Champions

• World Series
  1886 World Series
  The 1886 World Series was won by the St. Louis Browns of the American Association over the Chicago White Stockings of the National League, four games to two. It was played on six consecutive days, from October 18 to October 23, in Chicago and St...
  
   St. Louis Browns 4, Chicago White Stockings 2
• 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...
  
  : 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...
  
  
• American Association
  American 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...
  
  : St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
  

National League final standings

American Association final standings

National League statistical leaders

American Association statistical leaders

All-Time Statistical Leaders (Strikeouts)

Notable seasons

• Guy Hecker
  Guy Hecker
  Guy Jackson Hecker was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Youngsville, Pennsylvania. His debut game took place on May 2, 1882. His final game took place on September 30, 1890. During his career he played for the Louisville Eclipse and Pittsburgh Pirates...
  
   of the Louisville Colonels
  Louisville Colonels
  The 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...
  
   not only compiled a 26-23 record with a 2.87 Earned Run Average as the Colonels number 2 pitcher, he also won the American Association
  American 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...
  
   batting crown with a .341 average. Hecker remains the only pitcher to ever win a batting title.
• Matt Kilroy
  Matt Kilroy
  Matthew Aloysius Kilroy was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.-Rookie season:...
  
   of the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
   throws 4 2-hitters, 3 1-hitters and a no-hitter in his rookie season in 1886. Kilroy also sets the single season major league record with 513 strikeouts.
• Jocko Flynn
  Jocko Flynn
  John A. "Jocko" Flynn , was a Major League Baseball player who played pitcher only in the 1886 season, after which he developed arm problems that kept him from pitching again. He would play for the Chicago White Stockings...
  
   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...
  
   goes 23-6 in his rookie season in 1886. Flynn develops arm trouble and never pitches again in the major leagues. His 23 wins are still a record for a pitcher who only pitched in 1 season.

January–March

• January 4 - St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   owner Chris von der Ahe
  Chris von der Ahe
  Christian 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....
  
   sells the reserve rights of Sam Barkley
  Sam Barkley
  Samuel E. Barkley was an American Major League Baseball second baseman. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he played for four different teams in six seasons from to .-Career:...
  
   to the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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...
  
   for $1,000. von der Ahe had previously sold the rights to the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
   on December 24, 1885
  1885 in baseball
  -Champions:*Post-season playoff: Chicago White Stockings played St. Louis Browns. Series ended with both teams going 3-3-1 in a best-of-7 series. Game 1 ended in a tie called after 8 inning due to darkness; Game 2 was awarded to Chicago by forfeit after 6 innings because St. Louis refused to...
  
   but had not received payment from Baltimore. Barkley, in the interim, had already signed a contract with Baltimore. The resulting power struggle within the American Association
  American 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...
  
   to resolve the situation would lead to the ouster of league president, Denny McKnight
  Denny McKnight
  Harmar Denny McKnight was the founding owner of the Allegheny Baseball Club of Pittsburgh in anticipation of playing in the new American Association. He founded the club on October 15, . The club then became known as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys...
  
  .

• January 16 - The Washington Nationals are admitted to 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 5 - The lawsuit brought by Fred Thayer and George Wright against Albert Spalding
  Albert Spalding
  Albert Goodwill Spalding was a professional baseball player, manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company.-Biography:...
  
   and his Spalding
  Spalding (sports equipment)
  Spalding is a sporting goods company founded by Albert Spalding in Chicago, Illinois, in 1876 and now headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The company specializes in the production of balls for many sports, but is most-known for its basketballs...
  
   sporting goods company for infringement upon Thayer's patent rights to the catching mask goes to trial. Spalding will be forced to pay royalties to Thayer and Wright when the case is settled.

• February 9 - The Kansas City Cowboys
  Kansas City Cowboys (National League)
  The Kansas City Cowboys were a National League that played one season, . They played at Association Park and finished with a 30-91 record. They finished in seventh place, ahead of another new team, the Washington Nationals. They were not connected to the Union Association Cowboys.The Cowboys were...
  
   are admitted to 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...
  
   for a one year trial. This brings the NL back to 8 teams for 1886.

• February 27 - The Cincinnati Red Stockings
  Cincinnati Reds
  The 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....
  
   of the American Association
  American 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...
  
   is sold by Aaron Stern to Louis Huack, a wealthy brewer and banker.

• March 2 - The American Association
  American 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...
  
   meets, overruling its own president Denny McKnight
  Denny McKnight
  Harmar Denny McKnight was the founding owner of the Allegheny Baseball Club of Pittsburgh in anticipation of playing in the new American Association. He founded the club on October 15, . The club then became known as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys...
  
  , and suspends Sam Barkley
  Sam Barkley
  Samuel E. Barkley was an American Major League Baseball second baseman. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he played for four different teams in six seasons from to .-Career:...
  
   for signing with the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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...
  
   after he had already signed with the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
  .

