<P> The Midwest League directly evolved from two earlier leagues in the region . In 1947 , the Class D Illinois State League ( ISL ) began operation with six Illinois teams -- the Belleville Stags , Centralia Cubs , Marion Indians , Mattoon Indians , Mount Vernon Braves and the West Frankfort Cardinals . In 1949 , the ISL changed its name to the Mississippi -- Ohio Valley League after Marion moved their franchise to Kentucky and became the Paducah Chiefs . In 1954 , the Mississippi - Ohio Valley League expanded , adding teams in Clinton and Dubuque , Iowa . The Mississippi - Ohio Valley League was then renamed Midwest League in 1956 . </P>
<P> The Midwest League directly evolved from two earlier leagues in the region . In 1947 , the Class D Illinois State League ( ISL ) began operation with six Illinois teams -- the Belleville Stags , Centralia Cubs , Marion Indians , Mattoon Indians , Mount Vernon Braves and the West Frankfort Cardinals . In 1949 , the ISL changed its name to the Mississippi -- Ohio Valley League after Marion moved their franchise to Kentucky and became the Paducah Chiefs . In 1954 , the Mississippi - Ohio Valley League expanded , adding teams in Clinton and Dubuque , Iowa . The Mississippi - Ohio Valley League was then renamed Midwest League in 1956 . </P>
in 1995 this city in the mid-west was home to two teams
in 1995 this city in the mid-west was home to two teams
Illinois
Illinois