The Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League was a Class B level

Minor League Baseball Minor League Baseball (MiLB) is a professional baseball organization below Major League Baseball (MLB), constituted of teams affiliated with MLB clubs. It was founded on September 5, 1901, in response to the growing dominance of the National Le ...

organization that operated for the better part of 60 seasons, with teams based in

Illinois Illinois ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern United States. It borders on Lake Michigan to its northeast, the Mississippi River to its west, and the Wabash River, Wabash and Ohio River, Ohio rivers to its ...

Indiana Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...

Iowa Iowa ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the upper Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west; Wisconsin to the northeast, Ill ...

Kansas Kansas ( ) is a landlocked U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Nebraska to the north; Missouri to the east; Oklahoma to the south; and Colorado to the west. Kansas is named a ...

Minnesota Minnesota ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north and east and by the U.S. states of Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the so ...

Missouri Missouri (''see #Etymology and pronunciation, pronunciation'') is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. Ranking List of U.S. states and territories by area, 21st in land area, it border ...

Nebraska Nebraska ( ) is a landlocked U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders South Dakota to the north; Iowa to the east and Missouri to the southeast, both across the Missouri River; Ka ...

and

Wisconsin Wisconsin ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Great Lakes region, Great Lakes region of the Upper Midwest of the United States. It borders Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michig ...

. The league began play in 1901 and disbanded after the 1961 season. It was popularly known as the Three–I League and sometimes as the Three–Eye League. The Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League played from 1901 to 1961 with some interruptions due to world events: the league did not play in 1918 due to

World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...

and it had a break in 1933 and 1934 because of the

Great Depression The Great Depression was a severe global economic downturn from 1929 to 1939. The period was characterized by high rates of unemployment and poverty, drastic reductions in industrial production and international trade, and widespread bank and ...

. After resuming play in 1935, it closed down in 1936, but reformed and had a six-year run from 1937 through 1942, before a break due to

World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

. The league resumed play in 1946, lasting through 1961, where it was largely supplanted by the

Midwest League The Midwest League is a Minor League Baseball league established in 1947 and based in the Midwestern United States. A Class A league for most of its history, the league was promoted to High-A as part of Major League Baseball's 2021 reorganizat ...

. A Class B level league from 1902 throughout its lifespan, no other league survived for as long at that level.

History

The Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League was founded in 1901 with

Rock Island, Illinois Rock Island is a city in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The population was 37,108 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. Located at the confluence of the Rock River (Mississippi River tributary), Rock a ...

native Michael H. Sexton serving as the first president. Eight charter members began play in 1901. The

Bloomington Blues Bloomington commonly refers to: *Bloomington, Illinois, a city in McLean County, United States *Bloomington, Indiana Bloomington is a city in Monroe County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. The population was 79,168 at the 2020 Unit ...

, Cedar Rapids Rabbitts,

Davenport River Rats The Davenport River Rats were a minor league baseball team based in Davenport, Iowa. In 1901, the "River Rats" became charter members of the Class D level Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League, beginning a long tenure of Davenport teams in the league. ...

Decatur Commodores The Decatur Commodores were a professional minor league baseball team based in Decatur, Illinois that played for 64 seasons. The Commodores are the primary ancestor of today's Kane County Cougars. They played, with sporadic interruptions, from 1 ...

Evansville River Rats The Evansville River Rats were a professional minor league baseball team based in Evansville, Indiana. They played from 1901 to 1902 in the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League (the "Three-I" League) and from 1903 to 1910 and 1914 to 1915 in the Cen ...

Rock Island Islanders The Rock Island Islanders was the primary name of the minor league baseball teams based in Rock Island, Illinois, one of the Quad Cities, between 1892 and 1937. Rock Island teams played as members of the Illinois–Iowa League (1892), Western Asso ...

Rockford Red Sox Rockford or Rockfords may refer to: Places United States * Rockford, Alabama, a town * Rockford, Idaho, a census-designated place * Rockford, Illinois, a city, the largest municipality of this name * Rockford metropolitan area, Illinois, a United ...

and

Terre Haute Hottentots The Terre Haute Hottentots were a Minor League Baseball team from Terre Haute, Indiana, that played in the Northwestern League in 1891, Illinois–Iowa League in 1892, Western Interstate League in 1895, Western League in 1895, Class C Central Le ...

were the charter teams.

