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Our Game From Beginning To End
THE BASEBALL CHRONICLE
Edition 1-1 March 17, 1871 In the dawn of spring the masses in the most populous cities of the country come out from a trying winter to enjoy the air and renew their vigor. For years that national game of baseball had played a central role in this annual revival and rite of spring. Almost every city across the nation has its local ballfield and center stage of local game that produce local heroes. If good enough, these heroes go on to leave their local abode on a ministry of play to join the traveling teams that barnstorm the nation and create the debate of which club really is the grandest. This debate has of course always been subjective with local bias dominating thought and many dream matchups never really happening due to a lack of structure. There have been internal rumors and discussions from within the game that the structure needed to make the national game legitimate was being prepared. Now, finally, those rumors appear to be bearing fruit. In an unprecedented move, many of the biggest names in the game both on and off the field have come together to create the National Association of Baseball Clubs. A nationwide circuit of baseball clubs, which will compete for a championship. Three men have come to the forefront of this ambitious endeavor. First there is Harry Wright who through his excellent management of the Cincinnati Red Stockings club has established himself as the prominent name in baseball across the land. Wright has excepted the idea and even agreed to take over a club in Boston that will carry on many of the traditions of the Cincinnati club, including its iconic name. For any league to be successful the buy in of Mr. Wright was mandatory. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...rry_Wright.png Mr. Harry Wright The next figure is that of Robert Ferguson who helped spear head this idea from a player’s point of view and will be an intricate piece in convincing players that becoming a professional is the best thing for them and the game. Ferguson of course is a fine player in his own right and will participate in the league as a player, as will Wright for the inaugural season. It has already been agreed to internally that Ferguson will become the first president of the new league. In the meantime, business mogul James Kerns will be the first league president. He will take the role for the first season because of his business background and his ability to deal with the financials including attendance and gate receipts. The eight cities that are rumored to be chosen for the first season have already put in their bids and are likely to start recruiting some of the best talent across the land. There is no restriction on who can play in the league or even a roster maximum size at this point. The eight cities that are expected to field teams are: Boston Chicago Fort Wayne Cleveland Troy New York Philadelphia Cleveland Schedules and roster are sure to follow with an expected season start date of April and the idea of two division and a championship between the two best clubs in October being a likely set up. The league is keen on making one champion to silence the national debate that currently dominates talk around the nation. The excitement of what is to come next and the incredible precedence of a first professional sports league of any kind has us on the brink of something truly fascinating. **Please note I am not chasing after exact historical accuracy but rather am creating my own unique history and storylines. |
League Best Nine
THE BASEBALL CHRONICLE
Edition 1-2 March 31, 1871 In the first official league meeting at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in New York City, the framework of the league and the first season were established with the entry of 9 clubs and 2 divisions as Washington was a late entry to the cities included. Nothing but anticipation and enthusiasm has filled the air as the schedule has been released, the rosters brought together, and professional baseball on the horizon for the very first time. Some important information about the new league: • 2 divisions (one 4 teams, one 5) • 34 game schedule • Two division winners will face in a best of 7 series known as the World Series. • Home club will keep all gate receipts • Trading players is allowed pending league approval. • Monetary prizes will be given at a banquet at the end of the season including outstanding hitter, pitcher, and manager. LEAGUE BEST 9 OF 1871 Before doing a synopsis of the divisions and the specifics of each new club, we wanted to start our annual “BEST 9” ranking. This is a ranking of the top player at each position as scouts and talent evaluators see them. Of course, this time there isn’t much to go by other than reputation and prospectus talent. CATCHER – CaL McVey New York Mutuals https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...59416_sabr.jpg Part of the great Cincinnati club that took the country by storm, McVey in known for his exemplary character and his ability to hit. Harry Wright did his best to get McVey to come play for him in Boston, but the Iowa native decided to play for the biggest market of them all as he will lead a New York club that will have the pressure to succeed especially against Boston and Philadelphia. FIRST BASE – Levi Meyerle Cleveland Forest City’s https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...33751_sabr.jpg A tall talented young player standing at 6’1 and coming out of the city of Philadelphia. Meyerle is bringing his talents to Cleveland after playing in Chicago last season and gaining attention for his quick feet and powerful swing. Meyerle is also noted for his heritage, as he has an immense following for being Jewish and representing the culture with pride. SECOND BASE – Ross Barnes Washington Olympics https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...c2ec1_sabr.jpg The top player in many of the expert’s opinion in the entire new league, Barnes has the ability to place the ball perfectly every time up and get on base. Barnes is from New York but spent the last couple of years playing in Rockford along side another star named Al Spalding. Washington will be a new home for him, and he is the favorite to win the first batting title. THIRD BASE – Ezra Sutton Boston Red Stockings https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...490d_davis.jpg Likely the very best glove man in the league with the best arm, Sutton is a perfect fit for Harry Wright and his club. Sutton originates from Western New York and played for Rochester before catching the eye of the Cleveland club which he played wonderfully in 1870. Ezra is described by many as fearless and has a competitive attitude that