1888 New York (Giants, New Yorks)

Left: This rendering is based on visual documentation for uniform style and written documentation for color. Minor details may be undocumented or difficult to determine. An educated guess is made to complete the rendering.

Rendering accuracy:  Year: documented    Team: documented

Left center: This rendering is based on visual documentation for uniform style only. An educated guess is made on uniform color and on minor details that may be missing or difficult to determine.

Rendering accuracy:  Year: documented    Team: documented

Right center: This rendering is based on visual documentation for uniform style and written documentation for color. Minor details may be undocumented or difficult to determine. An educated guess is made to complete the rendering.

Rendering accuracy:  Year: documented    Team: documented

Right: This rendering is based on written documentation for uniform style and color. The written documentation closely matches visual documentation that may also be from this year, and that visual documentation is the basis for this rendering.

Rendering accuracy:  Year: documented    Team: documented

Visual documentation on these uniforms:

Photo A

Dated April 25, 1888. New York and Philadelphia at New York, Polo Grounds, opening day. Note that the New York team, at left, had eighteen players, while the Philadelphia team had eleven. New York wore white uniforms and caps in this photo with dark-colored collars and stockings. Color illustrations from this period depicted the collars and stockings as maroon in color. For player IDs, see illustration below. Game date from retrosheet.org. This image was published in The Sporting Times in 1888, Vol. II, No. 12.

Photo B

Dated April 27, 1888. This drawing was published in a newspaper on this day and was of the New York team posing for photograph in New York, Polo Grounds, at opening day, April 25. The drawing was based on the photo, see photo A. The uniform was depicted as having dark collars and stockings, and arched lettering across shirt. Note that the umpire, standing far left, wore a single leg guard, possibly borrowed from cricket, on his right leg. The newspaper headline, not shown, read, “Giants and Colts,” implying that the 1888 New York team consisted of both veteran and young players.

Top row, standing from left: (C Daniels, ump), W Brown (NL 87-89, PL 90), G Gore (NL 87-89, 91, PL 90), P Murphy (87-90), E Foster (AA 86, NL 88, 89), M Tiernan (87-99), E Crane (NL 88, 89, 92, 93, PL 90), L Titcomb (87-89), J Ward (83-89, 93, 94) and (J Mutrie, mgr NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-91). Front: R Connor (NY NL 83-89, 91, 93, 94, NY PL 90), M Slattery (NL 88, 89, PL 90), E Cleveland (NY 88, Pit 88), J O’Rourke (NY NL 85-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90), G Hatfield (NL 87-89, PL 90), B Ewing (NY NL 83-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90), B George (87, 88), D Richardson (NL 84-89, 91, PL 90) and M Welch (83-92). Image and player IDs from the New York Evening World, April 27, 1888. Years with team from baseball-reference.com. Image scan from Ken Samoil. Note that New York pitcher T Keefe (NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-89, 91, NY PL 90) was not included in this photo. The New York Evening World on April 26, 1888, said that “Tim Keefe did not play for the simple reason that he has not yet signed.” The following day, the Evening World reported that “Tim Keefe was out in uniform [before the game] taking a sweat. He would say nothing regarding his trouble with management except that he had not yet signed.”

Dated April 27, 1888. Detail view of photo B. Detail view showed the shirts maroon collars and the lettering across the shirts.

Photo C


Dated May 25, 1888 to June 15, 1888. Two versions of identical image likely made at the Polo Grounds, New York. Photo date determined by appearance of player Cleveland, who played for New York in 1888 only and was traded to Pittsburgh on June 16, 1888. Before this date, New York played at home April 25-May 3 and May 25-June 15. The players look comfortable, not cold, so I am guessing this photo was made during the second homestand. Players wore white uniforms with dark-colored collars, white caps and dark-colored stockings in this photo. Color illustrations from this period depict the accent color as maroon. Two players wore white caps with dark horizontal bands. One of these players, Brown in back row, also wore a shirt with a white collar instead of red. Player in front row, far left, Weidman, wore light-colored stockings. Player next to Weidman, George, wore pants with a thin trim on the pant seam. Most photo references show a thick trim on the pant seam when worn in combination with the maroon-collared shirt.

Top row, arching from far left: T Keefe (NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-89, 91, NY PL 90), P Murphy (87-90), R Connor (NY NL 83-89, 91, 93, 94, NY PL 90), (unidentified), B Ewing (NY NL 83-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90), W Brown (NL 87-89, PL 90), G Hatfield (NL 87-89, PL 90) and G Gore (NL 87-89, 91, PL 90). Front row, from far left: S Weidman (87, 88 2 games), B George (87, 88), E Crane, behind George (NL 88, 89, 92, 93, PL 90), L Titcomb (87-89), J Ward (83-89, 93, 94), E Foster (AA 86, NL 88, 89), (J Mutrie, mgr NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-91), D Richardson (NL 84-89, 91, PL 90), M Tiernan (87-99), J O’Rourke (NY NL 85-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90), M Welch (83-92), E Cleveland (NY 88, Pit 88) and M Slattery (NL 88, 89, PL 90). Player IDs from photo. Years with team and Cleveland trade info from baseball-reference.com. Original photo by Joseph Hall, Brooklyn.

Dated May 25, 1888 to June 15, 1888. Detail view of photo C. Detail view shows that the maroon collar of the shirt was divided by the shirt placket and did not connect at the neck. Detail view also shows that the cap had trim, most likely maroon, along the edge of the bill, and possibly around the entire bottom edge of the cap.

Photo D

Dated May 25, 1888 to June 15, 1888. This photo was taken at the same time as photo C. In this version, manager Mutrie was standing, not sitting. As with other printings from this photo session, the man in street clothes in the back row was unidentified.

