Three-I League

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(Redirected from III League)

Formally known as the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League, but generally known as the Three-I League, the league ran from 1901 to 1961 with a number of interruptions: the circuit took a break in 1918 for World War I, another in 1933 and 1934 because of the Great Depression. After resuming play in 1935, it closed down in 1936 but had a six-year run from 1937 through 1942, closing down then for World War II. The league again took the field in 1946, lasting through 1961. A class B league from 1902 throughout its lifespan, no other league survived for as long at that level.

The end of World War II proved a boon to minor league baseball in the United States. In 1945, there were but a dozen minor leagues in the nation. Four years later, there were a record 59 leagues in 448 communities. During this period, the Three-I enjoyed relative stability. Waterloo drew a single-season club record of 174,000 in 1947. Three years later, the league set an all-time attendance record of almost 783,000.

In the 1950s, with competition from television and the manpower drain of the Korean War, minor leagues throughout the nation began folding. With the end approaching, the league was the Three-I in name only, as no Illinois or Indiana cities were represented after 1957 and teams based in Minnesota, Kansas and Nebraska joined its ranks. The Three-I League suspended operations after the 1961 season, marking the end of the nation's oldest Class B league. Some 31 cities had fielded teams in the 61-year run of one of Minor League Baseball's showcase leagues.

The Midwest League, a later and lower-level creation, largely took over the traditional territory of the Three-I League.

Cities Represented 1901-1961[edit]

Illinois[edit]

Indiana[edit]

Iowa[edit]

Kansas[edit]

Minnesota[edit]

Missouri[edit]

Nebraska[edit]

Wisconsin[edit]

Teams and Statistics[edit]

1901-1917[edit]

1901 Three-I League - schedule
President: Michael Sexton

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Terre Haute Hottentots 72 39 .649 - Bill Krieg
Bloomington Blues 68 44 .607 4.5 William Connors
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 67 45 .598 5.5 Belden Hill
Rockford Red Sox 57 55 .509 15.5 Hugh Nicol
Davenport River Rats 51 61 .455 21.5 Bill Smith
Evansville River Rats 47 65 .420 25.5 Camp / Hubbard / Strothers / Reccius / Kennedy
Rock Island Islanders 45 66 .405 27 Pop Tate / Harry Sage / Dom Mullaney
Decatur Commodores 40 72 .357 32.5 Tom Kierenan / Frank Badger
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Davy Jones Rockford BA .384 Eugene McGreevy Bloomington W 28
Rabbit Nill Davenport Runs 125 Claude Elliott Rockford SO 297
Frank Roth Evansville Hits 141 Mordecai Brown Terre Haute PCT .758; 25-8
Frank Roth Evansville HR 27
Charles Shaffer Rockford SB 63


1902 Three-I League - schedule
President: Michael Sexton

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Rockford Red Sox 74 52 .587 - Hugh Nicol
Terre Haute Hottentots 70 53 .569 2.5 Lew Walters / Jim Hackett
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 64 55 .538 6.5 Belden Hill
Rock Island Islanders 58 61 .487 12.5 Frank Donnelly
Davenport River Rats 59 63 .484 13 Jim Hayes
Evansville River Rats 57 67 .460 16 Doc Kennedy / Doc Parker
Decatur Commodores 55 69 .444 18 Fred Pfeffer
Bloomington Blues 54 71 .432 19.5 William Connors
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Louis Lippert Rockford BA .340 Dick Scott Terre Haute W 23
Louis Lippert Rockford Runs 109 John McCord Davenport SO 239
Louis Lippert Rockford Hits 172 Chappie McFarland Cedar Rapids ERA 3.07
Charlie Buelow Rockford HR 16 Jim Hackett Terre Haute PCT .679 19-9


1903 Three-I League - schedule
President: Michael Sexton

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Bloomington Bloomers 72 47 .605 - William Connors
Decatur Commodores 67 51 .568 4.5 Monte McFarland
Davenport River Rats 65 53 .551 6.5 Jim Hayes
Rock Island Islanders 64 54 .542 7.5 Frank Donnelly
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 60 60 .500 12.5 Belden Hill
Rockford Red Sox 58 60 .492 13.5 Hugh Nicol
Dubuque Shamrocks 49 72 .405 24 Pants Rowland / Charlie Buelow
Joliet Standards / Springfield # 42 80 .344 31.5 Patsy Tebeau / Frank Belt

# Joliet (14-19) moved to Springfield June 12.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Hunkey Hines Davenport BA .339 Charlie Case Rock Island W 22
Frank Donnelly Rock Island Runs 97 Charlie Case Rock Island SO 187
Chappie McFarland Decatur Hits 151 Beany Jacobson Decatur ERA 2.18
Warren Gill Cedar Rapids PCT .889 16-2


1904 Three-I League - schedule
President: Michael Sexton

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Springfield Hustlers 72 48 .600 - Frank Donnelly
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 70 52 .574 4 Belden Hill
Dubuque Shamrocks 69 54 .561 4.5 Charlie Buelow
Bloomington Bloomers 60 61 .496 12.5 William Connors
Decatur Commodores 59 62 .488 13.5 Monte McFarland
Rock Island Islanders 57 65 .467 16 Ross Thornton / Kohly Miller / Hugh Nicol
Davenport River Rats 52 69 .430 20.5 Jim Hayes
Rockford Red Sox 48 76 .387 26 Hugh Nicol / Harry Meek
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
William Connors Bloomington BA .329 Lou Fiene Cedar Rapids W 23
Louis Lippert Springfield Runs 92 Charlie Jaeger Rockford SO 218
Dad Meek Rockford Hits 167 Lou Fiene Cedar Rapids ERA 2.45
Lou Fiene Cedar Rapids PCT .742 23-8


1905 Three-I League - schedule
President: Edward Holland

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Dubuque Shamrocks 70 53 .569 - Charlie Buelow / Hunkey Hines
Rock Island Islanders 68 55 .553 2 John B. McConnell
Springfield Senators 64 58 .525 5.5 Frank Donnelly
Decatur Commodores 63 58 .521 6 Monte McFarland
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 63 61 .508 7.5 Belden Hill
Bloomington Bloomers 60 65 .480 11 William Connors
Davenport Riversides 56 67 .455 14 Jim Hayes
Peoria Distillers 48 75 .390 22 Hugh Nicol / Hank Simon
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Ross Thornton Decatur BA .307 Al Lundin Rock Island W 22
Louis Lippert Springfield Runs 85 Frank Oberlin Springfield SO 110
Ross Thornton Decatur Hits 143 Harry Swalm Dubuque PCT .690 20-9


1906 Three-I League - schedule
President: Edward Holland

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 79 43 .648 - Belden Hill
Peoria Distillers 74 48 .607 5 Charlie Buelow
Dubuque Dubs 64 55 .538 13.5 Monte McFarland
Springfield Senators 64 56 .533 14 Frank Donnelly
Rock Island Islanders 58 66 .468 22 John B. McConnell
Decatur Commodores 48 67 .418 27.5 Harry Lewee
Bloomington Bloomers 51 74 .408 29.5 William Connors
Davenport Knickerbockers 45 74 .378 32.5 Snapper Kennedy / Joe Burg
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Steve Reagan Dubuque BA .340 Harry Swalm Dubuque W 23
Bill Davidson Dubuque Runs 79 Harry Swalm Dubuque SO 247
Steve Reagan Dubuque Hits 156 Harry Swalm Dubuque ERA 1.81
Arthur Owens Cedar Rapids PCT .750 18-6
Ed Kinsella Springfield PCT .750 15-5


