Earl first took over as the team's manager in 1917 and lined up some former college players, including Al Feeney of Notre Dame and Dick Abrel of Purdue.
In 1919, Ball and team quarterback, Cooney Checkaye reorganized the Flyers and guided them to a 4-1-1 record.
The following year, Ball and Checkaye traveled to Canton, Ohio attended the organizational meeting of the American Professional Football Association located at Ralph Hay's Hupmobile dealership.
Because of the team's poor showing, the Decatur Staleys canceled their game against Muncie, scheduled for the following week.
A scheduled game against the Green Bay Packers was also cancelled, and Checkaye and Ball folded the team and left the AFPA.