APRIL

25th

The New York Clipper announces that it will give a Gold Ball of regulation weight and size to the club proclaimed Champions of 1868. In addition, gold medals will be given to the 9 best players.

JULY

9th

The Red Stockings have a field meet at Cincinnati and John Hatfield throws a baseball a record 396 feet, breaking his own record of 349 feet.

25th

The game for the Championship of American Colleges is played at Worcester, MA, with Harvard defeating Yale 25-17.

AUGUST

4th

The quickest game on record is played at the Union Grounds, Brooklyn. Al Martin holds the Uniques to one run against 37 for the Eckfords in the 50-minute game.

NOVEMBER

11th

The New York State Base Ball Convention at Albany expels the Mutual Club from the Association for reinstating Duffy, a player found guilty of throwing a game in 1865.

DECEMBER

9th

The 12th annual convention of the National Association of Base Ball Players is held in Washington, DC. A new rule states that "no game shall be considered as played unless 5 innings on each side have been completed." The National Association decides to divide the players into classes, and for the first time recognizes professionals.