There is balance in the baseball world again. Even if the balance isnt exactly on the field where the the rest of the sport does its best to catch up to the dominance of the Boston Beaneaters, the National League has a new rival.
Picking up where the American Association left off in the 1880's a new league with a fresh start is here. Ban Johnson, a lawyer from Norwalk Ohio has gathered investors to start what is being called the Western League. The league will incorporate the old American Association teams that were being temporarily run by the National League.
Ban Johnson
Johnson promised to immediate changes of shakeups but financed a new structure for the eight teams from Detroit, Boston, Chicago, Louisville, Washington, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Baltimore. For the past two seasons many were saying the National League was secretly favoring its own major teams which many thought was a big reason why the competive balance was so off.
Johnson talked about his vision for the league:
"Its all about competitive balance in any industry. We wil be run better then any current or past baseball league, although we will have a partnership with the National League, my feeling is we will build a product that is even better. The structure of the league, from the umpires to the stadiums, will prove our integrity. Rowdiness, gambeling, and unprofesionalism will not be tolerated."
Immediate changes had players and fans alike impressed as stadium upgrades and better player contracts were welcome.
CHICAGO READY TO CONTEND
The Chicago Colts have been talking a good game all offseason and the insiders of the club are finally saying with confidence that this team can contend.
The team awaits the return of Charlie Geggus who may be back in mid April but in the meantime address their biggest need on the pitchers mound. The Colts brought in two key free agents this offseason and hope the imprvements will be immediate.
Foghorn Bradley may be 38 years old but the right hander is still one of the better relievers in the game and Al Spalding is ready to use him as such. Bradley may come on to get one inning done and could do his best work under pressure. Bradley has a career ERA of 2.50 and has walked only 81 men in his 15 ear career that started in Cleveland.
The big acquisition however was not Bradley but rather 32 year old Charlie Hodnett. Hodnett comes to Chicago with great expectations after 9 solid seasons in St. Louis. Charlie has won 20 games or more in three seasons including last year and above all has proven to be a durable starter having started more then 40 game the past three seasons. Hodnett has a career ERA of 2.22 and a career WHIP of 1.22. If Charlie Geggus comes back close to 100%, Hodnett along with Harry Staley give the team a great starting rotation.
The offense is a perenial power and will be feared throughout the league with the likes of Sam Thompson, Billy Earle, Jocko Halligan and Elmer Smith.
And finally 41 year old Cap Anson says he is healthy and is back for his 24th season of baseball. Anson has seen it all in the game and still opens many eyes with his ability to recognize pitches and drive the baseball. The alltime hits leaders isnt even listening to rumors of a retirement and remains in the Colts everyday lineup.
Chicago hopes all their preseason hope will translate to something close to a pennant. Sam Thompson put it best, "we are tired of hearing and reading about Boston."
The Colts 1894 Roster:
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| Catchers | | # | B | Player | Pos | G | AB | H | HR | RBI | R | BB | K | .AVG | OBP | SLG | | 96 | R | Billy Earle | C | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | | 85 | S | Bill Bowman | C | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
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League Notes