Boston fans will gravitate to. SHORTSTOP – Dickie Flowers Washington Olympics https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...82092_sabr.jpg A Philadelphia kid, Flowers will be joining Ross Barnes in Washington to establish the best middle infield of any club. Flowers played for the Quakers before moving to the Keystones and showed off his speed and intelligence scoring over one run per game in the 1869 season. As mentioned, Flowers plays much more mature than his age of 21 and has a bright future. LEFT FIELD – Steve King Rockford Forest City’s https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...27fa1_sabr.jpg Making the move all the way from New York to Rockford, Steve King has the all-around talent any team would love to have and will be a centerpiece for the Rockford club. His glovework in the outfield is top of the line and he also could be expected to hit well over .300 as anyone who saw him play in Troy last season would attest. He has a real good natural feel for the game. CENTER FIELD – Dave Eggler New York Mutuals https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...e073e_sabr.jpg Born in Brooklyn and playing for the Mutuals for the past three seasons, Eggler is a fan favorite and will be right at home in the center of the defense. Is he actually the best at the position? Many like George Hall of Philly as the best and think Eggler hasn’t seen this type of competition; but the Brooklyn kid surely will be given every chance to succeed. RIGHT FIELD – Dick Higham Philadelphia Athletics https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...e8b6b_sabr.jpg A stickler for the rules and the son of a cricket player, Higham can play multiple positions including catcher, but manager Dick McBride and scouts love him in right field. Higham and George Hall should make Philly a formidable opponent for anyone, and few have better instincts boldness of play then this player who was born overseas in Ipswich England. PITCHER – Al Spalding Boston Red Stockings https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...355e0_sabr.jpg Born in Illinois, Spalding was too far from the powers of the east coast to be part of the great teams of the post war. Still in recent years the young hurler has foiled some of the best teams across the land and has gained the reputation as one of the best control pitchers in the nation. With the mentorship of Harry Wright, the sky is the limit for Spalding who can also swing the bat just about as good as any regular. |
National League Preview
The Chronicle
Edition 1-2 Continued There will be two divisions in the new league, a National Division and a Federal Division. The National Division will consist of five teams and the Federal of four. Here is a preseason peek of the teams. NATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW Chicago White Stockings Manager: Charlie Pabor Grounds: Union Baseball Grounds Predicted Record: 14-18 Baseball in the young city of Chicago has the ability to flourish and could be the perfect scene for a successful club. Player manager Charlie Pabor will play left field and will mostly rely on a 19 year old catcher be his center piece. The young Cap Anson has many scouts raving for his ability to hit and drive the ball. Anson has a strong personality and could be the type of player despite his age that could become a clubhouse leader and voice. Joe Start and Ed Pinkham are more established players that have played at a highgt level but weaknesses at second base and center field could hold the team back. Al Pratt will get the call as team pitcher and even he seems to have more questions then answers.. Pabor will have his work cut out for him if he is to make the Whites winners right of the bat, no pun intended. Fort Wayne Kekiongas Manager: Bill Lennon Grounds: Grand Duchess Predicted Record: 16-16 Many do not seem to fancy the Fort Wayne club and their prospects for the opening season but everything being predicted is very subjective and none of these clubs have ever played together before. Starter Cherokee Fisher is a perfect fit for a team that represents the Natives. Fisher is an imposing presence and often times makes hitters shy away from their best. Dickey Pearce is a competent shirt stop and George Bechtel may be the best bat on the team even if, like his club, he doesn’t get the publicity of most others. Manager Bill Lennon will do his best to keep his team believing if no one else really does. New York Mutuals Manager: Joe Lemmens Grounds: Union Grounds Brooklyn Predicted Record: 17-15 Seeing how a team with the New York name does in a region that prefers much more local allegiance should be interesting. In any case the Mutuals have a fine history of their own and have put together a roster with some of the best talent heading into the season. Catcher Cal McVey is definitely one of the most talented bats in the entire league while Dave Eggler will use his local popularity to prove his worth in center. The entire roster is deep and well builtas even John McMullin who will do the pitching, has one of the better batting eyes in the game. New York would love to become professional baseball’s first champion. Rockford Forest Citys Manager: Scott Hastings Grounds: Agricultural Society Fair Grounds Predicted Record: 12-20 There is some real talent on this group of players that will represent Rockford. Rockford may have been one of the least likely places to get a pro club but the history of good baseball in the city cant be ignored. Steve King is among the biggest talents on the team especially the way he can track down a fly ball. John Radcliff and Chick Fulmer make a strong left side of the infield and then there is John Bass at first who has been touted as one of the best power men in the league. Rynie Wolters is a well-known asset in the pitchers spot and in truth there is some real excitement surrounding this ball club. Troy Haymakers Manager: Lip Pike Grounds: Haymakers Grounds Predicted Record: 18-14 Troy has to be excited about the club that they have put together and a side that is lead by one of the most talented players on any roster in Lip Pike. Pike will play first base and bring his great hitting skills that should team up perfect with Jimmy Wood who put aside his managing aspirations to join the Haymakers and be part of a winner. Fergy Malone is one of the better catchers in the game and Gat Stires who will play right field will bring many fans from afar to see how far he can hit a baseball. Asa Brainard is experienced and more mature, the perfect characteristic for a pitcher. This should be a very good club. |
Federal League Preview
The Chronicle
