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Ohio–Pennsylvania League

The Ohio–Pennsylvania League (1905–1912) was a Class C and Class D level minor league baseball league that featured franchises based in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The league was founded by Charlie Morton and operated for eight seasons, with the Akron Champs winning four league championships.

History

The Ohio–Pennsylvania League had its beginnings in March 1905, when league president Charlie Morton invited six prospective members to a meeting in Akron, Ohio. In May 1905, eleven teams joined the Protective Association of Independent Clubs, which formed the basis of the Class C Division Ohio–Pennsylvania League. Ultimately, the league trimmed down to eight teams from the following cities: Akron, Newark, Niles, Youngstown, and Zanesville in Ohio, and Homestead, Lancaster, and Sharon in Pennsylvania.

That September, the Youngstown Ohio Works won the league championship, although sources disagree on the team's final record. As one researcher writes: "The Reach Guide (1906) credits Youngstown with an 84–32 won-lost record where the Spalding Guide of the same year lists a 90–35 record. The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball (1993) tells a third story, giving Youngstown an 88–35 mark."

In 1912, the league rescinded its membership in the National Association when it placed a franchise in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

By the end of its seven-year lifespan, in 1912, the Ohio–Pennsylvania League had enlisted the membership of no less than 40 ball clubs based in over 20 cities. While the league was disorganized (like many of its counterparts), it provided regional sports teams with an alternative to the established minor-league system. Baseball luminaries who were once connected to the league include Billy Evans, Lee Fohl, Bill Phyle, and Everett Scott. Future Hall-of-Fame infielder George Sisler signed his first professional contract with an Akron club associated with the O-P League, although he never actually played for the team.

Cities represented

League champions

Standings and statistics

1905 to 1908

1905 Ohio–Pennsylvania League League was admitted to the National Association July 21<br />Canton withdrew July 10; Kent withdrew July 31; Butler withdrew Aug 2; Steubenville withdrew Aug 2; Mt. Vernon withdrew Aug 12; Massillon withdrew Aug 24.

1906 Ohio–Pennsylvania League<br /> schedule Zanesville (58–55) moved to Marion August 28.<br>No playoffs were scheduled.

1907 Ohio–Pennsylvania League<br /> schedule No playoffs were scheduled.

1908 Ohio–Pennsylvania League<br /> schedule Girard (0–9) moved to Butler May 9; Butler (5–17) moved to Erie June 15.<br /> The season shortened to September 7.<br />No playoffs were scheduled.

1909 to 1912

1909 Ohio–Pennsylvania League<br /> schedule No playoffs were scheduled.

1910 Ohio–Pennsylvania League<br /> schedule No playoffs were scheduled.

1911 Ohio–Pennsylvania League<br /> schedule New Castle (25–85) moved to Sharon August 12; East Liverpool and Steubenville folded August 20.<br /> No playoffs were scheduled.

1912 Ohio–Pennsylvania League<br/> schedule Connelsville and New Castle folded June 18; Salem moved to Fairmont July 9; Alliance-Sebring folded July 15 after player strike; McKeesport folded July 17; Sharon moved to Bridgeport August 10; East Liverpool moved to Pittsburgh (2–0) August 14; Pittsburgh moved to New Martinsville August 18.<br />League rescinded its membership to the National Association August 13 after it placed a franchise in Pittsburgh.<br /> Playoff: Fairmont declared champion when Steubenville-Follansbee folded before the playoff.

References

Related links