Great Central League Explained

The Great Central League was a short-lived baseball league of four teams that played baseball in the upper Midwest of the United States in . The league and four teams were owned by Minneapolis-based strip club owner, Dick Jacobson, who previously attempted to purchase the Rochester Aces of the Northern League.[1] [2]

In an effort to bring notoriety to the league, Jacobson signed Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame member George Scott as manager for the Minneapolis Millers. However his presence from the dugout did not help the team or league draw larger crowds to games.[2] The league folded before holding a championship game because it was underfunded, used facilities ill-equipped for professional baseball, and was run by inexperienced management.[2] [3]

Teams

Standings

Team StandingsWLPCTGBAttendManagers
Lafayette Leopards4424.647011,682
Champaign-Urbana Bandits3126.5597.5NA
Minneapolis Millers3033.47611.53,000George Scott
Mason City Bats1941.31721NATom Walechi

Notes and References

  1. Book: Stott, Jon . Leagues of Their Own: Independent Professional Baseball, 1993-2000 . 2001 . . Jefferson . 978-0786411306.
  2. Book: Thornley, Stew . 2015 . The St. Paul Saints: Baseball in the Capital City . St. Paul . . 978-0873519588.
  3. Book: Thornley, Stew . Baseball in Minnesota: The Definitive History . 2006 . St. Paul . . 978-0873515511.