The American Baseball Association

[CTSoxFan]

This idea came to me after I accidently deleted a file I planned on redoing baseball history in. The idea I originally had was to play up to the time my grandfather turned 18 and add him in as a character, but while I may still add him in during the 1930s, I came up with a better idea that makes me more hands on in the early times.

The one thing that was boring me about my historical replay is that I wasn't doing anything. There was no story and I kept trying to create one, where it didn't exist and I ended up messing up the file by trading people around to try and create a new MLB history. So my idea was to change the course of history for baseball. Instead of the AL and NL being seperate groups in 1901, a new league, the American Baseball Association is formed. Teams are assembled in the 16 major cities of the Eastern and Midwestern United States in 1901. There will be a fictional background to the story, with real players. An initial draft will be held, with the 16 teams picking there teams from the players. The league will be divided into Eastern and Midwestern divisions and the East and Midwest will play in the American Championship each year. The league will follow a new course, with things such as southern and western expansion, wars, and real historical events changing the way baseball developed in the United States. This should be a much more fun, interesting and informative way to look at the history of baseball and create a great story for myself and anyone else who wants to read along.

[CTSoxFan]

American Baseball Association Founded

---Hartford, Connecticut

In the capitol of Connecticut, smack dab in between two of the most important cities in America, Boston and New York, a new baseball league was founded, known as the American Baseball Association (or ABA). The owner of the Hartford Ballplayers, Patrick T. Ronaghan, said “Today is a great day for sports, baseball, and the United States of America.”

Baseball has been an important part of the culture of the Eastern and Midwestern United States since it was invented and developed during the mid-1800s. For years it was played by club teams throughout the country, who had small leagues of their own, but no main organization. That is until Robert Wilson came along. Wilson, who is the owner of the Boston Pros, a New England organization that toured the Northeast and had on its roster the great Cy Young, the best pitcher in the country, had the genius idea to create one association, uniting all of the ball clubs. Wilson organized a two league, 16 team league, that is divided geographically, with an Eastern and Midwestern division. Wilson found 16 owners to take over the teams and recruited the top players in the United States to join the new association. Wilson will not own a team, but will serve as Association President, running things from an outside position and setting the rules and regulations for the league.

In Hartford today the teams met for the initial draft of the league. The sixteen teams are from the eight largest cities in the country. Wilson said today, “The American Baseball Association will bring excitement and entertainment to the base ball fans of the world. Fans well get to see the star players on a regular basis and be able to root for the local squad.” Wilson’s idea was praised by the 16 owners representing their teams today at the draft. Chicago owner Phillip Seymour said of Wilson, “He is a great man. He knows more than anybody about the game of baseball and will be a great President for our new association. Mr. Wilson will help make this league all that it can be.”

The eight teams that make up the Eastern Division are, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia, Providence, and Washington.

The eight teams that make up the Western Division are, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Louisville, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis.

The first pick in the draft was made by the New York franchise, and was pitcher Cy Young, not a surprise to anyone in attendance.

[CTSoxFan]

Baltimore Crabs



Team Owner: Joseph Alexander

The Baltimore Crabs play their games in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, on the Chesepeake Bay. Baltimore is the biggest city in Maryland. The owner of the Stars is Joseph Alexander, who has made his fortune through his crabbing company, Baltimore Crabbing Co., after which he named his new baseball team.

The Crabs' manager is John Alexander, the 30 year old son of Joseph, who was a baseball player until he injured his knee at 25. John has been managing the Baltimore Blue Sox, a team that was part of the former American League, which disbanded after the creation of the American Association.

The two Alexander's were at the initial draft in Hartford to select the team. The Crabs had the 10th pick in the draft.

With the first pick in the draft the Crabs selected Jack Chesbro, a pitcher. The rest of the Crabs are as follows:

Roster:

1st Pick: SP "Happy" Jack Chesbro - Chesbro is a native of North Adams, Massachusetts. Chesbro was born June 8, 1974. Chesbro played for a ball club in Pittsburgh for the past two seasons, his first two years in professional ball, and impressed base ball experts with his play. John Alexander's Baltimore squad played a 3 game series against Pittsburgh last season and Chesbro pitched in both the first and third games of the series, winning both easily. Chesbro won 21 games over the past two seasons and will be the ace of the Crabs' pitching staff. Chesbro is just 26 and should have many good years in front of him.

2nd Pick: LF Topsy Hartsel - 26 year old left fielder Hartsel was the second pick of the Crabs and is another player in the prime of what should be a great career. Hartsel has been playing pro ball since he was 24, playing in Louisville. Hartsel is originally from Polk, Ohio. Hartsel is a speedy hitter who makes great contact and will get on base a lot. Hartsel should be the lead off hitter for the Crabs.

