The Illinois State League (ISL) was a baseball minor league formed in 1947. The Illinois State League operated in 1947âÂÂ1948 and evolved to become today's Midwest League. The Class D league was composed entirely of new franchises, each located in Southern Illinois. The charter franchises were in the Illinois cities of Belleville, Centralia, Marion, Mattoon, Mount Vernon and West Frankfort.
The Illinois State League formed in 1947. The first league president was Howard V. Millard. The Illinois State League had the same six franchises in both of its seasons: the Belleville Stags, Centralia Cubs, Marion Indians, Mattoon Indians, Mount Vernon Braves, and West Frankfort Cardinals.
In 1947, the league began play, with a 120âÂÂgame season played in two halves. There was no championship series in 1947 as the Belleville Stags won both halves and were declared as the champion.
In 1948, the West Frankfort Cardinals finished 85âÂÂ35 in the regular season, for the best record overall. In the playoffs, West Frankfort swept the Mattoon Indians in three games in the Championship Series to capture the 1948 championship.
The Illinois State League was renamed the MississippiâÂÂOhio Valley League after the 1948 season. The name change occurred as the Marion Indians moved to the state of Kentucky to become the Paducah Chiefs. Subsequently, the MississippiâÂÂOhio Valley League operated through 1955. In 1956, the league changed names again to become the Midwest League. The Midwest League has remained in operation since 1956.
The Illinois State League held an annual AllâÂÂStar Game, which featured an allâÂÂstar team versus the team with the best record in the standings. The first AllâÂÂStar Game was held on August 12, 1947 at Memorial Stadium in West Frankfort. The Illinois State League AllâÂÂStars defeated Belleville 5âÂÂ1.
The 1948 Illinois State League AllâÂÂStar Game was July 12, 1948 at Mattoon Baseball Park. The 1948 AllâÂÂStars defeated the Mattoon Indians 1âÂÂ0.
No playoffs were played as Belleville won both halves
Playoffs: West Frankfort defeated Marion 3 games to 1; Mattoon defeated Mt. Vernon 3 games to 2; Finals: West Frankfort 3 games, Mattoon 0.