The Rome Colonels was the primary moniker of minor league baseball teams based in

Rome, New York Rome is a city in Oneida County, New York, United States, located in the Central New York, central part of the state. The population was 32,127 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. Rome is one of two principal cities in the Utica–Ro ...

between 1898 and 1951. Rome teams played as members of the

New York State League The New York State League was an independent baseball league that played six seasons between 2007 and 2012 in New York State and the New York City metro area. Over 500 NYSL players have been signed by professional teams. Players from forty-eight ...

(1898–1901),

Empire State League The Empire State League was a Minor league baseball circuit which operated in the 1913 season. It was a Class-D, six-team league, with teams based exclusively in Georgia, U.S. In 1914, the league evolved to become the Georgia State League. Ci ...

(1905) and

Canadian–American League The Canadian–American League, nicknamed the Can-Am League, was a class C level minor league baseball circuit which ran from 1936 through 1951, with a three-year break during World War II. Teams *Amsterdam Rugmakers, 1938–1942, 1946–19 ...

(1937–1942, 1946–1951). The Colonels were preceded in Rome by the Rome Romans. The Rome Colonels played as a minor league affiliate of the

Philadelphia Phillies The Philadelphia Phillies are an American professional baseball team based in Philadelphia. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) National League East, East division. Since 2004, the team's home sta ...

in 1942,

Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League (AL) Central division. One of the AL's eight charter franchises, the club was f ...

from 1946 to 1949 and

Philadelphia Athletics The Philadelphia Athletics were a Major League Baseball team that played in Philadelphia from 1901 to 1954, when they moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and became the Kansas City Athletics. Following another move in 1967, the team became the Oaklan ...

in 1951.

History

New York State League (1898–1901)

Minor league baseball started in Rome, New York in 1898. Playing at Riverside Park, the Rome Romans joined the Independent eight–team

. The Rome Romans finished their initial season with a 43–51 record, placing 6th in the New York State League. The Rome managers were Charles Faatz and Hobe Whiting. The 1899 Rome Romans were the New York State League Champions. The New York State League became a Class C level League in 1899, as Rome finished with a record of 76–32, placing 1st in the New York State League. The 1899 Rome Romans were managed by Tom O'Brien and finished 8.5 games ahead of the 2nd place Utica Pent–Ups in the eight–team league, which had no playoffs. In 1900, the Rome Romans placed 3rd, continuing play as members of the New York State League. Rome had a 1900 regular season record of 70–44 under manager Tom O'Brien. The Romans played their final season on the New York State League in 1901. The Rome Romans finished their final season 62–47, placing 4th in the New York State League under manager George Wheeler. The Rome franchise folded from the New York State League after the 1901 season.

Empire State League (1905)

After a three-season absence, minor league baseball returned to Rome in 1905. In 1905, Rome hosted a franchise in the Independent

, playing at Riverside Park. Rome finished with a record of 41–30, placing 3rd in the eight–team Empire State League. Rome folded after the 1905 season.

Canadian–American League (1937–1942)

In 1937, the Rome Colonels franchise was formed. The Rome Colonels were founded and owned by local surgeon Dr. Dan Mellen, who would own the team through the 1949 season. The 1937 Colonels began play in the Class C level

, as the league expanded from six teams to eight teams in its second season. The Rome Colonels would have a fourteen-year affiliation with the Canadian–American League. Their home ballpark in 1937 was League Park. The Rome Colonels finished their first season with a 40–59 record, placing 6th in the Canadian–American League. The Colonels were managed by William Buckley and Joe Brown. Rome had season home attendance of 18,387, an average of 371 at League Park. For the 1938 season, the Rome Colonels moved home games to the newly built Colonels Park, where the Colonels would play for the rest of their existence. Rome finished the 1938 Canadian–American League regular season in 5th place. Their regular season record was 61–63 under manager William Buckley, missing the playoffs. Home attendance at Colonels Park was 51,363, an average of 828 per contest. The 1939 Rome Colonels captured the Canadian–American League Championship. After finishing the regular season 68–54, placing 3rd in the Canadian–American League, Rome qualified for the playoffs. Led by manager Admiral Martin, Rome began the 1939 Playoffs by sweeping the

Cornwall Maple Leafs The Cornwall Bisons was a Minor League Baseball club that played in the Class-C Canadian–American League during the 1938 season. The team was based in Cornwall, Ontario, and played its home games at Cornwall Athletic Grounds.Pietrusza, David (200 ...

in four games. In the Finals, Rome faced the

Amsterdam Rugmakers The Amsterdam Rugmakers were a Canadian–American League baseball team based in Amsterdam, New York, USA, that played from 1938 to 1942 and from 1946 to 1951. They played their home games at Mohawk Mills Park (now Shuttleworth Park) and were affi ...

