Introduction
The Northwestern League was a minor league baseball league that operated in the central United States during the late 19th century. The Northwestern League is considered the first “minor league” as it had an agreement with the National League and American Association to honor player suspensions and reserve clauses. The league played season 2 in 1884, 141 years ago.
The season was marred by its leading team disbanding in the middle of the season. Bay City disbanded July 22 even though it had the best record. Evansville then joined the league on July 30 but then disbanded August 4. Grand Rapids disbanded August 5 and Muskegon disbanded August 7, forcing a ‘second season’. This ‘second season’ ended when Minneapolis disbanded September 2. The Northwestern League had a miserable season. [source]
The Northwestern League would go on hiatus in 1885 when a few of its teams joined another minor league to find greater stability. The Northwestern League would return in 1886.
Classification
Season Length
May 1, 1884 to September 2, 1884
Season Champion
No champion declared
# of Teams
14
Season Standings
—
Second Season Standings
| Team Standings | W | L | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Cream Citys | 11 | 4 | .733 |
| Minneapolis Millers | 7 | 4 | .636 |
| St. Paul Apostles | 7 | 7 | .500 |
| Winona Clippers | 1 | 11 | .083 |
Season Playoffs
There were no championship playoffs as the top team with the most wins at end of season was declared league champion for the season but for this season no champion was declared due to teams folding.
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