Danville, Illinois minor league baseball history

Several different minor league ballclubs have been based in the town of Danville, Illinois, fielding teams in 38 seasons between 1888 and 1982 under various monikers.

Major leaguers Medric Boucher, Cecil Coombs, Bob Fisher, Buck Hopkins, Pete Hildebrand, Hosea Siner, Bert Graham, Rube Sellers, Connie Walsh, Otto Vogel, Walt Devoy and Hod Eller played for the Speakers in its short time in existence under that moniker.

Campanella and Newcombe signed contracts with Danville, but never played there after the idea of integrating received push back.

The Dans were affiliated with the Boston Braves (1952), Chicago White Sox (1953) and New York Giants (1954).

They were Southern Division first half champions in 1971 (losing to Quad Cities in the playoffs); won the Southern Division in both halves in 1972, going on to win the Midwest league championship; again won the division first half championship in 1973, beating Decatur in the first round of the playoffs but losing in the championship round to Wisconsin Rapids; and winning the second half division championship in 1974, going on to win the league title by defeating Quad Cities and Appleton in succession.