Rhode Island was an early hotbed for baseball talent, thanks in part to powerhouse teams at Brown University. A semipro team was founded in Providence in 1875 and had immediate success, with strong attendance.

After the Hartford Club folded, the National League invited the Providence Grays to join. Before playing their first game the Grays, looked to be seriously disorganized, as General Manager Benjamin Douglas was fired for incompetence and insubordination by Owner Henry Root.

The Grays would even change managers, than referred to as captain as Tom York replaced Tom Carey. Despite the launch problems, the Grays has a decent inaugural season, finishing in third place with a record of 33-27.

Paul Hines was the leading hitting for Providence, batting . 358 with four home runs and 50 RBI.

Making his debut as a pitcher, John Montgomery Ward was the Grays star on the mound, posting a record of 22-13 with an ERA of 1. 51.