For much of the summer, the White Stockings were in a close race with Boston and the new Buffalo club. The latter two faded over the last two months, leaving Chicago at the end with a rather impressive margin of victory.
Chicago was led by newly acquired pitcher Preston Boyd (23-12, 1.19). Boyd had entered the league in 1877 as an 18 year old with Hartford. Chicago manager Osgood has extracted a promise from Boyd for his services for at least the next 3 years. Chicago could have something special on its hands.
Preston Boyd
As in 1877, Boston's best assets were its batsmen, with young OF Mark Stewart (.368, 86 runs, 31 stolen bases) leading the charge. Buffalo's bats were right behind the Bostons. Julius Hans (.354, 27 doubles, 63 runs) has been playing professional base ball since 1871, and he enjoyed his best season for the Buffalo club in 1879. Hans set a new league record for two-base hits.
l-to-r, Mark Stewart, Julius Hans