1870 – An estimated 20,000 fans pack Dexter Park in Chicago, IL to watch the Chicago White Stockings defeat the Cincinnati Red Stockings, 16 – 13. Chicago finishes the season with a record of 65-8, making them the unofficial national champions.
The Mutuals of New York journey to Boston, MA on a three-day visit‚ during which time they will beat the Tri-Mountains (69 – 17)‚ the Harvards (43 – 11)‚ and the Lowells (26 – 21).
The Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first all-professional baseball team, start their first regular season with a 45 – 9 victory over the Great Westerns of Cincinnati.
1869 – Hughie Jennings is born in Pittston, PA. Jennings will be a standout shortstop before making a successful transition to manager. He will lead the Baltimore Orioles National League club to four straight appearances in the 19th century Temple Cup World Championship Series from 1894 to 1897 and the Detroit Tigers to three consecutive American League pennants from 1907 to 1909. Jennings will be elected to the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee in 1945.
On June 10, 1868 In Buffalo‚ the Atlantics are defeated by the Niagaras and pitcher Atwater‚ 19 – 15. The Niagaras jump to a 9 – 0 lead‚ then fall behind before rallying to win.
In a battle of the top two Cincinnati teams‚ the Red Stockings cut down the Buckeyes‚ 28 – 10. Asa Brainard‚ from the Excelsior Club‚ makes his first appearance with the Reds as a number of players have changed teams this year. Those who do so while having a valid contract with their original team are called “revolvers.”
1867 – The Atlantics beat the Mutuals‚ 18 – 15‚ in the first match of the season series between the two clubs. George Zettlein pitches the win.
1867 – A Grand match for the benefit of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund is played between picked nines from New York and Brooklyn at the Union Grounds. New York wins the well-played game‚ 13 – 7.
In a game against the Unions of Morrisania, Jim Creighton of the Excelsiors hits a sixth-inning home run after doubling in each of his first four times to the plate. When he crosses home, the 21 year-old superstar complains of having broken his belt, that turns out to be a suspected fatal ruptured inguinal hernia caused by the torque created by his all upper-body hard swing with the bat.
The New York Clipper publishes what is believed to be the first tabulated boxscore of a baseball game. The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York defeated the Gotham Club, 21 – 12, on July 5th.
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