Newark Colts

In 1896, the Newark Colts became charter members of the seven–team Class A level Atlantic League, the highest level of minor leagues in the era. The Hartford Bluebirds, Lancaster Maroons, New Haven Texas Steers, Philadelphia Athletics, Paterson Silk Weavers and Wilmington Peaches joined Newark in beginning league play on April 23. 1896.[1][2]

The Newark Colts were the 1896 Atlantic League champions in their first season of play. Playing under manager George Ellis, the Colts ended the 1896 season with a final record of 82–61, placing first and finishing 2.0 games ahead of the second place Hartford Bluebirds (73–56) in the final standings of the seven–team league. They were followed by the Paterson Silk Weavers (74–60), Wilmington Peaches (58–79), New York Metropolitans/Philadelphia Athletics (57–69) and Lancaster Maroons (26–30) and New Haven Texas Steers (21–38) in the final standings. Lancaster and New Haven folded before the end of the season, leaving five teams to complete the 1896 season. Jack Rothfuss of Newark led the Atlantic League with both 13 home runs and 87 stolen bases.[3][1][4]

After the 1896 season, Hartford challenged Newark's final record, arguing that it was unfairly inflated due to a dozen extra games played. It was argued that Newark also used suspended pitcher Joseph Frye, who had left Hartford mid-year. As a result, the second place Hartford team challenged Newark to a 7–game series to decide the championship. Newark declined the invitation and remained champions as decided by the league. The third place Paterson club accepted the Hartford invitation to play a series and prevailed over Hartford 5 games to 2 in what was called the "Soby Cup."[5][3][6]

The 1897 Newark Colts were the runner–up as the Colts continued play as members of the eight–team Class B level Atlantic League, as the league expanded. Managed again by George Ellis, the Colts ended the 1897 season with a record of 89–52, placing second and finishing 4.0 games behind the first place Lancaster Maroons. Rasty Wright of Newark won the Atlantic League batting title, hitting .372. Newark pitcher Bill Carrick won 31 games to lead the Atlantic League.[3][7][8]

The Newark Colts placed sixth in the 1898 Atlantic League. The Colts ended the 1898 season with a record of 58–71, as Oyster Burns served as manager. Newark finished 26.0 games behind the first place Richmond Bluebirds in final standings of the eight–team league. Pat Meaney of Newark won the Atlantic League batting championship, hitting .330.[3][9][10]

The 1899 Newark Colts continued play as the Atlantic League was elevated to a Class A level league. Newark ended the 1899 season with a record of 42–54, placing sixth in the final standings, as Jim Field and Abner Powell managed the Colts during the season. Newark finished 25.0 games behind the first place Richmond Blue Birds in the final Atlantic League standings.[3][11][12]

In their final season of play, the 1900 Newark Colts disbanded during the season. On June 2, 1900, the Newark Colts franchise folded with a record of 8–12. John Irwin served as manager in the partial season. The Jersey City team folded from the Atlantic League on the same day. On June 14, 1900, the Atlantic League folded. John Thornton of Newark led the Atlantic League in hitting during the brief season, batting .379.[3][12][11]

After the Newark Colts folded, Newark, New Jersey was without a minor league team in 1901. The 1902 Newark Sailors began play as members of the Eastern League.[3][13]

When the Atlantic League resumed play in 1914, the Newark Cubans were a member.[13]

(2014) Soccer field and track within Riverbank Park. Newark, New Jersey

The name of the Newark Colts' home ballpark was Hamburg Place, owned by local politician and businessman George Wiedenmayer. The site also hosted football and soccer.[14][15] The ballpark site was adjacent to the Wiedenmayer & Sons Brewery owned by Wiedenmayer, with railroad and trolly access and the Passaic River nearby.[16] A new ballpark on the site, dubbed Wiedenmayer’s Park, was built for the Newark Sailors team in 1902 with support from George Wiedenmayer.[17] The brewing plant was located at 588 Market Street.[18] In 1907, the site became a public park known as Riverbank Park and the park is still in use today as a public park with amenities. Riverbank Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[19]

[3]

• Newark Colts players
• List of baseball parks in Newark, New Jersey

• Newark - Baseball Reference
• Library of Congress film of Newark Colts game