Photo E

Dated May 25, 1888 to June 15, 1888. This photo was taken at the same time as photo C. In this version, Mutrie is seated however the photographer has moved his camera slightly to our right. Note the position of Ewing’s head, back row center, in relation to the grandstand support behind him.

Photo F

Dated June 19-22, 1888. New York at Boston, South End Grounds. Photo date range can be determined by appearance of player Whitney in photo. Whitney was traded to New York on June 16, 1888. After this date, the New York team played three series at Boston in 1888: June 19-22, August 2-4, and August 30-September 1. However, the team introduced new black uniforms in late July and newspaper reports from the August 2-4 series confirmed New York wore their “black worsted uniforms.” Based on this, the June 19-22 date can be suggested. Team wore the same maroon-collared uniform as shown in photos above.

Dated June 19-22, 1888. Detail view of photo F. Detail view shows thick trim on pant seam of player standing far right.

Photo G

Dated 1888. Promotional poster for Old Judge baseball cards. Full view at left, detail view of player T Keefe (NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-89, 91, NY PL 90) at right. Illustration of Keefe was based on Old Judge baseball card dated 1887 and colorized to reflect the 1888 uniform. Illustration shows maroon bands on cap, maroon collar, maroon lettering, and maroon red belt and stockings. Years Keefe with team from baseball-reference.com. Image from Jay Miller, Joe Gonsowski and Richard Masson, The Photographic Baseball Cards of Goodwin & Company, 1886-1890 (2008).

Photo H

Dated circa 1888. E & J Burke advertisement featuring Anson of Chicago, left, and Ewing of New York. Full view at left, detail view of Ewing (NY NL 83-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90) at right. The illustration shows the maroon-collared uniform.

Photo I

Dated circa 1888. Allen & Ginter baseball card of B Ewing (NY NL 83-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90). Card shows maroon-collared uniform.

Photos J & K

Dated circa 1888. Playing cards of R Connor (NY NL 83-89, 91, 93, 94, NY PL 90) and J Ward (83-89, 93, 94). Cards show maroon-collared uniform, thick maroon stripe on pant leg, and white cap with maroon horizontal bands.

Photo L

Dated April 1888 to June 1888. Old Judge baseball card of E Cleveland (NY 88, Pit 88). Full view at left, detail view at right. Photo date can be confirmed as Cleveland played for New York in 1888 only and was traded to Pittsburgh on June 16, 1888. Photo shows a white cap with colored bands and a white or light gray uniform with collars to match. This uniform may be the alternate to the maroon-collared uniform and possibly what the team wore on the road for the first half of the 1888 season. Year Cleveland with team and trade info from baseball-reference.com. Image from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Photo M

Dated April 1888 to June 1888. Old Judge baseball card of L Titcomb (87-89). Full view at left, detail view at right. Photo date can be confirmed as background matches that shown in the Cleveland photo above. Photo shows a lettering across chest. This uniform may be the alternate to the maroon-collared uniform. Years Titcomb with team from baseball-reference.com. Image from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Photo N

Dated April 1888 to June 1888. Old Judge cabinet card of M Slattery (NL 88, 89, PL 90). Full view at left, detail view at right. Photo date can be confirmed as background matches that shown in the Cleveland photo above. Photo shows sleeve cuffs with subtle pointed design, and thin trim on pant seam.This uniform may be the alternate to the maroon-collared uniform. Years Slattery with team from baseball-reference.com. Image from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Photo O

Dated April 1888 to June 1888. Photo date determined by appearance of player Cleveland, who played for New York in 1888 only and was traded to Pittsburgh on June 16, 1888. As the New York team carried up to 20 players on the roster in 1888, this photo may be one of a series showing different segments of the team. Players wore a light gray uniform in this photo, with a collar to match. Player standing at far right wore pants with thin trim on the pant seam.

Top row, from left: E Cleveland (NY 88, Pit 88), P Murphy (87-90), M Slattery (NL 88, 89, PL 90), G Gore (NL 87-89, 91, PL 90) and E Foster (88, 89). Middle: G Hatfield (NL 87-89, PL 90), (J Mutrie, mgr NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-91) and M Tiernan (87-99). Front, on ground L Titcomb (87-89) and E Crane (88, 89). Years with team and Cleveland trade info from baseball-reference.com. This image was also published in The Sporting Times in 1888, Vol. II, No. 5.

Dated April 1888 to June 1888. Detail view of photo O. Detail view show shirt lettering, placket and pocket for light gray uniform. Detail image scan from Mark Fimoff, SABR 19th-century Pictorial Committee.

Photos P & Q

Dated October 20, 1888. These drawings of, left, T Keefe (NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-89, 91, NY PL 90) and, right, B Ewing (NY NL 83-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90) were published in a newspaper on this date. Drawings were most likely based on photographs and show that players wore a tight-fitting black uniform, with black cap, white belt and black stockings. From newspaper accounts, this black uniform was first introduced in late July 1888 and was described as a “Nadjy”-style uniform. This term, borrowed from the world of theatre, came into the baseball parlance at this time as a way to describe a tight-fitting and dark-colored uniform. To learn more on the term Nadjy and its origins, see the July 1888 entries below in “written descriptions.” Image from Harper’s Weekly, October 20, 1888. Publish date from Ken Samoil. Both of these drawings were published again by Harper’s on April 30, 1890.

Dated October 1888. Detail view of photo Q. Detail view shows shirt was a tight-fitting pullover, with absence of shirt buttons or laces. Also note large white lettering across chest.

