Minor league baseball began in Cadillac, Michigan in 1910. The Cadillac "Chiefs" became charter members of the reformed four–team
Class D level
Western Michigan League. The Chiefs joined the Holland Wooden Shoes,
Muskegon Speed Boys and
Traverse City Resorters in beginning league play on May 28, 1910. The Cadillac use of the "Chiefs" moniker corresponds to regional history. Chief Pontiac, of the Cadillac Indians, led battles against settlers in Michigan. In their first season of play, the 1910 Cadillac Chiefs won the West Michigan League championship. Beginning play on May 28, 1910, the Chiefs ended the 1940 regular season with a record of 53–42, playing under manager Calvin Wenger. Cadillac finished the season 3.0 games ahead of the second place Traverse City Resorters (50–45), followed by third place Muskegon (48–48) and fourth place Holland (40–56) to win the championship. The
Manistee Colts and
Boyne City Boosters franchises joined the four returning 1910 teams in beginning league play on May 23, 1911. Cadillac ended the 1911 season with a record of 73–45 and placed second in the final standings, tied with the
Muskegon Reds, who had an identical record. Managed by Calvin Wenger, the Chiefs finished 0.5 game behind the first place Manistee Colts. Playing under returning manager Calvin Wenger and Thomas Railing, Cadillac finished 47.5 games behind the first place and champion
Manistee Champs in the six–team league final standings. ==The ballpark==