1869 Atlantic, Brooklyn (Atlantics)

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

Visual documentation on this uniform:
None

Written documentation on this uniform:
April 1869: “The Atlantics will not have a general opening, as expected, on the 19th. A new uniform is being made for the ex-champions, of the same material and pattern as last season [1868].” From the New York Clipper, April 17, 1869.

May 14, 1869, Atlantic, Brooklyn, v. Princeton, at Brooklyn, Capitoline grounds: “The Atlantic appeared in their new uniform, gray pants, white shirt and gray caps, and it is a decided improvement on their previous uniforms.” From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, May 15, 1869.

May 14, 1869, Atlantic, Brooklyn, v. Princeton, at Brooklyn, Capitoline grounds: “The Atlantics appeared in striking contrast to the visiting club, as they appeared in their new and handsome uniform, while the others were dressed in various styles.” From the Brooklyn Daily Times/em>, May 15, 1869, page 2.

May 14, 1869, Atlantic, Brooklyn, v. Princeton, at Brooklyn, Capitoline grounds: “The Atlantics appeared in their new uniform, were out in full, and were full of confidence. The Collegians were dressed in all colors, scarcely two alike, and presented a motley appearance.” From the New York Tribune, May 15, 1869, page 4. Research from Bob Tholkes.

1869, referenced March 4, 1889: “After four magnificent victories in New York, [Cincinnati] became known as the ‘Red Stockings,’ from the knickerbocker style of leggings used by them. […] It became evident however, that the new style was the best, and one by one the clubs adapted it, the Atlantics and Stars being the only clubs to stick to the old style.” From the Boston Globe, March 4, 1889, page 3.

Team genealogy: Atlantic, Brooklyn, 1854-1875
Atlantic was formed in Brooklyn, NY, in late 1854. The club was one of 16 charter members of the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP), baseball’s first organization, operating 1857-1870. The club initially chose not to enter the National Association (NA), baseball’s first professional league, operating 1871-1875. However, Atlantic did join the NA in 1872 and played in the league until 1875, when they disbanded. The success and popularity of the club during the 1860s led to the frequent use of the Atlantic name by other clubs. Information from Craig B. Waff, William Ryczek, Peter Morris and others, Base Ball Founders (2013).