Historical information

The Victorian Baseball League was established in 1889 with the following clubs - MCC, Metropolitan, Richmond, Richmond Cricketers, Kew, Geelong, Fitzroy, The Age, Carlton, Coburg. MCC defeated Metropolitan for the first Premiership. By 1897 Kew had built up to six teams, but went into recess about the turn of the century. They reformed c.1906 and did not resume until 1926 under Captain/Coach Frank Littlefield. I think he was ex Hawthorn Baseball and/or Cricket club(s). They won the D Grade Premiership of 1926 and/or 1927 playing out of Victoria Park at 12 noon, and as a curtain raiser to either Kew or Kew District or East Kew Football Club and after World War 2, North Kew which had now joined Kew as a tenant. Team members were H.L. Barclay (ex Richmond), A. Brierley (ex Collingwood), H. Ely (ex Essendon), Frank Littlefield, J. Marshall and C. Robinson (ex Hawthorn-East Melb Cricket Club). In 1926, the KBC played against Caulfield, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Ivanhoe, Northcote, Prahran, University, Williamstown, YMCA. In 1927, Preston replaced Fairfield. A third team was formed post WW2 which played at Willsmere Park. The Reserves followed to Willsmere Park in 1963 and the Seniors in c.1970. Kew Council moved the club to a sub-standard Stradbroke Park No 2 Oval for the 1976 season and this proved to be the last for the club. Melbourne Baseball Club moved in for two seasons, but also moved when improvements to No 2 Oval were not made. They then moved to Macleay Park in a share arrangement with North Balwyn BC.
Research: Ian Job

Physical description

Team photo of the Kew Baseball Club players and club officials and or supporters. The grandfather of the donor, Christopher Robinson has been identified as sitting in the back row, 2nd from left.