Games Tab:Chicago

The Craig B. Waff Games Tabulation

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Baltimore-Washington California Canada Chicago Cincinnati Connecticut Detroit Greater New York City Greater New York City, 1861 - 1862 Hudson, Lower Hudson, Upper Louisville Massachusetts Milwaukee Minnesota Miscellaneous New Hampshire New Orleans New York State, Capital Area New York State, Central New York State, Northern New York State, Western Philadelphia Pittsburgh Portland, ME St. Louis Greater New York City

26 Entries, using 63 sources     Pdf Version

Craig Waff's Games Tabulations made foundational contributions to our effort to document games and clubs before baseball became a professional sport. Craig's work is memorialized in this section of the site and lives on as a substantial mass of entries in Pre-pro Baseball. For more information about Pre-pro Baseball, see our About Pre-pro page.

1858

Date of Game	City/Town Playing Field	Outcome	Sources
19 Jun, 1858 (Sat)	[?]. Illinois	Alton, 224 rounds Upper Alton, 90 rounds (5 innings, 13 players each)	(1) One of the A. B. B. C., “Base-Ball in Illinois,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 4, no. 20 (17 Jul 1858), p. 309, cols. 2-3 (2) “Base-Ball in Illinois,” New York Clipper, [?] Jun 1858
7 Jul, 1858 (Wed)	Chicago Union grounds at corner of South Halstead and West Harrison streets	Downer’s Grove (W) Union (Chicago) (L) (Chicago Daily Press and Tribune (2): “A Spacious tent was erected on the Club’s grounds, …, for the accommodation of visitors.  The Downer’s Grove Club came of[f] victorious, the ‘country boys’ being excellent players.  In the evening the Union Club entertained their victors, at which several good speeches were made, after which the whole party attended the theatre in uniform.”)	(1) “Match Game of Base Ball Clubs,” Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, vol. 12, no. 5 (7 Jul 1858), p. 1, col. 5 (2) “Base Ball Match,” Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, vol. 12, no. 6 (8 Jul 1858), p. 1, col. 4
30 Aug, 1858 (Mon) (rain delayed from 26 Aug)	Chicago Prairie Cricket Club grounds near Bull’s Head	Excelsior (Chicago) 17 Union (Chicago) 11 (Chicago Daily Press and Tribune (2): “This is the first match of the season, and deserves encouragement.  The Nines comprise the flower of each Club, and have been in rigorous training for some time past preparatory to this match.  The Committee have made arrangements for the accommodation of a large concourse of spectators, and numerous tents have been erected for the benefit of the ladies.  The Madison street omnibus runs to and from the ground every half hour.”)	(1) [match invitation and acceptance], Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, vol. 12, no. 39 (17 Aug 1858), p. 1, col. 4 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, vol. 12, no. 47 (26 Aug 1858), p. 1, col. 3 (3) “The City: Postponed on Account of Weather,” Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, vol. 12, no. 48 (27 Aug 1858), p. 1, col. 2 (4) “The City: Base Ball,” Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, vol. 12, no. 52 (1 Sep 1858), p. 1, col. 4
13 Sep, 1858 (Mon)	Chicago	Excelsior (Chicago) 30? Union (Chicago) 17 (return game) (Chicago Daily Press and Tribune: “After the conclusion of the match the Clubs returned to the Union Park House to partake of a collation, and adjourned at a late hour, the time being spent in speech making, pleasant repartee, merry jokes, and singing.  We was [sic] glad to note the good feeling that was evinced by the members of each Club on this occasion, and trust that our citizens will take more interest in this truly healthful and entertaining game.”)	“The City: Base Ball Clubs,” Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, vol. 12, no. 63 (14 Sep 1858), p. 1, col. 5

