1871 in baseball
Encyclopedia
Champions
- National AssociationNational Association of Professional Base Ball PlayersThe National Association of Professional Base Ball Players , or simply the National Association , was founded in 1871 and continued through the 1875 season...
(professional): 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
| 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... |
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| Rank | Club | Wins | Losses | Win % | Runs for | runs against | GB | |
| 1st | Philadelphia Athletics 1871 Philadelphia Athletics season With the debut of the first professional baseball league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, the Athletic Baseball Club of Philadelphia was one of the first clubs to join. The Athletics had been around since 1860 as an amateur club... |
22 | 7 | .759 | 376 | 266 | – | |
| 2nd | Chicago White Stockings 1871 Chicago White Stockings season With the debut of the first professional baseball league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, the Chicago franchise joined up as the "White Stockings." The team went 19-9 and finished second in the league standings... |
20 | 9 | .690 | 302 | 241 | 2.0 | |
| 3rd | Boston Red Stockings 1871 Boston Red Stockings season The Boston Red Stockings were formed in 1871 by Boston businessman and Ashburnham native Ivers Whitney Adams. The team was composed of former players of the defunct Cincinnati Red Stockings franchise, who were brought to Boston and kept the name with them... |
22 | 10 | .688 | 401 | 303 | 1.5 | |
| 4th | Washington Olympics 1871 Washington Olympics season The Washington Olympics played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished fourth in the league with a record of 15-15.-Regular season:-Roster:-Starters by position:... |
16 | 15 | .516 | 310 | 303 | 7.0 | |
| 5th | Troy Haymakers 1871 Troy Haymakers season The Troy Haymakers played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished sixth in the league with a record of 13–15.-Regular season:-Roster:-Starters by position:... |
15 | 15 | .500 | 7.5 | |||
| 6th | New York Mutuals 1871 New York Mutuals season The New York Mutuals baseball team joined the National Association for the league's debut season in 1871. The Mutuals went 16-17 and finished in fifth place. Pitcher Rynie Wolters led the NA in runs batted in, with 44.-Roster:-Starters by position:... |
17 | 18 | .486 | 302 | 313 | 8 | |
| 7th | Cleveland Forest City 1871 Cleveland Forest Citys season The Cleveland Forest Citys played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished eighth in the league with a record of 10-19... |
10 | 19 | .345 | 249 | 341 | 12 | |
| 8th | Ft. Wayne Kekiongas 1871 Fort Wayne Kekiongas season The Fort Wayne Kekiongas played their first and only season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players... |
7 | 21 | .250 | 137 | 243 | 14.5 | |
| 9th | Rockford Forest City 1871 Rockford Forest Citys season The Rockford Forest Citys played their first and only season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished ninth in the league with a record of 4-21. They folded after the season.-Regular season:... |
6 | 21 | .222 | 231 | 287 | 15 | |
The tenth founding member, the National club of Washington
Washington Nationals (NA)
The Washington Nationals were the first important baseball club in the nation's capital. They played part of one season or parts of two seasons in the National Association, the first professional league, so they are considered a major league team by those who count the NA as a major league...
, did not enter a team for the championship until 1872
1872 in baseball
- Champions :* National Association: Boston Red Stockings- National Association final standings :-Statistical leaders:- January–March :* March 4 – At its annual convention being held in Cleveland, the NA adopts a rule change to allow the use of the wrist in the pitching delivery.- April–June :*...
