1881 – The Western Inter-collegiate Base Ball Association is formed by Northwestern University, the University of Michigan and Racine College.

1881 – The National League adopts a few new playing rules: the three-foot corridor along the first base line is adopted for the first time; runners can no longer be put out returning to their bases after a foul ball not caught; the fine for pitchers hitting batters with pitches is repealed; the “block ball” rule allowing runners to take as many bases as possible on balls going into the crowd, the fielding team being able to put them out only after returning the ball to the pitcher in his box, is also repealed.

1881 – At the National League’s annual meeting, the owners reject the applications of Phil Baker and Charley Jones for reinstatement.

1881 – The Buffalo Bisons club meeting reveals their home attendance for 1881 was just over 32,000.