1878 in baseball
Encyclopedia
Champions
- National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
: Boston Red CapsAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997.... - International Association: Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons (1879-1885)The original Buffalo Bisons baseball club played in the National League between 1879 and 1885. The Bisons played their games at Riverside Park and Olympic Park in Buffalo, New York.-Year-by-year records:-Players of note:*Dan Brouthers...
- Pacific Coast: San Francisco Athletics (Semi-pro)
Inter-league playoff: Boston (NL) and Buffalo (IA) each won 1 game in 2 game series.
National League final standings
| National League National League The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional... |
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| Rank | Club | Wins | Losses | Win % | GB |
| 1st | Boston Red Caps Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997.... |
41 | 19 | .683 | -- |
| 2nd | Cincinnati Reds Cincinnati Reds (1876-1880) The Cincinnati Reds, also known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, were a professional baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio that played from 1876–1880. The Reds were a charter member of the National League.-History:... |
37 | 23 | .617 | 4 |
| 3rd | Providence Grays Providence Grays The Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and... |
33 | 27 | .550 | 8 |
| 4th | Chicago White Stockings Chicago Cubs The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National... |
30 | 30 | .500 | 11 |
| 5th | Indianapolis Blues Indianapolis Blues The Indianapolis Blues were a baseball team in the National League only during the 1878 season and finished fifth in the six-team league with a 24-36 record. They were managed by outfielder/first baseman/catcher John Clapp, and played their home games at South Street Park.Their top-hitting regular... |
24 | 36 | .400 | 17 |
| 6th | Milwaukee Grays Milwaukee Grays The Milwaukee Grays were a short-lived baseball team that spent one year, 1878, in the National League.The team was part of the League Alliance, loosely affiliated with the National League, in 1877. It won 19 games and lost 13 , ending up in fourth place... |
15 | 45 | .250 | 26 |
Statistical leaders
| National League National League The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional... |
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| Type | Name | Stat | |
| AVG Batting average Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :... |
Paul Hines Paul Hines Paul Aloysius Hines was an American center fielder in professional baseball who played in the National Association and Major League Baseball from 1872 to 1891... PRO Providence Grays The Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and... |
.358 | |
| HR Home run In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process... |
Paul Hines Paul Hines Paul Aloysius Hines was an American center fielder in professional baseball who played in the National Association and Major League Baseball from 1872 to 1891... PRO Providence Grays The Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and... |
4 | |
| RBI Run batted in Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI... |
Paul Hines Paul Hines Paul Aloysius Hines was an American center fielder in professional baseball who played in the National Association and Major League Baseball from 1872 to 1891... PRO Providence Grays The Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and... |
50 | |
| Wins Win (baseball) In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only... |
Tommy Bond Tommy Bond (baseball) Thomas Henry Bond was a Major League Baseball player who was a pitcher and a right fielder a total of ten seasons. A native of Granard, Ireland, he is the first person born in Ireland to play Major League Baseball. Bond was also the last survivor of the National League's first season... BSN Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997.... |
40 | |
| ERA Earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine... |
John Montgomery Ward John Montgomery Ward John Montgomery Ward , known as Monte Ward, was an American Major League Baseball pitcher, shortstop and manager. Ward was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Renovo, Pennsylvania... PRO Providence Grays The Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and... |
1.51 | |
| Strikeout Strikeout In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters.... s |
Tommy Bond Tommy Bond (baseball) Thomas Henry Bond was a Major League Baseball player who was a pitcher and a right fielder a total of ten seasons. A native of Granard, Ireland, he is the first person born in Ireland to play Major League Baseball. Bond was also the last survivor of the National League's first season... BSN Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997.... |
182 | |
January-March
- February 6 - The Providence GraysProvidence GraysThe Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and...
are accepted into the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
. - February 12 - Fred Thayer, Harvard team manager, receives a patent for the catching mask.
- March 8 - Devastated by the gambling scandal from 18771877 in baseball-Champions:*National League: Boston Red Caps*International Association: London‚ Ontario‚ Canada Tecumsehs*League Alliance: Indianapolis Hoosiers & Lowell Ladies' Men *New England Association: Lowell Ladies' Men...
, The Louisville GraysLouisville GraysThe Louisville Grays were a 19th century U.S. baseball team and charter member of the National League, based in Louisville, Kentucky. They played two seasons, 1876 and 1877, and compiled a record of 65–61. Their home games were at the Louisville Baseball Park. The Grays were owned by...
withdraw from the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
after being unable to assemble a competitive team. - March 27 - The National Association of Amateur Base Ball Players disbands.
