1888 – The New York Giants announce the sale of John Ward to the Washington Nationals for a record price of $12,000. But Ward, who is on tour, will eventually cancel the deal by refusing to play for Washington.

ByTom

1888 – The New York Giants announce the sale of John Ward to the Washington Nationals for a record price of $12,000. But Ward, who is on tour, will eventually cancel the deal by refusing to play for Washington.

The National League adopts a salary classification plan that puts all players into five categories with a standard salary for each ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. The scheme is vehemently opposed by the Brotherhood.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1888 – The National League adopts a salary classification plan that puts all players into five categories with a standard salary for each ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. The scheme is vehemently opposed by the Brotherhood.

1888 – The Cleveland Spiders are formally admitted to the National League, creating a vacancy in the American Association. Cleveland will replace the Detroit Wolverines.

ByBaseball

1888 – The Cleveland Spiders are formally admitted to the National League, creating a vacancy in the American Association. Cleveland will replace the Detroit Wolverines.

The Joint Rules Committee reduces the number of balls for a walk from five to four, establishing the four balls/three strikes count that remains in effect to this day

ByThis Day in Baseball

1888 – The Joint Rules Committee reduces the number of balls for a walk from five to four, establishing the four balls/three strikes count that remains in effect to this day. It also eliminates an out on a foul tip if the catcher catches it within 10 feet of home plate.

1888 – In Los Angeles, the All-Americans of Al Spalding beat Chicago, 7 – 4, in the final game on American soil of Chicago’s world tour. Spalding’s group now sets sail for Australia.

ByBaseball

1888 – In Los Angeles, the All-Americans of Al Spalding beat Chicago, 7 – 4, in the final game on American soil of Chicago’s world tour. Spalding’s group now sets sail for Australia.

1888 – In Detroit, MI, a club is organized to compete in the International Association next season to take the place of the disbanded Detroit Wolverines, fifth-place finishers this past season in the National League. The Wolverines sell off their stars, including Big Sam Thompson going to the Philadelphia Quakers, and the so-called “Big Four” Dan Brouthers and Hardy Richardson to the Boston Beaneaters and Jack Rowe and Deacon White to the Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

Bypittsburgh

1888 – In Detroit, MI, a club is organized to compete in the International Association next season to take the place of the disbanded Detroit Wolverines, fifth-place finishers this past season in the National League. The Wolverines sell off their stars, including Big Sam Thompson going to the Philadelphia Quakers, and the so-called “Big Four” Dan Brouthers and Hardy Richardson to the Boston Beaneaters and Jack Rowe and Deacon White to the Pittsburgh Alleghenys.