To help the players pick up the ball as it leaves the pitcher’s hand, baseball decrees all big league parks must have a center field wall which is green and blank. The safety measure will become known as the batter’s eye.

1914 – The National Commission grants some demands of the Players’ union: players are to be notified in writing of their transfer or release and to receive a copy of their contract; players with 10 years in the Major Leagues are eligible to become free agents; clubs will pay traveling expenses to spring training and furnish all uniforms, and outfield fences in major league ballparks should be painted green to provide a better hitting background for batters.

1885 – Millionaire Henry Lucas purchases the Cleveland Blues and plans to fill the vacancy in the National League with his own St. Louis Maroons.