On February 7, 1897, the Evansville Brewers were formed as a charter member of the Class C Central League.
[1] Joining the Brewers in the six-team league were the Cairo Egyptians, Nashville Centennials, Paducah Little Colonels, Terre Haute Hottentots, and Washington Browns.
[3] The first game of the season took place on April 28 at Nashville's Athletic Park.
[4] Severe financial problems throughout the circuit forced the league to disband on July 20.
As of July 19, the final day of play, the Brewers were in first place with a 41–30 (.577) record, making them the de facto league champions.