Bloomington, Illinois Bloomington is a city in McLean County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The 2020 United States census, 2020 census showed the city had a population of 78,680, making it the List of municipalities in Illinois, 13th-most populous ci ...

Decatur, Illinois Decatur ( ) is the largest city in Macon County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The city was founded in 1829 and is situated along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 ...

and

Terre Haute, Indiana Terre Haute ( ) is a city in Vigo County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the city had a population of 58,389 and Terre Haute metropolitan area, its metropolitan area had a populati ...

had left the

Central League The or , also known as the for sponsorship reasons, is one of the two professional baseball leagues that constitute Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship plays against the winner of the Pacific League i ...

to join expansion teams in

Cedar Rapids, Iowa Cedar Rapids is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States, and its county seat. The population was 137,710 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, making it the List of cities in Iowa, second-most populous city in Iowa. The city lies o ...

Davenport, Iowa Davenport ( ) is a city in Scott County, Iowa, United States, and its county seat. It is situated along the Mississippi River on the eastern border of the state. Davenport had a population of 101,724 as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 cen ...

Evansville, Indiana Evansville is a city in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. With a population of 118,414 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is Indiana's List of cities in Indiana, third-most populous city after India ...

Rockford, Illinois Rockford is a city in Winnebago County, Illinois, Winnebago and Ogle County, Illinois, Ogle counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. Located in far northern Illinois on the banks of the Rock River (Mississippi River tributary), Rock River, Rockfor ...

, and Rock Island, Illinois and form the Class D level league (equivalent to a Rookie-level league today). Two expansion teams, Davenport and Evansville, chose "River Rats" as their team name. For the second season, 1902, the league became Class B level league (equivalent to a short-season Class A league before 2021 and a Low-A league today), a classification it retained for the next 59 seasons of league operation. The Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League was inactive during some years of World War I (1918) and World War II (1943–1945), as well as part of the

(1933-34, 1936), like many minor leagues that were forced to suspend operations or disband during those severe times. As with many minor leagues, especially at the lower classifications, league membership fluctuated a great deal over its six decades. Overall, the league hosted teams in 31 cities during its existence. At various times it had teams in such medium-sized cities as

Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States, and its county seat A county seat is an administrative center, seat of government, or capital city of a county or parish (administrative division), civil parish. The term is in u ...

Davenport Davenport may refer to: Places Australia *Davenport, Northern Territory, a locality *Hundred of Davenport, cadastral unit in South Australia **Davenport, South Australia, suburb of Port Augusta **District Council of Davenport, former local govern ...

, Bloomington, Decatur, Danville, Peoria, Springfield,

Evansville Evansville is a city in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. With a population of 118,414 at the 2020 census, it is Indiana's third-most populous city after Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, the most populous city in S ...

and

Terre Haute Terre Haute ( ) is a city in Vigo County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 58,389 and its metropolitan area had a population of 168,716. Located along the Wabash River about e ...

. It was a Class B league in the old classification system that ran from Class D up to Class Triple-A. The 1955 Keokuk Kernels are ranked #30 in the Top–100 All–Time minor league teams by MiLB.com. The Kernels finished with a 92–34 record and were led by

Russ Nixon Russell Eugene Nixon (February 19, 1935 – November 8, 2016) was an American professional baseball player, coach and manager. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1957 to 1968. A veteran of 55 years in professional b ...

and

Mudcat Grant James Timothy "Mudcat" Grant Jr. (August 13, 1935 – June 11, 2021) was an American baseball pitcher who played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos ...

. Since 1956 its territory had largely been supplanted by the

, which began play in 1947 as the Class D level Illinois State League. After 1956 there were no Illinois or Indiana teams in the league. The final 1961 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League franchises were the

Fox Cities Foxes Foxes are small-to-medium-sized omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull; upright, triangular ears; a pointed, slightly upturned snout; and a long, bushy tail ("brush"). Twelve species ...

Burlington Bees The Burlington Bees are a collegiate summer baseball team of the Prospect League. They are located in Burlington, Iowa, and have played their home games at Community Field since 1947. Founded in 1889, the Bees played in Minor League Baseball' ...

Topeka Reds Topeka ( ) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, in northeastern Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2020 cens ...

Lincoln Chiefs Lincoln most commonly refers to: * Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), the 16th president of the United States * Lincoln, England, cathedral city and county town of Lincolnshire, England * Lincoln, Nebraska, the capital of Nebraska, U.S. * Lincoln (na ...