Photo R

Dated November 1888. Painting of B Ewing (NY NL 83-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90). Full view at left, detail view at right. Detail view shows player wore tight-fitting black pants and black stockings. This uniform appears to match that shown above. The black uniform was first introduced in late July 1888, see newspaper accounts below. Illustration was published in Harper’s Weekly, November 9, 1888. Publish date from Ken Samoil. Painting by Thure de Thulstrup (1848-1930), who signed the artwork in the lower right corner. According to wikipedia.com (retrieved July 4, 2025), Thulstrup “primarily illustrated historical military scenes” and was a contributor to Harper’s for “three decades.”

Photo S

Dated October 6-19, 1888. Photo year of 1888 can be confirmed by the appearance of player George in combination with players Slattery snd Whitney, as these men only played together for New York in 1888. Date range of October 6-19 determined by the schedule of team and the fact that the image was made by a Brooklyn photographer. The image was most likely made after the team captured the NL pennant, their first, on October 5. The grassy foreground suggests the image was made at a ballpark and with the painted “Polo Grounds” backdrop unfurled behind the men. We know the photo was made no earlier than August 28 as that was the first date New York wore their new tight-fitting cream knit uniforms, shown in this photo. The last regular season game was played in New York on October 13, and the Championship series against St. Louis began in New York on October 16. Game 4 of the series was played in Brooklyn at Washington Park on October 19. Based on this, I would guess the photo was made October 6-19.

The painted backdrop may also be the same used at the Star Theatre in New York on the night of October 14. The manager of the theatre had arranged a special celebration for the pennant-winners and their supporters, and where they were to be joined on stage, as one newspaper reported, by “their staunch admirers, Digby Bell and De Wolf Hopper.” Seems the duo had flipped back to supporting the Giants. The theatre program included songs, skits and a presentation.
The New York Press described the scene: “Hopper, Bell and Laura Joyce Bell sang, ‘The Answers in the Stars.’ When their verses ran out they produced a base ball. Mrs. Bell wrapped a bat on the floor after the fashion of an eager batsman. Digby Bell caught, with a bird cage for a mask, a washboard for a chest protector and boxing gloves. Hopper pitched.” The Giants and the audience found the skit “hilarious.” The Press noted further antics. “‘Here’s Johnny Ward slidin’ to second,’ yelled Hopper. He slid along his stomach, and jumped up with his black clothes white with dust. The audience was convulsed.” Hopper also hushed the crowd with another turn at “Casey.” Next the curtain was raised, revealing “an immense presentation of a grand stand and diamond at the Polo Grounds.” With the backdrop on display, the pennant was awarded to manager Mutrie and the Giants. Note that the Polo Grounds was demolished by city planners beginning in February 1889 and that the 1889 team played at a variety of New York sites until the second Polo Grounds opened July 8, 1889. This same backdrop was used again for a New York team photo in 1890.

Top row of four players, from left: D Richardson (NL 84-89, 91, PL 90), E Crane (NL 88, 89, 92, 93, PL 90), B George (87, 88) and G Hatfield (NL 87-89, PL 90). Middle row of five players and manager: M Slattery (NL 88, 89, PL 90), E Foster (AA 86, NL 88, 89), (J Mutrie, mgr NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-91), R Connor (NY NL 83-89, 91, 93, 94, NY PL 90), J O’Rourke (NY NL 85-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90) and G Gore (NL 87-89, 91, PL 90). Front row of ten players: L Titcomb (87-89), T Keefe (NY AA 83, 84, NY NL 85-89, 91, NY PL 90), A Whitney (NL 88, 89, PL 90), J Ward (83-89, 93, 94), M Welch (83-92), B Ewing (NY NL 83-89, 91, 92, NY PL 90), M Tiernan (87-99), P Murphy (87-90) and W Brown (NL 87-89, PL 90). Player IDs from image. Years with team and Whitney transaction info from baseball-reference.com. Original photo by Joseph Hall, Brooklyn.

Photo T

Dated late 1888 or early 1889, based on a photo from October 1888. Cigar advertisement in which the illustration was based on a team photo shown above with the Polo Grounds backdrop behind the players. Note that some of the players were in slightly different positions in this drawing when compared to the original photo. A drawing made from this pose of players was published in a newspaper on October 26, 1888. The cigar advertisement was created to promote New York’s 1888 championship in which the last game was played October 27, 1888. Drawing shows that players wore a tight-fitting white uniform with a pullover shirt, and white caps. This may be the cream-colored uniform mentioned in newspaper accounts from August 1888. Game date from wikipedia.com. Illustration based on an original photo by Joseph Hall, Brooklyn.

Dated late 1888 or early 1889, based on a photo from October 1888. Detail view of above photo. Detail view shows a cap with subtle horizontal bands. Detail view also appears to show a shirt with no lace ties or buttons.

Photo U

Dated October 1888. Two version of the identical photo. Photo year of 1888 can be confirmed by the appearance of player George in combination with players Slattery snd Whitney, as these men only played together for New York in 1888. A photo date of October 1888 can be suggested by the backdrop depicting the Polo Grounds. This backdrop was shown to a theatre audience on October 14, 1888, at the Star Theatre in New York, to honor the New York team on stage for winning the NL pennant, see written descriptions below. A photo date range of August 1888 or later can be determined by newspaper reports from this month that team was to wear new cream-colored tight-fitting uniforms with maroon belts and stockings. A photo date of August 1888 or later can be confirmed by appearance of player Whitney in photo who was traded to New York on June 16, 1888. The players in this photo were in different positions when compared to the above photos using the Polo Grounds backdrop and a pennant and flagstaff had been added to this image by a retoucher and was not part of the backdrop. Though there are many similarities between the two photos, note the different dress of manager Mutrie in each photo (wardrobe change?). Also note tha the pennant included the words ‘League Champions 1889’ to signify the team was recognized as champions for the 1889 season. Also note that this same backdrop was used for the 1888 Indianapolis team photo and that both team photos were made by Joseph Hall, Brooklyn. Also note that the Polo Grounds was demolished by city planners beginning in February 1889 and that the 1889 team played at a variety of New York sites until the second Polo Grounds opened July 8, 1889. This same backdrop was used again for a New York team photo in 1890.

