The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: An Overview

Here's the complete list of the top twenty games in 19th century St. Louis baseball history with links to the individual posts:

1. May 6, 1875: Brown Stockings vs. White Stockings

2. July 9, 1860: Cyclones vs. Morning Stars

3. October 23, 1886: Browns vs. White Stockings

4. August 24, 1877: Brown Stockings vs. White Stockings

5. September 15, 1866: Empires vs. Excelsiors of Chicago

6. July 19, 1874: Empires vs. Reds

7. September 25, 1865: Empires vs. Freeport

8. July 10, 1867: Unions vs. Empires

9. July 4, 1865: Empires vs. Freeport

10. May 4, 1875: Brown Stockings vs. Red Stockings

11. July 22, 1867: Union Club vs. Washington Nationals

12. October 17, 1874: Empire Club vs. Chicago White Stockings

13. May 6, 1884: St. Louis Browns vs. Toledo Blue Stockings

14. August 17, 1876: St. Louis Reds vs. Cass Base Ball Club of Detroit

15. August 22, 1861: Empire Club vs. Empire Club

16. July 15, 1876: St. Louis Brown Stockings vs. Hartford Dark Blues

17. April 2, 1882: St. Louis Brown Stockings vs. Standard Base Ball Club of St. Louis

18. April 25, 1876: St. Louis Brown Stockings vs. Cincinnati Reds

19. October 15, 1885: St. Louis Browns vs. Chicago White Stockings

20. April 15, 1899: St. Louis Perfectos vs. Cleveland Spiders

The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: # 1

Yeah Here Come The Rooster Yeah

1. May 6, 1875: Brown Stockings vs. White Stockings

Time was when Chicago had an excellent base ball club, the best in the West, but that was before St. Louis decided to make an appearance on the diamond field and there, as everywhere else, attest the supremacy of the Western city with the greatest population, the most flourishing trade, the biggest bridge and the prettiest women.  For the first time St. Louis has sent her nine men into the field and has pitted them against the club of her rival. There was a sharp and determined struggle, and the result is indicated in the score which appears below.

The Chicago nine, under one of the best and most experienced managers in the country, failed to score a single run.  The game was, for them, but a succession of depressing failures; for their opponents, a signal and remarkable victory.  Very rarely indeed have two professional clubs met with such an astonishing result.  That the Chicago men can play a better game there is no doubt; that the St. Louisans can do more is equally certain.  The latter have reason to be satisfied, however.  Chicago has ordered a thousand bales of sackcloth and seven hundred hogsheads of ashes.

The weather was all that a ball-tosser could ask for - the late rains making the turf bright and soft.  The Chicagos arrived early in the morning and took up quarters at the Southern, where they were called upon by a number of their friends.  Those not possessing such strolled through the city sight-seeing.  Towards two o'clock both armies were put in motion, dinner dispatched, uniforms inspected and repairs made where wanted.  The visitors donned their field-dress at their hotel and were conveyed to the ground in the gilded band-wagon drawn by four horses, the Browns repairing to the field of battle in squads of two and three, and changing their dress on the ground.  Towards four o'clock the spacious stands and pavillion were packed to repletion with an eager, anxious throng, all despondently hoping the Browns might win, but giving it up as an utter impossibility.  There were fully 8,000 persons in the enclosure, and 1,500 to 2,000 outside.

At five minutes of 4 o'clock the toss was made for choice of innings, which Capt. Pearce of the home club won and sent his opponents to the bat.  Mr. Adam Wirth of the Empires had been mutually selected as umpire, and filled the unpleasant position to the satisfaction of both parties.  Promptly at 4 o'clock he called play.

The Game.  

