Ah, the new kids. The new 6-team league came into being and separated itself from the NL by having lower admission prices, selling alcohol and playing on Sunday's. National League owners called it "the beer and whiskey league" and no one cared. Four of the six teams were in cities that previously had NL teams, and therefore, kind of a built-in fan base hungry for a team.
Cincinnati - Will White showed up as a returning hero and led the Red Stockings to the pennant. The city, which has had a great baseball tradition, was quick to embrace this team and it's winning ways. Much is expected of them next season.
Louisville - The season started out kind of good, then pitcher Tony Mullane went down. While winning, it was when he came back that the team made a late push against Cincy. Pete Browning and Chicken Wolf are solid lineup contributors.
St. Louis - The Brown Stockings were right behind the Reds until late July/early August when over the course of six games the Browns went from 2 games back to six. From there they couldn't get much closer, but were pretty solid in beating most everyone else.
Pittsburgh - They started out really bad. By mid-season they were at .500, and stayed there till the last week when it seemed the team just kind of left before the season ended.
Philadelphia - Had pitching problems from the start and could never catch up. The lineup had some decent players, but nothing of real note. Even with a subpar showing the town of Philadelphia is ready to be behind the Athletics.
Baltimore - A team full of not-good-players and the record shows. The fans have already seen this movie before and are really hoping there's a better showing next year.
