The Ohio-Pennsylvania League (1905–1912) was among scores of minor league baseball organizations that popped up throughout the country in the early 20th century. During its seven-year lifespan, the league comprised dozens of local teams that served as training grounds for athletes and officials who would later distinguish themselves in major league baseball.
The association had its beginnings in March 1905, when league president Charlie Morton invited six prospective members to a meeting in Akron, Ohio.[1] In May 1905, eleven teams joined the Protective Association of Independent Clubs, which formed the basis of the Class C Division Ohio-Pennsylvania League.[1] Ultimately, the league trimmed down to eight teams from the following cities: Akron, Ohio; Homestead, Pennsylvania; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Newark, Ohio; Niles, Ohio; Sharon, Pennsylvania; Youngstown, Ohio; and Zanesville, Ohio.[2]
That September, the Youngstown Ohio Works won the league championship, although sources disagree on the team's final record. As one researcher writes: "The Reach Guide (1906) credits Youngstown with an 84–32 won-lost record where the Spalding Guide of the same year lists a 90–35 record. The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball (1993) tells a third story, giving Youngstown an 88–35 mark".[1]
By the end of its seven-year lifespan, in 1912, the Ohio-Pennsylvania League had enlisted the membership of no less than 40 ball clubs based in over 20 cities.[1] While the Ohio-Pennsylvania League was disorganized (like many of its counterparts), it provided regional sports teams with an alternative to the established minor-league system.[1] Baseball luminaries who were once connected to the league include Billy Evans,[3] Lee Fohl,[4] Bill Phyle,[4] and Everett Scott.[5] Future Hall-of-Fame infielder George Sisler signed his first professional contract with an Akron club associated with the O-P League, although he never actually played for the team.[6]