The Baseball Times
October 26, 1898
Elmer Flick Named American Conference MVP
Despite a challenging season for the Boston Rebels, rookie right fielder Elmer Flick provided a bright spot, delivering an extraordinary debut season that has earned him the American Conference Most Valuable Player Award.
At just 23 years old, Flick’s remarkable campaign featured a .338 batting average and a .419 on-base percentage over 140 games. He amassed 185 hits, 29 doubles, 15 triples, 17 home runs, 96 RBIs, and 91 runs scored, becoming a standout player in a struggling lineup.
Flick received 10 first-place votes out of a possible 16. Bill Dahlen of the Milwaukee Bucks finished second in the voting with five first-place votes, while Pete Browning of the Baltimore Barons came in third with one first-place vote.
Flick’s manager praised the young star, predicting even greater things for him in the years to come: “I think Elmer Flick is only going to get better as he gets older.”
Nap Lajoie Wins National Conference MVP Unanimously
At just 25 years old, Nap Lajoie of the Cincinnati Wildcats has solidified his place among the elite in baseball, earning the National Conference Most Valuable Player Award for his outstanding 1898 season.
Lajoie was instrumental in leading the Wildcats to their first World Series appearance in years, putting up staggering numbers. He posted a .392 batting average and a .427 on-base percentage, tallying 230 hits, 36 doubles, 18 triples, 13 home runs, 111 RBIs, and 122 runs scored.
Lajoie was a unanimous choice for the award, receiving all 16 first-place votes. Hugh Duffy of the Chicago Cardinals finished second, with Mike Griffin of the New York Saints taking third.
Reflecting on his stellar season, Lajoie remarked, “I didn’t expect to hit .392 this year, that’s for sure.”
The future looks exceptionally bright for Lajoie as he continues to establish himself as one of the game’s premier talents.