To accurately tell any story, it's best to get straight to the source. As a former journalism major, I know that firsthand. So, as we embark of the stories of the early 1900's, who better to hear from than my great, great, great grandfather, Ray Kinsella?
Ray proudly served as the editor for
Baseball News Network starting in the 1880's. Fortunately, our Kinsela family archives were able to precure hundreds of columns and letters written by Ray at the turn of the century. His first article, penned before the start of the 1900 season, tells the story of Maxis City's rebranding and effort to re-energize its fan base.
February 4th, 1900
A Hero was born today. Or at least, Maxis City would like you to believe so.
A once-proud baseball franchise is looking to restore its tradition and bring the fans back. But not by hiring a new coach. Not by making a trade. But by changing its name.
Today, the Maxis City Mules are no more. Meet the Maxis City Heroes.
Klaus Muelheims Jr., the son of the late Klaus Muelheims, unveiled the team's new logo and uniform today, hoping to jumpstart a flagging franchise.
Something, clearly, had to be done. The team hasn't posted a winning record since 1895. It hasn't won a championship since 1892. Its total attendance of 87,483 last season was its lowest in 26 years.
Muelheims Jr. is quick to point out that the Mules, er, the Heroes have won a league-record 15 championships. Maxis City has posted an all-time record of 1852-1448 for a .561 winning percentage. Maxis is been home to some of the game's greatest players, from Matt "Steely" McKee (career record holder in triples with 230) to Evan Burke (all-time leader in wins with 283).
Quote:
Colonial League's All-Time Leaders (Championships & Victories):
15 - Maxis City (1852 wins)
4 - Freeport (1725)
3 - Atlantis (1356)
2 - Sim City (1684)
2 - Dullsville (1231)
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Good ol' Klaus, though, will conveniently neglect to mention that his team lost a record 88 games this past season. And when he invokes Maxis City's proud past (and it is proud), he fails to look at the current roster. One that is littered with overpaid and underperforming veterans way past their prime, and young players who will never have a prime.
Who is Klaus going to trot out there in the 1900 season to bring home a 16th pennant?
Ace pitcher Ken Jennings? As in, the guy who went 4-19 last season?
First baseman Dan Sexton? Mr. 88 strikeouts in 119 games in 1899?
Up and coming phenom pitcher "Smooth" Bobby Brown? You know, the 22 year old who lost 10 of 11 starts in his rookie season?
The league's landscape is changing, and Maxis City hasn't changed with the times. Remember those expansion teams that couldn't bat their way out of a wet paper sack? Those teams that Maxis City used to beat up on? Those new kids are now the bullies on the block.
Dullsville has won the last two league championships. Atlantis won the two titles before that. Factor in Dixie's title run in 1895 and Bayouville's championship season in 1893, and that's six titles by expansion teams in the seven years that have passed since Maxis City's last title in '92.
The next few years look to be just as bleak as the past few years. If Klaus wants to win over the fans (and win some games), he's got to start making change on the field. Otherwise, these so-called "Heroes" are going to be scapegoats in SimNation's largest city.