1884 Baltimore (Baltimores, Orioles)

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

This rendering is included in the book, BASEBALL THREADS.

Visual documentation on this uniform:

Photo A

Dated September 24, 1884. This caricature of J Sommer (84-90) was published in a newspaper on this date and showed the Baltimore player wearing a cap with vertical stripes. According the researcher Dan Linnenberg, this unsigned drawing was created by Cincinnati player John G. Reilly, who had many drawings published during this period. Image from the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette, September 24, 1884. Research from Dan Linnenberg.

Written documentation on this uniform:
March 1884: “The uniform of the Baltimores will be changed to maroon stockings, belts and hats, with white pants and shirts.” From The Sporting Life, February 27, 1884. Research from Ed Morton. This report was also from the Cincinnati Enquirer, March 2, 1884.

May 1, 1884, Baltimore (AA) v. Metropolitan, New York, at Baltimore, Oriole Park, home opener: “Never before was there so much interest displayed in a game of baseball in Baltimore as in that at Oriole Park yesterday afternoon [May 1].” From the Baltimore Sun, May 2, 1884. This entry included, as did many others, the name of the team’s ballpark as “Oriole Park,” however there were very instances in 1884 where the team was called the “Orioles.” In 1884, they were more often referred to as the “Baltimores” and the “Baltimore nine.”

August 19, 1984, Baltimore v. Virginia, Richmond, at Baltimore: “The Baltimore Orioles returned home yesterday [August 19] and easily won a game from the Virginia Club.” From the Baltimore Sun, August 20, 1884. A rare example of the Oriole nickname in use.

Team genealogy: Baltimore 1882-1899
Baltimore joined the American Association (AA) in 1882. The AA was a major league operating 1882-1891. Baltimore played in the AA from 1882 to 1889 and then joined the Atlantic Association, a minor league, for the 1890 season. The team rejoined the American Association in late 1890 when the Brooklyn AA team failed. Baltimore played in the American Association for the 1891 season and when the AA folded, Baltimore was added to the National League (NL) for the 1892 season. The NL began operation in 1876. Baltimore played in the NL from 1892 to 1899. After the 1899 season, Baltimore was dropped by the league and the team disbanded. Information from wikipedia.com.

1884 Baltimore summary

Uniform: white, red stockings and caps
First worn:
Photographed:
Described: March
Material:
Manufacturer:
Supposition: cap style, shirt style
Variations: may have worn caps with vertical stripes late in season
Other items:
Home opener report: no, May 1 v. New York