The Pittsburgh Alleghenys leave the American Association to join the National League. After a few name changes, including the Innocents, the team will become known as the Pirates in 1891.
The American Association’s Red Stockings deal rookie catcher Jack Boyle and $400 to the Browns in exchange for outfielder Hugh Nicol. The transaction is the first recorded trade in major league history.
1886 – The official American Association batting averages show Dave Orr with .346 edging Bob Caruthers and Guy Hecker, both at .342.
Although teams routinely buy players from other teams, the Reds and Browns become the first clubs to make a trade. St. Louis deals outfielder Hugh Nicol, who will be credited with 138 stolen bases next season, to Cincinnati in exchange for backstop “Honest” Jack Boyle, a rookie with one game of major league experience, and more importantly $400.
1886 – The Executive Council of the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players, formed the previous year, meets and chooses officers. Monte Ward is re-elected president, Dan Brouthers vice president, and Tim Keefe secretary-treasurer.
1886 – The Sporting News publishes the official National League averages, which show King Kelly as the batting champ with a .388 average, 17 points ahead of Cap Anson. The paper previously had printed its own stats showing Anson ahead, .374 to .366.
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