The Excelsiors finest starting nine visited their neighbors in Washington on Wednesday June 6, 1860. Little did they know that the game would be historic in that not only was it the first official game played by a Baltimore team and the first intercity game in the history of baseball outside of the New York City area, but also the beginning of a rivalry that would last more than 150 years. The Potomac Base Ball Club's home field was located on a cow pasture just south of the President’s Mansion called the White Lot. The hot weather did not scare away the spectators as the perimeter of the outfield was dotted with over 2,000 when the contest began at the stroke of one o’clock. Captain George Beam won the coin toss and elected to take the field first. The game started out evenly matched until the sixth inning when the Potomacs scored nine runs off Beam, putting them ahead. The hitting was even throughout, but Baltimore made it count. The Excelsiors fought back in the bottom half, tallying thirteen in response to take the lead, and ultimately the victory!

“A large number of spectators were upon the ground, including some three or four hundred ladies…  Hazlett, who played 1st base, was severely hurt in the third inning by a spike from one of the Potomac.”

-Porter’s Spirit of the Times, June 8, 1860.

                                              1    2    3    4    5    6     7    8    9

DC POTOMAC                  3    2    0    1    3    9     3    3    0 ….. 24

EXCELSIOR                        3    1    2    4    4   13    4    3    6 …...40

Passed balls- Woods 4, Smedberg, 8

U- J. Morrow Scorers- Satterfield, Excelsior and Irwin, Potomac

The Daily Exchange gave an extensive account of the contest and noted the Excelsiors: “were dressed in blue flannel pants, white shirt and gray caps; and the Potomac players in full gray flannel suits.” After the game, “at seven o'clock in the evening the two Clubs partook of a sumptuous entertainment, which was prepared at the order of the Potomac Club, and which was served up at Gautier's. When all were seated Captain Smedberg rose and in a neat speech, presented the ball, which is always the prize in a match, to the Excelsior Club. Captain Beam, on behalf of the club, responded in a few happy and appropriate remarks. After ample justice had been done to the good things, the cloth was removed, and, in response to sentiments, speeches were made by Messrs. G.A. Woods, James Morrow, Nicholas Chapman and others. At an early hour in the morning the company rose and dispersed, more than gratified with the entertainment and hospitality of the Potomac Club.” A month later the Excelsiors had the winning ball gilded in silver at William Brown’s Jewelry store at the corner of Baltimore and Charles Streets where it was displayed proudly for the rest of the summer. Inscribed on the ball are the words “Potomac vs. Excelsior. Washington, June 1860.” Our first baseball trophy!