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Statistical leaders
| 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... |
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| Type | Name | Stat | |||||
| AVG Batting average Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :... |
Levi Meyerle Levi Meyerle Levi Samuel Meyerle was an American Major League Baseball player who played for eight seasons in organized professional league play... ATH |
.492 | |||||
| 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... |
Levi Meyerle Levi Meyerle Levi Samuel Meyerle was an American Major League Baseball player who played for eight seasons in organized professional league play... ATH |
4 | Lip Pike Lip Pike Lipman 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... TRO Troy Haymakers The Troy Haymakers were an American professional baseball team.-History:Established in 1860 as the Union base ball club of neighboring Lansingburgh, New York, the Haymakers participated in the first professional pennant race of 1869 and joined the first professional league, the 1871 National... |
4 | Fred Treacey Fred Treacey Frederick S. Treacey , was an American professional baseball player who played outfield in the National Association and National League 1871 to 1876. Treacey played for the Chicago White Stockings, Athletic of Philadelphia, Philadelphia White Stockings, Philadelphia Centennials, and the New York... CHI 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... |
4 | |
| RBI Run batted in Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI... |
Rynie Wolters Rynie Wolters Reinder Albertus Wolters was a Major League Baseball player from Nieuweschans, Netherlands, in the late 19th century. His first and best year was in 1871 with the New York Mutuals, when he pitched 283 innings and had a 3.43 earned run average. His second year was with the Cleveland Forest Citys,... NYU New York Mutuals The Mutual Base Ball Club of New York was a leading American baseball club almost throughout its 20-year history. It was established during 1857, the year of the first baseball convention, just too late to be a founding member of the National Association of Base Ball Players. It was a charter... |
44 | |||||
| Slug% | Levi Meyerle Levi Meyerle Levi Samuel Meyerle was an American Major League Baseball player who played for eight seasons in organized professional league play... ATH |
.700 | |||||
| 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... |
Albert Spalding Albert Spalding Albert Goodwill Spalding was a professional baseball player, manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company.-Biography:... BOS 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.... |
19 | |||||
| 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... |
George Zettlein George Zettlein George Zettlein was a professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1871–1876. Zettlein played for the Chicago White Stockings, Troy Haymakers, Brooklyn Eckfords, Philadelphia White Stockings, and Athletic of Philadelphia... CHI 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... |
1.62 | |||||
| OBA | Rynie Wolters Rynie Wolters Reinder Albertus Wolters was a Major League Baseball player from Nieuweschans, Netherlands, in the late 19th century. His first and best year was in 1871 with the New York Mutuals, when he pitched 283 innings and had a 3.43 earned run average. His second year was with the Cleveland Forest Citys,... NYU New York Mutuals The Mutual Base Ball Club of New York was a leading American baseball club almost throughout its 20-year history. It was established during 1857, the year of the first baseball convention, just too late to be a founding member of the National Association of Base Ball Players. It was a charter... |
.263 | |||||
| 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 |
Al Pratt Al Pratt (baseball) Albert G. Pratt , nicknamed "Uncle Al", was an American right-handed pitcher and outfielder in the National Association for the Cleveland Forest Citys, and was a manager in Major League Baseball with the Pittsburgh Alleghenys of the American Association.A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pratt... CLE Cleveland Forest Citys The Forest Citys were a short lived professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1870s. The actual name of the team, as shown in standings, was Forest City, not "Cleveland". The name "Forest Citys" was used in the same generic style of the day in which the team from Chicago,... |
34 | |||||
Notable seasons
- Ross BarnesRoss BarnesCharles Roscoe Barnes was one of the stars of baseball's National Association and the early National League , playing second base and shortstop. He played for the dominant Boston Red Stockings teams of the early 1870s, along with Albert Spalding, Cal McVey, George Wright, Harry Wright, Jim...
of the 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....
concludes in the top 5 in 11 different offensive categories. He leads the NA in runs scored, total bases and times on base. He is second in on-base percentage, doubles, triples and walks. He finishes third in batting average (.401) and hits. He places 4th in slugging percentage and 5th in runs batted in. - Rynie WoltersRynie WoltersReinder Albertus Wolters was a Major League Baseball player from Nieuweschans, Netherlands, in the late 19th century. His first and best year was in 1871 with the New York Mutuals, when he pitched 283 innings and had a 3.43 earned run average. His second year was with the Cleveland Forest Citys,...
of the New York MutualsNew York MutualsThe Mutual Base Ball Club of New York was a leading American baseball club almost throughout its 20-year history. It was established during 1857, the year of the first baseball convention, just too late to be a founding member of the National Association of Base Ball Players. It was a charter...
leads the league in games started, complete games, and innings pitched and ties for the league lead with 1 shutout. He also leads the NA with 44 RBI while batting .370.
