The Norfolk Elk Horns or the shortened "Elks" was a primary moniker of the minor league baseball teams based in

Norfolk, Nebraska Norfolk ( or ) is a city in Madison County, Nebraska, United States, 113 miles northwest of Omaha and 83 miles west of Sioux City at the intersection of U.S. Routes 81 and 275. The population was 24,210 at the 2010 census, making it the nint ...

between 1914 and 1941. The Norfolk minor league teams played as members of the Class D level

Nebraska State League The Nebraska State League (NSL) was an American professional minor league baseball league with five incarnations between 1892 and 1959. The Nebraska State League formed five times: in 1892, from 1910 to 1915, from 1922 to 1923, from 1928 to 1938 a ...

1914–1915, 1922–1923),

Tri-State League The Tri-State League was the name of six different circuits in American minor league baseball. History The first league of that name played for four years (1887–1890) and consisted of teams in Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia. The second leagu ...

(1924), Nebraska State League (1928–1938) and Western League (1939–1941). The Norfolk minor league teams hosted home games at Athletic Park. The Norfolk Elks were a

St. Louis Cardinals The St. Louis Cardinals are an American professional baseball team based in St. Louis. The Cardinals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central division. Since the 2006 season, the Cardinals hav ...

minor league affiliate in 1936. Norfolk played as an affiliate of the

New York Yankees The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Amer ...

from 1937 to 1941 and adopted the Norfolk "Yankees" moniker in 1940.

History

Nebraska State League / Tri- State League 1914 to 1924

Minor league baseball began in Norfolk, Nebraska in 1914. The Norfolk Drummers became members of the eight–team Class D level

, replacing the

Fremont Pathfinders The Fremont Pathfinders were a minor league baseball team, based in Fremont, Nebraska. Preceded by a Fremont team in 1892, Fremont teams played exclusively as members of the Nebraska State League. The Pathfinders won league championships in their ...

franchise in league play. At the home opener in 1914, it was noted Mayor Carl Verges threw the first pitch and Prof. Doering and the Battle Creek Band played. Before a reported crowd of 2,000, Norfolk lost to the

York Prohibitionists York is a cathedral city with Roman origins, sited at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. It is the historic county town of Yorkshire. The city has many historic buildings and other structures, such as a ...

by the score 3–1. At the local Y.M.C.A. bulletin boards were placed at the inside lobby and outside the building to report standings and scored. During away games, Norfolk fans would gather at the boards, waiting for the game score to be called in by phone and updated on the bulletin boards. Fans yelling profanity in the presence of ladies at Norfolk home games were reprimanded by the police, who were present at games, including Police chief Jolly. A public apology, arrest or a $7.50 fine were all used to punish fans using profanity. In a 1914 home game against the

Beatrice Milkskimmers Beatrice may refer to: * Beatrice (given name) Places In the United States * Beatrice, Alabama, a town * Beatrice, Humboldt County, California, a locality * Beatrice, Georgia, an unincorporated community * Beatrice, Indiana, an unincorporated co ...

, it was reported police chief Jolly broke up a fight between Beatrice player Branon and umpire Dixon. According to the Norfolk paper, Branon attacked Dixon, Jolly intervened and arrested Branon. Branon was fined $7.50. In their first season of play, the 1914 Norfolk Drummers placed 6th in the eight–team Nebraska State League final standings. The drummers ended the season with a record of 52–60, playing under managers Warren Cummings and

Babe Towne Jay King "Babe" Towne (March 12, 1880 – October 29, 1938) was a catcher in Major League Baseball. Towne began his professional baseball career in 1902 with the Class D Rock Rapids Browns. From 1903 to 1906, he played for Des Moines of the Class ...

. With no playoffs held, Norfolk finished 14.0 games behind the

Grand Island Islanders Grand may refer to: People with the name * Grand (surname) * Grand L. Bush (born 1955), American actor * Grand Mixer DXT, American turntablist * Grand Puba (born 1966), American rapper Places * Grand, Oklahoma * Grand, Vosges, village and commun ...

in the final standings. Pitcher Verne Hirsch of Norfolk led the Nebraska State League with 244 strikeouts. The Norfolk Drummers continued play in 1914 and folded during the Nebraska State League season. On June 28, 1915, the Drummers folded with a 24–13 record under returning manager Babe Towne. On July 18, 1914, the Nebraska State League folded. After a seven season hiatus, the Norfolk Elk Horns won the pennant as the six–team Class D level Nebraska State League reformed in 1922. In June, 1922, it was reported the team bought three new

Ford Ford commonly refers to: * Ford Motor Company, an automobile manufacturer founded by Henry Ford * Ford (crossing), a shallow crossing on a river Ford may also refer to: Ford Motor Company * Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company * Ford F ...

