A baseball team is posing for a photograph. There are four men standing, five men sitting, and two men are laying on the ground.
The 1879 Cleveland Blues baseball team

The Cleveland Blues were a professional baseball franchise that operated in the National League (NL), a "major" league, from 1879 until 1884.[1] They were organized by businessmen William Hollinger, and J. Ford Evans in 1878 as the Forest Citys, and played a season as an independent team.[2][3] The NL expanded from six teams to eight before the 1879 season, and the Forest Citys accepted an invitation to join the league.[2] Evans became their president and stayed in that capacity until C. H. Bulkeley assumed the role in 1882.[4][5] In their six seasons in the NL, the team never finished higher than third place in the standings.[1] They played their home games in League Park.[1][6]

For their first season in the NL, the franchise (now named the Blues due to their dark blue uniforms) employed Jim McCormick as the manager as well as the ace of their pitching staff.[1][7] Cleveland did not fare well, winning just 27 games against 55 losses, with a league-low .223 batting average.[1][2] The 1880 season was better, however, as the team increased its win total to 47 against 37 losses and a tie,[1] McCormick winning a league-leading 45 of those victories.[8] Over the next two seasons, the team changed the on-field leadership often; employing Mike McGeary and John Clapp as player-managers in 1881, and Fred Dunlap in 1882. The changes did not prove effective as the team was unable to finish higher than fifth place during that span.[1] The team had their best record and highest win total in 1883 under manager Frank Bancroft.[1] On September 13, 1883, Hugh Daily threw the franchise's lone no-hitter.[9]

An upstart baseball league was created in 1884 by Henry Lucas called the Union Association (UA). Several member of the Blues' signed contracts with teams in the UA despite being subject to the reserve clause: including star players McCormick, Dunlap, and Jack Glasscock.[7] These moves caused the Blues to become financially unstable. However, the franchise was able to secure a deal with the league for a better share of gate receipts.[10] This deal was not enough for the franchise to profit, and Bulkeley sold the team to Lucas for $2,500 ($68,700 current dollar adjustment) following the conclusion of the 1884 season.[10]

