The Centralia franchise lasted for six seasons. The two leagues it played in were direct predecessors of today's Midwest League. Centralia was a charter member of the ISL. Centralia was affiliated with the Chicago Cubs in 1947 and 1948 and played home games at Fan's Field.[1] The franchise was also known as the Centralia Sterlings (1950) and the Centralia Zeros (1951–1952). The 1950 squad finished 83–40.[2][3] The franchise folded in 1952 and was not replaced in the Mississippi–Ohio Valley League. Their overall record was 368–349 (.513).[3][4]
The ballpark
The franchise played at Fan's Field, which was located at East Rexford Street at Jackson Avenue, where the park sat adjacent to the public school.[5][6]
No Hitters
On July 8, 1950, Centralia's Gene Pisarski threw a no-hitter against the West Frankfort Cardinals, winning 6–0.[7]
Notable alumni
Chuck Hawley (1947, MGR) Also played professional basketball