1907 Three-I League - schedule
President: Edward Holland

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Rock Island Islanders 86 46 .652 - Jack Tighe
Decatur Commodores 80 47 .630 3.5 George Reed
Springfield Senators 81 50 .618 4.5 Hank Scharnweber
Peoria Distillers 77 52 .597 7.5 Frank Donnelly
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 72 61 .541 14.5 Belden Hill
Clinton Infants 53 78 .405 27.5 Monte McFarland / Harry Stauffer
Bloomington Bloomers 51 79 .392 29 Fred Donovan
Dubuque Dubs 22 109 .169 63.5 Claude Stark / George Jennings / Genins / Ray
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Harry Swacina Peoria BA .292 Roy Beecher Springfield W 28
Walt Thiery Peoria Runs 84 Charles Bomar Decatur SO 190
Harry Swacina Peoria Hits 147 Chief Eastman Peoria PCT .739 17-6


1908 Three-I League - schedule
President: Tom Loftus

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Springfield Senators 82 54 .603 - Johnny McCarthy
Decatur Commodores 77 59 .572 5 George Reed
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 69 63 .523 11 Belden Hill / Ted Price
Peoria Distillers 66 67 .496 14.5 Frank Donnelly
Dubuque Dubs 67 69 .493 16 Pants Rowland
Bloomington Bloomers 64 73 .467 18.5 William Connors
Rock Island Islanders 59 76 .437 22.5 Louis Cook / Jack Tighe)
Clinton Infants 55 78 .414 25.5 Charlie Buelow
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Tom Tennant Decatur BA .310 Bill Fleet Clinton W 23
Dick Crozier Decatur Runs 82 Eddie Higgins Bloomington W 23
Tom Tennant Decatur Hits 164 Forrest More Springfield PCT .741 20-7
Charlie Buelow Clinton HR 9


1909 Three-I League - schedule
President: Michael Sexton

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Rock Island Islanders 90 48 .652 - Jack Tighe
Springfield Senators 81 53 .604 7 Richard Smith
Davenport Prodigals 77 59 .566 12 Charles Shaffer
Bloomington Bloomers 70 67 .511 19.5 W.R. McNamara / James Novacek
Peoria Distillers 69 67 .507 20 Frank Donnelly
Dubuque Dubs 64 71 .474 24.5 Forrest Plass / Charlie Buelow
Decatur Commodores 63 73 .464 26 Doc Childs / Fred Moore / John Barkwell
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 31 107 .225 59 Rollo Brown / C. Brown / Chet Spencer / Billy Kelly
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Frank Murphy Rock Island BA .300 George Hardin Rock Island W 26
Frank Murphy Rock Island Runs 86 George Hardin Rock Island SO 235
Frank Murphy Rock Island Hits 172 Connie Walsh Peoria PCT .722 13-5
Elmer Johnson Springfield HR 10


1910 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Springfield Senators 88 48 .647 - Dick Smith
Rock Island Islanders 81 56 .591 7.5 Jack Tighe
Peoria Distillers 75 64 .540 14.5 Dave Rowan
Waterloo Boosters 72 67 .518 17.5 Frank Boyle
Bloomington Bloomers 60 76 .441 28 Joseph Keenan
Dubuque Dubs 60 79 .432 29.5 Charlie Buelow
Davenport Prodigals 59 80 .424 30.5 Charles Shaffer
Danville Speakers 57 82 .410 32.5 Johnny McCarthy
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
George Manush Rock Island BA .300 Grover Lowdermilk Springfield W 25
Charlie Moore Peoria Runs 82 Pug Cavet Rock Island SO 248
George Manush Rock Island Hits 159 Harry Steiger Springfield PCT .923 12-1
Paul Meloan Springfield HR 6
Walter Schaller Springfield HR 6


1911 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Peoria Distillers 76 59 .563 - Dave Rowan / Charley Stis
Springfield / Decatur # 69 60 .535 4 Dick Smith
Quincy Infants 71 63 .530 4.5 Bade Myers / Henry Hofer
Danville Speakers 69 62 .526 5 Johnny McCarthy / Robert Fisher
Davenport Prodigals 69 69 .500 8.5 Dan O'Leary
Dubuque Hustlers 67 70 .489 10 Pants Rowland
Waterloo Boosters 59 76 .437 17 Frank Boyle
Rock Island Islanders 58 79 .424 19 Bill Carney / Johnny Gondling

# Springfield (12-14) moved to Decatur May 31.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Elmer Johnson Spring/Decat BA .320 Joe Willis Springfield/Decatur W 24
Russ Fountain Peoria Runs 83 Hack Spencer Springfield/Decatur W 24
Al Bromwich Davenport Hits 153 Joe Willis Springfield/Decatur SO 208
Joe Hovlik Peoria PCT .696 16-7


1912 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Springfield Senators 90 44 .672 - Dick Smith
Davenport Prodigals 75 60 .556 15.5 Dan O'Leary
Decatur Commodores 69 67 .507 22 Chick Fraser
Quincy Old Soldiers 67 70 .489 24.5 Bade Myers
Dubuque Dubs 65 73 .471 27 Pants Rowland
Danville Speakers 63 71 .470 27 John Massing
Bloomington Bloomers 58 78 .427 33 Harry Bay / James Cuthbert
Peoria Distillers 56 80 .415 35 Charley Stis
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Dan Kerwin Quincy BA .350 Bunny Hearn Springfield W 27
Frank Lofton Springfield Runs 91 Ferdie Schupp Decatur SO 265
Dan Kerwin Quincy Hits 185 John Middleton Davenport ERA 1.24
Rhoddy Hendrix Davenport PCT .743 26-9


1913 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Quincy Gems 79 60 .568 - Jim Hackett / Nick Kahl
Dubuque Dubs 74 62 .544 3.5 Pants Rowland
Davenport Blue Sox 68 66 .507 8.5 Dan O'Leary
Danville Speakers 69 68 .504 9 Connie Walsh
Decatur Commodores 67 68 .496 10 George Reed
Springfield Watchmakers 66 70 .485 11.5 Frank Donnelly
Bloomington Bloomers 64 71 .474 13 Harry Syfert
Peoria Distillers 57 79 .419 20.5 Barry McCormick / John Fountain
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Pat Flanagan Decatur BA .352 Jim Bluejacket Bloomington W 23
Pat Flanagan Decatur Runs 94 Jim Bluejacket Bloomington SO 198
Pat Flanagan Decatur Hits 180 Louis Tretter Quincy PCT .710 22-9
Frank Lofton Springfield HR 12


1914 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Davenport Blue Sox 83 52 .615 - Dan O'Leary
Peoria Distillers 81 56 .591 3 Pants Rowland
Springfield Watchmakers 72 60 .545 9.5 Howard Wakefield
Decatur Commodores 72 64 .529 11.5 George Reed
Dubuque Dubs 64 69 .481 18 Forrest Plass
Quincy Gems 61 71 .462 20.5 Nick Kahl
Bloomington Bloomers 56 77 .421 26 Harry Syfert / Pete Lister
Danville / Moline # 46 86 .348 35.5 Connie Walsh / Bill Neal

# Danville (26-53) moved to Moline July 14.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Howard Wakefield Springfield BA .347 Jim Middleton Davenport W 26
Sylvester Breen Springfield Runs 114 Fred Lamline Dubuque SO 190
Howard Wakefield Springfield Hits 172 Jim Middleton Davenport ERA 1.24
Howard Wakefield Springfield HR 10 Jim Middleton Davenport PCT .722 26-10


1915 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Moline Plowboys 75 51 .595 - George Hughes
Davenport Blue Sox 76 52 .594 - Dan O'Leary
Rockford Wakes 72 58 .554 5 Howard Wakefield
Quincy Gems 65 56 .537 7.5 John Castle
Peoria Distillers 68 63 .519 9.5 Izzy Hoffman
Dubuque / Freeport # 48 76 .387 26 Larry Mullen / Howard Darringer / Doc Cummings
Bloomington Bloomers 48 76 .387 26 Pete Lister / Johnny Lindsay
Decatur Commodores ## 37 57 .394 NA Jim Duggan