Players

A baseball player is shown standing in his baseball uniform and gear used for a catcher.
Doc Bushong was the Blues' starting catcher in 1883 and 1884.
A baseball player is shown standing in his baseball uniform, leaning on the end of a baseball bat.
John Clapp was the player-manager of the 1883 Blues.
A man in a suit with a mutton-chop mustache.
Hugh Daily pitched the only no-hitter in franchise history.
A baseball player is shown standing in his uniform, holding a baseball with his arm stretched out across his upper body.
Fred Dunlap was the player-manager of the 1882 Blues.
A baseball player is shown in his uniform, from chest up.
Jack Glasscock played in each of the Blues' seasons.
A baseball player is shown standing in his uniform, leaning on the end of a baseball bat.
Hall of Fame manager Ned Hanlon began his playing career with the 1880 team.
A baseball player is shown on his right profile, standing in his uniform.
Jim McCormick was the franchise's all-time leader in pitching wins with 174, and was the team's player-manager from 1879 to 1880.
A man in a baseball uniform is crouched slightly with his hands on his knees.
Bill Phillips was the franchise's all-time leader in most batting categories.
A man in a baseball uniform has his arm out in front of body attempting to catch a baseball.
Orator Shafer was the franchise's starting right fielder for three seasons.
A man standing in his baseball uniform.
Tom York led the league in most games played by a left fielder in 1883.
Key to symbols in player table
§
 Player was a player-manager
†
 Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Players who have played for the Cleveland Blues, primary position played, and season(s) played for franchise
Player Position(s) Season(s) Notes Ref
Jack Allen Third baseman 1879 Allen played in 16 games for the Blues after having been released by the Syracuse Stars in June. This was his only season at the major league level. [11]
Joe Ardner Second baseman 1884 Playing behind Germany Smith, Ardner had just a .174 batting average in 26 games played. [12]
George Bradley Utility player / Pitcher 1881–1883 Once a star pitcher in the mid-to-late 1870s, Bradley played various positions in the field and only occasionally as a relief pitcher. In June 1883, he was sold to the Philadelphia Athletics. [13]
Fatty Briody Catcher 1882–1884 Briody was the Blues' starting catcher in 1882, then became their back-up when Doc Bushong assumed the role. [14]
Cal Broughton Catcher 1883 Beginning his major league career with the Blues, he had a .200 batting average in four games. He finished the season with the Baltimore Orioles. [15]
Ernie Burch Left fielder 1884 Burch began his major league career with the Blues in 1884, playing 32 games. Two seasons later, he became the Brooklyn Grays' every-day left fielder. [16]
Doc Bushong Catcher 1883–1884 In his two seasons with the Blues, Bushong was their starting catcher. [17]
Charlie Cady Right fielder / Pitcher 1883 Cady played in three games for the Blues, two as their right fielder and one as a pitcher. He collected no hits in 11 at bats, and was credited with the loss in his only pitching appearance. [18]
Tom Carey Shortstop 1879 In Carey's final major league season, he had a .239 batting average as the team's starting shortstop. [19]
John Clapp§ Catcher 1883 He was the player-manager of the 1883 Blues team, his only season with the franchise. [20]
Bill Crowley Right fielder 1883 Crowley came to the team late in the 1883 season and he had a .293 batting average in 11 games played. [21]
Hugh Daily Pitcher 1883 In Daily's only season with the Blues, he had a 23–19 win–loss record and a 2.42 earned run average. On September 13, he pitched the only no-hitter in the franchise's history. [9][22]
Herm Doscher Third baseman 1881–1882 He played his final two seasons at the major league level with the Blues as their back-up third baseman. He later became an umpire, and his son, Jack Doscher, also played in the majors. [23]
Fred Dunlap§ Second baseman 1880–1883 Dunlap played the first four of his twelve seasons in the majors with the Blues, and was their player-manager in 1882. He led the league in doubles in 1880. As a fielder he twice led the league in assists and double plays. [24]
John Dwyer Utility player 1882 Dwyer played in just one major league game. He collect no hits in three at bats. [25]
Charlie Eden Right fielder 1879 In Eden's only season with the team, he led the league in doubles and in games played by a right fielder. [26]
Dude Esterbrook Left fielder 1882 Esterbrook had a .246 batting average in 45 games playing mainly in left field. [27]
Jake Evans Right fielder 1883–1884 Evans played two seasons as the Blues' regular right fielder, and in 1884, he led the league's outfielders with .917 fielding percentage. [28]
George Fisher Second baseman 1884 In six games for the Blues, he had a .125 batting average. [29]
Gid Gardner Pitcher 1880 Although he played mostly as an outfielder during his career, he pitched in nine games for the Blues in 1880, and had a 1–8 win–loss record and a 2.57 earned run average. [30]
Barney Gilligan Catcher / Left fielder 1879–1880 In his two seasons with the Blues, Gilligan had batting averages of .171 and .172, while playing mostly catcher his first season, and in left field during his second. [31]
Pit Gilman Left fielder 1884 In 10 major-league at bats, Gilman had just one hit for a .100 batting average. [32]
Jack Glasscock Second baseman 1879–1884 Played in each season of the Blues' existence. He played different infield positions in 1879 until settling in as their starting second baseman from 1880 until joining the Cincinnati Outlaw Reds of the Union Association during the 1884 season. Led the league in several fielding categories, including fielding percentage twice. [33]
Fred Gunkle Catcher 1884 Gunkle played one game at the major league level, and did not have a hit in three at bats. [34]
Al Hall Left fielder 1880 In his second, and last, season in the major leagues, Hall played in three games, and had a .125 batting average. [35]
