Featuring stars such as Yankee's future OF Otis Johnson (.323), and future Boston Braves pitcher Bill Upham (14-4), the Binghamton Bingoes shot their way up to 1st place in 1913 going 84-53 (.613) finishing ahead of Wilkes Barre, and immediately taking the NYSL Championship home to their new house... Johnson Field in 1913. The following season featured, like 1913... many former and future Major Leaguers such as future Cincinnati Reds' Mike Konnick (.320) and former Washington Senators' Bill Kay (22 2B, 14 3B, 4 HR, .322). The Elmira Pioneers however were the team to beat as they won 90 games to Binghamton's 78-56 (.584) record, sending the Bingoes spiraling to 4th place despite a decent winning percentage. By 1915 however, the team was back in 1st behind the talents of former Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) power hitter Tim Jordan (.340), a returning Senators' Bill Kay (league leading .378 avg, league leading 98 runs, NYSL record 25 Triples), Warren Harned (17-9), former Boston Doves (Braves) Sam Frock (16-8) and former Cleveland Indians' Charles Sitton (16-8). Together these three would take the team to a fantastic 79-44, .642 winning percentage (in a shortened season), taking their second New York State League Championship home to Johnson Field in their first 3 seasons here. Bill Kay returned in 1915 to lead the league again in average (.360), Runs (85) and Hits (166) along with 25 doubles. He was joined by the future Brooklyn Dodgers' Mack Wheat (.310) and Johnny Miljus (11-6) along with a returning Boston Braves' Sam Frock (21-6) who would have the most wins ever so far at Johnson Field. Despite the talents... the team fell to 69-61 (.530) in 3rd place. The Bingoes would make a serious run at it again in 1917 as they would go 71-44 (.617) but in the end, the Wilkes Barre Barons proved unbeatable as they finished the season at 81-37 (.686), behind the Bingoes former manager Jack Calhoun (who until this season, had been the team since they came to Johnson Field). The Bingoes would finish in 2nd. It would be the last time they would compete in this league as the 19 year old New York State League came to an end.
Photograph
Courtesy of
Broome County Historical Society