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Compiling a history of the Cadets is an ongoing process for us. All of the information we've gathered so far has been from news articles in the Olneyville Times and Providence Evening Telegram. Those news articles are available on microfilm at the Rhode Island Historical Society Library (rihs.org) at 121 Hope Street in Providence. What we have discovered so far is that the Cadets won the 1889 Rhode Island State League pennant on the last day of the season by defeating the Athletics, also from Olneyville. In 1889 the State League consisted of the Cadets, Athletics, Pawtuckets, Pascoags, Wanskucks, Waterfords and a club from Providence that folded halfway through the season. The featured Cadet pitcher in 1889 was Ed Conley, who previously played with the Providence Grays of the National League, until their demise in 1885. The Cadets may well have been one of the finest semi-professional clubs in the region in 1889. Just before the end of that season, the Olneyville Times reported that "The admirers of the Cadet club want them to try to negotiate a game with one of the National League teams, as they are of the opinion that the Cadets would give some of the clubs a hard struggle." There is sound evidence that the club was very popular in 1889. Both the Evening Telegram and the Olneyville Times frequently reported over 1,000 fans attending games at Merino Park, the Cadet home field. Just before the penant deciding game that summer, the Times reported that "The game tomorrow between the Cadets and Athletics will be for blood. The rivalry between the clubs will make anything but an exciting game impossible." Much more information will be available in the coming days and weeks. We'll post every box score, game recap and obscure article on the Cadets that we can find. Check back with us often for new information. Patrick Reilly
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