Champaign Velvets

The 1889 Champaign-Urbana Clippers were the first minor league baseball team in Champaign–Urbana. The Clippers played as members of the Illinois-Indiana League, managed by F.L. Bliss. The Clippers replaced a Logansport, Indiana team which had disbanded. The team overall record is unknown, but a team from Terre Haute, Indiana won the league pennant. The league became the Illinois-Iowa League in 1890 and the Clippers did not return to the new league.[1][2]

In 1911, the Champaign-Urbana Velvets, became members of the Class D level Illinois-Missouri League. With a record of 66–60, the Velvets finished 3rd in the Illinois–Missouri League under Managers Jack Thiery and Fred Donovan. The Velvets finished 6.5 games behind the 1st place Clinton Champs in the final league standings. The Velvets' 3rd-place finish was reflected in the league standings with the Velvets finishing behind the Clinton Champs (74–55), and Pekin Celestials (72–55) and ahead of the Canton Chinks (60–62), Lincoln Abes (59–64) and Taylorville Christians (47–82).[3][4][5][6] [7][8]

It is likely the team moniker derived from a popular beer at the time, called Champaign Velvet, brewed by the Terre Haute Brewing Company.[9][10]

In 1912, the franchise moved to a ballpark in Champaign, playing as the Champaign Velvets in the six–team Illinois–Missouri League. Champaign finished 5th in the regular season standings with a record of 53–64, 17.0 games behind the Champion Lincoln Abes. The 1912 Manager was Chuck Fleming.[11][12][13][6][7][14]

The 1913 Champaign Velvets were 2nd in the Illinois–Missouri League final standings, 5.0 games behind the Champion Lincoln Abes. The Velvets had a 53–32 record under Manager Blackie Wilson.[5][15][16][6][17]

The 1914 Champaign Velvets were the Illinois–Missouri League Champions. 1914 was the final season of the Illinois–Missouri League. On June 10, 1914, Champaign pitcher Grover Baichley threw a no–hitter in a 4–0 victory over the Lincoln Abes. The 1914 Champaign Velvets finished with a 62–27 record, finishing 13.0 games ahead of the 2nd place Ottawa Indians. The Velvets Manager was again Blackie Wilson. Champaign was unable to defend their championship, as the Illinois–Missouri League permanently folded after the 1914 season.[5][18][19][6][20][21]

The franchise had financial challenges typical of minor league baseball in the era. Ironically, given the team moniker, alcohol was banned from being sold in Champaign and the team abided by the law, which affected revenues. Tickets were $0.25 and every Wednesday home game was "Ladies Day."[22]

Champaign Velvet Beer

Although the exact location and name is unknown, the 1911 Champaign-Urbana Velvets were noted to have played at a ballpark in east Urbana.[22][23]

The exact location and name is unknown, but the Champaign Velvets reportedly played at a ballpark on the west side of Champaign in 1912–1914.[22][23]

Champaign Velvets players
Champaign-Urbana Clippers players

• Baseball Reference