• March 2 - The American Association
  American 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...
  
   reduces the number of balls needed for a walk
  Base on balls
  A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
  
   to six and adopts the stolen base
  Stolen base
  In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
  
   as an official statistic
  Baseball statistics
  Statistics play an important role in summarizing baseball performance and evaluating players in the sport.Since the flow of a baseball game has natural breaks to it, and normally players act individually rather than performing in clusters, the sport lends itself to easy record-keeping and statistics...
  
  .

• March 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...
  
   makes the stolen base
  Stolen base
  In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
  
   an official statistic
  Baseball statistics
  Statistics play an important role in summarizing baseball performance and evaluating players in the sport.Since the flow of a baseball game has natural breaks to it, and normally players act individually rather than performing in clusters, the sport lends itself to easy record-keeping and statistics...
  
   as well but keeps the number of balls for a walk
  Base on balls
  A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
  
   at seven.

• March 5 - In breaking from official league policy, 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...
  
   allows the St. Louis Maroons and the Philadelphia Quakers
  Philadelphia Phillies
  The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
  
   to drop their ticket prices to .25¢. The removal of the .50¢ requirement for those teams is due to competing teams from the American Association
  American 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 their respective cities.

• March 17 - The Sporting News
  The Sporting News
  Sporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
  
  , founded by Alfred H. Spink
  Alfred H. Spink
  Alfred Henry Spink was a Canadian-born American baseball writer and club organizer based mainly in St. Louis, Missouri...
  
  , publishes its first issue. It will quickly become the leading source of baseball information in the country.

• March 22 - The American Association
  American 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...
  
   removes Denny McKnight
  Denny McKnight
  Harmar Denny McKnight was the founding owner of the Allegheny Baseball Club of Pittsburgh in anticipation of playing in the new American Association. He founded the club on October 15, . The club then became known as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys...
  
   as president due to his handling of the Sam Barkley
  Sam Barkley
  Samuel E. Barkley was an American Major League Baseball second baseman. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he played for four different teams in six seasons from to .-Career:...
  
   incident. Wheeler Wikoff is selected as his replacement.

April–June

• April 13 - The American Association
  American 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...
  
   resolves the Sam Barkley
  Sam Barkley
  Samuel E. Barkley was an American Major League Baseball second baseman. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he played for four different teams in six seasons from to .-Career:...
  
   case by allowing Barkley to play for the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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 sending Milt Scott from Pittsburgh to the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
   as compensation for losing Barkley. Additionally, the St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   are allowed to keep the $1,000 they received from Pittsburgh for Barkley's reserve rights.
• April 16 - The final exhibition games between various 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...
  
   and American Association
  American 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...
  
   teams are played with the AA holding a 19-16 advantage over the NL in the games played.
• April 19 - Wilbert Robinson
  Wilbert Robinson
  Wilbert Robinson , nicknamed "Uncle Robbie", was an American catcher, coach and manager in Major League Baseball...
  
   makes his major league debut with the Philadelphia Athletics
  Philadelphia 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...
  
   of the American Association
  American 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...
  
  . Robinson will remain in the majors as a player, coach or manager through 1931
  1931 in baseball
  -Champions:*World Series: St. Louis Cardinals over Philadelphia Athletics -Awards and honors:*MLB Most Valuable Player Award** Lefty Grove, Philadelphia Athletics, P** Frankie Frisch, St...
  
  .
• April 22 - The New York Metropolitans
  New York Metropolitans
  The Metropolitan Club was a 19th-century professional baseball team that played in New York City from 1880 to 1887...
  
   open their new 5,000 seat stadium, the St. George Cricket Grounds
  St. George Cricket Grounds
  St. George Cricket Grounds or "St. George Grounds" is a former baseball ground located on Staten Island, New York, USA. St. George was the home park for the New York Metropolitans of the American Association for the 1886 and 1887 seasons...
  
  . The new park boasts illuminated fountains, with an amusement park and restaurants next to it.
• April 29 - The New York World
  New York World
  The New York World was a newspaper published in New York City from 1860 until 1931. The paper played a major role in the history of American newspapers...
  
   prints woodcuts of live action photographs taken during a game.
• April 30 - The first 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...
  
   game is played in Kansas City, Missouri
  Kansas City, Missouri
  Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
  
  . The Cowboys
  Kansas City Cowboys (National League)
  The Kansas City Cowboys were a National League that played one season, . They played at Association Park and finished with a 30-91 record. They finished in seventh place, ahead of another new team, the Washington Nationals. They were not connected to the Union Association Cowboys.The Cowboys were...
  
   lose to 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...
  
   6-5 in 13 innings as the game is "broadcast" in Chicago
  Chicago
  Chicago 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...
  
   by using a baseball stadium diagram and player transparencies.
• May 1 - Al Atkinson
  Al Atkinson (baseball)
  Albert Wright Atkinson was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played three seasons; one in the Union Association and parts of three seasons in the American Association. He became the first player to desert his existing contract to jump over to the Union Association...
  
   throws a no-hitter for the Philadelphia Athletics
  Philadelphia 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...
  
   of the American Association
  American 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...
  
