1875 Philadelphia (Philadelphias, Phillies)

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 1875: “The ugly [Philadelphia] uniform of last season will be supplanted by a new combination; the ungainly hat will be replaced by a natty little gray cap, the pearl-colored hose give way to wine-colored ones; the gray breeches will be retained, trimmed with wine-colored cords; while the double-breasted shirts a la Boston and Athletic, will be adopted, with the word ‘Phila’ across the front in wine-colored letters.” From the Chicago Tribune, April 11, 1875. Research from Ed Morton.

April 21, 1875, Philadelphia v. Centennial, Philadelphia, at Centennial Park, Philadelphia: “The uniforms of the two nines were criticized. […] The Philadelphias’ was rather heavier in color and effect [than Centennial], but is a most decided improvement over the plain, unsightly garb of their past seasons.” From the Philadelphia Times, April 22, 1875. Research from Ed Morton.

April 21, 1875, Philadelphia v. Centennial, Philadelphia, at Centennial Park, Philadelphia: “Both teams appeared in new and neat uniforms; that of the Philadelphias being gray pants, white flannel shirts and dark red stockings.” From the New York Clipper, May 1, 1875.

May 20, 1875, Philadelphia v. Boston, at Philadelphia: “The ‘Fillies’ got in six runs in their second inning.” From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, May 21, 1875. An early example of the Phillies nickname.

July 1875: Philadelphia v. Xantha, Pittsburgh at Union Park, Pittsburgh: “The Philadelphians’ suits are the prettiest of any club that has been here [at Pittsburgh] this season. White shirts with sailor-collars, dark lavender knee-breeches, and solferino stockings, and a cap to match their breeches.” From the Pittsburgh Leader, July 2, 1875. Research from Andy Terrick. Note that “solferino” is a dark purplish red color. Color info from wikipedia.

Team genealogy:
 Philadelphia 1873-1875
Philadelphia was formed to join the National Association (NA) in 1873. The NA was baseball’s first league, operating 1871-1875. To differentiate from Athletic of Philadelphia, the new team was know as the White Stockings. When Chicago rejoined the NA in 1874, the Philadelphia club gave up the White Stocking name and was instead called the Pearls, for the new color of their stockings. Philadelphia played in the NA from 1873 to 1875 but were not included in the National League at its formation in 1876. The team subsequently disbanded. Information from Paul Batesel, Players and Teams of the National Association, 1871-1875 (2012).