11/01/2026
Happy National Authors Day! Many thanks to Bret Robertson and History of the Heartland for selling this book at HomeGrown Collective Decatur. It will make an excellent gift for baseball and Decatur history enthusiasts in your life! ❤️⚾️
Happy National Authors Day to our own Bret Robertson. How appropriate that his first book sale took place in a Decatur baseball stadium! Thanks to Josh for purchasing the book!
What a great gift idea!
History of the Heartland’s first book endeavor! Bret Robertson’s book Champions, Founders, Cons and Thieves Baseball Adventures in Decatur 1866 to 1900 is available locally!
“Champions, Founders, Cons & Thieves: Baseball Adventures in Decatur 1866-1900"
Decatur actually had six baseball stadiums before 1901, all in places where you might be quite familiar but had no idea a stadium had once stood.
And the characters in these stories are astounding, from (later Judge) William Johns who founded the first team in 1866, to treasurer Winn Bramble who helped organize the champion 1900 Decatur Giants, only to be sent to prison for mail theft.
Thanks to Kim at
HomeGrown Collective Decatur
1090 W Wood
Decatur, IL 62522
Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Books are $25.
If you need one shipped just message us! We ship the next day!