August
1871
Washington Thrills With Pennant
The Washington Olympics knew they had to finish strong to take the very first American League pennant; and strong is what they were as the club won all seven of their final weeks game and took home the prize.
The first three games of the week were against Boston who they were tied with in the standings. Washington took all three games in Beantown winning two of the games by one run including one in the 10th. Washington made no doubt that they were the best team in the league going to Cleveland and winning three more to clinch the pennant.
Ezra Sutton finished the season hitting over .400 at .403 and proved to b one of the best all around players in the game. Al Pratt won 13 games while the Washington defense was the best in the league.
The collapse of the Red Stockings who lost six games in a row at the most crucial time will be remembered all winter in Beantown.
Now Washington can face the National League champions from Chicago who lost only three games all season. Everyone feels that Chicago will do away with the Olympics in short order, but the series will have much intrigue.
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Levi Meyerle lead all the league in hitting with a .454 average without a single time striking out all season long.
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John Bass of Rockford lead the league with sven home runs, many more then anyone expected anyone to hit.
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Al Spalding lead the league with 16 strike outs but ended with a record of 3-13.
- Boston lead the league in attendance with over 16,000 fans in 30 games.
