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amead17 · 01-03-2026, 10:35 AM

SPORTING TIMES — April 13th, 1914
By Samuel T. Kingsley

Sporting Times Forecasts a Season of Change in Both Leagues

As with every new campaign, the Sporting Times again ventures into the uncertain business of prediction, casting an eye over the clubs and players as the 1914 season stands upon the threshold. This year’s outlook suggests a shifting of fortunes in both leagues, with movement up and down the tables that promises a lively summer of base ball.

Our forecast points toward a St. Louis Browns versus New York Giants World Series, a pairing that would mark a notable turn in the balance of power. Whether such a meeting proves prophetic or merely smoke in the wind can only be decided by the long grind of the schedule.

American League Outlook

In the American League, the St. Louis Browns are tipped to finish atop the standings with a predicted record of 90 victories against 64 defeats, driven by sound pitching and steady production throughout the order. Close behind are the Cleveland Naps, followed by a tightly bunched group including the Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators, both forecast to post identical records.

The Browns’ strength is expected to rest heavily upon the arm of José Méndez, who is projected for a commanding season marked by a sub-2.00 earned run average and heavy innings. He is joined among the league’s leading hurlers by Smokey Joe Williams and Willie Mitchell of Washington, Dutch Leonard of Chicago, and Frank Wickware of Boston.

At the plate, Tris Speaker of Cleveland is forecast once more as the league’s most dangerous batsman, combining average, speed, and on-base skill. Support is expected from Sherry Magee in St. Louis, Sam Crawford and Grant Johnson in Chicago, and a deep collection of contributors across the circuit.

Lower in the table, the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Athletics are predicted to face stiffer sledding, with rebuilding efforts reflected in their projected totals.

National League Outlook

Over in the National League, the New York Giants are given a narrow edge, projected to lead the circuit with 87 wins, though the Boston Braves are forecast to press them closely throughout the season. The Brooklyn Robins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals form a strong middle class, each capable of challenging if fortune breaks their way.

The Giants’ anticipated success rests on a powerful offense, with George Burns projected to combine speed and consistency at the top of the order. Across the league, bats such as Ty Cobb in Philadelphia, Eddie Collins and Joe Jackson in Brooklyn, and Gavvy Cravath in Boston are forecast to dominate the hitting columns.

Pitching honors in the senior circuit are expected to be fiercely contested. Grover Cleveland Alexander and John Donaldson of Brooklyn headline a formidable group, alongside Ray Caldwell in Pittsburgh, Babe Adams in Boston, and the Giants’ own staff, with depth and durability standing as decisive factors.

A Season Yet to Be Written

These figures, it must be said, are no more than educated guesses, compiled before a single meaningful pitch has been thrown. Injuries, sudden slumps, and unexpected brilliance have a way of humbling even the most careful prognosticator. Still, if these predictions hold true, the summer of 1914 promises keen races in both leagues and, perhaps, a World Series pairing few would have confidently named a year ago.

As always, the diamond will have the final word.

01-03-2026, 10:35 AM	#614
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,114	SPORTING TIMES — April 13th, 1914 By Samuel T. Kingsley Sporting Times Forecasts a Season of Change in Both Leagues As with every new campaign, the Sporting Times again ventures into the uncertain business of prediction, casting an eye over the clubs and players as the 1914 season stands upon the threshold. This year’s outlook suggests a shifting of fortunes in both leagues, with movement up and down the tables that promises a lively summer of base ball. Our forecast points toward a St. Louis Browns versus New York Giants World Series, a pairing that would mark a notable turn in the balance of power. Whether such a meeting proves prophetic or merely smoke in the wind can only be decided by the long grind of the schedule. American League Outlook In the American League, the St. Louis Browns are tipped to finish atop the standings with a predicted record of 90 victories against 64 defeats, driven by sound pitching and steady production throughout the order. Close behind are the Cleveland Naps, followed by a tightly bunched group including the Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators, both forecast to post identical records. The Browns’ strength is expected to rest heavily upon the arm of José Méndez, who is projected for a commanding season marked by a sub-2.00 earned run average and heavy innings. He is joined among the league’s leading hurlers by Smokey Joe Williams and Willie Mitchell of Washington, Dutch Leonard of Chicago, and Frank Wickware of Boston. At the plate, Tris Speaker of Cleveland is forecast once more as the league’s most dangerous batsman, combining average, speed, and on-base skill. Support is expected from Sherry Magee in St. Louis, Sam Crawford and Grant Johnson in Chicago, and a deep collection of contributors across the circuit. Lower in the table, the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Athletics are predicted to face stiffer sledding, with rebuilding efforts reflected in their projected totals. National League Outlook Over in the National League, the New York Giants are given a narrow edge, projected to lead the circuit with 87 wins, though the Boston Braves are forecast to press them closely throughout the season. The Brooklyn Robins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals form a strong middle class, each capable of challenging if fortune breaks their way. The Giants’ anticipated success rests on a powerful offense, with George Burns projected to combine speed and consistency at the top of the order. Across the league, bats such as Ty Cobb in Philadelphia, Eddie Collins and Joe Jackson in Brooklyn, and Gavvy Cravath in Boston are forecast to dominate the hitting columns. Pitching honors in the senior circuit are expected to be fiercely contested. Grover Cleveland Alexander and John Donaldson of Brooklyn headline a formidable group, alongside Ray Caldwell in Pittsburgh, Babe Adams in Boston, and the Giants’ own staff, with depth and durability standing as decisive factors. A Season Yet to Be Written These figures, it must be said, are no more than educated guesses, compiled before a single meaningful pitch has been thrown. Injuries, sudden slumps, and unexpected brilliance have a way of humbling even the most careful prognosticator. Still, if these predictions hold true, the summer of 1914 promises keen races in both leagues and, perhaps, a World Series pairing few would have confidently named a year ago. As always, the diamond will have the final word.