In 1931, the Mid-Ohio Valley was buzzing with sporting energy—from community boxing matches and bowling leagues to local baseball showdowns and a push for more affordable football.
City Pushes for Stadium Bond Purchase
There was a strong effort underway to have the local school board purchase all bonds for the high school stadium corporation. The goal was to bring the stadium fully under the school system’s control. Supporters believed this would allow for a return to the popular and affordable 50-cent football games, making the sport more accessible for everyone.
Boxing Arena Plans Still Up in the Air
Fred Cochran, chairman of the American Legion boxing committee and a top candidate for the West Virginia boxing commission, announced that there were no current plans to move the Belpre boxing arena closer to Parkersburg. However, with an exciting summer fight schedule ahead, a move could happen soon. The final decision on a new location for the arena—possibly in or near Parkersburg—is expected shortly.
Duckpin Bowling Set for a Comeback
Paul Bowers from Recreation Alleys shared that a new duckpin bowling league was forming and would likely kick off around April 6. Eight of the area’s top bowlers were set to lead the teams. Though interest in duckpin bowling had dipped in recent years, Bowers believed there was renewed enthusiasm among local players eager to join the league.
Pro Baseball Comes to Charleston
A major event was scheduled for May 5, when the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League would play the Charleston Senators, managed by former MLB player Dick Hoblitzell. The Pirates promised to field a first-string lineup, offering West Virginia fans a chance to see top-tier talent up close during the team’s western swing.
Local Bowlers Head to National Competition
The Otto and Otto five-man bowling team planned to travel to Buffalo, New York, to compete in the prestigious American Bowling Congress tournament. Team members included Ben Dorn, A.M. Otto, Herbert Wile, F.S. Radcliffe, and Gene Kramer. They were scheduled to bowl as a team on Monday, with singles and doubles matches set for the following day.
Stork Bakers Dominate the Embalmers
On the baseball diamond, the Stork Bakers secured their second win of the second-half schedule with an 8-2 victory over the Franklin Embalmers. A six-run first inning, aided by wild pitches and strong winds that made fly balls difficult to judge, gave the Bakers a commanding lead early. Pitcher Whaley held the opposition to just five hits, with Duckworth accounting for two, including a third-inning home run.
Williamstown Falls to Artcraft Studio
In a tightly contested kittenball match, the Artcraft Studio team edged out the Williamstown Independents 4-1 on their home field. Pitcher P. Mooney was the star of the game, striking out 14 batters and giving up only one hit in what was hailed as one of the season’s best performances.
Kittenball’s Roots
For context, kittenball was an early form of softball that began in the 1880s. It featured a larger, softer ball and shorter bats, originally designed as an indoor game for adults. It would eventually evolve into the modern game of softball that many enjoy today.
These glimpses into the Mid-Ohio Valley’s 1931 sports scene show a community deeply involved in its athletic life—from grassroots efforts to promote affordable football, to the thrill of local games and national-level competition. Whether on the bowling lane, in the ring, or on the baseball diamond, the region’s passion for sports was as strong then as it is now.