Frank Hankinson Third baseman 1880 Hankinson played mainly as the team's third baseman, but played sparingly in the outfield and as pitcher. [36]
Ned Hanlon† Left fielder 1880 In the first season of his Hall of Fame career, Hanlon was the Blues' starting left fielder and had a .246 batting average in 73 games played. [37]
John Harkins Pitcher / Outfielder 1884 In his first season at the major league level, Harkins led the league in pitching losses, hits allowed and wild pitches. [38]
John Henry Pitcher / Outfielder 1884 Henry played in nine games for the Blues; he had a 1–4 win–loss record in five games started, and had a .154 batting average in 26 at bats. [39]
Sonny Hoffman Catcher 1879 Hoffman's entire career consisted of two games, and he had no hits in six at bats. [40]
Pete Hotaling Center fielder 1883–1884 As the team's starting center fielder, Hotaling led the league with 100 games played in 1883. [41]
Lem Hunter Right fielder / Pitcher 1883 Hunter played in one major league game. [42]
John Kelly Catcher 1879, 1882 Kelly played in one game for the 1879 team, then later reappeared with the Blues for the 1882 season. [43]
Rudy Kemmler Catcher 1881 Kemmler played in one game for the Blues. [44]
Doc Kennedy Catcher 1879–1882 Kennedy was the team's starting catcher in both 1879 and 1880. He became Fatty Briody's back-up in 1881. [45]
Jim McCormick§ Pitcher 1879–1884 McCormick was the franchise's all-time leader in most pitching statistical categories. Of his 265 career pitching wins, 174 of them were with the Blues. Twice he led the league in pitching wins; 45 in 1880 and 36 in 1882. He was the team's player-manager in both 1879 and 1880, as well as a short stint in 1882. [8][46]
Mike McGeary Third baseman 1881 In 11 games for the Blues, McGeary had a .220 batting average in 41 at bats. [47]
Bill McGunnigle Center fielder 1882 McGunnigle played in one game for the Blues in 1882; the final game of his playing career. [48]
Bobby Mitchell Pitcher 1879 In the last full season of his career, Mitchell pitched in 23 games and had a 7–15 win–loss record. [49]
Sam Moffet Pitcher 1884 In Moffet's first, and only, full season at the major league level, he had a 3–19 win–loss record in 24 games pitched. [50]
Jerry Moore Catcher 1884 Moore played in nine games for the Blues in 1884 before finishing the season with Altoona Mountain City of the Union Association. [51]
Mike Moynahan Left fielder 1881, 1884 Moynahan had a .230 batting average in 33 games played for the 1881 Blues, then later returned to the team in 1884 for 12 more. [52]
Mike Muldoon Third baseman 1882–1884 In 1882, Muldoon split his playing time between third base and the outfield, then settled in as the team's starting third baseman for the 1883 and 1884 seasons. [53]
Willie Murphy Left fielder 1884 Murphy played in one major league season, and in 46 games for the Blues, he had a .226 batting average. [54]
The Only Nolan Pitcher / Utility player 1881 Nolan's 1881 season with the Blues was the second, and last, full season at the major league level. He had an 8–14 win–loss record in 24 games pitched. When he wasn't pitching, he played at various other fielding positions. [55]
Bill Phillips First baseman 1879–1884 Phillips played in each season of the Blues' existence, and he is their all-time leader in most batting statistical categories. [46][56]
George Pinkney Infielder 1884 Pinkney had a .313 batting average during his lone season with the Blues. [57]
Phil Powers Catcher 1881 Powers played in five games for the Blues, and had one hit in 15 at bats. [58]
Blondie Purcell Outfielder 1881 Purcell played in 20 games for the Blues before finishing the season with the Buffalo Bisons. [59]
Jack Remsen Center fielder 1881 Remsen played in 48 games as the Blues' center fielder and had a .176 batting average. [60]
John Richmond Center fielder 1882 Richmond played in 41 games as the Blues' center fielder and had a .171 batting average. [61]
Billy Riley Left fielder 1879 Riley's appearance with the 1879 team was his only experience at the major league level. [62]
Dave Rowe Center fielder 1882 Playing mainly in center field, Rowe played in 24 games for the Blues, and had a .258 batting average. [63]
Will Sawyer Pitcher 1883 In his only season at the major league level, Sawyer had a 4–10 win–loss record in 17 games pitched. [64]
Orator Shafer Right fielder 1880–1882 Shafer played three full seasons for the Blues as their starting right fielder. In two of those seasons, he led the league's right fielders in games played. [65]
Bill Smith Left fielder 1884 At the age of 19, Smith played in just one game for the Blues. [66]
Germany Smith Infielder 1884 In his first major league season, Smith split his playing time between second base and shortstop. [67]
Pop Smith Third baseman 1881 Smith played in 10 games for the Blues, and he had a .118 batting average. [68]
Len Stockwell Outfielder 1879 Over a two-game span, Stockwell went hitless in six at bats. [69]
George Strief Center fielder / Infielder 1879, 1884 In 1879, Strief played in 71 games for the Blues, mainly in center field. He returned to the team in 1884, and played in eight more. [70]
Billy Taylor Left fielder 1881 Although he became a starting pitcher later in his career, Taylor played all 23 of his games with the Blues as a left fielder. [71]
John Tilley Left fielder 1882 In his one season with the Blues, Tilley collected just five hits in 56 at bats for a .089 batting average. [72]
Fred Warner Third baseman / Outfielder 1879 In 76 games for the Blues, Warner had a .244 batting average. [73]
Harry Wheeler Left fielder 1880 Wheeler played in one game for the Blues before finishing the season with the Cincinnati Reds. [74]
Guerdon Whiteley Outfielder 1884 In eight games for the Blues, Whiteley had a .147 batting average. [75]
Julius Willigrod Center fielder 1882 Nine of Willigrod's 10 career games were with the Blues. He had a .154 career batting average. [76]
