1901 Preseason Predictions
Baseball writers across the country began publishing their predictions for the first season of the 20th century.
The general consensus was that the Eastern League would be a race between the Boston Whalers and New York Empire, whilst the Western League would be between the Cleveland Colts and Kansas City Cowboys.
1901 Cleveland Colts
1901 Kansas City Cowboys
1901 Boston Whalers
1901 New York Empire
Players to Watch
The top 3 hitters and pitchers in each league that the writers are predicting will have the strongest year.
Eastern League Top Hitters
Edward Peak, 1B, Buffalo - his second season in professional ball, certain to build on the solid foundation he laid last season.
James Thomas, LF, Boston - Winner of last season's Most Distinguished Freshman Medal, and Series Silver Ball winner as Boston won their first Championship.
Clarence Werrick, CF, New York Empire - If Empire are to challenge for the pennant, much will depend on Werrick's hitting and his sure defence.
Eastern League Top Pitchers
Thomas Sutherland, New York Empire - Another man the hopes of the Empire faithful will rest upon. Sutherland led the league in strikeouts in 1896, now entering his 30s he should be reaching his peak years, much is expected.
Leroy Chumley, Boston - Last season's Most Distinguished Hurler Medal winner, rumour is Chumley has become the highest paid pitcher in the Association. If Boston are to challenge again, a lot will depend on Chumley maintain his great form into a new year.
Thomas Adams, Philadelphia Olympics - The 25-year old hurler has already started 193 games since his debut season in 1897, is ability on the mound could make the difference with Olympics recording a losing season or a winning season.
Western League Top Hitters
John Richards, 2B, St. Louis Canaries - Richards is without question one of, if not the best contact hitter in the Western League. Since his debut in 1899, Richards has led batting average for two consecutive seasons. The hopes of Canaries rooters rest on Richards, they pray that he has the strength to lead this team away from the bottom end of the Western League standings.
William Thompson, LF, Milwaukee - Thompson led the league in RBIs in 1898, and in doubles last season. His ability to drive in runs will mean the difference between success and failure for the Creams.
Clinton Bayman, CF, Kansas City - Kansas City baseball is a family business, Bayman is managed by his uncle, James, and his father recently retired as the Cowboys hitting coach. The 27 year old has been the engine of Kansas City's recent success, picking up 3 consecutive Most Distinguished Player Medals on the way. If the Cowboys are to continue to challenge for Pennants, Clinton Bayman will play a large part in it.
Western League Top Pitchers
Robert McKay, Kansas City - McKay is a new addition to the Kansas City roster, and all eyes will be on him. Pitching is the weak link in the Cowboys roster, McKay will have to adapt to professional life fast if the season is going to be a success.
Art Philpot, Saint Louis Beavers - Philpot won the triple crown in 1897 at only 20 years-old, 3 of his 5 seasons have seen him lead the Western League in strikeouts. As Philpot moves into his mid-twenties, expectation is for the hurler to dominate the pitching charts for years to come as he enters prime ballplaying years.
John Darrisaw, Cleveland Colts - Darrisaw showed great promise in his debut season last year, leading the league in innings pitched. There is expectation that Darrisaw will play a large part in finally bringing Pennant to Cleveland.