3rd Pick: P Jack Cronin - Cronin is the third 26 year old the Crabs took. Cronin will be a great second punch for the Crabs rotation behind Chesbro. Cronin played last season in Baltimore after starting the season in Detroit. Cronin was purchased by John Alexander last season and Alexander saw Cronin lead the Baltimore team with 17 wins. Cronin has also played in Brooklyn and Pittsburgh in the past and won a combined four games there. Cronin is just emerging as a great pitcher and will hopefully have his best years in Baltimore.

4th Pick: P Togie Pittinger - Pittinger is the second straight pitcher taken by the Crabs. Togie is 29 and has just begun his professional career after dominating the amatuer circuit in Pennsylvania for years, before signing a pro contract with the Boston Ballplayers last year. Pittinger won 9 games last season and will be the third starter in the Crabs' rotation. John Alexander said about Pittinger, "The ball moves in a strange way when it comes out of his hand, it knuckles its way to the plate and really confuses the batter. I'm just glad that we don't have to face him this season, I look forward to the strange reactions batters who have not seen him will have." The pitch of Pittinger is refered to by Togie as the "knuckleball". Togie is said to have learned the strange pitch from Toad Ramsey, who was his manager in Pennsylvania.

5th Pick: 2B John Farrell - Farrell is a sweet swinging, speedy, and slick fielding second base man from Kentucky who has played on a Louisville base ball club for the past three seasons, after graduating from college. He is only 24 and has a bright future ahead of him. Farrell should be a fixture in the Crabs' infield for years to come.

6th Pick: P Ed Murphy - Continuing the theme of youth is starting pitcher Ed Murphy. Murphy is just 24 and has a very live arm, with solid control. Murphy pitched in Philadelphia for the past two seasons. He is a native of Auburn, New York. Murphy may play in the minor leagues if he does not fit into the rotation.

7th Pick: P John Dunn[ - Dunn was the ace of the Brooklyn staff for the past three seasons and won 53 games over those three years. Alexander was surprised when Dunn dropped to the Crabs, but concerns over his arm strength scared many teams away form picking him. Dunn will be the fourth member of the rotation and will share starts with Murphy. Dunn was born in Pennsylvania, but lived most of his life near Baltimore and played with John Alexander on the Baltimore ball club for two seasons.

8th Pick: CF Cy Seymour - Seymour is a player who has shown signs of great ability, but has not put it together and is now 27. Seymour is a slick fielder and has good speed, so he will be a valuable member of the squad. He is an Albany, New York native and played for the New York City squad since 1896 and had 82 hits in 1898.

9th Pick: RF Sam Dungan - Dungan is a California native who has played pro ball in Chicago since the early 1800s. He is now 34 and seems to be past his prime, but Dungan was once a great hitter and can still make contact at times, and will play an average right field for the Crabs.

10th Pick: SS Hughie Jennings - Hughie Jennings is an aging short stop who is known for his great hitting. Jennings has played in Baltimore for the past seven seasons. Jennings had over 200 hits in 1895 and 1896. He does not have the same ability as he once did, but Jennings will still get on base.

11th Pick: C Deacon McGuire - Deacon McGuire is 37 years old and will do an excellent job handling this young pitching staff in Baltimore. McGuire may not be able to hit like he has in the past, but his veteran leadership ability will be a big plus to manager John Alexander. McGuire will serve as the manager on the field, as he is well respected by everyone in the game. Deacon has played on various teams since 1884 and has had a good career that is about to come to an end.

12th Pick: 1B Candy Lachance - Candy is a Connecticut native who is 31 and will be the Crabs' starting first base man. Lachance has played in Brooklyn since 1893 and is a good hitter. Lachance may not be the best player in the league, but he will be a solid first base man for the Crabs.

13th Pick: 3B Doc Casey - Casey is a graduate of the University of Maryland and has played in Washington for the past three seasons. Casey returns to his college hometown to play for the Crabs. Doc is a great defensive third base man, but struggles at the plate and will probably need to be replaced for the Crabs to win. Doc will be a good bench player if the Crabs can find a better third base man in the local market.

Teams will be allowed to sign any player from within their home state, or a state in the local area, to play in the minor league system. For example, Baltimore may sign players from Deleware. This is a one year deal to allow teams to fill their minor league squads, in the future players will be drafted. The Crabs should look for an upgrade at third base in Deleware or Maryland.

