Champions, Founders, Cons and Thieves

06/10/2026

“Champions, Founders, Cons & Thieves: Baseball Adventures in Decatur 1866-1900"

Decatur actually had six baseball stadiums before 1901, all in places where you might be quite familiar but had no idea a stadium had once stood.

And the characters in these stories are astounding, from (later Judge) William Johns who founded the first team in 1866, to treasurer Winn Bramble who helped organize the champion 1900 Decatur Giants, only to be sent to prison for mail theft.

06/08/2026

Thanks to Mayor and Coach Terry Howley for writing the foreword to this book.

05/21/2026

“Champions, Founders, Cons & Thieves: Baseball Adventures in Decatur 1866-1900"

Decatur actually had six baseball stadiums before 1901, all in places where you might be quite familiar but had no idea a stadium had once stood.

And the characters in these stories are astounding, from (later Judge) William Johns who founded the first team in 1866, to treasurer Winn Bramble who helped organize the champion 1900 Decatur Giants, only to be sent to prison for mail theft.

These will be available for $20 donations to History of the Heartland during tonight’s Living Legends event at Doherty’s in Decatur. Doors open at 530pm $20 cash or check.

05/18/2026

We will have books available Thursday night at Doherty’s back room at 6pm. Doors open at 530. This will be our St T football living legends event. This book will still be at the discounted price $20 at this event.

05/16/2026

We are completely SOLD OUT of Transfer Houses. We will have copies of the baseball book available for a $20 donation at the west side of the Transfer House today from 7:30am to 9:00am. This is a special for Historic Preservation Week. Cash or check only. Proceeds benefit History of the Heartland.

05/14/2026

Our author shows you the location of an original ball diamond.

05/13/2026

05/13/2026

Decatur's second baseball stadium was built here, on North Street just east of the Illinois Central tracks, in 1882. The semi-professional Decatur Reds played here. Years later their name would be adopted by Decatur High School for their teams.

In the background, on the north side of Eldorado Street, where Speed L**e is today, was a "hose house" for the volunteer Decatur Fire Department. Most of the Reds team were volunteer firemen. They built the wood stadium themselves.

Learn more about Decatur's early baseball history in the newly published book "Champions, Founders, Cons and Thieves: Baseball Adventures in Decatur 1866-1900" published by History of the Heartland.

The book will be available during our Transfer House sales on Friday and Saturday. Copies will also be available at HomeGrown Collective Decatur at 1090 West Wood Street. Proceeds benefit History of the Heartland.

05/13/2026

First book sale happened last night at Workman Field. Thanks so much, Josh!