1872 Mutual, New York (Mutuals, Green Stockings)

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:
April 22, 1872, Mutual, New York, v. Baltimore, at Baltimore, opening day: “The Mutuals wore a white suit, green stockings and white caps. The Baltimore boys yellow pants and white shirts.” From the Baltimore Sun, April 23, 1872. Research from Ed Morton.

May 8, 1872, Mutual, New York, v. Boston, at Brooklyn, Union grounds: “The largest crowd of spectators ever seen on the Union grounds, Brooklyn , [witnessed] the first championship match of the season of 1872 between the Red Stockings nine, of Boston, and the Mutual ‘Green Stockings,’ of this city.” From the New York Clipper, May 18, 1872.

July 19, 1872, Mutual, New York, v. Baltimore, at Baltimore, Newington grounds, exhibition game: “A match game of baseball was played yesterday afternoon upon the Newington grounds between the Mutuals, of New York, and the Lord Baltimore Club of Baltimore, resulting in the latter club winning the game by the sore of 19 to 4. […] The Mutuals are a fine looking body of men and were dressed in white, including the cap, with green stockings.” From the Baltimore Sun, July 20, 1872. Research from Ed Morton.

August 26, 1872, Mutual, New York, v. Baltimore, at Brooklyn, Union grounds, headline: “Another Mutual Defeat — The ‘Green Stockings’ Vanquished by the Baltimores.” From the New York Times, August 27, 1872.

Team genealogy: Mutual, New York, 1857-1876
Mutual was formed in New York, NY, in 1857 and was named after the Mutual Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, New York. Mutual belonged to the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP), baseball’s first organization operating 1857-1870. Mutual played in the National Association (NA), competing in every year of league’s existence, 1871-1875, and joined the National League (NL) in 1876 for its inaugural season. The club was removed from the NL before the 1877 season and subsequently disbanded. Information from Peter Morris and others, Base Ball Founders (2013).