Toledo Tigers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toledo Tigers |
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| Information | |
| League |
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| Location | Toledo, Ohio |
| Ballpark |
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| Year established | 1923 |
| Year disbanded | 1923 |
The Toledo Tigers were a baseball team that played in the Negro National League. They were based in Toledo, Ohio. The team only played for one season, in 1923. Their home games were held at Swayne Field, which was also the home of the minor league Mud Hens.
Who Were the Toledo Tigers?
The Toledo Tigers were a professional baseball team. They were part of the Negro National League. This league was very important for African American players. It gave them a chance to play professional baseball.
Joining the League
The Tigers joined the Negro National League in 1923. Two teams had left the league. The Toledo Tigers and the Milwaukee Bears were created to fill their spots. The Tigers' first players were a mix of experienced players and semi-pros.
Challenges and Changes
The league first managed the Toledo Tigers. Later, a businessman named Phil Fears took over. This happened after the Tigers joined with another team, the Cleveland Nationals. The team's playing got much better after this merger.
However, the team did not have enough money. Not many fans came to their games. Because of these problems, the team stopped playing in July 1923. They finished their season with 11 wins and 17 losses.
After the Tigers disbanded, many of their best players moved to other teams. Some went to the St. Louis Stars. Others joined the Milwaukee Bears. This helped make those teams stronger. The Negro National League then asked the Cleveland Tate Stars to finish the Tigers' remaining games.
Team Leaders
When the Toledo Tigers first started, a veteran player named "Big Bill" Gatewood was their manager. After the team merged with the Cleveland Nationals, Candy Jim Taylor became the new player-manager. He played on the team and also managed it.