Tom York Left fielder 1883 During York's one season with the Blues, he led the league in bases on balls and games played by a left fielder. [77]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Cleveland Blues (1879–1884)". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c Purdy, p. 98
  3. ^ Egan, p. 88
  4. ^ "Forest City Baseball Club – The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History". ech.case.edu. Case Western Reserve University. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  5. ^ Spink, p. 289
  6. ^ "League Park I in Cleveland, OH". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
  7. ^ a b Purdy, p. 99
  8. ^ a b "Jim McCormick". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  9. ^ a b "No Hitters Chronologically". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
  10. ^ a b Purdy, p. 100
  11. ^ "Jack Allen". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  12. ^ "Joe Ardner". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  13. ^ "George Bradley". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  14. ^ "Fatty Briody". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  15. ^ "Cal Broughton". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  16. ^ "Ernie Burch". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  17. ^ "Doc Bushong". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  18. ^ "Charlie Cady". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  19. ^ "Tom Carey". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  20. ^ "John Clapp". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  21. ^ "Bill Crowley". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  22. ^ "Hugh Daily". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  23. ^ "Herm Doscher". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  24. ^ "Fred Dunlap". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  25. ^ "John Dwyer". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  26. ^ "Charlie Eden". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  27. ^ "Dude Esterbrook". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  28. ^ "Jake Evans". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  29. ^ "George Fisher". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  30. ^ "Gid Gardner". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  31. ^ "Barney Gilligan". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  32. ^ "Pit Gilman". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  33. ^ "Jack Glasscock". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  34. ^ "Fred Gunkle". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  35. ^ "Al Hall". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  36. ^ "Frank Hankinson". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  37. ^ "Ned Hanlon". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
  38. ^ "John Harkins". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  39. ^ "John Henry". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  40. ^ "Sonny Hoffman". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  41. ^ "Pete Hotaling". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  42. ^ "Lem Hunter". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  43. ^ "John Kelly". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  44. ^ "Rudy Kemmler". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  45. ^ "Doc Kennedy". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  46. ^ a b "Cleveland Blues Career Leaders". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  47. ^ "Mike McGeary". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  48. ^ "Bill McGunnigle". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  49. ^ "Bobby Mitchell". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  50. ^ "Sam Moffet". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  51. ^ "Jerry Moore". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  52. ^ "Mike Moynahan". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  53. ^ "Mike Muldoon". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  54. ^ "Willie Murphy". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  55. ^ "The Only Nolan". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  56. ^ "Bill Phillips". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  57. ^ "George Pinkney". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  58. ^ "Phil Powers". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  59. ^ "Blondie Purcell". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  60. ^ "Jack Remsen". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  61. ^ "John Richmond". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  62. ^ "Billy Riley". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  63. ^ "Dave Rowe". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  64. ^ "Will Sawyer". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  65. ^ "Orator Shafer". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  66. ^ "Bill Smith". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  67. ^ "Germany Smith". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  68. ^ "Pop Smith". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  69. ^ "Len Stockwell". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  70. ^ "George Strief". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  71. ^ "Billy Taylor". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  72. ^ "John Tilley". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  73. ^ "Fred Warner". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  74. ^ "Harry Wheeler". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  75. ^ "Guerdon Whiteley". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  76. ^ "Julius Willigrod". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  77. ^ "Tom York". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved May 8, 2012.

Bibliography

External links

Major League Baseball all-time rosters
Cleveland Blues
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