The 1886 season was memorable as the top two all-time Major League Baseball single season strikeout totals were established that year:
Notable seasons
Guy Hecker of the Louisville Colonels not only compiled a 26-23 record with a 2.87 Earned Run Average as the Colonels number 2 pitcher, he also won the American Association batting crown with a .341 average. Hecker remains the only pitcher to ever win a batting title.
Matt Kilroy of the Baltimore Orioles throws 4 2-hitters, 3 1-hitters and a no-hitter in his rookie season in 1886. Kilroy also sets the single season major league record with 513 strikeouts.
Jocko Flynn of the Chicago White Stockings goes 23-6 in his rookie season in 1886. Flynn develops arm trouble and never pitches again in the major leagues. His 23 wins are still a record for a pitcher who only pitched in 1 season.