1860 National, Washington DC

This rendering is based on written documentation for uniform style and color. No visual documentation is known and an artist’s conceptualization is used to create the rendering.

Rendering accuracy:

Year: documented    Team: documented

Visual documentation on this uniform:
None

Written documentation on this uniform:
September 11, 1860, National, Washington DC, v. Potomac, Washington DC, at Washington, Potomac Grounds, “situated south of the President’s House”: “The Nationals were dressed in deep blue pants and jackets and red belts, with jockey caps and chamois leather gaiters well clogged at the heel and ball; while the uniform of the Potomac consisted of a light gray dress of similar fashion in all respects.” From the Washington (DC) Evening Star, September 12, 1860. Research from Ed Morton. This report on the National uniform was also included by Peter Morris and others, Base Ball Pioneers, 1850-1870 (2012), referencing Wilhelmus B Bryan, A History Of The National Capitol From Its Foundation Through The Period Of The Adoption Of The Organic Act, 1790-1878 (1914).

Team genealogy:
 National, Washington DC, 1859-1870
National was formed in Washington, DC, in 1859. The club was noted for its tour of the “west” in 1867, visiting Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Chicago. National became inactive after the 1870 season. A team using the National name joined the National Association (NA) in 1872. The NA was the first baseball league, operating 1871-1875. The National name has been used by subsequent teams in Washington, including the Washington Nationals, which entered the National League in 2005. Information from Peter Morris, Base Ball Pioneers 1850-1870 (2012).