April-June
- April 2 - The National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
announces a group of 18 umpires who are eligible to umpire league games. The scheduling of those umpires is left to the individual clubs to decide. - May 1 - In front of 5,500 fans at the brand new Messer Street GroundsMesser Street GroundsMesser Street Grounds is a former baseball ground located in Providence, Rhode Island. The ground was home to the Providence Grays baseball club of the National League from 1878 to 1885....
, the Providence GraysProvidence GraysThe Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and...
lose the season opener to the defending champion Boston Red CapsAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
1-0. Mike "King" KellyKing KellyMichael Joseph "King" Kelly was an American right fielder, catcher, and manager in various professional American baseball leagues including the National League, International Association, Players' League, and the American Association. He spent the majority of his 16-season playing career with the...
makes his major league debut in the home opener at Cincinnati. - May 1 - Will WhiteWill WhiteWilliam Henry "Whoop-La" White was an American Major League Baseball pitcher.White made his debut on July 20, 1877 with the Boston Red Caps at the age of 23...
and Deacon WhiteDeacon WhiteJames Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
become the first brother pitcher-catcher battery in the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati Reds (1876-1880)The Cincinnati Reds, also known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, were a professional baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio that played from 1876–1880. The Reds were a charter member of the National League.-History:...
6-4 win over the Milwaukee GraysMilwaukee GraysThe Milwaukee Grays were a short-lived baseball team that spent one year, 1878, in the National League.The team was part of the League Alliance, loosely affiliated with the National League, in 1877. It won 19 games and lost 13 , ending up in fourth place...
. - May 2 - The International Association commences regular season play with 12 teams as follows - Auburn, Binghamton Crickets, Brooklyn Blues, Buffalo Bisons, London Tecumsehs, Manchester Reds, New Bedford Whalers, New Haven Elm Citys, Pittsburgh Alleghenies, Rochester Flour Citys, Syracuse Stars and the Worcester Reds. The New York Clipper declares the new IA to be a "major league."
- May 7 - The IA's Auburn and Brooklyn teams disband leaving the circuit with 10 teams.
- May 8 - Paul HinesPaul HinesPaul Aloysius Hines was an American center fielder in professional baseball who played in the National Association and Major League Baseball from 1872 to 1891...
of the Providence GraysProvidence GraysThe Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and...
, who will win baseball's first triple crown in 1878, pulls off (arguably) the first unassisted triple playUnassisted triple playIn baseball, an unassisted triple play occurs when a defensive player makes all three putouts by himself in one continuous play, without any teammates touching the ball . In Major League Baseball , it is one of the rarest of individual feats, along with hitting four home runs in one game and the...
in major league history against the Boston Red CapsAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
. - May 9 - Sam Weaver of the Milwaukee GraysMilwaukee GraysThe Milwaukee Grays were a short-lived baseball team that spent one year, 1878, in the National League.The team was part of the League Alliance, loosely affiliated with the National League, in 1877. It won 19 games and lost 13 , ending up in fourth place...
pitches a no-hitter against the Indianapolis BluesIndianapolis BluesThe Indianapolis Blues were a baseball team in the National League only during the 1878 season and finished fifth in the six-team league with a 24-36 record. They were managed by outfielder/first baseman/catcher John Clapp, and played their home games at South Street Park.Their top-hitting regular...
for Milwaukee's first National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
victory. One scorer credited John ClappJohn Clapp (baseball)John Edgar Clapp , nicknamed "Honest John", was a professional baseball player-manager whose career spanned 12 seasons, 11 of which were spent with the Major League Baseball Middletown Mansfields , Philadelphia Athletics , St...
with a single, but Weaver is generally recognized today with throwing the no-hitter.
July-September
- July 15 - John Montgomery WardJohn Montgomery WardJohn Montgomery Ward , known as Monte Ward, was an American Major League Baseball pitcher, shortstop and manager. Ward was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Renovo, Pennsylvania...
makes his debut for the Providence GraysProvidence GraysThe Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and...
. Ward will later start the Brotherhood of Professional Base-Ball Players in 18851885 in baseball-Champions:*Post-season playoff: Chicago White Stockings played St. Louis Browns. Series ended with both teams going 3-3-1 in a best-of-7 series. Game 1 ended in a tie called after 8 inning due to darkness; Game 2 was awarded to Chicago by forfeit after 6 innings because St. Louis refused to...
