Settling In

1885 Season Recap

Federal League

The Federal League enjoyed one of its most balanced seasons to date, with no juggernaut to rival Cleveland’s dominance of a year prior. Instead, parity reigned, and the New York Barons (67–45, .598) edged out Philadelphia and the new arrivals from St. Louis to claim the pennant.

New York’s success rested on their arms: Doug Crockett (34 wins) and Martin Bird (32) kept the Barons in every contest. At the plate, Rochester’s Larry Buckley again made his mark, batting .326 to seize his second straight batting crown, adding 29 doubles and 11 home runs to cement his reputation as the league’s most dangerous hitter.

But if Buckley supplied consistency, Cleveland’s Will Wessels brought power, leading the league with 13 home runs. The Blue Caps, however, faltered badly after their 1884 triumph, finishing last at 45–68, undone by injuries and poor support behind ace Dan Hicks.

Federal League Standings (1885)

International Association

In the International circuit, St. Louis proved their Federal counterparts not the only ones to dominate. The Pilots (71–40, .640) captured the flag, fending off a spirited chase from the Montreal Tigers (70–42, .625).

Toronto’s Isaac Montgomery was the league’s sensation, batting a resounding .370 to capture the batting title, while also pacing the loop with 87 runs batted in. He was ably supported by teammate Glen Nalley, who led the IA with 318 strikeouts. Baltimore’s Tom Child (quickly snapped up when Quebec folded) claimed the wins crown with 38, while St. Louis Pilots ace Ajax McFadden posted 34 victories of his own.

Elsewhere, the Bannermen remained strong, Pittsburgh showed flashes, and the Excelsiors of New York endured a humiliating fall, finishing dead last at 39–69 after their star-crossed roster faltered.

International Association Standings (1885)

Beyond the Pennant Races

The year was notable for more than just championships. Two new minor circuits appeared on the map: the Southern States League, captured by Durham, and the Eastern Association, where Albany and Wilmington finished as co-champions at 42–28. Once-mighty Gus Murphy, the Irish ironman of New York, now plied his trade in the EA, battling back from the “dead arm” that had ruined him in 1883. His hope remained a return to the big time, though the odds seemed long.

Even more momentous was the stir among the players themselves. In Philadelphia, fiery Mike McCord rallied his Union teammates to form the Professional Base Ball Players Union, the first organized effort to secure leverage against the owners’ iron grip. Eight men signed their names, seeking freedom from the hated reserve clause and the threat of blacklisting. Owners responded by instituting a nominal $2,000 salary cap, though in practice no one paid it any heed. The lines between labor and management had been drawn, and though the union’s future was uncertain, the challenge had been made plain.