Higham, the stalwart picture of a Roman gladiator, toed the home plate amid an almost breathless silence and called for a high ball.  Getting one to suit him he drove it safely over short and took first base, the general impression being that it was but the beginning of a series of similar ones.  Miller let a ball bound out of his hand, and threw wild to second to catch Dick there, but only gave him an additional base.  A man on third and no one out, it looked very much like a run.  Hastings, the next striker, hit to Hague; Higham, with very poor judgment, attempted to run home; "Martha," apparently surprised at his temerity or impudence, hesitated a moment, then threw viciously to Miller and Red put the ball on him like a shot.  Warren followed with a hot one to Hague who passed it safely to Battin, and Hastings was thus forced out at second.  Warren then attempted to steal second but learned to his cost that Miller could throw, as the ball was there waiting for him.  Chicago took her first blank, and the people who had thought the Brown Stockings had no show began to pick up courage.

Cuthbert shouldered the "stick" for his side, and eyed the "charmer" carefully; they had often met before and it was "diamond cut diamond."  Ned could only get a little one to the left of Zet but sharp running saved him.  Capt. Dick, the next striker, tried hard for a fair foul, but the umpire refused to allow a very neat one, and he finally tipped out.  Pike was looked to for a three-baser, but went out on strikes, Zettlin tricking Lip nicely on the third one by pitching a good ball as soon as he received it from the catcher and before Pike was ready.  Chapman however came to the rescue by a magnificent drive over Hines' head at left field and Cuthy trotted over the home plate amid only half-hearted applause, while Chapman streamed onward to third.  Hague did not fail for by a splendid liner over second he sent Chap home and earned first for himself.  Brad spread himself for a hard one but only popped up an easy fly which Zettlin attended to and the side was out.  Score: Chicago 0; St. Louis 2.  A good big innings, the spectators feeling more comfortable with the possibility of the boys not being beat so bad after all.  Devlin was the first striker for Chicago in the

Second Innings,

And again, third base was tried, but only to find that "Martha" was "there," the ball being neatly picked up and carefully thrown; Bradley did the same for Hines, and Keerl found Hague good on foul flies.  Whitewash No. 2.

For the Browns - Battin sent a high one back of Peters, but Johnny couldn't get it; Dehlman sent a "daisy-cutter" past Warren at third, and reached first safely; Miller followed with a hot one over Warren's head and Battin was put at home plate by a splendid throw of Hines' to Higham; Cuthy hit hard to Zettlin, and Miller was forced out at second by a very close decision, Dehlman stealing home in the meantime.  Pearce tried to get one to right-field but sent the ball straight to Glenn, and retired one run.  Total score: 3 to 0; Chicago behind.

Mutual whitewashes were exchanged in the

Third Innings

Thusly:  Peters out at first base by Dehlman unassisted, Glen for striking wind three times and Zettlin favoring Bradley with a fly which the "old man" froze to like grim death.  The two pitchers thus exchanging courtesies Zett having disposed of Bradley in a similar manner.

Pike, Chapman and Bradley were the outs for the Browns, the first named on foul bounds by Higham; Chapman and Bradley by Keerl to Glenn, the same players having given Hague second base by an overthrow.  Score unchanged and a few bolder than the rest whispered about a possible victory.

Evidently Bradley was on his "pitch."  Three innings not a run; only one base hit and nine men retired.  In the

Fourth Innings

The three choice batsmen of the White Stockings came up for their second trial, and the friends of the "Browns" trembled as Higham straightened himself for the effort.  It came, the sphere went from his bat like a ball from a cannon towards centre field, long and low, gradually descending towards the ground.  "Safe hit," every one cried, as their eyes followed the dark object shooting through the air.  But there was Pike coming like a deer, and springing forward with a bound he snatched it an inch from the ground, and over he rolled on the ground, the first discernible object being "that left paw" shooting up with the ball tightly grasped in it.  Eight thousand people shouted like madmen, and Lip felt that Louisvile was avenged.  This kind of support to the terrible engine that faced them took the heart out of the next two strikers, Hastings going out on foul-bound and Bradley fielding Warren out at first - fourth consecutive whitewash for the Lake City champions and plenty of talk about St. Louis winning.  The Browns went to the bat confidently, and after Battin had retired at first, by the aid of Peters, Dehl opened the muscle with a fair foul for one bag, Miler putting up a high one between centre and left that fell harmless between Hines and Devlin, the misplay sending Dehlman to third, Miller stealing second on the throw in to the pitcher instead of second baseman.  Cuthbert hit hard to third and Dehl came home.  Capt. Dickey, "who is getting old," cleared the bases by a slashing drive to right field, earning two bases for himself, Cuthbert making an old-time slide, which within fifteen feet of the home plate under Higham, who had the ball to put on him.  Dick scored his run on Chapman's hit to Peters, and Chap having a life by the error of Glenn.  Hague closed the innings by going out to first.  Keerl prettily assisting.  Four runs; totals 7 to 0 and Browns owning the "long end."  Still the doubting Thomases refused to believe it possible.

The "Whites" were considerably rattled, not to say surprised, and a desperate rally was made in the

Fifth Innings,

Delvin opening with a safe one to centre field, Hines following with a slow bounder to Battin and reached first safely as Dehlman failed to hold the rather high throw.  "Now they are off," was the universal belief, but Keerl, Peters and Glenn couldn't "keep it up," Chapman disposing of the "Kanuck" while Peters and Glenn couldn't press canvas once, Miller and Battin assisting.  Fifth goose egg and two men left on bases.

Battin was the only one to reach first base on his side, a safe hit to right-field taking him there.  Bradley tipped out, and Hines made two handsome catches that quieted Dehlman and Miller.

One, two three was the order in which the "great batters" retired in the

Sixth Innings,

Bradley again getting quits with the Charmer and "the weak spot" at second, taking in two good catches fro Higham and Hastings.  Cuthy, who was feeling better than he knew how to show, drove a liner between short and second and consoled Glenn while dancing round first base.  Pearce went out by a neat piece of fielding on the part of Keerl, Pike tipped out, and Chapman with another terrific drive over left centre stopped only at third base amid the wildest kind of enthusiasm, the thousands of eager, excited spectators apparently for the first time realizing that our boys were in terrible earnest and bound  to win.  Hague drove a hot one through Peters at short stop and Chapman scored, but Bradley failed again, this time striking out.  The "old man" seemed to have concentrated all his energies on pitching, and that only, but the boys were well satisfied.

Warren opened the

Seventh Innings

By a sharp line hit between short and second, which Dickey ran for, caught, held a moment, and then in stopping suddenly, dropped it.

Battin distinguished himself by making a magnificent running catch on the right foul line back of first base, that disposed of Devlin, and fielding out Hines at first, Warren going to second only to be left there, as Hague made a beautiful running foul bound catch that sickened Keerl.

Battin hit the first ball, "the Charmer" pitched right "on the nose" and sent it sailing towards the fence at centre field, easily reaching third; Dehlman bringing him home on a short hit to left field.  Miller, Pearce and Cuthbert being retired, closed the innings for this one run which was earned.

Eighth Innings.

Zettlin earned his base in this inning after Peters had been retired by another brilliant catch of Pike and Hague had taken in a foul fly from Glenn.  The Charmer was not easy on the canvas as on a foul tip by Higham,   Miller fielded the ball to Brad and he to Dehlman so quickly that he was caught and the usual circle was made for his side's score.

A change of tactics was noticed in that Whites' positions when Pike came up to bat; Devlin the terrible fence-breaker was in Zettlin's place, Scott Hastings in Higham's, Glenn went to centre and the Charmer was smiling on first, Higham taking right.  The change worked well in this innings though 'twas of no use save keeping their opponents' score down.  The trouble was not so much with Zettlin as their own weak batting.  Pike, Chapman and Hague went out in one, two, three order - Pike on foul bound and the other two by the assistance of Peters and Devlin.  No runs.  Score 10 to 0.

The jig was up and a more surprised, delighted, happy throng of St. Louisans never cheered and shouted themselves hoarse.  With the Whites it was desperation.  Now or never.