, Cedar Rapids Braves and

Des Moines Demons The Des Moines Demons were a minor league baseball team that was located in Des Moines, Iowa from 1925 to 1937 and 1959 to 1961. The teams played at Holcomb Park. The first professional night baseball game was played at Holcomb Park when the Dem ...

. In 1962, Appleton (Fox Cities), Burlington, and Cedar Rapids joined the Midwest League and the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League folded operations when those franchises switched leagues. The league's unique name made it a convenient reference point for any mention of the minor leagues.

Casey Stengel Charles Dillon "Casey" Stengel (; July 30, 1890 – September 29, 1975) was an American Major League Baseball right fielder and Manager (baseball), manager, best known as the manager of the championship New York Yankees of the 1950s and later, t ...

made the following comment in later life, evidently still feeling stung from having been traded by the

New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The ...

to the

Boston Braves The Boston Braves were a Major League Baseball club that originated in Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, and played from 1871 to 1952. Afterwards they moved to History of the Atlanta Braves#Milwaukee, Milwaukee (and became the Milwaukee Braves). ...

in the 1923–1924 off-season, despite having hit 2 game-winning home runs in the

World Series The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB). It has been contested since between the champion teams of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The winning team, determined through a best- ...

: "It's lucky I didn't hit 3 home runs in three games, or McGraw would have traded me to the 3-I League!"

Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League cities/teams (1901–1961)

Alton, Illinois Alton ( ) is a city on the Mississippi River in Madison County, Illinois, United States, about north of St. Louis, Missouri. The population was 25,676 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. It is a part of the River Bend (Illinois), Riv ...

: Alton Blues, 1917

Appleton, Wisconsin Appleton () is the county seat of Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States, with small portions extending into Calumet County, Wisconsin, Calumet and Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Winnebago counties. Located on the Fox River (Green Bay tributary ...

, 1959–1961

, 1901–1902;

Bloomington Bloomers The Bloomington Bloomers were a minor League baseball franchise based in Bloomington, Illinois Bloomington is a city in McLean County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The 2020 United States census, 2020 census showed the city h ...

, 1903–1910, 1912–1917, 1919–1929, 1935, 1938–1939; Bloomington Cubs, 1930–1931; Bloomington Bengals, 1937

Burlington, Iowa Burlington is a city in, and the county seat of, Des Moines County, Iowa, United States. The population was 23,982 in the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, a decline from the 26,839 population in 2000 United States Census, 2000. Burlington ...

: Burlington Flints, 1952–1953;

, 1954–1961

Cedar Rapids Rabbits Cedar may refer to: Trees and plants *''Cedrus'', common English name cedar, an Old-World genus of coniferous trees in the plant family Pinaceae *Cedar (plant), a list of trees and plants known as cedar Places United States * Cedar, Arizona * ...

, 1901–1909, 1920–1921;

Cedar Rapids Raiders Cedar may refer to: Trees and plants *''Cedrus'', common English name cedar, an Old-World genus of coniferous trees in the plant family Pinaceae *Cedar (plant), a list of trees and plants known as cedar Places United States * Cedar, Arizona * ...

, 1938–1942; Cedar Rapids Indians, 1950–1954; Cedar Rapids Raiders 1957; Cedar Rapids Braves, 1958–1961

Clinton, Iowa Clinton is a city in and the county seat of Clinton County, Iowa, United States. It borders the Mississippi River. The population was 24,469 as of 2020 United States census, 2020. Clinton, along with DeWitt, Iowa, DeWitt (also located in Clinto ...

: Clinton Infants, 1907–1908; Clinton Owls, 1937–1938;

Clinton Giants Clinton is an English toponymic surname, indicating one's ancestors came from English places called Glympton or Glinton.Hanks, P. & Hodges, F. ''A Dictionary of Surnames''. Oxford University Press, 1988 Clinton has also been used as a given na ...

, 1939–1941

Danville, Illinois Danville is a city in Vermilion County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The populations was 29,204 as of the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Danville micropolitan area. History The area that is now Danville was on ...

Danville Speakers Danville or Dansville may refer to: Places Canada *Danville, Quebec United States *Danville, Alabama * Danville, Arkansas *Danville, California *Danville, Georgia *Danville, Illinois *Danville, Indiana * Danville, Iowa *Danville, Kansas *Danvil ...

