Time Period - 1938 & 1948-1949
Venues : see below
Cities : Centreville, MD, Baton Rouge, LA & Seaford, DE
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Franchise Histories :
The Eastern Shore Baseball League was a class D minor league that operated on the Delmarva Peninsula for parts of three different decades, ( 1922 to mid 1928, 1937 to 1941 and 1946 to 1949 ), ... the league had teams from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia ... it disbanded due to lack of attendance revenue.
The Evangeline League began in 1934 as a Class-D league. It ceased operations in 1942 during WWII but resumed activities in 1946, getting promoted to Class-C in 1949, and lasted through 1957 ... a total of 21 seasons.
Wikipedia
Centreville Colts :
The Colts minor league baseball team played in the Eastern Shore League from the 1937 to 1939. The Phillies had a one year player development contract with the franchise in 1938.
Baton Rouge Redsticks :
The Baton Rouge Red Sticks played in various seasons from 1902–2003. The Red Sticks played in the Evangeline League from 1946 to 1955. They were a charter member. The club name changed to Rebels in 1956 ... financial woes forced the team to fold on June 20th during the 1957 season.
The Phillies had a one year player development contract with the franchise in 1948.
Seaford Eagles :
The Eagles minor league baseball team played in the Eastern Shore League from the 1946 to 1949. The Phillies had a one year player development contract with the franchise in 1949.
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The Stadiums the Phillies teams played in :
Centreville Park - Centreville, MD
Location: SR 898, Old Centreville Road.
Capacity: 1,500
Dimensions (Left, Center, Right): 360-425-262
The site is part of a public park today known as Quinn Anne Count Park. The baseball stadium no longer exists.
City Park - Baton Rouge, LA
Location: 1055 Convention Street.
Capacity: 2,500
City Park was used thru the 1955 season ... the following year a newly constructed ballpark ( Pete Goldsby Park ) was opened.
Seaford Ball Park - Seaford, DE
Capacity: 2,000
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The Seasons :
1938 - Centreville, MD :
Eastern Shore League ( D ) ... Manager : Joe O’Rourke ... 51-60 , 7th place ... Attendance : ?
19 year old infielder Hal Marnie ( from South HS - Philadelphia ) played in 112 games. He would later play in parts of three major league seasons with the Phillies ( 1940-1942 ) appearing in 96 games.
1948 - Baton Rouge, LA :
Evangeline League ( D ) ... Manager : Dick Carter ... 72-65 , 4th place ... Attendance : 116,939. Playoffs suspended : Split 2 games with Houma Indians
23 year outfielder Mel Clark had an outstanding year and was amongst the top five in the league in batting average ( .347 ), hits ( 191 ), doubles ( 30), triples ( 22 - led league ) and total bases ( 289 ). Clark would play in parts of six seasons in the big leagues - 215 games - with the Phillies and Tigers as a reserve player
1949 - Seaford, DE :
Eastern Shore League ( D ) ... Manager : Paul Gaulin ... 56-64 , 5th place ... Attendance : 35,519.
25 year old RHP Duke Markell went 10-1 with a 2.17 ERA in 10 games ( 108 IP ) before being promoted to Utica ... Markell pitched in five big league games with the 1951 St Louis Browns
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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