BASEBALL MONTHLY
March 1891
The Saddest Day In Franchise History
Few would argue who the best player on the Chicago Colts is. Cap Anson may be the most senior but it is the legs and ability of Billy Hamilton that the team depends on. Not only is Hamilton the most talented player, but his attitude and humble personality enamored him to fans and teamates.
Billy will not be taking the field again. Hamilton suffered an ankle injury at the end of last season but the club kept the nature of the injuru quiet. Only those close to the club knew that it was very serious as Hamilton tore numerous ligaments in his ankle. Rumors were spreading however when Hamilton was seen on crutches months after the season was over around town. Unfortunately there is no medical repair available and the 25 year old player will actually spend much of the rest of his life with a limp. The beauty of seeing Hamilton run the bases will be but a memory.
"Its the saddest day our franchise has ever seen" said Cap Anson about this news."Billy was family to all of us and not having him there will hurt." Manager Charlie Comiskey was especially distraught, "you may see talent like his once every 20 years. We wont be the same team without him."
Running was something he could do better then anyone else. In his 465 game career Hamilton stole 204 bases and scored 423 runs. Hamilton also possessed one of the best eyes in the game, he walked 430 times in his career including 148 last season. Hamilton also had a career average of .334
Word spread quickly through the league that Hamilton had announced his retirement and shock soon followed. Dan Brouthers of the Bridegrooms said of him, "he changed the way players run the bases. He was the smoothest player I have ever seen."
Hamilton himself tried to stay upbeat in his few comments to the press. He also said he felt a little weird, "I feel like I died or something. Dont bury me yet, baseball isnt everything." Hamilton gave no comment about if he planned on staying in the game in some capacity.
Colts React; Let Bob Black Go
The Colts moved on in a big way after the news of Billy Hamilton's career ending. Chicago went out and signed what may be considered the best pitcher in the game in Charlie Geggus. Geggus has a 1.50 ERA and has struck out 1671 men in 8 seasons. Geggus is expected to take the place of Bob Black who did walk away from the team and went back home to Boston where he had his glory days. Geggus is a big name talent and Chicago tied him down for an incredible 7 year contract.
Chicago also signed big name freeagent Oyster Burns. Burns is a .283 career hitter and was among the leaders on the Reds roster. Billy Sunday also signed with the club that originally drafted him. Sunday hopes he can help fill some of the void left by Hamilton with his 401 career stolen bases.
The Colts did let go of some big time names that were part of the teams last championship. Gone is Pete Hotaling, Fred Dunlap, and Adonis Terry. Finally the Colts traded Tom Gettingger for pitcher Phenominal Smith who may make a run at the rotation.
Chicago 1891 Roster:
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League NotesThe Cleveland Spiders signed big time starting pitcher Alex Voss to a long contract. Voss helped the Tigers win their first title last season.
Deacon White just wont hang them up and will continue his career with the Brooklyn Grooms. White is now 43 years of age and is looking for more titles with the defending National League champions. Along with White came the signing of Dave Orr from Cincinnati for the Grooms.
Injuries however took a heavy toll on Brooklyn as ace Jack Jones wll miss four months of the season with arm trouble. Along with Jones, Dave Orr will miss six weeks and the opener with a troubled hamstring.
The Boston Beaneaters boosted their team greatly by signing two major stars. Pitcher Bob Black joins the team along with Jocko Milligan. The team seems committed to winning again.