Top row, from left: G Gore (NL 87-89, 91 PL 90), E Foster (AA 86, NL 88, 89 2 gms), M Slattery (NL 88, 89 12 gms, PL 90), B Ewing (NL 83-89, 91, 92, PL 90), W Brown (NL 87-89, PL 90), B George (NY 87-89, Col AA 89), G Hatfield (NL 87-89, PL 90), J O’Rourke (NL 85-89, 91, 92, PL 90), M Tiernan (87-99) and E Crane (NL 88, 89, 92, 93, PL 90). Front row: D Richardson (NL 84-89, 91, PL 90), L Titcomb (NY 87-89, Tor IL 89), R Connor (NL 83-89, 91, 93, 94, PL 90), M Welch (83-92), (J Mutrie mgr AA 83, 84, NL 85-91), A Whitney (NL 88, 89, PL 90), T Keefe (AA 83, 84, NL 85-89, 91, PL 90), P Murphy (87-90, 89 9 gms) and J Ward (83-89, 93, 94). Years with team from baseball-reference.com. Polo Grounds dates from wikipedia. Bottom image scan from Mark Fimoff, SABR 19th-century Pictorial Committee. Original photo by Joseph Hall, Brooklyn.

Dated October 1888. Detail view of above photo. Detail view shows uniform shirt with no lace ties or buttons.

Dated October 1888. Another detail view of above photo. Detail view shows 1889 date on pennant, signifying that the team was to be recognized as the reigning champion for the 1889 season.

Photos W, W & X

Dated circa 1888. S. F. Hess & Co. baseball cards of, from left, B Ewing (NL 83-89, 91, 92, PL 90), E Crane (NL 88, 89, 92, 93, PL 90) and B George (NY 87-89, Col AA 89). Issue date of 1888 from oldcardboard.com and vintagecardprices.com. Though the Hess cards were undated, the New York players shown in this series included player A Whitney (not shown here) who was traded to New York on June 16, 1888. An issue date of August 1888 to October 1888 is most likely. This date range is based on newspaper reports from August 1888 stating that the team had begun to wear new cream-colored tight-fitting uniforms. The shirt shown in the Hess cards had no buttons or lace ties and the letters in the city name were arched and openly spaced. These features matched the tight-fitting uniforms shown in team photos from late 1888, see above. Years with team from baseball-reference.com. Image scans from vintagecardprices.com.

Photos Y & Z

Dated August 1888 to mid-May 1889. Cabinet cards of L Titcomb (NY 87-89, Tor IL 89), left, and M Welch (83-92), right. Photo date range of Titcomb image beginning in August 1888 based on newspaper reports from that month that team was to wear new cream-colored tight-fitting uniforms. Photo date range ending mid-May 1889 determined by fact that Titcomb was release from team on May 15, 1889. These portraits of New York players in oval frames were used on baseball cards produced by Hess & Co. that are believed to have been issued in 1888. Similarity in studio lighting and background may suggest same date range for Welch card, as well as other New York players from this photo series featuring oval frames. Uniforms worn by Titcomb and Welch appear to have no lace ties or buttons, matching team photos from late 1888. Years with team from baseball-reference.com. Titcomb release date from the New York Press, May 17, 1889. Original photos by Joseph Hall, Brooklyn NY.

Photo AA

Dated August 1888 to mid-May 1889. Cabinet card of J O’Rourke ( NL 85-89, 91, 92, PL 90). Full view at left, detail view at right. Photo date range may be suggested by similarity to the Titcomb card, see above. These portraits of New York players in oval frames were used on the Hess & Co. baseball cards, believed to have been issued in 1888. Uniform appears to match that shown in above photos. Note the odd formation of the letter ‘k’ in ‘New York” on the shirt suggesting hand-cut letter forms. Detail view shows a white or cream-colored cap with subtle horizontal bands and colored trim, probably maroon, along the edge of the bill and around the bottom of the body. Years O’Rourke with team from baseball-reference.com. Original photo by Joseph Hall, Brooklyn NY.

Photo AB

Dated August 1888 to early 1889. Cabinet card of R Connor (NL 83-89, 91, 93, 94, PL 90). Full view at left, detail view at right. This portrait was one of many of New York players with oval frames that were used on the Hess & Co. baseball cards, believed to have been issued in 1888. Uniform appears to match that shown in photos above. Detail view shows a shirt with no buttons or lace ties. Note odd formation of letter “k” on city name suggesting hand-cut letter forms. The studio lighting on Connor was different than that shown in other oval framed portraits, possibly suggesting some of the team portraits from this series were not made during the same session. Years Connor with team from baseball-reference.com. Original photo by Joseph Hall, Brooklyn NY.

Photo AC

Dated October 1888. World Championship Series score card, New York (NL) v. St. Louis (AA). Full view at left, detail view at right. Championship series was played between October 16 and October 25, 1888. Printed score card included the year “1889” as both teams, having won their respective leagues in 1888, would be recognized as league champion throughout the following 1889 season. Detail view depicts New York players with horizontal bands around a white cap and white pin-striped shirts and collars. No supporting evidence has been found to suggest the New York team wore pin-striped uniforms for this series. Series dates from wikipedia.

