Waterloo, Iowa, is a community with residents of many backgrounds. From the industrial workers of John Deere, Inc., to the retail associates of Crossroads Mall, all of the people of this middle-sized Midwestern town are the essence of the “bread basket” of America. As with any other town of its size, Waterloo and its people are enthusiastic about sports. Whether it is for the Waterloo East High Trojans or the Waterloo Black Hawk Professional Hockey Club, the University of Northern Iowa Panthers or the numerous golf courses and tennis clubs, Waterlooans have illustrated a passion for their area sports.  By participating in these activities directly or merely as spectators, the inhabitants of Waterloo demonstrate support for athletics.  In recent years, however, the area has been lacking a professional baseball franchise.
 
    The metro area has had a rich tradition of professional baseball, consisting of semi-pro teams in the late nineteenth century and up until recently a Class A minor league team: the Waterloo Diamonds.  With the departure of pro baseball, Waterloo has created a void for its devoted baseball fans.  The content of this paper will outline the history of professional baseball in the city and the people, organizations, and fans that made the sport so popular. Included will be the farm teams of professional organizations such as the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, and Kansas City Royals, as well as earlier semi-professional teams.