Detroit Wolverines
Detroit Wolverines | |
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Years 1881 – 1888 | |
Based in Detroit | |
Major league affiliations | |
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Major league titles | |
The Detroit Wolverines were a 19th-century
Franchise history
Founded at the suggestion of Detroit mayor William G. Thompson, the Wolverines played the first game of major league baseball in Detroit on May 2, 1881, in front of 1,286 fans. Their home field was called Recreation Park, and it consisted of a wooden grandstand located between Brady Street and Willis Avenue. This stadium was demolished in 1894, though its location is indicated by a historical marker in what was once left field. The name of the ball club derives from Michigan being known as "The Wolverine State;" although the team name "Wolverines" is now primarily associated with University of Michigan sports, there was no connection between the University and the Detroit baseball team.
Though they folded after only eight seasons, the Wolverines occupy an important place in baseball history. On September 6, 1883, they conceded 18 runs in a single inning against the
The Wolverines' most successful season came in 1887, when they were crowned as the champion of the National League with a record of 79 wins and 45 losses. After the season, they defeated the
Three Detroit players
on August 21, 1886.Prominent players
- Charlie Bennett
- Dan Brouthers
- Count Campau
- Fred Dunlap
- Ned Hanlon
- Deacon McGuire
- Hardy Richardson
- Jack Rowe
- Billy Shindle
- Sam Thompson
- Deacon White
- Chief Zimmer
Baseball Hall of Famers
Detroit Wolverines Hall of Famers | |||
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Inductee | Position | Seasons | Inducted |
Dan Brouthers | 1B | 1886–1888 | 1945 |
Ned Hanlon | CF | 1881–1888 | 1996 |
Deacon White | 3B/C | 1886–1888 | 2013 |
Sam Thompson | RF | 1885–1888 | 1974 |
See also
- Detroit Wolverines football team – 1928 NFL franchise
- 1881 Detroit Wolverines season
- 1882 Detroit Wolverines season
- 1883 Detroit Wolverines season
- 1884 Detroit Wolverines season
- 1885 Detroit Wolverines season
- 1886 Detroit Wolverines season
- 1887 Detroit Wolverines season
- 1888 Detroit Wolverines season
- Detroit Wolverines all-time roster