, which leads to the formation of the Players LeaguePlayers LeagueThe Players' National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, popularly known as the Players' League , was a short-lived but star-studded professional American baseball league of the 19th century...
in 18901890 in baseball-Champions:*World Series: Brooklyn Bridegrooms 3, Louisville Colonels 3, 1 tie*National League: Brooklyn Bridegrooms*American Association: Louisville Colonels*Players' League: Boston RedsInter-league playoff: Brooklyn declined challenge by Boston...
. Ward would be elected to the Hall-of-Fame in 19641964 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: St. Louis Cardinals over New York Yankees ; Bob Gibson, MVP*All-Star Game, July 7 at Shea Stadium: National League, 7–4; Johnny Callison, MVP-Other champions:*College World Series: Minnesota...
. - August 14 - "The Only" Nolan is released by the Indianapolis BluesIndianapolis BluesThe Indianapolis Blues were a baseball team in the National League only during the 1878 season and finished fifth in the six-team league with a 24-36 record. They were managed by outfielder/first baseman/catcher John Clapp, and played their home games at South Street Park.Their top-hitting regular...
after lying to the team about attending a funeral. - August 19 - In an embarrassing day for the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
, teams from the NL lose 3 of the 4 exhibition games played against non-league teams. - August 25 - Bill CraverBill CraverWilliam H. Craver was an American Major League Baseball player from Troy, New York who played mainly as an infielder, but did play many games at catcher as well during his seven year career. He played for seven different teams, in two leagues...
is certified eligible for play in the International Association. Craver had been kicked out of the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
after his involvement in a gambling scandal with the Louisville GraysLouisville GraysThe Louisville Grays were a 19th century U.S. baseball team and charter member of the National League, based in Louisville, Kentucky. They played two seasons, 1876 and 1877, and compiled a record of 65–61. Their home games were at the Louisville Baseball Park. The Grays were owned by...
in 18771877 in baseball-Champions:*National League: Boston Red Caps*International Association: London‚ Ontario‚ Canada Tecumsehs*League Alliance: Indianapolis Hoosiers & Lowell Ladies' Men *New England Association: Lowell Ladies' Men...
. - August 31 - Albert SpaldingAlbert SpaldingAlbert Goodwill Spalding was a professional baseball player, manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company.-Biography:...
plays in the final game of his career, going 2-4 at the plate while committing 4 errors in the field. - September 12 - The Boston Red CapsAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
clinch the pennant with a 4-2 victory over the Indianapolis BluesIndianapolis BluesThe Indianapolis Blues were a baseball team in the National League only during the 1878 season and finished fifth in the six-team league with a 24-36 record. They were managed by outfielder/first baseman/catcher John Clapp, and played their home games at South Street Park.Their top-hitting regular...
. - September 14 - The Indianapolis BluesIndianapolis BluesThe Indianapolis Blues were a baseball team in the National League only during the 1878 season and finished fifth in the six-team league with a 24-36 record. They were managed by outfielder/first baseman/catcher John Clapp, and played their home games at South Street Park.Their top-hitting regular...
and Boston Red CapsAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
play an experimental exhibition game in which every pitch thrown is called a ball or strike and only allowing 6 balls before a walk is issued. - September 30 - The National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
completes its schedule, marking the first time in professional baseball that a full schedule has been played by all member teams.
October-December
- October 2 - The Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons (1879-1885)The original Buffalo Bisons baseball club played in the National League between 1879 and 1885. The Bisons played their games at Riverside Park and Olympic Park in Buffalo, New York.-Year-by-year records:-Players of note:*Dan Brouthers...
of the International League defeat the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
champion Boston Red CapsAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
behind the pitching of Pud GalvinPud GalvinJames Francis Galvin , nicknamed "Pud", "Gentle Jeems", and "The Little Steam Engine", was an American National Association and Major League Baseball pitcher. He was Major League Baseball's first 300-game winner...
. The victory over the Red Caps gives Galvin a win over each team in the NL. He finishes the 1878 season with a combined 10-5 record against the NL clubs. Buffalo will become a member of the National League in 18791879 in baseball-Champions:*National League: Providence GraysNational Association: Albany Blue StockingsNorthwest League: Dubuque RabbitsInter-league playoff: Providence Grays def. Albany Blues , 2 games to 0.-National League final standings:-Statistical leaders:...
