1881 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...
: Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
Eastern Championship Association: New York Metropolitans
Inter-league playoff: New York Mets (ECA) def. Chicago (NL), 2 games to 1.
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 | 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... |
56 | 28 | .667 | -- |
| 2nd | 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... |
47 | 37 | .560 | 9 |
| 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... |
45 | 38 | .542 | 10.5 |
| 4th | Detroit Wolverines Detroit Wolverines The Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise... |
41 | 43 | .488 | 15 |
| 5th | Troy Trojans | 39 | 45 | .464 | 17 |
| 6th | 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.... |
38 | 45 | .458 | 17.5 |
| 7th | 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... |
36 | 48 | .429 | 20 |
| 8th | Worcester Ruby Legs | 32 | 50 | .390 | 23 |
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 :... |
Cap Anson Cap Anson Adrian Constantine Anson , nicknamed "Cap" and "Pop", was a National Association and Major League Baseball first baseman... CHC 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... |
.399 | |||
| 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... |
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... BUF 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... |
8 | |||
| 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... |
Cap Anson Cap Anson Adrian Constantine Anson , nicknamed "Cap" and "Pop", was a National Association and Major League Baseball first baseman... CHC 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... |
82 | |||
| 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... |
Larry Corcoran Larry Corcoran Lawrence J. Corcoran was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Brooklyn, New York.Corcoran debuted in 1880, winning 43 games and leading the Chicago team to the National League championship... CHC 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... |
31 | Jim Whitney Jim Whitney James Evans "Grasshopper Jim" Whitney was a former professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher over parts of ten seasons with the Boston Red Caps/Beaneaters, Kansas City Cowboys, Washington Nationals, Indianapolis Hoosiers and Philadelphia Athletics . He was the National League... 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.... |
31 | |
| 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... |
Stump Wiedman Stump Wiedman George Edward "Stump" Wiedman was a Major League Baseball pitcher and outfielder for 9 years from 1880-1888.Born in Rochester, New York, Stump appeared in 279 games as a right-handed pitcher but also appeared in 122 games as an outfielder. He began his Major League career in 1881 with the Buffalo... DTN Detroit Wolverines The Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise... |
1.80 | |||
| 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 |
George Derby George Derby (baseball) George Henry Derby was a former professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher over parts of three seasons with the Detroit Wolverines and Buffalo Bisons. He was the National League strikeout champion as a rookie in 1881 with Detroit... DTN Detroit Wolverines The Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise... |
212 | |||
January-March
- January 11 - The first of a series of baseball games played on ice is played in ChicagoChicagoChicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. This will become a regular event in the Chicago area. - February 7 - 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...
sign Charley Radbourn. Radbourn played for 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...
in 18801880 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:...
, but only played the field in 6 games and did not pitch at all due to an arm injury. - February 22 - George Wright signs a contract to play for 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....
after sitting out the 18801880 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:...
season. Wright will only play part-time in order to devote more time to his sporting goods business. - February 25 - Jim O'RourkeJim 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...
signs a contract with 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...
after spending most of his career playing for 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....
. - March 8 - 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...
agrees on an 84 game schedule for the upcoming season. The owners are polled and pick the Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
as the pre-season favorite to win the pennant. - March 9 - 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...
releases a list of 23 umpires approved to call league games.
April-June
- April 11 - The Eastern Association is formed and includes the New York Metropolitans, The Washington Nationals and Brooklyn Atlantics, all teams that have regularly played competitively against 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. - April 27 - With pitcher George Bradley already out with pneumonia, the Detroit WolverinesDetroit WolverinesThe Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise...
lose their other hurler Bill SweeneyBill Sweeney (pitcher)William J. Sweeney was a professional baseball pitcher in 1882 and 1884.He led the Union Association in wins in 1884 with 40 wins.-Sources:...
to a hemorrhage of the lungs. Neither pitcher will ever play a single game for the Wolverines. - May 14 - Charley JonesCharley JonesCharles 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...
wins a judgement 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....
for his unpaid salary due from 18801880 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:...
in an OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
court. Cleveland law enforcement will take the money from the Red Caps share of gate receipts when Boston plays in Cleveland. - May 20 - 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...
scores the go-ahead run by cutting short the distance rounding the bases. Kelly doesn't come close to touching third while the umpire is looking a different direction. Kelly then pulls off the hidden ball trickHidden ball trickIn the game of baseball, the hidden ball trick is a play in which the runner is deceived about the location of the ball, in an effort to have him tagged out.-Execution:...
in the 9th inning to preserve the win for the Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
. - May 28 - A man is arrested for trying to bribe 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...
of 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...
to throw a game. Clapp will acquire the nickname "Honest John" because he went to the police after the bribe offer was made. - June 1 - Tommy BondTommy 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 released by 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....
after starting the season 0-3. After averaging nearly 500 innings pitched per season over the last 7 years, Bond's arm is no longer what it once was. Bond will never regain his once-dominating form. - June 18 - The Washington Nationals of the Eastern League disband, citing lack of interest after being rejected to 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...