Edition 1-2 Continued FEDERAL LEAGUE PREVIEW Boston Red Stockings Manager: Harry Wright Grounds: South End Grounds Predicted Record: 19-13 The most respected name in the game, Harry Wright, builds his team and most feel that he has the know how to bring Boston the title. Along with himself, Wright brings his brother George who surely is one of the very best players in the game. Ezra Sutton is am excellent talent at third base and the most respected hurler in likely the nation, Albert Spalding, will be opposing hitters. It is indeed easy to pick the Red Stockings as favorites, but a very competitive league will soon show just how much the experts think they know and just how ahead of his time Wright actually is. Cleveland Forest Citys Manager: Bob Ferguson Grounds: National Association Grounds Predicted Record: 14-18 The great Jewish star, Levi Meyerle headlines a Cleveland team that is lead by Bob Ferguson and likely will be better then most people think. Meyerle can make the argument as the best overall talent in the league and Ferguson likely is the best defender the league has. Cleveland also has not one but two great pitchers in George Zettlein who is known as the Charmer, as well as Bill Stearns gifted youngster that rumor had Harry Wright wanted. Speaking of Wright, the rivalry with Boston in this division should be fun to watch, Ohio in general isn’t happy Wright up and left the state for bigger fish in. Philadelphia Athletics Manager: Dick McBride Grounds: Jefferson Street Grounds Predicted Record: 17-15 Philadelphia just may have the very best outfield in the league as George Hall and Dick Higham make quite a fantastic duo both with their hands and with the bat. Dick McBride is the leader of these man and will be in the center of it all as he hopes is arsenal or arm angles against hitters can create outs and wins. The infield for the Athletics is suspect and is the catcher position making most feel that this team winning or competing for a pennant could be a long shot. Washington Olympics Manager: Nick Young Grounds: Olympic Grounds Predicted Record: 21-11 There is only one question for this club preventing them from being the absolute favorites in the inaugural season, who will pitch? Bobby Mathews appears to be the answer to the question but many wonder if Mathews has what it takes to fill the position at a competent level. As for the position players, the Olympics are tops with top player Ross Barnes teaming up with Dickie Flowers in a fantastic middle infield. Catcher Deacon White may just be the most talented and smart player at the position. In truth Washington may have the three best players in the league but likely also the biggest hole. |
The First Game
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BASEBALL CHRONICLE
Edition 1-3 April 18, 1871 Troy Spoils Boston Opener The First Professional Baseball Game Attachment 876654 https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X9aF...2/wagathle.png It finally arrived, professional baseball has come to the nation and a dream that many thought would never happen became reality at South End Grounds in Boston in front of 1,345 spectators. One couldn't ask for a more perfect day as the cloud brushed blue skys cried out for baseball with the temperature a perfect 60 degrees. All the fanfare that one could expect was out at the scene including the Mayor of Boston, a marching band, and the heroes of both teams that were welcomed with a parade. Baseball Has Arrived. Al Spalding threw the first pitch has the Troy Hamaykers took their atbats first. Spalding obviously was showing some nerves. The first hitter for the annals of history was Count Sensenderfer who after two pitches grounded out to second. Fergy Malone then produced the first ever base hit sending the ball to right field and then advancing on an error. Malone would then steal second and score the first ever run on of all things a wild pitch. Troy would score two runs in the first inning and the great day was started. Sensenderfer would end with 4 RBI on the day and the Haymakers would add six runs in the 3rd to pull way out in front on a day Spalding and his defense was off. But by the 7th inning Boston had fought back to with in two runs and the core in the eighth stood at 11-9 in favor of Troy. Troy put the game away however in the 9th with 7 runs scored and completely spoiled the party in Boston. Troy gets its first win of the season and Boston has to wonder about their team and especially their team defense. A historic day for the game and for the new league. |
April 1871
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Edition 1-4 First Month Of Excitement Fort Wayne Takes First Three Attachment 876840 The first season of baseball completed its first month of play with rave reviews and optimism even if there were expected obstacles along the way including inclement April weather. Still in the first month of the season every club played their first game except for the New York and Washington clubs who will wait for better temperatures in May. The Boston club played the most game with five going 3-2 with mixed reviews. Boston has been lead by George Wright who is 12 for his first 23 with 7 runs driven in. The very first home run in league history was smacked on the second day of the season was hit by Boston third baseman Ezra Sutton who will be a nice footnote in the history of the league. At the top of the standings are the Fort Wayne Kekiongas who are 3-0. Quite simply the Fort Wayne team has played the best defense in the league thus far and George Bechtel is 8 for 13 at the plate with three doubles. Chicago has also won their first two games scoring 39 runs combined. Al Pratt is not only doing it with his arm but he also leads the team with seven RBI and is hitting .500. Baseball is here to stay. |
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Edition 1-5 Matthews Tosses First No Run Game Allows Only 2 Hits Against Washington Attachment 877687 Bobby Matthews definitely is not intimidating batters with his size and strength. The Baltimore native stands at only 5'5 and 140 pounds but the results when he throws would make your swear that he was bigger. On May 23rd Matthews had a day that no one who saw it will soon forget. The 19 year old right hander went the complete nine innings and allowed no runs to the Philadelphia Athletics who had the likes of George Hall and Dick Higham in their lineup. Not only did he allow no runs, but he also permitted the Athletics to scratch out two hits in what was a magnificent effort. The Olympics won the game going away by a score of 18-0. Matthews becomes the first pitcher on record to completely shutdown the opposition. For the season he is 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA. Olympics Score 41 Runs In One Afternoon A Stretch Of 4 Games With 91 Runs The Washington Olympic baseball club not only saw Bobby Matthews throw the first ever shutout. They also went on an offense run that took the league by storm and has the opposition devastated. On May 20th the Olympics entertained the Rockford ball club and put a final score on them to wont soon be forgotten. Washington scored 41 runs in a nine inning game including a 20 run inning. Rockford made over 20 errors in the game to make the final score more attainable. After the big win the Olympics were not done scoring games of 18, 16, and 21 consecutively. The Washington ball club is currently at 5-3 and in first place in the Federal Division. They have been lead by Ross Barnes who is hitting .395 and Deacon White who is hitting .400. |
