"Anniversary of Milwaukee's First Baseball Game"

Today is an interesting day in Milwaukee history. It marks the 150th anniversary of the first baseball game played in this fair city.

According to the December 1, 1859 edition of the Milwaukee Daily Sentinal, "This game, now so popular at the East, is about to be introduced in our own city. A very spirited impromptu match was played on the Fair Ground, Spring Street Avenue... six on a side..."

Among those playing was the organizer -- newspaper editor, educator, U.S. diplomat, and Union Civil War general Rufus King, then age 45.

A very primitive box score of the game followed, with King's team winning by a score of, 85-40. Yes... 85-40. Seven players are listed for each side.

The same two teams met two more times before the end of 1859. All three matches were played at the old State Fairgrounds (what is now the Marquette University campus).

Over the years, seven more pro/semi-pro baseball teams would play in Milwaukee:

• The Cream Citys (1865-1876)
  
• Milwaukee Grays (1878)
  
• Milwaukee Brewers (1884)
  
• Milwaukee Brewers (AA) (1891)
  
• Milwaukee Brewers (1901) -- which later became the present-day Baltimore Orioles
  
• Milwaukee Brewers (minor league) (1902-1952)
  
• The current Milwaukee Brewers (1969-Present).

"The Drill: Anniversary of Milwaukee's first baseball game"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:24 PM  I   I  0 comments