1879 in baseball - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Champions

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...

: 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...

National Association: Albany Blue Stockings

Northwest League: Dubuque Rabbits

Inter-league playoff: Providence Grays (NL) def. Albany Blues (NA), 2 games to 0.

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...
Rank	Club	Wins	Losses	Win %	GB
1st	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...	59	25	.702	--
2nd	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....	54	30	.643	5
3rd	Buffalo Bisons Buffalo 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...	46	32	.590	10
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...	46	33	.582	10.5
5th	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:...	43	37	.537	14
6th	Cleveland Blues Cleveland 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...	27	55	.329	31
7th	Syracuse Stars Syracuse 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...	22	48	.314	30
8th	Troy Trojans	19	56	.253	35.5

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...
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...	.357
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...	Charley Jones Charley Jones Charles Wesley Jones was an American left fielder in the National Association and Major League Baseball who hit 56 home runs and batted .298 during his twelve-year career... 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....	9
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...	Charley Jones Charley Jones Charles Wesley Jones was an American left fielder in the National Association and Major League Baseball who hit 56 home runs and batted .298 during his twelve-year career... 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....	62	Jim O'Rourke Jim O'Rourke (baseball player) James Henry O'Rourke , nicknamed "Orator Jim", was an American professional baseball player in the National Association and Major League Baseball who played primarily as a left fielder... 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....	62
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...	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...	47
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...	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....	1.96
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	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...	239

Notable seasons

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...

of the 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....

finishes 2nd in the 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...

with 43 wins. It is the 3rd consecutive season that Bond has won 40 games, a feat that has never been matched in major league history. Bond also wins his second ERA title, finishing at 1.96, and leads the league for the third straight season in shutouts with 11.

January-March

January 26 - The Troy Trojans learn that they have been accepted into the 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...

.
February 14 - The 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...

remaining assets are sold to satisfy their bankruptcy judgement.
February 18 - The International League changes its name to the National Association after losing its Canadien teams.
March 25 - The 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...

votes to keep admission at 50¢.

April-June

April 1 - The Northwest League is formed and refuses to affiliate with 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...

or the National Association (formerly International League). The league consists of 4 teams; Davenport, Omaha, Dubuque and Rockford.
April 4 - The 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...

announce the creation of a "bull pen", to be located in center field, where fans may purchase tickets for 15¢ beginning in the 5th inning.
May 2 - Rookie Mike Mansell
Mike Mansell
Michael R. Mansell , was a professional baseball outfielder in the Major Leagues from 1879-1884. He played for the Syracuse Stars, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Alleghenys, Philadelphia Athletics, and Richmond Virginians...

of the newly formed Troy Trojans, in attempting to break up a double play, sprains the neck of star player Ross Barnes
Ross Barnes
Charles Roscoe Barnes was one of the stars of baseball's National Association and the early National League , playing second base and shortstop. He played for the dominant Boston Red Stockings teams of the early 1870s, along with Albert Spalding, Cal McVey, George Wright, Harry Wright, Jim...

of the 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:...

. As this is not yet an accepted style of play, Mansell is censured for his actions.
May 17 - With no available regular catchers, the Cleveland Blues (NL)
Cleveland 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...

give Fred Gunkle a try. Midway through the game, after 3 errors and 7 passed balls, Gunkle is mercifully moved to right field. It is the only game he will ever play in the majors.
May 20 - After catcher Pop Snyder
Pop Snyder
Charles N. "Pop" Snyder was an American catcher, manager, and umpire in Major League Baseball. His 18 season playing career began in 1873 for the Washington Blue Legs of the National Association, and ended with the 1891 Washington Statesmen...

cuts his hand in the 8th inning, 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....

pitcher 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...

is forced to ease up on his pitching. The 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...

take advantage of the slower speed and score 4 in the 9th to beat the Red Caps 9-5.
June 6 - Charley Jones
Charley Jones
Charles Wesley Jones was an American left fielder in the National Association and Major League Baseball who hit 56 home runs and batted .298 during his twelve-year career...

of the 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....

, who will lead the league in home runs, hits one that is estimated to travel 500 feet in the air.
June 14 - Silver Flint
Silver Flint
Frank Sylvester Flint was a Major League catcher in the 19th century. He began his career at age 19 with the St...

of the 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...

hits a ball over the left field fence in the 9th inning against the Troy Trojans. Flint chooses to stop at third base for a triple so that the catcher will have to play closer to the batter, thus giving him a better hitting opportunity. Flint does score, but the White Stockings lose 10-9.
June 20 - Oscar Walker, of the Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo 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...

