Cambridge Cantabs

The 1899 Cambridge Orphans began minor league play as the New England League expanded to eight teams, adding Cambridge. The Brockton Shoemakers, Fitchburg, Manchester Manchesters, Newport Colts, Pawtucket Colts Portland Phenoms and Taunton Herrings began the season joining Cambridge in league play. However, the New England League folded during the season and Cambridge relocated prior.[1]

On May 29, 1899, Cambridge had a 3–13 record when the franchise transferred to Lowell. The franchise quickly folded on June 1, 1899 after four games playing as Lowell. The Cambridge/Lowell Orphans of the New England League ended the 1899 season with an overall record of 4–16, as G.H. Spalding served as manager. The New England League did not return to play in the 1900 season.[1][2][3][4][5]

In 1934, the Cambridge "Cantabs" returned to minor league play as members of the eight–team Class B level New England League. Cambridge entered the league at the beginning of the second half of the season, along with the Watertown Townies, expanding the league from six teams to eight. The Hartford Senators, Lowell Hustlers, Manchester Indians, New Bedford Whalers, Springfield Ponies and Worcester Rosebuds resumed 1934 play with the two new members.[6][7]

The team use of the "Cantabs" moniker was noted to have derived from Cambridge, England being known as Cantabulum, in Roman times.[8]

On July 17, 1934, Cambridge began their schedule with a 1–12 record when the franchise moved to become the Wayland Birds . The Cambridge Cantabs/Wayland Birds of the Northeastern League ended the 1934 season with a record of 19–42, as Bill Morrell, Mack Hillis, Dick Phelan and Tom O'Brien served as managers. Wayland did not return to play in 1935.[9][10][11]

Cambridge, Massachusetts has not hosted another minor league team.[12]

The 1899 Cambridge Orphans reportedly played home games at Charles River Park. In 1900, Cambridge mayor Charles H. Porter was part of a group that attempted to secure a Boston franchise in the new American League. Porter negotiated for the club to play in Charles River Park and had selected a person to run the franchise, but the Cambridge group backed out after American League supporters met with a rival group. Subsequently, Boston joined the American League in 1901 and formed today's Boston Red Sox.[13][14][15][16]

In 1934, the Cambridge Cantabs were noted to have played minor league home games at Russell Field. Russell Field is still in use today with a multipurpose stadium and adjacent ballfields. The site is off of Rindge Avenue, Cambridge, Massacuhsetts.[17][15][18][19]

(2019) Charles River. Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Cambridge (minor league baseball) players
Cambridge Cantabs players
Cambridge Orphans players

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Baseball Reference