automobiles for travel, saving $1,000 over train travel. Norfolk finished the season in 1st place, with a record of 70–48. The Elk Horns finished a mere 0.5 game ahead of the 2nd place

Lincoln Links The Lincoln Links were an American minor league baseball franchise that represented Lincoln, Nebraska, for 18 seasons over a 23-year period (1917–39) during the 20th century. They played in the Class A Western League (1917; 1924–27), the Cla ...

in the final standings. Ernie Adams and Runt Marr served as managers. Norfolk lost in the league Finals as the

Fairbury Jeffersons The Fairbury Jeffersons were a Nebraska State League baseball team based in Fairbury, in the U.S. state of Nebraska Nebraska () is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by South Dakota to the north; Iowa to ...

defeated Norfolk 4 games to 3. Norfolk player Claude Mitchell led the Nebraska State League with 21 home runs and player/manager Runt Marr won the batting title with a .364 average on a league leading 167 hits. It was reported that admission to home playoff games was .55 cents and the team enjoyed large crowds for the games. The losers share for the playoff was estimated to be $24.00 per player. After the season, the town held a special dinner for the team at the Merchants Cafe. After the league ended, many of the players stay and barnstormed in the area. They were noted to have played against the town team in

Snyder, Nebraska Snyder is a village in Dodge County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 300 at the 2010 census. History Snyder was platted in 1886 when the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad was extended to that point. It was named for Conr ...

for $500.00. The Norfolk Elk Horns were the runner–up in the 1923 Nebraska State League. With a final record of 68–66, the team placed 2nd, playing under the direction of manager Ed Reichle. Norfolk finished the season 2.5 games behind the Lincoln Links in the final standings of the six–team league. No playoffs were held. In 1924, Norfolk briefly played as members of the six–team Class D level

. On July 17, 1924, the league folded. Norfolk placed 3rd 31–30 3rd, playing under manager Nig Lane when the league disbanded. Norfolk finished 2.0 games behind the Beatrice Blues and Sioux Falls Canaries who were tied for 1st place with 35–30 records in the final standings.

Nebraska State League 1928 to 1938

The 1928

Norfolk Elks The Norfolk Elks were a Nebraska State League (1928–1938), Tri-State League (1924) and Western League (baseball, 1939-41), Western League baseball team based in Norfolk, Nebraska, United States. They were affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinal ...

resumed minor league play as the eight–team class D level

reformed. Norfolk would continue play in the league through the 1938 season, as other league franchises relocated or folded during the period. The 1928 Elks ended the season with a record of 55–66, playing under manager Lefty Wilkus. The team placed 6th and ended the season 16.5 games behind the 1st place

McCook Generals The McCook Generals were a Nebraska State League baseball team based in McCook, Nebraska, United States that existed from 1928 to 1932. They were league champions in their first three years of existence, from 1929 to 1931. All league championships ...

in the final standings as no playoffs were held. The Norfolk Elks placed 7th in the 1929 Nebraska State League. Playing under returning manager Lefty Wilkus, Norfolk ended the season with a record of 43–73, finishing 31.0 games behind the McCook Generals in the Nebraska State League final standings. John Smith of Norfolk hit 15 home runs to lead the league. The Norfolk Elks continued play in the 1930 eight–team Nebraska State, placing 6th. Ending the season with a record of 56–65, playing under manager Hal Brokaw, the Elks finished 30.0 games behind the champion McCook Generals in the final standings. The 1931 Norfolk Elks were managed by Joe McDermott. Norfolk ended the 1931 with a final record of 47–58 to place 5th in the six–team league. Playing under returning manager Joe McDermott, the Elks finished 18.0 games behind the Grand Island Islanders in the final standings of the Nebraska State League. Grand Island won the Finals over the

North Platte Buffaloes North is one of the four compass points or cardinal directions. It is the opposite of south and is perpendicular to east and west. ''North'' is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating direction or geography. Etymology The word ''north'' is ...

. Sebastian Wagner of Norfolk hit 22 home runs to lead the Nebraska State League. The 1932 Norfolk Elks won the Nebraska State League pennant. Playing again under manager Joe McDermott, Norfolk finished 1st in the regular season standings with a record of 75–35. The Elks finished 13.5 games ahead of the 2nd place

Beatrice Blues The Beatrice Blues was the final and primary name of the minor league baseball teams located in Beatrice, Nebraska. Beatrice teams played as members of the Nebraska State League in 1892, from 1913 to 1915, 1922 to 1923, 1928, 1932 to 1938, the Miss ...