, becomes the first major league player to strike out 5 times in a 9-inning game.
June 21 - William Edward White
William Edward White
William Edward White played as a substitute in one baseball game for the Providence Grays, on June 21, 1879. Recent work by members of the Society for American Baseball Research suggests that he may have been the first African-American to play major league baseball, predating the longer career of...

plays first base for the 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...

in their 5-3 win over the Cleveland Blues
Cleveland 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...

. White is believed by some to have been the first black player to play in the major leagues.
June 22 - The New York Times reports on the death of a player named Alexander Taylor. The article states that Taylor, while catching, set up too close to the batter as he swung and was hit in the head by the bat, smashing his skull.
June 23 - Dan Brouthers
Dan Brouthers
Dennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...

makes his debut with the Troy Trojans.
June 26 - Boston
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....

catcher Pop Snyder
Pop Snyder
Charles N. "Pop" Snyder was an American catcher, manager, and umpire in Major League Baseball. His 18 season playing career began in 1873 for the Washington Blue Legs of the National Association, and ended with the 1891 Washington Statesmen...

starts a triple play by dropping a third strike with the bases loaded and no outs to help the Red Caps beat the 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...

3-2. The dropped third strike rule will not be implemented until 1887
1887 in baseball
-National League final standings:-American Association final standings:-National League statistical leaders:-American Association statistical leaders:-January–March:...

.

July-September

July 4 - In a game billed as the championship of the United States, The New York Blue Stockings women's team defeat the lady Philadelphia Red Stockings 36-24 in front of 5,000 fans in Philadelphia. The carnival-like atmosphere combined with the score cause the crowd to get unruly and the game is called early.
July 19 - The first all-lefty pitching matchup takes place in Cleveland as Bobby Mathews
Bobby Mathews
Robert T. Mathews was an American right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for twenty years beginning in the late 1860s. He is credited as being one of the inventors of the spitball pitch, which was rediscovered or reintroduced to the major leagues after he died. He is also credited with the...

of the Cleveland Blues
Cleveland 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...

beats Curry Foley
Curry Foley
Charles Joseph "Curry" Foley was a left-handed pitcher, outfielder and first baseman who played in the National League for the Boston Red Caps and Buffalo Bisons . He was born in Milltown, Ireland....

of the 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....

8-2.
July 26 - Syracuse Stars
Syracuse 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...

pitcher Harry McCormick hits a home run in the first inning against 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....

pitcher 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...

and then proceeds to shut out the Red Caps 1-0. It is the only time in major league history that a pitcher has hit a first inning home run to win a 1-0 game.
August 15 - Cap Anson
Cap Anson
Adrian Constantine Anson , nicknamed "Cap" and "Pop", was a National Association and Major League Baseball first baseman...

plays his final game of the season for the 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...

. Anson will travel back home to Marshalltown, Iowa to recover from a liver ailment. Silver Flint
Silver Flint
Frank Sylvester Flint was a Major League catcher in the 19th century. He began his career at age 19 with the St...

assumes the manager duties for Chicago.
September 7 - Dan Brouthers
Dan Brouthers
Dennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...

is released by the Troy Trojans, despite hitting .274 and ranking 3rd in the 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...

in home runs. Brouthers will play 3 games for Troy in 1880
1880 in baseball
-Champions:*National League: Chicago White StockingsNational Association: Washington NationalsInter-league playoff: Washington def. Chicago , 4 games to 3 -National League final standings:-Statistical leaders:-January–March:...

before becoming a star with the Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo 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...

.
September 10 - The Syracuse Stars
Syracuse 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...

fold due to impending bankruptcy.
September 23 - Jim Tyng
Jim Tyng
James Alexander "Jim" Tyng was the first baseball player to wear a catcher's mask while playing for Harvard in 1877. The team manager, Fred Thayer received a patent for the mask in 1878. In 1879, Tyng was picked up by Harry Wright and the Boston Red Caps as an emergency pitcher. Tyng defeated the...

, the first player to wear a catcher's mask (in 1877), is picked up by Harry Wright
Harry Wright
William Henry "Harry" Wright was an English-born American professional baseball player, manager, and developer. He assembled, managed, and played center field for baseball's first fully professional team, the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings...

and the 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....

as an emergency pitcher. Tyng defeats the first-place 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...

to draw the Red Caps within 2 games of the Grays. It will be the only victory of Tyng's career.
September 26 - The 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...

defeat the 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....

7-6 to clinch the 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...

pennant. George Wright scores the winning run for the Grays in the 9th inning to defeat his brother and opposing manager Harry Wright
Harry Wright
William Henry "Harry" Wright was an English-born American professional baseball player, manager, and developer. He assembled, managed, and played center field for baseball's first fully professional team, the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings...

.
September 30 - Will White
Will White
William 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...

pitches his 75th complete game of the season for the 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:...