# Dubuque (2-5) moved to Freeport July 14.
## Decatur disbanded August 10.
Playoff: Moline 4 games, Davenport 2.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Roy Sherer Quincy BA .321 Lou Tretter Quincy W 19
Roy Baxter Rockford Runs 84 Al Gould Davenport W 19
Howard Wakefield Rockford Hits 151 Hod Eller Moline W 19
Roy Sherer Quincy Hits 151 Al Gould Davenport SO 218
Otto Jacobs Rockford HR 7 Frank Romine Peoria ERA 1.13
Frank Scanlan PCT .800 16-4


1916 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Peoria Distillers 84 50 .627 - Bill Jackson
Hannibal Mules 79 57 .581 6 Ted Waring
Bloomington Bloomers 76 56 .576 7 Howard Darringer
Rockford Wakes 67 66 .504 16.5 Howard Wakefield
Moline Plowboys 59 76 .437 25.5 George Hughes
Rock Island Islanders 57 76 .429 26.5 Pete Lister / Harry Bay
Quincy Gems 57 77 .425 27 John Castle
Davenport Blue Sox 56 77 .421 27.5 Dan O'Leary
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Howard Wakefield Rockford BA .352 Bert Graham Moline W 23
Ralph Craig Peoria Runs 101 Hal Carlson Rockford W 23
Howard Wakefield Rockford Hits 179 Dave Black Peoria SO 159
Fred Beck Peoria HR 10 Art Smith Hannibal ERA 1.50
Rinaldo Williams Rockford HR 10 Art Smith Hannibal PCT .789 15-4


1917 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Peoria Distillers 43 23 .652 - Bill Jackson
Rockford Rox 39 21 .650 1 Frank Reynolds
Hannibal Mules 39 27 .591 4 John Castle
Rock Island Islanders 36 26 .581 5 Jack Tighe
Quincy Gems 27 38 .415 15.5 Ted Waring
Moline Plowboys 27 38 .415 15.5 Ned Pettigrew / Bob Tarleton
Bloomington Bloomers 25 37 .403 16 Howard Darringer
Alton Blues 18 44 .290 23 Harry Bay / Jim Duggan

The season was shortened to July 8 with National Association approval, but the league did not disband.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Bert Graham Quincy BA .386 Pat Griffin Rockford W 15
Del Bemis Rockford Runs 55 Ollie Reeb Rock Island SO 75
Del Bemis Rockford Hits 87 Ollie Reeb Rock Island ERA 1.25
Norm Glockson Rockford HR 8 Frank Reynolds Peoria PCT .833 10-2


The League Did Not Play In 1918 Due To WW I

1919-1932[edit]

1919 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Bloomington Bloomers 80 41 .661 - Joe Dunn
Peoria Tractors 68 54 .557 12.5 James Hamilton
Evansville Evas 63 58 .521 17 Johnny Nee
Rockford Rox 63 60 .512 18 John Castle
Terre Haute Browns 50 70 .417 29.5 Mordecai Brown
Moline Plowboys 40 81 .331 40 George Hughes
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Shag Thompson Bloomington BA .346 Frank Romine Bloomington W 25
Johnny Nee Evansville Runs 93 Cliff Murchison Peoria SO 218
Bevo LeBourveau Peoria Hits 163 Ted Turner Bloomington ERA 1.92
Fred Foelsch Rockford HR 8 Alex Shields Evansville PCT .824 14-3


1920 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Bloomington Bloomers 82 57 .590 - Joe Dunn
Evansville Evas 80 56 .588 .5 Lew Groh / Al Bashang
Rockford Rox 70 70 .500 12.5 Jim Shollenberger / Harry Brant
Moline Plowboys 69 70 .497 13 Earle Mack
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 68 69 .497 13 Frank Boyle
Peoria Tractors 67 71 .486 14.5 Bill Jackson
Terre Haute Browns 58 77 .430 22 Mordecai Brown / Charles Oberta / Howard Darringer
Rock Island Islanders 57 81 .413 24.5 Jack Tighe / Norm Glockson
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Bob Fothergill Bloomington BA .332 Jack Tesar Cedar Rapids W 25
Gus Kellerman Bloomington Runs 111 Alex Pearson Moline SO 209
Bob Fothergill Bloomington Hits 180 Allen Conkwright Bloomington ERA 1.72
Bob Fothergill Bloomington RBI 116 Allen Conkwright Bloomington PCT .774 24-7
Norm Glockson Rock Island HR 11
Earl Sykes Bloomington HR 11


1921 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Moline Plowboys 78 55 .587 - Earle Mack
Rockford Bells 72 64 .529 7.5 Harry Brant
Terre Haute Browns 70 65 .519 9 Bob Coleman
Peoria Tractors 70 69 .504 11 Bill Jackson
Evansville Black Sox 67 69 .493 12.5 Al Bashang
Bloomington Bloomers 65 69 .485 13.5 Joe Dunn
Cedar Rapids Rabbits 62 72 .463 16.5 Frank Boyle
Rock Island Islanders 57 78 .422 22 George McQuillan/Elmer Benson
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
John Anderson Rockford BA .339 Fred Heimach Moline W 24
Jim Hall Rockford Runs 99 Jim Sullivan Moline SO 185
John Anderson Rockford Hits 170 Fred Heimach Moline ERA 2.38
John Anderson Rockford RBI 109 Hilding Nelson Peoria PCT .783 18-5
Howie Jones Moline HR 17


1922 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Terre Haute Tots 85 51 .625 - 80,056 Bob Coleman
Decatur Commodores 78 58 .574 7 64,024 Dan O'Leary
Peoria Tractors 76 60 .559 9 Bill Jackson
Evansville Evas 74 64 .536 12 62,442 Johnny Nee
Rockford Rox 74 65 .532 12.5 29,500 Harry Brant
Bloomington Bloomers 63 75 .457 23 Earl Sykes
Danville Veterans 50 87 .365 25.5 43,925 Joe McGinnity/Ray Gillenwater/Charles O'Day
Moline Plowboys 49 89 .355 37 Earle Mack
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Al Platte Peoria BA .360 Adolph Holtzhauser Decatur W 24
John Command Rockford Runs 113 Jumbo Elliott Terre Haute SO 214
Guy Dunning Terre Haute Hits 194 Adolph Holtzhauser Decatur ERA 2.18
Frank McCue Moline HR 20 Jumbo Elliott Terre Haute PCT .714 20-8


1923 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Decatur Commodores 81 54 .600 - Charlie Miller
Rockford Rox 76 63 .547 7 Harry Rigsby
Terre Haute Coals 71 60 .541 8 Ernie Robertson
Bloomington Bloomers 72 64 .529 9.5 Bill Jackson
Evansville Evas 72 65 .525 10 Johnny Nee
Peoria Tractors 71 65 .522 10.5 Dick Breen
Danville Veterans 55 81 .404 26.5 Rudy Hulswitt
Moline Plowboys 45 91 .331 36.5 Bobby Coltrin / Jim Shollenberger
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Guy Dunning Terre Haute BA .371 John Kotzelnick Decatur W 20
Ed Barnes Peoria Runs 100 Jumbo Elliott Terre Haute SO 154
Guy Dunning Terre Haute Hits 198 Rex Adkins Rockford PCT .773 17-5
Ernie Calbert Decatur HR 18
Harry Rice Danville HR 18


