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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
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{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
| name =Kosciuskos Reds
| name =Kosciusko Reds
| firstseason =1928
| firstseason =1928
| lastseason =1936
| lastseason =1936
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}}
}}
| league ={{plainlist|
| league ={{plainlist|
*[[Wisconsin State League]] (1928–1931, 1936)
*[[Wisconsin State League]] (1928–1931)
*[[Wisconsin-Illinois League]] (1932)
*[[Wisconsin-Illinois League]] (1932)
⚫
*Wisconsin State League (1936)
}}
}}
| majorleague = {{plainlist|
| majorleague = {{plainlist|
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}}
}}
| nickname ={{plainlist|
| nickname ={{plainlist|
*Kosciuskos Reds (1928–1930)
*'''Kosciusko Reds''' (1928–1930)
*Milwaukee Red Sox (1931–1932, 1936)
*Milwaukee Red Sox (1931–1932, 1936)
}}
}}
| ballpark =South Side Park<br>[[Borchert Field]]
| ballpark =[[Borchert Field]] (1928–1932, 1936)


| classnum = 0
| classnum = 0
| classchamps = {{hlist|}}
| classchamps =
| leaguenum = 0
| leaguenum =0
| leaguechamps = {{hlist|}}
| leaguechamps =None
| divnum = 0
| divnum = 0
| divisionchamps ={{hlist|}}
| divisionchamps =
}}
}}


The '''Kosciuskos Reds ''' were a [[minor league baseball]] team based in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]]. The Kosciuskos Reds played as a semi–pro team for many years and were members of the Independent [[Wisconsin State League]] (1928–1930). The '''Milwaukee Red Sox''' followed as members of the [[Wisconsin State League]] (1931, 1936) and [[Wisconsin-Illinois League]] (1932).
The '''Kosciusko Reds ''' were a [[minor league baseball]] team based in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]]. Representing the Polish south side of Milwaukee, the Kosciusko Reds played as a semi–pro team for many years before playing as members of the Independent [[Wisconsin State League]] from 1928 to 1930. The '''Milwaukee Red Sox''' continued as members of the Wisconsin State League in 1931 and 1936 and the 1932 [[Wisconsin-Illinois League]].

The Kosciusko Reds and Milwaukee Red Sox teams hosted home minor league games at [[Borchert Field]], which hosted baseball until 1953.


==History==
==History==
The Kosciuskos Reds were originally founded as a semi-pro team in 1908 by Milwaukee politician [[Louis Fons]]. The team represented the Polish south side of Milwaukee. The team is named after [[Tadeusz Kościuszko]], a Polish patriot. The team was nicknamed, the “Koskys.”<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://uwm.edu/mkepolonia/kosciuszko-reds/|title=Kosciuszko Reds &#124; Milwaukee Polonia}}</ref>
The Kosciusko Reds were originally founded as a semi–pro team in 1908 by Milwaukee politician [[Louis Fons]]. The Kosciusko Reds represented the Polish south side of Milwaukee and were named after [[Tadeusz Kościuszko]], a Polish patriot. The team was unofficially nicknamed, the “Koskys.”<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://uwm.edu/mkepolonia/kosciuszko-reds/|title=Kosciuszko Reds &#124; Milwaukee Polonia}}</ref>


The Kosciuskos Reds made their debut on April 11, 1909, with owner Louis Fons playing 2nd base. The Reds won multiple titles in the semi–pro Lake Shore League. The team wore red and white uniforms and drew large crowds to South Side Park, their home ballpark, with the team and league playing games only on Sunday afternoons. The original Kosciuskos Reds ceased play in 1920.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite journal|url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/20148690|title=The Kosciuszko Reds, 1909-1919: Kings of the Milwaukee Sandlots|author=Pease, Neal|year=2004|journal=Polish American Studies|volume=61|issue=1|pages=11–26|jstor=20148690|via=JSTOR}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
The Kosciusko Reds made their debut on April 11, 1909, with owner Louis Fons playing 2nd base. The Reds won multiple titles in the semi–pro Lake Shore League. The team wore red and white uniforms and drew large crowds to South Side Park, their home ballpark, with the team and league playing games only on Sunday afternoons. The original Kosciusko Reds ceased play in 1920.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite journal|url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/20148690|title=The Kosciuszko Reds, 1909-1919: Kings of the Milwaukee Sandlots|author=Pease, Neal|year=2004|journal=Polish American Studies|volume=61|issue=1|pages=11–26|jstor=20148690|via=JSTOR}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>


