1877 – After St. Louis C John Clapp has his cheek smashed by a foul tip‚ replacement Mike Dorgan goes behind the plate wearing a mask. Though used earlier in the International Association‚ this is perhaps the first use of a catcher’s mask in an official National League game.

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1877 – After St. Louis C John Clapp has his cheek smashed by a foul tip‚ replacement Mike Dorgan goes behind the plate wearing a mask. Though used earlier in the International Association‚ this is perhaps the first use of a catcher’s mask in an official National League game.

The St. Louis Browns and Cincinnati Reds stage a Sunday exhibition game‚ the only Sunday game between National League teams that will be played until 1892.

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On June 10, 1877 The St. Louis Browns and Cincinnati Reds stage a Sunday exhibition game‚ the only Sunday game between National League teams that will be played until 1892.

1876 – Chicago’s versatile Cal McVey has the unusual distinction of both pitching and catching in a 5 – 0 win over Cincinnati. The win goes to starter Al Spalding‚ his 10th straight win over the Reds.

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1876 – Chicago’s versatile Cal McVey has the unusual distinction of both pitching and catching in a 5 – 0 win over Cincinnati. The win goes to starter Al Spalding‚ his 10th straight win over the Reds.

George Bechtel‚ RF for Louisville‚ who was suspended for “crookedness in the last Louisville-Mutuals game‚” gets in deeper trouble when P Jim Devlin shows his manager a telegram from Bechtel saying‚ “We can win $100 if you lose the game today.”

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On June 10, 1876 George Bechtel‚ RF for Louisville‚ who was suspended for “crookedness in the last Louisville-Mutuals game‚” gets in deeper trouble when P Jim Devlin shows his manager a telegram from Bechtel saying‚ “We can win $100 if you lose the game today.”

The Alleghenies bring professional baseball to what is now Pittsburgh playing their first game at Union Park. Next year, the team will be accepted into the minor-league International Association but will disband in 1878.

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The Alleghenies bring professional baseball to what is now Pittsburgh playing their first game at Union Park. Next year, the team will be accepted into the minor-league International Association but will disband in 1878.

1875 – With the score 1 – 0 and 2 out in the last of the 9th inning‚ Hartford’s Tom York hits a triple over the center fielder’s head. The next batter‚ Bob Ferguson‚ after hitting a number of fouls lefthanded‚ turns around and bats righthanded‚ getting a double to tie the score. Rain ends the game with the score Hartford 1‚ Mutuals 1.

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1875 – With the score 1 – 0 and 2 out in the last of the 9th inning‚ Hartford’s Tom York hits a triple over the center fielder’s head. The next batter‚ Bob Ferguson‚ after hitting a number of fouls lefthanded‚ turns around and bats righthanded‚ getting a double to tie the score. Rain ends the game with the score Hartford 1‚ Mutuals 1.

The finest game ever played in Keokuk‚ Iowa sees the Westerns battle the Boston Reds before losing‚ 6 – 4. A crowd of 300 is on hand. When the Reds get their share of the gate receipts – $13 – they elect to forfeit tomorrow’s match and head back to Chicago. A few more events like this and the short-lived Keokuk club packs it in June 16th.

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On June 10, 1875 The finest game ever played in Keokuk‚ Iowa sees the Westerns battle the Boston Reds before losing‚ 6 – 4. A crowd of 300 is on hand. When the Reds get their share of the gate receipts – $13 – they elect to forfeit tomorrow’s match and head back to Chicago. A few more events like this and the short-lived…