, and finishes the year having thrown 680 innings. Both statistics are records that will probably never be broken.
September 30 - Word leaks out that the 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...

owners have secretly agreed to reserve 5 players per team that other clubs will not negotiate with. This agreement will be the main factor in player movement for the next 100 years.

October-December

October 1 - The 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:...

release all of their players and are unable to pay them their final month's salary.
October 2 - The Troy Trojans complain that new "reserve system" has already been violated with the 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...

signing of Troy pitcher Fred Goldsmith.
October 16 - Mike "King" Kelly
King Kelly
Michael 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...

, released by the 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:...

, sign on with the 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...

while touring with them in California
California
California 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...

.
October 24 - The 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:...

formally withdraw from the 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...

.
November 24 - Taking advantage of the new reserve rule, the 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...

offer reserved player-manager George Wright a 15 percent paycut from his $2,000 salary, after he guided the Grays to the pennant. Wright refuses and, as a named reserve player, will receive no offers from any other 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...

club.
December 3 - At the league meetings, the 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...

re-admits the 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:...

, who are now under new ownership.
December 4 - The 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...

reduces the number of balls needed for a walk down to 8. The league also institutes a rule stating that the team batting last in the inning does not need to finish their at-bat or bat at all in the final inning if they are ahead.
December 6–18 - The American College Baseball Association is founded in Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...

.

Births

January 11 - Harry McIntire
Harry McIntire
John Reid McIntire was born in Dayton, Ohio and was a Pitcher for the Brooklyn Superbas , Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds .He helped the Cubs win the 1910 National League Pennant....
January 12 - Hank Olmsted
Hank Olmsted
Henry Theodore Olmsted was formally a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Americans during the 1905 season. Listed at 5' 8", 147 lb., Olmsted batted and threw right-handed...
January 12 - Gary Wilson
Gary Wilson (second baseman)
James Garrett Wilson was a utility player in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Americans during the season. Listed at 5' 7", 168 lb., Wilson batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland....
January 24 - Dave Brain
Dave Brain
David Leonard "Dave" Brain was an infielder/outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago White Sox , St. Louis Cardinals , Pittsburgh Pirates , Boston Beaneaters & Doves , Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants . Brain batted and threw right-handed...
February 14 - Tim Jordan
Tim Jordan (baseball)
Timothy Joseph Jordan was a professional baseball player. He was a first baseman over parts of seven seasons with the Washington Senators, New York Highlanders and Brooklyn Supurbas. He led the National League in home runs twice, in 1906 and 1908 with Brooklyn...
February 18 - Louis Leroy
Louis Leroy (baseball player)
Louis Paul Leroy [Chief ] was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the New York Highlanders and Boston Red Sox . Listed at 5' 10", 180 lb., Leroy batted and threw right-handed...
March 13 - Mal Eason
Mal Eason
Malcolm Wayne Eason was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Orphans , Boston Beaneaters , Detroit Tigers and Brooklyn Superbas . Eason batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Brookville, Pennsylvania.From 1901-02 Eason went 8-17 and 10-12, while pitching...
March 27 - Miller Huggins
Miller Huggins
Miller James Huggins , nicknamed "Mighty Mite", was a baseball player and manager. He managed the powerhouse New York Yankee teams of the 1920s and won six American League pennants and three World Series championships....
April 9 - Doc White
Doc White
Guy Harris "Doc" White was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for two teams, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox, during his career which lasted from 1901 to 1913....
April 13 - Jake Stahl
Jake Stahl
Jacob Garland "Jake" Stahl was an American first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, and New York Highlanders. A graduate of the University of Illinois, he was a member of the Kappa Kappa chapter of Sigma Chi...
April 29 - Noodles Hahn
Noodles Hahn
Frank George Hahn was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Highlanders . Hahn batted and threw left-handed...
May 20 - Jake Thielman
Jake Thielman
John Peter Thielman was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1905 through 1908 for the St. Louis Cardinals , Cleveland Naps and Boston Red Sox . Listed at 5' 11", 175 lb., Thielman batted and threw right-handed. He was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota...
June 11 - Roger Bresnahan
Roger Bresnahan
Roger Philip Bresnahan , nicknamed "The Duke of Tralee" for his Irish roots, was an American player in Major League Baseball who starred primarily as a catcher and a player-manager...
June 12 - Red Dooin
Red Dooin
Charles Sebastian "Red" Dooin was an American catcher and manager in Major League Baseball during the first two decades of the 20th century. He played 1,219 of his 1,290 games as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies and managed the Phils from 1910 through 1914.-Biography:Born in Cincinnati, Ohio,...
June 20 - Jim Delahanty
Jim Delahanty
James Christopher Delahanty was a second baseman in Major League Baseball. He played thirteen seasons with eight clubs: the Chicago Orphans , New York Giants , Boston Beaneaters , Cincinnati Reds , St. Louis Browns , Washington Senators , Detroit Tigers , and Brooklyn Tip-Tops...
July 14 - Fred Burchell
Fred Burchell (baseball)
Frederick Duff Burchell was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox . Burchell batted right-handed and threw left-handed. He was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey...
July 29 - Earl Moore
Earl Moore
Earl Moore was born was a professional baseball player who had a 14-year career in Major League Baseball.-Biography:...
July 31 - Lee Fyfe
Lee Fyfe
Lucius Columbus "Lee" Fyfe was a professional baseball umpire.Fyfe umpired 84 Federal League games in the season. He then returned to the Majors, umpiring in five National League games in . -References:...
September 7 - Hooks Wiltse
Hooks Wiltse
George Leroy "Hooks" Wiltse was a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1904 to 1915. He was the brother of pitcher Snake Wiltse....
September 17 - Rube Foster
October 4 - Bob Rhoads
Bob Rhoads
Barton Emory Rhoads , nicknamed "Dusty", was a major league pitcher for the Chicago Orphans, Cleveland Naps, and St. Louis Cardinals in the early 20th century. His best year was in 1906, when he won 22 games and had a 1.80 ERA. He finished his career with a 97-82 record, a 2.61 ERA and 522...
October 16 - Art Devlin
October 28 - Frank Smith
November 22 - Bob Hart
Bob Hart (umpire)
Eugene Francis "Bob" Hart was an umpire in Major League Baseball.Born in Kensington, Connecticut, Hart was the son of Mary and John Hart. Around the turn of the century, Hart entered the National Roller Polo League and won two pennants for the Lowell, Massachusetts team...
December 8 - Jimmy Austin
Jimmy Austin
James Phillip "Jimmy" Austin was a professional baseball player and coach.-Early years:Austin was born in Swansea, Wales, the son of a shipbuilder. He was one of only three Major League baseball players to be born in Wales...
December 8 - Jack Thoney
Jack Thoney
John Thoney [Bullet Jack] was a reserve outfielder / infielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1902 through 1911 for the Cleveland Bronchos , Baltimore Orioles , Washington Senators , New York Highlanders , and Boston Red Sox . Listed at 5' 10", 175 lb., Thoney batted and threw...
December 12 - Mike Mitchell
Mike Mitchell (baseball)
Michael Francis Mitchell was an outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1907 to 1914. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Washington Senators. Known for his powerful throwing arm, Mitchell was also a decent hitter who led the National League in triples twice...
December 20 - Doc Moskiman
Doc Moskiman
William Bankhead Moskiman was a first baseman/right fielder in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 6' 0", 170 lb., Moskiman batted and threw right-handed...
December 23 - Frank Owen
December 31 - Fred Beebe
Fred Beebe
Frederick Leonard Beebe was a professional baseball player.Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Beebe played baseball for the Hyde Park High School in Chicago, Illinois and the University of Illinois. He played Major League Baseball from 1906 to 1916. In his rookie year, Beebe led the major leagues with...

