Rock Island Islanders Cardinal Shirt

The Islanders first appeared in 1901 and quickly became one of the flagship clubs of the Western League, which would later evolve into the American Association.

The nickname came naturally:

• Rock Island sits on an actual island in the Mississippi River.
• Arsenal Island sits between Illinois and Iowa.
• The team embraced the unique geography of the city.

Unlike many early nicknames, "Islanders" was genuinely local and distinctive.
The Islanders played many seasons at:

Douglas Park

Located in Rock Island.

For decades it was one of the Midwest's premier baseball facilities and hosted the first NFL game ever played.

It hosted:

• Professional baseball
• Semi-pro baseball
• Barnstorming teams
• Negro League exhibitions

The park became the heart of baseball in Rock Island.