January–March
- January 20 – The Boston Base Ball Club and the Boston Red Stockings1871 Boston Red Stockings seasonThe Boston Red Stockings were formed in 1871 by Boston businessman and Ashburnham native Ivers Whitney Adams. The team was composed of former players of the defunct Cincinnati Red Stockings franchise, who were brought to Boston and kept the name with them...
are founded and incorporated by Ivers Whitney AdamsIvers Whitney AdamsIvers Whitney Adams was an American baseball executive and businessperson, and founder of the first professional baseball team in Boston, the Boston Red Stockings.- Baseball :...
with $15,000 and the help of 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...
, 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...
.
- March 17 – Ten clubs establish the National Association of Professional Base Ball PlayersNational Association of Professional Base Ball PlayersThe National Association of Professional Base Ball Players , or simply the National Association , was founded in 1871 and continued through the 1875 season...
(or professional Association) in New YorkNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
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- Later March – Thirty-three clubs establish the National Association of Amateur Base Ball Players (or amateur Association) in New YorkNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
April–June
- May 4 – In the very first major league game ever played, the National Association begins play at Hamilton Field in Fort Wayne, IndianaIndianaIndiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, with Forest City of Cleveland1871 Cleveland Forest Citys seasonThe Cleveland Forest Citys played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished eighth in the league with a record of 10-19...
visiting the Kekiongas of Fort Wayne1871 Fort Wayne Kekiongas seasonThe Fort Wayne Kekiongas played their first and only season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players...
. Fort Wayne wins 2–0 behind the pitching of Bobby MathewsBobby MathewsRobert T. Mathews was an American right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for twenty years beginning in the late 1860s. He is credited as being one of the inventors of the spitball pitch, which was rediscovered or reintroduced to the major leagues after he died. He is also credited with the...
, the lowest scoring game of the season. Deacon WhiteDeacon WhiteJames Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
gets the first hit, while Joe McDermottJoe McDermott (baseball)Joseph McDermott was an American baseball player in the first professional league. He played two games in the outfield for the 1871 Fort Wayne Kekiongas and seven as pitcher for the 1872 Brooklyn Eckfords....
, who will only have 11 hits and four runs batted in his career, drives in the first run in professional baseball history with a single in the second inning, scoring Bill LennonBill LennonWilliam H. "Bill" Lennon was an American Major League Baseball player born in Brooklyn, New York. He played catcher for three seasons in the National Association from 1871 to 1873, and managed 14 games for the 1871 Fort Wayne Kekiongas.During the 1870 National Association of Base Ball Players,...
. In the seventh inning, Lennon also became the first catcher in major league history to throw a runner out trying to steal second. Ironically, neither McDermott, Lennon, nor even the Kekiongas would finish the season.
- May 6 – Future Hall of Famer Cap AnsonCap AnsonAdrian Constantine Anson , nicknamed "Cap" and "Pop", was a National Association and Major League Baseball first baseman...
makes his professional debut with the Rockford Forest Citys1871 Rockford Forest Citys seasonThe Rockford Forest Citys played their first and only season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished ninth in the league with a record of 4-21. They folded after the season.-Regular season:...
.
- May 8 – Ezra SuttonEzra SuttonEzra Ballou Sutton was an American third baseman in the National Association and Major League Baseball from 1871-1888. Sutton collected 1,574 hits during this time period; he had a lifetime batting average of .294...
of the Cleveland Forest Citys1871 Cleveland Forest Citys seasonThe Cleveland Forest Citys played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished eighth in the league with a record of 10-19...
hits the first home run in professional baseball history in the fourth inning against the Chicago White Stockings1871 Chicago White Stockings seasonWith the debut of the first professional baseball league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, the Chicago franchise joined up as the "White Stockings." The team went 19-9 and finished second in the league standings...
. For good measure, Sutton adds a second home run in the seventh inning, but Cleveland falls to the White Stockings, 14–12.
- May 9 - Esteban Enrique BellánSteve BellánEstevan Enrique "Steve" Bellán , also known as Esteban, was a Cuban professional baseball player who played as a third baseman for six seasons in the United States , three in the National Association of Base Ball Players from 1868 to , and three in the National Association of Professional Base...
becomes he first Hispanic player in Major League Baseball history. The 21-year old CubaCubaThe Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
n infielder will play as Steve Bellan for the Troy Haymakers1871 Troy Haymakers seasonThe Troy Haymakers played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished sixth in the league with a record of 13–15.-Regular season:-Roster:-Starters by position:...
of the National Association.
