July 1871
MCBRIDE AND ATHLETICS HEAT UP SUMMER
The hottest team this summer has its roots in the heart of old Philadelphia. The Athletics have represented their city very well winning 15 of 20 games and and seemingly in control for the pennant. Manager Dick McBride is one of the top pitchers on any team when he is needed but his role has been more to spell regular starter Rynie Wolters who has been excellent with a 1,94 ERA and 13 wins. Philly has had a distinct advantage by deciding to keep three pitchers on their active roster.
George Hall has partnered up with Ross Barnes to create a dangerous combination in the middle of the order. Hall has 3 home runs and 27 RBI already in 20 games while Barnes is hitting .313.
Mcbride likes the direction his team has taken, "We are well balanced and in a time where teams are still getting to know themselves, we are a step ahead." he recently said.
The A's lead Washington by 2.5 games.
BASS HITS FOR WHAT IS NOW KNOWN AS A "CYCLE"
"I didnt even know what it meant" said Chicago short stop John Bass following his team's 9-8 loss in Boston.
What Bass was referring too was his ability to hit for a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game. Bass homered in his last at bat against Cherokee Fisher to complete the trick, his leading fifth of the season.
Earlier in the month Bass also became the first player to hit two home runs in a single game against Fort Wayne.