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Fulton, Kentucky minor league baseball history

Minor league baseball teams were based in Fulton, Kentucky in various seasons between 1911 and 1955. Fulton teams played exclusively as members of the Class D level Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League under differing names in five different decades, winning three league championships and two league pennants. Fulton was a minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers from 1939 to 1942 and Washington Senators from 1948 to 1955.

History
Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League 1911, 1922–1924 Minor league baseball began in Fulton, Kentucky when the 1911 Fulton Colonels became members of the eight–team Class D level Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League, known informally as the KITTY League. In their first season of play, the Fulton Colonels finished last in the league in the first half, with a 24–39 record. In the second half, the Colonels finished with a record of 48–19 to win the standings by 11.0 games. Fulton was scheduled to play the first–half champion Hopkinsville Hoppers for the overall championship, before inclement weather and poor field conditions cancelled the series. Fulton and Hopkinsville were declared co–champions. Fulton was managed by John Jones. Fulton did not return to the league play in 1912, as the Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League reduced to six teams. The Fulton ballpark in 1911 is unknown. On August 28, 1911, James Coleman of Fulton pitched a 7–inning perfect game against the Paducah Polecats in a 1–0 Fulton victory. The 1922 Fulton returned to minor league play, as the Fulton Railroaders rejoined the Class D level Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League, when the league reformed. Beginning league play on May 16, 1922, Fulton finished the season with a 41–68 record to place seventh in the eight–team league. The Fulton managers were Ralph Works and Senter Rainey, as Fulton finished 30.5 games behind the Madisonville Miners in the final standings. Fulton boasted that the city was the smallest to host minor league baseball. The 1923 Fulton Railroaders finished a close second place in the Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League standings. Fulton finished with an overall record of 61–45 in a tie with the Mayfield Pantsmakers, who finished 59–43, leaving both teams 16 games above .500. However, Mayfield had a win percentage of .578 to edge out Fulton at .575, by .003. Charles Holloway managed the 1923 Railroaders. Fulton finished in seventh place in the eight–team 1938 Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League. The Eagles had a final record of 55–75 under manager George Clonts. Fulton finished 21.5 games behind the first place Hopkinsville Hoppers in the regular season standings, missing the playoffs. In addition to his league leading performances, Bob Schultz also threw a no–hitter in 1946. On August 21, 1946, Schultz defeated the Union City Greyhounds 5–0 in pitching his no–hit game. The Fulton franchise returned to the earlier moniker, as the 1949 Fulton "Railroaders" continued Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League play, remaining as an affiliate of the Washington Senators. The Railroaders finished with a 1949 record of 62–61 to place sixth in the eight–team league under returning manager Ivan Kuester. Fulton finished 20.5 games behind the Owwnsboro Oilers in the final standings, missing the playoffs. In 1954, the Fulton Lookouts ended the season in second place overall with a 69–47 record. Under manager Red Mincy, Fulton finished 7.0 games behind the first place Union City Dodgers in the eight–team league. ==The ballparks==
The ballparks
From 1922 to 1924, the Fulton Railroaders were noted to have played home minor league games at High Street Park. Beginning in 1936, Fulton teams reportedly played home games exclusively at Fairfield Park. Known today as Lohaus Field, the ballpark is still in use as home to the current "Fulton Railroaders" summer collegiate baseball team, Fulton High School teams and youth baseball. The ballpark is adjacent to Fulton High School, located at 101 Thedford St, Fulton, Kentucky.{{Citation ==Timeline==
Notable alumni
Bob Dustal (1955) • Charlie Eckert (1939, MGR) • Pete Elko (1940) • Kid Elberfeld (1936, MGR) • Danny Gardella (1939) • Rufe Gentry (1940) • Johnny Gill (1947, MGR) • Dan Griner (1924, MGR) • Harley Grossman (1949–1950) • Goldie Holt (1924) • Sam Mayer (1911) • John McGillen (1940) • Catfish Metkovich (1939) • Bill Mizeur (1922) • Ted Pawelek (1940) • Dick Phillips (1951) • Jim Poole (1940) • Ned Porter (1937, MGR) • Bob Schultz (1946) • Mel Simons (1924) • Mike Ulicny (1938) • Sam Vico (1941) • Ralph Works (1922, MGR) ==See also==
External references
Fulton - Baseball ReferenceFulton Roalroaders current pageFulton Railroaders 1920s team photo1951 team photoLohaus Park photos
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