, 1910–1914; Danville Veterans, 1922–1932;

Danville Dodgers Danville or Dansville may refer to: Places Canada *Danville, Quebec United States *Danville, Alabama * Danville, Arkansas *Danville, California *Danville, Georgia *Danville, Illinois * Danville, Indiana * Danville, Iowa * Danville, Kansas *Danv ...

, 1946–1950

, 1901–1904; Davenport Riversides, 1905; Davenport Knickerbockers, 1906; Davenport Prodigals, 1909–1912;

Davenport Blue Sox The Davenport Blue Sox was the name given to three minor league baseball teams based in Davenport, Iowa. The first version of the Blue Sox played in the Class B Three-I League from 1913–1916. The second played in the Class D Mississippi Valley ...

, 1913–1916; Davenport Cubs, 1946–1947; Davenport Pirates, 1948–1949; Davenport Quads, 1950;

Davenport Tigers Davenport may refer to: Places Australia *Davenport, Northern Territory, a locality *Hundred of Davenport, cadastral unit in South Australia **Davenport, South Australia, suburb of Port Augusta **District Council of Davenport, former local govern ...

, 1951–1952; Davenport DavSox, 1957–1958

, 1901–1909, Decatur Nomads, 1911; Decatur Commodores 1912–1915, 1922–1932, 1935, 1937–1942, 1946–1947; Decatur Commies, 1948; Decatur Cubs, 1949; Decatur Commodores 1950

Des Moines, Iowa Des Moines is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of cities in Iowa, most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is the county seat of Polk County, Iowa, Polk County with parts extending into Warren County, Iowa, Wa ...

;

, 1959–1961

Dubuque, Iowa Dubuque (, ) is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, and its county seat. The population was 59,667 at the 2020 United States census. The city lies along the Mississippi River at the junction of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, a region ...

: Dubuque Shamrocks, 1903–1905; Dubuque Dubs, 1906–1910, Dubuque Hustlers, 1911; Dubuque Dubs 1912–1915

, 1901–1902; Evansville Evas, 1919–1923; Evansville Little Evas, 1924; Evansville Pocketeers, 1925; Evansville Hubs, 1926–1931;

Evansville Bees Evansville is a city in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. With a population of 118,414 at the 2020 census, it is Indiana's third-most populous city after Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, the most populous city in S ...

, 1938–1942;

Evansville Braves The Evansville Braves was the primary nickname of a minor league baseball team based in Evansville, Indiana 1938–1942 and 1946–1957, playing in the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League. Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees Bob Uecker and Warren Spahn pla ...

, 1946–1957

Fort Wayne, Indiana Fort Wayne is a city in Allen County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. Located in northeastern Indiana, the city is west of the Ohio border and south of the Michigan border. The city's population was 263,886 at the 2020 census ...

Fort Wayne Chiefs The Fort Wayne Chiefs were a minor league baseball team based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Between 1917 and 1934, Fort Wayne Chiefs teams played seven total seasons as members of the Class B level Central League (baseball), Central League, winning th ...

, 1935

Freeport, Illinois Freeport is the largest city in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The population was 23,973 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, and the mayor of Freeport is Jodi Miller, elected in 2017. Freeport is k ...

: Freeport Comeons, 1915

Green Bay, Wisconsin Green Bay is a city in Brown County, Wisconsin, United States, and its county seat. It is located at the head of Green Bay (Lake Michigan), Green Bay (known locally as "the bay of Green Bay"), a sub-basin of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the F ...

: Green Bay Bluejays, 1958–1959;

Green Bay Dodgers The Green Bay Dodgers were the final moniker of the minor league baseball teams located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States between 1891 and 1960. Green Bay teams played as members of the Wisconsin State League (1891), Wisconsin–Michigan Lea ...

, 1960

Hannibal, Missouri Hannibal is a city along the Mississippi River in Marion County, Missouri, Marion and Ralls County, Missouri, Ralls counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. According to the 2020 United States census, 2020 U.S. Census, the population was 17,108, ...

: Hannibal Mules, 1916–1917

Joliet, Illinois Joliet ( ) is a city in Will County, Illinois, Will and Kendall County, Illinois, Kendall counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, located southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County, Illinois, Will County. It had a population of ...

