Baseball drew people together on Oregon’s South Coast in 1916, as people from all over took advantage of a rare opportunity to gather and become acquainted. A game between Gold Beach and Brookings drew a big crowd in August.
The expense of getting the Brookings team to Gold Beach was considered heavy in those days, amounting to $96.50 to cover travel expenses, room and board, and extra baseballs. The visitors received a welcoming reception and dance to help offset their travel expenses.
The visiting team, known as the Brookings Nine, had a reputation as a tight and fast combination. Everyone expected to see an exciting game.
Play wasn’t really that spectacular. The only “fast” feature was the scoring, which tallied 19 for Gold Beach and 12 for Brookings.
Nevertheless, a good time was had by all. After a picnic supper, the Brookings players headed home, and plans got underway in Gold Beach to arrange a game and reception with the Crescent City team.
Source: "That Ball Game." Gold Beach Reporter, 10 Aug. 1916, p. 1