  . It is the 2nd no-hitter in Atkinson's career.
• May 3 - Pat Dealy of the Boston Beaneaters
  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....
  
   sets a 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...
  
   record by allowing 10 passed balls, while pitcher Bill Stemmeyer throws 5 wild pitches in a 12-11 loss.
• May 17 - Jim Gifford is fired as manager of the American Association
  American 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...
  
   New York Metropolitans
  New York Metropolitans
  The Metropolitan Club was a 19th-century professional baseball team that played in New York City from 1880 to 1887...
  
   and is replaced by AA umpire Bob Ferguson.
• May 24 - St. Louis Maroons second baseman Fred Dunlap
  Fred Dunlap
  Frederick C. "Sure Shot" Dunlap was a second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball from 1880 to 1891. He was the highest paid player in Major League Baseball from 1884 to 1889. He has also been rated by some contemporary and modern sources as the greatest overall second baseman of the...
  
   hits for the cycle in an 11-8 loss to the New York Giants
  San Francisco Giants
  The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
  
  .
• May 31 - The first crowd in major league history of over 20,000(20,632) watches the 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...
  
   win 4-1 against the New York Giants
  San Francisco Giants
  The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
  
   at the Polo Grounds
  Polo Grounds
  The Polo Grounds was the name given to four different stadiums in Upper Manhattan, New York City, used by many professional teams in both baseball and American football from 1880 until 1963...
  
  .
• June 3 - St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   teammates Arlie Latham
  Arlie Latham
  Walter Arlington Latham was an American third baseman in Major League Baseball from -. He died in Garden City, New York, at the age of 92.-Personality:...
  
   and Doc Bushong
  Doc Bushong
  Albert John "Doc" Bushong was a catcher in Major League Baseball.Bushong bounced around various professional leagues from 1875 to 1891. His greatest success came with the 1885-1886 St...
  
   are each fined $100 for a fist fight between the two during a Brown's game in Baltimore
  Baltimore
  Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
  
  .
• June 4 - Tony Mullane
  Tony Mullane
  Anthony 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...
  
   of the Cincinnati Red Stockings
  Cincinnati Reds
  The 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....
  
   gives more ammunition to those suspicious of him throwing games when he gives up 12 runs in the last 2 innings after 7 shutout innings in a 12-7 loss to the Brooklyn Grays
  Los Angeles Dodgers
  The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
  
  .
• June 12 - Charlie Sweeney
  Charlie Sweeney
  Charles J. Sweeney was an American Major League Baseball pitcher from 1882 through 1887. He played with moderate success for several teams, but he is best known to historians for the inadvertent career boost that he gave to future Hall of Famer Old Hoss Radbourn.Sweeney began his major league...
  
   of the St. Louis Maroons sets the major league record by allowing 7 home runs in 1 game in a 14-7 loss to the 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...
  
  .
• June 18 - The Cincinnati Enquirer publishes a letter it has received accusing Tony Mullane
  Tony Mullane
  Anthony 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...
  
   of throwing games on the Red Stockings
  Cincinnati Reds
  The 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....
  
   previous road trip. When the writer fails to produce evidence after being challenged, Mullane is exonerated by the team.
• June 26 - George Stovey
  George Stovey
  George Washington Stovey is considered the best African-American baseball pitcher of the nineteenth century, but discrimination barred him from the majors and led him to move from team to team until he had no further opportunities to play in the minors...
  
   makes his professional league debut in the Eastern League with the Jersey City Jerseys.

July–September

• July 5 - Fred Carroll
  Fred Carroll
  Frederick Herbert Carroll was a catcher and outfielder in Major League Baseball. From 1884 through 1891, he played with the Columbus Buckeyes and for the Pittsburgh teams Alleghenys , Burghers and Pirates . Carroll batted and threw right-handed...
  
   of the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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...
  
   sets a major league record with 9 hits in a doubleheader.
• July 5 - The Louisville Colonels
  Louisville Colonels
  The 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...
  
   suspend Pete Browning
  Pete Browning
  Louis Rogers "Pete" Browning was an American center and left fielder in Major League Baseball from 1882 to 1894 who played primarily for the Louisville Eclipse/Colonels, becoming one of the sport's most accomplished batters of the 1880s...
  
   for a month due to Browning playing in games while drunk.
• July 8 - Jumbo McGinnis of the St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
  , making only his 10th start of the season, shuts out the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
   10-0. Hours later, McGinnis is sold to the Orioles.
• July 9 - Joe Start
  Joe Start
  Joseph Start , nicknamed "Old Reliable", was one of the biggest stars of baseball's earliest era, and certainly the top first baseman of his time...
  
  , one of baseball's original stars, plays in the final game of his career. The 43 year old veteran played in the original season of the National Association
  National Association of Professional Base Ball Players
  The National Association of Professional Base Ball Players , or simply the National Association , was founded in 1871 and continued through the 1875 season...
  
   in 1871
  1871 in baseball
  -Champions:*National Association : Philadelphia Athletics*National Association of Amateur Base Ball Players: Star of Brooklyn, 30–13*National Association of Junior Base Ball Players: Fly Aways-National Association final standings:...
  