1924 Three-I League - schedule
President: Albert R. Tearney / L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Terre Haute Tots 75 62 .547 - Roy Whitcraft
Evansville Evas 75 64 .540 1 Joe Dunn
Bloomington Bloomers 71 64 .526 3 Pat Harkins
Peoria Tractors 71 66 .518 4 Dick Breen
Danville Veterans 59 75 .440 17.5 Ed Wright / Hick Cady / Lance Utt
Decatur Commodores 58 78 .426 16.5 Hal Irelan / Guy Rigsby / Calbert / Coffey
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Paddy Reagan Evansville BA .329 Phil Collins Bloomington W 19
Paddy Reagan Evansville Runs 104 Walt Miller Terre Haute SO 147
Paddy Reagan Evansville Hits 188 Dutch Levsen Terre Haute ERA 2.03
Al Platte Peoria RBI 98 Jack Ziegler Evansville PCT .680 17-8
Paddy Reagan Evansville HR 18


1925 Three-I League - schedule
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Peoria Tractors 89 48 .605 - 75,437 William Rodgers
Terre Haute Tots 81 54 .600 7 67,537 Roy Whitcraft
Evansville Pocketeers 72 63 .533 16 56,298 Joe Dunn
Danville Veterans 69 66 .516 19 70,773 Punch Knoll
Decatur Commodores 62 73 .459 26 58,304 Dan O'Leary
Bloomington Bloomers 56 74 .431 29.5 35,628 Pat Harkins
Springfield Senators 56 79 .415 32 116,779 Bill Jackson/Dave Lamb
Quincy Red Birds 54 82 .397 34.5 54,179 Newt Hunter
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Tom Jenkins Danville BA .360 Jumbo Elliott Terre Haute W 25
Frank McGee Peoria Runs 134 Ron Chesterfield Danville SO 138
Tom Jenkins Danville Hits 192 Jumbo Elliott Terre Haute ERA 3.03
Frank McGee Peoria HR 20 Tiny Goodbread Peoria PCT .824 14-3
Joe Bratcher Peoria HR 20


1926 Three-I League - schedule
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Springfield Senators 77 59 .566 - Alex McCarthy
Peoria Tractors 75 62 .547 2.5 William Rodgers
Terre Haute Tots 73 61 .545 3 Roy Whitcraft
Danville Veterans 72 65 .526 5.5 Punch Knoll
Evansville Hubs 72 66 .522 6 Oscar Stanage
Decatur Commodores 69 67 .507 8 Hal Irelan
Quincy Red Birds 62 75 .453 15.5 Henry Wingfield / Henry "Buzz" Wetzel
Bloomington Bloomers 43 88 .328 31.5 Tiny Goodbread
Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Harry Layne Peoria BA .360 Dan Boone Terre Haute W 19
Al Maderas Springfield Runs 119 Hal Smith Peoria W 19
Frank Murphy Danville Hits 193 George Clark Terre Haute W 19
Al Maderas Springfield HR 30 Elmer Ambrose Decatur W 19
Clarence Hoots Springfield W 19
George Clark Terre Haute SO 134
Arnie Stone Evansville ERA 2.44
Jack Ziegler Springfield PCT .708 17-7


1927 Three-I League - schedule
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Danville Veterans 86 50 .632 - Everett Booe
Peoria Tractors 87 51 .630 0 William Rodgers
Springfield Senators 72 66 .522 15 Alex McCarthy
Terre Haute Tots 70 66 .515 16 Bob Wells
Decatur Commodores 62 70 .470 22 Hal Irelan
Quincy Red Birds 63 75 .457 24 Boss Schmidt / Mack Allison / Punch Knoll
Bloomington Bloomers 55 83 .403 32 Clarence Brooks / William Campbell
Evansville Hubs 50 84 .373 35 Roy Whitcraft

Reported league attendance: 430,825

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Red Smith Peoria BA .370 Ralph Judd Peoria W 21
Bill Mizeur Peoria Runs 125 Ralph Judd Peoria SO 121
Bill Mizeur Peoria Hits 186 Ralph Judd Peoria ERA 2.01
Bill Mizeur Peoria RBI 128 Ralph Judd Peoria PCT .778 21-6
Bill Mizeur Peoria HR 23
Ted Menze Springfield HR 23


1928 Three-I League
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Decatur Commodores 81 49 .623 - Rube Dessau
Terre Haute Tots 75 59 .560 8 Pat Haley
Danville Veterans 69 57 .548 10 Joe Schultz
Peoria Tractors 69 66 .511 14.5 Ernie Krueger
Evansville Hubs 62 68 .477 19 Bob Coleman
Bloomington Bloomers 61 69 .469 20 William Campbell
Springfield Senators 60 74 .448 23 Carlisle Smith / Roy Whitcraft
Quincy Indians 50 85 .370 33.5 Joe Riggert / Hal Irelan

Reported league attendance: 360,836
Playoff: Decatur 4 games, Terre Haute 1, one tie.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Rip Collins Danville BA .388 Wes Ferrell Terre Haute W 20
Vernon Blenkiron Springfield Runs 117 Ivan Howard Decatur W 20
Pat Patterson Decatur Hits 181 Whitlow Wyatt Evansville SO 138
Rip Collins Danville RBI 101 Leo Skidmore Peoria ERA 1.59
Rip Collins Danville HR 19 Harold McKain Decatur PCT .760 19-6
Francis Duffy Peoria HR 19


1929 Three-I League - schedule
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Quincy Indians 82 56 .594 - Walter Holke
Decatur Commodores 81 57 .587 1 Rube Dessau
Evansville Hubs 79 57 .581 2 Bob Coleman
Terre Haute Tots 72 66 .522 10 Earl Wolgamot
Bloomington Bloomers 70 70 .500 13 Pat Harkins
Peoria Tractors 61 76 .445 20.5 Cliff Brady
Springfield Senators 59 77 .434 22 Roy Whitcraft
Danville Veterans 46 91 .336 35.5 Joe Schultz

Reported league attendance: 322,999

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Pat Patterson Decatur BA .348 Whitlow Wyatt Evansville W 22
George DeTore Decatur Runs 106 Elmer Ambrose Quincy W 22
Clarence Beasley Terre Haute Hits 180 Whitlow Wyatt Evansville SO 177
Lafe Byard Decatur RBI 101 Bill Martin Evansville ERA 2.32
Francis Duffy Peoria HR 21 Whitlow Wyatt Evansville PCT .786 22-6


1930 Three-I League - schedule
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Evansville Hubs 79 55 .590 - Bob Coleman
Quincy Indians 78 58 .574 2 Boss Schmidt
Decatur Commodores 77 59 .566 3 Rube Dessau
Danville Veterans 71 61 .538 7 Frank Murphy
Springfield Senators 62 70 .470 16 Dan Clark
Peoria Tractors 57 77 .425 22 Pat Patterson / George Foss
Bloomington Cubs 57 78 .422 22.5 Pat Harkins / Jack Tobin
Terre Haute Tots 53 76 .411 23.5 Earl Wolgamot

Reported league attendance: Decatur, 70,396
Playoff: Danville 4 games, Evansville 2.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Joe Vosmik Terre Haute BA .397 Slim Love Quincy W 22
Hub Walker Evansville Runs 136 Tommy Bridges Evansville SO 189
Hub Walker Evansville Hits 191 Johnny Niggeling Evansville ERA 2.89
Moose Clabaugh Quincy RBI 154 Al Baker Decatur PCT .790 19-6
Moose Clabaugh Quincy HR 30


1931 Three-I League - schedule
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Springfield Browns 72 45 .615 - Bill Wambsganss
Quincy Indians 67 49 .578 4.5 Walter Holke
Evansville Hubs 67 58 .536 9 Bob Coleman
Decatur Commodores 64 57 .529 10 Rube Dessau
Bloomington Cubs 58 61 .487 15 Joe Dunn
Terre Haute Tots 55 68 .447 20 Frank Kohlbecker
Peoria Tractors 51 68 .429 22 Chick Fraser
Danville Veterans 44 72 .379 27.5 Frank Murphy

