In 1890 we have no photographic records, and a small sample of newspaper accounts that claim the uniform was brown. We do not know if the brown uniform said St. Louis on it, and if it did, we do not know what those letters looked like. We do not know what the primary home uniform looked like. We can only assume it was a simple uniform with brown St. Louis lettering on it similar to previous seasons. In the early and mid 1890s, we have a major shortage of information. This is sort of a dark era for photographs and newspaper accounts regarding what the team wore. There are many reasons why this could be, mainly the American Association was set to fold in the coming years.
We have no known or identified photographs from the 1890 season. Seen below is a newspaper clipping of sporting goods from the era.
Newspaper Accounts
St. Louis Post Dispatch: January 30, 1890
The National League Meeting
The first subject taken up by the delegates was the question of uniform for the different teams. This was decided unanimously by the selection of white suits to be worn by the team at home at all times. Visiting teams will have their own options in selecting their dress, provided it is of such a color as to be easily distinguished from the home team.
Sporting Life: February 19, 1890
It was decided that each team in the [American] Association should wear a white uniform (shirt and pants) upon the home grounds. The color of the cap, belt, and stockings was left to the pleasure of the individual managers.
St. Louis Globe Democrat: April 24, 1890
President Von der Ahe and Capt. McCarthy yesterday selected from a lot of samples a solid rich dark-brown piece of cloth and decided to have uniforms made of it for the St. Louis Browns. The caps will be of the same goods, and the belt will also be dark brown in color. […] Capt. McCarthy will today take the measures of all the men and they will be forwarded to Chicago to Spalding Bros. who will make the uniforms.
Research from Ed Morton and Craig Brown
Sporting Life: May 3, 1890
The St. Louis traveling uniform will be solid brown. Spalding is making the suits.
Democrat and Chronicle: May 20, 1890
The St. Louis Browns made their first appearance on a Rochester diamond since they were shut out here in 1888… The Rochesters played good ball… Bob Bob Barr pitched a steady, effective game. He kept the hits well scattered and did about what he pleased with the gentlemen in the brown uniforms. The field play of the Browns was as trifle musty.
Team Colors
Brown – PMS 732
Cardinals Uniforms & Logos 