The Rich History of Baseball in Essex County, MA

Baseball has been a beloved sport in the United States for over a century, and Essex County, MA is no exception. Located in the northeastern part of the state, this county has a rich history when it comes to baseball. From local leagues to professional teams, Essex County has seen its fair share of championship wins.

The Beginnings of Baseball in Essex County

The first recorded baseball game in Essex County took place in 1858 between the Lynn Live Oaks and the Salem Town Team. This friendly match sparked a love for the sport in the county, and soon, more teams were formed.

By the late 1800s, baseball had become a popular pastime in Essex County, with teams from various towns competing against each other. One of the most notable teams during this time was the Lawrence Colts. Founded in 1886, this team dominated the local leagues and even won the New England Championship in 1890. The Colts were known for their strong pitching and solid defense, making them a formidable opponent on the field.

Professional Baseball Comes to Essex County

In 1903, professional baseball arrived in Essex County with the formation of the Lynn Shoemakers. This team was part of the New England League and played their home games at Manning Bowl Stadium.

The Shoemakers had a successful run, winning three league championships in 1905, 1912, and 1913. Another professional team that made its mark in Essex County was the Salem Witches. This team was part of the Eastern League and played their home games at Salem's Collins Street Grounds. The Witches had a strong fan base and were known for their talented players, including future Hall of Famer, Lefty Grove. They won the Eastern League Championship in 1925 and 1926.

Championship Wins in Modern Times

As the years went by, more teams were formed in Essex County, and the competition became even fiercer.

In 1977, the North Shore Spirit was established in Lynn and played in the independent Atlantic League. This team had a successful run, winning the league championship in 2007. In 2010, the North Shore Navigators were formed in Lynn and played in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. This team quickly gained a following and won the league championship in their inaugural season. They went on to win two more championships in 2012 and 2017. Another notable team in modern times is the Essex County Hurricanes.

This team was formed in 2005 and played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. The Hurricanes have had a strong presence in the county, winning three league championships in 2008, 2010, and 2011.

Counting the Championship Wins

So, how many championships have been won by teams in Essex County? In total, there have been 13 championship wins by teams in this county. The Lawrence Colts have won one New England Championship, while the Lynn Shoemakers and Salem Witches have each won three league championships. The North Shore Spirit has one league championship under their belt, while the North Shore Navigators have three. The Essex County Hurricanes have also won three league championships.

These wins are a testament to the talent and dedication of these teams and their players.

The Future of Baseball in Essex County

Baseball continues to thrive in Essex County, with new teams and leagues being formed every year. The county also has a strong youth baseball program, with many young players honing their skills and dreaming of one day playing for a championship-winning team. In recent years, there has been talk of bringing a professional team back to Essex County. This would be an exciting development for baseball fans in the area and could potentially lead to more championship wins in the future.

In Conclusion

Baseball has a long and storied history in Essex County, MA. From the first recorded game in 1858 to the present day, this county has seen its fair share of championship wins.

With 13 championships under their belt, teams in Essex County have proven their skill and passion for the sport. As the county continues to grow and evolve, we can only imagine what the future holds for baseball in Essex County.