Clarksville Colts: A Deep Dive into Post-War Minor League Baseball
An academic exploration of the Clarksville Colts' tenure in the Kentucky-Illinois-Tennessee League, detailing their history, performance, and notable players.
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Overview
The Clarksville Colts
The Clarksville Colts were a professional Minor League Baseball team based in Clarksville, Tennessee. They competed in the Class D KentuckyโIllinoisโTennessee League, commonly known as the KITTY League, during the post-World War II era, specifically from 1946 to 1949. The team played its home games at Goodrich Park.
Era of Operation
Operating for four seasons, the Colts represented Clarksville's return to organized baseball after a significant hiatus. The team initially operated as the Clarksville Owls in 1946 before adopting the "Colts" moniker from 1947 through 1949. Their existence coincided with a period of renewed interest in baseball across the United States.
Home Venue
All home games for the Clarksville Colts were played at Goodrich Park. This venue served as the team's base of operations throughout their four-year existence in the KITTY League. While specific details about the park are limited in historical records, its role as the team's home ground is well-documented.
Historical Context
Clarksville's Baseball Legacy
Clarksville, Tennessee, has a history of professional baseball teams predating the Colts. The city fielded teams in the KITTY League in the early 20th century, including the Clarksville Villagers (1903), Clarksville Grays (1904), and various iterations like the Volunteers, Billies, Rebels, and Boosters between 1910 and 1916. The arrival of the Owls/Colts in 1946 marked a significant return after a 39-year absence from the league.
Team Evolution
The franchise began its KITTY League tenure in 1946 under the name Clarksville Owls. For the subsequent seasons, from 1947 to 1949, the team operated as the Clarksville Colts. This rebranding occurred as the team solidified its presence in the league during the late 1940s.
End of an Era
The Clarksville Colts concluded their operations following the 1949 season. Their final games were played on September 5, 1949, in a doubleheader against the Hopkinsville Hoppers. After this, Clarksville did not host another professional baseball team until the Clarksville Coyotes of the Big South League in 1996.
League and Classification
The KITTY League
The Clarksville Colts participated in the KentuckyโIllinoisโTennessee League, colloquially known as the KITTY League. This league was a significant fixture in minor league baseball, particularly in the Ohio Valley region, during the mid-20th century. The league provided a platform for regional talent development.
Class D Designation
The team competed at the Class D level of Minor League Baseball. Class D leagues were typically the lowest rung of organized baseball, often serving as entry-level professional leagues for developing players. These leagues were characterized by their regional focus and the developmental stage of their rosters.
League Affiliations
During their existence, the Clarksville Colts operated as an unaffiliated team. Unlike many minor league clubs that were directly tied to Major League Baseball franchises, the Colts functioned independently, developing talent without a direct affiliation to a specific MLB team.
Ballpark Details
Goodrich Park
Goodrich Park served as the home stadium for the Clarksville Colts throughout their tenure from 1946 to 1949. While historical records provide limited architectural details, its designation as the team's home ground is consistently noted in league standings and game reports. The park was central to the team's identity within the Clarksville community during this period.
Season Performance
KITTY League Standings
The Clarksville Colts experienced a challenging period in the KITTY League, consistently finishing in the lower half of the standings. Their overall record across four seasons reflects the competitive landscape of Class D baseball during that era.
Notable Players
Major League Alumni
During their operational years, the Clarksville Colts served as a developmental ground for several players who would go on to play in Major League Baseball. These individuals represent a key aspect of the team's contribution to the broader baseball landscape.
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not be entirely exhaustive, accurate, or up-to-date. Historical sports data can be subject to interpretation and may contain omissions.
This is not professional sports analysis or historical certification. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consulting official historical archives, professional sports historians, or official league records. Always verify critical information through primary sources or expert consultation.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided. Users are encouraged to cross-reference information with authoritative sources.