Baseball

Although its origins are a mystery, baseball likely evolved from an older English game called rounders. Regional versions of baseball were played as early as the 1840s. During the Civil War, soldiers from across the Union played ball, creating a more consistent version of the game. Elmirans bought their first baseball tickets for a game between the Erastus Ransom Alerts and soldiers from the local garrison in 1866.

The Gilded Ideal

The Elmira Babies, the city's first professional baseball team, was founded in 1888. The team became the Gladiators in 1889 and played at the Driving Park on Maple Avenue until 1895. Elmira also had semi-professional and amateur teams. Local organizations, like the fire department, sponsored their own teams. In addition to watching the game, spectators had the chance to see local celebrities, like Mark Twain or Thomas K. Beecher, who both umpired games.

The Tarnished Reality

While baseball was locally popular, it also reflected tensions within the community. Early baseball was racially segregated. The Elmira Casinos (1895-1908) was an all black, semi-pro team. Also during this time, Elmira lost its professional baseball team. In 1895, spurred by religious activists, New York banned baseball from being played on Sundays. The Elmira Gladiators left the city and professional baseball did not return until the law was overturned years later.

Baseball poster, 1879 This advertisement promoted a game between Rochester and Elmira. It features a short biography of the Rochester team as well as the cost of admission.
Game invitation, 1874 Early teams had no formal schedules. They would write letters to other teams to set up a game. This letter was sent from Elmira to a team in Tioga.
Amateur team, circa 1900 Amateur teams had no sponsors, set of rules, or team uniforms.
Fire Department baseball team Many companies and organizations sponsored their own team. The fire department had a popular team.
Reformatory team, early 1900s Workers at the Elmira Reformatory played against other local teams.

Baseball

Baseball poster, 1879

This advertisement promoted a game between Rochester and Elmira. It features a short biography of the Rochester team as well as the cost of admission.

Game invitation, 1874

Early teams had no formal schedules. They would write letters to other teams to set up a game. This letter was sent from Elmira to a team in Tioga.

Amateur team, circa 1900

Amateur teams had no sponsors, set of rules, or team uniforms.

Fire Department baseball team

Many companies and organizations sponsored their own team. The fire department had a popular team.

Reformatory team, early 1900s

Workers at the Elmira Reformatory played against other local teams.