Semi-Pro baseball in Cleveland early 1900s

[Laura]

My mother says her father played semi-pro baseball in Cleveland. I'm trying to track down what team he would likely have played for. I know nothing about baseball.

His name was Clarence Walter Berkey. He was born in about 1891 and died in 1951. He had a wife and child in 1918 and was 27 yrs old then, so I'm guessing he played semi-pro baseball earlier than that.

Does anyone know what semi pro teams were around the Cleveland area then? Anyone have players lists? I looked on this web site and did not find him listed for the Cleveland Indians or the Cleveland Naps back to 1910. Any other ideas?

Thanks! Laura

[Baseball Guru]

Hi Laura and welcome to the site:biggrin:
I'd like to think of myself of somewhat of a baseball history buff but it is really hard to find any info on SEMI-PRO baseball back in the early 1900's...I have searched my books and internet and have found nothing.....
The Indians and Naps were pro ball so that would rule them out...
I even went to a ite and punched his name in and nadda.....So he definitely didn't play pro ball......
I am sorry, but I will continue to try and find something for you....Make sure you have the correct address listed for the site and if I ever find anything I will let you know:biggrin:

[imgreat95]

My guess is that the best way to do it would be to actually contact the city of Cleveland itself. Most cities have some sort of sports hall of fame.. or even a sports authority (I know pittsburgh has one...) I think that would probably be the best place to start. As James said, finding info on semi-pro sports even today is tough to do. I found out just recently that a twon right down the road has a semi-pro soccer team. So imagine if i didn't even know that one existed NOW, that it would be tough to find info on one from the early part of the last century. I suggest contacting the city of Cleveland somehow.