Empire Base Ball Club of Freeport
| Nick Name | Empire |
|---|---|
| Earliest Known Date | Monday, May 26, 1862 |
| Last Known Game | |
| Location | Freeport, IL, United States |
| Modern Address | |
| NABBP Status | |
| Nine Class | Senior |
| Tags | |
| Description | The Freeport Journal, June 6, 1866, has a lengthy and interesting article titled "Empire Base Ball Club...History of the Club." The detailed article says the club was formally organized May 26, 1862, but couldn't find a team to play against until they played the Garden City of Chicago in a home and home tournament June 10, July 4, 1863. The Empire won the latter game and, according to the newspaper, "was pronounced the Champion club of the State." They played the Empire of St. Louis July 4, 1865, losing 27 to 20. On Sept. 29, 1865 they beat the Julian of Dubuque, at Dubuque, 27 to 26. The article gives the names of the organizers of the team and the current players. The Chicago Tribune, July 10, 1863 reports on the 2nd game of the Empire-Garden City contest, at Freeport on July 4th. The Empire won 40-20. Gives a box score. The Freeport Weekly Journal, April 12, 1865: "the Empire Base Ball Club have again reorganized" with "John Neff, president" and "A. Brewster, capt. on field." Same, Aug. 2, 1865, reports that "Monday" the Empires visited the Forest City of Rockford, beating them 55-21. The St. Louis Globe Democrat, July 8, 1865 gives a long report of the game between the Empire and the St. Louis team. The Freeport Journal April 3, 1867, under the headline "Base Ball Club" reports on the "reorganization" of the "Empire Base Ball Club of this city". W. B. Thomas was elected president and captain. An initiation fee of $1.00 was set. Same June 7, 1867 has the Empire defeating the Stars 10-9. |
| Sources | The Freeport Journal, June 6, 1866 |
| Source Image | [[Image:|left|thumb]] |
| Has Source On Hand | No |
| Comment | Edit with form to add a comment |
| Query | Edit with form to add a query |
| Found by | Bruce Allardice |
| Submission Note | |
| Entered by | Bruce Allardice |
| First in Location | |
| First in Location Note | |
| Entry Origin | |
| Entry Origin Url | |
| Local-Origin Study Groups | |
| Has Supplemental Text |
Win/Loss Records As Far As We Now Know
Warning: Users should not rely on a team's won-loss record as a reflection of its "standing" among all base ball clubs. Team schedules were not balanced, and a good record against mostly weak opponents does not signify a leading club.
| Year | Games | Wins | Losses | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1863 | 3 Played | 2 Won | 1 Lost | 0 Tied |
| 1864 | 1 Played | 0 Won | 1 Lost | 0 Tied |
| 1865 | 5 Played | 2 Won | 3 Lost | 0 Tied |
Ballgames
Players
No players have been associated with this Club yet.
Playing Fields
| Field | Years | Edit Association with Club |
|---|---|---|
| Empire Club Grounds, Freeport | 1865 - 67 |
Comments
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