Staten Island Home > History > The New York Metropolitans

Patricia M. Salmon, Curator of History
Staten Island Museum(Institute of Arts And Sciences)

Founded in 1880, the Metropolitans joined the American Association in 1883. They played in Manhattan and won the American Association's championship in 1884. Unfortunately, they lost to the Providence Grays in what is credited as being the first World Series. In 1885, the Metropolitans garnered a seventh place finish.

Play began on Staten Island on April 22, 1886. Located in St. George, the stadium allowed fans for the 1886 season to watch as the Statue of Liberty was installed. The Metropolitans were brought to Staten Island courtesy of Erastus Wiman, president of the Staten Island Rapid Transit Railroad Co., so that more people would use his ferries and railroads to get to the games.

In an effort to shake the Metropolitans up Steve Behel was brought in to replace Ed Kennedy in center field. Joe Crotty caught, as did Jim Donahue and Charlie Reipschlager. Pitchers Jack Lynch and Ed Cushman were later joined by Al Mays and John Shaffer. John "Candy" Nelson started at shortstop, but was switched over to the out field. Steve Brady and "Chief" Roseman also played out field, with Elmer Foster filling in. At second base John Meister eventually replaced Tom Forster. In 1886, first baseman David Orr belted out 31 triples, the most ever accomplished in a season by an American Association player. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough and the team landed in seventh place with a 53-82 record.

In 1887, Steve Brady and Charlie Reiplschlager were gone, while "Candy" Nelson was now filling in the blanks. "Chief" Roseman played part of the season. Former Metropolitan Thomas "Dude" Esterbrook was brought back and Paul Radford came on board. Second baseman John Meister was replaced by Joe Gerhardt of the Giants. Meister was sent off to center field. Second base was later given to Radford and Nelson. They were replaced by Sadi Houck, who was replaced by Clarence Cross. Meanwhile, Esterbrook took over at shortstop, but he got his walking papers in July. Third baseman Frank Hankinson actually had his best season ever. After his stint at second, Radford went to shortstop, but was banished to right field to replace Eddie Hogan. Center field was covered by "Lip" Pike and Charley Jones, and two men named Morrison and Hall. One shining star was rookie left fielder Darby O'Brien who proved to be a great hitter. Bill Holbert, Jim Donahue and Peter Sommers were doing the catching, while Shaffer, Lynch, Mays, and Cushman were pitching. In the hole for $30,000, Wiman sold the team to the Brooklyn Trolley-Dodgers. With the franchise going to Kansas City, the Metropolitans went into oblivion.

The Metropolitan's grandstand was in the parking lot that is near the Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark, the home of the Staten Island Yankees.

For further information read When the Mets Played Baseball on Staten Island by Larry Lupo or visit the History Archives & Library of the Staten Island Institute of Arts & Sciences. Appointments can be made by calling 718/727-1135 x20.