The Ninth Innings

Was the only chance left them and Higham, their giant, again led off.  As he stood at the home plate it was a splendid sight, with head erect, chest out, shoulders thrown back, and left foot lightly resting on the ground, ready to assist those powerful arms in dashing forward with a mighty effort to drive that ball out of reach.  Bradley, cool and cunning, deafed him.  Dick finally let out, but only to drive it straight to his captained namesake and retire at first.  Hastings fared no better; his fair foul was splendidly fielded and thrown by Hague to Dehl, and Warren was now their only hope.  He secured the coveted base by a safe one over second only to be forced out there on Devlin's hit to Pearce.  Rarely has such a scene been witnessed as Joe Battin clutched the ball, putting out the twenty-seventh man.  A might roar and cheer rent the air and hats, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, canes, and anything within reach, went up to express the satisfaction felt in the great achievement.  The great Chicago nine that, according to all the winter's brag and bluster, was to wipe us out, the brown-hosed boys had sent to the bat nine times without scoring a run.  The game had to be finished, but who cared to see Bradley, Battin and Dehlman get out, or cared how they got out.  The game was won and Chicago "Chicagoed" and by St. Louis; that was enough for one day.  The immense crowd gradually dispersed in a joyful jolly congratulating mood.

-St. Louis Republican, May 7, 1875


Almost four years ago, I wrote this:

I honestly never get tired of reading about this game. It's significance really can not be overstated. The Brown Stockings victory over Chicago on May 6, 1875 did several things that helped lay the foundation for St. Louis as a "baseball city."

Firstly, it united the city in a way that it had never have been united previously. Between the heavy influx of German and Irish immigrants, the political divisions brought about by the Civil War, and the natural conflict between the Creole founders of the city and the Americans who moved to the city after the Louisiana Purchase, St. Louis was a city divided along economic, political, and racial lines. The Brown Stockings' victory on May 6, however, was embraced by almost the entire populace of the city. No other event and certainly no other baseball club had ever seen the fervent outpouring of support that the Brown Stockings received in 1875. While it's now common to see the city united by its love for her baseball team, this was the first time it had happened.

Secondly, this game cemented the St. Louis/Chicago baseball rivalry and placed the two cities, baseball-wise, on an equal footing. One of the reasons for the joyous celebrations that erupted following the game was because of the overwhelming dominance of the Chicago professionals over the St. Louis amateurs in years leading up to 1875. This game proved that St. Louis would no longer be a push-over for its northern neighbors and chief economic rival.

Finally, the game marked the end of the pioneer, amateur era of baseball in St. Louis and it's successful debut in national, professional competition. No longer would clubs such as the Empires or the Union hold a place of prominence on the St. Louis baseball scene. The new focus would be on the professional clubs who would attempt to bring in the best players they could afford. There would certainly be struggles in the years ahead but after May 6, 1875 there was no turning back.

Since I'm knee deep in the Scotch ale and game two of the Cards-Nats series is about to start, I think I'll just leave it at that.

This was fun.  I don't really think that this a true, comprehensive list of the top twenty games in 19th century St. Louis baseball history but it's pretty close.  And it's a pretty good list considering I spent all of fifteen minutes putting it together.  Hope you enjoyed it.           

The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: # 2

2. July 9, 1860: Cyclones vs. Morning Stars

The First Base Ball Match In St. Louis - The first regular game of base ball played in our city will come off between the members of the "Cyclone" and "Morning Star" Base Ball Clubs, on Monday, the 9th inst., at 4 o'clock, P.M., in the field immediately west of the Fair Grounds.  The game, we understand is to be played according to the rules of the National Convention of Ball Players.  As the clerk of the weather has been consulted, everybody interested is anticipating a good afternoon's sport.  We rejoice to see the national game coming into such high favor with our young men.

-Missouri Republican, July 8, 1860

The Great Match of Base Ball-Victory By The Morning Star Club.-The announcement that the first match of base ball ever played in St. Louis would take place on Monday afternoon on the field west of the Fair Grounds, between the Cyclones and Morning Star Clubs, was sufficient to call out a large number of spectators, among whom were several ladies.  A very great interest was manifested by all present, who expressed their delight at the many instances of fine play displayed by both clubs.  The match resulted in the victory of the Morning Star by twenty-six runs...