. - June 20 - A new team is formed in Cincinnati after the demise of the previous 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:...
team. This new club will succeed and become the modern-day Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
. - June 25 - George GoreGeorge GoreGeorge F. Gore , nicknamed "Piano Legs", was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for fourteen seasons, eight for the Chicago White Stockings, five for the New York Giants, one for the St. Louis Browns of the National League , and the New York Giants of the Players League...
of the Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
sets a major league record by stealing 7 bases in one game. Billy Hamilton will tie this record in 18941894 in baseball-Champions:*Temple Cup: New York Giants defeated Baltimore Orioles, 4 games to 0*National League: Baltimore Orioles-National League final standings:-Events:...
.
July-September
- July 2 - 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....
lose to 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...
to drop to last place in 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...
. It is the first time in club history that they have occupied the cellar. - July 4 - Mickey WelchMickey WelchMichael Francis Welch Born as Michael Francis Walsh , nicknamed "Smiling Mickey", was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the third pitcher to accumulate 300 career victories. Welch was born in Brooklyn, New York, and played 13 seasons in the major leagues, three with the Troy Trojans, and 10...
of the Troy Trojans beats 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...
in both games of a double-header, giving him 16 straight wins against the Bisons. - July 20 - 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...
finish off a sweep of the first-place Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
to pull within 3½ games of Chicago. - July 21 - 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...
lose 4-0 in an exhibition game to Akron in a game that only takes 1 hour and 18 minutes to play. - August 21 - The Eclipse club refuses to play against the Chicago Whites in LouisvilleLouisville, KentuckyLouisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
because of a black player named Fleet Walker on the Chicago team. Walker will go on to play for the Toledo Blue StockingsToledo Blue StockingsThe Toledo Blue Stockings formed as a minor league baseball team in Toledo, Ohio in 1883. They won the Northwestern League championship in 1883. Their home ballpark was League Park....
in the American AssociationAmerican Association (19th century)The American Association was a Major League Baseball league that existed for 10 seasons from to . During that time, it challenged the National League for dominance of professional baseball...
in 18841884 in baseball-Champions:*First World's Championship Series: Providence Grays over New York Metropolitans *National League: Providence Grays*American Association: New York Metropolitans*Union Association: St...
and is generally regared as the first black player in major league baseball. - August 27 - Tony MullaneTony MullaneAnthony John "Tony" Mullane , nickamed "Count" and "The Apollo of the Box", was an Irish Major League Baseball player who pitched for seven teams during his 13-season career...
makes his major league debut for the Detroit WolverinesDetroit WolverinesThe Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise...
and beats the first place Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
9-1. Despite the win, Mullane will be released within a month by the Wolverines. He will go on to post 284 career wins. - September 3 - Lip PikeLip PikeLipman Emanuel "Lip" Pike the "Iron Batter", was one of the stars of 19th century baseball in the United States. He was the first player to be revealed as a professional , as well as the first Jewish player...
of the Worcester Ruby Legs makes 3 errors in the 9th inning which gives 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....
2 runs and a 3-2 victory. Worcester accuses Pike of throwing the game and immediately suspends him. Pike will only play in 1 more game in his career, in 18871887 in baseball-National League final standings:-American Association final standings:-National League statistical leaders:-American Association statistical leaders:-January–March:...
. - September 10 - With the Troy Trojans trailing 7-4, the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the 9th, Roger ConnorRoger ConnorRoger Connor was a 19th century Major League Baseball player, born in Waterbury, Connecticut. Known for being the player whom Babe Ruth succeeded as the all-time home run champion, Connor hit 138 home runs during his 18-year career, and his career home run record stood for 23 years after his...
hits the first grand slamGrand slam (baseball)In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
in 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...
history for an 8-7 victory. - September 12 - Chub SullivanChub SullivanJohn Frank "Chub" Sullivan , was an American Major League Baseball first baseman who played for three seasons; two with the Cincinnati Reds and one with the Worcester Ruby Legs . He was nicknamed "Chub", but was 6 feet tall and weighed a mere 164 pounds...
