Vicksburg Hill Billies

[1][2][3][4] In 1902, the Vicksburg Hill Climbers were charter members of the four–team Class D level Cotton States League.

Vicksburg finished third in the 1902 standings, along with the Baton Rouge Cajuns (53–54), Greenville Cotton Pickers (53–55) and Natchez Indians (55–51).

[5][6] Continuing play in the Cotton States League, the 1903 Vicksburg Hill Billies placed second.

Due to the Yellow Fever epidemic, the eight–team Cotton States League stopped play on July 31, 1905, with the approval of the National Association.

[16][17] With the Class D Cotton States League returning to play in 1910, the Vicksburg Hill Billies finished in fifth place.

With a record of 46–65 under managers Bruce Hayes and Oliver Mills, Vicksburg continued play at Athletic Park.

They were managed by Red Torkelson, Grady Adkins, Oliver Mills and Jimmy Johnston.

[29][30] Led by Manager Clifton Runt Marr, the 1925 Vicksburg Hill Billies finished fourth in the Cotton States League.

Vicksburg finished 58–71, placing seventh in the league, under managers Bob Clarke and Bunny Fabrique.

[33][34] With a record of 54–70, the 1927 Vicksburg Hill Billies finished sixth in the Cotton States League.

In the Finals, matching the winner of each half, the Vicksburg Hill Billies defeated the Hattiesburg Pinetoppers 4 games to 3 to capture the championship.

[37][38] Baseball Hall of Fame member Billy Herman played for Vicksburg in his first professional season.

[39] Continuing Cotton States League membership, the 1929 Vicksburg Hill Billies finished with a 55–68 regular season record.

The Vicksburg Hill Billies finished 66–52, placing second in the Cotton States League regular season, playing under manager Joe Schepner.

The team played as the Jackson Mississippians until the Cotton States League disbanded on July 13, 1932.

The Vicksburg/Jackson team finished 30–33m placing third overall while playing the season under managers Don McShane, Buck Stapleton and Joe Schepner.

[46][47] Vicksburg rejoined the Class C Cotton States League in 1937 as an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

The 1941 Vicksburg Hill Billies finished with a 76–64 regular season record, placing fourth in the league.

Managed by Rip Fanning (0-0) and Al Baker, the Hill Billies qualified for the playoffs.

In the 1941 playoffs, Vicksburg defeated the Monroe White Sox 3 games to 2 to advance to the Finals.

The 1947 Vicksburg Billies finished with a 74–69 regular season record, placing fourth under Manager Buddy Blair.

Vicksburg rejoined the six–team Class C Cotton States League as a Chicago Cubs affiliate in 1955.

Athletic Park was four acres in size and was owned by the Vicksburg Railroad, Power and Manufacturing Company.

The Chicago Cubs held their 1908 spring training in Vicksburg, likely utilizing Athletic Park.

[67][68][69] Vicksburg teams, between 1937 and 1955, were referenced to have hosted minor league games at City Park.