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1871
You try to ignore things and the game makes you pay attention. Both leagues went into the final day of the season with a the leader holding only a 1 game lead. Brooklyn built their lead on the arm of Tricky Nichols; Philadelphia had a more unique approach. John Greason started every game, but only averaged 5 IP a game. Al Spalding gave the Phillies 4 IP every game in relief and lead the league in ERA they whole year.
Cleveland and Washington were a season long deadlock. Going into the last day, they were the only two clubs in the UL over .500.
All 4 teams were on the road for that last game. The Phillies and Superbas facing off against the bottom two clubs.
The one game gap stayed intact at the end of the day. Brookyn crushed Boston 27-5 clinching the title, while Washington's loss to Indy clinched the title for Cleveland.
The title series was marked by some curious decision making by manager Roland Cameron of Brooklyn. After riding the arm of Tricky Nichols all season long, Cameron went with A O'Rourke and George Snyder for the first two games. Nichols did start games 3 and 4, but it was too late to matter. The 0-2 hole was too far to climb out of.
CA
BRO 26-14
PHI 25-15
NYG 22-18
CHI 17-23
BOS 15-25
CIN 15-25
UL
CLE 23-17
WAS 22-18
BUF 20-20
PIT 19-21
IND 19-21
DET 17-23
Outstanding Pitchers
CA: Tricky Nichols, Brooklyn, 20-11, 2.46 ERA, 285.2 IP
UL: Bill Stearns, Washington, 17-11, 2.65 ERA, 271.1 IP
Outstanding Hitters:
CA: Cap Anson, Cincinnati, .390/.447/.554, 11 2B, 6 3B, 40 RBI, 19/0 BB/K, 22 SB
UL: Lip Pike, Indianapolis, .392/.401/.613, 10 2B, 8 3B, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 21 SB
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