April 1, 1871
Introduction to the American League
An Indian and an Englishman
In Boston the feeling is that Harry Wright will be trusted with building a winner. Wright was born in England but has become the most noted face in all the game and Boston could not be happier to have him.
Ross Barnes is the star of the team while Fred Waterman and Charlie Gould make up a very capable infield. Dickie Flowers will hit in the lead off position and will try and set the table for th offense. The team in a tad weak in the outfield as a converted catcher Tom Foley will man centerfield. Harry Wright can always insert himself in the order in a pinch.
On the mound is a tall and intimidating Indian. Cherokee Fisher will be the main arm for the Red Stockings this season and his ability to keep his poise and throw may be better then his ability even to speak english. Fisher
Uncle Nick Leads Olympics
Celebrations and intrigue as the District of Colombia only recently became an officially independent district and a civic area that will see rsurgence since the end of the war. That is one of the great things about this league, it has brought cities back to life less then 10 years after the darkest of days, and Washington symbolizes this.
Nick Young knew that he wasnt good enough to play this game anymore as a player but his love for it and afinity at getting along now see him as a popular manager. Other cities tried to get Young to lead their team, but the 30 year old saw the chance to manage in the capital city as a unique chance at greatness.
The Olympics have a thin roster and face some tough questions but almost all clubs do. Ezra Sutton is a steady player in the middle of the infield and the diamond. George Bechtel and Fred Treacey will log the miles in the outfield. On the hill is the another player that they like to call uncle, its Al Pratt. Pratt has pinpoint control, doesnt throw hard, but can fool hitters into just about anything.
The talent could be tough to pinpoint, but Washington expects to impress some of the likely high profile fans they may have this season.
Who is In Charge?
In Cleveland optimism is high as Charlie Pabor feels he has the talent to win the pennant and challange Boston and Harry Wright. Pabor is only 24 years of age and truly is one of the boys. He is a skillful outfielder but is expected to carry the team more off the field then on it.
The real strength in Cleveland is in thier battery. Cal McVey is among the very best hitters on any team and his leadership in the middle of the defense and behind the plate is exactly what a winning team needs. There are some rumblings that McVey wanted to be team captain and has some issues with the young manager but nothing has been revealed. Pulling everyone in the right direction will be the key.
Then there is Albert Spalding. Spalding is only 20 years old but carries himself like someone 20 years older and has an articulate and polished demeanor. That all comes with immense talent on the mound but he is such a great pitcher because in part he pitches so smart. He will carry this team and loves the pressure in doing so.
The obvious issues in Cleveland are who is really in control. Three very big personalities will be in the center of everything and how Pabor deals with all of it will be key; obviously winning will go a long way. Many really feel that Cleveland has too much talent not to win.
Home Town Kid Makes Good
Other then Harry Wright, no manager will likely have his hands more into his teams success then Dick McBride. McBride will start as the pitcher/manager for this Philadelphia team and his ability is excellent. More then that however is the fact that McBride is a local Philly kid who literally knows many of the loyal fanbase since he was a child. His popularity is part of the draw of this team.
The Athletics also may have the best young star in the game. Cap Anson is only 19 but few have seen a kid with stronger hands and a better batting eye. Anson is also a respected gentleman off the field and carries himself like a true profesional while not bragging or overstepping his manager. Look for great things from this player, who was the second pick overall.
Some may be overlooking this team with Cleveland and Boston getting the headlines so far. There are some serious concerns in the outfield but Mike McGeary is a good catcher and Count Sensenderfer may be as unique a player as the league has.