  , although his playing days as an amateur started before the American Civil War
  American Civil War
  The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
  
  .
• July 24 - Adonis Terry
  Adonis Terry
  William H. "Adonis" Terry was an American Major League Baseball player whose career spanned from his debut with the Brooklyn Atlantics in , to the Chicago Colts in . In his 14 seasons, he compiled a 197-196 win–loss record, winning 20 or more games in a season four different times...
  
   of the Brooklyn Grays
  Los Angeles Dodgers
  The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
  
   pitches a no-hitter against the St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
  .
• July 27 - The Brotherhood of Professional Base-Ball Players, led by 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...
  
  , publicly announces its existence. The Brotherhood boasts chapters in virtually every major league city. This group will be behind the formation of the Players League
  Players League
  The Players' National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, popularly known as the Players' League , was a short-lived but star-studded professional American baseball league of the 19th century...
  
   in 1890
  1890 in baseball
  -Champions:*World Series: Brooklyn Bridegrooms 3, Louisville Colonels 3, 1 tie*National League: Brooklyn Bridegrooms*American Association: Louisville Colonels*Players' League: Boston RedsInter-league playoff: Brooklyn declined challenge by Boston...
  
  .
• July 29 - Tom Ramsey of the Louisville Colonels
  Louisville Colonels
  The 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...
  
   throws a 1-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
  , allowing only a supposed single to Pat O'Connell leading off the first inning. Curiously, though the Baltimore Sun and the Louisville Courier
  The Courier-Journal
  The Courier-Journal, locally called "The C-J", is the main newspaper for the city of Louisville, Kentucky, USA. According to the 1999 Editor & Publisher International Yearbook, the paper is the 48th largest daily paper in the United States and the single largest in Kentucky.- Origins :The...
  
   both report the game as a no-hitter, Ramsey is officially credited with a 1-hitter.
• July 31 - Tom Ramsey of the Louisville Colonels
  Louisville Colonels
  The 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...
  
   pitches his 2nd consecutive 1-hitter, striking out 16 in a 2-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
  . It also marks the 3rd time in 4 games that the Colonels have 1-hit the Orioles as Dave Foutz
  Dave Foutz
  David Luther Foutz was a pitcher for the Saint Louis Browns of the American Association and the Brooklyn Bridegrooms of the National League from to , compiling a 147-66 career record. He also played first base and the outfield...
  
   had also thrown a 1-hitter against them on July 28.
• August 8
  • The St. Louis Maroons sell second baseman Fred Dunlap
    Fred Dunlap
    Frederick C. "Sure Shot" Dunlap was a second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball from 1880 to 1891. He was the highest paid player in Major League Baseball from 1884 to 1889. He has also been rated by some contemporary and modern sources as the greatest overall second baseman of the...
    
     to the 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...
    
     for $4,700, prompting rumors that the Maroons are about to disband.
  • Louisville Colonels
    Louisville Colonels
    The 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...
    
     outfielder Pete Browning
    Pete Browning
    Louis Rogers "Pete" Browning was an American center and left fielder in Major League Baseball from 1882 to 1894 who played primarily for the Louisville Eclipse/Colonels, becoming one of the sport's most accomplished batters of the 1880s...
    
     hits for the cycle in an 11-6 win over the New York Metropolitans
    New York Metropolitans
    The Metropolitan Club was a 19th-century professional baseball team that played in New York City from 1880 to 1887...
    
    .
• August 14 - John Clarkson
  John Clarkson
  John Gibson Clarkson was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played from 1882 to 1894. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Clarkson played for the Worcester Ruby Legs , Chicago White Stockings , Boston Beaneaters , and Cleveland Spiders .He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in...
  
   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...
  
   beats the St. Louis Maroons for the 17th consecutive game, a record which still stands.
• August 15 - Guy Hecker
  Guy Hecker
  Guy Jackson Hecker was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Youngsville, Pennsylvania. His debut game took place on May 2, 1882. His final game took place on September 30, 1890. During his career he played for the Louisville Eclipse and Pittsburgh Pirates...
  
   of the Louisville Colonels
  Louisville Colonels
  The 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...
  
   pitches a 4-hitter in a 22-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
  . More impressively, Hecker gets 6 hits and scores 7 runs in the game which sets a major league record. 3 of Heckers hits are inside the park home runs, another major league record that will be tied in 1897
  1897 in baseball
  -Champions:*Temple Cup: Baltimore Orioles defeated Boston Beaneaters, 4 games to 1*National League: Boston Beaneaters-Statistical leaders:*Batting: Willie Keeler .424*Home Runs: Hugh Duffy 11*Wins: Kid Nichols 31*ERA: Amos Rusie 2.54...
  
  . In addition, it gives Hecker 17 hits in his last 4 games, another major league record that has since been tied. Hecker's 15 total bases for the game also set a record that will be broken in 1894
  1894 in baseball
  -Champions:*Temple Cup: New York Giants defeated Baltimore Orioles, 4 games to 0*National League: Baltimore Orioles-National League final standings:-Events:...
  
