1896 – The Louisville infield is being rebuilt with baselines of blue clay. In addition, blue semicircles will radiate out from first base and third base, joining at second base to form, along with the bottom half of the diamond, a heart.

ByTom

1896 – The Louisville infield is being rebuilt with baselines of blue clay. In addition, blue semicircles will radiate out from first base and third base, joining at second base to form, along with the bottom half of the diamond, a heart.

John Montgomery Ward, who has not played or managed for the last two seasons, objects to being reserved by the New York Giants

John Montgomery Ward, who has not played or managed for the last two seasons, objects to being reserved by the New York Giants

ByThis Day in Baseball

1896 – Long before Marvin Miller and Curt Flood attacked the reserve clause, John Montgomery Ward, who has not played or managed for the last two seasons, objects to being reserved by the New York Giants. At the National League meeting in February, his appeal is upheld, and Ward becomes a free agent.

1896 – A Chicago jury acquits Colts outfielder Walt Wilmot of charges of violating the Sabbath law by playing Sunday baseball last year. Charges against other players are subsequently dropped, and the way is cleared for future Sunday ball in Chicago.

ByTom

1896 – A Chicago jury acquits Colts outfielder Walt Wilmot of charges of violating the Sabbath law by playing Sunday baseball last year. Charges against other players are subsequently dropped, and the way is cleared for future Sunday ball in Chicago.