In the heart of the Great Depression, the Mid-Ohio Valley’s love for sports and community never wavered. A look back at sports coverage from 1931 in The Parkersburg Sentinel paints a vivid picture of the people, places, and passions that kept the Valley’s spirit alive through games, teamwork, and civic engagement.
A Push for Stadium Ownership and 50-Cent Football
Efforts were underway in 1931 to encourage the Parkersburg city school board to purchase all the bonds of the high school stadium corporation.
The goal? Full school system control and the potential return of 50-cent football — a nod to more affordable community sporting events. The move was seen as a way to increase accessibility for fans and strengthen school athletics.
Boxing Plans and Arena Relocation Talks
Fred Cochran, then-chairman of the American Legion boxing committee and a leading candidate for the state’s boxing commission, stated that no decision had yet been made about moving the Belpre boxing arena closer to Parkersburg.
However, an exciting schedule of summer bouts was in the works. Once a new site was chosen, work on relocating the arena would begin. The emphasis was on bringing quality boxing entertainment to a wider audience.
A Duck Pin Revival on the Horizon
Paul Bowers, representing Recreation Alleys, announced plans for reviving duck pin bowling in Parkersburg with the formation of a new league. Eight top bowlers were expected to captain equally balanced teams, with the season tentatively beginning around April 6. Although duck pin bowling had declined locally, the enthusiasm among longtime bowlers signaled a hopeful resurgence for the sport.
Big League Action Coming to Charleston
Baseball excitement was in the air as Charleston prepared to host the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League on May 5.
Manager Dick Hoblitzell’s Charleston Senators were slated to take on the Pirates, who guaranteed a first-string lineup. The game, held during the Pirates’ western swing, was a major event for local fans eager to see big-league talent in action.
Parkersburg Bowlers Head to Buffalo
The Otto and Otto five-man bowling team — made up of Ben Dorn, A.M. Otto, Herbert Wile, F.S. Radcliffe, and Gene Kramer — prepared to represent Parkersburg in the prestigious American Bowling Congress in Buffalo, New York.
Singles and doubles matches were scheduled for Tuesday, with the team competition kicking off Monday. Their participation highlighted Parkersburg’s growing presence on the national bowling scene.
Stork Bakers Dominate with Wind at Their Backs
On the baseball diamond, the Stork Bakers secured a decisive 8-2 victory over the Franklin Embalmers, thanks in part to a strong first inning and challenging wind conditions.
Whaley held Franklin to just five hits while Duckworth managed a home run. The lineup for both teams reflected a time when local teams and business-sponsored squads played with pride and energy.
Kittenball Classic: Artcraft Tops Williamstown
Another thrilling contest saw the Artcraft Studio kittenball team beat the Williamstown Independents 4-1 on their home field.
Pitcher Mooney struck out 14 batters and allowed just one hit, delivering what was called one of the best games of the season. Kittenball — the predecessor to modern softball — was more than just recreation; it brought towns together in friendly but fierce competition.