. - October 3 - The Syracuse StarsSyracuse Stars (National League)The Syracuse Stars was an American baseball team 19th century, as well as the name of the minor league baseball teams which preceded it, based in Syracuse, New York. They played their home games at Newell Park...
defeat Lowell 12-1 and claim the International Association championship. The Stars will join the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
in 18791879 in baseball-Champions:*National League: Providence GraysNational Association: Albany Blue StockingsNorthwest League: Dubuque RabbitsInter-league playoff: Providence Grays def. Albany Blues , 2 games to 0.-National League final standings:-Statistical leaders:...
. - October 8 - The Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons (1879-1885)The original Buffalo Bisons baseball club played in the National League between 1879 and 1885. The Bisons played their games at Riverside Park and Olympic Park in Buffalo, New York.-Year-by-year records:-Players of note:*Dan Brouthers...
defeat Utica and lay claim to the International Association pennant as well. The league will ultimately award the pennant to Buffalo in early 1879 - October 18 - The Indianapolis BluesIndianapolis BluesThe Indianapolis Blues were a baseball team in the National League only during the 1878 season and finished fifth in the six-team league with a 24-36 record. They were managed by outfielder/first baseman/catcher John Clapp, and played their home games at South Street Park.Their top-hitting regular...
come up short $2,500 and are unable to account for the money. The players receive $60 each as payment for the remainder of the season. This event signals the end of the Blues. - November 1 - The Boston Red CapsAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
and the Providence GraysProvidence GraysThe Providence Grays were a Major League Baseball team based in Providence, Rhode Island who played in the National League from until . The Grays played at Messer Field in the Olneyville neighborhood. The team won the National League title twice, in and...
play an exhibition game with no outs on foul bounds and 6 balls for a walk to be given. - November 10 - In the Pacific Coast championship game in CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, the Athletics defeat the Californias in front of 8,000 fans at the San Francisco National Trotting Park. - December 4 - The National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
votes to accept the Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons (1879-1885)The original Buffalo Bisons baseball club played in the National League between 1879 and 1885. The Bisons played their games at Riverside Park and Olympic Park in Buffalo, New York.-Year-by-year records:-Players of note:*Dan Brouthers...
, Syracuse StarsSyracuse Stars (National League)The Syracuse Stars was an American baseball team 19th century, as well as the name of the minor league baseball teams which preceded it, based in Syracuse, New York. They played their home games at Newell Park...
and the Cleveland BluesCleveland Blues (NL)The Cleveland Blues were a Major League Baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that operated in the National League from 1879 to 1884. In six seasons their best finish was third place in 1880. Hugh Daily threw a no-hitter for the Blues on Sept. 13, 1883. Besides Daily, notable Blues players...
for the 18791879 in baseball-Champions:*National League: Providence GraysNational Association: Albany Blue StockingsNorthwest League: Dubuque RabbitsInter-league playoff: Providence Grays def. Albany Blues , 2 games to 0.-National League final standings:-Statistical leaders:...
season. - December 4 - The National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
changes the rules so that now every pitched ball is called a ball or a strike. 9 balls will now result in a walk to the batter. The rules are also changed regarding the batting order. The first batter in a new inning shall now be the next batter in the order after the last batter that ended the previous inning. - December 5 - The National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
abolishes all bound outs, including foul balls on 3rd strikes. - December 10 - The Troy Trojans apply for membership to the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
. - December 29 - The Professional Baseball League of CubaCubaThe Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
is founded in HavanaHavanaHavana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
with HabanaHabana (baseball club)The Habana club was one of the oldest and most distinguished baseball teams in the old Cuban League, which existed from 1878 to 1961. Habana, representing the city of Havana, was the only team to play in the league every season of its existence and was one of its most successful franchises...
defeating AlmendaresAlmendares (baseball club)The Almendares club was one of the oldest and most distinguished baseball teams in the old Cuban League, which existed from 1878 to 1961. Almendares represented the Almendares District on the outskirts of the old city of Havana—when the league was founded it was still considered a suburban area,...
21-20. The league is known today as the Cuban LeagueCuban LeagueThe Cuban League was one of the earliest and longest lasting professional baseball leagues outside of the United States, operating in Cuba from 1878 to 1961...
and ran continuously until March, 1961, when the Cuban government, ran by Fidel CastroFidel CastroFidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
, abolished professional baseball.
Births
- January 12 - William MatthewsWilliam Matthews (baseball player)William Calvin Matthews was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the 1909 season. He was born in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania....
- February 13 - Bill BradleyBill Bradley (baseball player)William Joseph Bradley was a third baseman in Major League Baseball. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio.Bill Bradley was recognized as one of the best third basemen in baseball prior to 1950, along with Jimmy Collins and Pie Traynor...