Photo AD

Dated 1888, photo likely from 1887. Old Judge baseball card of B Ewing (NL 83-89, 91, 92, PL 90). Though both the photo and card frame were dated 1888, it is likely this photo was from 1887. This determination is based on the uniform Ewing wore and similarities to his Old Judge cards from 1887. Years Ewing with team from baseball-reference.com.

Photo AE

Dated 1888, likely based on uniforms from 1887. Cut-out paper figures representing the New York NL team (detail view) for Base Ball Game, a board game by McLoughlin Bros. Figures were depicted wearing a white cap with a star on top, red shirt, white pants, a dark belt, and red stockings. This may be a depiction of the 1887 New York uniform, minus the stripes. Figures were produced by McLoughlin Bros., New York, copyright 1888, and with the title, “Amusement for Boys to Cut Out.”

Photos AF, AG & AH

Dated May 6, 1888. These drawing were published in a newspaper on this day and were depictions of the New York-Boston series played in New York at the Polo Grounds, April 30 to May 3. From left, “Titcomb pitching,” “Ewing and Kelly at third base,” and “Richardson jumping to catch a fly.” These drawing were likely the creation of the artist and not drawn from photographs. The New York uniform was depicted having a pillbox-style cap and dark stockings, however the drawings included few other details about the outfit. Drawings from the Philadelphia Times, May 6, 1888, which stated that New York-Boston “games were exciting throughout and there was much fine play on both sides, resulting in many striking situations, several of which The Times artists have characteristically depicted.” It is unclear if the artist represented the New York Times, or the Philadelphia Times.

Photos AI & AJ

Left, dated October 25, 1888, New York players Keefe and Ewing. Right, dated October 26, 1888, St. Louis players Comiskey and Latham. These drawing were published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on these days in reports of the world championship games played in St. Louis October 24-27, 1888.

Photo AK

Dated October 26, 1888. These three drawings were published in a newspaper on this date and were loosely based on the Joseph Hall team photo taken with the Polo Grounds backdrop behind the players, see above. These drawings help to date that team photo. Image from the Lebanon (PA) Daily News, October 26, 1888.

Written documentation on these uniforms:
March 1888: “The New York colts wear a snuff brown uniform with maroon trimmings.” From the Pittsburgh Press, March 27, 1888, page 5.

April 25, 1888, New York v. Philadelphia, at New York, Polo grounds, home opener: “The new white uniforms of the team, with maroon trimmings, looked decidedly neat.” From the New York Herald, April 26, 1888, page 3.

April 25, 1888, New York v. Philadelphia, at New York, Polo grounds, home opener: “The Giants started out from their club-house at the west end of the field, their new white uniforms gleaming in the sunlight. […] The uniforms of white flannel and maroon trimmings, with stockings of the same color, where universally admired. […] Just before the game was called Manager Mutrie got his men up in the line and had them photographed, with their rivals, in front of the stand, while the crowd guyed [i.e., ridiculed] them in a friendly way.” From the New York Evening World, April 25, 1888, Page 1

April 25, 1888, New York v. Philadelphia, at New York: “The New York and Philadelphia players were photographed in a group before yesterday’s game.” From the Philadelphia Record, April 26, 1888. Research from Ed Morton.

May 1888: “John Ward, president of the Brotherhood, telegraphed [the Philadelphia NL team] that members of the Brotherhood would wear crape for a period of 30 days.” From the Baltimore American, May 1, 1888. Research from Ed Morton. Philadelphia player Charlie Ferguson died April 29, 1888, at age 25 from typhoid fever contracted while at spring training.

June 8, 1888, New York v. Chicago, at New York: 13,314 saw the first Chicago game of the season at New York. The White Stockings marched from the clubhouse in their full dress coats, then came the Giants in their regular uniforms but also wearing linen dusters and high white hats in a burlesque of the Chicago costumes.” From Preston D. Orem, Baseball 1882-1891 From The Newspaper Accounts (1966, 1967, reprinted by SABR in 2021), pg. 362.

1888, New York v. Indianapolis at Indianapolis: “The Indianapolis Sentinel said: ‘The Giants do not travel on good luck but muscle. […] Their uniforms bear evidence of several hard campaigns. It would be a pleasant innovation to see them in clean garb.’” From Preston D. Orem, Baseball 1882-1891 From The Newspaper Accounts (1966, 1967, reprinted by SABR in 2021), pg. 363.