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Edition 1-6 July 1, 1871 Treacey Powers Fort Wayne Unexpected Power Of 4 Home Runs Attachment 879503 No club has started the first season better then the Fort Wayne Kegiongas. The Fort Wayne club has won 11 of their first 15 games and have real reason to believe they will stay atop the National League all summer. The main attraction of the club has become left fielder Fred Treacey. At 24 years old Treacy wasnt expected to be a major star but over the first 15 games he has defied all odds and baseball logic by hitting 4 home runs. The home runs is more of a novelty act and extra to a ballgame, many would even say it goes against the nature of the game and is unsportsmanlike. Spectators are proving to have taken notice and seem to be following the club more even when they are in a foreign city. Pitchers around the league gave vowed to stop the trend but the Brooklyn native has an uplift in his swing and seems to get great carry off of the bat. Not to be overlooked, the other major hitting star on this team is right fielder George Bechtel who has hit two home runs of his own and is hitting .471. Bechtel has also drive in an impressive 18 runs thus far. This Fort Wayne duo has helped the lead the league in OPS at .831 and are making Indiana the new hotbed of hardball. Attachment 879504 Better At The Bat Then At The Plate? Wolters Is Making Rockford Fans Wonder Another small town team isnt having quite the success as Fort Wayne and have some wondering if baseball will stay there for the long run. The Rockford Forest Citys have an interesting history of the game in their parts but the professional club has opened their season at 7-13 after 20 games. https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...a9c76_sabr.jpg The issue among others for the team has been their pitching, more acutely the throwing of Rynie Wolters who has lost 11 games already and has an ERA of 4.37. Wolters has even allowed 4 home runs telling you just how hard clubs have hit the baseball. Something interesting beyond this however has taken place. It appears every time Wolters goes to bat, he is having unexpected success. In fact the pitcher to this moment is leading the league with a batting average of .500. He has 31 hits in 62 at bats including 6 triples. Manager Scott Hastings has talked about replacing Wolters as pitcher and having him hit exclusively, but there is currently no one on the roster who even knows the craft of throwing a baseball. Wolters on his part insists he will find his groove eventually as a pitcher. League Standings Attachment 879505 |
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BASEBALL CHRONICLE
Edition 1.7 August 1, 1871 Troy Come Roaring Back Haymakers Overtake Slumping Kekiogas In Standings A major swing in the race for the pennant in the National League as the Troy Haymakers leaped over the Fort Wayne Kegiogas this past month surging into first place. The Haymakers won 8 of their last 10 games while Fort Wayne lost six in a row. Star player manager Lip Pike has been the force behind his teams great play now hitting .463 with 34 RBI and some real leadership qualities. Centerfielder Count Sensenderfer is hitting .405 from the leadoff spot and has scored 34 runs not to mention is excellent work on defense making some of the most acrobatic catches in the league. Troy feels they have what it takes now to hold on to the lead in the final two months as Fort Wayne looks for answers. For the Indiana club their starting pitcher Cherokee Fisher seems to have lost his confidence now sporting a losing record at 10-11 and and ERA of 4.57. Of course there is still much baseball to be played while the wild card team seems to be the club from New York that is biding its time before it makes a move at 11-10 and only 2.5 games back of first. Washington continues to dominate the standings and the league in the Federal league up by over seven games now with a magic number of only 6. Wright Finding The Going Tough Boston Cant Get Over The Hump Of Mediocrity Harry Wright isnt used to losing and isnt used to being in second place. The preseason favorites from Boston however just cant seem to get or stay above water and are currently barely hanging on what likely wont be a successful season. Wright himself is hitting .325 and has done his best to help his starting nine including being the best base running team in the league with a total of 42 steals. Boston just has not played the defense that it has needed to thus far while Al Spalding has been good but not great as the teams everyday pitcher. Harry's brother is leading the league with an amazing .507 average thus far this season but the spectacle of his fine hitting has been overshadowed by some poor play in the field and some tough losses. Wright is the heavy favored to win the first ever batting championship. Attachment 883770 |
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Edition 1.8 August 1, 1871 League Reduces Games In Heat Of August In its first summer of action, the National Association made the decision to reduce their schedule in the heart of the summer. The decision came as rising temperatures in the cities made playing uncomfortable for some of the teams but the decision was not welcomed by all involved. Harry Wright of the Boston club cried foul as he felt the break in games gave 'certain' clubs the chance to refresh themselves down the stretch. Wright takes pride in his club being in the best possible condition and the break reduces the impact of this. Others feared the league was in some trouble financially to field games but leage officials insist that such claims are completely false and in fact the league in its first season has been surprisingly profitable. The way the schedule is playing out now, the championship will not be determined until late October. New York Poised For Strong Finish Mutuals Challenging The Haymakers For Pennant Attachment 885382 In a great run of form, the New York Mutuals have made a run up the standings and are playing their best baseball going into the stretch run of the season. Lead by manager Joe Lemmens, the club has gone 10-2 since July 1st and have won nine of their last 10 games to pull to within a half a game of Troy. Short stop Bill Craver hit in 24 straight games to set the standard before he was stopped. Craver is hitting .387 but is not even the hottest bat on the team as Cal McVey is proving that all the attention he received before the season is justified as he currently is hitting .421 with 27 RBI. Next to the order to McVey is George Huebel who has his average at a pretty .409 and as a team New York is hitting .310. On the hook has been starter John McMullin who has won 15 games and after a very slow start, has settled in and pitched much better. New York has 5 games remaining on the season including one against Lip Pike and the Haymakers on October 7th. Troy has 8 games, three more in hand, to play before the pennant is decided. Attachment 885381 |
