The Baseball Chronicle
October 1881
Edition 10.8
St. Louis Celebrates First Pennant
Seven Year Itch Ends For Brown Stockings
They came within one single game last season but lost it in the most heart breaking way. The 1881 season was a year they would not let it slip away under any circumstances as the city of St. Louis finally can claim a pennant as their beloved Browns lead almost wire to wire.
Their were occasional rushes to the top by Worcester and Cleveland but the Browns never really looked concerned. With the champion Athletics falling off surprisingly this year and teams like Boston having their worst record ever, the American League was there for the taking.
Manager Cortez Cachola in his third season has brought his experience as a bench coach in Chicago reviving the franchise with fundamentals and confidence and the recipe has worked like a charm. It is a testament that any franchise that can find the right man can really turn around their fortunes in a hurry.
Team pitching has been the biggest reason the Browns won 57 games. Fred Goldsmith had to remember and the right hander has been among the best arms in the game over the past three years. He won 22 games and lead the league with a 1.85 ERA and a 4.6 WAR. The name everyone recognizes is that of John Monte Ward who at just 21 years of age lead the league in WHIP and OBA winning 18 times and reminding many of a young Albert Spalding on and off the field.
The hitting is nothing truly special but the chemistry in the lineup works as the double Jacks in Glasscock and Farrell have a reputation for getting the big hits. Another young star at catcher, Buck Ewing is also someone to watch as the stout 22 year old has gotten better and handles the defensive side of the ball with great proficiency.
St. Louis now can poise themselves for a World Series battle with the mighty men from Troy. The franchise won their record fifth pennant this year and look for their second championship.
A Last Place Finish For Boston
May Be End Of The Line For Wright
Age and reputation can only take you so far in this game, and the Boston Red Stockings lead by their famous manager Harry Wright have proven this fact. The proud Boston side had their worst season on record losing 57 games and finishing in an embarrassing last place.
It is now a major question if Harry Wright will be retained as team skipper as many feel his loyalty to his players is getting in his way. Ezra Sutton has played in 885 consecutive games but drove in only 31 runs despite is league leading 51 steals. George Wright is ready to retire and Al Spalding can no longer start but is used in situational roles with limited effect.
Jim Foran and Dick Hunt remain fine player and the emergence of starter Charles Radbourn can not be ignored, but the core of the team obviously appears frustrated at some of the older strategy and approach; the game has changed alot over the past few seasons.
Wright was asked about his future and he acknowledged the season was 'embarrassing' for the club and that he will be sitting with team owners to determine if 'they even want to see his face back.'
The game really has turned on its head it would appear with the Browns winning the pennant and the Red Stockings finishing dead last.
