Rockford Forest Citys

From 1868 to 1870, future Hall of Famer Albert Spalding and infielder Ross Barnes starred for Rockford while the club was still considered an 'amateur' team.

Rockford played their home games at the Agricultural Society Fair Grounds, most of which still exists as Fairgrounds Park.

Hastings had jumped from an independent team (the Lone Star club of New Orleans) to the Forest Citys in the spring and immediately begun playing for Rockford.

[1] The star of the Forest Citys was Cap Anson, who hit .325 in 1871 and would go on to become the player-manager of the Chicago White Stockings for over 20 seasons.

[2] Rockford had faced significant financial hardship during 1871, including travel costs, and did not make a profit.