I am currently taking a course in Rhode Island History, and was reminded of the storied past of the city of Providence. At the end of the 19th and into the 20th century, Providence was home to teams that competed in three of the big four leagues: Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Football League. Providence also had a hockey team that competed in the Canadian-American Hockey League, and then the American Hockey League. Here is the names of the teams, with years in existence and notable accomplishments:
- Providence Grays (National League 1878-1885)- Won the National League title in 1879 and 1884.
- Providence Steam Roller (National Football League 1925-1931)- League championship in 1928.
- Providence Steamrollers (National Basketball Association 1946-1949)- One of the original eleven NBA franchises.
- Providence Reds (CAHL 1926-1936, AHL- 1936-1977)- Calder Cup Champions- 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956.
The Grays, Steam Roller and Reds were very successful in the city of Providence, and represented it by winning championships. The Steamrollers were of lesser note, and are known today for their awful winning percentage, and only 6 wins in the 1947-48 season. All that remains in terms of professional teams are the Providence Bruins and Pawtucket Red Sox. But these are not the top tier teams the city once had. Today Providence is known as a second tier city, but not too long ago it was a first tier city with many lucrative businesses and sports teams to boast about. One can wonder if we will ever see another professional sports team competing in the big four leagues ever again in the great city of Providence.
The Grays, Steam Roller and Reds were very successful in the city of Providence, and represented it by winning championships. The Steamrollers were of lesser note, and are known today for their awful winning percentage, and only 6 wins in the 1947-48 season. All that remains in terms of professional teams are the Providence Bruins and Pawtucket Red Sox. But these are not the top tier teams the city once had. Today Providence is known as a second tier city, but not too long ago it was a first tier city with many lucrative businesses and sports teams to boast about. One can wonder if we will ever see another professional sports team competing in the big four leagues ever again in the great city of Providence. 
The Providence Grays used to play at the Messer St. Grounds, right near my present-day home (built in 1886). There is also a re-enactment "vintage" version of the Grays that you can see play today!
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a sports buff, but I find it interesting that the sports team was able to compete in 4 leagues. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThey also always appear in the Bristol 4th of July parade.
ReplyDelete