The San Jose Prune Pickers

San Jose's first professional baseball team began in 1891. Originally known as the "Dukes" or "Gardeners", the team won the California League in their inaugural season. .

From 1892-1898, the Gardeners switched between the Winter League and an independent status while warming to their surroundings in Agricultural Park. In 1898, the team returned to the Cal League as the "Prune Pickers". Five years later, the Prune Pickers joined the "outlaw" Cal State League, winning it all the following year with a 24-9 record.

The team disbanded after 1910, but by then their presence had been felt all over the city. Over the course of their sporadic existence, the Prune Pickers had played in three different leagues while residing in Agricultural park, Cyclers Park and Luna Park (San Jose's first theme park). Most importantly, they developed some of the area's first to make it to the major leagues including two time World Series winner Harry Kraus. While the Prune Pickers didn't last very long, their legacy was felt for years.

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References

1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/San_Jose_Prune_Pickers

2. https://sanjosesportschronicle.com/baseball-san-jose/san-jose-prune-pickers/

3. https://www.sjpl.org/blogs/post/looking-back-take-me-out-to-the-ball-game/