1859

Date of Game	City/Town Playing Field	Outcome	Sources
11 Jun, 1859 (Sat)	Chicago Grounds at corner of Washington and Sheldin streets	Excelsior 31 Atlantic 17 (Press and Tribune (Chicago): “There were some five hundred spectators, not a few of whom were ladies.”) (Porter’s Spirit of the Times: “The Excelsior is the pioneer ball club of this city; it was organized a year ago this spring.  We have now four clubs that play under the New York rules, and one or two now in process of organization.  The Excelsior club won two matches with the Union club last year, and have so far been not only Excelsior in name, but the Excelsior club of this city.”)	(1) “The City: The Base Ball Match,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 12, no. 292 (13 Jun 1859), p. 1, col. 4 (2) X., “Base Ball: Base Ball in Chicago,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 6, no. 17 (25 Jun 1859), p. 261, col. 1 [letter dated 12 Jun]
16 Jul, 1859 (Sat)	Chicago Excelsior grounds at the corner of Lake and May streets	Atlantic 30 Excelsior 23 (return game) (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (2): “The Atlantic boys, not being satisfied with their defeat on the 11th ult., with the Excelsiors, have challenged them to play this afternoon, ….  From the returns of the last match, we anticipate some rich sport.  Walker’s line of omnibuses run to the grounds every fifteen minutes.”) (Porter’s Spirit of the Times (3): “The Atlantic Base Ball Club have challenged the Excelsiors to a second match, which has been accepted, and the game will take place in a week or two on the grounds of the Excelsiors, …”)	(1) “The City,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 8 (11 Jul 1859), p. 1, col. 2 (2) “The City: Base Ball Match,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 13 (16 Jul 1859), p. 1, col. 2 (3) Bobian, “Sporting Matters in Chicago,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 6, no. 21 (23 Jul 1859), p. 326, col. 3 (letter from Chicago dated 10 Jul 1859) (4) Bobian, “Out-Door Sports: Base Ball: Base-Ball in Chicago—Excelsior vs. Atlantic,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 6, no. 23 (6 Aug 1859), p. 357, col. 1 (letter from Chicago dated 26 Jul 1859) (5) “Out-Door Sports: Base-Ball: Base Ball in Out-of-Town Places,” New York Sunday Mercury, vol. [xx], no. [xx] (7 Aug 1859), p. 8, col. 3 [Excelsior runs = 28]
27 Jul, 1859 (Wed)	Chicago Cricket grounds near Union Park	Excelsior 49 Columbia 33 (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (1): “The Columbia Club have challenged the Excelsiors to a game on Tuesday week, which they have accepted.  The lovers of this sport will find interest in both games.”) (Porter’s Spirit of the Times (5): “The game was witnessed by a large concourse of people, …”) (New York Sunday Mercury: “… the Excelsior beat their opponents 17 runs, notwithstanding they had but eight players on their side in the first inning, and only seven in the ninth.”)	(1) “The City,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 8 (11 Jul 1859), p. 1, col. 2 (2) “The City,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 21 (26 Jul 1859), p. 1, col. 3 (3) “The City: The Base Ball Match,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 23 (28 Jul 1859), p. 1, col. 6 (4) “Base Ball in Chicago,” New York Clipper, vol. 7, no. 17 (13 Aug 1859), p. 132, col. [xx] (5) Base Ball, “Base Ball: Base Ball at Chicago,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 6, no. 23 (6 Aug 1859), p. 357, col. 2 (letter dated 29 Jul) (6) “Out-Door Sports: Base-Ball: Base Ball in Out-of-Town Places,” New York Sunday Mercury, vol. [xx], no. [xx] (7 Aug 1859), p. 8, col. 3 [Excelsior runs = 50] (7) “Base Ball: Base Ball in Chicago,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 6, no. 24 (13 Aug 1859), p. 372, col. 3
1 Aug, 1859 (Mon)	Chicago Columbia grounds opposite the Gillies House at the corner of Canal and Mitchell streets	Married Men Single Men (scheduled Columbia intra-club game)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 25 (30 Jul 1859), p. 1, col. 3
8 Aug, 1859 (Mon)	Chicago Excelsior grounds at the corner of Lake and Ann	Married Men Single Men (scheduled Excelsior intra-club game) (Porter’s Spirit of the Times: “A match is also talked of between the married and the single of the Excelsior Club, which will very likely take place soon.”)	(1) Bobian, “Sporting Matters in Chicago,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 6, no. 21 (23 Jul 1859), p. 326, col. 3 (letter from Chicago dated 10 Jul 1859) (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 32 (8 Aug 1859), p. 1, col. 3
16 Aug, 1859 (Tue) (initially set for 15 Aug)	Chicago Prairie Cricket grounds near Union Park	Atlantic 18 Excelsior 16 (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (1): “A very interesting and exciting game may be expected, as each Club have won a match, and this will decide the contest for the superiority.”) Press and Tribune (Chicago) (2): “This will be the most exciting game of the season, as both clubs are confident of victory.  A large tent will be erected on the ground, so as to afford ample accommodations for ladies and gentlemen who may wish to witness the game.”) Press and Tribune (Chicago) (3): “The match game … for the championship, …”) (New York Clipper: The Atlantic “only started this spring” and “have now beaten the Excelsiors two out the three games played, which entitles them to the championship.” (Porter’s Spirit of the Times: “The day was fine, and a large crowd witnessed the match.”)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 36 (12 Aug 1859), p. 1, col. 3 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 39 (16 Aug 1859), p. 1, col. 3 (3) “The City: Match Game of Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 40 (17 Aug 1859), p. 1, col. 3 (4) “Base Ball in Chicago,” New York Clipper, vol. 7, no. 20 (3 Sep 1859), p. 160, col. [xx] (5) Bobian, “Base Ball: Base Ball in Chicago,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 6, no. 26 (27 Aug 1859), p. 404, col. 3 [states game was played on 15 Aug]
Prior to 29 Oct, 1859 (Thu)	Chicago	Married 24 Single 12 (Excelsior intra-club game) (Porter’s Spirit of the Times: “The third game of the season, between the married and single members …)	(1), “Cricket and Base Ball: Chicago,” Porter’s Spirit of the Times, vol. 7, no. 9 (29 Oct 1859), p. 142, col. 2

