Apr. 23, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

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