Set on the banks of the Hudson River, the upstate New York town of Troy was key in America's Industrial Revolution. Iron, steel, and textiles were its primary trades as Troy's population grew from 39,000 to 57,000.

This rapid growth led the National League to invite Troy to set up a professional baseball club. Called the Trojans like the residents of Troy in Homer's Odyssey the team would struggle badly in their first season, finishing dead last with a record of 19-56.

Dan Brouthers was the Trojans top hitter, with a . 279 average, while being the only player from Troy to any home runs with four.

On the mound George Bradley was tagged with 40 losses, posting a record of 13-40 with an ERA.