Playoff: Quincy 4 games, Springfield 2.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Milt Galatzer Terre Haute BA .375 Thad Campbell Decatur W 19
George Stumpf Quincy Runs 100 Glen Larsen Springfield SO 168
Charles Conners Decatur Hits 169 Charles Reddock Terre Haute/Decatur ERA 2.52
Ollie Bejma Quincy RBI 86 Charles Reddock Terre Haute/Decatur PCT .750 12-4
Ollie Bejma Quincy HR 16


1932 Three-I League
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Terre Haute Tots 42 27 .609 - Walter Holke
Peoria Tractors 40 28 .588 1.5 Riley Parker
Quincy Indians ## 38 31 .551 4 Syl Simon
Springfield Senators # 32 37 .464 10 Rube Dessau
Danville Veterans 29 39 .426 12.5 Elmer Yoter / Wattie Holm
Decatur Commodores # 24 43 .358 17 Bob Coleman

# Springfield (3-7) in the second half and Decatur (4-6) in the second half disbanded July 12.
## Quincy withdrew July 15, causing the league to disband.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Ab Wright Danville BA .357 Rex McDonald Terre Haute W 12
Jim Crawford Terre Haute Runs 63 Rex McDonald Terre Haute SO 102
Jim Crawford Terre Haute Hits 99 Elmer Ambrose Springfield Pct .733; 11-4
Hal Trosky Quincy HR 15 Lester Davis Terre Haute PCT .733 11-4

1935[edit]

1935 Three-I League
President: L.J. Wylie

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Bloomington Bloomers 75 44 .630 - Burleigh Grimes
Springfield Senators 74 45 .622 1 Bob Coleman
Decatur Commodores 59 56 .513 14 John Butler / Cliff Knox
Terre Haute Tots 57 61 .483 17.5 Bill Burwell
Fort Wayne Chiefs 52 71 .423 25 Bruno Betzel
Peoria Tractors 38 78 .328 35.5 Jack Sheehan / Bill Rodgers

Playoff: Springfield 4 games, Bloomington 2. Bloomington was declared the winner when Springfield refused to replay protested final game that was upheld by the league president.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Chet Laabs Fort Wayne BA .384 Max Macon Bloomington W 19
Hersh Martin Bloomington Runs 112 Johnny Hutchings Peoria SO 166
Jimmy Outlaw Decatur Hits 157 Lefty Smoll Springfield PCT .765 13-4
Chet Laabs Fort Wayne RBI 96
Chet Laabs Fort Wayne HR 24

1937-1942[edit]

1937 Three-I League - schedule
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Clinton Owls 75 36 .676 - Clyde Sukeforth
Moline Plowboys 74 41 .643 3 Mike Gazella
Decatur Commodores 53 64 .453 25 George Payne
Peoria Reds 45 66 .405 30 Ben Tincup / Wayne Blackburn
Bloomington Bengals # 21 38 .356 NA Joseph Sims
Terre Haute Tots # 15 38 .283 NA Walter Holke

# Bloomington and Terre Haute disbanded July 3,at the end of the first half.
Attendance: Clinton 70,000; Moline 40,000.
Playoff: Moline 4 games, Clinton 2.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Hank Majeski Moline BA .345 Kirby Higbe Moline W 21
George Cisar Clinton Runs 98 Kirby Higbe Moline SO 257
Joe Mene Moline Hits 164 Kirby Higbe Moline PCT .808 21-5
Bert Haas Clinton HR 13


1938 Three-I League - schedule
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Evansville Bees 77 47 .621 - 98,817 Bob Coleman
Decatur Commodores 68 58 .540 10 50,766 Tony Kaufmann
Moline Plowboys 67 59 .532 11 22,684 Mike Gazella
Springfield Browns 63 60 .512 13.5 66,944 Walter Holke
Waterloo Red Hawks 59 65 .476 18 43,980 Lennie Backer
Cedar Rapids Raiders 56 63 .471 18.5 39,211 Cap Crossley
Bloomington Bloomers 56 65 .463 19.5 24,368 Bob O'Farrell
Clinton Owls 46 75 .380 29.5 35,119 Ollie Marquardt

Playoffs: Decatur 3 games, Springfield 2. Mobile 3 games, Evansville 1.
Finals: Decatur 4 games, Moline 1.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Lou Novikoff Moline BA .367 Emil Bildilli Springfield W 18
Eddie Lake Decatur Runs 117 Floyd Giebell Evansville W 18
Lou Novikoff Moline Hits 186 Emil Bildilli Springfield SO 185
Lou Novikoff Moline RBI 114 Floyd Giebell Evansville ERA 1.98
Frank Piet Springfield HR 25 Emil Bildilli Springfield PCT .818 18-4


1939 Three-I League - schedule
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Cedar Rapids Raiders 73 46 .613 - 56,399 Ollie Marquardt
Evansville Bees 73 48 .603 1 81,371 Bob Coleman
Decatur Commodores 68 51 .571 5 49,710 Tony Kaufmann
Springfield Browns 65 55 .542 8.5 37,916 Walter Holke
Clinton Giants 63 58 .521 11 41,712 Blondy Ryan
Bloomington Bloomers 49 73 .402 25.5 14,005 Bud Connolly
Moline Plowboys 49 73 .402 25.5 20,911 Mike Gazella
Waterloo Red Hawks 42 78 .350 31.5 28,935 Cap Crossley

Playoffs: Springfield 3 games, Evansville 1. Decatur 3 games, Cedar Rapids 1.
Finals: Springfield 3 games, Decatur 2.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Del Jones Cedar Rapids BA .362 Joe Callahan Evansville W 19
Del Jones Cedar Rapids Runs 120 Mike Naymick Cedar Rapids SO 181
Del Jones Cedar Rapids Hits 168 Joe Callahan Evansville ERA 1.86
George Binks Cedar Rapids RBI 116 Roger Wolff Cedar Rapids PCT .750 15-5
Fred Stroble Springfield HR 21


1940 Three-I League
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Cedar Rapids Raiders 74 51 .592 - 46,475 Ollie Marquardt
Decatur Commodores 73 52 .584 1 37,667 Tony Kaufmann / Boyce Morrow / Lou Scoffic
Springfield Browns 73 53 .579 1.5 56,569 Art Scharein
Evansville Braves 68 55 .553 5 60,815 Bob Coleman
Clinton Giants 62 57 .521 9 40,277 Josh Billings
Madison Blues 61 62 .496 12 36,740 Bud Connolly
Moline Plowboys 46 78 .471 27.5 13,639 Mike Gazella
Waterloo White Hawks 36 85 .298 36 23,441 John Fitzpatrick / Frederick Bedore

Playoffs: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Springfield 0. Decatur 3 games, Evansville 2.
Finals: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Decatur 1.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Lou Scoffic Decatur BA .358 Mike Kash Madison W 20
Chuck Workman Cedar Rapids Runs 108 Max Surkont Decatur SO 212
Lou Scoffic Decatur Hits 164 Max Surkont Decatur ERA 2.50
Don Manno Evansville RBI 113 Max Surkont Decatur PCT .792 19-5
Chuck Workman Cedar Rapids HR 29


1941 Three-I League - schedule
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Evansville Bees 80 45 .640 - 69,156 Bob Coleman
Cedar Rapids Raiders 72 49 .595 6 40,323 Ollie Marquardt
Decatur Commodores 67 56 .545 12 38,485 Dib Williams
Springfield Browns 65 59 .524 14.5 41,194 Art Scharein
Waterloo White Hawks 59 65 .476 20.5 55,456 Louis Brower / Johnny Mostil
Clinton Giants 57 68 .456 23 25,861 Josh Billings
Madison Blues 52 71 .423 27 28,434 Ivy Griffin
Moline Plowboys 43 82 .344 37 16,534 Joe Mowry

