Peoria Distillers T_Shirt

The nickname came from Peoria's massive whiskey industry.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Peoria was often called:

"The Whiskey Capital of the World."

At one point, Peoria reportedly produced more distilled spirits than any other city in the United States.

The Peoria Distillers played in several leagues and incarnations, including:

Western Association

Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League (Three-I League)

Central League

The nickname first appeared in the 1880s and continued through various franchise iterations.

Professional baseball existed in Peoria for decades under different names.

The Distillers played at several parks over the years.

Most notable was:

Lake View Park

One of Peoria's best-known baseball venues before later facilities were built.