July 1888: “Next week [the New York team] will blaze forth in a uniform that Jim Mutrie says will knock the town silly. It will consist of black jersey shirts and knee pants. […] The words ‘New York’ will appear on the shirt in white letters. A black cap and belt will complete the rig. The suit has already been christened ‘The Nadjy’ uniform.” From the Philadelphia Times, July 22, 1888. Research from Peter Reitan. This black, tight-fitting uniform was ground-breaking and introduced the term Nadjy into the baseball parlance. Over 40 years later the New York Sun on June 7, 1930 remembered that “the uniforms worn in that year [of 1888] were of an unusual knitted black material, modeled after the costume worn by one of principals in the operetta ‘Nadjy’, then playing at the Casino.” Researcher Bill Grindler adds: “Nadjy refers to an operetta of the same name which opened at the Casio Theater on Broadway on May 14, 1888. (It seems the Giants of these years are often tied into the theater scene.) In this operetta, the title character of ‘Nadjy’ appears in at least one scene in an all-black ballerina costume including a hat.” Researcher Peter Reitan notes that “while the score and libretto were roundly criticized, the exposed legs in black tights received rave reviews.” Reitan has found that on the day after the premiere, the New York Evening World reported that “the gem of the opera is undoubtedly the dance at the end of the second act, which alone would make ‘Nadjy’ worth seeing. Miss [Marie] Jansen appeared in a short black net ballet dress, with pretty black silk stockings – if you will pardon me – and sweet little black boots. First she bent one dimpled elbow to touch her head, and then the other. At that moment one black-clad foot threw the gauzy blackness of her dress in clouds around her, just as she had brought the other from a similar pursuit to repose. At last, casting measured steps to the winds, she broke into a wildly vivacious dance, carrying all before her, seemingly inspiring the coryphées [dance troupe] beside her to do likewise, and bringing down the curtain with a storm of applause.” In referencing Rudolph Aronson’s Theatrical and Musical Memoirs (1913), wikipedia.com stated that “Jansen [1857-1914] created for the American stage the title role in Nadjy, adapted […] from the Francis Chassaigne operetta, Les noces improvises [or, Improvised Weddings]. Jansen performed the role after only five days rehearsal [and] went on to have a run of 256 performances.” The all-black Nadjy uniform in baseball was adopted by many teams for the following season of 1889. One of which was the recently disbanded Metropolitan baseball team of New York. The Philadelphia Record reported on March 9, 1889, that the unassigned players from the team agreed to play exhibition games during the 1889 season, and for their uniforms the team would “wear black ballet costumes, similar to that worn by Miss Fannie Rice in ‘Nadjy.’” For those keeping score, Rice (1859-1936) had replaced Jansen in the stage production in January 1889. Record research from Ed Morton.

July 28, 1888, New York v. Philadelphia, at New York, Polo Grounds: “The New York Club created a sensation today by appearing on the Polo Grounds in stunning suits of coal-black, tight-fitting Jersey trunks and shirts, over which the words New York were worked in heavy white letters. Black caps, white belts, with silver buckles, and black stockings complete the outfit.” From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, July 29, 1888. This same report was published in the Washington Post, July 29, 1888. Washington Post research from Tom Shieber.

July 28, 1888, New York v. Philadelphia, at New York, Polo Grounds: “At 3:40 o’clock a dozen black bodies, with two broad white lines across them, made their appearance in the direction of the New York club house. This was the New Yorks’ team making its appearance for the first time in its new uniform. The cold, black, tight-fitting uniforms with white belts, and the words ‘New Yorks’ across the breast, were very striking. The lettering on the breast is a little too large, but, altogether, the change is a delightful one, and much credit is due to Tim Keefe, whose idea the new uniform is.” From the New York Sun, July 29, 1888. Research from Don Stokes and Graig Kreindler.

July 28, 1888, New York v. Philadelphia, at New York, Polo Grounds: “The Giants wore new uniforms, and not of the conventional baseball cut which insists upon loose shirts, baggy knee-breeches and gaudy-colored long stockings. When Capt. Ewing and eleven others of New York’s coming champions came out from their club-house the spectators didn’t exactly know what the order of the afternoon was to be. Some thought the Cuban Giants had struck town, but when the array drew near, and the Giants were recognized, a shout went up from the great crowd. The boys wore the costumes mentioned some time ago as like unto ‘nadgy.’ They are black […] none of the boys wore those light and airy things termed shirts, and the black woolen jerseys were cut modestly high in the neck and are topped by broad rolling collars. ‘New York’ is worked in large white letters across the chest. Black jersey trunks and stockings, together with black caps and white belts fastened by large silver buttons, complete a costume as striking as it is handsome.” From the New York Evening World, July 28, 1888.

July 1888: “Pitcher Keefe, in suggesting the new uniform of black Jersey material with white belts and trimmings, deserves to be congratulated. The suit is the neatest worn here this season.” From the New York Evening Telegram, July 30, 1888.

July 1888 or after, Chicago v. New York, at New York, Polo Grounds: “On another visit to New York, the White Stockings poked fun at the Giants’ garb […] all-black, tight-fitting outfits for the 1888 season. The Chicagos wore their traditional white flannel uniform, accessorized with black silk ties, silk caps, and formal swallow-tailed coats with white boutonnieres. The next day, the Giants showed they could take the ribbing by adding white linen dusters and white top hats to their uniforms for their grand entrance.” From Bryan Di Salvatore, A Clever Base-Ballist: The Life and Times of John Montgomery Ward (1999), pg. 22, and from Mike Roer.

August 2, 1888, New York v. Boston, at Boston, South End grounds: “The Giants appeared on the grounds looking swell in their black worsted uniforms, which fit them as smoothly as a glove.” From the Boston Globe, August 3, 1888, page 5. The Globe headline read, “Boston Drops a Game to the Black Giants.”

August 2, 1888, New York v. Boston, at Boston, South End grounds: “The new uniform of the New Yorks is very much admired by Boston people.” From the New York Sun, August 3, 1888.

August 4, 1888, New York v. Boston, at Boston, South End grounds: “The New Yorks in their Harlequin suits of black and white jersey played better ball than our boys did in their gray traveling suits.” From the Boston Globe, April 5, 1888, page 4.

August 4, 1888, New York v. Boston, at Boston, South End grounds: “The New York players were afraid to don their new uniforms last Saturday [August 4, 1888]. Black suits and a big crowd they regarded as Jonahs. But the victory was a triumph over superstition.” From The Sporting Life, August 8, 1888.

August 1888: “The New York’s new uniforms make them look much taller than the old loose ones […] and all the men look somewhat bowlegged.” From the Topeka (KS) Daily Capital, August 9, 1888. Research from Don Stokes and Graig Kreindler.

