Chris Von Der Ahe Essentials Positions: Bats: Throws: Weight: Born: 10 7, 1851 in Hille, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany Died: 6 5 1913 in St. Louis, MO USA Debut: Last Game: Full Name: Christian Frederick Wilhelm Von Der Ahe
1889 – In the most controversial game in American Association history, the Browns walk off the field in Brooklyn while leading, 4 – 2, in the 9th inning. They claim it is too dark to play, but the lighted candles in front of their bench by owner Chris Von der Ahe make umpire Fred Goldsmith determined to finish the game no matter what. Several St. Louis players are hit with bottles as they leave the grounds.
1887 – Chris Von der Ahe completes his biggest deal, selling Bob Caruthers to Brooklyn for $8,250. The deal is delayed by Caruthers’s negotiations with Brooklyn, but he finally agrees to a $5,000 salary for 1888.
1886 – Having waited in vain for the $1,000 check from the Baltimore Orioles club, St. Louis Browns owner Chris Von der Ahe takes $1,000 from the Pittsburgh Alleghenys for the rights to Sam Barkley, ignoring the fact that the infielder has already signed with the Orioles.
October 8 – Chris von der Ahe takes control of the St. Louis Browns. The Browns join the soon to be formed American Association, become a dominant team and eventually join the National League and still exist today as the St. Louis Cardinals.