1880 Worcester MA (Worcesters)

These renderings are based on partial documentation for uniform style and color. Important details may be undocumented or difficult to determine and an artist’s conceptualization is used to the complete renderings.

Rendering accuracy:

Year: documented    Team: documented

Visual documentation on these uniforms:

Dated 1880. Detail view at right. Date confirmed by players Knight, Wood, Bennett, Whitney and Sullivan in combination with players Creamer, Stovey and Corey. Clockwise from top center: L Knight (NA 79, NL 80), L Richmond (NA 79, NL 80-82), G Creamer (80-82), A Irwin (NA 79, NL 80-82), G Wood (NA 79, NL 80), F Corey (80-82), C Bennett (NA 79, NL 80), H Stovey (80-82), A Whitney (NA 79, NL 80), C Sullivan (NA 79, NL 80) and D Bushong (NA 79, NL 80-82). Center: (F Bancroft, mgr NA 79, NL 80). Years played for team from baseball-reference.com. Image from SABR, The National Pastime (Number 3, Spring 1984), collection of Lew Lipset.

Written documentation on these uniforms:
April 1880: “There will be no change in the uniform of any of the [National] League clubs this season, with the possible exception of the Troys adopting a red and white uniform, like the one worn by the Hartfords several years ago.” From the New York Clipper, April 3, 1880.

April 1880: “The Worcesters will practice in their old uniforms until May 1, when they will don a bran[d] new uniform of white flannel, with brown stockings and leather shoes.” From the Boston Globe, April 6, 1880.

April 1880: “The Worcesters will be uniformed this season [1880] in white flannel suits, with brown stockings and belts.” From the Buffalo Courier, April 9, 1880.

April 1880: “Chicago furnishes uniforms to all the [National] League clubs; also the League ball and President.” From the Chicago Tribune, April 11, 1880.

April 1880: “New uniforms are being made for the [Worcester] men, consisting of white flannel pants, shirts and Chicago cap trimmed with brown, brown stockings and custom-made leather shoes. The nine will don their new uniform for the first time in the opening game with the Troys, May 1.” From the New York Clipper, April 24, 1880. Research from Brian McKenna.

May 1, 1880, Worcester v. Troy, at Worcester, home opener: “The Worcesters appeared in a new drab uniform with brown trimmings.” From the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, May 3, 1880. This entry may suggest that Worcester wore their old uniforms at the home opener instead of their new white uniforms, see clipping from April 6 above. The Boston Globe on April 2, 1880, reported that there was “a cold wind blowing over the diamond” at the home opener in Worcester. This may have led Worcester to saving their white uniforms for a warmer day.

August 1880: “The Worcesters are to don a new uniform Saturday [August 14], those they have worn all season being unfit for use on the western trip. The new uniforms are to be gray, trimmed with brown, the cloth being like that which has proved so serviceable to the Providence team.” From the Buffalo Courier, August 8, 1880. Note, Worcester began their western trip with games in Cleveland August 10-16. Game dates from retrosheet.org.

August 7, 1880, Worcester v. Buffalo, at Worcester: “The Worcesters appeared in a new uniform of gray, with brown stockings.” From the New York Clipper, August 14, 1880. Research from Brian McKenna. This entry suggested the team wanted to preview their new gray uniforms at home before heading on their western trip.”

1880-1881, referenced in 2005: “Although history books often refer to them [Worcester] as the ‘Brown Stockings’ or ‘Ruby Legs,’ the name of the team was simply the ‘Worcesters.’ Bill Ballou of the Worcester Telegram researched all contemporary accounts of the team and has found no other reference. The term “Brown Stockings” apparently comes from the write-up of the team on opening day [in 1880], describing the white flannel uniforms.” From Alan Foulds, Boston’s Ballparks & Arenas (2005).

Team genealogy:
 Coming soon

1880 Worcester summary

Uniform: white, brown stockings
First worn: early May
Photographed: portraits from year
Described:
Material: flannel, leather shoes
Manufacturer: Spalding & Bro.
Supposition:
Variations: wore gray uniforms on May 1
Other items:
Home opener report: yes, May 1 v. Troy

Uniform: gray, brown stockings
First worn: August 7, Worcester
Photographed:
Described: August
Material:
Manufacturer:
Supposition: cap style, shirt style
Variations: