Washington Potomacs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Washington Potomacs |
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| Information | |
| League |
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| Location | Washington, D.C. |
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| Year established | 1923 |
| Year disbanded | mid 1925 |
| Nickname(s) |
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The Washington Potomacs was a baseball team that played in the Negro Leagues. They were based in Washington, D.C. during 1924. Before that, in 1923, they played as an independent team. In 1925, the Potomacs moved to Wilmington, Delaware. There, they were known as the Wilmington Potomacs for part of that season. Sadly, in the middle of July 1925, the team's owner, George Robinson, announced that the team was stopping operations. They could not finish the season. Because of this, the league had one less team, and the Potomacs' players joined other teams.
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The Washington Potomacs: A Short Baseball Story
The Washington Potomacs were a professional baseball team. They were part of a special time in baseball history. Even though they only played for a few years, their story is important. It helps us understand the challenges and triumphs of baseball players during that era.
What Were the Negro Leagues?
For many years, professional baseball in the United States was segregated. This meant that African American players were not allowed to play in the major leagues. Because of this, they created their own leagues. These were known as the Negro Leagues. These leagues were very popular and featured many incredibly talented players. They played exciting games and had loyal fans. The Negro Leagues were a vital part of American sports history. They provided opportunities for Black athletes to showcase their skills.
Starting in Washington D.C.
The Washington Potomacs began their journey in 1923. In their first year, they played as an independent team. This means they were not part of a larger league. They scheduled games against various teams on their own. In 1924, the Potomacs joined the Eastern Colored League. This was one of the major Negro Leagues at the time. Being part of a league meant they had a set schedule and competed for a championship. During their time in Washington, D.C., they played their home games at American League Park.
Moving to Wilmington
In 1925, the team decided to move. They left Washington, D.C., and relocated to Wilmington, Delaware. With this move, they also changed their name slightly. They became known as the Wilmington Potomacs. They continued to play in the Eastern Colored League. In Wilmington, their home field was Harlan Field. This move was an attempt to find a new home and perhaps more success for the team.
Why the Team Ended
Unfortunately, the move to Wilmington did not lead to long-term success. In the middle of the 1925 season, around July, the team's owner, George Robinson, made a difficult announcement. He stated that the Wilmington Potomacs would have to stop playing. The team was "folding," which means it was ending its operations. They could not complete the rest of the season. When a team folds, its players often become free agents. They can then join other teams in the league. This is what happened to the Potomacs' players. The Eastern Colored League then continued with seven teams instead of eight.
