Perris Baseball circa 1905-1912

by Bill Hulstrom

Perris Valley Historical & Museum Association

The Perris baseball photos are a local reflection of what was going on in southern California and in many other areas of the country between the late 1880’s until World War One. The game was becoming popular and people wanted to watch and in many cases participate. As you can imagine the organization of leagues was very nebulous with teams forming and disappearing in short order.

Frequently a place to play determined the life span of a team. Some of the teams were strictly amateur, others semi-pro where at least one player was paid to play and professional where players were paid and usually had a sponsor to pay the bills.

The California League functioned off and on from 1887 till 1910 and The California State League from 1910 until 1929 that had assorted teams from around the state. The Southern California Trolley League in 1910 and the Southern California League in 1907 till 1913 were short-lived leagues that tried to match up teams from the community teams of the southland. As you can imagine the organization of leagues was very nebulous with teams forming and disappearing in short order.

Frequently a place to play determined the life span of a team. Some of the teams were strictly amateur, others semi-pro where at least one player was paid to play and professional where players were paid and usually had a sponsor to pay the bills. The California League functioned off and on from 1887 till 1910 and The California State League from 1910 until 1929 that had assorted teams from around the state. The Southern California Trolley League in 1910 and the Southern California League in 1907 till 1913 were short-lived leagues that tried to match up teams from the community teams of the southland.

Perris team (circa 1905-1910) with one of these dreamers who achieved his dream. The members from front to back are: Jimmie Noonan (mascot), Albert Trujillo, Salio Trujillo, Chester Cuttler, Don Knowles, Frank Trujillo, Odie Beam, Elmer Rieger, Peter Pauly and Ralph Ingraham.

Some of the colorful nicknames that were used during this time frame were Grays, Raisin Growers, Clam-diggers Dudes, Pioneers, Wasps, Prune Pickers, Sand Crabs, and Hayseeds. Amongst these teams were the teams from the smallest towns that probably lacked the larger sponsorships and easier travel options. These teams were limited to playing the closest towns nearby. Most players probably played for the fun of the game but amongst them were players with more skill that dreamed to play at a higher level and eventually to make it to the major leagues.

 From an oral interview with Norman Hughes (a long time Perris Valley resident) in March 2004 a glimpse was given of some members of these teams. Norman remembered the names of three players. They were Elmer Rieger, Jimmy Kincannon and Albert Trujillo who were all pitchers. Norman reported that Albert was ambidextrous and won both games of a double header.

He pitched one game right handed and the other game left-handed. Norman also recalled that Elmer Rieger played in the Major Leagues for the Chicago White Sox for 16 years. Norman did admit that this was before his time and he did not know the Rieger family personally. The player who achieved his dream to play in the major leagues was Elmer Rieger. He was a pitcher and was invited to play for a team from Los Angeles (Morans) in the Southern California League. On February 24, 1907 Elmer started a game against The Anaheim Oil Wells. He lost a 4-1 decision. The starting pitcher for the Oil Wells was a pitcher named Walter Johnson. On August 2 of that year Walter Johnson debuted with Washington of the American League and became one of the most legendary pitchers of all time in the major leagues.

Major League records do not support Norman’s recollection that Elmer played for the Chicago White Sox. Elmer became a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1910 and, so far, is the only player born in Perris (Feb. 25, 1889) to play in the major leagues. He was primarily used as a relief pitcher but did start a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, April 24, 1910 at Palace of the Fans in Cincinnati. The Cardinals lost 10-6. Rieger was one of about ten rookies on the team that finished 63-90 and finished seventh in the league. Major league records indicate that he retired at the end of the season although the 1920 census indicated that he was still a baseball player. Later Perris teams became more organized as later pictures indicate by their matching uniforms and shoes.

Perris team (circa 1905-1910) with one of these dreamers who achieved his dream. The members from front to back are: Jimmie Noonan (mascot), Albert Trujillo, Salio Trujillo, Chester Cuttler, Don Knowles, Frank Trujillo, Odie Beam, Elmer Rieger, Peter Pauly and Ralph Ingraham. Not all players are identified. From the left: unknown mascot, unknown, unknown, unknown, Bert Stewart, Roy Reynolds, Frank Trujillo, Llewellyn Bentley, unknown, Salio Trujillo, unknown.

One of the stories about this team is that to show their confidence in their ability to win a game they would tell the other team that they would walk home if they lost. It is said that they had to walk home from Temecula on one occasion.

Another Photo of one of the Teams

A Final Team Photo

It is hoped that some of the readers may have information about some of the players pictured. If you can identify an unknown player or the other team please contact the Perris Valley Historical & Museum. Any information shared would assist the Perris Valley Historical & Museum Association fill in pieces of the history of the Greater Perris Valley. Post Office Box 343, Perris,