After spending the first six seasons of their existence in the American Association, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms joined the National League ahead of the 1890 campaign.
The club, coming off a World Series loss to the rival New York Giants, looked to quickly make a statement against their new competition.
For a second consecutive season, the Bridegrooms paced the league in wins (86) and punched their tickets to the Fall Classic. They settled for a tie against the Louisville Colonels, as the World Series concluded with each team posting a 3-3-1 record in seven games.
Regular season
The Bridegrooms suffered a 15-9 loss to the Boston Beaneaters in their first NL game. They would bounce back with a 7-6 victory the following contest, but ultimately dropped the series, three games to one.
The Bridgegrooms wrapped up April with a modest 4-3 record before turning a corner in May. A 14-9 showing propelled the club to second-place in the NL standings at the end of the month.
Brooklyn continued their roll into the summer, posting a 16-9 record in June, 19-8 record in July and 18-7 record in August. Brooklyn closed out the regular season by going a collective 15-7 in September and October.
The Bridegrooms finished their first year in the NL with an 86-43 record, becoming the first team to win consecutive pennants in two different leagues.
Postseason
The Bridegrooms squared off against the AA’s Colonels for a best-of-seven matchup. A winner was not determined as both teams won three games and tied for another.
Bridegrooms outfielder Oyster Burns was responsible for the only home run in the World Series. He hit an overall .222/.300/.407 in 27 at-bats.
Tom Lovett and Adonis Terry combined to log all 60 innings pitched for the Bridegrooms pitching staff. They allowed 70 baserunners and 32 runs in seven games — good for a solid 3.15 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.
