The St. Louis Brown Stockings were one of two teams that began play in the National Association for its fifth and final season.

The Brown Stockings would defeat the rival St. Louis Red Stockings 15-9 in their first game on May 4th.

It would be the only meeting of the two teams, as the Red Stockings folded after posting a record of 4-15 in 19 games. The Brown Stockings meanwhile gave a good accounting for themselves, placing fourth with a record of 39-29.

Lip Pike was the Brown Stockings top hitter, batting . 346 with 44 RBI, while on the mound 18-year-old Pud Galvin is credited with the lowest ERA in the NA, despite pitching just 62 innings, and posting a record of 4-2.

George Bradley saw a bulk of the action on the mound, posting a record of 33-26 with an ERA of 2. 13.