BASEBALL MONTHLY
August 1877
Chicago in Midst of Pennant Race
The Chicago White Stockings are finally back in a pennant race and quite a race it is becoming. Chicago holds the thinnest of leads with their 27-21 record, only a single game better then the Boston Red Caps and 2 games better then the Cincinnati Reds.
Al Spalding has won 21 games going into the final month and is itching to pitch in his first world series. "I have been close too many times before in Baltimore", says Spalding, "now is another chance I dont want to get away, you only have so many chances."
Manager Cap Anson is doing his part both on and off the field. Anson who has managed very well this season and showed confidence in his team's youth, himself is batting .359 with 28 RBI. Anson is keeping his team motivated into the last month of the season, "We have the team to do it" claims Anson, "we all want that first championship for Chicago".
Boston has the experiance, Cincinnati has the stars, but Chicago may have the will to take it all. The city prepares for the final stretch run and most games will be jammed at West side ground.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
League Tidbits Levi Meyerle's hit streak ends at 31 games. The Reds star has hit over 25 straight games 3 diffrent times in his career.
As expected top draft choice King Kelly of the Brooklyn Atlantics is doing excellent. The 19 year old catcher is batting .373 with 14 RBI and has already become a New York favorite.
Bill Craver of the Red Caps will spend the rest of the year watching from the sideline. In a bog blow to their pennant hopes Craver fractred his ribs and will miss 6 to 7 weeks.
All catchers are now using a mask while catching behind the plate. Injuries to umpires and catchers alike off of all the fouls and pitches that have taken their toll can now be prevented.