Le Mars Blackbirds

Baseball Hall of Fame member Branch Rickey played for the 1903 Le Mars Blackbirds in his first professional season.

Le Mars placed fourth in the Iowa–South Dakota League standings, playing the season under managers Bobby Alberts and Bob Black.

A retired major league player, Black was recruited to become the manager after being spotted watching an early game from the stands.

In June 1903, Le Mars manager Bob Black signed Rickey, an Ohio native, to a contract with a salary of $150 per month.

[11][12][7] After the 1903 season, each member of the 1903 Le Mars Championship team received a gold medal inscribed with "ISD Pennant Winners," the player's name and the date.

[13][7] The name of the Le Mars Blackbirds' home minor league ballpark is not directly referenced.