1886 – The Cleveland Blues hire outfielder Pete Hotaling and Jimmy Williams as manager of the new American Association team. The club has already secured a large park site on East 39th street, well removed from downtown.

ByTom

1886 – The Cleveland Blues hire outfielder Pete Hotaling and Jimmy Williams as manager of the new American Association team. The club has already secured a large park site on East 39th street, well removed from downtown.

Tyrus Raymond Cobb is born in a rural Georgian farming community known as “The Narrows.”

Tyrus Raymond Cobb is born in a rural Georgian farming community known as “The Narrows.”

ByThis Day in Baseball

On December 18, 1886, Tyrus Raymond Cobb is born in a rural Georgian farming community known as “The Narrows.” He makes his major league debut in 1905 at the age of 18, and plays 24 seasons in the big leagues, retiring with more hits, runs scored, RBI, and stolen bases than any other player in…

1886 – The American Association meets and ratifies the new rules. It also approves the new clause that allows a club to reserve a player for as long as it wants, not just for next year’s contract.

ByTom

1886 – The American Association meets and ratifies the new rules. It also approves the new clause that allows a club to reserve a player for as long as it wants, not just for next year’s contract.

1886 – The official American Association batting averages show Dave Orr with .346 edging Bob Caruthers and Guy Hecker, both at .342.

ByBaseball

1886 – The official American Association batting averages show Dave Orr with .346 edging Bob Caruthers and Guy Hecker, both at .342.

Although teams routinely buy players from other teams, the Reds and Browns become the first clubs to make a trade. St. Louis deals outfielder Hugh Nicol, who will be credited with 138 stolen bases next season, to Cincinnati in exchange for backstop “Honest” Jack Boyle, a rookie with one game of major league experience, and more importantly $400.

ByBaseball

Although teams routinely buy players from other teams, the Reds and Browns become the first clubs to make a trade. St. Louis deals outfielder Hugh Nicol, who will be credited with 138 stolen bases next season, to Cincinnati in exchange for backstop “Honest” Jack Boyle, a rookie with one game of major league experience, and more importantly $400.

The Executive Council of the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players meets and chooses officers

The Executive Council of the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players meets and chooses officers

ByThis Day in Baseball

1886 – The Executive Council of the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players, formed the previous year, meets and chooses officers. Monte Ward is re-elected president, Dan Brouthers vice president, and Tim Keefe secretary-treasurer.

The Sporting News publishes the official National League averages, which show King Kelly as the batting champ with a .388 average

The Sporting News publishes the official National League averages, which show King Kelly as the batting champ with a .388 average

ByBaseball

1886 – The Sporting News publishes the official National League averages, which show King Kelly as the batting champ with a .388 average, 17 points ahead of Cap Anson. The paper previously had printed its own stats showing Anson ahead, .374 to .366.

Ned_Williamson_Baseball_Card

The Unconventional Pitching Duel of 1886 World Series Game 5

ByThis Day in Baseball

With Jim McCormick and Jocko Flynn lame and John Clarkson tired‚ Chicago tries to use a minor league recruit in the pitcher’s box‚ only to be refused by the Browns. SS Ned Williamson and RF Jimmy Ryan pitch for the Whites. The Browns win easily 10-3 to take a 3-to-2 lead in the best-of-7 series.

The AA season ends with 2 games in Philadelphia. Harry Stovey hits a HR to give him at least a share of the Association leadership for the 4th consecutive season.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The AA season ends with 2 games in Philadelphia. Harry Stovey hits a HR to give him at least a share of the Association leadership for the 4th consecutive season.