The Unlikely Connection: Toronto Blue Jays and the 1886 Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers
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In May 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays made MLB history by recording three 12-run-or-more shutouts in a single month—joining only two other teams to achieve this feat. This milestone has sparked renewed interest in their unexpected link to the 1886 Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, a team they never actually played against. Both separated by over a century, their shared record and intertwined histories reveal intriguing parallels in baseball’s evolution.
The Trolley Dodgers: A Name Rooted in Chaos
Origins of the Nickname
The Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, predecessors to today’s Los Angeles Dodgers, earned their moniker in the 1890s. The bustling streets of Brooklyn, crowded with dangerous electric trolleys, forced pedestrians to “dodge” these vehicles—hence the team’s early name. By 1886, they competed in the rival American Association league, finishing third with a 76-61 record that reflected both resilience and inconsistency.
Key Contributors
- Pop Schriver: A 20-year-old catcher who debuted with the team
- Adonis Terry: Pitcher with 288 innings logged that season
The Blue Jays’ Modern Dominance
2025 Breakthrough
Over 140 years later, the Blue Jays mirrored the Trolley Dodgers’ rare record by shutting out opponents like the San Diego Padres (14-0) and Oakland Athletics (12-0). Their May 30 victory over the Athletics, powered by Ernie Clement’s 5 RBIs and Bo Bichette’s home run, cemented this historic connection. Unlike their predecessors—who went 0-3 in their 12-run shutouts—the Blue Jays balanced this success with playoff-contender consistency.
Comparing Eras: Then and Now
In 1886, the Trolley Dodgers played in a baseball landscape marked by fierce rivalry leagues. The American Association, nicknamed the “Beer and Whiskey League,” competed directly with the National League, even organizing early interleague showdowns. Meanwhile, Toronto’s own baseball journey began in 1877 as an expansion team in the International League—a path that delayed their MLB arrival until 1977.
A Rivalry That Never Was
In 1886, Toronto nearly joined the National League but chose instead to stay in the International League. Had they accepted, a century-old rivalry with Brooklyn might have existed. Instead, their shared record became the only bridge between these eras—a testament to baseball’s timeless storytelling.
Conclusion: Bridging Centuries
The Blue Jays’ 2025 achievements honor the Trolley Dodgers’ legacy while highlighting baseball’s enduring appeal. From Brooklyn’s trolley-filled streets to Toronto’s Rogers Centre, this sport continues to connect generations through unexpected moments of history. As both teams prove—greatness can emerge in the most surprising ways.
Keywords: Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, 1886 MLB record, baseball history