, who had won the 1939 Pennant by 12.0 games. Rome defeated Amsterdam 3 games to 2 and captured the championship. Rome had 1939 home attendance of 57,654, an average of 945. Rome placed 7th in the 1940 Canadian–American League. Under manager Admiral Martin, the Colonels finished with a regular season record of 50–73. Home attendance at Colonels Park in 1940 was 36,395, 592 per contest. The Rome Colonels qualified for the 1941 Canadian–American League playoffs. Rome finished the 1941 regular season with a 66–58 record, placing 3rd in the league, playing under manager

Lee Riley Leon Francis Riley Jr. (August 24, 1932 – June 9, 2011), best known as Lee Riley, was an American college and professional American football defensive back. He played collegiately at the University of Detroit Mercy, in the NFL for the Detr ...

. In the Playoffs, the

Oneonta Indians Oneonta may refer to several places: Communities *Oneonta, New York, A small city and inspiration for some of the other "Oneontas" *Oneonta (town), New York, a town that surrounds the City of Oneonta *Oneonta, Alabama, Blount County * Oneonta, Ke ...

defeated Rome 4 games to 2. Colonels Park season attendance was 42,828, an average of 691 per home game. The 1942 season preceded a hiatus due to

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

. The 1942 Rome Colonels were an affiliate of the

. Rome finished the regular season with a 38–85 record, placing 8th and last in the Canadian–American League. The 1942 managers were John Griffiths and Philip Clark. Continuing play at Colonels Park, the Colonels had 1942 season attendance of 19,819, 322 fans per game.

Canadian–American League (1946–1951)

Canadian–American League minor league baseball returned in 1946, upon the conclusion of World War II. The Rome Colonels began their tenure as a

affiliate, continuing play in the Class C level Canadian-American League. Rome qualified for the Playoffs in 1946. After a regular season record of 72–52, Rome placed 3rd in the Canadian–American League, playing under manager

Woody Wheaton Elwood Pierce "Woody" Wheaton (October 3, 1914 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – December 11, 1995 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania) was a left-handed Major League Baseball outfielder and pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1943 and 194 ...

. In the Playoffs, the

Trois Rivieres Royals ''Trois'' is a 2000 erotic thriller film directed by Rob Hardy and produced by William Packer. It stars Gary Dourdan, Kenya Moore and Gretchen Palmer. The film was given a limited theatrical release and was one of the years highest grossing Afri ...

defeated the Rome Colonels 4 games to 3. Resuming play at Colonels Park, Rome's season Attendance was 58,371, an average of 941. In 1947, the Rome Colonels placed 7th in Canadian–American League regular season, missing the playoffs. The Colonels finished with a 67–72 record under managers

Ed Boland Edward John Boland (April 18, 1908 – February 5, 1993) was a Major League Baseball right fielder who played for three seasons. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1934 to 1935. After a hiatus from the majors, he returned and played for ...

and Adam Bengoechea. Playing as an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, Rome had a total season attendance of 58,463. The Rome Colonels continued play as an affiliate of the

and captured the 1948 Canadian–American League Pennant. The Colonels finished with a regular season record of 79–57, to finish 1st in the Canadian–American League. The Colonels finished the Regular season 2.0 games ahead of the 2nd place Trois Rivieres Royals. Led by Manager

Lefty Smoll Clyde Hetrick "Lefty" Smoll (April 17, 1914 – August 31, 1985) was a professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the 1940 Philadelphia Phillies. Biography On April 26, 1940, Smoll made his major league debut, ...

, the 1948 Playoffs saw the

Oneonta Red Sox The Oneonta Red Sox were a minor league baseball team based in Oneonta, New York. The first incarnation of the team played in the first New York–Pennsylvania League in 1924. On August of that year, the Utica Utes relocated to Oneonta to finish ...

defeat the Rome Colonels 4 games to 3. Playing at Colonels Park, 1948 season attendance was 75,103, an average of 1,104 per game. The Rome Colonels played under manager Lefty Smoll again in 1949. Rome finished 8th and last in the Canadian–American League in their final season as a Detroit Tigers affiliate. Their regular season record was 48–88, with the Colonels finishing 41.0 games behind the 1st place

Quebec Braves The Quebec Athletics/Alouettes/Braves were a Minor League Baseball team that operated from 1939–1955. Operating in Quebec City, the team played in the Quebec Provincial League in 1939 and 1940 and the Canadian–American League from 1941–1942 ...