In 1928, the Kosciuskos Reds franchise was revived and the team became members of the reformed [[Wisconsin State League]]. It appears the league held games weekly. The Kosciuskos Reds ended the 1928 season with a record of 17–15, finishing 3rd in the six–team Wisconsin State League standings, 2.5 games behind the 1st place Two Rivers Mirros. Eddie Lenehan was the Reds' manager in 1928.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-kr15003/y-1928|title=1928 Kosciuskos Reds Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>"Two Rivers Cop the Pennant of the Wisconsin State League," ''Sheboygan Press'', Sep. 10, 1928</ref>
In 1928, the Kosciusko Reds franchise was revived as the minor league team became members of the reformed six–team [[Wisconsin State League]]. It appears the league held games weekly. The Kosciusko Reds ended the 1928 season with a record of 17–15, placing third in the Wisconsin State League standings, finishing 2.5 games behind the first place Two Rivers Mirros. Eddie Lenehan was the Reds' manager in 1928.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-kr15003/y-1928|title=1928 Kosciuskos Reds Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>"Two Rivers Cop the Pennant of the Wisconsin State League," ''Sheboygan Press'', Sep. 10, 1928</ref>


In their second Wisconsin State League season, the 1929 Kosciuskos Reds finished 8–17. The Reds finished in a tie for 7th with the [[Madison Blues]], 5.5 games behind the 1st place Two Rivers Mirros. The 1929 Wisconsin State League expanded to eight teams.<ref>"Team Standings," ''Racine Journal News'', Sep. 3, 1929</ref>
In their second Wisconsin State League season, the 1929 Kosciusko Reds finished with an 8–17 record, as the 1929 Wisconsin State League expanded to eight teams. The Reds ended the season in a tie for seventh place with the [[Madison Blues]], finishing 5.5 games behind the first place Two Rivers Mirros.<ref>"Team Standings," ''Racine Journal News'', Sep. 3, 1929</ref>


The 1930 Kosciuskos Reds played their final season. Playing in the Wisconsin State League, the Reds finished the 1930 season with a record of 9–15, 7th in the league final standings, 4.5 games behind the 1st place [[Racine Belles]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-kr15003/y-1930|title=1930 Kosciuskos Reds Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>"Blues Win Pair, in Third Place" ''Capital Times'', Sep. 2, 1930</ref>
The 1930 Kosciusko Reds played their final season under the name. Continuing play in the Wisconsin State League, the Reds ended the 1930 season with a record of 9–15, placing seventh in the league final standings, finishing 4.5 games behind the first place [[Racine Belles]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-kr15003/y-1930|title=1930 Kosciuskos Reds Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>"Blues Win Pair, in Third Place" ''Capital Times'', Sep. 2, 1930</ref>


For the 1931 Wisconsin State League season, the Milwaukee-based franchise became known as the '''Milwaukee Red Sox.''' The Milwaukee Red Sox were owned and managed by [[Eddie Stumpf]], who had earlier managed the 1928 '''Union Oils''', another Milwaukee-based franchise of the Wisconsin State League. The 1931 Milwaukee Red Sox finished 4th in the Wisconsin State League, which featured five teams. The 1931 Milwaukee team finished with a record of 8–10, 3.5 games behind the Champion Sheboygan Chairmakers.<ref>"Chairs Split with Mirros," ''Manitowoc Evening Times'', Sep. 8, 1931</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/t-ms15007|title=Milwaukee Red Sox Statistics and Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-ms15007/y-1931|title=1931 Milwaukee Red Sox Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-oo15008/y-1928|title=1928 Onion Oils Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>"Two Rivers Cop the Pennant of the Wisconsin State League," Sheboygan Press, Sep. 10, 1928</ref>
For the 1931 Wisconsin State League season, the Milwaukee-based franchise became known as the '''Milwaukee Red Sox.''' The Milwaukee Red Sox were owned and managed by [[Eddie Stumpf]], who had earlier managed the 1928 '''Union Oils''', another Milwaukee-based franchise of the Wisconsin State League. The 1931 Milwaukee Red Sox finished fourth in the Wisconsin State League, which featured five teams. The 1931 Milwaukee team finished with a record of 8–10, 3.5 games behind the first place [[Sheboygan Chairmakers]].<ref>"Chairs Split with Mirros," ''Manitowoc Evening Times'', Sep. 8, 1931</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/t-ms15007|title=Milwaukee Red Sox Statistics and Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-ms15007/y-1931|title=1931 Milwaukee Red Sox Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-oo15008/y-1928|title=1928 Onion Oils Roster on StatsCrew.com|website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref><ref>"Two Rivers Cop the Pennant of the Wisconsin State League," Sheboygan Press, Sep. 10, 1928</ref>


