1884

The 1884 baseball season was marked by extraordinary accomplishments and significant milestones that added new layers of complexity and intrigue to the game.

One of the most notable aspects of the 1884 season was the proliferation of major leagues. In addition to the National League and the American Association, the Union Association was established as a third major league. Though the Union Association lasted only one season, it added an interesting dynamic to professional baseball during that time, providing additional opportunities for players and increasing competition among the leagues.

The pitching performance of Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn for the Providence Grays in the National League was one of the season’s standout highlights. Radbourn’s incredible stamina led him to win an astonishing 59 games, a single-season record that still stands to this day. He later led the Grays to victory in the championship series against the New York Metropolitans of the American Association, a precursor to the modern World Series.

In the American Association, the New York Metropolitans emerged as the champions, while the St. Louis Maroons, led by Fred Dunlap and pitcher Charlie Sweeney, dominated the Union Association. These accomplishments emphasized the diverse talent across the leagues and showcased emerging stars.

The 1884 season also witnessed the first African American players in major league baseball, with Moses Fleetwood Walker and his brother Welday Walker breaking the color barrier in the American Association. Their presence on the Toledo Blue Stockings was a significant moment in baseball history, though it would be many years before the sport was fully integrated.

Technological advancements also played a role in shaping the season. The chronograph, a device used to measure the speed of pitches, was utilized for the first time in 1884. It clocked a pitch by New York Gothams’ pitcher Tim Keefe at 141 miles per hour, though the reading was likely inaccurate by modern standards. Still, this early attempt at quantifying pitching speed symbolized the growing interest in analyzing and understanding the game’s intricacies.

The season was not without its challenges, as disputes over salaries and the reserve clause continued to create tension between players and owners. This ongoing struggle was part of a broader labor movement in America and added a layer of complexity to the sport’s dynamics.

In conclusion, the 1884 baseball season was rich in accomplishments, innovations, and historic firsts. From Radbourn’s unparalleled pitching success to the introduction of new technology and the brief but notable presence of a third major league, the year marked a fascinating period in the sport’s development. Amidst these highlights, the underlying tensions between players and owners persisted, reflecting the multifaceted nature of baseball’s evolution during this time.

National League

Starting pitcher

Pud Galvin

Old Hoss Radbourn

Charlie Buffinton

Starting lineup

Ed Williamson (3B)

Fred Pfeffer (2B)

Dan Brouthers (1B)

King Kelly (OF)

Paul Hines (OF)

Buck Ewing (C)

Jim O’Rourke (OF)

Arthur Irwin (SS)

Bench

Ezra Sutton

Cap Anson

Deacon White

Jack Rowe

George Gore

American Association

Starting pitcher

Guy Hecker

Tony Mullane

Ed Morris

Tim Keefe

Starting lineup

Dave Orr (1B)

Dude Esterbrook (3B)

Sam Barkley (2B)

Frank Fennelly (SS)

Charley Jones (OF)

Jim Keenan (C)

Fred Mann (OF)

Chicken Wolf (OF)

Bench

John Reilly

Harry Stovey

Arlie Latham

Sadie Houck

Pop Smith

Pete Browning

Candy Nelson

John Richmond

Fred Corey

Fred Carroll

Bill Kuehne

Bid McPhee

Monk Cline

Bill Gleason

Union Association

Pitchers

Jim McCormick

Bill Sweeney

Dupee Shaw

Hugh Daily

Bill Wise

Starting lineup

Fred Dunlap (2B)

Orator Shafer (OF)

Jack Gleason (3B)

Dave Rowe (OF)

Jumbo Schoeneck (1B)

Jack Glasscock (SS)

Henry Moore (OF)

Fatty Briody (C)

Bench

Billy Taylor

Buttercup Dickerson

William Hoover

Phil Baker

Emmett Seery

Ed Crane

Chris Fulmer

William Robinson

Charlie Sweeney

Bill Krieg

Dick Burns