  .
• August 16 - 1 day after pitcher Guy Hecker
  Guy Hecker
  Guy Jackson Hecker was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Youngsville, Pennsylvania. His debut game took place on May 2, 1882. His final game took place on September 30, 1890. During his career he played for the Louisville Eclipse and Pittsburgh Pirates...
  
  's hitting exhibition, St. Louis Brown
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   hurler Bob Caruthers
  Bob Caruthers
  Robert Lee Caruthers , nicknamed "Parisian Bob," was an American right-handed pitcher and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played primarily for the St. Louis Browns and Brooklyn Bridegrooms...
  
   provides his own offensive fireworks by becoming the first pitcher to have 4 extra-base hits in one game by smacking a double, triple and 2 home runs in a game he loses 11-9 after allowing 10 runs in the 8th inning. Caruthers will not only go on to win 30 games in 1886, he will also lead the American Association
  American 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 slugging percentage and on base percentage.
• August 20 - Matt Kilroy
  Matt Kilroy
  Matthew Aloysius Kilroy was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.-Rookie season:...
  
   of the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
   defeats Cyclone Miller
  Cyclone Miller
  Joseph H. "Cyclone" Miller was an American Major League Baseball player born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He played just two seasons in the majors, but did play with four different teams in three different leagues...
  
   of the Philadelphia Athletics
  Philadelphia 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...
  
   1-0 in a game in which both pitchers had a 1-hitter.
• August 21 - Jack Rowe
  Jack Rowe
  John Charles "Jack" Rowe was an American baseball player.Rowe was born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, in 1911. He first played baseball under Tom Loftus with the Peoria Reds in 1878. In 1879, Rowe and his brother, Dave Rowe, signed with the Rockford team in the newly formed Northwestern League...
  
   of the 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...
  
   hits for the cycle in an 8-6 win over the Kansas City Cowboys
  Kansas City Cowboys (National League)
  The Kansas City Cowboys were a National League that played one season, . They played at Association Park and finished with a 30-91 record. They finished in seventh place, ahead of another new team, the Washington Nationals. They were not connected to the Union Association Cowboys.The Cowboys were...
  
  .
• September 10 - 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...
  
   smacks 3 home runs to go along with a single and double and ties the record for 15 total bases in 1 game. Despite Brouthers' heroics, his 2nd place 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...
  
   lose to the league leading 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...
  
   14-8.
• September 11 - Connie Mack
  Connie Mack (baseball)
  Cornelius McGillicuddy, Sr. , better known as Connie Mack, was an American professional baseball player, manager, and team owner. The longest-serving manager in Major League Baseball history, he holds records for wins , losses , and games managed , with his victory total being almost 1,000 more...
  
   makes his major league debut with the Washington Nationals.
• September 15 - The St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   clinch their 2nd consecutive pennant in the American Association
  American 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...
  
   with a 4-3 victory over the Brooklyn Grays
  Los Angeles Dodgers
  The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
  
  .
• September 23
  • Pud Galvin
    Pud Galvin
    James Francis Galvin , nicknamed "Pud", "Gentle Jeems", and "The Little Steam Engine", was an American National Association and Major League Baseball pitcher. He was Major League Baseball's first 300-game winner...
    
     walks all 3 batters he faces in one inning in a game against the Brooklyn Grays
    Los Angeles Dodgers
    The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
    
    . Galvin escapes the potential jam by picking all 3 runners off of first base in succession.
  • Third baseman Chippy McGarr
    Chippy McGarr
    James B. "Chippy" McGarr , is a former professional baseball player who played third baseman in the Major Leagues from 1884-1896. He would play for the Chicago Browns/Pittsburgh Stogies, Philadelphia Athletics, St...
    
     of the Philadelphia Athletics
    Philadelphia 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...
    
     hits for the cycle in a 15-6 win over the St. Louis Browns
    St. Louis Cardinals
    The 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...
    
    .
• September 24 - Looking to possibly jump from the American Association
  American 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...
  
   to 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...
  
  , the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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...
  
   play an exhibition game against 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...
  
   and defeat them 10-3.
• September 25 - St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   owner Chris von der Ahe
  Chris von der Ahe
  Christian 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....
  
   challenges Albert Spalding
  Albert Spalding
  Albert Goodwill Spalding was a professional baseball player, manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company.-Biography:...
  
   and his 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...
  
   to a post-season series.
• September 30 - 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...
  
   accept the challenge issued by the St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   to play a World Championship Series. The teams agree on a best-of-7 game format with the winner taking the entire gate money from the series.

October–December

• October 6 - Matt Kilroy
  Matt Kilroy
  Matthew Aloysius Kilroy was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.-Rookie season:...
  
   of the Baltimore Orioles
  Baltimore 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...
  
   pitches a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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 8 - Lady Baldwin
  Lady Baldwin
  Charles B. "Lady" Baldwin was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played six seasons in the Union Association, National League, and Players' League with the Milwaukee Brewers , Detroit Wolverines , Brooklyn Bridegrooms , and Buffalo Bisons...
  
   of the 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...
  
   wins his 42nd game of the season, a 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...
  
   record which still stands for a left-handed pitcher.
• October 9 - 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...
  