: Joliet Standards, 1903

Keokuk, Iowa Keokuk is a city in and a county seat of Lee County, Iowa, United States. It is Iowa's southernmost city. The population was 9,900 at the time of the United States Census, 2020, 2020 census. The city is named after the Sauk people, Sauk chief K ...

: Keokuk Kernels, 1952–1957

Lincoln, Nebraska Lincoln is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Nebraska. The city covers and had a population of 291,082 as of the 2020 census. It is the state's List of cities in Nebraska, second-most populous city a ...

, 1959–1961

Madison, Wisconsin Madison is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is the List of municipalities in Wisconsin by population, second-most populous city in the state, with a population of 269,840 at the 2020 Uni ...

Madison Blues "Madison Blues" is a blues song by American blues musician Elmore James. It is an upbeat Chicago-style shuffle featuring James' amplified slide guitar and vocal. He recorded it in 1960 for Chess Records, during a session that also produced " Tal ...

, 1940–1942

Moline, Illinois Moline ( ) is a city in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. With a population of 42,985 in the 2020 census, it is the largest city in Rock Island County and the List of municipalities in Illinois, ninth-most populous in Illinois outside ...

Moline Plowboys The Moline Plowboys was a primary name of the minor league baseball teams based in Moline, Illinois, one of the Quad Cities. Moline teams played as members the 1892 Illinois-Iowa League, 1894 Western Association, the Mississippi Valley League (19 ...

, 1914–1917, 1919–1923, 1937–1941

Peoria, Illinois Peoria ( ) is a city in Peoria County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. Located on the Illinois River, the city had a population of 113,150 as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, making it the List of municipalities in Ill ...

Peoria Distillers The Peoria Distillers were a minor league baseball team that existed on-and-off from 1894 to 1917. They played in the Western Association from 1894 to 1896; the Central League (baseball), Central League in 1900, 1904 and 1917; the Western League ( ...

, 1905–1917;

Peoria Tractors Peoria ( ) is a city in Peoria County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. Located on the Illinois River, the city had a population of 113,150 as of the 2020 census, making it the eighth-most populous city in Illinois. It is the princ ...

, 1919–1932, 1935;

Peoria Reds The Peoria Chiefs are a Minor League Baseball team of the Midwest League and the High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The team was established in 1983 as the Peoria Suns. They are located in Peoria, Illinois, and are named for the Peori ...

, 1937;

Peoria Chiefs The Peoria Chiefs are a Minor League Baseball team of the Midwest League and the High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The team was established in 1983 as the Peoria Suns. They are located in Peoria, Illinois, and are named for the Pe ...

, 1953–1957

Quincy, Illinois Quincy ( ) is a city in Adams County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. Located on the Mississippi River, the population was 39,463 as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, down from 40,633 in 2010. The Quincy, Illinois, mic ...

: Quincy Infants, 1911; Quincy Old Soldiers, 1912;

Quincy Gems The Quincy Gems were a collegiate summer league baseball team located in Quincy, Illinois. The Gems were originally a part of the Central Illinois Collegiate League and joined the Prospect League with several other CICL teams prior to the 2009 ...

, 1913–1917; Quincy Red Birds, 1925–1927;

Quincy Indians The Quincy Indians were a minor league baseball team that existed from 1928 to 1933. They were located in Quincy, Illinois. From 1928 to 1932, they played in the Class B Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League, and in 1933, they played in the Class B Mis ...

, 1928–1932. Quincy Gems 1946–1956

Rochester, Minnesota Rochester is a city in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States, and its county seat. It is located along rolling bluffs on the Zumbro River's south fork in Southeast Minnesota. At the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the city had a popul ...

: Rochester A's, 1958

, 1901–1911, 1916–1917, 1921

, 1901–1904; Rockford Wakes, 1915–1916; Rockford Rox, 1917, 1919–1923

Sioux City, Iowa Sioux City () is a city in Woodbury County, Iowa, Woodbury and Plymouth County, Iowa, Plymouth counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 85,797 in the 2020 United States Census, 2020 census, making it the List of cities in Iowa, fo ...

Sioux City Soos The Sioux or Oceti Sakowin ( ; Dakota/Lakota: ) are groups of Native American tribes and First Nations people from the Great Plains of North America. The Sioux have two major linguistic divisions: the Dakota and Lakota peoples (translation ...

, 1959–1960

Springfield, Illinois Springfield is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Illinois. Its population was 114,394 at the 2020 United States census, which makes it the state's List of cities in Illinois, seventh-most populous cit ...

