Kansas City Packers, 1914–1915

A flooded ballpark. A courtroom fight. A pennant race. The Kansas City Packers packed plenty into two major league seasons.

From Covington to Kansas City

The franchise that became the Kansas City Packers actually began the 1913 season in Covington, Kentucky.

The Federal League was still an independent minor league at the time.

By July, the club had moved to Kansas City.

When the Federal League declared itself a major league for 1914, the Packers became part of its challenge to organized baseball.

A Signing That Sent a Message

Kansas City's manager was George Stovall, formerly of the St. Louis Browns.

His signing was significant because it was reportedly the Federal League's first signing of an established major league player in violation of baseball's reserve clause.

The new league was no longer just competing for fans.

It was competing for players.

The First Game at Wrigley Field

On April 23, 1914, the Packers visited the Chicago Federals for the opening of a brand-new ballpark called Weeghman Park.

Today, we know it as Wrigley Field.

Kansas City pitcher George "Chief" Johnson started that historic game.

His afternoon ended unusually early when he was served with a court injunction obtained by his former team, the Cincinnati Reds.

He was removed after two innings.

Then the Ballpark Flooded

Kansas City's 1914 season produced another unusual problem.

A flash flood following a heavy rainstorm damaged Gordon and Koppel Field and knocked down portions of the ballpark walls.

The Packers were forced to finish their home schedule on the road.

They ended the season 67–84 and in sixth place.

Almost Gone Before 1915

During the offseason, Federal League officials attempted to move the Packers to Newark, New Jersey.

Kansas City's ownership went to court to stop the move and succeeded.

The Indianapolis franchise moved instead.

The Packers stayed in Kansas City and responded with their best season.

A Pennant Race to the End

Kansas City led the Federal League standings as late as August during the incredibly tight 1915 pennant race.

The Packers eventually faded but still finished 81–72, only 5½ games behind the champion Chicago Whales.

When the Federal League folded after the season, the Packers disappeared with it.