The National League and the American Association faced each other in a World's Championship Series at the end of the season to determine an overall champion.
TEAMWLPctGB
y 1888 New York Giants LogoNY Giants   8447.641-
1888 Chicago White Stockings LogoChicago 7758.5709.0
1888 Philadelphia Quakers LogoPhil. Phillies 6961.53114.5
1888 Boston Beaneaters LogoBoston 7064.52215.5
1888 Detroit Wolverines LogoDetroit 6863.51916.0
1888 Pittsburg Alleghenys LogoPittsburg 6668.49319.5
1888 Indianapolis Hoosiers LogoIndianapolis 5085.37036.0
1888 Washington Nationals LogoWashington 4886.35837.5