This Month In Baseball
February 1877
Edition 7:1
1877 Best Nine
Catcher - Deacon White - Washington Nationals
Deacon White has long been considered the most consistent and effective catcher in the game. No one has influenced the position more then White and as he comes off of another championship season, his reputation is as strong as ever. Last season White even added a new dimension to his game beyond his .433 average; she stole 36 bases. Class all around White has left a great imprint on the game.
First Base - Charley Jones - Louisville Colonels
They call him Baby as a monicker, the first of his kind for his childlike looks. Jones however has established himself in a very short time as one of the stars of the game and the best at his position. Jones hit .403 last year with 84 RBI and 4 home runs. He scored an eye-opening 111 runs in 96 games and is the toast of all of Kentucky.
Second Base - Ross Barnes - Washington Nationals
For the seventh year running, Barnes is the best second baseman in the game and likely the best hitter the game has ever seen. The four time MVP hit .511 last year and lead his club to the championship of the game. Generations will likely be talking about just how good he is.
Third Base - Ezra Sutton - Boston Red Caps
Good for a long while, Sutton finally makes the list of the best at his craft after another fine season. Sutton scored 81 runs and stole 26 bases and remains one of Harry Wrights most loyal players. He rarely makes an error on the field and no one will feel worse that the Boston club relinquished their pennant last season.
Shortstop - Levi Meyerle - Hartford Dark Blues
Still playing all over the field, Meyerle now has found his spot in the middle of the action at short. Levi hit .405 with 30 steals and his long limbs allow him to make the play in the hole that many others just can not. Good things have been happening in Hartford, and Meyerle is at the very center of the resurgence,
Left Field - Jim Foran - Boston Red Caps
Leading the league with six home runs Foran also managed to finish with a .401 average. As the role of George Wright disipates, Foran has become the power in the Boston lineup as the keen left fielder drove in 98 runs last season. Many are the debates around the country of who can hit the baseball farther, Gat Stires or Jim Foran.
Center Field - Jim O'Rourke - Cincinnati Red Stockings
With 110 runs scored 33 doubles, O'Rourke has made himself the face of the new Cincinnati club. O'Rourke is an outgoing competitor who likes to talk throughout the nine innings of work, most of the times with the fans. Still the 26 year old is a genuine talent and makes this list for the first time over the likes of Paul Hines of Chicago.
Right Field - Lip Pike - Philadelphia Whites
The only thing alluding Pike in his career is a championship. The Philly team that has now become just about the most followed in the nation won its second pennant but could not bring home the ultimate prize. Pike has proven to be a great manager and and outstanding talent even as he turns 31 years of age. He hit .443 and lead the league in slugging and OPS.
Pitcher - Tommy Bond - Philadelphia Whites
In a season where pitching really took a black eye, young Tommy Bond of Philadelphia has proven his talent at 20 years of age is legit. After winning 23 games at 19 years old last season and 17 more this year, the right hander has 56 wins before he turns 21. Many this ranking is based more on potential, but the Irishman is someone that batters are finding it hard to hit against.