   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 by beating the Boston Beaneaters
  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....
  
   12-3.
• October 18 - 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...
  
   win game 1 of the World Championship Series with a 6-0 win over the St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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 19 - The St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   even the series with a 12-0 romp over 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...
  
  . Bob Caruthers
  Bob Caruthers
  Robert Lee Caruthers , nicknamed "Parisian Bob," was an American right-handed pitcher and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played primarily for the St. Louis Browns and Brooklyn Bridegrooms...
  
   pitches a 1-hitter in the win and Tip O'Neill becomes the first player to hit 2 home runs in a post-season game.
• October 20 - The 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...
  
   beat the Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   11-4 to take a 2-1 advantage in the series.
• October 21 - The Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   tie the series at 2-2 with an 8-5 win over the 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...
  
  .
• October 22 - With Jim McCormick and Jocko Flynn
  Jocko Flynn
  John A. "Jocko" Flynn , was a Major League Baseball player who played pitcher only in the 1886 season, after which he developed arm problems that kept him from pitching again. He would play for the Chicago White Stockings...
  
   hurt and John Clarkson
  John Clarkson
  John Gibson Clarkson was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played from 1882 to 1894. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Clarkson played for the Worcester Ruby Legs , Chicago White Stockings , Boston Beaneaters , and Cleveland Spiders .He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in...
  
   tired, the 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...
  
   are forced to use position players to pitch and the Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   take full advantage, winning easily 10-3 to take a 3-2 lead in the series.
• October 23 - The St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   win the World Championship Series with a 4-3 win over 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...
  
  . Chicago pitcher John Clarkson
  John Clarkson
  John Gibson Clarkson was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played from 1882 to 1894. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Clarkson played for the Worcester Ruby Legs , Chicago White Stockings , Boston Beaneaters , and Cleveland Spiders .He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in...
  
  , pitching his 4th game in 6 days, holds St. Louis hitless for 6 innings as Chicago takes a 3-0 lead. The Browns tie the game with 3 runs in the 8th inning and win it in the bottom of the 10th when Curt Welch
  Curt Welch
  Curtis Benton Welch born in East Liverpool, Ohio, was a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Toledo Blue Stockings, St...
  
   scores on a wild pitch in what became known as "the $15,000 slide". The Browns win the entire gate receipts from the series which total $13,920, with each St. Louis player receiving roughly $580 for the championship.
• November 12 - The first trade ever of two reserve players takes place as the St. Louis Browns
  St. Louis Cardinals
  The 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...
  
   send Hugh Nicol
  Hugh Nicol
  Hugh N. Nicol was an American outfielder in Major League Baseball. His debut game took place on May 3, 1881. His final game took place on August 2, 1890. During his career, he played for Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Stockings of the National League and St. Louis Browns of the American...
  
   and cash to the Cincinnati Red Stockings
  Cincinnati Reds
  The 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....
  
   for Jack Boyle
  Jack Boyle
  John Anthony Boyle , nicknamed "Honest Jack", was an American catcher and first baseman in Major League Baseball...
  
  .
• November 16 - The joint rules committee between 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...
  
   and the American Association
  American 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...
  
   announce the new rules for the 1887
  1887 in baseball
  -National League final standings:-American Association final standings:-National League statistical leaders:-American Association statistical leaders:-January–March:...
  
   season which include 5 balls for a walk, 4 strikes for an out, the batter calling for pitch location being abolished and establishing a strike zone between the knees and shoulders of the batter. The pitcher can now only take 1 forward step in his pitching delivery and by changing the dimensions of the pitcher's box, the pitching distance is now at 55½ feet.
• November 18 - 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...
  
   officially admits the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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...
  
   who jump from the American Association
  American 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 Alleghenys made a reported profit of $160,000 in 1886 and finished 2nd in the AA, making the decision a fairly easy one for the NL.
• November 22 - The American Association
  American 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...
  
   admits the Cleveland Blues
  Cleveland Spiders
  The Cleveland Spiders were a Major League Baseball team which played between 1887 and 1899 in Cleveland, Ohio. The team played at National League Park from 1889 to 1890 and at League Park from 1891 to 1899.- 1887-1891 :...
  
   to take the place of the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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...
  
  , who had jumped to 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 26 - Albert Spalding
  Albert Spalding
  Albert Goodwill Spalding was a professional baseball player, manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company.-Biography:...
  
   of 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...
  
   champion 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...
  
   sells his 2nd starter within a week in his attempt to rid the team of players who drink alcohol.
• December 15 - The American Association
  American 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...
  
   adopts a rule that allows a club to reserve a player for as long it wishes, rather than for just one year as had previously been the case.

Births

• January 26 - Hick Cady
  Hick Cady
  Forrest Leroy Cady was a backup catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies . Cady batted and threw right-handed...
  
  
• March 6 - Bill Sweeney
  Bill Sweeney (infielder)
  William John Sweeney was an infielder in Major League Baseball from 1907 to 1914. He graduated from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.-External links:...
  
