| Hiawatha Athletics | |
| Firstseason: | 1910 |
| Allyears: | 1910, 1912 |
| City: | Hiawatha, Kansas |
| Class Level: | Class D (1910, 1912) |
| League: | Eastern Kansas League (1910) Missouri-Iowa-Nebraska-Kansas League (1912) |
| Majorleague: | None |
| Nickname: | Hiawatha Indians (1910) Hiawatha Athletics (1912) |
| Ballpark: | League Park (1910, 1912) |
| Leaguenum: | 0 |
| Leaguechamps: | None |
The Hiawatha Athletics were a minor league baseball team based in Hiawatha, Kansas. In 1912, the Athletics played as members of the Class D level Missouri-Iowa-Nebraska-Kansas League. The Athletics were immediately precedec in minor league play by the 1910 Hiawatha Indians, who played the season as a member of the short-lived Class D level Eastern Kansas League. Both Hiawatha teams hosted home minor league games at League Park.
Minor league baseball play began in Hiawatha, Kansas in 1910,[1] when the Hiawatha Indians played as charter members of the six–team Class D level Eastern Kansas League. The 1910 team was also referred to as the "Boosters."[2]
The Seneca, Sabatha, Holton, Horton Hammers and Marysville teams joined Hiawatha in league play.[3] After beginning league play on June 8, 1910, Hiawatha ended their 1910 season with a record of 44–44 to place third in the Eastern Kansas League standings, playing the season under managers Spec Willey, Swift and Pepper Williford.[4] Hiawatha finished 12.5 games behind the first place Sabetha team in the six–team league. The Eastern Kansas League permanently folded after its only season in 1910.[5] [1] [6] [7]
Minor league baseball returned to Hiawatha in 1912, with the team finishing last in the standings in a new league.[8] The 1912 Hiawatha Athletics began play as members of the six-team, Class D level Missouri-Iowa-Nebraska-Kansas League, known informally as the MINK League.[9] Hiawatha replaced the Clarinda Antelopes franchise in the league. The Auburn A's, Beatrice-Fairbury Milkskimmers, Falls City Colts, Humboldt Infants and Nebraska City Foresters teams joined Hiawatha in beginning league play on May 9, 1912.[10] [5]
On July 4, 1912, Falls City Colts pitcher Ed Finch threw the Missouri-Iowa-Nebraska-Kansas League's only no–hitter in a 7–0 Falls City victory over the Hiawatha Athletics.[1]
The Athletics ended the 1912 season with a record of 35–66, placing sixth in the six–team MINK standings. Hiawatha finished 27.0 games behind the champion Falls City Colts. The Athletics played under managers Robert Kahl and Jack Forester.[11] The Hiawatha franchise permanently folded after the 1912 season as the Missouri-Illinois-Nebraska-Kansas League reduced to four teams for their final season in 1913, with The Beatrice-Fairbury Milkskimmers also folding following the 1912 season.[12] [5]
Hiawatha, Kansas has not hosted another minor league team.[13]
The 1910 and 1912 Hiawatha teams played minor league home games at League Park in Hiawatha, Kansas. The location of League Park is unknown.[14]
| Year(s) |
| Team | Level | League | Ballpark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 1 | Hiawatha Indians | Eastern Kansas League | League Park | |
| 1912 | 1 | Hiawatha Athletics | Missouri-Iowa-Nebraska-Kansas League |
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 44–44 | 3rd | Spec Willey Swift / Pepper Williford | No playoffs held |
| 1912 | 35–66 | 6th | Robert Kahl / Jack Forester | No playoffs held |