1897 Norfolk (Norfolks)

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

Visual documentation on this uniform:

Photo A

Dated 1897. Cabinet photo of G Nie (Nor 97, Par TL 97), full view at left, detail view at right. Photo year confirmed as this was the only year Nie played for Norfolk. Player wore a light gray uniform in this photo with the city name arched across the shirt. Detail view showed the lettering, lace ties and placket stitching. Detail view also showed that the shirt had a pocket. Newspaper reports said the Norfolk uniform was gray with blue accents. Player ID from photo frame. Year Nie with team from baseball-reference.com. Image scan from Robert Edward Auctions. Original photo by Benjamin S. Campbell, Norfolk.

Photo B

Dated 1897. Cabinet photo of J Wentz (96-98), full view at left, detail view at right. Photo year may be suggested by similarities to the Nie cabinet card, see photo A. Player wore a light gray uniform in this photo with the city name arched across the shirt. Detail view showed the cap with two horizontal bands. Newspaper reports said the Norfolk uniform was gray with blue accents. Player ID from photo frame. Years Wentz with team from baseball-reference.com. Image scan from Robert Edward Auctions. Original photo by Benjamin S. Campbell, Norfolk.

Written documentation on this uniform:
March 1897: “Norfolk will open its season on the 28th, inst., at Washington, with an athletic club of that place. They will play exhibition games with the Senators, Orioles, Phillies and Boston. Their uniforms are gray and blue.” From the Lancaster (PA) New Era, March 6, 1897. Research from Ed Morton.

March 1897: “The selection of a uniform for the locals has been made. […] This is the way its been made up: gray shirt with the letters ‘Norfolk’ in blue on the front; gray trousers, trimmed with blue; blue stockings and belt, and cap of gray trimmed with blue. Instead of the sweater the Norfolk jacket will be substituted, which will be of a gray material, with the lapels of the pockets trimmed with blue. […] The uniforms have been finished and will be worn in the practice games in Baltimore and Washington.” From The Sporting Life, March 20, 1897. Research from Ed Morton, and also from Chuck McGill.

Team genealogy: Coming soon