Moline Plowboys

From BR Bullpen

The Moline Plowboys were based in Moline, IL, formed when the franchise relocated to Moline from Danville, IL on July 14, 1914, The Plowboys played in the Class B Three-I League (1914 to 1923), the Class D Mississippi Valley League (1924 to 1932) and again in the Three-I League (1937 to 1941). Finally, they played in the Central Association, (1947-48) before disbanding in 1948. The plowboys were affiliates of the Philadelphia A's (1947-48), Chicago Cubs (1937–40) and Detroit Tigers (1932). The Plowboys' home was Browning Field.[1]

Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Warren Giles, future President of the National League, served as President of the Plowboys from 1919–1922.[2]

The Plowboys' ballpark (1920 to 1948) was Browning Field, located at 16th Street and 23rd Avenue. The 5,600 capacity park had dimensions (LF-CF-RF) of 550-440-377.[3] The first night game at the park was July 11, 1930.[4]

In an exhibition on April 12, 1920 the Plowboys defeated the Chicago White Sox 7-1 in the first "major-league" game played at Browning. The Chicago Cubs played an exhibition at Browning Field against their affiliate Plowboys on April 14, 1938.[5]

Babe Ruth appeared at Browning Field on June 26, 1940. 2,600 attended the Plowboys exhibition game featuring Ruth. They also saw watch Ruth put on a batting practice exhibition[6]

Hall of Fame Alumni[edit]

Notable Alumni[edit]


Year-by-Year Record[edit]

Year Record Finish Manager Playoffs
1914 20-33 8th Connie Walsh / William Neal none Danville (26-53) moved to Moline July 14
1915 75-51 1st George Hughes League Champs
1916 59-76 5th George Hughes none
1917 27-38 6th Ned Pettigrew / Bob Tarleton Season shortened to July 8
1919 40-81 6th George Hughes none
1920 69-70 4th Earle Mack none
1921 78-55 1st Earle Mack none League Champs
1922 49-89 8th Earle Mack none
1923 45-91 8th Bobby Coltrin / Jim Shollenberger none
1924 59-65 5th Jim Shollenberger none
1925 73-52 2nd Jim Shollenberger none
1926 71-50 2nd Jim Shollenberger none
1927 63-55 5th Fritz Mollwitz none
1928 69-54 2nd Richard Manchester none
1929 63-63 4th Richard Manchester none
1930 63-62 4th Riley Parker none
1931 68-58 3rd Riley Parker none
1932 55-66 6th Ernie Lorbeer
1937 74-41 2nd Mike Gazella League Champs
1938 67-59 3rd Mike Gazella Lost League Finals
1939 49-73 6th (t) Mike Gazella
1940 46-78 7th Mike Gazella
1941 43-82 8th Joe Mowry