-St. Louis Daily Bulletin, July 11, 1860


The first baseball match ever played in St. Louis, with the Morning Stars defeating the Cyclones 50-24.  While baseball, as defined by the rules of the National Association, had been played in the city in 1859, this was the first competitive match between two clubs.  In many ways, this is where St. Louis baseball history begins.

Playing for the Cyclones were Peters, ss; Alfred Bernoudy, c.f.; Merritt Griswold, p.; Edward Farrish, 3rd b.; Gamble (either Joseph or Rufus), c.;  Maurice Alexander, 1st b.; Fitch, 2nd b.; Edward Bernoudy, l.f.; and Edward Bredell, r.f.  Playing for the Morning Stars were Robert Henry, c.; Archibald Duff, 1st b.; David Naylor, r.f.; Case, 2nd b.; William Henry, s.s.; Finney, p.; John Henry, c.f.; Wilson, 3rd b.; and Rawson, l.f.  Peters and Fitch of the Cyclones and Case, Finney, Wilson, and Rawson of the Morning Star are all unidentified at the moment.

The scorers for the game were Jonathan Collier of the Cyclone Club and Joseph Franklin of the Morning Stars.  The umpire was S.L. Putnam, "formerly of the Metropolitan Club, New York."   

The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: # 3

3. October 23, 1886: Browns vs. White Stockings

 

 The St. Louis Browns are champions of the world at the national game of base ball for another year at least. That was decided at Sportsman's Park yesterday afternoon by their great victory over the Chicagos in the sixth game of the world's championship series. No one-not even the most devoted friends and admirers of the Chicagos-can dispute their right to the title, or can say that it was won in anything but a fair, square and honest manner. The struggle was not such a hard one for the Browns, after all. Taking everything into consideration, they won the battle with comparative ease. Their victory, however, was not due to any luck, but was only secured by playing a superior game of ball. Their hard, steady and all-pull-together style of playing landed them on top on more than one occasion when defeat seemed inevitable. The Chicagos are an excellent team of ball players, but, as has already been mentioned, they are out of their class when they face the Browns in a contest, as has been plainly shown in the six games played between them. The Browns have made more runs, more hits, more total bases, less errors, have presented stronger batteries, and outplayed the Chicagos all around. It does not require any more facts to convince people which is the better club. Since the initial game was played in Chicago last Monday, there have been a number of people shouting hippodrome and claiming that the Chicagos would win the series without any trouble; that they were merely toying with the Browns; that they were merely working things to increase the gate receipts, but yesterday's play dispelled all suspicion.

The contest between the two clubs yesterday afternoon was the most exciting and most brilliantly played game ever seen in St. Louis, or any other city, in the history of the national sport. It was the hardest battle of all the six games, and it was not decided until a wild pitch allowed Welch to cross the plate with the winning run in the tenth inning. The Chicagos started out to play in a manner that meant business and it looked like defeat for the Browns. The home club never once gave up, though, and with the score standing 3 to 0 against them at the end of the seventh inning they played just as hard and steady as they did at the opening of the game. For six straight innings they went to the bat and six straight times they were retired without a hit, much less a run, or anything that looked like one. Bushong got his base in the first inning, but never advanced from the bag. In the seventh inning O'Neil made the first hit of the game for the Browns. He drove the ball far up in the air and out in the field beyond all reach of the fielders for three bases. But Jim in his effort to make third in safety, ran over the bag. The ball was fielded quickly and returned to Burns and as O'Neil went over the base, he was touched by the ball and put out. This terrible luck did not dishearten the Browns but they kept striving to get a run. In the seventh they tied the score and Latham assisted no little in doing it. With one run in, two men on the bases, two men out and two strikes and three balls called on Latham, the latter lifted the sphere to the left field over Dalrymple's head for three bases, sending in the two men.

