[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHY

April 1891

The Pioneer Of the Mound Retires

In an official press release to the media, starting pitcher Al Spalding has ended his playing career after failing to get an invitation for from a pro club this season. Spalding leaves behind a pitching career that hasnt been matched by anyone, not only for his efforts on the field but in his influence off the field to make the game as successful as it has now become.

Spalding leaves as the all time leader in wins (348), games started (663), complete games (502), shutouts (27), innings pitched (5787), and VORP (591). Spalding also won pitcher of the year 3 times and won two world championships. Spalding played 7 seasons in Baltimore, 8 seasons in Chicago, two years in Cleveland, and one year in Brooklyn and Boston. Overall Spalding pitched for 20 seasons having started in the inaguaral season on 1871.

Spalding had an indweling influence on the game including in its promotion. Spalding was even part of a group that took the game to England in 1878. Spalding of course was a huge part of the innovation in the equipment of the game including the ball, gloves, and catchers mask. No player has had similar influence in the front office as well as in the clubhouse as did Al Spalding.

"The time is right" Spalding added in his statement, "Life has alot more to offer but I am still deeply interested in the progression of the game."

Rumors that Spalding will be part of an organization soon are quickly spreading. After all who wouldnt want to have him on their side? Still for the moment fans and people in the game take a minute to appreciate the accomplishments of the first real superstar to leave the game.

Geggus off to Strong Start but Colts Are Not
Charlie Geggus proved why Chicago invested so much in his arm as he won the pitcher of the month award and came out strong for the Colts. Geggus went 7-1 and pitched two shutouts along with his league leading 53 strike outs.

Charlie Geggus

Geggus however turned out to be just about the only bright spot the team has seen. The club went 12-13 in the month and beyond Geggus is looking for someone to step up on the mound. Harry Staley has been ok but it was Phenominal Smith who really hurt the team as the third starter. Smith went 0-4 in the month with an 8.84 ERA; little could be said to explain that.

The offense has stutered as expected without Billy Hamilton. The Colts are 6th in the league in batting and unless something changes quickly, could be in for another long dreary season.
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American Association Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Americans	18	8	.692	-
Cleveland Spiders	16	11	.593	2.5
Washington Statesmen	14	11	.560	3.5
Louisville Colonels	14	12	.538	4.0
Baltimore Orioles	12	14	.462	6.0
Detroit Tigers	12	14	.462	6.0
Chicago White Sox	11	16	.407	7.5
Philadelphia Athletics	8	19	.296	10.5

National League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Beaneaters	19	8	.704	-
Pittsburgh Pirates	17	9	.654	1.5
Brooklyn Grooms	15	11	.577	3.5
New York Giants	15	12	.556	4.0
Chicago Colts	12	13	.480	6.0
St. Louis Browns	10	16	.385	8.5
Philadelphia Phillies	9	17	.346	9.5
Cincinnati Reds	8	19	.296	11.0

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League Notes

• The scouts of America have published their top 100 prospects of the game. Topping the list is pitcher Georgie Davis of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Cy Young is 4th on that list.
• Denny Lyons of the Phillies won player of the month honors after going .333 for the month and hitting three home runs.
• The Boston Beaneaters are leading the National League after the first month. A huge part of the success is due to newcomer Bob Black. Black has only allowed four earned runs all month and somehow managed to lose two games. Black also has set a new standard, he has pitched 27.2 consecutive scoreless innings as of the end of the month.