August 1888: “Jim Mutrie is overflowing with happiness and has promised the Giants another new uniform. This time it will be of white belts, caps and hose and maroon letters on shirt. The exact date of the appearance of the new rig is not given, but it will probably be worn during the Detroit series.” From the Philadelphia Times, August 12, 1888.

August 1888: “Manager Mutrie has again indulged in new uniforms for the Giants. This time it is something aesthetic. They are to be of cream-white, tight-fitting knit goods, with maroon belts and stockings, and maroon-striped caps. The name of the club in maroon letters adorns the shirt front. The time for their appearance in the new rig is kept a state secret.” From the New York Evening World, August 8, 1888, page 1, citing the New York World, and also from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, August 12, 1888, page 9.

August 1888: “The New Yorks are to have another new uniform. This time it will be cream white, tight fitting knit goods, with maroon belt and stockings and maroon striped cap. The name ‘New York,’ in maroon letters, will adorn the breast of the shirt. The date on which the team will appear in its new uniform has not as yet been stated. There is no doubt but that the new suits will be more attractive than the present ones, and at the same time give more satisfaction to everybody than do the present funeral looking uniforms the men wear.” From the New York Clipper, August 18, 1888.

August 1888: “The Giants’ mascot ran away recently, taking Titcomb’s shoes and leaving a bill of $21 at an adjacent lunch counter.” From the Chicago Tribune, August 22, 1888, page 6. Not uniform related, but interesting nonetheless. By September, the Giants decided to than take a new approach, the Chicago Tribune reported on September 12, 1888, that “New York’s mascot is a skye terrier belonging to [third baseman] Arthur Whitney.”

August 1888: “The New-Yorks will wear their new uniforms tomorrow [August 27]. They will consist of white tight-fitting jersey shirts and knickerbockers, maroon stockings and trimmings, with the words ‘New-York’ across the breast of the shirts in raised letters.” From the New York Times, August 26, 1888, page 6.

August 1888: “Maroon is the color no base ball player likes. Some of the greatest failures were scored by teams who wore the maroon. St. Louis is a terrible example, while Louisville adopted the fatal color this season. There will be a little maroon about the Giants’ new uniform, and superstitious cranks are already wisely shaking their heads. They predict tumble.” From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, August 27, 1888, page 8.

August 27, 1888, New York v. Boston, at New York: “The New Yorks were afraid that their new uniforms would get wet, and do not wear them yesterday [August 27].” From the New York Herald, August 28, 1888, page 3.

August 28, 1888, New York v. Boston, at New York: “The New Yorks appeared on the field in their new uniform. It is similar to the uniform which they opened the season with, but […] it is tight fitting and without the maroon collar that marked the old one.” From the New York Herald, August 29, 1888, page 3.

August 28, 1888, New York v. Boston, at New York: “[Outfielder] Slattery looked really fat in his new uniform.” From the New York Evening World, August 29, 1888, page 1. A tad harsh, don’t you think?

August 28, 1888, New York v. Boston, at New York: “The New Yorks made their appearance in their new uniforms, consisting of white, tight-fitting Jersey shirts, knickers and pants, maroon belts and stockings, with the club’s name done in heavy maroon letters.” From the St. Paul Globe, August 29, 1888. This article had the headline: “Jonahed by new uniforms–Giants receive a calcimining at the hands of the Beaneaters.”

August 1888: “The Giants have nice uniforms, even if they do not win the pennant. Their white uniforms are very neat.” From the New York Evening Telegram, August 29, 1888.

August 1888: “Those new white uniforms of the New Yorks must be hoo-doos.” From The Sporting Life, August 29, 1888.

September 13, 1888, New York v. Chicago, at Chicago: “Having tried their best pitchers and failed, the New Yorks, or rather ‘Buck’ Ewing, hit upon a new scheme to beat their hated adversaries, the Chicago’s. […] Every player was requested to wear one black and one maroon stocking, white jersey shirt, black knickerbockers and caps. All did as ordered except Ward, who wore black stockings. Whitney, Ward, Welch, and Ewing had on white caps, while Tiernan, Slattery, Richardson, O’Rourke, and Connor wore black. In these rigs the would-be pennant winners entered the grounds, yelling like a band of Comanches.” From the Chicago Tribune, September 14, 1888.

September 13, 1888, New York v. Chicago, at Chicago: “The giants wore one black and one maroon stocking for luck yesterday but it did them no good.” From the Little Falls (NY) Evening Times, September 15, 1888. Game date from retrosheet.org.

September 13, 1888, New York v. Chicago, at Chicago: “The New Yorks were beaten again, although they did their best to win. They even went so far as to wear a maroon stocking on one leg and a black stocking on the other leg. They wore white belts and black belts, and caps that must have belonged to a dozen uniforms. All this was done to destroy the baleful influence of some unknown hoodoo. But it was no avail.” From The Sporting Life, September 19, 1888. Research from Chuck McGill.

September 14, 1888, New York v. Chicago, at Chicago: “The New Yorkers reversed their stockings in Thursday’s game [September 13 in Chicago]. They made this change to destroy the baleful influence of some hoodoo which has been following them since their last game in Indianapolis. The change had no effect. Chicago won as usual, and cut a big slice off the percentage of the leaders. The changing of the stockings proving to no avail, the New Yorkers adopted more vigorous measures today [September 14]. They made radical changes in their uniforms. Whitney and Connor dressed themselves in white, while Slattery wore black knickerbockers, a white shirt, and a black cap. Richardson wore a black shirt and white knickerbockers, while Keefe was arrayed in deep black. Nearly every member of the visiting team wore a different uniform. Everything was done to break the spell of the past four days. The results the result of the game shows that they were successful in destroying the hoodoo.” From the New York Sun, September 15, 1888, page 3.

