Professional baseball has a very rich history in Austin, Texas, dating back to the late 19th century. From the city's first professional baseball team, the Austin Senators, to the modern-day Round Rock Express, Austin has a storied baseball legacy that continues to this day; one that we find fascinating and worthy of several designs.
The Austin Senators
The Austin Senators were founded in 1888 and played in the Texas League, which was then a minor league baseball circuit. The Senators played their home games at Fairgrounds Park, which was located near present-day Mueller Airport. The team had some success in the league, finishing in second place in 1891 and 1893. The Senators played until 1895 when they disbanded due to financial difficulties.
Baseball returned to Austin in 1903 when the Texas League expanded and added the Austin Senators back to the league. The team played at Clark Field, which was located on the campus of the University of Texas. The Senators had several successful seasons, including a league championship in 1912. However, the team's fortunes declined in the 1920s, and they eventually folded in 1923.
Austin Pioneers
The next professional baseball team to call Austin home was the Austin Pioneers, who played in the Texas Association in 1924. The team played at Disch Field, which was also located on the University of Texas campus. The Pioneers only lasted one season before disbanding.
Austin Black Senators.
The Austin Black Senators were a Negro league baseball team that played in Austin in the 1920s and 1930s. They were part of the Texas Negro League, which was formed in 1924.
The Austin Black Senators were founded in 1925 and played their home games at Downs Field, which was located in East Austin. The team had several successful seasons and won the Texas Negro League championship in 1930 and 1931.
The team was known for its talented players, including outfielder Willie Wells, who was later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and pitcher "Lefty" Williams, who went on to play for the Chicago White Sox.
The Austin Black Senators disbanded in the late 1930s, but their legacy lives on. In 1994, the city of Austin dedicated a historical marker at Downs Field to honor the team and its contributions to baseball in Austin. The marker reads, "The Austin Black Senators were a talented and successful baseball team that brought pride to their community and helped to break down racial barriers in Austin during a time of segregation and discrimination."
The Austin Black Senators were an important part of the city's baseball history and their legacy serves as a reminder of the significant contributions made by African American players to the sport.
Return of the Austin Senators
Baseball returned to Austin in 1948 with the formation of the Austin Senators, who played in the Class B Big State League. The team played their home games at Tornado Field, which was located near present-day Highland Mall. The Senators had several successful seasons, including a league championship in 1950. However, the team's fortunes declined in the 1950s, and they eventually folded in 1955.
Austin Braves
The next professional baseball team to call Austin home was the Austin Braves, who played in the Class AA Texas League from 1968 to 1971. The team played their home games at Nelson Field, which was located in northeast Austin. The Braves had several successful seasons, including a league championship in 1970. However, the team's fortunes declined in the early 1970s, and they eventually relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana.
Round Rock Express
Baseball returned to Austin in 1999 when the Round Rock Express was founded as a Class AA team in the Texas League. The team played their home games at Dell Diamond, which is located in Round Rock, just north of Austin. The Express had several successful seasons, including a league championship in 2000. The team's success on the field and innovative marketing strategies made them one of the most popular minor league teams in the country. In 2011, the team became the Class AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers, and they continue to play at Dell Diamond.
Austin baseball and Yestercool
Professional baseball has a rich history in Austin, Texas and we recognize that history with several awesome designs. From the city's first team, the Austin Senators, to the Austin Black Senators, to the Austin Pioneers, baseball has been an important part of the city's sports culture for over a century. Celebrate baseball and Austin with these unique designs from our designers at Yestercool.
Note: The Austin Pioneers program featured a front page ad for Longhorn Waffle Shop.