The Washington Browns were a minor league baseball team from Washington, Indiana, that played in the Class C Central League in 1897.

Washington Browns
Minor league affiliations
Previous classesClass C
Previous leagues
Central League
Major league affiliations
Previous teamsUnaffiliated
Team data
NameWashington Browns
ColorsBrown & red
   

Team history

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On February 7, 1897, the Washington Browns were formed as a charter member of the Class C Central League.[1] Joining the Browns in the six-team league were the Cairo Egyptians, Evansville Brewers, Nashville Centennials, Paducah Little Colonels, and Terre Haute Hottentots.[2] Washington's uniforms were brown and red.[3]

Severe financial problems forced the Washington team to disband on July 20, 1897. With low home attendance, the local Athletic Association had contributed $12,000 to support the franchise before it folded. The entire league was facing the same financial hardships and followed suit in folding. As of July 19, 1897, the final day of play, the Browns were in third place with a 33–32 (.508) record.[4][5]

References

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  1. ^ "Central League Organized". The Indianapolis Journal. Indianapolis. February 8, 1897. p. 5. Retrieved March 9, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "1897 Central League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
  3. ^ "Billy Work Is in Town". The Nashville American. Nashville. February 10, 1897. p. 6. Retrieved March 9, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Baseball News". The Paducah Sun. Paducah, Kentucky. July 20, 1897. p. 1. Retrieved March 11, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Looking Back: The 1897 Nashville Centennials". MiLB.com.