In May, 1931 Milwaukee Red Sox owner/manager Eddie Stumpf arranged for the Red Sox to play a night game exhibition contest against the [[House of David (commune)|House of David]] baseball team at [[Borchert Field]]. The Milwaukee Red Sox borrowed lighting from the [[Kansas City Monarchs]] of the [[Negro leagues]] for the contest. The game was held on June 5, 1931 and the night game followed the [[Milwaukee Brewers (American Association)]] afternoon game. [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] member [[Grover Cleveland Alexander]] pitched for the House of David team against the Milwaukee Red Sox in front of a crowd of 8,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.borchertfield.com/2010/06/famous-house-of-david-plays-night-ball.html|title=Famous House of David Plays Night Ball at Borchert Field|first=Chance|last=Michaels}}</ref>
In May 1931, Milwaukee Red Sox owner/manager Eddie Stumpf arranged for the Red Sox to play a night game exhibition contest against the [[House of David (commune)|House of David]] baseball team at [[Borchert Field]]. The Milwaukee Red Sox borrowed lighting from the [[Kansas City Monarchs]] of the [[Negro leagues]] for the contest. The game was held on June 5, 1931, and the night game followed the [[Milwaukee Brewers (American Association)]] afternoon game. [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] member [[Grover Cleveland Alexander]] pitched for the House of David team against the Milwaukee Red Sox in front of a crowd of 8,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.borchertfield.com/2010/06/famous-house-of-david-plays-night-ball.html|title=Famous House of David Plays Night Ball at Borchert Field|first=Chance|last=Michaels}}</ref>


In 1932, the Wisconsin State League became the [[Wisconsin-Illinois League]]. The nine–team integrated league featured the Milwaukee Red Sox. The Milwaukee Red Sox finished 11–14, in 6th place. The Red Sox finished 7.0 games behind the Champion Harley Mills (Chicago). The Milwaukee franchise folded after the 1932 season, there was no Milwaukee based team in the 1933 Wisconsin-Illinois League.<ref>"W-I League Standings," ''Wisconsin State Journal'', Sep. 3, 1932</ref>
In 1932, the Wisconsin State League became known as the [[Wisconsin-Illinois League]], as the Milwaukee Red Sox continued play in the nine–team integrated league. The Milwaukee Red Sox finished with a record of 11–14, placing sixth in the final standings. The Red Sox finished 7.0 games behind the first place Harley Mills (Chicago) team. The Milwaukee minor league franchise folded after the 1932 season, there was no Milwaukee based team in the 1933 Wisconsin-Illinois League.<ref>"W-I League Standings," ''Wisconsin State Journal'', Sep. 3, 1932</ref>


The Milwaukee Red Sox continued play in semi-pro leagues in 1933–1935. On June 11, 1935, the Red Sox played an exhibition game against a team of Japanese all-stars at Borchert Field, with Eddie Stumpf continuing as owner/manager. Attendance at the game was 1,400 and the Japanese All-Stars, aka [[Tokyo Giants]] with [[Eiji Sawamura]] won the game 9–4.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://seamheads.com/blog/2009/03/05/almost-an-international-incident-in-milwaukee/|title=Almost An International Incident in Milwaukee : Seamheads.com|website=seamheads.com}}</ref>
The Milwaukee Red Sox continued use of the moniker while playing in semi–pro leagues from 1933 to 1935, with Eddie Stumpf continuing as owner/manager. On June 11, 1935, the Red Sox played an exhibition game against a team of Japanese all-stars at Borchert Field. Attendance at the game was 1,400 and the Japanese All-Stars, aka [[Tokyo Giants]] with [[Eiji Sawamura]] won the game 9–4.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://seamheads.com/blog/2009/03/05/almost-an-international-incident-in-milwaukee/|title=Almost An International Incident in Milwaukee : Seamheads.com|website=seamheads.com}}</ref>


