Dec 24, 2018 2 min read

Spanish-American War baseball trophy

Baseball has been pervasive among Americans for almost as long as America has existed. The first noted instance of baseball being played was in the late 18th century (though it wasn’t called baseball at that point). The popularity of baseball has led to it being widely known as America’s favorite pastime. With this in mind, it makes sense that Americans would carry baseball with them wherever they went. The servicemen and women of the country were no exception. Baseball played a prominent role on military bases (both domestic and international) as well as in military universities. Baseball made one of its most significant impacts in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

The Spanish-American War broke out in 1898 between the United States and Spain. The U.S. became involved in Cuba’s war for independence from Spain. The war would eventually bleed over into the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War. It was during their time in the Philippines that American soldiers introduced Filipinos to the game of baseball. Since then baseball has become a popular sport in the Philippines, and at least one Filipino baseball player made it to the Major Leagues in the United States.

The Washington County Historical Society has an artifact that is a remnant of this time in the history of baseball. The 10th PA Volunteer Infantry was stationed at Manilla, Philippine Islands, from 1898 to 1899. During this time they competed in and won a baseball tournament. The trophy from this particular tournament is on display in the Military History Room at the LeMoyne House in Washington. The men from this regiment who were on the team are listed on the base of the trophy.

Clay Kilgore is executive director of Washington County Historical Society.