Playoffs: Decatur 3 games, Evansville 2. Cedar Rapids 3 games, Springfield 1.
Finals: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Decatur 2.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Hank Edwards Cedar Rapids BA .364 Warren Spahn Madison W 19
Hank Edwards Cedar Rapids Runs 101 John Clay Decatur SO 204
Delbert Jones Cedar Rapids Runs 101 Warren Spahn Madison ERA 1.83
Hank Edwards Cedar Rapids Hits 172 Warren Spahn Madison PCT .760 19-6
Hank Edwards Cedar Rapids RBI 113
Hank Edwards Cedar Rapids HR 23


1942 Three-I League
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Cedar Rapids Raiders 74 43 .632 - Ollie Marquardt
Springfield Browns 67 48 .583 6 Jimmy Adair
Evansville Bees 65 54 .546 10 Bob Coleman
Madison Blues 55 62 .470 19 Walter Millies
Waterloo White Hawks 47 71 .398 27.5 Johnny Mostil
Decatur Commodores 45 75 .375 30.5 Abe White / Tony Kaufmann

Playoffs: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Evansville 2. Madison 3 games, Springfield 1.
Finals: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Madison 0.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Whitey Platt Madison BA .395 Bryan Stephens Cedar Rapids W 20
Blas Monaco Cedar Rapids Runs 95 Len Perme Waterloo SO 204
Ducky Detweiler Evansville Hits 149 John Pavlick Springfield ERA 2.96
Pat Seerey Cedar Rapids RBI 91 Bryan Stephens Cedar Rapids PCT .833 20-4
Pat Seerey Cedar Rapids HR 33


The league did not play in 1943, '44 and '45 due to WW II

1946-1961[edit]

1946 Three-I League
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Managers
Davenport Cubs 76 44 .618 - Bill Kelly
Danville Dodgers 76 44 .618 0 Jake Pitler / Paul Chervinko
Evansville Braves 68 51 .571 7.5 Bob Coleman
Terre Haute Phillies 63 60 .512 14.5 Ray Brubaker
Waterloo White Hawks 62 63 .496 16.5 Johnny Mostil
Springfield Browns 58 67 .464 20.5 Tony Robello
Decatur Commodores 43 72 .374 30.5 Harrison Wickel
Quincy Gems 37 82 .311 38.5 Edward Marleau / Cedric Durst

Attendance: Waterloo, 89,825
Playoffs: Davenport defeated Danville in a one game playoff for first place.
Evansville 3 games, Davenport 1. Terre Haute 3 games, Danville 1.
Finals: Evansville 3 games, Terre Haute 0.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Rube Walker Davenport BA .354 Bob Kohout Danville W 14
Richard Welker Terre Haute Runs 105 Ken Manus Waterloo W 14
Cal Abrams Danville Hits 146 Charles Shipman Evansville W 14
Bill Sanders Terre Haute RBI 96 Ray Shore Springfield SO 157
Bill Sanders Terre Haute HR 14 Jean Davison Davenport ERA 2.18
Jim Christie Terre Haute HR 14 Jean Davison Davenport PCT .867 13-2


1947 Three-I League
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Danville Dodgers 79 47 .627 - 63,926 Paul Chervinko
Terre Haute Phillies 74 51 .592 4.5 133,654 Ray Brubaker / Whitey Gluchoski / Sanford
Springfield Browns 71 55 .563 8 58,009 Ben Huffman
Waterloo Hawks 71 55 .563 8 174,064 Johnny Mostil / Jack Onslow
Evansville Braves 70 55 .560 8.5 133,163 Bob Coleman
Davenport Cubs 55 70 .440 23.5 50,846 Dickie Kerr / Morrie Arnovich
Quincy Gems 50 75 .400 28.5 100,096 Gordie Hinkle
Decatur Commodores 31 93 .250 47 33,069 Gene Corbett

Playoffs: Springfield defeated Waterloo in a playoff for third place.
Danville 3 games, Springfield 2. Waterloo 3 games, Terre Haute 0.
Finals: Waterloo 4 games, Danville 1.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Hank Arft Springfield BA .364 Ken Olson Danville W 22
Jerry Scala Waterloo Runs 116 John Perkovich Waterloo SO 207
Jerry Scala Waterloo Hits 163 John Perkovich Waterloo ERA 2.50
Ray Fletcher Evansville RBI 115 Ken Olson Danville PCT .846 22-4
Ed Ehlers Quincy HR 22


1948 Three-I League - schedule
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Quincy Gems 81 45 .643 - 124,053 James Adlam
Danville Dodgers 72 51 .585 7.5 62,284 Paul Chervinko
Evansville Braves 67 54 .554 11.5 101,652 Bob Coleman
Terre Haute Phillies 65 57 .533 14 130,009 Pat Colgan / Dale Jones
Waterloo White Hawks 63 61 .508 17 170,018 Pete Fox
Springfield Browns 56 67 .455 23.5 54,463 Hank Helf / Irv Hall
Decatur Commies 50 75 .400 30.5 44,943 Red Lucas / Nelson Burbrink
Davenport Pirates 41 85 .325 40 45,711 Ival Goodman

Playoffs: Terre Haute 3 games, Danville 2. Evansville 3 games, Quincy 2.
Finals: Evansville 4 games, Terre Haute 0.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
John Novosel Springfield BA .339 Art Bohman Quincy W 16
Bob Marquis Quincy Runs 108 Lew Burdette Quincy W 16
Bob Marquis Quincy Hits 164 Glenn Thompson Evansville SO 230
Kite Thomas Quincy RBI 99 David Thieke Danville ERA 1.81
John Novosel Springfield HR 22 Glenn Thompson Evansville PCT .789 15-4
Don Lenhardt Springfield HR 22


1949 Three-I League - schedule
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Evansville Braves 74 51 .592 - 145,657 Bob Coleman
Waterloo White Hawks 70 56 .556 4.5 146,421 Ben Huffman / Frederick Shaffer
Terre Haute Phillies 69 56 .552 5 122,493 Lee Riley
Davenport Pirates 67 59 .532 7.5 133,505 Bill Burwell
Quincy Gems 59 67 .468 15.5 85,130 James Adlam
Decatur Cubs 55 70 .440 19 51,147 Morrie Arnovich
Danville Dodgers 55 70 .440 19 49,605 Lou Rochelli
Springfield Browns 53 73 .421 21.5 48,952 Doc Crandall

Playoffs: Evansville 3 games, Terre Haute 2. Davenport 3 games, Waterloo 2.
Finals: Davenport 3 games, Evansville 0.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Emil Tellinger Quincy BA .322 Bob Miller Terre Haute W 19
Herman Rhodes Waterloo Runs 86 Paul Stuffel Terre Haute SO 288
Robert Anderlik Decatur Hits 140 William Koszarek Terre Haute ERA 1.97
Ed McGhee Waterloo RBI 88 William Koszarek Terre Haute PCT .875 14-2
Lloyd Lowe Decatur HR 15
Emil Tellinger Quincy HR 15


1950 Three-I League - https://www.newspapers.com/clip/61234097/1950-three-i-league-schedule/ schedule]
President: Tom Fairweather

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Terre Haute Phillies 78 48 .619 - 111,228 Dan Carnevale
Danville Dodgers 74 52 .587 4 51,616 Jim Bivin
Waterloo White Hawks 70 56 .556 8 119,244 Otto Denning
Quincy Gems 64 60 .516 13 53,322 James Adlam
Cedar Rapids Indians 59 67 .468 19 85,038 Billy Jurges
Evansville Braves 56 70 .444 22 102,865 Ernie White
Decatur Commodores 52 74 .413 26 35,516 Morrie Arnovich
Davenport Quads 49 75 .395 28 90,584 Gene Hasson