, who was captain of the Worcester Ruby Legs before falling ill in the spring, dies in BostonBostonBoston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
at the age of 25. - September 15 - Davy ForceDavy ForceDavid W. "Davy" Force was a shortstop in Major League Baseball.From 1871 through 1886, he played in the National Association with the Washington Olympics , Troy Haymakers , Baltimore Canaries , Chicago White Stockings and Philadelphia Athletics , and in the National League for the Philadelphia...
of 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...
turns 2 unassisted double plays, participates in 2 other double plays and starts a triple play for the Bisons. Despite his feat, Buffalo loses in 12 innings, 7-6 to the Worcester Ruby Legs. - September 16 - The Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
win their 2nd straight pennant with a 4-0 win over 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....
. - September 25 - 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 that all 8 teams will return for the 18821882 in baseball-Champions:*National League: Chicago def. Providence 5 games to 4*American Association: Cincinnati Red Stockings*League Alliance: New York MetropolitansInterleague*Chicago vs. Cincinnati tie 1 game each*Chicago def...
season. This is the first time that the major leagues have had the same teams in 2 consecutive seasons. - September 27 - The Troy Trojans lose to the champion Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
10-8 in a heavy rain storm in front of 12 spectators, setting a record for the least attended game. - September 29 - 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...
issues a list of 10 blacklisted players who will require unanimous league approval for reinstatement. The reason given for the blacklisting is "confirmed dissipation and general insubordination."
October-December
- October 8 - Chris Von der AheChris von der AheChristian Friedrich Wilhelm von der Ahe was a German-American entrepreneur, best known as the owner of the St. Louis Brown Stockings of the American Association, now known as the St. Louis Cardinals....
takes control of the St. Louis BrownsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. The Browns join the soon to be formed American AssociationAmerican Association (19th century)The American Association was a Major League Baseball league that existed for 10 seasons from to . During that time, it challenged the National League for dominance of professional baseball...
, become a dominant team and eventually 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...
and still exist today as the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. - October 10 - Initiated by backers of the new Cincinnati Red StockingsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
club, the first meetings are held in Pittsburgh of what would become the American AssociationAmerican Association (19th century)The American Association was a Major League Baseball league that existed for 10 seasons from to . During that time, it challenged the National League for dominance of professional baseball...
. - October 15 - Denny McKnight organizes the Allegheny Baseball Club of PittsburghPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
in anticipation of playing in the new American AssociationAmerican Association (19th century)The American Association was a Major League Baseball league that existed for 10 seasons from to . During that time, it challenged the National League for dominance of professional baseball...
. The team, still in existence today, will become known as the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. - October 16 - The Mystics win the California League championship by defeating Oakland 12-10.
- November 2 - The American AssociationAmerican Association (19th century)The American Association was a Major League Baseball league that existed for 10 seasons from to . During that time, it challenged the National League for dominance of professional baseball...
, the first competing Major League, is officially founded with the motto Liberty to All. The six Clubs members are the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles (19th century)The Baltimore Orioles were a 19th-century American Association and National League team from 1882 to 1899. The club, which featured numerous future Hall of Famers, finished in first place three consecutive years and won the Temple Cup championship in 1896 and 1897...
, Cincinnati Red StockingsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
, Eclipse of LouisvilleLouisville ColonelsThe Louisville Colonels were a Major League Baseball team that played in the American Association throughout that league's ten-year existence from 1882 until 1891, first as the Louisville Eclipse and later as the Louisville Colonels , the latter name derived from the historic Kentucky colonels...
, Philadelphia AthleticsPhiladelphia Athletics (American Association)The Philadelphia Athletics were a professional baseball team, one of six charter members of the American Association, a 19th-century major league, which began play in 1882 as a rival to the National League. The other teams were the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Red Stockings, Eclipse of...
, Pittsburgh AlleghenysPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
and St. Louis Brown StockingsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. - November 3 - The American AssociationAmerican Association (19th century)The American Association was a Major League Baseball league that existed for 10 seasons from to . During that time, it challenged the National League for dominance of professional baseball...
elects Denny McKnight as president. The new league will have no reserve clause and will allow Sunday games, liquor sales and 25¢ tickets, all in opposition to 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...
policies, in an effort to take the established major league head-on. - December 22 - Longtime Boston Red StockingsAtlanta 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....
/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....
manager Harry WrightHarry WrightWilliam 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...
signs a contract to manage 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...
for the 18821882 in baseball-Champions:*National League: Chicago def. Providence 5 games to 4*American Association: Cincinnati Red Stockings*League Alliance: New York MetropolitansInterleague*Chicago vs. Cincinnati tie 1 game each*Chicago def...
season.
