Cincinnati Outlaw Reds

Win-Loss Record: 69-36 (.657)

Ballpark: Bank Street Grounds (April 17-October 15, 1884)

Team History

The Cincinnati Outlaw Reds who played in the Union Association during its only season, in 1884, were also known as the Unions. They were owned by former Cincinnati Red Stockings' owner Justus Thorner. The Outlaw Reds played their home games at the Bank Street Grounds, which was the former home of the Red Stockings between 1880 and 1883. Outfielder Dan O'Leary managed the team through 35 games, posting a 20-15 record. He was replaced by second baseman Sam Crane who finished out the season with a 49-21 record. The Outlaw Reds finished the season in 3rd place with an overall record of 69-36. Their American Association rivals, the Red Stockings, finished the season with a 68-41-3 record. Outfielder/Pitcher Dick Burns lead the team with a .306 BA, 4 homers; a record 23-15 with a 2.46 ERA and threw the first no-hitter for a Cincinnati ball club. Jim McCormick led the team with a 1.54 ERA, and George Bradley posted a 25-15 record and a 2.71 ERA.

A Sporting Life article from July of 1884 reports that "On Monday when the New York team reached this city (Philadelphia) it was found that the uniform trunk had not been checked and the players were forced to go borrowing for suits. The Philadelphias’-' change uniforms were unattainable, being in the wash, so a raid was made on the Cincinnati Union Club's wardrobe and all but Richardson and Connor found tolerably good fits in their olive-colored suits. A white Philadelphia suit was found for Richardson and Connor came out in a mixed uniform."

Following the season, the Outlaw Reds attempted to join the National League. At the time the Detroit Wolverines were not doing well, and the Wolverines' owners considered dropping out. However, at the last minute, they changed their minds and decided not to do so. Interestingly, the Wolverines had replaced the second Cincinnati Red Stockings team in the NL back in late 1880.

Sources

• Peter Filichia: Green Cathedrals: The Ultimate Celebrations of All 273 Major League and Negro League Ballparks Past and Present, Addison Wesley Publishing Company (March 1993)
• Andrew Shinkle Proto Pete Rose and the Outlaw Reds, Nov 16, 2013, 8:00am EST, Red Reporter