Columbus Solons

First Game Played April 18, 1889 Last Game Played October 4, 1891

1889: After the Cleveland Blues left to join the National League, the American Association stayed in Ohio by returning to Columbus, where they had a team five years earlier. The new Columbus team would be called the Solons, after ancient Greek statesmen with the team playing in Ohio’s capital city. Managed by Al Buckenberger the Solons struggled in their first season, finishing sixth among eight teams in the AA with a record of 60-78. The team’s leading hitter was Dave Orr, who hit .327 with four home runs and 87 RBI. On the mound Mark Baldwin led the way, posting a record of 27-34 with an ERA of 3.61.

1890: After a slow start in which the Columbus Solons posted a record of 39-41, Manager Al Buckenberger is replaced by Gus Schmelz who had success with the Columbus Buckeyes six years earlier. Schmelz would lead a second half charge that launched the Solons into second place as they finished the season with a solid record of 79-55. The Solons got a big season from Spud Johnson, who batted .346 with league leading 113 RBI, while on the mound Hank Gastright led the way with a record of 30-14, posting an ERA of 2.94.

1891: Gus Schmelz and the Columbus Solons were unable to capitalize on the momentum of their strong finish, as they struggled throughout their third and final season, posting a record of 61-76 and they finished in sixth place. Among the notable players were Charlie Duffee who led the team with a .301 average, while hitting ten home runs with 91 RBI. On the mound, Phil Knell led the way, posting a record of 28-27 with a 2.92 ERA.

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Page created on July 4, 2017. Last updated on July 4, 2017 at 2:45 pm ET.