in the six–team league. Norfolk lost in Finals, as the Beatrice Blues defeated Norfolk 4 games to 3. Norfolk pitcher Otto Davis, led the league with 24 wins, while teammate Luke Bucklin had a 1.89 ERA to lead the league. Norfolk player Walt Gannon had 150 total hits, most in the league. The Norfolk Elks won their second consecutive pennant in the 1933 four–team Nebraska State League regular season. Led by Joe McDermott the Elks finished with a record of 60–45 to place 1st, just 0.5 game ahead of the 2nd place Beatrice Blues. Norfolk lost in Finals, as the Beatrice Blues won 5 games and the Norfolk Elks 4. Ray Bertram of Norfolk had 156 total hits to lead the Nebraska State League. 1934 Norfolk Elks placed 2nd in the four–team league, as Joe McDermott continued as manager. The Elks ended the season with a record of 60–49, finishing 8.5 games behind the Lincoln Links in the final standings of the Nebraska State League. Pitcher Jack Farmer of Norfolk won 19 games to lead the Nebraska State League, while teammate George Silvey had 143 overall hits, most in the league. The Norfolk Elks won the 1935 Nebraska State League championship. Norfolk ended the season in 2nd place with a record of 58–49 Managed by Pat Patterson, Norfolk finished 11.5 games behind the 1st place Sioux Falls Canaries in the final standings of the four–team Class D league. In the finals Norfolk defeated Sioux Falls 4 games to 3 to become league champions. Norfolk's John Grilli had 116 RBI to lead the league and teammate

Orie Arntzen Orie Edgar Arntzen (October 18, 1909 – January 28, 1970) was an American professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Athletics during the 1943 season. Listed at and , he threw and batted right-ha ...

had 184 strikeouts to led the Nebraska State League. Norfolk Elks continued Nebraska State League play in 1936 and became a minor league affiliate of the

. With Joe McDermott returning as manager, the Elks finished with a record of 63–57 to place 3rd in the six–team league. The Elks finished 8.0 games behind the Sioux Falls Canaries in the final standings. Norfolk qualified for the playoffs and lost in the 1st round, as the

Mitchell Kernels The Mitchell Kernels were a minor league baseball team based in Mitchell, South Dakota. The Kernels played as members of the South Dakota League (1920), Dakota League (1921–1922), South Dakota League (1923), Nebraska State League (1936–1937) ...

defeated Norfolk 3 games to 1. Bill A. James led the Nebraska State League with 29 home runs and fellow Norfolk player Dexter Savage paced the league with 128 RBI. The 1937 Norfolk Elks became a

minor league affiliate. Norfolk ended the season with a final record of 50–65, placing 4th in the six–team league and finisheing 31.0 games behind the 1st place Sioux Falls Canaries in the Nebraska State League final standings. Manager

Doc Bennett Elmer S. "Doc" Bennett (February 1, 1891 in Ruyle, Illinois, United States – March 31, 1974 in Hollywood, California, USA) was a minor league baseball pitcher and player, who later became a very successful minor league manager, leading five te ...

began his four season stint as the Norfolk manager. In Norfolk's final season of Nebraska State League play, the 1938 Norfolk Elks were Nebraska State League champions. Norfolk ended the 1938 with a record of 67–49 to place 2nd, playing under returning manager Doc Bennett. In the regular season standings, Norfolk finished 2.5 games behind the Sioux City Cowboys in the final standings. In the Finals Norfolk defeated Sioux City 4 games to 2 to become league champions. The Nebraska State League folded following the 1938 season. When the league resumed play in 1956, Norfolk did not field a franchise in the league.

Western League 1939 to 1941

Continuing as a New York Yankees affiliate, the 1939 Norfolk Elks became members of the six–team Western League and won the league pennant. Playing again under manager Doc Bennett, the Elks ended the season with a record of 75–44 to place 1st in the regular season standings. Norfolk finished 8.0 games ahead of the 2nd place

Sioux Falls Canaries The Sioux Falls Canaries are a professional baseball team based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. The Canaries are members of the North Division of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an official Partner League of Major L ...

. In the playoffs, Norfolk lost 1st round, as the

Sioux City Soos The Sioux or Oceti Sakowin (; Dakota language, Dakota: Help:IPA, /otʃʰeːtʰi ʃakoːwĩ/) are groups of Native Americans in the United States, Native American tribes and First Nations in Canada, First Nations peoples in North America. The ...

defeated Norfolk 3 games to 2. William Morgan of Norfolk led the league with 17 home runs. In 1940, the Western League reduced to four teams. The newly named "

Norfolk Yankees The Norfolk Yankees were a Western League baseball team based in Norfolk, Nebraska, United States that played from 1940 to 1941. They were affiliated with the New York Yankees. Jim Dyck, who played Major League Baseball Major League Baseball ...