: Springfield Foot Trackers, 1903; Springfield Hustlers, 1904; Springfield Senators, 1905–1912, 1925–1932, 1935; Springfield Watchmakers, 1913–1914;

Springfield Browns The Springfield Browns was a primary moniker of the minor league baseball teams based in Springfield, Illinois between 1931 and 1950. Springfield teams played as members of the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League (1931–1932), Mississippi Valley Le ...

, 1938–1942, 1946–1949

, 1901–1902; Terre Haute Browns, 1919–1920; Terre Haute Tots, 1921–1932, 1935, 1937;

Terre Haute Phillies The Terre Haute Phillies were a baseball team in Terre Haute, Indiana from 1946 to 1954. They were a Three-I League team affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies. They became the Terre Haute Tigers for the 1955–1956 seasons when the affiliat ...

, 1946–1954; Terre Haute Tigers, 1955–1956

Topeka, Kansas Topeka ( ) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, in northeastern Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2020 cen ...

: Topeka Hawks, 1959;

, 1960–1961

Waterloo, Iowa Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County, Iowa, Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2020 United States census the population was 67,314, making it the List of cities in Iowa, eighth-most populous city in the st ...

: Waterloo Boosters, 1910–1911; Waterloo Red Hawks, 1938–1939;

Waterloo Hawks The Waterloo Hawks were a National Basketball League and National Basketball Association team based in Waterloo, Iowa. The Hawks remain the only sports franchise ever based in Iowa from any of the current Big Four Leagues. They are not affili ...

, 1940–1942, 1947;

Waterloo White Hawks Based in Waterloo, Iowa, the Waterloo White Hawks were a minor league baseball team that existed from 1946 to 1956. They played in the Three-I League and were affiliated with the Chicago White Sox. They played their home games at Riverfront Stadiu ...

, 1946, 1948–1956

Winona, Minnesota Winona ( ) is a city in and the county seat of Winona County, Minnesota, United States. Located in bluff country on the Mississippi River, its most noticeable physical landmark is Sugar Loaf (Winona, Minnesota), Sugar Loaf. The population was 2 ...

: Winona A's, 1958

Year-by-year (1901–1932)

1901 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
Terre Haute won the title behind the impressive pitching of

Mordecai Brown Mordecai Peter Centennial Brown (October 19, 1876 – February 14, 1948), nicknamed "Three Finger Brown" or "Miner", was an American Major League Baseball pitcher and manager during the first two decades of the 20th century (known as the " dead- ...

, future Chicago Cubs mound star. 1902 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League 1903 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
Evansville and Terre Haute joined the

. New teams in

and

formed. Joliet, with a record of 14–19, moved to

on June 12, where they had a record of 28–61. 1904 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League 1905 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The Rockford team folded, and a new team in

formed. After the season ended, Cedar Rapids lost to the

team from the

Iowa State League The Iowa State League was a minor league baseball league that played from 1904 to 1907 and again in 1912. The Class D (baseball), Class D level league had franchises based in Illinois and Iowa. The Ottumwa Snappers franchise won league championship ...

4 games to 3. 1906 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League 1907 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The Davenport team folded. The team from

joined after leaving the

. 1908 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League 1909 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The Clinton team folded. A new team in

formed. 1910 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
After the previous disappointing season, Cedar Rapids folded. The Decatur team moved to the

Northern Association The Northern Association was a Class D level minor league baseball league. The eight-team league had franchises based in Illinois and Iowa. The league began and ended play in 1910, disbanding on July 19, 1910. The Joliet Jolly-ites moved to Ste ...

. The team from

left the

Central Association The Central Association was an American minor league baseball league. The Central Association began play in 1908, evolving from the 1907 Iowa State League. The Central Association played continuously through 1917 before folding. The league reforme ...

to join here. A new team from

formed and joined the league as well. 1911 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The team from Bloomington folded. The

team from the

joined the league. The Springfield team, with a 12–4 record, moved to

on May 31, where their record was 57–56. 1912 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The teams from Rock Island and Waterloo folded. New teams from

and

Bloomington, Indiana Bloomington is a city in Monroe County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. The population was 79,168 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. It is the List of municipalities in Indiana, seventh-most populous city in Indiana and ...

