What Is 1887 Cleveland Blues baseball team

Overview

The 1887 Cleveland Blues were a professional baseball team competing in the American Association, one of the top leagues of the era. This season marked the team's second year in the league, following their debut in 1886 after joining from the minor Western League.

Despite showing flashes of competitiveness, the Blues struggled with consistency, finishing below .500 and in sixth place in the eight-team circuit. Their performance reflected the challenges of fielding a competitive roster amid financial constraints and player turnover common in 19th-century baseball.

• 57–60 record: The team ended the season with 57 wins and 60 losses, placing them 18.5 games behind the league-leading St. Louis Browns.
• Managed by Perry Werden: Werden, a former pitcher and outfielder, took over managerial duties mid-season and led most of the team’s games in 1887.
• Home field: National League Park: Located in Cleveland, Ohio, this ballpark seated approximately 3,000 fans and hosted all of the Blues’ home games.
• Part of the American Association: The league operated as a major league from 1882 to 1891 and was a rival to the older National League.
• 6th place finish: Out of eight teams, the Blues trailed strong clubs like the Browns, Colonels, and Red Stockings but finished ahead of Brooklyn and Washington.

How It Works

Understanding 19th-century baseball requires recognizing the structure of leagues, team operations, and player roles during a formative era of the sport. The American Association functioned similarly to today’s MLB, but with different rules, shorter schedules, and less financial stability.

• League Structure: The American Association had eight teams in 1887 and played a 132-game schedule, though not all teams completed every game due to weather and travel issues.
• Player Salaries: Most players earned between $1,000 and $2,500 annually, with stars making up to $3,000—modest compared to today’s standards.
• Game Rules: The pitcher threw underhand from a 50-foot distance, and the ball was larger and less lively than modern baseballs, affecting offensive output.
• Travel and Scheduling: Teams traveled by rail, often playing multiple games in a series, with inconsistent off-days and long stretches on the road.
• Roster Management: Rosters fluctuated frequently, with teams using 20+ players in a season due to injuries, underperformance, and contract disputes.
• Umpiring: One umpire officiated each game, often appointed by the home team, leading to concerns about impartiality and frequent player protests.

Key Comparison

This comparison highlights how the Cleveland Blues stacked up against their peers in the 1887 American Association season. While not among the league’s elite, they remained competitive, finishing only slightly behind mid-tier teams and well ahead of last-place Washington. The dominance of the St. Louis Browns, who won nearly 70% of their games, illustrates the disparity between top and bottom teams in the league.

Key Facts

The 1887 Cleveland Blues season included several notable statistical and organizational details that reflect the state of baseball at the time. From player performances to ballpark conditions, these facts help paint a full picture of the team’s place in baseball history.

• 57 wins: The team’s total victories were the second-lowest among non-last-place teams, indicating offensive and pitching inconsistencies.
• June 15, 1887: The Blues played a record-setting game with 29 combined runs in a 15–14 loss to the Louisville Colonels, showcasing high-scoring matchups.
• Team batting average: Cleveland hit approximately .235 as a team, below the league average of .245, limiting their scoring potential.
• Starting pitchers: Jack Stivetts and Bill Sowders combined for over 60% of the team’s innings, highlighting a lack of rotation depth.
• Attendance: Average crowds at National League Park were around 1,200 per game, reflecting modest local support.
• End of era: After the 1888 season, the franchise folded, making 1887 one of the last full campaigns in Cleveland’s early major league history.

Why It Matters

The 1887 Cleveland Blues represent an important chapter in the development of professional baseball in the American Midwest. Their existence helped lay the groundwork for future major league teams in Cleveland, including the eventual Guardians.

• Historical continuity: The Blues were part of Cleveland’s first wave of major league baseball, predating the modern Guardians by over 30 years.
• Integration efforts: While the American Association remained segregated, its structure influenced later efforts to standardize league operations and player contracts.
• Ballpark legacy: National League Park was one of the earliest enclosed ballparks, setting a precedent for future stadium designs.
• Player development: Several Blues players went on to careers in management or coaching, spreading baseball knowledge across the country.
• Statistical record: The season contributes to the comprehensive history of baseball, helping researchers understand 19th-century team dynamics and performance trends.

Though the 1887 Cleveland Blues did not achieve championship glory, their season remains a valuable case study in the evolution of America’s pastime, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of early professional sports franchises.