In 1884, Metropolitans manager Jim Mutrie issued a challenge to his NL counterpart, Frank Bancroft of the Grays.

This pre-modern-era World Series would feature a pitching match-up of future Hall of Famers and 300-game winners Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn and Tim Keefe.

Playing under American Association rules, Radbourn and the Grays defeated the New York team in the first two games, 6–0 and 3–1.

Providence Grays (NL) (84–28) vs New York Metropolitans (AA) (75–32) Thursday, October 23, at the Polo Grounds.

Providence defeats New York 6–0 Umpire: John Kelly Time of game: 2:00 W: Old Hoss Radbourn (1–0) L: Tim Keefe (0-1) Friday, October 24, at the Polo Grounds Providence defeats New York 3–1 (7 innings) Umpire: John Remsen Time of game: 1:35 W: Old Hoss Radbourn (2–0) L: Tim Keefe (0-2) Saturday, October 25, at the Polo Grounds Providence defeats New York 12–2 (6 innings) Umpire: Tim Keefe Time of game: 1:20 W: Old Hoss Radbourn (3–0) L: Buck Becannon (0-1)