. Attendance at Colonels Park was 40,331 in 1949. In late 1949, Colonels founder and owner Dan Mellen sold the franchise to new local owners, the Copper City Sports Enterprises, headed by Isadore Kaplan. The 1950 Rome Colonels finished 6th in the Class C level Canadian–American League, playing unaffiliated. Playing under three managers, the Rome Colonels finished 51–86, under Managers Bill Gates, William Booker and Emil Gall. The Colonels drew 34,535 fans for the season. The Canadian–American League folded following the 1951 season. Rome played their final season as an affiliate of the

. Managed by Buck Etchison, the Rome Colonels had a record of 46–71, placing 5th in the Canadian–American League. Season attendance in 1951 was a total of 23,454, averaging 401 in their final season at Colonels Park. After the 1951 season, Rome, New York has not hosted another minor league baseball team.

The ballparks

Early Rome Romans teams (1898–1901, 1905) were noted to have played home games at Riverside Park. Riverside Park had a capacity 500, with a grandstand that measured 26 feet in width by 83 feet in length. Riverside Park was located at Parkway & Floyd Avenue In Rome, New York. In 1937, the Rome Colonels were referenced to have played minor league home games at League Park. The ballpark was located in West Rome and was also known as Murray's Park. The franchise made improvements to the ballpark for the 1937 season, before moving to the new Colonels Park in 1938. Beginning in 1938, it was noted that Rome minor league teams played home games at Colonels Park. The Rome Colonels remained at the ballpark until folding in 1951. Colonels Park had a capacity of 3,500 (1939) and 2,250 (1942), with dimensions of (Left, Center, Right): 360–380–320 (1939). Colonels Park officially opened on May 18, 1938, after Colonels' owner Dr. Dan Mellen had purchased six and one half acres and constructed the new park, built with an approximate construction cost $15,000. The park was enclosed with a 7–foot board fence. The ballpark was located on Black River Boulevard between East Locust Street & East Pine Street. Today, the site is still in use as a public park with ballfields, now known as Franklyn's Field.Pietrusza, David (1990). Baseball's Canadian-American League, p. 30. McFarland & Company.

Notable alumni

Larry Battam Lawrence Battam (May 1, 1876 – January 27, 1938), was a professional baseball player who played third base in the Major Leagues for the 1895 New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New Y ...

(1898) * George Blackburn (1898) *

(1947, MGR) * Charlie Bowles (1946) * Joe Brown (1937, MGR) *

Dan Coogan Daniel George Coogan (February 16, 1875 – October 28, 1942) was an American baseball player and coach. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he played professionally for 11 seasons, including one in Major League Baseball wit ...

(1899) *

Bill Cristall William Arthur Cristall (September 12, 1875 - January 28, 1939) was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played with the Cleveland Indians in 1901. Cristall batted and threw left-handed. His playing height and weight were listed as 5 foot 7 ...

(1898) * Bill Day (1900) *

Jim Devlin James Alexander Devlin (June 6, 1849 – October 10, 1883) was an American Major League Baseball player who played mainly as a first baseman early in his career, then as a pitcher in the latter part. He played for three teams during his five ...

(1899) NL Strikeout Leader * Jim Duncan (1898) *

Buck Etchison Clarence Hampton "Buck" Etchison (January 27, 1915 – January 24, 1980) was an American professional first baseman who played for the Boston Braves in parts of two seasons spanning 1943–1944. At the end of the 1945 season, he was sent to the ...

(1951) *

Pete Elko Peter "Piccolo Pete" Elko (June 17, 1918 – September 17, 1993) was a Major League Baseball third baseman who played with the Chicago Cubs The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Maj ...

(1950) * Ben Ellis (1898) * Jack Fifield (1901) *

Henry Fournier Julius Henry Fournier (August 8, 1865 – December 8, 1945) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the Cincinnati Reds The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. They compete in Major L ...

(1898) * Bill Fox (1898–1900) * Bill Gilbert (1898) * John Gochnaur (1898) *

Charlie Hamburg Charles M. Hamburg (November 22, 1863 – May 18, 1931) was a Major League Baseball left fielder in the 19th century. The Louisville, Kentucky native played for his hometown team, the American Association Louisville Colonels, in 1890. Hambur ...

