The city of Crookston, MN was
excited about its prospects to field a team in the Red River Valley League.
Coming off a successful summer of 1896 playing various local teams, the
Crookston community treasured the possibility of membership in an organized
league for the 1897 season. There were promising signs that this dream would be
fulfilled. The community had pledged sufficient financial support, and the
city’s cranks were working on a new ball park for the team.
As late as May 19, Crookston looked like a lock to
become part of the league. They had posted the $250 in forfeit money necessary
to gain admittance, money that would be returned to the team as long as they
stayed together and completed their entire schedule. Unfortunately, the news brought to fans the next
day by the Crookston Daily Times explained with disappointment that the
team would not be a Red River Valley League member after all. Unable to secure
a sixth club for the league, officials meeting in Fargo decided it would not be
feasible to attempt to form a schedule for five teams. Such a schedule would
leave one team idle at all times. With a thin margin for error regarding
finances, the clubs could not afford extra days without gate receipts coming
in. As a result, Crookston was the odd man out, and the league would proceed
with just four teams.
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