May 4, 1869: Professionalism

CINCINNATI - The game probably looked pretty different than it does today; pitchers were throwing under-handed, fielders didn't wear gloves, and baserunners were retired by having the ball thrown at them instead of at the base.

But the Cincinnati Red Stockings had a lot in common with today's teams: they were the first team to have team uniforms; they established the color red with the city of Cincinnati's baseball team; and every player on their team was paid.

On May 4, 1869, the 10-man Cincinnati roster became the first all-professional baseball team when they beat the Cincinnati Great Westerns 45-9. That was the first game of a two-year, cross-country tour in which the Red Stockings started spreading the game of baseball and the concept of professionalism. Most of the teams the Red Stockings played were mostly or completely amateur, and, not too surprisingly, Cincinnati never lost.

The Red Stockings won all 57 games they played against National Association teams in 1869, then continued winning in 1870, taking at least 24 straight contests before dropping an 8-7, 11 inning decision to the Brooklyn Atlantics on June 14.

After the loss, the Red Stockings' popularity started to wane. Once they were proven to be beatable, they weren't much of a drawing card, and they disbanded after the 1870 season. But they laid the groundworks for today's nationwide professional leagues.