THE 1878 MILWAUKEE GRAYS

June 1, 1878 at Providence
Grays lose to Providence, 14-7
Season record: 5-9-1

There is no Milwaukee Daily News editions available for a bit, but the June 8 edition does have this note:

In its comments on last Monday’s game, the Providence Press says: “Golden’s delivery was difficult to hit, and, but for his numerous wild balls, would have been the worst man that Providence had to face this season. Holbert, Goodman, Foley and Peters did some brilliant fielding.” In the seventh inning of the game, says the Press, Creamer was the last man at the bat. He struck a high foul, which Allison ran for and caught close to the fence, but the momentum acquired drove him against the board with terrible force, knocking him almost senseless. He was taken to the players’ room, where it was found that he had a bad cut near the eye and had lamed his arm. He was plucky and wanted to play the game out, but Murnan [sic] was placed in his sted. Brown went behind the bat and Murnan played first. Captain Peters demurred at the umpire’s decision of Creamer being out, claiming that Allison did not hold the ball long enough, and gave notice that he would finish the game under protest.

Notable
- Allison was Doug Allison, who played in 19 games in 1878 and just one in 1879 – so this injury probably sidelined him for most of the season, if not his career.
- Allison was a member of baseball’s first professional team – the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings. According to Wikipedia, Allison is the earliest known player to use a glove (1870) – ok, they were buckskin mittens.
- He also played in the National Association, the precursor to the National League, every season of its existence. He played for the Washington Olympics (1871), Troy Haymakers (1872), Brooklyn Eckfords (1872), Elizabeth Resolutes (1873), New York Mutuals (1873-74) and Hartford Dark Blues (1875). He stayed with the Dark Blues in the National League (1876-77) before moving to Providence (1878-79). He also played one game for the Baltimore Orioles of the American Association (a major league) in 1883.
- Allison also served in the Civil War, although there is some discrepancy on whether or not he ever saw any combat.
- Murnan was actually Tim Murnane, who would later become an umpire, baseball executive and a sportswriter for the Boston Globe (from 1890-1917). Murnane was the first player signed by Providence after its entry into the National League for the 1878 season. When Murnane died, the Red Sox held a fund-raiser for his family, which included various contests and a game (Babe Ruth pitched) and raised $10,000 for Murnane’s widow. Click here to see a picture of the all-star team which was played. Pictured Back row (left to right) Hughie Jennings, Walter Johnson, Stuffy McInnis, Steve O'Neill, Joe Jackson, Ray Chapman, Ty Cobb, Buck Weaver, Willie O'Connor (batboy). Bottom row (left to right) Howard Ehmke, Rabbit Maranville, Connie Mack (Mgr., standing in civilian suit), Wally Schang, Tris Speaker, Urban Shocker, Tom Faftery (in civilian suit).