" continued as an affiliate of the

. The Yankees ended the 1940 in 1s place with a final regular season of 73–39. Norfolk finished 16.0 games ahead of the 2nd place Sioux Falls Canaries, managed again by Doc Bennett. In the Finals, Sioux Falls defeated Norfolk 4 games to 2. In their final minor league season, Norfolk continued Western League play. The Norfolk Yankees' final season of play saw the franchise win their third consecutive pennant. Norfolk ended the 1941 in 1st place with a record of 64–44. The Yankees finished 2.0 games ahead of the 2nd place

Cheyenne Indians The Cheyenne ( ) are an Indigenous people of the Great Plains. Their Cheyenne language belongs to the Algonquian language family. Today, the Cheyenne people are split into two federally recognized nations: the Southern Cheyenne, who are enroll ...

, playing under manager Ray Powell. Frank Bocek led the league with 92 RBI. In the playoffs, Norfolk beat the

Sioux City Cowboys The Sioux City Cowboys were a minor league baseball team that played in the Western League (1900–1958), Western League (1934–1937), Nebraska State League (1938) and another incarnation of the Western League (baseball, 1939-41), Western League (1 ...

3 games to 2. The

Pueblo Rollers In the Southwestern United States, Pueblo (capitalized) refers to the Tribe (Native American), Native tribes of Puebloans having fixed-location communities with permanent buildings which also are called pueblos (lowercased). The Spanish explorer ...

won 3 games to Norfolk's 2 as the Yankees lost in Finals. The Western League did not play in the 1942 through 1946 seasons, with

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

interrupting play. When the 1947 Western League reformed, Norfolk did not field a franchise in the league. Norfolk, Nebraska has not hosted another minor league team.

The ballpark

For their duration, Norfolk minor league teams were noted to have played home minor league games at Athletic Park. In 1922, the facility was rebuilt, with covered wooden grandstands installed behind home plate, bleachers down both foul lines and right field bleachers. The park was also used for the "Harvest Festival" and local fairs. The ballpark was located at North 4th Street & Prospect Avenue, Norfolk, Nebraska. Kensington Building (Norfolk, Nebraska) 3

Kensington Building (Norfolk, Nebraska) 3

Timeline

Year–by–year records

Notable alumni

(1935) *

(1937–1940, MGR) *

Jim Dyck James Robert Dyck (February 3, 1922 – January 11, 1999) was a third baseman and left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for four different teams between 1951 and 1956. Listed at , 200 lb., Dyck batted and threw right-handed. He was ...

(1941) *

Marv Felderman Marvin Wilfred Feldman (December 20, 1915 – August 6, 2000) was a Major League Baseball player. Nicknamed "Coonie", Felderman played for Chicago Cubs in the 1942 season. He only played in three games in his one-year career, having one hit and f ...

(1936) *

Oris Hockett Oris Leon Hockett (September 29, 1909 – March 23, 1969) was an outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1938–39), Cleveland Indians (1941–44) and Chicago White Sox (1945). Hockett batted left-handed and threw ...

(1931–1932) *

Johnny Hopp John Leonard Hopp (July 18, 1916 – June 1, 2003) was an American professional baseball player and coach. Born in Hastings, Nebraska, he was an outfielder and first baseman who appeared in 1,393 Major League Baseball games over 14 seasons (1 ...

(1936) *

Hugh Luby Hugh Max "Hal" Luby (June 13, 1913 – May 4, 1986) was an American professional baseball third baseman, second baseman, manager and front-office executive. Apart from two trials in Major League Baseball with the 1936 Philadelphia Athletics and t ...

(1931–1933) * Runt Marr (1922, MGR) * Max Marshall (1936) * Johnny Orr (1938) *

Joe Orrell Forest Gordon "Joe" Orrell (March 6, 1917 – January 12, 1993) was a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization and the oldest major professional sports league ...

(1936) * Ray Powell (1941, MGR) *

By Speece Byron Franklin Speece (January 6, 1897 – September 29, 1974), was a Major League Baseball player. He was married to Helen Grace (née' Whittinghill) Speece; they had two children (Byron Jr. and Wilma Irene). MLB career He was a pitcher from - ...

(1922) *

Les Rock Lester Henry Rock (born ''Lester Henry Schwarzrock''; August 19, 1912 – September 9, 1991) was a first baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for the Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team ...

(1932) *

Bill Starr William "Chick" Starr (February 16, 1911 – August 12, 1991) was a Major League Baseball catcher. He played in parts of two seasons, and , for the Washington Senators. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was Jewish. He attended James Medil ...

(1932) *

(1914–1915, MGR) *

Bennie Warren Bernie Louis Warren (March 2, 1912, – May 11, 1994) was a Major League Baseball player. Warren played for the Philadelphia Phillies from to and the New York Giants in and . Warren served in the United States Navy during World War II from Ja ...

(1934)

External links

Baseball Reference

References

{{Reflist, 2 Defunct minor league baseball teams Professional baseball teams in Nebraska Defunct baseball teams in Nebraska Baseball teams established in 1922 Baseball teams disestablished in 1924 Nebraska State League teams Norfolk, Nebraska Defunct Tri-State League teams