1881 Boston (Bostons, Red Stockings)

This rendering is based on partial 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:
None

Written documentation on this uniform:
April 1881: “Boston will wear the same colors as last season.” From the Boston Globe, April 24, 1881. Research from Chuck McGill.

May 2, 1881, Boston v. Providence at Providence, home opener: “The Red Stockings batted [Providence pitcher] Ward with considerable ease.” From the Boston Globe, May 3, 1881.

Team genealogy: Boston 1871-1952
Boston was formed to enter the National Association (NA) in 1871. The NA was baseball’s first league, operating 1871-1875. Boston played in the NA in every year of the league’s existence and moved to the National League (NL) upon its start in 1876. Boston played in the NL from 1876 to 1952 and moved to Milwaukee for the 1953 NL season. Information from Paul Batesel, Players And Teams of the National Association, 1871-1875, from baseball-reference.com and from wikipedia.com.

1881 Boston summary

Uniform: white, red stockings
First worn:
Photographed:
Described: April, May
Material:
Manufacturer:
Supposition: cap style, shirt style, lettering style
Variations:
Other items:
Home opener report: no, May 3 v. Providence