The Milwaukee Red Sox returned to play in the 1936 Wisconsin State League, their final minor league season. The four-team league played a split–season schedule. The Milwaukee Red Sox finished with a record of 1–9 (4th place) in the first half and 2–3 (3rd place) in the second half of the split schedule. The Red Sox' 3–12 overall record finished in 4th place.<ref>"Blues Win First Half Crown in State League," ''Wisconsin State Journal'', July 6, 1936</ref><ref>Belles Dropped from Flag Race, Lose 3-2," ''Racine Journal Times'', Aug. 24, 1936</ref>
The Milwaukee Red Sox returned to minor league play as members of the 1936 Wisconsin State League, their final minor league season. The four–team league played a split–season schedule. The Milwaukee Red Sox finished with a record of 1–9, placing fourth in the first half. In the second half, Milwaukee had a 2–3 record to end in third place. The Red Sox' 3–12 overall record finished in fourth place. The Milwaukee franchise folded from the Wisconsin State League after the 1936 season.<ref>"Blues Win First Half Crown in State League," ''Wisconsin State Journal'', July 6, 1936</ref><ref>Belles Dropped from Flag Race, Lose 3-2," ''Racine Journal Times'', Aug. 24, 1936</ref>


==The ballparks==
==The ballparks==
The Kosciuskos Reds' original home ballpark was '''South Side Park''' in Milwaukee. The ballpark, also called Grove Street Park, opened in 1912. The ballpark had grandstands that could seat 5,000. Harrison street ran south of the ballpark and it was near St. Josaphat's Basilica. South Side Park was torn down in 1920.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto3">Pease, Neal. “The Kosciuszko Reds, 1909-1919: Kings of the Milwaukee Sandlots.” Polish American Studies, vol. 61, no. 1, 2004, pp. 11–26. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20148690. Accessed 25 Sept. 2020.</ref>
The Kosciusko Reds' original home minor league ballpark was South Side Park in Milwaukee. The ballpark, also called "Grove Street Park," opened in 1912. The ballpark had grandstands that could seat 5,000. Harrison street ran south of the ballpark and it was near St. Josaphat's Basilica. South Side Park was torn down in 1920.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto3">Pease, Neal. “The Kosciuszko Reds, 1909-1919: Kings of the Milwaukee Sandlots.” Polish American Studies, vol. 61, no. 1, 2004, pp. 11–26. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20148690. Accessed 25 Sept. 2020.</ref>


