Pittsburgh Rebels

First Game Played April 14, 1914 Last Game Played October 3, 1915

1914: The Pittsburgh Stoggies were a holdover from the Federal’s days a minor league, playing at Exposition Park, which was abandoned by the Pittsburgh Pirates where Forbes Field opened in 1909. At the start of the season Federal League President James Gilmore expressed concern of the Stoggies financial backing. With the help of Brooklyn Tip-Tops Owner Robert Ward, Edward Gwinner partnered with C. B. Comstock to become the backers of the Pittsburgh franchise. As Manager Doc Gessler was fired after a 3-8 start, Rebel Oakes took over and the team became the Pittsburgh Rebels. The Rebels would spend much of the season in last place, as they were clearly one of the FL’s weakest teams. The Rebels would finish the season with a record of 64-86, placing seventh in the eight team league. Ed Lennox was the Rebels top hitter, with a .312 average, 11 home runs and 84 RBI, while Elmer Knetzer won a team high 20 games.

1915: After a terrible first season, the Rebels got off to a much better star in their second year, as they were in first place at the end of May, with a record of 23-16. Highlighting the early season turnaround was Frank Allen who pitched a No Hitter on April 24th, blanking the St. Louis Terriers 2-0. Helping to boost the offense was Ed Konetchy, who previously played with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Konetchy led the Rebels in hitting with a .314 average, ten homer and 93 RBI. However, it was pitching where the Rebels really emerged, with Frank Allen leading the way with 23 wins, while Elmer Knetzer won 18 games, and Clint Rogge won 17. The Rebels were in the thick of the pennant race all season and spent most of September in first place. However, a 3-0 loss in the final game of the season to the Chicago Whales at Weeghman Park left them a half game back and in third place with a record of 86-67, as the Whales captured the final Federal League Championship by finishing percentage points better than the Terriers.

©MMV Tank Productions. Stats researched by Frank Fleming, all information, statistics, logos, and team names are property of Major League Baseball. This site is not affiliated with the Pittsburgh Rebels or Major League Baseball. This site is maintained for research purposes only. All logos used on this page were from Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos Page.
Page created on August 19, 2015. Last updated on August 19, 2015 at 11:45 pm ET.