The demonstrations on the part of the spectators when the score was tied was such that has never been equaled at any game of base ball before. The immense crowd seemed to go crazy. They yelled and cheered until they grew hoarse. Men and boys shook hands and embraced each other, turned summersaults on the grand-stand and in the field, and many actually wept tears of joy. The air was full of hats, handkerchiefs and umbrellas, and it was nearly five minutes before the crowd could be quieted sufficiently to go on with the game. It was a sight that will never be forgotten by those who were present. But the scene in the tenth inning when the winning run was scored and the Browns had secured the championship is almost beyond description. As soon as Welch had crossed the plate and the 10,000 people who filled the grand-stands and stood in rows ten or twelve deep in a circle around the field, more than half of them made a grand rush for the players, yelling and making all manner of noises and demonstrations. As soon as they would run up against a man in the Browns' uniform they would throw him upon their backs and carry him off the field. The entire nine were taken to the dressing-room in this manner. At various places in and around the park a crowd would congregate, and when some one would propose three cheers for the championship, they would be given with a will. Everybody was happy and everybody wanted to shake hands with everybody else. A crowd numbering perhaps 3,000 lingered around the park until after the members of the club had dressed. Wherever one of them was seen, a big crowd immediately circled around and cheer him heartily. It was long after dark before Sportsman's Park and vicinity had settled down to its usually quiet state. It is not likely that such scenes of enthusiasm will be seen again at St. Louis base ball parks for a long time to come.

The afternoon was dark and cloudy, and every moment it looked like rain. The threatening weather, however, did not keep the people away, and long before the time of calling the game every available seat was taken. The tops of the grand stand were utilized and a couple of thousand were content to stand back of the right foul line along the fence. By turn-stile count the attendance was 11,500. About 2:15 o'clock Mr. H. Clay Sexton and President Von Der Ahe appeared on the field. The Browns were stopped in their practice and called to the plate. Mr. Sexton, in a brief speech, presented Bushong with a handsome silver tea set, a gift from the members of the Merchants' Exchange. The set was manufactured by the E. Jaccard Jewelry Company. Mr. Sexton also assured the audience that the game was to be for blood, and that it was not a hippodrome. Grace Pierce was chosen umpire. He favored the Chicagos every time it was possible for him to do so. It was precisely 2:18 o'clock when time was called. The Chicagos were first at bat. Caruthers' work in the opening innings was anything but encouraging. He was batted much harder than the score shows. The outfielders were kept busy, and they did their work well. It was just the opposite with Clarkson.

He appeared to be in his best form and the Browns could not touch his deceptive balls. The side was retired on flies. Gore's went to O'Neil. Kelly's to Caruthers and Anson's to Foutz. For the Browns, Latham went out from pitcher to first. Caruthers struck and Bushong got his base on balls, but Gleason left him by striking out. In the second inning the Chicagos scored their first run. Pfeffer brought it in. He also scored the Chicagos' other two runs-a remarkable feature of the game. He made a safe hit to right and stole down to second, while Bushong's only passed ball let him go to third. Caruthers successfully struck out the next two men-Williamson and Burns-but Ryan made a single to left and Pfeffer came in. Dalrymple's liner to Welch retired the side. Comiskey, for the home club, went out at first on his grounder to Williamson, Welch struck out and Foutz knocked a fly to right. It looked to be safe, but Ryan made a run after it and caught it in fine style.

In the third, Gore went all the way to third base on Latham's wild throw of his grounder to first, after Caruthers had made a remarkable catch of a foul fly from Clarkson's bat. Kelly knocked a grounder to third, and Gore started to come in, but Latham's good throw to Bushong cut him off by several feet. The Browns were again retired in order. Pfeffer scored his second run in the fourth. He was the first batter, and almost the very first ball that Caruthers pitched to him he knocked into the right-field seats, and made the circuit of the bases before Foutz could recover the ball. In this same inning the Chicagos had two men left on bases, and only unfortunate batting prevented them from scoring runs. Williamson went out on a fly to Foutz and Burns made a drive to left for a single. Ryan knocked a liner to O'Neil, and Dalrymple batted the ball so slowly in the direction of second that he got his base before the ball could be handled quick enough to throw him out. A wild pitch advanced him to second and sent Burns to third. Clarkson's fly to Welch, however, left them both. Once more the Browns went out in order, Caruthers, O'Neil and Gleason coming to the bat.