1860

Date of Game	City/Town Playing Field	Outcome	Sources
21 Apr, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago Excelsior grounds on West Lake Street	Excelsior Jr. 44 Niagara 3 (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (2): “The return of settled open weather is cauing [sic] out the Ball Clubs.”)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 254 (23 Apr 1860), p. 1, col. 3 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 255 (24 Apr 1860), p. 1, col. 3
19 May, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago Excelsior grounds at the corner of May and West Lake streets	Osceola Excelsior Jr. (scheduled)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 277 (19 May 1860), p. 4, col. 7
9 Jun, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago Niagara grounds at the corner of West Van Buren and Halstead streets	Niagara 27 Atlantic Jr. 19	(1) “The City: Match Game of Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 294 (9 Jun 1860), p. 1, col. 3 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 295 (11 Jun 1860), p. 1, col. 3 (3) “The City: Base Ball Match,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 297 (13 Jun 1860), p. 1, col. 3
22 Jun, 1860 (Fri)	?	Single Men (W) Married Men (L) [an intra-club game?]	(1) “The City,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 13, no. 307 (25 Jun 1860), p. 1, col. 3
20 Jul, 1860 (Fri)	Chicago “on the ground of their former match, corner of Twelth and Halstead streets”	Ossawatomie Niagara (scheduled)	(1) “The City,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 16 (20 Jul 1860), p. 1, col. 4
24 Jul, 1860 (Tue)	Chicago Corner of Ann and West Lake streets	Douglas men 16 Lincoln men 14 (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (1): “The Lincoln members of the Excelsior Base Ball Club have challenged the Douglasites of the same Club ….  We have no authority for saying that the event of this match will decide the Presidential contest, but it will be a spirited affair on both sides.”) (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (2): “Some twelve hundred spectators were present.  …  Never mind, Lincoln boys, there’s a victory in store where Douglas will mak no ‘runs.’  He is a lame ‘short stop,’ and has been ‘caught out.’ “) (New York Clipper: “We do not approve of their thus being brought in contact, but as a match took place … between nine Douglas men and nine Lincoln men of the Excelsior Club, we feel in duty bound to report it.”) (Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times: “A match between the Douglas and Lincoln members of the Excelsior Base Ball Club of Chicago.  The game was very exciting throughout, and was witnessed by over 1,200 spectators.”)	(1) “The City: Lincoln vs. Douglas—Nine against Nine,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 19 (24 Jul 1860), p. 1, col. 4 (2) “The City: The Political Base Ball Match—The Score and Result,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 20 (25 Jul 1860), p. 1, col. 3 (3) “Base Ball and Politics,” New York Clipper, [?] Aug 1860 (4) “Out-Door Sports: Base Ball: Base Ball in the Prairie State,” Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times, vol. 2, no. 23 (11 Aug 1860), p. 363, col. 2
Prior to 1 Aug, 1860	Chicago Ossawatomie grounds at the corner of Twelfth and Halstead streets	Ossawatomie Jr. 62 Wide Awake Jr. 12	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 27 (1 Aug 1860), p. 1, col. 6
11 Aug, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago Osceola grounds at Washington Park on North Clark St., between Whitney & Chestnut streets	Osceola Base Ball Club intra-club game	(1) “The City: Sporting Matters,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 36 (11 Aug 1860), p. 1, col. 5
18 Aug, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago [or NY?] Independent grounds on the corner of Twelfth and Rucker streets	Young America Independent (scheduled)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 41 (17 Aug 1860), p. 1, col. 7
