There was controversy over Dover's signing of Bill Higgins, who had played in 14 major league games for the Boston Beaneaters the previous season.
A crowd of 600 was on hand to see Dover defeat Wilmington in the league opener.
[1][3] After beginning play weeks earlier, the Delaware State League permanently folded on July 25, 1889, before the completion of the 1889 season schedule.
Smyrna reportedly couldn't compete with other teams in player salaries and folded.
The team records and standings on the folding date of July 25, 1889 were: Dover (8–2), Milford (6–5), Wilmington (5–4) Camden (3–6) and Smyrna (1–6).