1896 – The Reds’ Red Ehret wins an 11-hit shutout over Brooklyn, 6 – 0.
1896 – The Reds’ Red Ehret wins an 11-hit shutout over Brooklyn, 6 – 0.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
1896 – A Chicago jury acquits Colts outfielder Walt Wilmot of charges of violating the Sabbath law by playing Sunday baseball last year. Charges against other players are subsequently dropped, and the way is cleared for future Sunday ball in Chicago.
1896 – A Chicago jury acquits Colts outfielder Walt Wilmot of charges of violating the Sabbath law by playing Sunday baseball last year. Charges against other players are subsequently dropped, and the way is cleared for future Sunday ball in Chicago.
A portion of the fence surrounding the Polo Grounds blows down in a fierce storm.
1896 – A portion of the fence surrounding the Polo Grounds blows down in a fierce storm.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON RECAP 1895
Season Recap: 1895 League Champion: Baltimore Orioles
9/4/1895 – John Dolan, the starting pitcher for the Chicago Colts (Cubs) in a game in Boston batted out of turn, most likely in the second inning, and an out was called. No further details are known.
9/4/1895 – John Dolan, the starting pitcher for the Chicago Colts (Cubs) in a game in Boston batted out of turn, most likely in the second inning, and an out was called. No further details are known.
8/12/1895 – In the top of the first in a game at Boston, The Washington Nationals had two on and two out when the proper number five hitter was Win Mercer. However, Bill Hassamaer, tbe number six hitter, came up out of order. After he fouled off a pitch, Boston pointed out the mistake to the umpire, George Burnham. He called Mercer out to end the inning, but since the Hassamaer at bat was not completed, that was incorrect. He should have allowed Mercer to bat taking on the current count. Washington played the game under protest, and Boston won 4-3 in ten innings. The National League upheld the protest and ruled that the game did not count and had to be replayed.
8/12/1895 – In the top of the first in a game at Boston, The Washington Nationals had two on and two out when the proper number five hitter was Win Mercer. However, Bill Hassamaer, tbe number six hitter, came up out of order. After he fouled off a pitch, Boston pointed out the mistake to the umpire, George Burnham. He called Mercer out to end the inning, but since the Hassamaer at bat was not completed, that was incorrect. He should have allowed Mercer to bat taking on the current count. Washington played the game under protest, and Boston won 4-3 in ten innings. The National League upheld the protest and ruled that the game did not count and had to be replayed.
