As baseball mania raged across Clark County in the early 1900s, townsfolk turned out for any game, be it neighborhood, high school or semi-pro. Most, like the Brewers, wore uniforms so fans could tell opposing teams apart. But not all.
Take the game on June 20, 1911, showcasing municipal officials and starring Mayor John Kiggins and William Wallace McCredie, who had served as a Superior Court judge and a U.S. congressman. A crowd of 2,000 took to the stands at Vancouver High School for a contest between the Leans and the Fats. Neither team wore a uniform.
The teams, named for their shapes, were members of the city’s Commercial Club. The Leans, at under 200 pounds and 6-feet tall, thought themselves athletic. The Fats regarded themselves more well-rounded. Umpire McCredie tossed his jurisdictional weight around at 216 pounds, according to an Oregonian report before the game. McCredie, owner of the Portland Beavers, objected, saying he tipped scales at 267 pounds. The Fats drafted Kiggins, who weighed a paltry 205 pounds. He pitched wearing a white suit and black stockings.
Much rode on this battle of the bats for it would pay off a debt the Commercial Club owed. Businesses gave employees a rare midweek afternoon off to bolster ticket sales. Bets among the players upped the game’s passions. The losing team would humbly serve the winners dinner.