  
• March 13 - Frank Baker
  Frank Baker
  John Franklin "Home Run" Baker was an American third baseman in Major League Baseball from 1908 to 1922, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. As a member of the famed $100,000 infield, Baker helped the Philadelphia Athletics win the 1910, 1911 and 1913 World Series...
  
  
• April 6 - Smokey Joe Williams
• April 7 - Ed Lafitte
  Ed Lafitte
  Edward Francis Lafitte was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played with the Detroit Tigers , Brooklyn Tip-Tops , and Buffalo Blues . Born in New Orleans, Louisiana at his family's home located at 319 Bourbon Street, he batted and threw right-handed.Lafitte pitched for the Georgia Tech...
  
  
• April 23 - Harry Coveleski
  Harry Coveleski
  Harry Frank Coveleski was a Major League Baseball pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers. Born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, he began his career with the Phillies in 1907...
  
  
• May 2 - Larry Cheney
  Larry Cheney
  Laurance Russell Cheney was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Robins , Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies . Cheney batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Belleville, Kansas.Cheney debuted with the Cubs on September 19, 1911...
  
  
• May 13 - Larry Gardner
  Larry Gardner
  William Lawrence "Larry" Gardner was a third baseman in Major League Baseball. From 1908 through 1924, Gardner played for the Boston Red Sox , Philadelphia Athletics, and Cleveland Indians . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
  
  
• May 13 - Frank Miller
  Frank Miller (baseball player)
  Frank Lee Miller , a.k.a. "Bullet", was 27 years old when he entered the professional baseball scene on July 12, 1913, with the Chicago White Sox....
  
  
• June 10 - Jack Graney
  Jack Graney
  John Gladstone Graney was a Canadian left fielder in Major League Baseball who played his entire career with the Cleveland Indians . He was born in St. Thomas, Ontario.100px|thumb|left|...
  
  
• July 26 - Roy Witherup
  Roy Witherup
  Foster Leroy Witherup was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Boston Beaneaters and Washington Senators . Listed at 6' 0", 185 lb., Witherup batted and threw right-handed...
  
  
• July 31 - Larry Doyle
  Larry Doyle (baseball player)
  Lawrence Joseph Doyle , nicknamed "Laughing Larry," was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball from 1907 to 1920 who played almost his entire career for the New York Giants...
  
  
• August 7 - Bill McKechnie
  Bill McKechnie
  William Boyd McKechnie was an American third baseman, manager and coach in Major League Baseball. He was the first manager to win World Series titles with two different teams , and remains one of only two managers to win pennants with three teams, also capturing the National League title in 1928...
  
  
• September 9 - Dots Miller
  Dots Miller
  John Barney "Dots" Miller was a professional baseball player who played first base and second base in Major League Baseball from 1909 to 1921. He would play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals.-Career:Miller started his major league career with the Pirates...
  
  
• October 9 - Rube Marquard
  Rube Marquard
  Richard William "Rube" Marquard was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball in the 1910s and early 1920s...
  
  
• October 5 - William Mitchell Steele
• October 23 - Lena Blackburne
  Lena Blackburne
  Russell Aubrey "Lena" Blackburne was an American baseball infielder, manager, coach and scout in Major League Baseball.-Biography:...
  
  
• October 26 - Swede Carlstrom
  Swede Carlstrom
  Albin Oscar Carlstrom was a Major League Baseball shortstop. Carlstrom batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey....
  
  
• November 17 - Fred Beck
  Fred Beck
  Frederick Thomas Beck was a baseball player. He played in the major leagues from 1909 to 1911 with the Boston Doves, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies. He then went down the minor leagues...
  
  
• December 11 - Joe Riggert
  Joe Riggert
  Joseph Aloysius Riggert was an outfielder in Major League Baseball. He played for the Boston Red Sox, Brooklyn Robins, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Braves. Riggert also had a long minor league baseball career and accumulated a total of 2,717 hits in the minors...
  
  
• December 18 - Ty Cobb
  Ty Cobb
  Tyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb , nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," was an American Major League Baseball outfielder. He was born in Narrows, Georgia...
  
  
• December 19 - Doc McMahon
  Doc McMahon
  Henry John McMahon was a RH starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Boston Red Sox during the 1908 season. McMahon was born in Woburn, Massachusetts. He attended College of the Holy Cross....
  
  
• December 25 - Morrie Rath
  Morrie Rath
  Morris Charles "Morrie" Rath was an American baseball player who played second base for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds in the 1910s. His name was often reported as Maurice Rath....
  
  

Deaths

• January 30 - Jim Hall
  Jim Hall (baseball)
  James Hall was a professional baseball player who played second base for the Brooklyn Atlantics and Keokuk Westerns of the NAPBBP.-External links:...
  
  , age unknown, played 2nd base for the Brooklyn Atlantics
  Brooklyn Atlantics
  The Atlantic Base Ball Club of Brooklyn was baseball's first champion and its first dynasty.Established in 1855, Atlantic was a founding member of the National Association of Base Ball Players in 1857. In 1859, with a record of 11 wins and 1 loss, Atlantic emerged as the recognized champions of...
  