The minor league Kosciuskos Reds and Milwaukee Red Sox played at [[Borchert Field]]. Originally called "Athletic Park," the ballpark was built in 1888 for $40,000. The ballpark was renamed after the death of Milwaukee Brewers owner Otto Borchert in 1927. Besides the Reds, Borchert Field also hosted the [[Baltimore Orioles#Milwaukee Brewers|Milwaukee Creams]] (1888–1894), [[Milwaukee Brewers (AA)]] (1891), [[Milwaukee Brewers (minor league baseball team)]] (1902–1952), [[Milwaukee Bears]] ([[Negro National League (1920–1931)|Negro National League]]) (1923) and the [[Milwaukee Chicks]] of the [[All-American Girls Professional Baseball League]] (1944). The ballpark also hosted home [[National Football League]] games of the [[Milwaukee Badgers]] (1922–1926) and [[Green Bay Packers]] (1933). In 1952, Mrs. Borchert sold the ballpark property to the city for $123,000 and it was soon cleared to make way for nearby roadway construction. The address of the ballpark was 3000 North 8th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Today, [[I-43]] runs through the site of Borchert Field. A Borchert Field historical placard has been erected in the nearby neighborhood.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.borchertfield.com/2009/05/your-1936-champions.html|title=Your 1936 Champions|first=Chance|last=Michaels}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/borchert-field/|title=Borchert Field}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/articles/neighborhood-around-union-cemetery-known-as-borchert-field-after-citys-first-baseball-park/|title=Neighborhood around Union Cemetery known as Borchert Field after city's first baseball park|first1=About The Author Editor This is a general byline The news we report is our|last1=focus|first2=not getting credit This generic attribution is used when our staff wants to make sure the attention goes where it|last2=belongs|first3=on the story Our mission is to|last3=inspire|first4=transform the Milwaukee community Publishing requires an|last4=author|first5=So This Account Is Used to Keep the Spotlight Is on Our|last5=Coverage|date=July 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>https://sabr.org/bioproj/park/borchert-field-milwaukee/</ref><ref name="auto3"/>
The Kosciusko Reds and Milwaukee Red Sox teams played minor league home games at [[Borchert Field]]. Originally called "Athletic Park," the ballpark was built in 1888 for $40,000. The ballpark was renamed after the death of Milwaukee Brewers owner Otto Borchert in 1927. Besides the Reds, Borchert Field also hosted the [[Milwaukee Creams]] (1888–1894), [[Milwaukee Brewers (AA)]] (1891), [[Milwaukee Brewers (minor league baseball team)]] (1902–1952), [[Milwaukee Bears]] ([[Negro National League (1920–1931)|Negro National League]]) (1923) and the [[Milwaukee Chicks]] of the [[All-American Girls Professional Baseball League]] (1944). The ballpark also hosted home [[National Football League]] games of the [[Milwaukee Badgers]] from 1922 to 1926 and the [[Green Bay Packers]] in 1933. In 1952, Mrs. Borchert sold the ballpark property to the city for $123,000 and it was soon cleared to make way for nearby roadway construction. The address of the ballpark was 3000 North 8th Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Today, [[I-43]] runs through the site of Borchert Field. A Borchert Field historical placard has been erected in the nearby neighborhood.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.borchertfield.com/2009/05/your-1936-champions.html|title=Your 1936 Champions|first=Chance|last=Michaels}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/borchert-field/|title=Borchert Field}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/articles/neighborhood-around-union-cemetery-known-as-borchert-field-after-citys-first-baseball-park/|title=Borchert Field|first1=Milwaukee|last1=Independent|first3=|last3=|first4=|last4=|first5=|last5=|date=July 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/park/borchert-field-milwaukee/|title=Borchert Field (Milwaukee, WI) – Society for American Baseball Research}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/>
[[File:BorchertField 1911.jpg|thumb|Borchert Field 1911]]


==Notable alumni==
==Timeline==
⚫
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
⚫
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
⚫
! Year(s) !! # Yrs. !! Team !! Level !! League!!Ballpark
⚫
*[[Mandy Brooks]] (1936)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ripbaseball.com/2018/10/21/mandy-brooks/|title=Mandy Brooks|first=~ Sam|last=Gazdziak|date=October 21, 2018}}</ref>
⚫
*[[Oscar Felsch]] (1920)<ref name="auto"/>
⚫
*[[Rube Lutzke]] (1932)<ref>https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/rube-lutzke/</ref>
⚫
*[[Eddie Stumpf]] (1931-1932, 1936, MGR)<ref name="auto2"/>

⚫
{{Div col end}}

⚫
==Year-by-year records==

⚫
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
⚫
| 1928–1930|| 3 || Kosciuszko Reds || rowspan=4 |Independent || rowspan=2|[[Wisconsin State League]]||rowspan=4|[[Borchert Field]]
⚫
! Year !! Record !! Finish !! Manager !! Playoffs/Notes
|-
|-
| 1928|| 17–15 || 3rd ||Eddie Lenehan||None
| 1931 || 1 || rowspan=3|Milwaukee Red Sox
|-
|-
| 1929 || 8–17 || 7th ||N/A|| None
| 1932 || 1 || [[Wisconsin-Illinois League]]
|-
|-
| 1930|| 9–14 || 7th ||N/A||None
| 1936 || 1 || Wisconsin State League
|-
|-
⚫
|}
⚫
| 1931|| 8–10 || 4th ||Eddie Stumpf||None

