1896 – Western League president Ban Johnson asserts that “the Western League has passed the stage where it should be considered a minor league – it is a first-class organization, and should have the consideration that such an organization warrants.” Four years later Johnson will act upon this belief, taking the first steps toward moving the WL – renamed the American League in 1900 – to major league status.

ByTom

1896 – Western League president Ban Johnson asserts that “the Western League has passed the stage where it should be considered a minor league – it is a first-class organization, and should have the consideration that such an organization warrants.” Four years later Johnson will act upon this belief, taking the first steps toward moving the WL – renamed the American League in 1900 – to major league status.

The National League adopts changes in the National Agreement

ByTom

1896 – The National League adopts changes in the National Agreement. The minor leagues are divided into six classifications based on population, and new draft fees are instituted. The league also forbids players from deliberately soiling baseballs, and declares that “a ball cutting the corners of the home plate, and being requisite height, must be called a strike.” It also empowers umpires to eject players.

New York City Parks Commissioner Samuel McMillan announces a plan to cut a street through the Polo Grounds 

New York City Parks Commissioner Samuel McMillan announces a plan to cut a street through the Polo Grounds 

ByTom

1896 – New York City Parks Commissioner Samuel McMillan announces a plan to cut a street through the Polo Grounds leading to the Speedway, a new privately-constructed horse track. The street is never built.

1896 – The Louisville infield is being rebuilt with baselines of blue clay. In addition, blue semicircles will radiate out from first base and third base, joining at second base to form, along with the bottom half of the diamond, a heart.

ByTom

1896 – The Louisville infield is being rebuilt with baselines of blue clay. In addition, blue semicircles will radiate out from first base and third base, joining at second base to form, along with the bottom half of the diamond, a heart.