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First, a word about the top players of the National Association. The top nine players in hits over the course of the Association were Boston's George Wright (464), Chicago's Levi Meyerle (452), Boston's Ross Barnes (443), Cal McVey (432), also of Boston, Lip Pike (401), who played for several teams but most recently for St. Louis, Chicago's George Hall (399), New York's John Hatfield (387) and Dave Eggler (383) and Fred Cone (382) of Boston. Joe Start of New York was the tenth-leading hitter of the Association, but he unexpectedly retired from professional base ball right on the eve of the new season, leaving New York with a hole at first base.
Though pitching was less important in the Association game, Boston's Al Spalding (117 wins) was the Association leader. Beginning in 1874, a young pitcher named Dan Collins began throwing for Chicago and he was a trickster, much like the late Jim Creighton used to be. The other clubs complained and it seemed that Collins's way of throwing would be outlawed. However, it also proved to be very popular - crowds would come out to watch Collins pitch. His style was allowed, and he began striking out batters - 93 in 1874 and 103 in 1875, far and away the league leader. He was a huge part of Chicago's near-pennant in 1875. Unfortunately for the club, he joined the new Louisville club in the offseason, which will make things much harder for Chicago and should provide instant respectability for the Grays.
As for the new National League, Chadwick's Sporting Letter, the most respected base ball newsletter, has made the following predictions for the inaugural National League season:
1st place - Boston. The club's important players are all back again this season and they have won four times in a row in the Association.
2d place - Chicago. The loss of Dan Collins as the key pitcher will hurt them, and this season should be an easier win for Boston.
3d place - New York. They have several good players but not enough to challenge the top two.
4th place - Louisville. With Dan Collins and several other established players, this new club should be respectable immediately.
5th place - Hartford. Orator Shafer is a star in the making, but the rest of the team is not good.
6th place - Philadelphia. Deacon White and Cap Anson are good but not good enough to put them in contention.
7th place - Cincinnati. This new team is mostly other teams' leavings and will not be very good.
8th place - St. Louis. Most of their starting players failed to make it on better teams.
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