1880 Buffalo (Buffalos, Bisons)

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:
March 1880: “The Buffalos will wear a uniform similar to that used last season [1879]. Blue caps, however, may be substituted for the white ones, so as to correspond with the stockings and belt.” From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, March 14, 1880.

March 1880: “At a meeting of the Buffalo Directors yesterday afternoon, a contract for supplying the players with leather (instead of canvas) shoes was awarded to a Buffalo firm. It was decided to substitute blue caps for the white ones of last season [1879].“ From the Buffalo Commercial, March 23, 1880.

April 1880: “Chicago furnishes uniforms to all the [National] League clubs; also the League ball and President.” From the Chicago Tribune, April 11, 1880.

April 20, 1880, Buffalo v. picked nine, at Buffalo: “The Buffalos of 1880 made their first appearance yesterday. […] The Buffalos appeared in their new uniforms with blue stockings and caps. They were also compelled to resort to the use of jackets. The new caps are a slight improvement on the ill-shaped head pieces of last year [1879].” From the Buffalo Express, April 21, 1880.

May 1880: “The Cleveland Club will play the first of a series of three this afternoon with the Buffalos. […] McGunnigle and Rowe will pitch and catch for the Bisons.” From the Buffalo Courier, May 7, 1880. This report uses the Bisons nickname.

May 25, 1880, Buffalo v. Chicago, at Buffalo: “The uniform of the [Buffalo] nine, which were badly discolored from dust [from previous games played in Cincinnati], were donned, and at fifteen minutes to four they marched out, ready to battle with Anson and his crowd of large-limbed players from Chicago.” From the Cincinnati Enquirer, May 29, 1880, citing the Buffalo Express.

September 30, 1880, Buffalo v. Chicago at Chicago: “The Buffalos and Chicagos closed the championship season at Chicago yesterday afternoon [September 30]. The dark blues [i.e., Buffalo] come near winning another game from the champions.” From the Buffalo Morning Express, October 1, 1880.

1880, referenced in March 1881: “James O’Rourke of the Buffalo nine is in the city [Boston] making arrangements for the [1881] uniforms for his club. Last year [1880] it was white, this season it is likely to be dark gray.” From the Boston Globe, March 20, 1881.

Team genealogy: Buffalo 1879-1885
Buffalo joined the National League (NL) in 1879. The NL formed in 1876 and Buffalo played in the league from 1879 through the end of the 1885 season. Information from wikipedia.com.

1880 Buffalo summary

Uniform: white, dark blue cap and stockings
First worn: April 20, Buffalo
Photographed:
Described: March-May, September
Material: leather shoes
Manufacturer: Spalding & Bro.
Supposition: cap style, shirt style
Variations:
Other items: jacket
Home opener report: no, May 7 v. Cleveland