The 1879 baseball season was another important year in the development of the sport, with significant on-field performances and off-field changes that shaped the game’s future.
On the field, the Providence Grays emerged as the champions of the National League, finishing the season with a record of 59-25. Managed by George Wright, brother of Harry Wright, who had previously managed the Boston Red Caps to two consecutive championships, the Grays were led by star pitcher John Montgomery Ward. Ward, who was only 18 when he made his professional debut, would later become a significant figure in the early labor movement within baseball.
The 1879 season also saw the introduction of the reserve clause in players’ contracts, which allowed teams to “reserve” a certain number of players for the following season, effectively tying them to the team and preventing them from signing with another club. This had profound implications for the business of baseball and the rights of players, becoming a source of tension and controversy for many years to come.
One of the significant rule changes that came into effect in 1879 was the introduction of the called third strike, meaning that a batter could be called out on strikes by the umpire without swinging at the pitch. This was a critical shift in the balance between pitchers and hitters and marked a step toward the modern game.
Additionally, the 1879 season was notable for the performance of Charley Jones, an outfielder for the Boston Red Caps, who led the league in home runs with 9, a significant number in an era dominated by pitching. His offensive prowess made him one of the early stars of the game and contributed to a growing appreciation for power hitting.
Off the field, the National League began to consolidate its dominance over professional baseball. The rival International Association, though not considered a major league, folded after the 1879 season. This helped to solidify the National League’s status as the premier professional baseball organization, a position it would hold until the formation of the rival American League in 1901.
In summary, the 1879 baseball season was marked by important developments both on and off the field. The introduction of the reserve clause, the implementation of new rules like the called third strike, the consolidation of the National League’s supremacy, and outstanding individual performances all contributed to a dynamic and evolving period in baseball’s history. These changes continued to shape the sport, guiding it toward the modern game we recognize today.
Pitchers
Tommy Bond
Jim McCormick
Starting lineup
Deacon White
Charley Jones
Joe Start
Paul Hines
George Wright
Mike McGeary
Ed Williamson
John O’Rourke
Bench
Jim O’Rourke
John Clapp
King Kelly
Tom York
Hardy Richardson
Silver Flint