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

ByTom

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.

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A National Association contest between the Cleveland Forest Citys and Fort Wayne Kekiongas is officially the first Major League game ever played. Fort Wayne is the winner, 2 – 0, behind a four-hit shutout by pitcher Bobby Mathews. Al Pratt is the losing pitcher. Cleveland’s catcher, Deacon White, is 3 for 4, including the first hit (a double) and also is the first to hit into a double play. Bill Lennon becomes the first catcher to throw a runner out trying to steal second base. In the 127 games during the 1871 season, there are a total of four shutouts.

ByThis Day in Baseball

A National Association contest between the Cleveland Forest Citys and Fort Wayne Kekiongas is officially the first Major League game ever played. Fort Wayne is the winner, 2 – 0, behind a four-hit shutout by pitcher Bobby Mathews. Al Pratt is the losing pitcher. Cleveland’s catcher, Deacon White, is 3 for 4, including the first hit (a double) and also is the first to hit into a double play. Bill Lennon becomes the first catcher to throw a runner out trying to steal second base. In the 127 games during the 1871 season, there are a total of four shutouts.