Ron's first Notes from Nebraska, and a little Columbus Clippers history.
Thanks to Brian White for allowing me to share my thoughts with you on ColumbusSports.com. Don’t hold against me the fact that I come from the Cornhusker State. In fact, to show my heart is in the right place, I love the OSU marching band and script Ohio. I will cheer on the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl. Texas is an evil empire and the hook ‘em Horns sign is a cult greeting. Oh, and burnt orange is an ugly color.
Anyway, I love sports, although I don’t understand synchronized diving. I am fanatic over college sports, and am passionate about auto racing (my son calls me a white collar redneck). I hope you will check out my blogs at TheRestOfTheDirt.com. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
OK, shameless plug over, I also happen to be a great fan of minor league baseball, and of baseball history in general. Since 1895, the only years Columbus has not fielded a ball club were 1971-76. Over the years Columbus nines have been called Buckeyes, Senators, Reds, Redbirds, Jets, and Clippers. Here are a few early 20th century tidbits you might not have known about Columbus baseball:
In 1903, Columbus led the American Association in attendance with 154,876 fans passing through the turn styles, in spite of a 56-84 record that left the Senators in 6th place, 35 games behind St. Paul.
Columbus won the American Association title in 1905, 1906, and 1907. Bill Clymer was the manager of the club, and the 1905 Senators won 100 games. In 1906 Charles Berger led the A.A. with 28 wins, and Pat Flaherty added 23 more victories. William Friel collected 187 hits in 1907, and George Upp chucked 27 wins. Yes, I do know what I said, it was a cheap pun, and I feel bad for using it.
Indianapolis and Louisville finished ahead of Columbus in 1908, despite a league leading 10 home runs by Senator Tony James. Upp continued to show his prowess on the mound, throwing a no-hitter against Kansas City on August 18th.
In 1909 Bill Clymer was replaced by William Friel as manager. Arthur Krueger led the A.A. in hits with 194, but the Senators finished 7th in the eight team league.
Well, that is enough history for today. Again, thanks to Brian White for this opportunity to talk sports with you. Feel free to comment or disagree on anything I say in this or any future article.