1889 – In the American Association, the Columbus Solons finally resolve their long-disputed attempt to sign third baseman Spud Johnson by paying the Kansas City Cowboys $500.
1889 – Both the National League and American Association hold their spring meetings to adopt their schedules. The NL also hires a fifth umpire at a salary of $200 per month. The AA, to the surprise of many, does not adopt the NL’s salary classification system.
1889 – The Philadelphia Quakers head for Jacksonville, Florida, for spring training. No other major league clubs will train in the Deep South this season.
1889 – A tour of baseball players led by John Ward stages its first game in Europe, playing in Naples, Italy.
1889 – Warrants are issued in Sacramento, CA for the arrests of Joe Quest, Billy Alvord and Harry Dooms for allegedly jumping their California League contracts. Alvord turns himself in and is released, but the Sacramento club is still seeking the other two players.
1889 – The Indianapolis Hoosiers, who have been without a manager since October, finally come to terms with veteran Frank Bancroft to manage them this season.
1889 – All-America beats Chicago 10 – 6 in the shadow of the Pyramids outside Cairo, and Cap Anson feels compelled to apologize to the Sphinx for his team’s poor play.
1889 – In New York City, workers are dismantling fences at the Polo Grounds to cut a street through the property, leaving the New York Giants without a home for the coming season.
1889 – Veteran outfielder Joe Hornung is released by the Boston Beaneaters after eight years with that club. According to The Sporting News, “Ubbo’s unruly tongue was the principal cause of his release.”
1889 – Facing over $30,000 in debts, the Indianapolis Hoosiers go bankrupt and surrender their franchise to the National League.
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