joined the league. 1913 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League 1914 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The Danville team, with a record of 26–53, moved to

on July 14, where their record was 20–33. 1915 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The Springfield team folded. A new team in

formed. Dubuque moved to

during the season. The Decatur team folded on August 10. The league adopted a playoff system in which the team with the best record in the first half of the season would play the team with the best record in the second half of the season. Moline beat Davenport 4 games to 2 for the title. 1916 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The Freeport team folded. New teams in

and

formed and joined the league. The playoff system was apparently dropped. 1917 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The Davenport team folded. A new team in

formed and joined the league. 1918, The league suspended operations because of World War I. 1919 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The teams in Alton, Hannibal, Quincy, and Rock Island folded. New teams in

and

formed and joined the league. 1920 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
New teams in

and

formed and joined the league. Evansville changed their names to the "Evas". 1921 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League 1922 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The teams in Cedar Rapids and Rock Island moved to the

Mississippi Valley League The Mississippi Valley League (MVL) was a baseball Class D level minor league that operated from 1922 through 1933. Playing its last year as a Class B level league, the league franchises were based in Iowa and Illinois. Like many leagues at the ...

. New teams in Danville and Decatur formed and joined the league. 1923 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League 1924 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The Rockford team folded. The Moline team moved to the

. 1925 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
New teams in Quincy and Springfield formed and joined the league. 1926 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League Springfield played Bay City of the

Michigan State League The Michigan State League was a minor league baseball league that operated in various seasons between 1889 and 1941. The league franchises were based exclusively in Michigan, with the league forming on six different occasions. Twenty two different ...

and won 4 games to none. They were leading against Des Moines of the Western League 3 games to 1 when the series was canceled due to cold weather. 1927 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League 1928 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The league returned to the playoff format in which the team with the best record in the first half of the season played the team with the best records in the second half of the season for the title. Decatur beat Terre Haute for the title 4 games to 1, with 1 tie. 1929 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
Two teams with the nickname "Tractors" played in the league this season. Quincy played Canton of the

after the season ended and lost 4 games to 2. 1930 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The league returned to the best record in the 1st half vs. best record in the 2nd half playoff system. Danville defeated Evansville 4 games to 2 for the title. Danville went on to play Springfield of the

and lead 3 games to 2 when the series was cancelled because of poor attendance. 1931 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League Quincy beat Springfield 4 games to 2 for the championship. 1932 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
The teams in Bloomington and Evansville folded before the season, and the Springfield and Decatur teams folded on July 12. The Terre Haute, Peoria, Quincy, and Danville teams all folded on July 15, as did the league itself. The league was restarted in 1935, 1937–1942, and 1946–1961.

Year–by–year 1935 to 1949

1935 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League Playoff: Springfield 4 games, Bloomington 2. Bloomington was declared the winner when Springfield refused to replay protested final game that was upheld by the league president. 1937 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Bloomington and Terre Haute disbanded July 3, at the end of the first half.
Playoff: Moline 4 games, Clinton 2. 1938 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Decatur 3 games, Springfield 2; Mobile 3 games, Evansville 1.
Finals: Decatur 4 games, Moline 1. 1939 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Springfield 3 games, Evansville 1; Decatur 3 games, Cedar Rapids 1.
Finals: Springfield 3 games, Decatur 2. 1940 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League Playoffs: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Springfield 0; Decatur 3 games, Evansville 2.
Finals: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Decatur 1. 1941 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Decatur 3 games, Evansville 2; Cedar Rapids 3 games, Springfield 1.
Finals: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Decatur 2. 1942 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League Playoffs: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Evansville 2; Madison 3 games, Springfield 1.
Finals: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Madison 0. The league did not play in 1943, 1944 and 1945 due to World War II 1946 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League Playoffs: Davenport defeated Danville in a one game playoff for first place; Evansville 3 games, Davenport 1. Terre Haute 3 games, Danville 1.
Finals: Evansville 3 games, Terre Haute 0. 1947 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League Playoffs: Springfield defeated Waterloo in a playoff for third place; Danville 3 games, Springfield 2; Waterloo 3 games, Terre Haute 0.
Finals: Waterloo 4 games, Danville 1. 1948 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Terre Haute 3 games, Danville 2. Evansville 3 games, Quincy 2.
Finals: Evansville 4 games, Terre Haute 0. 1949 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa Leagueschedule
Playoffs: Evansville 3 games, Terre Haute 2; Davenport 3 games, Waterloo 2.
Finals: Davenport 3 games, Evansville 0.