⚫
==Year–by–year records==
⚫
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
⚫
! Year !! Record !! Finish !! Manager !! Playoffs/Notes
⚫
| 1932 || 11–14 || 6th ||Eddie Stumpf|| None
|-
|-
| 1936|| 3–12 || 4th ||Eddie Stumpf||None
| 1928|| 17–15 || 3rd ||Eddie Lenehan||No playoffs held
⚫
|}
==Timeline==
⚫
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
⚫
! Year(s) !! # Yrs. !! Team !! Level !! League
|-
|-
| 1929 || 8–17 || 7th ||N/A|| No playoffs held
⚫
| 1928–1930|| 3 || Kosciuszko Reds || rowspan=4 |Independent || rowspan=2|[[Wisconsin State League]]
|-
|-
| 1931 || 1 || rowspan=3|Milwaukee Red Sox
| 1930|| 9–14 || 7th ||N/A||No playoffs held
|-
|-
⚫
| 1931|| 8–10 || 4th ||[[Eddie Stumpf]]||No playoffs held
| 1932 || 1 || [[Wisconsin-Illinois League]]
|-
|-
⚫
| 1932 || 11–14 || 6th ||[[Eddie Stumpf]]|| No playoffs held
⚫
| 1936 || 1 || Wisconsin State League
|-
|-
|
|-
| 1936|| 3–12 || 4th ||[[Eddie Stumpf]]||No playoffs held
|}
|}


==References==
==Notable alumni==
⚫
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
⚫
*[[Mandy Brooks]] (1936)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ripbaseball.com/2018/10/21/mandy-brooks/|title=Mandy Brooks|first=~ Sam|last=Gazdziak|date=October 21, 2018}}</ref>
*[[George Disch]] (1912)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://collections.lib.uwm.edu/digital/collection/mke-polonia/id/32055|title=Outdoor group portrait of Kosciuszko Reds baseball team|website=collections.lib.uwm.edu}}</ref>
*[[Louis Fons]] (1909, owner)
⚫
*[[Oscar Felsch]] (1915)<ref name="auto"/>
⚫
*[[Rube Lutzke]] (1932)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/rube-lutzke/|title=Rube Lutzke – Society for American Baseball Research}}</ref>
⚫
*[[Eddie Stumpf]] (1931-1932, 1936, MGR)<ref name="auto2"/>
⚫
{{Div col end}}


==See also==
⚫
{{reflist|2}}
* [[:Category:Kosciuszko Reds players|Kosciuszko Reds players]]
* [[:Category:Milwaukee Red Sox players|Milwaukee Red Sox players]]
* [[History of professional baseball in Milwaukee]]


==References==
⚫
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
==External links==
*[https://www.statscrew.com/sports/places/m-4215768 Statscrew]
*[https://www.statscrew.com/sports/places/m-4215768 Statscrew]
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[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Defunct baseball teams in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Defunct baseball teams in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Milwaukee]]
[[Category:Baseball in Milwaukee]]
[[Category:Wisconsin State League teams]]
[[Category:Wisconsin State League teams]]
[[Category:History of Milwaukee]]
[[Category:Baseball teams disestablished in 1930]]
[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1928]]

Latest revision as of 04:11, 24 January 2024

Kosciusko Reds
Minor league affiliations
Class
  • Independent (1928–1932, 1936)
League
Major league affiliations
Team
  • None
Minor league titles
League titles (0)None
Team data
Name
  • Kosciusko Reds (1928–1930)
  • Milwaukee Red Sox (1931–1932, 1936)
BallparkBorchert Field (1928–1932, 1936)

The Kosciusko Reds were a minor league baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Representing the Polish south side of Milwaukee, the Kosciusko Reds played as a semi–pro team for many years before playing as members of the Independent Wisconsin State League from 1928 to 1930. The Milwaukee Red Sox continued as members of the Wisconsin State League in 1931 and 1936 and the 1932 Wisconsin-Illinois League.

The Kosciusko Reds and Milwaukee Red Sox teams hosted home minor league games at Borchert Field, which hosted baseball until 1953.