  .
• February 13 - Fred Warner
  Fred Warner (baseball)
  Frederick John Rodney Warner was an American Major League Baseball third baseman for five seasons from 1875 to 1884. Warner died at the age of 30 or 31 in his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is interred at Woodlands Cemetery.-External links:...
  
  , 30?, utility man who played for 6 different teams from 1875–1884.
• March 4 - Tom Lee
  Tom Lee (baseball)
  Thomas Frank Lee was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for Chicago White Stockings and the Baltimore Monumentals in the season.-External links:*...
  
  , 23, pitcher in in both 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...
  
   and Union Association
  Union Association
  The Union Association was a league in Major League Baseball which lasted for only one season in 1884. St. Louis won the pennant and joined the National League the following season...
  
  .
• May 21 - David Lenz
  David Lenz (baseball)
  David Lenz was a professional baseball player who played catcher in Major League Baseball for the 1872 Brooklyn Eckfords.-External links:...
  
  , 35, played 4 games in 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"...
  
  .
• June 4 - Jim Ward
  Jim Ward (baseball)
  James "Jim" Ward was a Major League Baseball player. Ward played for the Philadelphia Athletics in .Ward was born and died in Boston, Massachusetts.He was one of the first five Boston natives to play Major League Baseball...
  
  , 31, played in 1 game for the Philadelphia Athletics
  Athletic of Philadelphia
  Athletic 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:...
  
   in , catching and going 2-4 at the plate.
• June 27 - George Creamer
  George Creamer
  George W. Creamer , born George W. Triebel, was an American Major League Baseball second baseman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...
  
  , 30?, second baseman for four teams who led league in fielding with Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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 his final season.
• July 11 - Denny Driscoll
  Denny Driscoll
  John F. "Denny" Driscoll was an American Major League Baseball pitcher from 1880 to 1884. Driscoll played for the Buffalo Bisons, Pittsburgh Alleghenys, and Louisville Eclipse. While playing for Pittsburgh, he led the American Association in earned run average in 1882, at 1.21...
  
  , 30, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Alleghenys
  Pittsburgh Pirates
  The 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 1882–1883 and led the American Association
  American 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...
  
   with a 1.21 Earned Run Average in .
• August 9 - Bill Smith
  Bill Smith (outfielder)
  William E. Smith was a Major League Baseball player, who appeared in one game for the 1884 Cleveland Blues of the National League as their left fielder. Smith died in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the age of 21 in diving accident that broke his back.-External links:...
  
  , 26, played in 1 game for 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...
  
   in .
• August 20 - Dick Blaisdell
  Dick Blaisdell
  Howard Carleton Blaisdell was a starting pitcher who played for the Kansas City Cowboys of the Union Association during the season. He was born in Bradford, Massachusetts...
  
  , 24, pitched three games in for the Kansas City Cowboys
  Kansas City Cowboys (Union Association)
  The Kansas City Cowboys were a team in the Union Association during its only season, . Referred to as the "Cowboys" mostly by historians, they had no official nickname during their short life and were most frequently referred to by local press of the day as the "Unions" and by the press of other...
  
   in the Union Association
  Union Association
  The Union Association was a league in Major League Baseball which lasted for only one season in 1884. St. Louis won the pennant and joined the National League the following season...
  
  .
• September 22 - Tom Oran
  Tom Oran
  Thomas Oran , also known as "Lusher Tom" and "Indian Tom", was an American outfielder in Major League Baseball. After playing amateur baseball for a few years, he played for the St. Louis Red Stockings in 1875 and was the first Native American in the major leagues.-Biography:Oran was born in...
  
  , 39?, outfielder for the short-lived St. Louis Red Stockings
  St. Louis (NA)
  In the standard short format for identifying professional baseball clubs in the U.S., St. Louis means the "St. Louis" club in the "NA" league...
  
   in 1875
  1875 in baseball
  -Champions:*National Association: Boston Red Stockings-National Association final standings:-Statistical leaders:-April-June:*May 3 - The Hartford Dark Blues are caught using an illegal bat which had been whittled nearly flat on one side and painted black to conceal the altering...
  
  .
• October 30 - Bernie Graham
  Bernie Graham
  Bernard W. "Bernie" Graham was an American Major League Baseball player who played one season in the Union Association. The Association lasted just one season, 1884, and Graham played one game for the Chicago Browns and 41 for the Baltimore Monumentals...
  
  , 26?, outfielder for the Baltimore Monumentals
  Baltimore Monumentals
  The Baltimore Monumentals were an American baseball team in the short-lived Union Association. In their lone season of 1884, they finished fourth in the UA with a 58-47 record.-History:The team was managed by William Henderson...
  
   of the Union Association
  Union Association
  The Union Association was a league in Major League Baseball which lasted for only one season in 1884. St. Louis won the pennant and joined the National League the following season...
  
  in .

External links

• 1886 National League season at baseball-reference.com
• 1886 American Association season at baseball-reference.com
• Charlton's Baseball Chronology at BaseballLibrary.com
• Year by Year History at Baseball-Almanac.com
• Retrosheet.org