Boston/Providence Team Photo

Baseball history photo: 1879 - Messer Park Providence, Rhode Island. Taken in the spring of 1879, this photo shows the 1878 National League Champion Boston Red Caps on the left and the Providence Grays on the right, who were the National league champions in 1879. Messer Park opened in 1878 and had a seating capacity of 6,000. A wire screen was installed behind home to protect the spectators from foul balls and the field was exceptionally smooth for it's time. Note the chalked four foot by six foot pitcher's box, with its front line 50 feet from home base, marked on the field. A few players are identifiable. For Boston (L to R): Tommy Bond, Pitcher (standing, third from left); John Morrill, Third Base (standing, fifth from left); Charley Jones, Left Field (left of Morrill) and Manager Harry Wright is seated in the dark suit. For Providence (L to R): Bobby Mathews, Pitcher (first standing); Jim O'Rourke, Right Field (standing, third from left); Joe Start, First Base (standing, fourth from left); John M. Ward, Pitcher (standing, fifth from left); Paul Hines, Centre Field (standing, far right) and George Wright, Short Stop (reclining, middle). Click photo to return to previous page.