Year-by-year 1950 to 1961

1950 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
1950 Three-I League schedule
Playoffs: Terre Haute 3 games, Quincy 0; Danville 3 games, Waterloo 0.
Finals: Terre Haute 3 games, Danville 1. 1951 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Quincy 3 games, Terre Haute 1; Cedar Rapids 3 games, Evansville 2.
Finals: Quincy 3 games, Cedar Rapids 2. 1952 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Evansville 3 games, Burlington 2; Terre Haute 3 games, Waterloo 0.
Finals: Terre Haute 3 games, Evansville 1. 1953 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Evansville 3 games, Terre Haute 2; Quincy 3 games, Waterloo 1.
Finals: Quincy 3 games, Evansville 0. 1954 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Peoria 3 games, Evansville 1; Quincy 3 games, Keokuk 1.
Finals: Quincy 3 games, Peoria 0. 1955 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoffs: Keokuk 3 games, Peoria 0; Burlington 3 games, Waterloo 1.
Finals: Keokuk 3 games, Burlington 1. 1956 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Terre Haute disbanded July 3.
Playoffs: None Scheduled 1957 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa Leagueschedule
Playoffs: None Scheduled 1958 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Rochester (20—37) moved to Winona June 29.
Playoff: Cedar Rapids 3 games, Davenport 2. 1959 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoff: Green Bay 3 games, Des Moines 1. 1960 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoff: None Scheduled 1961 Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League
schedule
Playoff: None Scheduled

Baseball Hall of Fame alumni

Luis Aparicio Luis Ernesto Aparicio Montiel (born April 29, 1934), nicknamed "Little Louie", is a Venezuelans, Venezuelan former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a shortstop from 1956 to 1973 for three American League ...

, 1954

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, 1938

, 1901

; 1919–1920 Terre Haute Browns *

Jim Bunning James Paul David Bunning (October 23, 1931 – May 26, 2017) was an American professional baseball pitcher and politician from Kentucky who served in both chambers of the United States Congress, a member of the United States House of Representati ...

, 1951

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, 1909–1910 Dubuque Dubs *

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, 1920–1921

Hank Greenberg Henry Benjamin Greenberg (January 1, 1911 – September 4, 1986), nicknamed "Hammerin' Hank", "Hankus Pankus", and "the Hebrew Hammer", was an American professional baseball player and team executive. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB), p ...

, 1931 Evansville Hubs *

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, 1935

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, 1952

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, 1927

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, 1927 Evansville Hubs *

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, 1923

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, 1922 Danville Veterans *

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, 1923 Danville Veterans *

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, 1941

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, 1960–1961

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, 1958

* also:

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, 1950–1951

Announcer,

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, 1955

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, 1957,

Three-I Most Valuable Players

Source: * 1961

Tommy Harper Tommy Harper (born October 14, 1940) is an American former professional baseball outfielder, third baseman and second baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for seven different franchises from 1962 to 1976, including six seasons with ...

* 1960

Pete Ward Peter Thomas Ward (July 26, 1937 – March 16, 2022) was a Canadian-born professional baseball player who appeared in 973 games over nine seasons in Major League Baseball as a third baseman, outfielder and first baseman for the Baltimore Oriole ...

* 1959 Cal Emery

* 1958 Frank Howard, Green Bay Bluejays * 1957 Don Nichols,

* 1956

Don Nottebart Donald Edward Nottebart (January 23, 1936 – October 4, 2007) was an American professional baseball player. The right-handed pitcher appeared in 296 games in Major League Baseball for five teams over nine seasons (1960–1967; 1969). Notteba ...

* 1955

Johnny Romano John Anthony Romano Jr. (August 23, 1934 – February 24, 2019) was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Chicago White Sox (1958–1959, 1965–1966), Cleveland Indians (1960–196 ...

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League 1901 establishments in Illinois 1901 establishments in Indiana 1901 establishments in Iowa 1961 disestablishments in the United States Baseball leagues in Illinois Baseball leagues in Indiana Baseball leagues in Iowa Baseball leagues in Kansas Baseball leagues in Minnesota Baseball leagues in Missouri Baseball leagues in Nebraska Baseball leagues in Wisconsin Defunct minor baseball leagues in the United States Defunct professional sports leagues in the United States Sports leagues disestablished in 1961 Sports leagues established in 1901