St. Paul Colored Gophers

St. Paul Colored Gophers
19071914
Saint Paul, Minnesota
League affiliation(s)
  • Independent
Name(s)
  • Twin City Gophers (1911)
Ballpark(s)
1907 St. Paul Colored Gophers

The St. Paul Colored Gophers was a small club of black baseball players formed in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1907.[1] They were not a formal Negro league team, as the commonly referred-to "Negro leagues" were not created until 1920. However, like other barnstorming teams of the time, they put considerable pressure on the desegregation of baseball. Historians rarely mention the Colored Gophers in Negro baseball history, and statistics are hard to find.

History

The club lasted several seasons, also playing under the name Twin City Gophers and Minneapolis Gophers.

In 1909, the Colored Gophers defeated what was considered to be the most powerful Negro baseball team, the Leland Giants. They were managed that year by Phil "Daddy" Reid and Williams, they managed to land Taylor brothers Candy Jim Taylor and Steel Arm Johnny Taylor. Candy Jim went on to manage the team in 1910.[2]

Rosters

1907

1908

1909

1910

1910 St. Paul Gophers

1911

Played as the Twin City Gophers.[4]

1913

Played as the "'St. Paul Gophers'".[6]

1914

Played as the "'Minneapolis Gophers'".[7][8]

  • Cy Olsen (Manager)
  • William Binga
  • K. Jones
  • Clarke
  • Nelson
  • John Davis
  • Ivertson
  • Chick Jones
  • C. Jones (not Chick Jones)
  • Kenneson
  • Lee Davis
  • Kay

1916

Played as the "'Minneapolis Gophers'".[9]

MLB throwback jerseys

The Minnesota Twins have honored the club by wearing replica throwback jerseys of the team.

References

Further reading

External links

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