1883 Columbus (Buckeyes)

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

Rendering accuracy:Year: documented    Team: documented

Visual documentation on these uniforms:
None

Written documentation on these uniforms:
April 1883: “The new Columbus team will wear a uniform of pearl gray with navy blue stockings.” From the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, March 27, 1883. Globe-Democrat research from Ed Morton. A similar report appeared in the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune, April 1, 1883. Tribune research from John Thorn.

April 1883: “The Columbus team will have two uniforms, both gray, with blue stockings, belts and caps. The uniform for championship games will be of a pearl gray, while the one for exhibition contests will be of dark gray.” From the New York Clipper, April 14, 1883.

April 1883: “Pearl gray is the color of Columbus.” From The Sporting Life, April 15, 1883.

April 1883: “[John] Valentine, pitcher of Columbus, sent all the way from Columbus to Mr. Reach [in Philadelphia] for his uniform, made to special measurement.” From The Sporting Life, April 22, 1883. Baseball-reference.com does not list a known height or weight for this player.

July 1883: “New [Columbus] uniforms are to be at once secured for the team.” From The Sporting Life, July 1, 1883.

August 1883: “The Columbus club must have plenty of money. They are certainly very nobby, for the uniform they wore is their third style they have displayed here [in Columbus v. Louisville].” From the Philadelphia Sunday Item, August 5, 1883, citing the Louisville Post. Research from Ed Morton. This entry was written from the perspective of a Louisville reporter. Columbus played at home against Louisville, August 3-7, 1883.

Team genealogy:
 Coming soon

1883 Columbus summary

Uniform: light gray, navy blue stockings
First worn:
Photographed:
Described: April, July
Material:
Manufacturer: Reach, Philadelphia
Supposition: cap style, shirt style, lace color
Variations: worn new uniforms in early July and after
Other items: dark gray uniform for exhibition games
Home opener report: no, May 1 v. Eclipse