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.

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.”

    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…

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 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.

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.

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

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.