SportingPost

Toledo Blue Stockings

Frank Fleming
Author: 
Frank Fleming
2 mins
October 30th, 2023
Bet With Confidence
Ad Disclosure
  • First Game Played May 1, 1884

  • Last Game Played October 15, 1884

Historical Moments

1884: The Toledo Blue Stockings began to play as a minor league club, after winning the Northwest League Championship in 1883 they were invited to join the American Association. The addition of the Blue Stockings to the AA was notable because of their Catcher, Moses “Fleet” Walker. Walker who signed with the Blue Stockings after leaving the University of Michigan became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues. Later in the season, he would be joined by his brother Weldy Walker. It was a year of struggles for Toledo, as they finished in eighth place with a record of 46-58. Fleet Walker who was plagued by injuries most of the season hit .263 in 42 games. His brother Weldy Walker appeared in just five games and had an average of .222. Sam Barkley was the Blue Stockings top hitter, posting an average of .306. Tony Mullane was Toledo’s most successful pitcher with a record of 36-26 with an ERA of 2.52. Also notable was Hank O’Day who made his debut, posting a record of 9-28 with an ERA of 3.75. O’Day later went on to work as an Umpire and was elected to the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game. After just one season, the Blue Stockings returned to the Northwestern League, as the Fleet Walker and Weldy Walker never again played in the majors. After a few seasons in the minors, their careers ended quietly, as the lines of segregation were drawn. It would be 63 years before Jackie Robinson played with the Brooklyn Dodgers, making the Walker Brothers a sad footnote in baseball’s storied past. As no official rule was ever passed, but a gentleman’s agreement among the owners not to sign players of color prevented a great number of players from even getting a fair chance.

Players

Sam Barkley

1884

Tony Mullane

1884

Hank O’Day

1884

Fleet Walker

1884

Weldy Walker

1884

Stats researched by Frank Fleming, all information, statistics, logos, and team names are property of Major League Baseball. This site is not affiliated with the Toledo Blue Stockings or Major League Baseball. This site is maintained for research purposes only. All logos used on this page were from Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos Page.Page created on August 14, 2017. Last updated on August 14, 2017 at 11:00 pm ET.

Related Content

s a sports fan, I’ve been following the developments closely and have discovered some of the best online sportsbooks available for NY residents.
December 22nd, 2023
Best March Madness Betting Platforms & Sportsbooks in 2024
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, many people look to enhance their experience by betting on the games. Finding the right betting sites for March Madness is essential for placing smart bets and enjoying a seamless experience.
March 6th, 2024
Online sports betting has gained significant traction in recent years, with many people eager to participate in this fast-growing industry. As I dive into the topic, it’s essential to consider the legal landscape and how it varies across different states in the US. The legalization of sports betting has undoubtedly become a hot topic, with some states fully embracing it, while others are still on the fence.
November 10th, 2023
Best Sports Betting Sites in Iowa
Interested in finding out more about Iowa's sports betting scene? After the legalization of sports betting in May 2019, a range of sportsbooks both online and retail have become available to Iowa bettors.
February 5th, 2024
In June 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Sports Wagering Act into law, allowing residents and visitors to place bets on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports events. Since March 2020, sports enthusiasts have been able to participate in this exciting new form of entertainment, which has gained massive popularity in recent years.
December 22nd, 2023

Author

Frank Fleming
Frank Fleming founded the Sports Ecyclopedia in 2001 & is a passionate Devils fan.