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The Ohio League

History


Professional football originated in Pennsylvania when William Heffelfinger was paid $500 to play in a football game dated November 12, 1892. Professional football then spread to various parts of the United States, before landing in Ohio. The Ohio League began in 1903 when the Massillon Tigers paid four players to be on their team. The Tigers would go on to win the first five Ohio League Championships, going 35–2. In 1905, the Canton Bulldogs were made, and they became rivals with the Tigers. Because of the rivals being so close to each other, salaries skyrocketed. The Canton Bulldogs–Massillon Tigers betting scandal happened, when a member of the Bulldogs claimed the championship game was fixed. The Tigers were formed into the All-Massillons for the 1907, but still won the championship.

In 1908, the semi-pro Akron Indians were formed. They won the 1908 and 1909 Ohio League Championships. Around that time, Peggy Parratt took control of the Shelby Blues, and the team started rival the Indians. In 1910 and 1911, the Blues were about to go undefeated and claim two championships. The 1912 season is consider the "year of rebirth" of professional football in Ohio because of the amount of powerhouse team. The Elyria Athletics came out of nowhere and upset the Blues to win the 1912 championship.