Chatteris United Baseball Club are a professional baseball club based in Chatteris, Deuxshire, Ianoia.
Formed by steelworks owner Samuel Rountree in 1893, Chatteris United had humble beginnings as a team established for his workers to engage in friendly competition against a rival steelwork factory in nearby Greasley. The initial spark of the team’s formation came about due to a bet, pitting the skills of Rountree’s workers against those of their counterparts.
Chatteris United quickly gained recognition for their abilities on the baseball field, and their popularity soared in the local community. The team’s exhibition games against other local teams drew large crowds, with enthusiastic supporters flocking to the games. The team’s success and growing fan base soon caught the attention of the Ianoian Baseball Association (IBA), leading to their official membership in 1894.
In 1898, controversy surrounded Chatteris United when Samuel Rountree was accused of paying his players. It was rumored that many of the players were provided token jobs at the steelworks, earning wages that far exceeded the national average. Although the accusations were never proven, other teams in the IBA were suspected of similar practices. Consequently, the association decided against expelling Chatteris United, recognizing that such practices were possibly prevalent among teams.
The news of the accusations against Rountree and the subsequent response from the IBA caught the attention of Addison Eliot, the owner of McCutchen City, a prominent figure in the baseball community. Intrigued by the controversy and recognizing the potential of Chatteris United, Eliot extended a personal invitation to Rountree to discuss the possibility of joining a new and ambitious venture—the I-League.
The I-League, an emerging baseball league seeking to elevate the sport to that of a professional level, captured Rountree’s interest. Understanding the potential benefits and opportunities that lay ahead, Chatteris United accepted Eliot’s invitation and became one of the founding members of the I-League.
Chatteris United calls Netherfield its home stadium, nestled amidst a vibrant neighborhood known for its bustling atmosphere and lively entertainment scene. The streets surrounding the stadium are lined with an array of bars, lively pubs and local eateries, creating a vibrant pre- and post-game atmosphere.
One of the unique features of Netherfield is the renowned “Triple Alley” situated in centerfield. This peculiar configuration presents a challenge for batters, as hitting a home run becomes a formidable task. The dimensions of Triple Alley make it considerably difficult for the ball to clear the outfield fence, resulting in a lower number of home runs compared to other stadiums in the league. Amongst the usual concessions and merchandise on offer at the ballpark is The Slugger’s Delight, which features a generously sized pretzel bun filled with a combination of freshly grilled sausages, caramelized onions, tangy mustard, and a savory cheese sauce.
Known as the Knights, Chatteris got the nickname in the competitive matches against Greasley Steelworkers, with the winning team claiming a knights helmet as a trophy. The teams played 9, 3-game series between the years of 1891 and 1899 with Chatteris winning 7 of them, including the final 3 series.