1884 Brooklyn (Brooklyns)

This rendering is based on partial written documentation for uniform color only. An artist’s conceptualization is used to create the rendering based on this and documentation of uniform style from a related year.

Rendering accuracy:Year: documented    Team: documented

Visual documentation on this uniform:
None

Written documentation on this uniform:
April 1884: “The [Brooklyn] club uniform this season will be gray shirts and pants and blue hat, belt and stockings. The polka-dot stockings will be discarded, because last year’s experience [in 1883] showed they would not last and were continually fraying.” From The Sporting Life, April 9, 1884. Research from Ed Morton. Note that while the Brooklyn team seemingly wore gray uniforms in 1884, there have been no reports found to date that call the team by the nickname of “Grays.”

May 5, 1884, Brooklyn v. Washington, at Brooklyn, Washington Park, home opener: “On the field were Brooklyn’s ‘boys in blue,’ and the bright red and white uniformed Washington corps of players. At 4 P.M. the umpire took up his position. Conterno hushed his band, and ‘play ball’ was the order of the hour.” From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, May 6, 1884. Research from Justin Mckinney.

May 5, 1884, Brooklyn v. Washington, at Brooklyn, Washington Park, home opener: “The home nine, in their new suits, looked particularly well.” From the Brooklyn Union, May 6, 1884.

Team genealogy: Brooklyn 1883-1957
Brooklyn was formed as a minor league team in 1883 and joined the American Association (AA) in 1884. The AA was a major league operating 1882-1891 and Brooklyn played in the AA between 1884 and 1889. Brooklyn moved to the National League (NL) for the 1890 season. The NL began operation in 1876. Brooklyn played in the NL between 1890 and 1957, when the team moved to Los Angeles. Information from wikipedia.com

1884 Brooklyn summary

Uniform: gray, blue stockings and cap
First worn: May 5, Brooklyn
Photographed:
Described: April
Material:
Manufacturer:
Supposition: cap style, shirt style, letter (appearance, style and color)
Variations:
Other items:
Home opener report: yes, May 5 v. Washington