Round 14 pick: P Jock Menefee - Menefee is a native of the Mountaineer state and is a veteran member of the pitching staff who will contribute in spot starts. Menefee has pitched in Louisville, Pittsburgh, New York, and Chicago throughout his career but has never had much success and will not be a key member of the Crabs' staff.

Round 15 pick: CF Charlie Dexter - Dexter is a hard working kid from Indiana, who just does not have enough to be an every day player, but gives enough heart to earn a spot on the Crabs and will contribute off of the bench. Dexter had his best season in 1898 while playing for Louisville when he hit .314 with 132 hits.

Round 16 pick: LF Duff Cooley - Duff is a slick fielding Kansas native who has a quick bat, but not enough power in his swing to make consistent contact and get on base enough. Duff will be important as a subsititute outfielder.

Round 17 pick: C Art Nichols - Nichols is a 29 year old New Hampshire native who will be the team's backup catcher. Nichols has been a member of the Chicago club the past few years but has not played in many games.

Round 18 pick: SS Jim McGuire - McGuire is a rookie short stop from New York who roomed with Sam Dungan while both played in the Pacific Coast League. McGuire was convinced to try out for the ABA draft and Dungan convinced the Alexanders to take a chance on him.

Round 19 pick: SS Bones Ely - Bones Ely is a veteran short stop who will not see much playing time for the Crabs. Ely will be a player-coach and will help instruct batters. Ely has 1182 hits in his career, but seems to be past his prime.

Round 20 pick: C Jack Slattery - Jack Slattery is a catcher just out of Boston College who will be the third catcher in the Crabs organization, unless he is traded. Slattery says he would like to go home and play for the Boston Shamrocks, and the Crabs are looking to deal Slattery for something of value. Slattery was the best available player when the Crabs had their final pick and was not really necassary. Slattery has some raw skills and the Shamrocks are said to be interested in making a deal with the Crabs.

Free Agents Added to Main Roster:

Slats Jordan - Slats is a 23 year old infielder from Baltimore who came to the Crabs open tryout for Deleware and Maryland ball players after the draft and impressed the Crabs' scouts with his slick fielding at second base and good speed.

Eddie Quick - Quick is a 19 year old kid from Baltimore who did not come to the ABA open tryout, but did show up for the Maryland/Deleware tryout at Baltimore Crabbing Company Stadium this past weekend. Quick has some talent and could develop into a pitcher of some value for the Crabs. He may one day be considred a steal.

Joe Yingling - Yingling is a veteran pitcher from Baltimore who also came to the Crab's open tryout. Yingling is 34, and seems to be past his prime, but showed that he still has something left in his arm and was offered a contract to play for the Crabs, at least for a little while.

Charles Birmingham Burns - Burns is another kid from the Baltimore area who came to the tryouts. He is speedy and a good infielder and can play three infield positions. He will not see much playing time, but has been added to the main roster instead of being sent into the minor league system.

[CTSoxFan]

Many of those names have links to players pictures. The underlined ones do.

[CTSoxFan]

If anyone could help me get a Catobase going for this league, that would be a big help, or point me to a thread where I can teach myself. Thanks in advance.

My goal is for everyone to have a story and for everyone to be able to look at individual players and see their stats, either by hosting the league or Catobasing it, or whatever is easiest. So any help would be much appreciated, I'm not that experienced, actually not at all experienced, n Catobasing or any thing like that.

[Big Six]

This looks like it will be a lot of fun, CTSoxFan. I'm looking forward to seeing how things turn out. I really like the links to the pictures, too; that's a great idea.

Good luck!

[CTSoxFan]

Boston Shamrocks



Team Owner: Patrick O'Malley

O'Malley is the owner of a local brewery, Shamrock Ale, that is popular throughout New England and has made him a very rich man. O'Malley's grandfather came over to America from Ireland and he is very proud of his Irish roots. O'Malley hired Thomas "Tommy" McCarthy, a family friend and Boston native, who played for the Boston Beaneaters where he was very popular with the fans, as the team's first manager. This immediatly made O'Malley popular with the Boston fans, who remember the play of McCarthy. Tommy retired from base ball in 1896 and was coaching at Boston College.

The Shamrocks are considered by many to be the best team in the Eastern League, as McCarthy had an excellent draft, picking 12th overall.

The Shamrocks made one move after the draft, purchasing shortstop Jim McGuire from the Baltimore Crabs to fill out their roster. McGuire was an 18th round pick by the Crabs, but was not expected to make the roster.

