Every pennant race is a diffrent story and takes on a life of its own, such was the case again in 1890. However when the chips are down and the races get tense it us usually the experianced side that has been there before that prevails. In 1890 the Brooklyn Bridgegrooms once again proved this theory to be true and had a second half of the season that will be remembered for a long time.
The Bridegrooms went 46-21 in the second half of the season and overtook the upstart New York Giants who felt the pressure of the race for the very first time. Brooklyn surged down the stretch of the season as both teams were tied at the top of the National League with one week remaining. Brooklyn went 6-2 in their last eight including a sweep of Boston while the Giants were 3-4 in their last week handing the Bridegrooms their 5th pennant and another trip to the Series.
Rob Taylor the Giants manager was downcast but encouraged by his team, "We won 88 games and were there til the end." he said, "our guys and our fans will grow from this and we expect to go the distance next season. We are confident of this."
Jumping Jack Jones went 33-18 for the Brooklyn team while Tip Oneil drove in 105 runs on the season. Dan Brouthers batted .347 but lost his first batting title in four seasons to Hugh Duffy of Boston.
The Bridegrooms head to the World Series not only as defending champions, but also never having lost the series in their five trys. They won 90 games for the first time in franchise history.
Tigers Win their First!
In great contrast to Brooklyn the other participant in the World Series will be a team that is making it there for the very first time. The Detroit Tigers also had to come a long way to catch the front running Cleveland Spiders and claim their title. The Tigers went 44-24 in the seocond half and won 7 of their last 10 win out. Detroit ended with the best record in baseball.
It is no coincedence that Deacon White is part of this team. White at 42 years of age is the template for a winner and once again has played a huge role in helping a team get over the hump. White did suffer an injury in September and might miss the championship but his leadership on and off the field this season was vital again. White is part of a record 7th team to win a pennant.
Buck Ewing is the current star of this team but Billy Nash is a true MVP candidate this season having batted .340 while driving in 92 runs. Fans await as Nash will go head to head against Brouthers in the Series.
Billy Nash
So it is a team that knows all about winning against a young and able team that is there for the first time. All experts expect the Bridegrooms to win again, but the action and drama remains to be viewed by thousands on the field of play.
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