- May 20 – 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...
, 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:...
introduces a scorecard with a picture of 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...
on the front. Each Red Stockings1871 Boston Red Stockings seasonThe Boston Red Stockings were formed in 1871 by Boston businessman and Ashburnham native Ivers Whitney Adams. The team was composed of former players of the defunct Cincinnati Red Stockings franchise, who were brought to Boston and kept the name with them...
home game would feature a different player so that spectators could collect them and have a full set of Boston's players by season's end. This marketing strategy would be used throughout the 19th century and would ultimately evolve into Tobacco cards and, eventually, Baseball cards.
- May 25 – 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 Troy Haymakers1871 Troy Haymakers seasonThe Troy Haymakers played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished sixth in the league with a record of 13–15.-Regular season:-Roster:-Starters by position:...
collects six hits in a 25–10 victory over the New York Mutuals1871 New York Mutuals seasonThe New York Mutuals baseball team joined the National Association for the league's debut season in 1871. The Mutuals went 16-17 and finished in fifth place. Pitcher Rynie Wolters led the NA in runs batted in, with 44.-Roster:-Starters by position:...
.
- June 19 – The Fort Wayne Kekiongas1871 Fort Wayne Kekiongas seasonThe Fort Wayne Kekiongas played their first and only season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players...
, leading the Troy Haymakers1871 Troy Haymakers seasonThe Troy Haymakers played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished sixth in the league with a record of 13–15.-Regular season:-Roster:-Starters by position:...
6–3 after six innings at Troy, refuse to allow another ball to be used after the game ball becomes ripped because of the reputation of the Haymakers using illegal balls in the past. The umpire (Isaac Leroy or Ed Tighe depending on the source), after five full minutes of ordering Fort Wayne back on the field, calls the game a 9–0 forfeit in favor of the Haymakers.
- June 28 – In an era of high scoring games being the norm, the Philadelphia Athletics1871 Philadelphia Athletics seasonWith the debut of the first professional baseball league, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, the Athletic Baseball Club of Philadelphia was one of the first clubs to join. The Athletics had been around since 1860 as an amateur club...
defeat the Troy Haymakers1871 Troy Haymakers seasonThe Troy Haymakers played their first season in 1871 as a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. They finished sixth in the league with a record of 13–15.-Regular season:-Roster:-Starters by position:...
by the amazing score of 49–33. Both pitchers go the distance in the four hour slugfest in which both teams score in each inning, to set the highest-scoring contest in National AssociationNational Association of Professional Base Ball PlayersThe National Association of Professional Base Ball Players , or simply the National Association , was founded in 1871 and continued through the 1875 season...
. The 42 hitHitHit may mean to strike someone or something to cause physical harm.Hit or HIT may also refer to:-Business:* Hitachi, Ltd. * Hongkong International Terminals Ltd....
s made by the Athletics, including a 7-for-7 day by John Radcliff and 6-for-8 performances by Al ReachAl ReachAlfred James Reach was an Anglo-American sportsman who, after becoming one of the early stars of baseball in the National Association, went on to become an influential executive, publisher, sporting goods manufacturer and spokesman for the sport.Born in London, Al Reach was a regular for the...
and Levi MeyerleLevi MeyerleLevi Samuel Meyerle was an American Major League Baseball player who played for eight seasons in organized professional league play...
, is also a league record.
July–September
- July 3 – The New York MutualsNew York MutualsThe Mutual Base Ball Club of New York was a leading American baseball club almost throughout its 20-year history. It was established during 1857, the year of the first baseball convention, just too late to be a founding member of the National Association of Base Ball Players. It was a charter...
lose at TroyTroy HaymakersThe Troy Haymakers were an American professional baseball team.-History:Established in 1860 as the Union base ball club of neighboring Lansingburgh, New York, the Haymakers participated in the first professional pennant race of 1869 and joined the first professional league, the 1871 National...
