Baseball in Broome County

Throughout the years, scores of players have polished their skills in Broome County with the Crickets, the Bingos, the Triplets, and today’s Binghamton Mets. Professional baseball began in the area in 1871, and the highlights came quickly. The early stars included an eighteen-year-old future Hall of Famer, Montgomery Ward; the first known black player in professional baseball, Bud Fowler; and Hall of Famer Wee Willie Keeler.By 1923, the Triplets were playing in Johnson City. They soon became affiliated with the Yankees and sent that franchise some of their best players, including Whitey Ford, Vic Raschi, and Thurman Munson. From 1969 to 1991, professional baseball disappeared from Broome County, but it was back with a bang in 1992, featuring a new stadium and a firm relationship with the New York Mets. Baseball in Broome County recounts this great story with more than one hundred eighty photographs and engaging text.