Ducibus Baseball Verein, commonly known as Ducibius or Ducibus BV, are one of the five founding members of the Günsovölk Baseball-Bund and are based in Shoof, the capital city of Günsovölk. Prior to the start of the Baseball Meisterschaft in 1898, Ducibus won the Baseball-Pokal in 1896. The clubs official colors are purple, white and grey.
The club’s foundation can be traced back to a meeting held by a group of affluent individuals on the 18th of March 1892, as a result of the aspirations of a group of aristocrats who sought to establish a baseball team that would project a more favorable image of Shoof compared to their cross-town rivals, Hafenstadt BV. The founders believed that Hafenstadt BV, formed in a poverty-stricken part of the city, might perpetuate a negative perception of Shoof to the wider country. Motivated by a desire to showcase Shoof in a more positive light, these aristocrats embarked on establishing a baseball club that would exemplify sophistication, class, and elegance. Consequently, Ducibus, a Latin term meaning “Leaders,” was chosen as the club’s name, symbolizing the aspiration of the founders to lead Shoof’s baseball scene.
The early years of Ducibus BV were marked by their distinctive approach to the sport, characterized by an air of grandeur and superiority. Their attitude and demeanor on and off the field earned them the nickname “Die Monarchen” (The Monarchs), bestowed upon them by rival Hafenstadt BV fans, following their Baseball-Pokal victory in 1896. This nickname, while initially intended as a form of mockery, soon became synonymous with Ducibus’ perceived pompousness and lofty aspirations in the eyes of their adversaries.
Ducibus BV’s second major trophy came in 1901 when they won the Baseball Meisterschaft, having been founding members of the league four years earlier. In an ironic twist of fate, their opponents on the final day was Hafenstadt BV. Despite losing the game 11-3, defending champions Fortuna Juemen also lost, handing the title to Ducibus with a slender 1-game advantage.
Rheinstraße, the home ground of Ducibus BV, is situated to the north-west of the city in a wealthy suburb that shares its name with the street running parallel to the right foul line. The stadium finds its picturesque location on the banks of the Osmose river, providing a scenic backdrop. As was the case with the majority of ballparks from the era, Rheinstraße dimensions are not particularly hitter-friendly. The stadium’s design embraces the architectural style of the era, combining modern amenities with a classic charm.