The City of Covington may possess one of the shortest entries into professional sports in history, but some compelling images from the period inspired a local shopkeeper to pay homage to the city’s baseball past.
In 1913, the Covington Blue Sox opened their inaugural baseball season in the major-league “Federal League”. Federal Park, the team’s stadium, opened in May, 1913 at a cost of $12,500. It could seat 6,000.
According to Ballpark Digest, Covington city leaders wanted a baseball franchise in the Class D Blue Grass League, but that idea was shot down by the Cincinnati Reds who didn’t want another pro team so close to their own ballpark. That’s when city officials turned instead to the “outlaw” Federal League, which aimed to compete directly with the National and American Leagues (Cy Young pitched in the Federal League, lending it early credibility).
Prominent local architect Bernard Wisehall designed the new stadium which stood at Second Street & Scott Boulevard.
And though the Blue Sox started their season with much fanfare, things went downhill fast and just a month later it was announced that the franchise would move to Kansas City after ownership of the ream reverted to creditors.Â
Covington’s short-live foray into major league baseball is commemorated by a new line of caps being sold at flow – a shop for men (621 Scott Blvd, just a few blocks south of where Federal Park once stood before being torn down in favor of a tobacco factory).
Owner Jerod Theobald researched the logo and the colors to make the caps as authentic as possible and they are the first piece being offered as part of the shop’s developing “Roots” collection which will commemorate other aspects of the city’s history.
“The Roots Collection was created to celebrate Covington’s past and foster a sense of pride in our city going forward,” Theobald said. “We must remember those who came before us, who helped shape our city, and build on their successes – and learn from their failures. The Roots Collection serves as a reminder that the City of Covington was a great city and can be great again. Believe in Covington.”
There is a limited number of caps available, designed to reflect the “home” uniforms. “Away” caps will be forthcoming.
For prices and to see the hats in person, stop by flow – a shop for men and get a small feel of what it was like when luxury seats at a baseball stadium cost a buck and for one shining moment, Covington was a major league town.
Fans head to Federal Park to watch the Covington Blue Sox in Federal League action.
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