History

[edit]

The Kosciusko Reds were originally founded as a semi–pro team in 1908 by Milwaukee politician Louis Fons. The Kosciusko Reds represented the Polish south side of Milwaukee and were named after Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish patriot. The team was unofficially nicknamed, the “Koskys.”[1]

The Kosciusko Reds made their debut on April 11, 1909, with owner Louis Fons playing 2nd base. The Reds won multiple titles in the semi–pro Lake Shore League. The team wore red and white uniforms and drew large crowds to South Side Park, their home ballpark, with the team and league playing games only on Sunday afternoons. The original Kosciusko Reds ceased play in 1920.[2][1]

In 1928, the Kosciusko Reds franchise was revived as the minor league team became members of the reformed six–team Wisconsin State League. It appears the league held games weekly. The Kosciusko Reds ended the 1928 season with a record of 17–15, placing third in the Wisconsin State League standings, finishing 2.5 games behind the first place Two Rivers Mirros. Eddie Lenehan was the Reds' manager in 1928.[3][4]

In their second Wisconsin State League season, the 1929 Kosciusko Reds finished with an 8–17 record, as the 1929 Wisconsin State League expanded to eight teams. The Reds ended the season in a tie for seventh place with the Madison Blues, finishing 5.5 games behind the first place Two Rivers Mirros.[5]

The 1930 Kosciusko Reds played their final season under the name. Continuing play in the Wisconsin State League, the Reds ended the 1930 season with a record of 9–15, placing seventh in the league final standings, finishing 4.5 games behind the first place Racine Belles.[6][7]

For the 1931 Wisconsin State League season, the Milwaukee-based franchise became known as the Milwaukee Red Sox. The Milwaukee Red Sox were owned and managed by Eddie Stumpf, who had earlier managed the 1928 Union Oils, another Milwaukee-based franchise of the Wisconsin State League. The 1931 Milwaukee Red Sox finished fourth in the Wisconsin State League, which featured five teams. The 1931 Milwaukee team finished with a record of 8–10, 3.5 games behind the first place Sheboygan Chairmakers.[8][9][10][11][12]

In May 1931, Milwaukee Red Sox owner/manager Eddie Stumpf arranged for the Red Sox to play a night game exhibition contest against the House of David baseball team at Borchert Field. The Milwaukee Red Sox borrowed lighting from the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues for the contest. The game was held on June 5, 1931, and the night game followed the Milwaukee Brewers (American Association) afternoon game. Baseball Hall of Fame member Grover Cleveland Alexander pitched for the House of David team against the Milwaukee Red Sox in front of a crowd of 8,000.[13]

In 1932, the Wisconsin State League became known as the Wisconsin-Illinois League, as the Milwaukee Red Sox continued play in the nine–team integrated league. The Milwaukee Red Sox finished with a record of 11–14, placing sixth in the final standings. The Red Sox finished 7.0 games behind the first place Harley Mills (Chicago) team. The Milwaukee minor league franchise folded after the 1932 season, there was no Milwaukee based team in the 1933 Wisconsin-Illinois League.[14]

The Milwaukee Red Sox continued use of the moniker while playing in semi–pro leagues from 1933 to 1935, with Eddie Stumpf continuing as owner/manager. On June 11, 1935, the Red Sox played an exhibition game against a team of Japanese all-stars at Borchert Field. Attendance at the game was 1,400 and the Japanese All-Stars, aka Tokyo Giants with Eiji Sawamura won the game 9–4.[15]

The Milwaukee Red Sox returned to minor league play as members of the 1936 Wisconsin State League, their final minor league season. The four–team league played a split–season schedule. The Milwaukee Red Sox finished with a record of 1–9, placing fourth in the first half. In the second half, Milwaukee had a 2–3 record to end in third place. The Red Sox' 3–12 overall record finished in fourth place. The Milwaukee franchise folded from the Wisconsin State League after the 1936 season.[16][17]

The ballparks

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The Kosciusko Reds' original home minor league ballpark was South Side Park in Milwaukee. The ballpark, also called "Grove Street Park," opened in 1912. The ballpark had grandstands that could seat 5,000. Harrison street ran south of the ballpark and it was near St. Josaphat's Basilica. South Side Park was torn down in 1920.[1][2][18]

