Chicago Tigers
The American Professional Football Association opened its doors in 1920, marking the first year of organized professional play. The Chicago Tigers entered this new league that same year without ever becoming a formal member. They played seven games against other APFA teams during the season. This schedule resulted in two wins, five losses, and one tie for the squad. Despite their lack of official status, historians generally include them in the league standings today. Their participation helped define the early chaos of the sport's formation.
Contemporary reports identified the team as the successor to the Hammond Bobcats franchise. That earlier group had spent substantial money in 1919 to field a successful roster. Alva Young applied to bring an actual Hammond franchise into the new league. The original Bobcats dropped references to their hometown name when Young sought entry. George Halas chose not to remain with the team after the transition. He instead joined the Decatur Staleys as both player and part-owner. Guil Falcon emerged as the primary figure leading the Tigers through their single season.
Emil Klosiinkski wrote in Pro Football in the Days of Rockne that the main offensive weapon was their passing game. Johnny Barrett and Milt Ghee threw passes to Jack Meagher and Oscar Knop. On the 24th of October 1920, Halas brought the Staleys to Cubs Park for a match against the Tigers. He billed it as the season's most professional game that would determine the pro title. The Staleys defeated the Tigers by a score of 10, 0. They played again on Thanksgiving, with the Staleys winning once more.
In 1920 the Tigers and Racine Cardinals competed for the same Chicago fan dollar. Legend has it that the Cardinals' owner Chris O'Brien offered to play for the right to represent the city of Chicago in the APFA. Tigers' owner Guil Falcon allegedly agreed to these terms. The game resulted in a 6, 3 win for the Cardinals. Paddy Driscoll scored the only touchdown on a 40-yard run. However, there is no contemporary evidence for this challenge. The story contains three major problems regarding its accuracy.
The team played its home games at Chicago's Wrigley Field during their single season. It was known as Cubs Park at that time. This venue became the first NFL stadium to host a professional football game. The Tigers hold the distinction of being the first franchise to fold after playing there. Their presence helped establish the field as a central location for early league competition. Fans flocked to see the action unfold under the open sky.
According to the NFL, the Chicago Tigers folded between the 1920 and 1921 seasons. They finished with a record of two wins, five losses, and one tie. The team dropped out of the league despite playing two more games after losing to the Cardinals. O'Brien was willing to let the Decatur Staleys play in Chicago the following season. The actual last opponent proved to be the Staleys rather than the Cardinals. Modern records still list them as part of the league history due to their seven-game schedule.
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Common questions
When did the Chicago Tigers play their first game in 1920?
The Chicago Tigers played their first game during the 1920 season of the American Professional Football Association. They competed against other APFA teams throughout that year without becoming a formal member of the league.
Who owned and managed the Chicago Tigers team in 1920?
Guil Falcon emerged as the primary figure leading the Chicago Tigers through their single season. The franchise operated as a successor to the Hammond Bobcats, with Alva Young applying to bring an actual Hammond franchise into the new league.
Where did the Chicago Tigers play home games at Cubs Park?
The Chicago Tigers played their home games at Chicago's Wrigley Field during their single season. It was known as Cubs Park at that time and became the first NFL stadium to host a professional football game.
What was the final record of the Chicago Tigers after seven games?
The Chicago Tigers finished with a record of two wins, five losses, and one tie. They dropped out of the league between the 1920 and 1921 seasons despite playing seven games against other APFA teams.
Did Chris O'Brien challenge the Chicago Tigers for the right to represent Chicago?
Legend has it that the Cardinals' owner Chris O'Brien offered to play for the right to represent the city of Chicago in the APFA. However, there is no contemporary evidence for this challenge and the story contains three major problems regarding its accuracy.