RICHMOND, VA. March 31, 1912 - The United League is on its way. In the presence of 2,500 fans, the Cincinnati Ruby Legs faced off against the Richmond Cardinals at the makeshift Liberty Park.
Cincinnati manager Francisco Tracey's nine men defeated Richmond manager Greg Bax's nine men in a close 6-4 game.
With the game tied at 4-4 at the start of the 9th inning, it looked like a possible extra inning game could open up the play of the new league. But a leadoff single from Cincinnati right fielder Ambrose Dodd and then an error on a steal attempt got things started for the Ruby Legs, giving them a man on third with no outs.
A sacrifice fly from catcher Tobias Lander drove in the go ahead run, and then a two out triple and then a single drove in another, putting the team up 6-4.
In the bottom of the 9th, Cincinnati pitcher Lorenzo Dubois forced Richmond hitters to fly out three straight times, sealing the first win for the pitcher, team, and league.
The opening game for the United League was not without fanfare. League president William Willman threw out the opening pitch and made a short speech thanking the fans for giving the league a chance. Also in attendance was Richmond mayor James Delehey, who thanked President Willman for bringing quality baseball to the city.
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