Playoffs: Terre Haute 3 games, Quincy 0. Danville 3 games, Waterloo 0.
Finals: Terre Haute 3 games, Danville 1.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Jim King Cedar Rapids BA .332 Jacob Schmitt Terre Haute W 21
Jack Lillis Danville Runs 110 Niles Jordan Terre Haute SO 206
Frank Marchio Quincy Hits 162 Niles Jordan Terre Haute ERA 2.35
Frank Marchio Quincy RBI 112 Jacob Schmitt Terre Haute PCT .808 21-5
Allen Thomas Waterloo HR 25


1951 Three-I League - schedule
President: Vern McMillan

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Terre Haute Phillies 75 55 .577 - 81,511 Skeeter Newsome
Evansville Braves 69 60 .535 5.5 101,254 Bob Coleman
Quincy Gems 65 65 .500 10 62,503 Dutch Zwilling
Cedar Rapids Indians 64 66 .492 11 92,102 Kerby Farrell
Waterloo White Hawks 60 69 .466 14.5 79,687 Otto Denning / Ed Taylor / Skeeter Webb
Davenport Tigers 56 74 .431 19 100,328 Marv Olson

Playoffs: Quincy 3 games, Terre Haute 1. Cedar Rapids 3 games, Evansville 2.
Finals: Quincy 3 games, Cedar Rapids 2.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Jim Command Terre Haute BA .328 Alfred Dumouchelle Evansville W 17
James Deery Terre Haute Runs 103 Jack Urban Quincy W 17
Jim Command Terre Haute Hits 166 Bob P. Coleman Cedar Rapids W 17
Robert Erps Davenport RBI 97 Jack Urban Quincy SO 164
Bill Renna Quincy HR 26 Ben Johnson Evansville ERA 2.47
Daniel Ramer Terre Haute PCT .750 15-5


1952 Three-I League - schedule
President: Hal Totten

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Evansville Braves 74 47 .612 - 124,381 Bob Coleman
Terre Haute Phillies 75 49 .605 .5 63,267 Skeeter Newsome
Burlington Flints 64 60 .516 11.5 57,259 Len Schulte
Waterloo White Hawks 65 61 .515 11.5 75,071 Skeeter Webb
Keokuk Kernels 56 66 .459 18.5 64,931 Rudy Laskowski
Davenport Tigers 54 69 .439 21 71,989 Marv Owen
Quincy Gems 54 72 .429 22.5 45,541 Paul Chervinko
Cedar Rapids Indians 53 71 .427 22.5 94,428 Jimmy Bloodworth

Playoffs: Evansville 3 games, Burlington 2. Terre Haute 3 games, Waterloo 0.
Finals: Terre Haute 3 games, Evansville 1.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Art Pennington Keokuk BA .349 George Yorke Evansville W 17
Art Pennington Keokuk Runs 126 Bud Daley Cedar Rapids SO 198
Chuck Harmon Burlington Hits 153 Gerald Speck Waterloo ERA 2.44
Horace Garner Evansville RBI 107 Stewart Alton Evansville PCT .786 11-3
Robert Erps Waterloo HR 27


1953 Three-I League - schedule
President: Hal Totten

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Terre Haute Phillies 76 52 .594 - 64,428 Hub Kittle
Quincy Gems 70 58 .547 6 75,363 Vern Hoscheit
Evansville Braves 70 59 .543 6.5 88,438 Bob Coleman
Waterloo White Hawks 69 60 .535 7.5 93,153 Zack Taylor
Peoria Chiefs 63 65 .492 13 124,866 Whitey Kurowski
Cedar Rapids Indians 63 65 .492 13 93,501 Al Kubski / William Prince
Keokuk Kernels 53 75 .414 23 76,405 Rudy Laskowski
Burlington Flints 49 79 .383 27 49,370 Johnny Vander Meer

Playoffs: Evansville 3 games, Terre Haute 2. Quincy 3 games, Waterloo 1.
Finals: Quincy 3 games, Evansville 0.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Bob Coats Cedar Rapids BA .327 Jim Owens Terre Haute W 22
James Fishback Peoria Runs 107 Seth Morehead Terre Haute SO 206
Bob Coats Cedar Rapids Hits 162 Joe Stanka Cedar Rapids ERA 2.35
Ed Barbarito Quincy Hits 162 Jim Owens Terre Haute PCT .733 22-8
Ed Barbarito Quincy RBI 127
Marv Throneberry Quincy HR 30


1954 Three-I League - schedule
President: Hal Totten

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Evansville Braves 81 54 .600 - 71,691 Bob Coleman
Keokuk Kernels 78 58 .574 3.5 49,957 Jo-Jo White
Peoria Chiefs 73 63 .537 8.5 78,497 Whitey Kurowski
Quincy Gems 71 64 .526 10 54,168 Vern Hoscheit
Waterloo White Hawks 66 69 .489 15 51,600 Walter Millies
Cedar Rapids Indians 63 72 .467 18 60,605 William Prince
Terre Haute Phillies 60 76 .441 21.5 37,104 Hub Kittle
Burlington Bees 50 86 .368 31.5 37,010 Doc Crandall

Playoffs: Peoria 3 games, Evansville 1. Quincy 3 games, Keokuk 1.
Finals: Quincy 3 games, Peoria 0.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Tom Gott Quincy BA .348 Stan Pitula Keokuk W 20
Ed Barbarito Quincy Runs 121 Stan Pitula Keokuk SO 172
Tom Gott Quincy Hits 168 Ray Rippelmeyer Evansville ERA 2.91
Bob Kosis Peoria RBI 121 Ray Rippelmeyer Evansville PCT .762 16-5
Ed Barbarito Quincy HR 35


1955 Three-I League - schedule
President: Hal Totten

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Keokuk Kernels 92 34 .730 - 39,179 Pinky May
Waterloo White Hawks 70 56 .556 22 71,864 Dutch Dorman / Willard Marshall
Peoria Chiefs 63 63 .500 29 62,347 Whitey Kurowski
Burlington Bees 62 64 .492 30 91,946 Harold Meek
Evansville Braves 60 66 .476 32 47,414 Bob Coleman
Terre Haute Tigers 56 70 .444 36 50,334 Stubby Overmire
Quincy Gems 52 74 .413 40 39,081 Vern Hoscheit
Cedar Rapids Raiders 49 77 .389 43 58,611 Ray Perry

Playoffs: Keokuk 3 games, Peoria 0. Burlington 3 games, Waterloo 1.
Finals: Keokuk 3 games, Burlington 1.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Russ Nixon Keokuk BA .385 Mudcat Grant Keokuk W 19
John Romano Waterloo Runs 108 Bob Yanen Keokuk SO 177
Tony Kubek Quincy Hits 157 Bill Dailey Keokuk ERA 2.52
John Romano Waterloo RBI 124 Mudcat Grant Keokuk PCT .864 19-3
John Romano Waterloo HR 38


1956 Three-I League - schedule
President: Hal Totten

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Evansville Braves 84 36 .700 - 60,910 Bob Coleman
Waterloo White Hawks 62 56 .525 21 46,119 Ira Hutchinson
Keokuk Kernels 60 59 .504 23.5 47,440 Pinky May
Peoria Chiefs 58 58 .500 24 54,359 George Kissell
Quincy Gems 56 64 .467 28 35,308 Vern Hoscheit
Burlington Bees 46 75 .380 38.5 68,260 Ed McDade
Cedar Rapids Raiders 44 76 .367 40 47,352 George Scherger
Terre Haute Tigers # 40 26 .606 NA 23,368 Bill Norman / Charlie Metro

# Terre Haute disbanded July 3.
Playoffs: None Scheduled

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Horace Garner Evansville BA .354 Don Nottebart Evansville W 18
Lee Maye Evansville Runs 103 Dave Wegereck Keokuk SO 158
Lee Maye Evansville Hits 159 Don Nottebart Evansville ERA 2.24
Lee Maye Evansville RBI 99 Don Nottebart Evansville PCT .857 18-3
Clyde McNeal Cedar Rapids HR 27


