Baseball in Billings
Baseball. America’s pastime. What a great sport. Early Billings residents enjoyed baseball, both in organized team settings and as casual community events.
Billings baseball club, 1899. Back row, third from left is Roger “Peaceful Valley” Denzer, who had pitched in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Colts in 1897 and would make it back with the New York Giants in 1901. In Billings he was infamous for allowing a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of the 1900 championship game against Helena.
Courtesy Western Heritage Center
A loss to Helena in the 1900 championship must have been devastating for the Billings baseball team. And poor Roger Denzer—he likely lost all favor in Billings after that game.
Baseball stadium built for the city by Austin North, circa 1910.
Courtesy North Family
Crow riders interrupting a baseball game, early 1900s.
Courtesy Doug Grieve
Horses? In the middle of a baseball game? What a funny sight! Of course Crow Riders are still active in Billings today.
To finish, here's one last baseball photo—this time with the always-classic dog sitting in as the team mascot.
Billings baseball team, circa 1900.
Courtesy Western Heritage Center
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