Atlantic League (1896–1900)

This article refers to the original incarnation of the Atlantic League, which operated between 1896 and 1900. For the modern league, see Atlantic League of Professional Baseball

The Atlantic League was a minor league baseball organization that operated between 1896 and 1900 in the Northeastern United States. The name has subsequently been reused twice, for another short-lived league in 1914, and for a modern, independent minor league.

History

The first Atlantic League lasted from 1896–1900 and was the successor of the Pennsylvania State League, 1892-1895.

Teams

• Allentown, Pennsylvania: Allentown Peanuts 1898-1900
• Elmira, New York: Elmira 1900
• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Harrisburg 1900
• Hartford, Connecticut: Hartford Bluebirds 1896-1897; Hartford Cooperatives 1898
• Jersey City, New Jersey: Jersey City 1900
• Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Lancaster Maroons 1896-1899
• New Haven, Connecticut: New Haven Texas Steers 1896
• New York, New York: New York Metropolitans 1896
• Newark, New Jersey: Newark Colts 1896-1900
• Norfolk, Virginia: Norfolk Jewels 1897-1898
• Paterson, New Jersey: Paterson Silk Weavers 1896-1898; Paterson Giants 1899
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Athletics 1896-1897; Philadelphia Athletics 1900
• Reading, Pennsylvania: Reading Coal Heavers 1897-1900
• Richmond, Virginia: Richmond Bluebirds 1897-1899
• Scranton, Pennsylvania: Scranton Miners 1899; Scranton Miners 1900
• Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: Wilkes-Barre Coal Barons 1899-1900
• Wilmington, Delaware: Wilmington Peaches 1896

In 1896 New Haven moved to Lancaster on July 3, while New York was expelled on July 13 and replaced by Philadelphia. In 1899 Paterson disbanded on July 4, and Scranton followed on July 9. In 1900 Philadelphia moved to Harrisburg, and Newark and Jersey City disbanded June 2. The league disbanded June 12, 1900.

Hall of Fame Alumni

• Jack Chesbro, 1897-1899 Richmond Bluebirds
• Honus Wagner, 1896-1897 Paterson Silk Weavers