The New York Gothams marked the beginning of one of baseball’s greatest franchises. As the original team that became the Giants, the New York Gothams baseball club played a key role in shaping the sport’s early history. Their strong rosters, competitive spirit, and notable players built a tradition that still resonates with fans and historians today.
Established
1883
City
New York – San Francisco
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1883 – 1999 / National League
Team History
1958 – Present / San Francisco Giants
1885 – 1957 / New York Giants
1883 – 1885 / New York Gothams
Nickname
Gothams - Baseball fans nationwide know and love the New York Gothams, one of Major League Baseball's most storied franchises. But do you know where their nickname came from? It may surprise you that it has its roots in a long-forgotten piece of baseball history.
New York Gothams Origin
It all began in 1883 when two teams – the New York Metropolitans and Brooklyn Bridegrooms – merged to form what would become known as the “Gotham Base Ball Club.” This was an unusual combination for its time, but it made perfect sense given both teams' strong fan bases in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The name "Gotham" was chosen because newspapers had already used it to refer collectively to both cities - hence why Gotham became synonymous with New York City itself over time!
The team kept this moniker until 1888 when they changed their name again, becoming known as simply “the Giants” due to their large size compared with other clubs then playing professional baseball (such as Boston Beaneaters or Philadelphia Phillies). However, even though they no longer use “Gotham” officially today, many diehard fans still lovingly refer affectionately call them as "The Gothams."
So next time someone asks about your favorite baseball team's nickname origins, remember: there is more than meets the eye behind those three simple letters!
Championship
World Series 0
2014, 2012, 2010, 1954, 1933, 1922, 1921, 1905
Stadium
2000 – Present / AT&T Park
1960 – 1999 / Candlestick Park
1958 – 1960 / Seals Stadium
*New York*
1883 – 1957 / Polo Grounds
Owner
2012 – Present / San Francisco Baseball Associates LLC
2008 – 2011 / Bill Neukom
1993 – 2008 / Peter Magowan
1976 – 1993 / Bob Lurie
1936 – 1976 / Horace Stoneham
1919 – 1936 / Charles Stoneham
1912 – 1919 / Harry Hempstead
1902 – 1912 / John Brush
1895 – 1902 / Andrew Freedman
1893 – 1895 / C. C. Van Cott
1883 – 1893 / John Day
- 1883
- 1884
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Gothams Team Formation
The San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball originated in New York City as the New York Gothams in 1883 and were known as the New York Giants from 1885 until the team relocated to San Francisco after the 1957 season. During most of their 75 seasons in New York City, the Giants played home games at various incarnations of ... -
First Non Letter Logo
While it’s certainly an incredible object to look at, it’s significant too. It could well be the first non-typographic decoration of any kind on a Major League Baseball uniform.
New York Gothams History
The New York Gothams are the original name of today’s San Francisco Giants and hold a remarkable place in Major League Baseball history. Founded in 1883, the New York Gothams baseball club quickly became one of the National League’s flagship teams. They captured their first pennant in 1888 and were one of only two franchises to achieve that milestone before 1900. Over the following decades, the New York Gothams earned four additional pennants and three World Series titles between 1888 and 1923, laying the groundwork for the legendary Giants legacy.
During their time at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan, the New York Gothams baseball team became known for competitive play, loyal fans, and Hall-of-Fame talent. Though the franchise later became the San Francisco Giants, the foundation built by the New York Gothams shaped the identity of one of MLB’s most iconic organizations.
In 1962, after decades of success, the team’s history took a new turn when Major League Baseball expanded in New York. The franchise’s old ballpark heritage inspired the creation of the New York Mets at Shea Stadium, which brought fresh energy to the city’s baseball scene. Although the Mets and Giants are separate franchises, this period underlines how the New York Gothams helped influence baseball culture in New York City.
Gothams Achievements
The New York Gothams achieved five National League pennants before the relocation era and laid the foundation for the Giants’ three early World Series championships (1905, 1921, and 1922). Their rivalry with Brooklyn and their success at the Polo Grounds established them as one of baseball’s true powerhouses.
Today, historians and fans celebrate the New York Gothams baseball legacy as the origin story of the San Francisco Giants. Their early championships, celebrated players, and community impact helped set the standard for excellence in Major League Baseball and built a tradition that still resonates with fans more than a century later.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
3 / Bill Terry
4 / Mel Ott
11 / Carl Hubbell
20 / Monte Irvin
24 / Willie Mays
25 / Barry Bonds
27 / Juan Marichal
30 / Orlando Cepeda
36 / Gaylord Perry
42 / Jackie Robinson
44 / Willie McCovey
*Blue is this team’s history