In a 3-1 National League loss to the White Stockings at Chicago’s Lake Front Park, right-hander Jim McCormick of the Indianapolis Blues becomes the first player born in Scotland to appear in a major league game. Next season, as a 23 year-old, the Glasgow native will manage the team, which will move to Cleveland, making him the youngest skipper in the history of the game.

In a 3-1 National League loss to the White Stockings at Chicago’s Lake Front Park, right-hander Jim McCormick of the Indianapolis Blues becomes the first player born in Scotland to appear in a major league game. Next season, as a 23 year-old, the Glasgow native will manage the team, which will move to Cleveland, making him the youngest skipper in the history of the game.

on May 9, 1878, Sam Weaver of the Milwaukee Cream Citys threw a no-hit game according to one scorer. The scorer from the Indianapolis Blues awarded a hit to John Clapp and more debate began.

on May 9, 1878, Sam Weaver of the Milwaukee Cream Citys threw a no-hit game according to one scorer. The scorer from the Indianapolis Blues awarded a hit to John Clapp and more debate began.

Providence Grays centerfielder Paul Hines catches a fly by Jack Burdock and starts a triple play, racing in to touch third base before Jack Manning can return, then throwing to second to nab Ezra Sutton. Some eyewitnesses contend that Sutton had passed third and was out when Hines touched the base, making it the only unassisted triple play by an outfielder. This contradicts the version by Manning, Jim O’Rourke and others present, which has been accepted generally as the correct account.

Providence Grays centerfielder Paul Hines catches a fly by Jack Burdock and starts a triple play, racing in to touch third base before Jack Manning can return, then throwing to second to nab Ezra Sutton. Some eyewitnesses contend that Sutton had passed third and was out when Hines touched the base, making it the only unassisted triple play by an outfielder. This contradicts the version by Manning, Jim O’Rourke and others present, which has been accepted generally as the correct account.

Fredrick Thayer receives a patent for his innovative invention, the catcher’s mask

After designing the device last season to protect his team’s promising, but skittish, catcher James Tyng, Fredrick Thayer receives a patent for his innovative invention, the catcher’s mask. The Harvard captain, who will never play in a major league game, designed an oblong wire frame modeled after a fencing mask with eyes holes that supports a series of strategically-placed pads made from animal skins.

Benjamin Douglas is hired as the manager of the Providence Grays, and Tom Carey is signed as the team’s captain

Benjamin Douglas is hired as the manager of the Providence Grays, and Tom Carey is signed as the team’s captain

Benjamin Douglas is hired as the manager of the Providence Grays, and Tom Carey is signed as the team’s captain. The skipper of the new National League franchise in Rhode Island will be fired for insubordination before the season begins, being replaced by left fielder Tom York, who led the team to a third-place finish with a 33-27 (.550) record.