1957 Three-I League - schedule
President: Hal Totten

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Evansville Braves 81 49 .623 - 54,295 Bob Coleman
Peoria Chiefs 80 49 .620 .5 54,737 Vern Hoscheit
Davenport DavSox 65 65 .500 16 79,478 Frank Scalzi
Burlington Bees 57 71 .445 23 58,771 Ken Raffensberger
Keokuk Kernels 55 74 .426 25.5 35,028 Pinky May
Cedar Rapids Raiders 49 79 .383 31 54,717 Danny Ozark

Playoffs: None Scheduled

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Horace Garner Evansville BA .334 Don Nichols Peoria W 20
Billy Smith Evansville Runs 107 Hal Trosky Jr. Davenport SO 204
George Holder Evansville Hits 148 Don Nichols Peoria ERA 2.09
Horace Garner Evansville RBI 100 Don Nichols Peoria PCT .870 20-3
Jim Koranda Cedar Rapids HR 31


1958 Three-I League - schedule
President: Hal Totten

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Cedar Rapids Braves 77 53 .592 - 81,437 Alex Monchak
Davenport DavSox 71 58 .550 5.5 61,522 Ira Hutchinson
Green Bay Bluejays 65 64 .504 11.5 63,782 Pete Reiser
Burlington Bees 62 67 .481 14.5 51,632 Walt Dixon
Rochester A's / Winona A's # 57 73 .438 20 39,589 Burl Storie / Lew Krausse
Fox Cities Foxes ## 56 73 .434 20.5 58,602 Pete Suder

# Rochester (20-37) mived to Winona June 29.
## Represented Appleton, Wisconsin.
Playoff: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Davenport 2.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Carlos Pascual Fox Cities BA .372 Bill Hamilton Cedar Rapids W 15
Frank Howard Green Bay Runs 104 Ed Rakow Green Bay W 15
Bob Sager Davenport Hits 180 Robert Sedlak Green Bay W 15
Frank Howard Green Bay RBI 119 Stan Horvatin Roches/Winona SO 210
Frank Howard Green Bay HR 37 Bill Hamilton Cedar Rapids ERA 2.18
Bob Henley Cedar Rapids PCT .737 14-5


1959 Three-I League - schedule
President: Hal Totten

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Des Moines Demons 78 48 .619 - 86,923 Chuck Kress
Green Bay Bluejays 74 51 .592 3.5 41,107 Stan Wasiak
Topeka Hawks 69 56 .552 8.5 59,803 Johnny Vander Meer
Fox Cities Foxes 59 67 .468 19 51,004 Jack McKeon
Lincoln Chiefs 58 68 .460 20 44,783 Ira Hutchinson
Sioux City Soos 58 68 .460 20 38,332 Bill Capps
Burlington Bees 54 72 .429 24 53,536 Ray Mueller
Cedar Rapids Braves 53 73 .421 25 70,039 Alex Monchak

Playoff: Green Bay 3 games, Des Moines 1.

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Hernan Valdes Fox Cities BA .330 Bart Dziadek Topeka W 15
Cal Emery Des Moines Runs 107 Larry Maxie Cedar Rapids SO 187
Dick Howser Sioux City Runs 107 Jim Brewer Burlington ERA 2.67
George Scott Green Bay Hits 155 Andres Ayon Topeka PCT .750 12-4
Cal Emery Des Moines RBI 129
Cal Emery Green Bay HR 27


1960 Three-I League - schedule
President: Vern Hoscheit

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Fox Cities Foxes 82 56 .594 - 61,062 Earl Weaver
Lincoln Chiefs 71 66 .518 10.5 45,170 Ira Hutchinson
Sioux City Soos 71 68 .511 11.5 41,385 Bobby Hofman
Cedar Rapids Braves 71 69 .507 12 62,358 Jimmy Brown
Burlington Bees 66 74 .471 17 51,988 Hardy Peterson
Green Bay Dodgers 65 73 .471 17 29,940 Stan Wasiak
Des Moines Demons 64 74 .464 18 53,828 Andy Seminick
Topeka Reds 64 74 .464 18 36,365 Johnny Vander Meer

Playoff: None Scheduled

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Pete Ward Fox Cities BA .345 Ron Woods Lincoln W 17
Frank Montgomery Fox Cities Runs 111 Hank Fischer Cedar Rapids SO 217
Gerry Reimer Des Moines Hits 179 Hank Fischer Grand Rapids ERA 2.01
Billy Joe Dashner Topeka RBI 108 Hank Fischer Grand Rapids PCT .682 15-7
Manly Johnston Lincoln HR 23
Billy Joe Dashner Topeka HR 23


1961 Three-I League - schedule
President: Vern Hoscheit

Team Standings W L PCT GB Attend Managers
Topeka Reds 79 50 .612 - 56,384 Dave Bristol
Cedar Rapids Braves 73 57 .562 6.5 69,617 Jimmy Brown
Lincoln Chiefs 68 62 .523 11.5 42,866 George Noga
Fox Cities Foxes 67 62 .519 12 47,552 Earl Weaver
Burlington Bees 65 65 .500 14.5 36,798 Hardy Peterson
Des Moines Demons 37 93 .285 42.5 33,337 Chuck Kress

Playoff: None Scheduled

Player Statistics
Player Team Stat Tot Player Team Stat Tot
Dick Haines Des Moines BA .355 Bill Holmes Cedar Rapids W 18
Tommy Harper Topeka Runs 131 Bob Locker Lincoln SO 215
Paul Snyder Cedar Rapids Hits 153 Bill Holmes Cedar Rapids ERA 2.21
Miles McWilliams Topeka RBI 102 Bill Holmes Cedar Rapids PCT .818 18-4
Barry Morgan Cedar Rapids HR 23

League Records 1902-1961[edit]

Batting
Player Team Stat Tot Yr Player Team Stat Tot Yr
Otto Vogel Rock Island G 144 10 Harry Kelley Rock Island G 144 10
Joe Vosmik Terre Haute BA .397 30 Sam Goody Peoria AB 591 54
Hub Walker Evansville RUNS 136 30 Guy Dunning Terre Haute H 198 23
Moose Clabaugh Quincy RBI 154 30 Frank Howard Cedar Rapids 2B 45 38
Ray Fritz Evansville 3B 26 30 John Romano Waterloo HR 38 55
Bill Mizeur Peoria TB 325 27 Otto Pahlman Danville HS 50 22
Pete Hughes Evansville SAC 75 22 Russell Fountain Peoria SB 79 14
Richard Beall Topeka BB 137 59 Olney Patterson Quincy SO 148 48
Robert Seltzer Springfield SO 148 49 Dick Smith Green Bay SO 148 60


Pitching
Player Team Stat Tot Yr Player Team Stat Tot Yr
George Bielik Cedar Rapids GA 68 57 Cicero Littrell Rockford CG 32 21
Roy Beecher Springfield W 28 07 Bert Grimm Terre Haute L 26 19
Warren Gill Cedar Rapids Pct .889,16-2 03 Frank Romine Peoria ERA 1.13 15
John Middleton Davenport IP 367 13 Charles Bomar Decatur WS 20 07
Warren Spahn Evansville ShO 7 41 Claude Elliott Rockford SO 291 07
Frank Oberlin Springfield BB 210 05 Andy Varga Decatur BB 210 50
Ben Dyer Decatur HB 32 13

MVPs[edit]

Hall of Fame Alumni[edit]

also:

Source[edit]

The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball: Second and Third Editions.

Further Reading[edit]

  • William Dowell: "The Marathon Game: Endless Baseball, its Prelude, and its Aftermath in the 1909 Three-I League", in The Baseball Research Journal, SABR, Volume 40, Number 1 (Spring 2011), pp. 94-102.

External Link[edit]

Baseball Hall of Fame information on the Three-I League Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League

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