Throughout the early years of baseball in the District the local supporters had to deal with losing teams, so-called “tail-enders.” Still the team’s followers were ardent and even a modest winning streak would cause a buzz of excitement. While the majority of rooters were government workers a note worthy number of the fans were women, Ladies have been a part of District baseball for many years.
The 1884 Washington American Association team is probably the first major league team in the District to set aside a day for ladies.
“The team will introduce a new feature here, which has proven very “taking” wherever attempted. At stated intervals “Ladies Days” will be held and ladies will be allowed free admission to the grounds and chairs on the upper tier of the grand stand. Another new feature, a limited number of cushions will be provided. This has been done in other cities will be well received.”
Their rival’s, Michael Scanlon’s Union Association team, quickly adopts the same policy. While Ladies Day’s were not invited in the District they were very popular and Ladies Day’s became a fixture of the 1880s and 1890s. At first Saturday and Monday were set aside as ladies day, in time this would change to other days.
In June 1888, Mrs. Frances Cleveland, the young wife of the President, attended the Yale-Princeton baseball game giving the sport a social endorsement some feel it has been lacking.
July 1891, the Washington Sunday Herald writes, “It is now fashionable for ladies to make up a party and go without the usual male escort.”
1894, The Senators report that there will be some stadium improvements for the new season. The north end of the grandstand will have an entrance for the exclusive use of ladies and their escorts. At the entrance will be a room for their use with a matron on duty. A tier of luxury boxes have been built in the north end of the grandstand. No smoking, loud or profane language will be allowed in the grandstand, bleachers or ball field. Tuesdays and Fridays will be ladies day. The team printed and distributed several hundred little books for the more prominent families in the city which will permit them entry to Ladies Day events.
13 September 1897, the Ladies day Riot takes place at Nationals Park. It is neither a ladies day nor much of a riot but that is a tale for another day.
11 April 1899, Ladies Day with free admissions, a long time feature of baseball in the District will be no more according to the Wagner’s. Gentleman accompanying the ladies will have to pay for their ticket. There is a great outcry and three days alter the policy will be reversed and free complementary passes will be provided because of the public outcry.