37–16. Even though it is customary to allow the visiting team to choose which ball to use, Troy captain Bill CraverBill CraverWilliam H. Craver was an American Major League Baseball player from Troy, New York who played mainly as an infielder, but did play many games at catcher as well during his seven year career. He played for seven different teams, in two leagues...
refuses to play unless their ball is used. Heated words are exchanged throughout, with the Mutuals even being threatened with bats. Mutuals captain Bob Ferguson is convinced the ball used is not legal. This game will set the stage for the rematch on July 13 at the Union GroundsUnion GroundsUnion Grounds was a baseball park located in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York. The grounds opened in 1862 and was the first baseball park enclosed entirely by a fence, thereby allowing proprietor William Cammeyer or his tenant to charge admission, permitting only paying customers to...
in BrooklynBrooklynBrooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
.
- July 6 – The first game between a black team and a white team is played as the black Uniques defeat the white Alerts 17–16 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...
.
- July 10 – Albert SpaldingAlbert SpaldingAlbert Goodwill Spalding was a professional baseball player, manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company.-Biography:...
is relieved by 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...
in 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....
21–12 victory over the Rockford Forest CitysRockford Forest CitysRockford Forest Citys , from Rockford, Illinois was one of the first professional baseball clubs. Rockford played for one season during the National Association inaugural year of 1871.-Origins:...
after both Boston catchers develop sore hands from Spalding's fast pitching.
- July 13 – BrooklynBrooklynBrooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
police are forced to draw their firearms to stop the crowd from attacking the Troy HaymakersTroy HaymakersThe Troy Haymakers were an American professional baseball team.-History:Established in 1860 as the Union base ball club of neighboring Lansingburgh, New York, the Haymakers participated in the first professional pennant race of 1869 and joined the first professional league, the 1871 National...
following several altercations between the Haymakers and the New York MutualsNew York MutualsThe Mutual Base Ball Club of New York was a leading American baseball club almost throughout its 20-year history. It was established during 1857, the year of the first baseball convention, just too late to be a founding member of the National Association of Base Ball Players. It was a charter...
players and officials after Troy's 9–7 win over the Mutuals.
- August 9 – Ned Connors, first baseman for the Troy HaymakersTroy HaymakersThe Troy Haymakers were an American professional baseball team.-History:Established in 1860 as the Union base ball club of neighboring Lansingburgh, New York, the Haymakers participated in the first professional pennant race of 1869 and joined the first professional league, the 1871 National...
, records 20 putouts in a 9-inning 10–7 loss to the Brooklyn Eckfords.
- August 21 – The amateur champion Star Club of BrooklynBrooklynBrooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
beats the Northwest amateur champion Aetnas of 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...
4–3 in Chicago as Star pitcher Candy CummingsCandy CummingsWilliam Arthur "Candy" Cummings was a professional baseball pitcher in the National Association and National League who was credited with inventing the curveball. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.-Career:...
drives in the winning run in the 9th inning.
- August 29 – The Brooklyn Eckfords replace the Fort Wayne KekiongasFort Wayne KekiongasThe Fort Wayne Kekiongas were a professional baseball team, notable for winning the first professional league game on May 4, 1871. Kekionga - pronounced KEY-key-awn-guh - is the name of Chief Little Turtle's Miami Indian settlement where the St. Joseph River and the St. Mary's River join to form...
in the NA after the Kekiongas lose most of their players to defection and expulsion. Fort Wayne's unplayed games will be declared forfeits in the official standings. The Eckfords will officially join the National AssociationNational Association of Professional Base Ball PlayersThe National Association of Professional Base Ball Players , or simply the National Association , was founded in 1871 and continued through the 1875 season...
for the 18721872 in baseball- Champions :* National Association: Boston Red Stockings- National Association final standings :-Statistical leaders:- January–March :* March 4 – At its annual convention being held in Cleveland, the NA adopts a rule change to allow the use of the wrist in the pitching delivery.- April–June :*...
season.
- September 5 – Charlie GouldCharlie GouldCharles Harvey Gould , nicknamed "The Bushel Basket", was an American Major League Baseball player during the 1860s and 1870s. He was the first baseman for the original Cincinnati Red Stockings of 1869 and 1870, the first team consisting entirely of professional players...
of 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....
hits the first grand slam in professional baseball history in a 6–3 victory over 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...