October 1888: “We are indebted to Joseph Hall, of 111 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, for excellent photographs of the New York team. Mr. Hall has photographed all the leading professional players and teams.” From the New York Clipper, October 13, 1888.

October 1888: “[October 14] was a great night for the New York Base Ball Club, [the] proceeds of the benefit gotten up for them by Manager Burnham of the Star Theatre and their staunch admirers, Digby Bell and De Wolf Hopper. […] Hopper, Bell and Laura Joyce Bell sang, ‘The Answers in the Stars.’ When their verses ran out they produced a base ball. Mrs. Bell wrapped a bat on the floor after the fashion of an eager batsman. Digby Bell caught, with a bird cage for a mask, a washboard for a chest protector and boxing gloves. Hopper pitched. Bell missed the third strike and his wife caught up her skirt and scampered about the stage. The audience was hilarious. ‘Here’s Johnny Ward slidin’ to second,’ yelled Hopper. He slid along his stomach, and jumped up with his black clothes white with dust. The audience was convulsed. Then came the presentation of the pennant. The ordinary [backdrop] scene was raised, disclosing an immense presentation of a grand stand and diamond at the Polo Grounds. On a little table were the Hall and Dauvray champion cups. To an inspiring march and amid loud cheers the New Yorks marched out by twos, headed by Manager Jim Mutrie and Buck Ewing. Mutrie looked almost transported. It was the proudest moment of his life. His smile reached away back to his ears. They were all there but pitcher Tim Keefe. Sickness in his family at Boston kept him away. Congressman Cummings then made the presentation speech. At the end he handed the pennant to Manager Mutrie. It is a plain blue banner. The inscription is ‘Champions 1889. N. Y. B. C.’” From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 17, 1888, citing the New York Press. The stage backdrop mentioned in this report was likely the same shown behind the team photo from this year, see above.

October 16, 1888, New York v. St. Louis (AA), at New York, Polo grounds, championship series: “The Browns appeared in new suits of white flannel, with red trimmings and brown stockings. The Giants wore their tight-fitting black knit suits, with white trimmings.” From the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, October 17, 1888, page 8, citing a special dispatch.

October 1888: “As cold weather set in, the Giants played in two uniforms, looking like jolly fat men.” From Preston D. Orem, Baseball 1882-1891 From The Newspaper Accounts (1966, 1967, reprinted by SABR in 2021), pg. 367.

1888: “From the St. Louis Republican—The [American] association clubs should follow the example of the [National] league and have uniforms made to fit the players. The trim appearance of the ‘Giants’ was highly commended when they played here. The Browns, Brooklyn and Cincinnati are the only teams whose uniforms approach a fit. Baltimore and Louisville played in bathing suits that would fit anybody.” From the Buffalo Courier, December 30, 1888.

1888: “Cincinnati [of the American Association] thought base running must be weaker in the [National] League as New York and Chicago still wore skin-tight uniforms, now abandoned by the Reds. A player could not slide in them without leaving big patches of cuticle around the lot.” From Preston D. Orem, Baseball 1882-1891 From The Newspaper Accounts (1966, 1967, reprinted by SABR in 2021), pg. 352.

1888, New York v. Indianapolis at Indianapolis: “The Indianapolis Sentinel said: ‘The Giants do not travel on good luck but muscle. […] Their uniforms bear evidence of several hard campaigns. It would be a pleasant innovation to see them in clean garb.’” From Preston D. Orem, Baseball 1882-1891 From The Newspaper Accounts (1966, 1967, reprinted by SABR in 2021), pg. 363. New York played at Indianapolis twice during the second half of the season, July 11-13, 1888, and September 10-12, 1888.

1888, referenced in 1889: “The famous ‘Nadjy’ uniform of the [1888] New York team were, of course, our product. These Jersey Suits, which up to date, have been solely manufactured by us, are the only ones of that material which we believe will last.” From a Spalding Brothers ad printed in The Sporting Life, March 27, 1889.

1888, referenced in 1889: “The Cincinnati Enquirer remarks maroon has hoodooed every base-ball team that included it in its make-up. New York wore the maroon season after season and never won the championship until it dropped the color and selected black Nadjys.” From the Topeka (KS) State Journal, June 22, 1889. Research from Chuck McGill.

1888 New York uniform summary

Uniform: white, red shirt collar and stockings
First worn:
Photographed: team photo from April 25, team photo from before mid-June, team photo from mid-June in Boston, illustrated portraits
Described:
Material:
Manufacturer:
Supposition:
Variations: wore memorial band in May
Other items: wore white swallowtail coats and white top hats, had brown practice uniform
Home opener report:

Uniform: light gray, white cap with red bands, red stockings
First worn:
Photographed: team photo and portraits from before mid-June
Described:
Material:
Manufacturer:
Supposition:
Variations:

Uniform: black, with black stockings
First worn: July 28, New York
Photographed: illustrated portraits from October and November
Described: July, October
Material: knit
Manufacturer: design of Tim Keefe
Supposition:
Variations: wore mix of uniforms in Chicago, September 13

Uniform: cream, red stockings
First worn: August 28, New York
Photographed: team photos and portraits from October or earlier
Described: August
Material: knit
Manufacturer:
Supposition:
Variations:

Team genealogy:
 New York 1883-1957
New York was formed to join the National League (NL) in 1883, with many of its players coming from a disbanded NL team in Troy, NY. The NL began operation in 1876 and this New York team played in the NL from 1883 to 1957. The team moved to San Francisco after the 1957 season. Information from wikipedia.