1876 – George Hall of the Philadelphia Athletics becomes the first major league player to hit for the cycle. He will also become the first player to be banned, along with others, for throwing a 3 1/2 game lead with 12 games to go in 1877.
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.”
On May 25th, 1876 the Philadelphia Athletics matched the Grays 2-2 for the first tie in Major League history.
Chicago’s Ross Barnes‚ the great batting star of the National Association‚ hits the first NL HR‚ an inside-the-park drive off William “Cherokee” Fisher against the Cincinnati Red Stockings in Cincinnati. Barnes also hits a triple‚ single‚ steals 2 bases‚ and scores 4 runs.
At Cincinnati’s Avenue Grounds, Chicago’s Ross Barnes hits the first home run in the history of National League. In addition to his inside-the-park homer, the former National Association superstar also hits a single and a triple, steals two bases, and scores four runs in the White Stocking’s 19-5 victory over the Reds.
Chicago White Stockings make their National League debut later to be named the Cubs
Three thousand fans attend the Philadelphia Athletics’ 6-5 loss to the Boston Red Caps in the first game ever played in the National League. The Athletic Park contest becomes the new circuit’s inaugural event by default when the other scheduled games are rained out.
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.
The Boston Herald reports the first practice of the Red Caps under the direction of George Wright. Manager Harry Wright is still in Florida‚ recuperating from a severe cold. The team has been weakened considerably by the loss to the Chicago White Stockings of Al Spalding‚ Cal McVey‚ and Ross Barnes.
1876 – The National League is formed in New York City at the instigation of William Hulbert, owner of the Chicago White Stockings, in reaction to the lack of central direction in the fledgling National Association. The new circuit will field eight teams in its inaugural season and will become the blueprint for professional team sports in North America.
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