THE CHRONICLE
Edition 1.9 September 1, 1871 Spalding Has Seasons Most Dramatic Performance Ace Boston Star Comes One Out Away from No Hitter https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYe_BnLWMAElcoZ.jpg The inaugural season of professional baseball has seen its share of special moments and historic firsts. On September 5th however Boston pitcher Albert Spalding put on a performance no one will forget at South End Grounds. Pitchers are taught to pitch to contact but on this day Spalding had the Chicago offense tied around his finger as he kept the lineup off balance and completely inept. As the innings went by the murmur of the 708 spectators in attendance grew and word rounded the city as more patrons came to the park. Spalding had yet to allow a hit as the game moved into its later stages. No pitcher had ever dreamed of pitching a no hit game, and with every out Spalding came closer to this immaculate feat. In the midst of all the drama, the game itself was at stake as Boston held a precarious one run lead after Al Pratt was also pitching a very good ballgame. Spalding however was at another level and kept mowing down hitters until low and behold came the 9th inning. In the 9th, Denny Mack grounded out to short and shortly after Steve Bellen grounded out to second. One out remained for the historic final to be registered. Ed Pinkman was the last man standing and the count went all the way to 3 and 2. Pinky then swung and hit a low line drive to left center and as all eyes remained on the baseball, it fell to the earth and the dream ended. Spalding would hold on to win the game with only the one hit allowed. Everyone who was in attendance gave their sincere congratulations to the 21 year old who threw 116 pitches, struck out four, and deserved better. "Albert showed everyone how special he can be" said manager and baseball voice Harry Wright. WASHINGTON WINS FIRST LEAGUE PENNANT Senators Lead Division From Start To Finish A loss by Boston mathematically gave the Federal League pennant to the Washington Senators who have the best record in the league and are the undisputed glamour team of professional baseball. The Senators won their 20th game in September and have by far the best lineup in the league having scored 403 runs with a .336 team batting average. Ross Barnes leads the team with a .434 average to go with 36 RBI while Deacon White has driven in 43 and is hitting .342. Add Dickie Flowers and Clipper Flynn and truly the Washington offense can not be compared to anyone. Bobby Mathews has been the recipient of the great offensive support as the teams pitcher and has to be the most fortunate man in the league. Now the Senators prepare for the National League champion as the first ever World Series. championship of baseball, is set for October and either Troy or New York will be the other pennant winners. Whoever the National League brings forth, there is no doubt that Washington will be the favorites and not team in the land can compete with what manager Nick Young has put together. |
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Edition 1.10 October 15, 1871 Final Attachment 886190 Pike Is Batting Champ Troy Comes Up Short For Pennant But Pike Is Tops It was a difficult finish to a good season for the Troy Hamaykers and manager Lip Pike. The Troy club was battling for the pennant all season long but came up short in the end to their close rivals from New York, the Mutuals. The season really came down to an October battle at the Haymakers Ground where the Mutuals prevailed by a tight score of 6-5 and took home the flag. Attachment 886191 Pike of course is also one of the best swingers in the league and his ability in the middle of the Troy batting order was a big part of the 19 Troy wins. Pike finished tops in batting average to become the first batting title recipient in professional baseball. Pike hit .462 with 68 hits that also lead the league; he also scored 53 runs and stole 14 bases. Right behind Pike was George Bechtel of Fort Wayne who hit .462 and lead the league with 16 doubles. Matthews Triple Crown Of Pitching Matthews Best In All Major Pitching Categories For Senators At 19 years old, Bobby Mathews was suppose to take a back seat to some of the more experienced arms in the league. Playing for the most dominant club in the land however as well as the best offense must have changed the young mans confidence and the results soon would follow. Mathews started in all 32 games and lead the league in almost every category including the big three of wins, strikeouts, and ERA. Mathews also lead the league in innings pitched with 259 as manager Nick Young had all the confidence that his ace would get the job done. The stalwart won 21 games with a 3.54 ERA and 21 strikeouts. He also lead the league in WHIP, WAR, and OBA. Now Mathews prepares for the biggest stage, as the first ever World Series beckons as his Senators look to become champions. Senators Heavy Favorites To Win Series New York Will Have its Work Cut Out in First Of Its Kind Attachment 886192Attachment 886193 The culmination of the first season that has already been considered a success, comes with the final battle of the two best teams in the land in what is being called the first ever World Series. The Washington Senators will host four of the seven games and are what it seems like everyone's favorite to make easy work of the New York rivals. Lead by Ross Barnes and Deacon White, the Washington club is relentless on offense and punishes opponents as they lead in almost every offensive numbers. Young Bobby Mathews will look to produce on the big stage as the pitcher showing a maturity well past his years. Their opponents will be the famous New York Mutuals. The history of this club goes back to the origins of the game itself and what more appropriate club to win the pennant and play for it all then the Mutuals? New York took the pennant from their rivals from Troy and did so with a resolve at the end of the season where they went 14-3 to end the season. Cal McVey is a legitimate star in the league while Dave Eggler and George Heubel both drove in over 30 runs and can really do damage. Washington took three of four in their head to head matchups this season, but none of that matters as the clubs battle for the right to be the first historic champions. All the experts seem to have picked the Senators as winners before the first pitch is thrown, lets see is the games themselves say the same story. |
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1871 Awards In New York City after the completion of the season. The first professional baseball league had a celebration of sorts after a completed season against all odds that caught the imagination of the country. The champion Washington Olympics were present and recieved their championship watches and their winning shares. Clipper Flynn also took in the World Series MVP trophy after he hit .500 in the four games with 11 hits. The other formal awards were given out for the 1871 season. A vote by all team front office members decided the best pitchers in the league and the best overall players seen as most valuable. American League Outstanding Pitcher Attachment 886407 Most Valuable Player Attachment 886408 National League Outstanding Pitcher Attachment 886409 Most Valuable Player Attachment 886410 |
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THE CHRONICLE
Edition 2.1 League Expands To 12 Teams Three National League Teams Relocate Flying off the success of an very good showing in 1871, the National Players League will expand for 1872 from 10 teams to 12. The two new franchises will be the Brooklyn Eckfords and the Washington Nationals. The fact that the league expanded to two cities that already have franchises says much about the confidence and popularity of the league. The Eckfords will play at Union Grounds and their manager will be the first manager of color as Shamar Pate takes the helm at 49 years of age. The Washington club will play alongside the champion Olympics team. The Nationals will be lead by 37 year old Angelo Wynn who hopes his name means something. In truth neither of these clubs will compete any time soon as an expansion draft saw them build rosters from the discarded names of the other clubs. The league also experienced relocation, some forced and some voluntary. First off the Chicago club will be forced to uproot itself after the devastating Chicago Fire this past April. Chicago has vowed to return to Chicago in the near future but for the upcoming season will make its home in Middleton Ohio. The Rockford club is looking for a bigger market and has up and moved to Baltimore and will be known as the Canaries. The baseball madness in the region has reached a fever pitch and the new ballclub in the heart of Maryland should be a very popular addition. Finally the Brooklyn Atlantics have joined the league and helped it legitimize. The Atlantics and their name of course is one of the most prominent in baseball lore and the Athletic club will field its own team with most all the players carrying over from the now extinct Fort Wayne team. Some of the most fanatical persons will make their way to the famous Capitoline Grounds to watch the likes of Davy Force and George Bechtel play. First Ever League Amateur Draft Takes Place Forty Four Players Selected For Upcoming Season The even out the talent around the league and keep a strong competitive balance, league officials implemented the radical decision of incorporating an amateur draft that all clubs will take part in every off season. The idea was to allow each team a chance at the outstanding talent that is coming forth in post war America and avoids cities like Boston and Philadelphia hoarding all the talent. The clubs with the worst records will have first choice at the talent that could come at any age and from any part literally of the world. Teams gathered for this inaugural event with the new expansion clubs also taking part. The anticipation for the draft can often be more exciting then a game itself. This particular time, after their 12 win season in Rickford, the new Baltimore Canaries had the first pick in the draft. With the pick, twenty one year old second baseman from Bridgeport Connecticut was chosen, Mr. Jim O'Rourke. Orator Jim is what he is known as in his parts for his intellect and ability to put together great quotes and conversation. Jim is an excellent fielder with quick hands and has one of the very best eyes at the plate one has seen. His addition just adds greatly to the anticipation of the new season. Other notable picks included short stop Jim Holdsworth going to Cleveland and 16 year old Paul Hines joining the Middleton club straight out of grade school. Boston went with a second excellent arm in Jim Britt even with Albert Spalding on the roster. The champions chose outfielder Frank McCarton at only 17 years of age. New York brought in a pitcher by the name of Candy Cummings who has shown off a new pitch, called the curve. Here are the first round results: Attachment 886645 https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...aba2_davis.jpg First Pick Jim O'Rourke |
1871 Champions
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OLYMPICS FINISH AS LEAGUE FIRST VICTORS
In a four game sweep of the New York Mutuals, the Washington Olympics make history as the first champions of professional sport. Washington did in the dominant way everyone expected them to, defeated their opponents in four straight games. Most valuable player of the series was Clipper Flynn who hit .562 and the highlight of the series came in game two when the club scored 8 runs in the ninth inning alone to walk off a win. Attachment 887162 |
THE CHRONICLE
Edition 2.2 BEST 9 FOR 1872 Catcher - Fred Waterman Cleveland Forest Citys https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...fd71c_sabr.jpg With the move of Cal McVey and Cap Anson from the catcher position, the best behind the plate falls between Deacon White of New York and Fred Waterman of Cleveland. Waterman is the better defensive catcher and is a patient hitter that one can depend on, In any case a bit of a surprise. First Base - Wes Fisler Cleveland Forest Citys https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...13858_sabr.jpg Not the strongest position in the league as many teams have decided to put their worst defender at the position, Fisler gets the nod. The 27 year old is an excellent contact hitter and is making the move over from second base in what is hoped as a resurgent season for Cleveland. Second Base - Ross Barnes Washington Olympics https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...c2ec1_sabr.jpg No surprise here as Barnes is still considered the best hitter in the game by many and is coming off an MVP season. Barnes hit .442 with a .514 OBP and lead the league in doubles and triples. He is a big reason why the Olympics are reigning champions. Third Base - Cap Anson Middletown Mansfields https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...2f875_sabr.jpg After a good but not great season behind the plate, Anson expects a resurgence in 1872 as he moves to a more compatible third base. Anson has all the tools to be great for years to come as his plate discipline and fundamentals at 19 years old are off the charts. Shortstop - George Wright Boston Red Stockings https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...8d7c0_sabr.jpg Second in WAR, 3rd in RBI and first in slugging percentage, George Wright remains one of the very best in the game with bat and glove. Playing for his brother in Boston the spotlight is constantly on as he is bearing most of the responsibility to assure that Boston rebounds in 1872. Left Field - George Hall Philadelphia Athletics https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...2011a_sabr.jpg A free swinger who lead the league in strikeouts, Hall is the most feared hitter in the Philly lineup. Also an excellent defender with super speed, Hall can be a pitchers best friend and has no issue playing center if needed. Philly was a last place team this past season. Choosing Hall over Lip Pike is likely the hardest choice at any position. Center Field - Dave Eggler New York Mutuals https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...e073e_sabr.jpg Eggler is the most prized centerfielder at the moment and helped New York make its run at the end of last season to take the pennant. A good, smart player, Eggler drives in the big runs and is likely among the fastest men in the entire league. Right Field - Ed Pinkman Middletowm Mansfields https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...59857_sabr.jpg On of the most powerful hitters in the league, Pinkman carries a heavy bat and can intimidate when he comes to the plate. He was 4th in the league in WAR and managed 12 triples Many would flatly argue with this choice as Levi Meyerle is the popular choice for best in right. Pitcher - Al Spalding Boston Red Stockings https://www.baseball-reference.com/r...355e0_sabr.jpg Spalding is still the most popular and most respected arm in the league despite other pitchers putting up some impressive numbers. Still, the one hit shutout Spalding spun this season was the monumental start of the season. He is at the center of it all in baseball crazy Boston,a nd the fans buzz in anticipation when he throws, |
The Chronicle
Edition 2.3 The league will be expanding its schedule from 32 games to 60. National League Preview Middletown Mansfields Manager: Charlie Pabor 1871 Record: 13-19 Preseason Prediction: 32-28 A difficult season for what were the Chicago Whites on so many levels. None bigger then the devastation of the great fire in the city that forces a relocation. Chicago was listless on the field last year and pitcher Al Pratt took much of the blame as his performances were less then confident. The team looks for the maturity of Cap Anson to show as he moves to third base and become a leader. A 16 year old catcher, Paul Hines, will be greatly tested at this level while Ed Pinkman remains a steady bat. Chicago expects immediate improvement. Brooklyn Atlantics Manager: Bill Lennon 1871 Record: 17-15 Preseason Prediction: 30-30 The legendary Atlantics team joins the league supposedly unhappy that the Mutuals took the pennant. Davy Force is being predicted by many to be among the batting leaders while Fred Treacey has everyone wondering how many home runs he can hit. Ham Allen is the new rookie at short and Cherokee Fisher will need to be better as the team ace. Brooklyn's mission will be to win back New York. Troy Haymakers Manager: Lip Pike 1871 Record: 19-13 Preseason Prediction: 29-31 Coming up just a little short in their pennant fight last season, Lip Pike and his men are poised for a new season. Pike and Jimmy Wood make one of the smartest batting duos of any club with Gat Stires still a big swinger. New hope comes out in new arm Cy Bentley who is young but will be expected to carry the load in his first season with no one to back him up after the departure of Asa Brainard, Many are saying under their breath that the Haymakers will not be as good. Baltimore Canaries Manager: Vacant 1871 Record: 17-15 Preseason predictions: 28-32 From the farmland of Rockford to the big city of Baltimore, the surge of enthusiasm hopes to lead the Canaries towards a pennant. Rookie Jim O"Rourke is expected to lead the team, but like so many other stars, his age is an issue. Rynie Wolters at pitcher has also been a concern, and he will need to provide more quality if this team is to get over the hump. John Radcliff and Chick Fulmer also look to have better seasons. New York Mutuals Manager:Joe Lemmens 1871 Record: 20-12 Preseason Prediciton: 28-32 The surge at the end of the season to capture the pennant should be the lasting memory for the Mutuals who were overwhelmed in the World Series. The biggest change will that top pitcher John McMullin will be making a transition to the outfield. Candy Cummings the rookie will look to fill the big shoes to fill. Cal McVey is also moving to the outfield from catcher while Dave Eggler remains a star in center. If Cummings can produce, New York should be right back in the mix. Washington Nationals Manager: Angelo Wynn Preseason Prediction: 23-37 The new look club will make its debut with most of its hope on their pitcher Asa Brainard who has alot to prove after a subpar season. The remiander of the roster is of course made up from cast aways like Pony Sager and Jack Remsen. It will be an uphill fight for the Nats, especially when one needs to share a city with the champions. |
The Chronicle
Edition 2.4 American League Preview Cleveland Forest Citys Manager: Bob Fergusen 1871 Record: 13-19 Preseason Prediction: 41-19 After a troubling season where almost nothing went their way, many feel Cleveland is in store for a resurgence. Levi Meyerle seems to be getting disrespected by the press and his peers and should be ready to thrive while rookie Jim Holdsworth at short stop has the fan base excited. Georghe Zettlein needs to be better at setting up batters for outs while manager Bob Fergusen remains the most acrobatic fielder in the game; a great example as a player manager. Boston Red Stockings Manager: Harry Wright 1871 Record: 16-16 Preseason Prediction: 37-23 Harry Wright insists that he just needed one season to get his feet under him and now the team is ready to take the next step. Al Spalding remains likely the very best arm in the league while the lineup remains in tact and strong. George Wright has heavy expectations on him while Ezra Sutton could make a big difference. The drafting of 15 year old Jim Britt raised some eyebrows, but Wright insists that the kid is a talent that he just couldnt pass up. Antother average season will not be taken lightly. Washington Olympics Manager: Nick Young 1871 Record: 22-10 Preseason Prediction: 35-25 The Olympics are coming back essentially exactly the same club with the only change being rookie left fielder Frank McCarton. The powerhouse of Barnes, White, and Flynn remain names that the entire country has memorized with Bobby Mathews looking to improve at pitcher. Nick Young has the challenge to motivate this team all over again and this time over a longer season; the competition will be tough for sure but dont count against this team and their excellent offense. Philadelphia Athletics Manager: Dick McBride 1871 Record: 13-19 Preseason Prediction: 34-26 A down year in Philadelphia and Dick McBride hopes to lift his team up to at least contender level this season. McBride remains the ace of the team and is at the center of everything as manager. George Hall is a star in the league but is he a selfish player? Nat Hicks is the young new catcher who could be a staple for years at the position while Dick Higham is quietly one of the better overall talents in the game. A losing club does not go over well anywhere, but especially in proud Philadelphia. Brooklyn Eckfords Manager: Shamar Tate Preseason Prediction: 16-44 The idea for the Eckfords is growth as the 1872 season will appear to be a difficult one. Frank Buttery will be really stretched as the pitcher for 60 games. Ned Connor and Ed Duffy will play prominent roles in the middle of the infield and manager Shamar Pate says if he can see a good effort and the fundamentals from his group, the results shouldn't be as poor as many think. |
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The Chronicle
April 1872 Edition 2.5 Anson Comes Out Guns Blazing Chicago Wins Five Of Six In New Year Attachment 888610 Moving to a new home out of necessity many in the Middlestown club were openly sick with the way last season had gone for the club. Charlie Pabor and his men quietly went about their business in the offseason and when the games started to count, the Mansfields as they are known were ready to go. The overwhelming star and talent of the team is 19 year old Cap Anson. The vigors of catching likely took their toll on the player last season and now with a move to third base it appears he is as comfortable as can be. Anson looks more then capable of living up to expectations as the has started the new campaign with an amazing 14 hits in his first 19 at bats for an average of .655. Anson has driven in 14 runs and the club is first with 66 runs scored already. Starting pitcher Al Pratt seems to have put on his game face as well starting the season 4-0 with an exceptional 1.39 ERA while manager Pabor has thrown himself in as pitcher on a few occasions as well this year. Big games against Washington and Boston await in May to see just how good this club can be, keeping in mind this will be a 60 game season. Cummings Brings New Pitch To Light New York Rookie Has A "Curve" That Is Working https://images.cdn4.stockunlimited.n...ll_1996258.jpg It is always interesting to see what innovations are made in the game. In New York the defending pennant winners have onboarded a young arm from Ware Massachusetts who has a new way of throwing the hard ball. Cummings throws a ball considerably slower then the regular pitch and even more noteworthy, the pitch usually makes the ball curve causing a hesitation in the hitter and usually soft contact. Cummings said he came up with the pitch in grade school and has been working on it ever since. Players, fans, and press in the Big Apple all ask for demonstrations of the throw as it is a new revelation in the sport. Cummings is 3-0 for his team with a 1.99 ERA. The issue usually is that Cummings does not throw a great regular ball and when he gets away from his new pitch, he can be hit quite hard. Fellow pitcher Phoney Martin is said to be also using the pitch as he has only recently used it. The Mutuals are 3-2 to start the season but did defeat Boston at the end of the month at the South End Grounds in front of a full house. |
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The Chronicle
May 1872 Edition 2.6 Attachment 890747 Red Sox Face Early Crisis Injury To Young Arms Bring Worst Fears The Boston Red Stockings won their first three games of 1872 and looked the part to rebound and meet the high expectations of their fanatics. Along with all the hype was the emergence of 16 year old hurler Jim Britt who in his first career start allowed only one run for a complete game victory. That would be the last we would see the youngster for the next seven weeks however and no one is really sure what happened. Rumors are flying all over the place as to why the young man had to leave the team for 'undisclosed reasons' including a possible arrest, but it being a minor, news about his situation was not accessible. Britt did rejoin the team at the end of the month, however in the mean time the Red Stockings lost six games in a row as their only starter, Al Spalding was overworked. The extra burden showed as Spaldings ERA soared to 4.23. Things got so bad that manager Harry Wright himself took the mound for six starts losing four of them with a 5.44 ERA. Boston in the meantime has fallen behind the race in the division currently 5.5 games back of the leading Olympics. "We had some bad luck early in the season," Said the Boston manager, 'but it is early enough where I expect us to get right back on track when we have our full roster." Higham Hit Streak Gets Notice Thirty Six Game Hitting Streak Finally Ends Attachment 890748 Being ready to play everyday is one thing, but to do so at such a high level is quite another. The league and the media hardly had taken notice but when discovered, Philadelphia right fielder Dick Higham had quite the streak going. Taking things back to last season, the English ball player had hit safely in over 30 games and he kept the streak going this past month without a hitch in his step. The streak gained more notice as he kept coming through and eventually reached 36 games. Finally in a game against Troy, the star went 0 for 3 and had his streak snapped. Higham promptly started a new one the next day and is hitting .405 for the year, keep in mind he won the batting championship last season. Whatever the case the hitting streak was the first of its kind and surely will be a mark that will be tough to beat for anyone who has the consistency to get there. |
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