20 Aug, 1860 (Mon)	Chicago Prairie Cricket grounds on West Madison St.	Atlantic 2 (Chicago) 17 Excelsior 2 (Chicago) 9 (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (1): “The second nine of the Atlantics have challenged the second nine of the Excelsiors.  This match promises to be a very interesting one, as it brings to notice many first-class players, who have never before appeared as contestants for ‘the ball.’ ”) (Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times: “There are but three clubs here of any considerable account—the Excelsior, Atlantic, and Osceola.  The last is still in its infancy, not having been organized a year as yet.  Its members are hyoung, but promising.  The Excelsior and Atlantic are older clubs, the former having been organized three years ago, the latter two years ago.”)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 41 (17 Aug 1860), p. 1, col. 4 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 45 (22 Aug 1860), p. 4, col. 6 (3) “Base Ball in Chicago,” New York Clipper, [?] Aug 1860 [states game was played on 16 Aug] (4) Out West, “Out-Door Sports: Base Ball: Base Ball in Chicago,” Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times, vol. 3, no. 2 (15 Sep 1860), p. 26, col. 3 [letter dated 20 Aug]
23 Aug, 1860 (Thu)	Chicago Ossawatomie grounds at the corner of Twelfth and Halstead streets	Niagara Excelsior Jr. (scheduled)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 46 (23 Aug 1860), p. 1, col. 3 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 46 (23 Aug 1860), p. 1, col. 6
25 Aug, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago Prairie Cricket Club grounds at corner of West Madison & Loomis streets	Atlantic 23 Excelsior 12 (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (1): “All who are desirous of seeing the national game of Base Ball, well played, should witness the match next Saturday, as it will doubtless be the best play of the season.”) (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (2): “As these Clubs are rivals for the championship of the West, excellent playing may be expected.  Should the weather be favorable the game will be witnessed by at least 1,000 persons.  The above match promises to be closely contested, as each Club are prepared for the occasion.  The Excelsior forces are greatly strengthened this season by the accession to their ranks of several prominent players, formerly of the Columbian Club.” (Press and Tribune (Chicago) (3): “… a signal victory for the Atlantics, who for a year past have been the champions of the city.  …  The play was witnessed by a much larger crowd than has heretofore attended during a match.”) (Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times: “A match-game for the championship of the city … the challenge being tendered by the latter [Excelsiors], they having been twice beaten by the Atlantics during the last summer.”)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 45 (22 Aug 1860), p. 4, col. 6 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 47 (24 Aug 1860), p. 1, col. 6 (3) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 49 (27 Aug 1860), p. 1, col. 5 (4) Out West, “Out-Door Sports: Base Ball: Base Ball at Chicago—Atlantic vs. Excelsior,” Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times, vol. 3, no. 2 (15 Sep 1860), p. 26, col. 3 [letter dated 28 Aug]
22 Sep, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago Cricket Club grounds on West Madison St.	Atlantic 2 (Chicago) Excelsior 2 (Chicago) (scheduled) (Press and Tribune (Chicago): “This is the return match and decides the championship of the respective nines.”)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 72 (22 Sep 1860), p. 1, col. 3
29 Sep, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago Niagara grounds on Saugamon St, between Jackson and Van Buren	Osceola Jr. 43 Niagara Jr. 17 (5 innings, due to darkness)	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 78 (29 Sep 1860), p. 1, col. 4 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 80 (2 Oct 1860), p. 1, col. 2 (3) “Base Ball in Chicago,” New York Clipper, [?] Oct 1860 [states game was played on 2 Oct]
20 Oct, 1860 (Sat)	Chicago	Niagara 28 Ossawatomie 11	(1) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 95 (20 Oct 1860), p. 1, col. 4 (2) “The City: Base Ball,” Press and Tribune (Chicago), vol. 14, no. 96 (22 Oct 1860), p. 1, col. 3