Rehoboth Beach Minor League Baseball refers to the Rehoboth Beach Pirates and Rehoboth Beach Sea Hawks, minor league baseball teams that played in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, from 1947 to 1949. These teams provided entertainment and excitement for local fans during the late 1940s, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of minor league baseball in the state.
What was the History of the Rehoboth Beach Pirates and Sea Hawks?
The Rehoboth Beach Pirates were a Class D affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and played in the Eastern Shore League. They competed for two seasons, finishing sixth in their inaugural year with a record of 49-75 and fifth in their second season with a record of 60-65.
In their final season, the Rehoboth Beach Sea Hawks won the Eastern Shore League championship with a record of 56-63. They defeated the Federalsburg Feds 4 games to 3 in the finals, clinching the title with a five-hit, complete game shutout by pitcher Les Wolf.
Where did the Rehoboth Beach Pirates and Sea Hawks Play?
The Rehoboth Beach Ball Park, located in what is now a residential area in the Forgotten Mile off Route 1 between the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and Dewey Beach, served as the home field for both the Pirates and Sea Hawks. The ballpark had a capacity of 2,100 and was later expanded to 3,700 in 1949 to accommodate the growing fan base.
What was the Attendance like for the Rehoboth Beach Teams?
The attendance for the Rehoboth Beach teams varied over the years. In 1947, the team’s attendance was 30,521. In 1948, it decreased to 21,845, but then rebounded to 22,358 in the championship-winning 1949 season.
Who were the Notable Players and Coaches of the Rehoboth Beach Teams?
The Rehoboth Beach teams were led by a variety of managers during their three-year run, including Gordon McKinnon, Doug Peden, Bill Sisler, and Johnny Watson.
One notable player was pitcher Les Wolf, who threw a five-hit, complete game shutout to clinch the championship for the Rehoboth Beach Sea Hawks in 1949.
What was the Legacy of the Rehoboth Beach Minor League Baseball Teams?
The Rehoboth Beach Pirates and Sea Hawks played a significant role in the history of minor league baseball in Delaware. They provided entertainment and excitement for local fans during the late 1940s, offering a glimpse into the rich sports heritage of the Rehoboth Beach area.
Although the teams only existed for a brief period, their legacy lives on as a forgotten gem in Delaware’s sports history, a testament to the enduring passion for the game of baseball in the region.