Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Sam Thompson led the NL in home runs (18), total bases (352), slugging percentage (.654), and runs batted in (165). He was second in the NL in adjusted OPS+ (176). He was third in the NL in hits (211). He was fourth in the NL in batting average (.392).[1][2]
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Pink Hawley had a win–loss record of 31–22 and led the NL in innings pitched (444.1) and shutouts (4). He was second in the NL in wins (31) and earned run average (3.18). He was third in the NL in strikeouts (142). He was fifth in the NL in adjusted ERA+ (143).[3][4]
February 27 – Responding to the complaints of senior citizens like Cap Anson, the National League restricts the size of gloves for all fielders, save catchers and first basemen, to 10 ounces, with a maximum circumference of 14 inches around the palm (less than 4½ inches across). The league also rescinds the rule forbidding intentional discoloring of the ball, thus allowing players to dirty the baseball to their satisfaction.
April 23 – Long John Ewing, 31, pitcher/outfielder for six teams in four different leagues between 1883 and 1891, who led all National League pitchers with a 2.27 earned run average in his last major league season.
October 3 – Harry Wright, 60, Hall of Fame player/manager and organizer of baseball's first professional team, the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, who is recognized as the first major league manager to collect 1000 career victories.