2 minute read
Revolutionizing Baseball
BY: JASON MCSHERRY | Manager, Events & Programs
On a warm summer day in June 1955, Brooks Robinson had two hits and scored a pair of runs for the York White Roses in a victory over the Baltimore Orioles. At a glance, it may seem odd that the legendary third baseman was playing against the Orioles, but at the time, the White Roses were a minor league affiliate of Baltimore and Robinson played for the team before going on to his Hall of Fame career with the parent club.
While the exhibition game was a memorable moment in York sports history, York has been synonymous with baseball almost since the creation of the game. The earliest known professional team to call York home did so in 1884, and in the 135 years since, teams affiliated with various major league teams and independent leagues. Presently, York is home to the three-time Atlantic League champion YORK REVOLUTION Professional Baseball team.
As the future of baseball continues to evolve, the Atlantic League is primed to play an even larger role in the game as the first official Partner League of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2021 – a new status in the revamped system of minor league baseball. Technology is taking on a larger role in the sport, not just with rules, but with developing players to prepare them more quickly to play for major league teams.
“Recognition as the first Partner League really cements the way the Atlantic League’s stature has risen in the last 10 years,” said York Revolution President Eric Menzer.
Before entering the stadium to take in a game, you will pass by a bronze statue of Brooks Robinson on the plaza. Take a moment to reflect on the rich history of baseball in York, and prepare yourself to take in the future of MLB. You just might see the next legendary player launch a home run over the wall, or a new rule that will make the next World Series the best ever!
Even off of the field, taking in a game at the York Revolution’s PeoplesBank Park is always the perfect way to spend a day with your family and friends. Fans can enjoy delicious food, local craft beer, the fun-filled Kids Zone, a ‘high-five’ from the Revs’ mascot “Downtown”, and lively between-inning entertainment. Of course, you also cannot miss Cannonball Charlie kicking off every game with a booming blast from his Revolutionary War-style cannon! Reserve your seats for a home Revs game by visiting YorkRevolution.com.
Baseball’s popularity in the first quarter of the 20th Century led the American Caramel Company to produce ‘baseball caramels’ at its factory, just a few blocks from PeoplesBank Park. Customers who purchased these caramels received a baseball card featuring stars of the game.
The American Caramel Company offered illustrated player cards beginning in 1909, eventually featured player photographs. The cards were included with ‘baseball caramels’ until the company closed in 1928.
Across town, the York Caramel Company also offered a set of player photograph cards in 1927. These promotional baseball cards remain some of the earliest created, and to this day, are extremely sought after by sports card collectors.