The Kosciusko Reds and Milwaukee Red Sox teams played minor league home games at Borchert Field. Originally called "Athletic Park," the ballpark was built in 1888 for $40,000. The ballpark was renamed after the death of Milwaukee Brewers owner Otto Borchert in 1927. Besides the Reds, Borchert Field also hosted the Milwaukee Creams (1888–1894), Milwaukee Brewers (AA) (1891), Milwaukee Brewers (minor league baseball team) (1902–1952), Milwaukee Bears (Negro National League) (1923) and the Milwaukee Chicks of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (1944). The ballpark also hosted home National Football League games of the Milwaukee Badgers from 1922 to 1926 and the Green Bay Packers in 1933. In 1952, Mrs. Borchert sold the ballpark property to the city for $123,000 and it was soon cleared to make way for nearby roadway construction. The address of the ballpark was 3000 North 8th Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Today, I-43 runs through the site of Borchert Field. A Borchert Field historical placard has been erected in the nearby neighborhood.[1][2][19][20][21][22][18]

Borchert Field 1911

Timeline

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Year(s) # Yrs. Team Level League Ballpark
1928–1930 3 Kosciuszko Reds Independent Wisconsin State League Borchert Field
1931 1 Milwaukee Red Sox
1932 1 Wisconsin-Illinois League
1936 1 Wisconsin State League

Year–by–year records

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Year Record Finish Manager Playoffs/Notes
1928 17–15 3rd Eddie Lenehan No playoffs held
1929 8–17 7th N/A No playoffs held
1930 9–14 7th N/A No playoffs held
1931 8–10 4th Eddie Stumpf No playoffs held
1932 11–14 6th Eddie Stumpf No playoffs held
1936 3–12 4th Eddie Stumpf No playoffs held

Notable alumni

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Kosciuszko Reds | Milwaukee Polonia".
  2. ^ a b c Pease, Neal (2004). "The Kosciuszko Reds, 1909-1919: Kings of the Milwaukee Sandlots". Polish American Studies. 61 (1): 11–26. JSTOR 20148690 – via JSTOR.
  3. ^ "1928 Kosciuskos Reds Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  4. ^ "Two Rivers Cop the Pennant of the Wisconsin State League," Sheboygan Press, Sep. 10, 1928
  5. ^ "Team Standings," Racine Journal News, Sep. 3, 1929
  6. ^ "1930 Kosciuskos Reds Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  7. ^ "Blues Win Pair, in Third Place" Capital Times, Sep. 2, 1930
  8. ^ "Chairs Split with Mirros," Manitowoc Evening Times, Sep. 8, 1931
  9. ^ "Milwaukee Red Sox Statistics and Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  10. ^ "1931 Milwaukee Red Sox Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  11. ^ "1928 Onion Oils Roster on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com.
  12. ^ "Two Rivers Cop the Pennant of the Wisconsin State League," Sheboygan Press, Sep. 10, 1928
  13. ^ Michaels, Chance. "Famous House of David Plays Night Ball at Borchert Field".
  14. ^ "W-I League Standings," Wisconsin State Journal, Sep. 3, 1932
  15. ^ a b "Almost An International Incident in Milwaukee : Seamheads.com". seamheads.com.
  16. ^ "Blues Win First Half Crown in State League," Wisconsin State Journal, July 6, 1936
  17. ^ Belles Dropped from Flag Race, Lose 3-2," Racine Journal Times, Aug. 24, 1936
  18. ^ a b Pease, Neal. “The Kosciuszko Reds, 1909-1919: Kings of the Milwaukee Sandlots.” Polish American Studies, vol. 61, no. 1, 2004, pp. 11–26. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20148690. Accessed 25 Sept. 2020.
  19. ^ Michaels, Chance. "Your 1936 Champions".
  20. ^ "Borchert Field".
  21. ^ Independent, Milwaukee (July 20, 2018). "Borchert Field".
  22. ^ "Borchert Field (Milwaukee, WI) – Society for American Baseball Research".
  23. ^ Gazdziak, ~ Sam (October 21, 2018). "Mandy Brooks".
  24. ^ "Outdoor group portrait of Kosciuszko Reds baseball team". collections.lib.uwm.edu.
  25. ^ "Rube Lutzke – Society for American Baseball Research".
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