Denver Grizzlies

From BR Bullpen


The first Denver Grizzlies competed in the Western Association in 1889 and 1890. Managed by Dave Rowe, they finsihed 7th in 1889 (42-68), and 4th (57-64) in 1890 in the 8 team league. Abner Dalrymple led the league in hits in 1889 with 173, and Elmer "Nick" Smith led the league in runs in 1890 with 128.

In 1901 the Denver Bears changed names to become the Denver Grizzlies. The name, like the Bear moniker, came from the fame of Teddy Roosevelt. In their first five seasons they never finished first, but twice finished two games back and once four games out. They finally took a pennant in 1911, led by Buck O'Brien, the top pitcher in the Western League. The next year they won another title behind Johnny Beall, the top slugger in the WL. The most famous player to play for the Grizzlies was Babe Adams in 1907, who led the league in strikeouts. In 1913 the team changed its name back to the Bears.

Source: "The Western League" by W.C. Madden and Patrick Stewart


Year-by-Year Record[edit]

Year Record Finish Manager Playoffs
1889 42-68 7th Dave Rowe none
1890 57-64 4th Dave Rowe none
1901 60-59 4th Buck Weaver / Tom Brown / Bill Everitt none
1902 81-57 4th Parke Wilson none
1903 61-70 5th Tom Delahanty (July 28) / Bobby Lowe none
1904 87-61 3rd Bill Hallman none
1905 92-58 2nd Bill Everitt none
1906 68-81 5th Bill Everitt none
1907 67-75 4th Eddie Wheeler none
1908 71-75 4th Charlie Irwin / Charley Jones none
1909 69-82 6th Charley Jones / Henry Thompson none
1910 102-65 2nd Jack Hendricks none
1911 111-54 1st Jack Hendricks none League Champs
1912 99-63 1st Jack Hendricks none League Champs