The Chicagos were put out quickly, and on easy plays in the fifth. Gore and Anson went out from second to first, and Kelly from third to first. For the Browns, Welch went out from short to first, Welch struck out and Foutz's fly to right was captured by Ryan. The Chicagos' last run was made in the sixth. Pfeffer again scoring it. He knocked an easy grounder to second, which Robinson should have stopped without any trouble but he let it roll through him. Foutz backed up Robinson, and when the ball came to him he let it get by him. These two bad errors enabled Pfeffer to go all the way around to third and Williamson's fly to Foutz brought him in. Burns and Ryan, the next two men, were retired on easy flies. Robinson and Latham both struck out for the Browns and Bushong knocked the ball to Pfeffer, who easily threw him out. The Chicagos were retired in order in the seventh. Caruthers, the first batsman for the Browns, struck out. O'Neil then came to the bat and made the first hit, and was retired at third in the manner mentioned above. Gleason was thrown out at first on a bunt to Clarkson, although he came very near making his base. The Chicagos could now do nothing with Caruthers' pitching and went quickly. It was here, though, that the Browns made their three runs and tied the score. Comiskey made a good beginning by knocking the leather safely to right for a single. Welch made a safe hit to third, sending Comiskey made a good beginning by knocking the leather safely to right for a single. Welch made a safe hit to third, sending Comiskey to second. The latter went to third on a passed ball and scored on Foutz's sacrifice fly to center. Robinson went out on a fly to Anson, and Bushong got his base on balls. Latham now came to bat. Two strikes had been called on him when he lifted the ball to extreme left for three bases, sending Welch and Bushong home. Caruthers out from Burns to first left Latham on third.

Williamson opened the ninth for the Chicagos by striking out, but Burns followed with a two-bagger. The latter went to third on a sacrifice by Ryan, but Dalrymple left him by striking out. O'Neil was the first batter for the Browns and he sent the ball sailing to the right. It looked to be good for two bases, but Ryan jumped for it and made one of the most remarkable catches ever seen on the grounds. Gleason went out on a foul to Kelly and Comiskey from third to first. The tenth inning was commenced. Clarkson struck out and both Gore and Kelly knocked flies to left field. Welch was the first batsman for the Browns. He took a position pretty close to the plate and Clarkson hit him with the ball. Welch took first, Anson protested and a wrangle ensued. The umpire finally called Welch back, claiming that he tried to get hit with the ball. To the great delight of the audience, however, Welch knocked the first ball that was pitched to him for a single to center field. Foutz was the next man to handle the stick. He batted a grounder back of the pitcher, between short and first. Williamson made a run for it and fumbled it. Foutz, of course, got safe on the error, and Welch went to second. Robinson advanced both men on his sacrifice from short to first. With a man on second and another on third and only one out, the chances were good for a run. Bushong came to the bat, but he did not get an opportunity to hit the ball. Clarkson, who is usually so cool, was visibly nervous. He rolled and twisted the ball around in his hands several times before he got in position to pitch it. He finally delivered it, but it was far over Kelly's head. The latter made no effort to get it, and like the other member of the team, stood in a half dazed manner and watched Welch come in with the deciding run. The Chicagos packed up their bats and got off the grounds as quickly as possible.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, October 24, 1886

This is, of course, the $15,000 slide which was, of course, neither a slide nor worth $15,000.  Still, as Bill James once wrote, it is the most famous play in the history of 19th century baseball.  I've written plenty about this game and, rather subject you to more, I will simply direct you to Jon David Cash's excellent summation of the play.

Also, we can't mention a 19th century baseball victory over Chicago without breaking out the roster: