BASEBALL MONTHLY
April 1877
Spalding Debuts With Team Just Average
Any kind of decent start to the new season would be good news for the Chicago White Stockings as they try to improve on what was a very poor 1876. Chicago opened the month at 4-5 but only trailed league leaders Boston by 2 games.
Al Spalding made his Chicago debut in the brightest of fashions as he beat the Brooklyn Atlantics 2-1 going the full 9 innings. This however was the high point for the touted pitcher in the month, Spalding ended April with a 3-3 record and a 4.16 ERA. Nothing spactacular from Spalding, who is hoping to be the ace that the team desperately needs on the mound.
The Whites ran into George Zettlein in their opening three games as the Brooklyn Atlantics made a big splash in getting the right hander just before opening day. Zettlein is being paid well but his team as well is off to an unimpressive 4-5 start as well.
Their were some bright spots for Chicago to be hopeful for. New short stop Mike McGeary came out of the shoot fast for his new team scoring 6 runs and batting .366. Mike Dorgan also continued his hot play from last season batting .343 and looking like he is very comfortable facing big league pitching.
Cap Anson's men have showed great determinationas was especially the case in a win this month against the Boston Red Caps. Chicago and Terry Larkin were in a historic pitching duel with Cy Bentley as both men pitched into the 11th inning with a shutout going. The Whites finally broke through with 2 runs in the inning and Cherokee Fisher closed the door for a memorable win for Chicago.
With the division appearing fairly even, there is still everything to play for.
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League Tidbits A career has ended in Brooklyn. Big Jim Clinton was severely injured and knocked out in a collision on the base baths and suffered a concusion. Doctors couldnt be sure of the extent of the injury but have decided to play it safe and not allow the player to continue on the field. Clinton ends his career as a .242 hitter.
Levi Meyerle continues to hit everything he sees. The Cincinnati star who won the batting title last season is leading the lead again with a .425 average. Levi has also hit safeyl in 22 straight games, he pulled off a similar feat in 1872 when he hit in 27 straight.
Ross Barnes the star 2nd baseman of the Boston Red Caps missed the first month of the season after hurting his shoulder. Barnes is said to be set for a return in mid May, but the first place team is playing it safe as a long season awaits.