Illini 411: When did intercollegiate sports start on campus?

An early Illinois “base ball” team, top hats, neckties and all. (Image courtesy of UIAA)

A: The University established a “base ball” team in 1872, but it didn’t play another school until Oct. 2, 1879, when it defeated Illinois College, 12 to 5. In its coverage of the game, The (not yet daily) Illini included the highlights and also threw this wild pitch: “We are sorry that you were so badly beaten, Jacksonville.”

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