[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

July 1888

Derby Provides Lasting Memory In Down Year

George Derby has never been the most overpowering pitcher in the game nor does he show much flash or intimidation on the mound. But no one is more focused, smart, or profesional when they take the hill then Derby, who had a rare shining moment at West Side Park on July 20th against the Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

Derby threw the 6th no hitter in league history and the first in Chicago franchise history. Derby faced only 31 men on the day as he walked one and struck out four in a 4-0 shutout. It was a classic Derby performance as no one really noticed anything special until late in the game when suddenly it became apparent that Pittsburgh hadnt gotten a hit. Even after the final out Derby showed nothing but class just tipping his cap and walking off after a standing ovation from the over 3000 fans on hand.

"Its quite an ackomplishment yes", said the 31 year old right hander, "I did feel good but to be honest I have had days where I have felt better, today the ball just bounced my way" With his efforts Derby was also named NL pither of the month, the fourth time Derby has won the award.

The no hitter was a single bright spot in a season that is now sure lost. Chicago did string together a winning month but are still way out of it in the race as St. Louis looks for its first pennant in years atop the division.

The owner of the team is said to be quite unhappy with the team this season, and rumors of a possible sale of the storied club has also been circulated around Halsted Street this month.

"Who would sell such a successful franchise like the White Stockings?" said one fan, we will wait and see.
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American Association Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Americans	65	41	.613	-
Cleveland Blues	58	48	.547	7.0
Louisville Colonels	58	48	.547	7.0
Detroit Wolverines	56	50	.528	9.0
Washington Nationals	53	52	.505	11.5
Baltimore Orioles	50	55	.476	14.5
Philadelphia Athletics	43	62	.410	21.5
Chicago White Sox	39	66	.371	25.5

National League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
St. Louis Browns	64	41	.610	-
Philadelphia Quakers	60	46	.566	4.5
New York Giants	57	49	.538	7.5
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	53	53	.500	11.5
Chicago White Stockings	52	53	.495	12.0
Pittsburg Alleghenys	47	58	.448	17.0
Cincinnati Red Stockings	46	60	.434	18.5
Boston Beaneaters	43	62	.410	21.0

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League Notes

• Having fallen flat out of the race after their star pitcher Charlie Geggus was injured, Washington made a deal with first place Boston. The Americans send first baseman Bill Phillips to Washington in exchange for veteran pitcher Terry Larkin. The Nationals are 10.5 games out.
• John Ward of the Baltimore Orioles will be out for close to a year. The 8 year old short stop has a bad concussion syndrome and hasnt recovered fully.
• Jim Donnelly of the first place St. Louis Browns has come into his own this season. The 23 year old thrid baseman is batting .328 this season and on July 5-6 in an 8-7 win. Donnelly has been a key in the middle of the Browns lineup.