was to evolve into the Dodgers was formed in 1883 as a member of the American Association. It was named the Brooklyn Grays and played in Washington Park. It joined the National League in 1890.

In its formative years the team had various nicknames, such as “Grays,” “Robins,” “Superbas,” “Grooms,” and “Bridegrooms.” Eventually, it became known as the “Trolley Dodgers,” which was later shortened to “Dodgers.” The name ”Trolley Dodgers” was derived from the fact that in Brooklyn pedestrians were continually having to dodge the many trollies that ran on the newly installed tracks that seemed to be everywhere. Until the 1930s many fans and even newspapers continued, on occasion, to refer to the team under one of the old names. For all intents and purposes the matter wasfelt like they were part of the game. If a fan yelled something the player or umpire would often hear it, and fans would often “interact” with the game in this manner. The team was always exciting and very popular, even in the early years when it wasn’t very good, much like the early NY Mets teams. It was not unusual for a player to live in the neighborhood and to mingle with ordinary people in the off-season. In the late 1920s one group of players became known as the”Daffiness Boys” because of their silly antics on the field. Their signature moment occurred when three players somehow ended up at third base on one play.

After WWII the team became very good indeed, with players such as Harold “Pee