Deaths

June 18 - George Fletcher
George Fletcher (baseball)
George Horace Elliot Fletcher , was a professional baseball player who played outfielder in Major League Baseball for the 1872 Brooklyn Eckfords.-External links:...

, 34, played two games for the Brooklyn Eckfords
Eckford of Brooklyn
Eckford of Brooklyn, or simply Eckford, was an American baseball club from 1855 to 1872. When the pioneering Union Grounds opened for baseball in 1862, the Eckfords must have been the most important tenant, for they played more games than any other club that year and won the "national"...

in 1872.
August 4 - Charlie Bierman
Charlie Bierman
Charles S. Bierman was an American professional baseball player who played one game for the Fort Wayne Kekiongas in 1871. He went hitless in two at bats, had one walk, and committed two errors at first base. Bierman died in his hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey on August 4, 1879, and is interred at...

, 34?, played one game in 1871 with the Fort Wayne Kekiongas
Fort Wayne Kekiongas
The Fort Wayne Kekiongas were a professional baseball team, notable for winning the first professional league game on May 4, 1871. Kekionga - pronounced KEY-key-awn-guh - is the name of Chief Little Turtle's Miami Indian settlement where the St. Joseph River and the St. Mary's River join to form...

.
October 28 - Jimmy Hallinan
Jimmy Hallinan
James H. "Jimmy" Hallinan was an American baseball player born in Ireland. In the first professional league season, he played shortstop in five games for the 1871 Fort Wayne Kekiongas...

, 30, shortstop for several teams who batted .321 in 1877 with the Cincinnati
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:...

and Chicago
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...

.

External links

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