- March 6 - Bert HustingBert HustingBerthold Juneau Husting [Pete] was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played with four different teams between 1900 and 1902. Listed at 5' 10.5", 185 lb., Husting batted and threw right-handed...
- April 4 - Jake VolzJake VolzJacob Phillip "Silent Jake" Volz was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played between 1901 and 1908 for the Boston Americans , Boston Beaneaters and Cincinnati Reds . Listed at 5' 10", 175 lb., Volz batted and threw right-handed...
- April 24 - Charlie GrahamCharlie GrahamCharles Henry Graham [Uncle Charlie] was a baseball catcher, manager and team owner. Listed at 6' 0", 190 lb., Graham batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Santa Clara, California....
- April 27 - Charlie ChechCharlie ChechCharles William Chech was a pitcher who played in Major League Baseball between and . Chech batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin....
- April 27 - George WinterGeorge Winter (baseball)George Lovington Winter [Sassafrass] was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1901 through 1908 for the Boston Americans /Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers . Listed at 5' 8", 155 lb., Winter batted and threw right-handed...
- May 13 - Frank HemphillFrank HemphillFrank Vernon Hemphill was a left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators . Listed at 5' 11", 165 lb, Hemphill batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Greenville, Michigan...
- May 14 - J.L. Wilkinson
- May 24 - Jack PfiesterJack PfiesterJohn Albert Pfiester , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1903-1911....
- May 30 - Mike DonlinMike DonlinMichael Joseph Donlin was an American outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Perfectos/Cardinals , Baltimore Orioles , Cincinnati Reds , New York Giants , Boston Rustlers , and Pittsburgh Pirates...
- June 5 - Fred MitchellFred Mitchell (baseball)Frederick Francis Mitchell, born Frederick Francis Yapp , was an American right-handed pitcher, catcher and manager in Major League Baseball. After pitching for the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, and Brooklyn Superbas from to , he returned to the major leagues as a...
- June 13 - Bill BergenBill BergenWilliam Aloysius "Bill" Bergen was a Major League Baseball catcher in the early 20th century. Bergen was born in North Brookfield, Massachusetts on June 13, 1878...
- July 12 - Bill CoughlinBill CoughlinWilliam Paul Coughlin , was a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers...
- July 24 - Chris LindsayChris LindsayChristian Haller Lindsay [Pinky or The Crab] was a first baseman in Major League Baseball who played in and for the Detroit Tigers. Listed at 6' 0", 190 lb., Lindsay batted and threw right-handed...
- October 6 - Len SwormstedtLen SwormstedtLeonard Brodbeck Swormstedt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played between and for the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Americans . Swormstedt batted and threw right-handed...
- October 10 - Otto HessOtto Hess (pitcher)Otto C. Hess born in Bern, Switzerland was a pitcher for the Cleveland Bronchos/Cleveland Naps and Boston Braves ....
- October 27 - Shad BarryShad BarryJohn C. "Shad" Barry was a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman. He was born in Newburgh, New York. Barry attended Niagara University....
- November 10 - Cy MorganCy MorganHarry Richard Morgan born in Pomeroy, Ohio was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Browns , Boston Red Sox , Philadelphia Athletics , and Cincinnati Reds ....
- November 23 - Jimmy SheckardJimmy SheckardSamuel James Tilden "Jimmy" Sheckard was an American left fielder and left-handed leadoff hitter in Major League Baseball who played for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms/Superbas , Baltimore Orioles , Baltimore Orioles , Chicago Cubs , St...
- November 29 - Long Tom HughesLong Tom HughesThomas James Hughes was a right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. From through , Hughes played for the Chicago Orphans , Baltimore Orioles , Boston Americans , New York Highlanders and Washington Senators . He debuted on September 7, 1900, and played his final game on October 3,...
Deaths
- March 31 - Henry BurroughsHenry BurroughsHenry S. Burroughs was an American professional baseball player, for the Washington Olympics in 1871 and 1872.-External links:...
, 32?, outfielder for the 1871-72 Washington OlympicsWashington OlympicsThe Olympic Club of Washington, D.C., or Washington Olympics, was an early professional baseball team.When the National Association of Base Ball Players permitted openly professional clubs for the 1869 season, the Olympics were one of twelve to go pro...
. - October 2 - Lewis Meacham, 32, umpire for one game during the 1875 National Association season.