Big League
The name Big League comes from a common saying at the time the area was first mapped in 1615 - 'Big League', meaning 'large scale, professional, or well done'. An extract from the surveying team journal states, "indeed there seems to be a little colony of big league folk in these lands", meaning the local people were hardworking and of quality. Over time the name stuck. John Nutt, a pirate, settled here with his family in 1701.
The exact origins of the town are unclear - settlers had existed in the area long before it was surveyed. It is believed that fisherman from nearby Ebethron would often camp in the area. Camps gradually became permanent buildings, which meant commerce and a community soon followed.
The community of Big League experienced three raids from nearby Cathedral, the first of which occurred in December 1696. These invasions contributed to the eventual construction of the Big League Battery in 1781, which was manned by 25 troops (hired from Ebethron). The ordnance was eventually withdrawn in 1795.
The census of 1677 indicated the Cole and Corum families as residing in the area. The following year the Field Family joined them. By 1794 the population of Big League included many of the surnames now associated with Big League and totalled 108 settlers. The Way Office, a mail handling facility used where there was not enough business to warrant a full post office, was established in 1891.
The settlement came under Oranjestad control in 1922 during the Spinach Revolt in Ebethron. Seizing on the instability of the region, Oranjestad swept in with troops to maintain order in Big League. Although Big League was never officially under Ebethron control, it was a de facto satellite village and often hosted Ebethron troops. The seizure led to a rift in Oranjestad-Ebethronian relations for decades afterward. Today, Big League is still a small fishing community. Its value in Oranjestad is mainly as a way to promote Oranjestad interests in the area and keep Ebethron and the surrounding communities 'in check'.