.
October–December
- October 9 – As the Rockford Forest CitysRockford Forest CitysRockford Forest Citys , from Rockford, Illinois was one of the first professional baseball clubs. Rockford played for one season during the National Association inaugural year of 1871.-Origins:...
approach 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...
, they see the city in flames from the Great Chicago FireGreat Chicago FireThe Great Chicago Fire was a conflagration that burned from Sunday, October 8, to early Tuesday, October 10, 1871, killing hundreds and destroying about in Chicago, Illinois. Though the fire was one of the largest U.S...
, turn around and go home. The Chicago White Stockings'Chicago 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...
stadium is burned to the ground along with all of their uniforms and equipment.
- October 18 – The New York MutualsNew York MutualsThe Mutual Base Ball Club of New York was a leading American baseball club almost throughout its 20-year history. It was established during 1857, the year of the first baseball convention, just too late to be a founding member of the National Association of Base Ball Players. It was a charter...
, with their only pitcher Rynie WoltersRynie WoltersReinder Albertus Wolters was a Major League Baseball player from Nieuweschans, Netherlands, in the late 19th century. His first and best year was in 1871 with the New York Mutuals, when he pitched 283 innings and had a 3.43 earned run average. His second year was with the Cleveland Forest Citys,...
sick, are forced to use a non-rostered position player, Frank FleetFrank FleetFrank H. Fleet was a Major League Baseball player in the 19th century.-Sources:...
, as pitcher in a crucial game for the pennant against the Philadelphia Athletics. The Mutuals are battered 21–7 by the Athletics which eliminates 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 the championship.
- October 30 – The Athletics of Philadelphia defeat 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...
in BrooklynBrooklynBrooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
4–1 to clinch the first professional baseball championship.
Births
- March 16 – Bill BernhardBill BernhardWilliam Henry "Strawberry Bill" Bernhard was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was born in Clarence, New York.After his playing career ended, he became a manager in the Southern Association....
- March 19 – Joe McGinnity
- May 30 – Amos RusieAmos RusieAmos Wilson Rusie , nicknamed "The Hoosier Thunderbolt", was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball during the late 19th century...
- June 6 – Bill LangeBill LangeWilliam Alexander "Bill" Lange , also known as "Little Eva", was an American Major League Baseball center fielder, who played his entire seven year career for the Chicago Colts and Orphans from to...
- July 15 – Dan McGann
- August 13 – Fielder JonesFielder JonesFielder Allison Jones was an American center fielder and manager in baseball. Born in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania, his playing career began with the Brooklyn Bridegrooms/Superbas in 1896. In , he joined the Chicago White Stockings in the new American League, where he would finish his playing career...
- September 21 – George BlackburnGeorge Blackburn (baseball)George W. Blackburn [Smiling George] was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Baltimore Orioles in the season...
- October 24 – Louis SockalexisLouis SockalexisLouis Francis "Chief" Sockalexis , nicknamed The Deerfoot of the Diamond, was an American baseball player...
- October 24 – Heinie SmithHeinie SmithGeorge Henry "Heinie" Smith was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Louisville Colonels , Pittsburgh Pirates , New York Giants and Detroit Tigers . Smith batted and threw right-handed...
- October 25 – Martin Bergen
- October 30 – Buck FreemanBuck FreemanJohn Frank "Buck" Freeman was an American right fielder in Major League Baseball at the turn of the 20th century. Freeman was one of the top sluggers of his era, his most famous feat being the 25 home runs he hit during the 1899 season.A native of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, Freeman showed talent as...
- November 26 – Fred TenneyFred TenneyFrederick Tenney was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Beaneaters/Doves/Rustlers and New York Giants .-See also:...
- December 9 – Joe KelleyJoe KelleyJoseph James Kelley was an American left fielder in Major League Baseball who starred in the outfield of the powerful Baltimore Oriole teams of the 1890s.-Career:...
- December 23 – Sam LeeverSam LeeverSamuel Leever , nicknamed "The Goshen Schoolmaster," was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Pirates....