Roster:

Pitchers:

"Wild" Bill Donovan (1st Round, 12th Overall) - Donovan was the first pick of the Shamrocks and this was another popular move by O'Malley. Donovan is a Massachusetts kid, who is just 24 years old. His nickname, "Wild", comes not from his lack of control (he has good control) but the way his pitches move on the way to the plate, making them difficult for his opponents to hit. Donovan was a local high school star in Lawrence, Mass, but Frank Selee, former manager of the now defunct Boston Beaneaters, did not like his style when he tried out for the team. He spent two injury filled seasons in Brooklyn, but at the American Associaton Pre-Draft Camp, he showed the talent to be a pitching ace and the Shamrocks are giving this local kid a shot to be just that for them. There will be a lot of pressure on Donovan to return home and pitch well.

Case Patten (3rd Round, 44th Overall) - Patten was the second pitcher taken by the Shamrocks and is another pitcher with little pro experience, but a lot of talent. Patten pitched for the Kansas City Lions in a small midwestern league. Case, whose nickname is Pat, is just 24 has a bright future, after going 22-7 last season with the Lions.

Pete Dowling (5th Round, 76th Overall) - Pete is a pitcher from the Lousville Sluggers. Dowling will be the third starter in the rotation, and has good ability.

Win Mercer (7th Round, 108th Overall - Win Mercer slipped deep into the draft for his talent. Mercer is 26 and is considered by many to be somewhat immature, frequently seen drinking heavily, gambling, and fooling around with women. Mercer has pitched in the nation's capitol of Washington DC since 1894 and he had 107 wins over those years. Mercer has a lot of talent, but gets into trouble, which has hurt his career. Mercer should fit in with Donovan, Dowling and Patten, forming a pitching rotation that is young and should be loved by the Boston fans for their emotion and love of the game.

"Big" Mike Sullivan (Undrafted Free Agent) Sullivan is a former member of the Boston Beaneaters who was once a teammate of Manager McCarthy. McCarthy coaxed Sullivan out of retirement to fill a spot on his pitching staff as a spot starter.

Jimmy "Pony" Ryan (Undrafted Free Agent) Jimmy Ryan is 38 years old and a former professional pitcher and outfielder in Chicago. Ryan is a graduate of Boston College and was the assistant manager for Tommy McCarthy last season. Tommy invited his buddy Jimmy to fill a spot in the bullpen and also to be used as an emergency outfielder and pinch hitter.

Ed Doheny (13th Round, 204th Overall) - Doheny is a Vermont native who was a very popular pitcher in St. Albans, VT before being signed by the New York Giants after the Giants' owner Andrew Freedman (now owner of the New York Admirals of the ABA) was recieved a recommendation about Doheny from a Boston sportswriter, who was awarded 100 dollars by Freedman for this service. Doheny has not had much success in New York, but is still only 27 years old and Boston will give him a chance to start over in the ABA, closer to his home town.

Roger Denzer (12th Round, 181st Pick) - Denzer will be one of the veterans on the staff at just 29, third oldest after Ryan and Sullivan. Denzer is a Minnesota native who pitched one season in Chicago, but the rest of his career was spent on a small St. Paul baseball club in his native state. Denzer has a good fastball, but his control can be shaky. He will be one of the last pitchers to be used by the Shamrocks and most likely won't see much action this year.

Batters:

Catcher Mike Grady (4th Round, 53rd Overall) - Grady could be the best offensive catcher in professional baseball right now. Grady is a descendent of Irish grandparents born in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Grady is strong and has a powerful swing, sending balls over the fence and into gaps, allowing him to round all the bases and score for a home run. He has hit 8 of those twice in his career. Grady has played in both Philadelphia and New York and will be Boston's starter.

Catcher Lou Criger (17th Round, 268th Overall) Criger was a late round selection of the Shamrocks and will serve as the veteran backup to Grady. Criger is 29 is an Indiana native who has played in St. Louis and Cleveland in the past since his pro debut in 1896. He is an average catcher who can play well in limited amounts. Criger is a Sandlot legend, but has not turned his skills on the sand into skill on the grass fields of pro ball. Criger is a terrific defensive catcher and is great with pitchers. Grady is a poor defensive catcher and may be moved to a different position at times, to allow Criger to catch.

Catcher Jack O'Connor (19th Round, 300th Overall) - O'Connor is a St. Louis native who has played his entire career, starting in 1887, in Cincinnati as a member of the American Association team that plays in the midwest. O'Connor is a versatile fielder who will serve mainly as the backup catcher when Grady is playing at first or in the outfield. O'Connor is 31 and does not have much left.

