BASEBALL MONTHLY
March 1900
A NEW CENTURY OF BASEBALL
The world celebrates the promise and hope of the 20th century as new creations like moving pictures and electricity have created unthinkable excitment. Among the new world that is emerging for modern society is the continual grow and popularity of the game of baseball. Close to 30 years since the National League started, the game is now a fixture of the Amercian city and culture.
In Chicago the National League side still known as the Orphans have won nine pennants and are still respected as one of the best franchises in the game. Chicago has taken home two championships but fans have wanted much more. The team also featured what was likely one of the best stars and players of the century in Cap Anson, who is still the only man to have over 3000 hits.
The century ended in a slide for the Orphans as their crosstown rivals, the White Sox, are beginning to finally show signs of life. True competition for fans accross the city should only make the teams better, the Orphans however are still the most followed club in the city.
Steve King has been retained as manager but no doubt the pressure is high for him. King was an oroginal player of the franchise but the front office and fans will not tolerate another losing season. Jack Chesbro is back and healthy as is now the ace of the team and staff, Chesbro has excellent stuff on the mound and is expected to be among a new set of stars in the league.
Roger Bresnahan is also making a change as he is leaving his pitching job and wants to be a fulltime hitter. The problem is that the Orpans lineup is stacked, so finding playing time could be a problem, rumors of a deal could be in the works.
Speaking of deals, all through the winter there were rumors that New York was asking for the services of John McGraw. The Giants were said to go as far as offering their star Honus Wager in hopes of getting McGraw, none of these reports have of course been comfirmed.
Baseball is as healthy as ever as stars like Christy Mathewson, Cy Ypung, Nap Lajoie and Bill Lang seem to take over for fading stars like Dan Brouthers, Sam Thompson, and Bob Black.
Chicago 19th century numbers:
Record: 1673-1405
Winning %: .544
Pennants: 9
World Championships: 2
1900 Chicago Orphans Lineup
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes
The Lousiville Colonels have moved to Milwaukee and will be known as the Brewers. This is the second tme that this franchise has moved and ownership feel they have a better situation in Wisconsin. The Colonels won a championship in Louisville back in 1891.
The "Old Fox" Clark Griffith will miss four months of action with an arm issue. The champion Orioles are deep in pitching but Griffith was an inning eater with 303 thrown last season which may have lead to his issues.
Dan Brouthers at the age of 41 continues his quest to get to 3000 hits if he can stay healthy. Brouthers is in shape for the Pirates this season and is sitting on 2885 hits.