(1901) *

Pat Hannivan Patrick James Hannivan (April 20, 1866 – November 5, 1908) was a Canadian professional baseball player. He played part of the 1897 season in Major League Baseball for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. He appeared in three games as an outfielder An ...

(1900) *

Jim Jones James Warren Jones (May 13, 1931 – November 18, 1978) was an American preacher, political activist and mass murderer. He led the Peoples Temple, a new religious movement, between 1955 and 1978. In what he called "revolutionary suicide", ...

(1899–1900) *

Joe Kiefer Joseph William Kiefer arlem Joe or Smoke(July 19, 1899 – July 5, 1975) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. Listed at , 190 lb., Kiefer batted and threw right-handed. He was born ...

(1937) *

Bill Kissinger William Francis Kissinger (born August 15, 1871 – April 20, 1929), nicknamed "Shang", was a Major League Baseball player. Primarily a pitcher, Kissinger played all or part of three seasons from - for the Baltimore Orioles and St. Louis Browns. ...

(1898) * Harry Lumley (1901) NL Home Run Leader *

Lynn Lovenguth Lynn Richard Lovenguth (November 29, 1922 – September 29, 2000) was an American professional baseball player. The right-handed pitcher played for 16 seasons (1946–61) in minor league baseball, with two Major League trials for the 1955 Philade ...

(1947–1948) * Eric MacKenzie (1951) *

Willard Mains Willard Eben Mains (July 7, 1868 – May 23, 1923) was an American professional baseball pitcher. He joined the National League at the age of 20 with the Chicago White Stockings (1870–89), Chicago White Stockings and Games started, started ...

(1899–1901) * John Malarkey (1900) * Dale Matthewson (1942) * Jim McGuire (1899–1901) * Pete O'Brien (1898–1900) * Tom O'Brien (1900–1901, MGR) *

Fred Odwell Frederick William Odwell (September 25, 1872 – August 19, 1948) was a professional baseball player. He was an outfielder over parts of four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. In 1905, he led the National League in home runs. He was born in and la ...

(1898) *

Leon Riley Leon Francis Riley Sr. (August 20, 1906 – September 13, 1970) was an American professional baseball player who became a manager in the minor leagues. During a playing career that stretched from 1927 to 1942 and 1944 to 1949, Riley appeared in 2 ...

(1941, MGR) * Millard Robinson (1942) * Emmett Rogers (1898) *

Nap Shea John Edward "Nap" Shea (May 23, 1874 – July 8, 1968), nicknamed "Napoleon", was a catcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1902. He stood at 5' 5", weighed 155 lbs., and batted and threw right-handed.

(1899–1901) * Billy Southworth Jr. (1939) *

Eddie Turchin Edward Lawrence Turchin (February 10, 1917 – February 8, 1982) was an American professional baseball infielder. He played one season in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Cleveland Indians. Biography Turchin, nicknamed "Smiley", had a minor l ...

(1940) *

Cy Vorhees Henry Bert Vorhees (September 30, 1874 – February 8, 1910) was a professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Cy" after Cy Young, Vorhees made his major league debut in April 1902 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He then jumped to the Washington ...

(1898) *

(1946) * George Wheeler (1898–1900), (1901, MGR) *

Hal White Harold George White (March 18, 1919 – April 21, 2001) was an American professional baseball player, a right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers (1941–43 and 1946–52), St. Louis Browns (1953) and St. Louis Cardinals (1953–1954). Born in ...

(1937–1938) *

Karl Winsch Karl Edgar Winsch (February 10, 1915 – December 21, 2001) was a pitcher and manager in Minor League Baseball. Listed at , 180 lb., Winsch batted and threw right-handed. A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Karl Winsch spent two decades i ...

(1942)

References

{{reflist, 2

External links

Rome - Stats CrewRome - Baseball Reference
Defunct minor league baseball teams Philadelphia Phillies minor league affiliates Defunct baseball teams in New York (state) Detroit Tigers minor league affiliates Philadelphia Athletics minor league affiliates Baseball teams disestablished in 1951 Baseball teams established in 1937 Rome, New York Professional baseball teams in New York (state) Rome Romans players Rome Colonels players 1937 establishments in New York (state) 1951 disestablishments in New York (state) Canadian–American League teams