January-April
- January 21 - Arch McCarthyArch McCarthyArchibald Joseph McCarthy was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. His career was short, and he only played for six weeks for the Detroit Tigers in 1902 and did not return for the following season. He debuted on August 14, 1902 at the age of 21 and played through the end of the 1902 Detroit...
- January 22 - Ira ThomasIra ThomasIra Felix Thomas was an American professional baseball player. He played all or part of ten in Major League Baseball, all in the American League, with the New York Highlanders , Detroit Tigers , and Philadelphia Athletics , primarily as a catcher.Thomas was born in Ballston Spa, New York, and...
- February 2 - Orval OverallOrval OverallOrval Overall was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was a member of the Chicago Cubs dynasty of the early 1900s.-Biography:...
- February 7 - Dave Williams
- February 27 - Walter MoserWalter MoserWalter Frederick Moser was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Philadelphia Phillies during the season and with the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Browns in . Listed at 5' 9", 170 lb., Moser batted and threw right-handed...
- February 28 - Terry TurnerTerry TurnerTerrance Lamont Turner was an infielder in Major League Baseball who played between 1901 and 1919 for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Cleveland Naps/Indians and Philadelphia Athletics . Turner batted and threw right-handed...
- March 1 - Al ShawAl ShawAlbert Simpson Shaw was a professional baseball player. He played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1907 to 1909 and 1914 to 1915. He was an outfielder for 418 of his 423 games played....
- March 23 - Gavvy CravathGavvy CravathClifford Carlton "Gavvy" Cravath , also nicknamed "Cactus", was an American right fielder and right-handed batter in Major League Baseball who played primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies...
- April 12 - Harry OstdiekHarry OstdiekHenry Girard Ostdiek was a reserve catcher in Major League baseball who played for the Cleveland Naps and Boston Red Sox during his major league career. Listed at 5' 11", 185 lb., Ostdiek batted and threw right-handed...
- April 22 - Neal BallNeal BallCornelius "Neal" Ball , the American baseball player, achieved fame on July 19, when he pulled off the first unassisted triple play in Major League baseball history in a game against the Boston Red Sox. "During the same game, he set another major league record for shortstops...
May-August
- May 14 - Ed WalshEd WalshEdward Augustine Walsh was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He holds the record for lowest career ERA, 1.82.-Baseball career:Born in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, Walsh had a brief though remarkable major league career...
- May 28 - King BradyKing BradyJames Ward Brady was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played between and . Brady batted and threw right-handed...
- June 5 - Beany JacobsonBeany JacobsonAlbert Leonard Jacobson [born Albin Leonard Jacobson] was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for three different teams between and . Listed at 6' 0", 170 lb., he batted and threw left-handed....
- June 17 - Claude RossmanClaude RossmanClaude R. Rossman was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball. He played five seasons in the American League with the Cleveland Naps , Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Browns...
- July 6 - Walter CarlisleWalter CarlisleWalter Carlisle [Rosy] was a left fielder in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the 1908 season. Carlisle was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed...
- July 6 - Roy HartzellRoy HartzellRoy Allen Hartzell , played in the Major League Baseball from 1906 to 1916.Hartzell started his career with the St...
- July 18 - Larry McLeanLarry McLeanJohn Bannerman McLean was a professional baseball catcher between 1901 until 1915. He was killed on March 14, 1921 in Boston, Massachusetts, when he was shot by a bartender during a barroom brawl....
- July 21 - Johnny EversJohnny EversJohn Joseph Evers was a Major League Baseball player and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1946...
- July 31 - Bob UnglaubBob UnglaubRobert Alexander Unglaub was an American first baseman and utility infielder in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Highlanders, Boston Americans, and Washington Senators....
- August 22 - Howie CamnitzHowie CamnitzSamuel Howard Camnitz was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League and for the Pittsburgh Rebels in the Federal League...
- August 28 - Dode PaskertDode PaskertGeorge Henry "Dode" Paskert , was a professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues from 1907 to 1921. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs.-External links:...
September-December
- September 10 - Tony TonnemanTony TonnemanCharles Richard Tonneman was a reserve catcher in Major League Baseball who played two games for the Boston Red Sox during the season. Listed at 5' 10.5", 175 lb., Tonneman batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Chicago, Illinois.In a two-game career, Tonneman hit a three-RBI double...
- October 18 - Hans LobertHans LobertJohn Bernard "Hans" Lobert was an American infielder, coach, manager and scout in Major League Baseball.Lobert was born in Wilmington, Delaware...
