The Upper Peninsula League was a minor league baseball league that played in the 1890 and 1891 seasons. The six–team Independent level Upper Peninsula League consisted of franchises based exclusively in Michigan. History The Upper Peninsula League formed and began play in the 1890 season as a non–signatory, Independent level league. The Calumet Red Jackets, Hancock, Houghton, Ishpeming, Marquette Undertakers and Negaunee teams were the charter members.
In their first season of play, the league began the schedule on May 31, 1890. Houghton won the 1890 Upper Peninsula League championship with a 23–12 overall record in the six–team league, as the Hancock and Negaunee franchises folded during the season.
The Upper Peninsula League played with four teams in 1891. The Calumet Red Jackets won the championship with a 36–24 record. The Upper Peninsula League permanently folded following the 1891 season, evolving into the Wisconsin–Michigan League in 1892.
The UPL is a part of the short story “Horseshoes”, written by baseball writer and author Ring Lardner.
Upper Peninsula League teams Team nameCity representedBallparkYear(s) activeCalumet Red JacketsCalumet, MichiganAthletic Park to HancockHancock, MichiganUnknownHoughtonHoughton, MichiganEast Houghton Grounds to IshpemingIshpeming, MichiganUnion Park to Marquette UndertakersMarquette, MichiganFair Avenue Grounds to NegauneeNegaunee, MichiganUnknown League standings 1890 Upper Peninsula League standings Team standingsWLPCTGB Managers Houghton2312.657– Unknown Ishpeming 1916.5434 James Tray Marquette Undertakers 1718.4866 Dan Sullivan Calumet Red Jackets 1320.3949 Jack Halpin Negaunee NANANANABert Cook Hancock NANANANAThomas Ryan Hancock and Negaunee disbanded mid–season 1891 Upper Peninsula League standings Team standingsWLPCTGB Managers Calumet Red Jackets 3624.600–Jack HalpinMarquette Undertakers 3422.5155 Ed Douglas Ishpeming 2430.4449 James TrayHoughton2735.43510 Unknown
References
External links Upper Peninsula League - Baseball Reference