Tombstone
Formed: 1958
Disbanded: Postseason 1970
Level: Independent
First Game:
Last Game: 1970
Seasons:13
States & Provinces:
Leadership
Trophy Case
Background
The Provincial Senior Baseball League of 1958-1970, also referred to in press accounts as the Quebec Provincial League, was the last of several baseball circuits that operated under the Provincial League moniker in Eastern Canada during the 20th century.
The prior version of the Provincial League, which folded in 1955, was a more conventional Minor League Baseball loop, in that it was part of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues governing body and its member teams held affiliations with Major League Baseball organizations. By contrast, this last edition of the league was independent of the rest of the Minor League Baseball ecosystem. Records of the 1958-1970 independent era remain very spotty in the internet age, as you’ll see from the incomplete franchise roster below.
The Provincial League typically played a short schedule each year beginning in May. Press accounts put the 19611CANADIAN PRESS. “Provincial Loop Set To Operate With Four Clubs.” The Gazette (Montreal, QC). April 19, 1961 and 197022WIRE REPORTS. “Cash, trophy for teams in Provincial ball league”. The Gazette (Montreal, QC). May 6, 1970 schedules at just 36 games per team.
The Provincial League’s playoff champions claimed the Yvon Ellyson Trophy, named for the circuit’s long-time president, Yvon Ellyson of Sherbrooke.3WIRE REPORTS. “Cash, trophy for teams in Provincial ball league”. The Gazette (Montreal, QC). May 6, 1970
The league disbanded in late 1970 after two of its five remaining members – Quebec City and Trois-Rivieres – accepted invitations to join the Class AA Eastern League of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. The Quebec Indians became a Montreal Expos farm club known as the Quebec Carnavals in the move, while the Trois-Rivieres Aigles kept their name and became a Cincinnati Reds affiliate. Another long-time Provincial League city – Sherbrooke – joined the Eastern League in 1972 as a Pittsburgh Pirates farm team.
Provincial Senior Baseball League Franchises
| Franchise | Years Active | League Champions |
|---|---|---|
| Acton Vale Castors | 1958-1959 & 1965-1966 | None |
| Coaticook Canadiens | 1965-1967 | None |
| Drummondville Royals | 1958-1960 & 1965-1970 | 1965 |
| Granby Cardinals | 1965-1969 | 1966-1968 |
| Granby Coca-Cola | 1958-1959 | None |
| Lachine Mets | 1965-1969 | 1967 |
| Plessisville Braves | 1958-1969 | 1962-1963 |
| Quebec Athletics | 1963-1964 | None |
| Quebec Indians | 1958-1970 | 1960-1964-1969 |
| St. Hyacinthe Maskoutains | 1958-1959 | None |
| Sherbrooke Alouettes | 1965-1970 | None |
| Sorel Royals | 1958 | None |
| Thetford Mines Miners | 1958-1970 | None |
| Trois Rivieres Eagles | 1969-1970 | 1970 |
| Trois Rivieres Phillies | 1958-1959 & 1961 | 1958-1959 & 1961 |
| Trois-Rivieres Royals | 1962 | None |
| Victoriaville Vics | 1958-1960 | None |
| Waterloo 7-Up | 1958-1959 | None |
Provincial League Shop
##