- November 10 - Jack HoeyJack HoeyJohn Bernard Hoey was an outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1906 through 1908 for the Boston Americans/Red Sox. Listed at 5' 9", 185 lb., Hoey batted and threw left-handed...
- December 20 - Branch RickeyBranch RickeyWesley Branch Rickey was an innovative Major League Baseball executive elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967...
Deaths
- February 6 - Ham AllenHam AllenFrank Erwin Allen was an American professional baseball player who played as a outfielder and a shortstop during the 1872 season for the Middletown Mansfields in the National Association.He served in the Civil War from 1862-1863....
, 34, batted .273 for the 1872 Middletown MansfieldsMiddletown MansfieldsThe Middletown Mansfields were a Baseball team in Middletown, Connecticut. The Mansfields were a member of the National Association in 1872. The baseball team was organized by Ben Douglas Jr., who named the team after his great-uncle General Joseph Mansfield. They were managed by catcher John...
. - March 1 - Hugh Campbell, 34?, pitcher for the 1873 Elizabeth ResolutesElizabeth ResolutesThe Elizabeth Resolutes were a 19th-century professional baseball team based in Elizabeth, New Jersey. They were a member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players for the season, and played their home games at Waverly Fairgrounds....
. - April 11 - John McMullinJohn McMullinJohn F. McMullin was an American professional baseball player. During the first professional league season in 1871, he was the only regular left-hand pitcher, without much success; otherwise he was an emergency pitcher who played outfield and everywhere...
, 32?, outfielder in the National Association from 1871-1875 who batted .346 for the 1874 Philadelphia AthleticsAthletic of PhiladelphiaAthletic of Philadelphia was a prominent National Association, and later National League, professional baseball team that played in the second half of the 19th century.-Early History:...
. - April 21 - Josh SnyderJosh Snyder (baseball)Joshua M. Snyder , was a professional baseball player who played outfielder in Major League Baseball for the 1872 Brooklyn Eckfords.-External links:...
, 37, left fielder for the 1872 Brooklyn EckfordsEckford of BrooklynEckford 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"...
. - April 21 - James Sumner, 29, umpire in National league from 1876 to 1878.
- May 10 - Fraley RogersFraley RogersFraley W. Rogers was an American baseball player at the dawn of the professional era. He played primarily for the amateur Star club of Brooklyn. In he moved to right field for the Boston Red Stockings in the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, the first professional league now...
, 30?, outfielder for the Boston Red StockingsAtlanta 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....
from 1872-1873. - May 13 - Mort RogersMort RogersMaxson Mortimer Rogers was a professional baseball umpire.Rogers umpired 13 total National Association games in and , all of them as the home plate umpire.-References:...
, ?, umpire in the National Association from 1871 to 1872. - July 11 - Steve DignanSteve DignanStephen E. Dignan was an American Major League Baseball outfielder from Boston, Massachusetts, who played for the Boston Red Caps and Worcester Ruby Legs during the season. He died in his hometown of Boston at the age of 22, and is interred at Mount Calvary Cemetery, in Roslindale, Boston,...
, 22, played in 11 games for two teams in 1880. - September 7 - Red WoodheadRed WoodheadJames "Red" Woodhead , was an American professional baseball player who played in the 1870s. He played one game for the Baltimore Marylands of the National Association, three seasons for the Manchesters of the International Association from 1877 to 1879, and one partial season for the Syracuse...
, 30, third baseman for the 1879 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...
. - September 12 - Chub SullivanChub SullivanJohn Frank "Chub" Sullivan , was an American Major League Baseball first baseman who played for three seasons; two with the Cincinnati Reds and one with the Worcester Ruby Legs . He was nicknamed "Chub", but was 6 feet tall and weighed a mere 164 pounds...
, 25, first baseman who played from 1877-1880. - October 7 - Mike BrannockMike BrannockMichael J. Brannock , was a third baseman in the National Association for the Chicago White Stockings in 1871, and later played for another incarnation of the Chicago White Stockings in 1875, predecessors of the today's Chicago Cubs).Brannock debuted with the White Stockings on October 21, 1871 at...
, 29, played parts of two seasons with Chicago White StockingsChicago CubsThe 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...
in the 1870s. - November 11 - Clipper FlynnClipper FlynnWilliam "Clipper" Flynn was an American professional baseball player who played in the National Association as a first baseman for the 1871 Troy Haymakers and the 1872 Washington Olympics.-External links:...
, 32, hit .338 in his only full season in 1871.