Central League (1897)


The Central League was a Class C league of minor league baseball that operated in the United States in 1897. Representatives met to organize in Evansville, Indiana, on January 20, 1897. George Simmons was elected president, secretary, and treasurer. While the exact league lineup was not finalized at the meeting, it was resolved that the circuit was to consist of six teams who would pay a $500 deposit to guarantee they would play the entire season, and player salaries were capped at $900 per team. Officials met again on February 7 in Evansville to solidify the league's membership, and franchises were granted to clubs in Cairo, Illinois; Evansville, Terre Haute, and Washington, Indiana; Paducah, Kentucky; and Nashville, Tennessee.
Severe financial problems throughout the circuit forced the league to disband on July 20. As of July 19, the final day of play, the Evansville Brewers were in first place with a 41–30 record, making them the de facto league champions.

League standings

TeamGamesWonLostWin %Finish
Evansville Brewers714130.5771st—
Nashville Centennials/Henderson703931.5572nd
Washington Browns653332.5083rd5
Terre Haute Hottentots673136.4634th8
Paducah Little Colonels683137.4565th
Cairo Egyptians693039.4356th10