The American Association returned to Toledo in 1890, five years after the Blue Stockings returned to the minor leagues. The Toledo Maumees, named after a nearby town were an International Association team that replaced the Blue Stockings after they disbanded.

The Maumees also known as the Black Pirates were one of three minor league teams along with the Rochester Broncos and Syracuse Stars to join the AA in 1890 replacing teams that had recently departed. Managed by Charlie Morton who played and managed the 1884 Toledo Blue Stockings, the Toledo Maumees played their games at Speranza Park.

Of the three minor league teams in the American Association, the Maumees had the best record, finishing in fourth place with a record of 68-64. Ed Smartwood was Toledo's top hitter with a .

327 average, while Perry Werden supplied the power with six home runs and 72 RBI. On the mound, Egyptian Healy was the team's top pitcher with 22 wins.

After just one season in the American Association, the Toledo Maumees returned to the International Association, as the league could not afford to keep the three minor league teams they invited to join a year earlier.