First Baseman Davey Crockett (16th Round, 245th Overall) = Crockett is a young (25) first baseman from Roanoake, Virginia. He may not be the frontier hero like the man who shares his name, but Crockett should be a serviceable backup for the Shamrocks, and he may just wear a racoon hat at first.

Second Baseman/Right Fielder Bill Friel (6th Round, 85th Overall) - Friel is a graduate of Niagara University graduate from Pennsylvania, who has played in the New York semi-pro leagues for the past few years since his graduation. He was a star of those leagues and was drafted by the Shamrocks for his ability. He will work with Tommy McCarthy and may move to right field, where he could become a solid ball player some day, but right now he will be on the bench most of the time.

Second Baseman Kid Gleason (14th Round, 231st Overall) - William "Kid" Gleason is a fine defensive second baseman, with a strong arm and a solid bat. Gleason is nicknamed Kid because of his height (5'7) and mostly for his enthusiasm, which should make him a fan favorite in Boston. He is heading towards the end of his career and will serve as a player-coach for Tommy McCarthy, spreading his influence around the young team. Gleason is known for his heroics last year in New York. Along with current team mate Mike Grady and former team mate George Davis, he ran into a burning building to help a woman and a child down a fire escape. Gleason then played in the Giants' game that afternoon and helped the Giants win.

Third Baseman Harry Davis (8th Round, 177th Overall) - Davis is an average all around player. He has some power, and is able to drive the ball into the gap for doubles, triples, and home runs. He is a Philadelphia native who has played pro ball in New York, Washington, and his home town of Philadelphia. He will be the team's starting third base man and will also play first base if Mike Grady catches.

Short Stop Russ Hall (20th Round, 309th Pick Overall) - Russ is a Shelbyville, Kentucky native who has played his pro games in St. Louis since 1898. He is an average player who will be a backup for the Shamrocks.

Short Stop George "Maggie" Magoon
(10th Round, 149th Overall) - George Magoon is a light hitting, good fielding second baseman and short stop who will start at short stop for the Boston club. Magoon is a native of St. Albans, Maine, and played in Brooklyn, Baltimore, and Chicago in just two pro seasons. He is only 26 and could develop into a slightly better hitter, but his slick fielding makes him a valuable member of the inaugural Shamrocks' club.

Short Stop Jim McGuire - McGuire was acquired after minor league tryouts to fill the Boston roster, from the Baltimore Crabs. McGuire was a late round draft pick of the Crabs and was expected to start in Frederick with the Stars semi-pro team, but instead will serve as a Shamrocks' reserve outfielder and short stop. McGuire is a New York native who returns east after playing in the Pacific Coast League in California for the past few years.

Short Stop George Rohe (18th Round, 277th Overall) - Rohe is a utility infielder who will be another young guy in the short stop mix this season. He is a solid fielder at three positions and has a good swing, that could be developed into more. Rohe hits lefties well and could be a platoon candidate with Magoon, starting against lefty pitchers.

Left Fielder Hugh Duffy (11th Round, 172nd Overall) - Duffy slipped far in the draft because of his age, and McCarthy grabbed him in the 11th round as soon as he noticed he was still available. McCarthy and Duffy were best friends and team mates on the Boston Beaneaters until 1895 when McCarthy was sold to Brooklyn and then retired. Duffy remained in Boston and is a fan favorite. Duffy and McCarthy were called the "Heavenly Twins" and were fan favorites for their spectacular play in the outfield. Duffy is still a great player and many teams will regret not grabbing him when they had the shot. Duffy is a Cranston, Rhode Island native, but has lived in Boston since he signed with the Beaneaters in 1892.

Center Fielder Buck Freeman (2nd Round, 21st Overall) - Freeman was the second pick of the Shamrocks and the guy selected to be the cornerstone of their offense. Freeman is 29 and in the prime of his career after hitting .301 last year. Freeman has power and speed and is one of the premier sluggers of professional baseball. The fans in Boston will love Freeman for his exciting play, he should become one of the favorites on the Shamrocks, along with his fellow outfield mate Hugh Duffy.

Right Fielder Bill Hallman (9th Round, 140th Overall) - Hallman is a young outfielder who is below average defensively and average offensively. He is a lefty batter and struggles against lefty pitchers, so will not start against them.

Right Fielder Billy Lush (15th Round, 236th Overall) - Lush is a 27 year old outfielder from Connecticut who hits well against lefties and is a good fielder. He has good speed and will start and lead off when Hallman sits against lefties.

Right Fielder Tom O'Brien (Undrafted Free Agent) - O'Brien is a Pennsylvania native and good friend of Kid Gleason. He played most of his career in Pittsburgh, but was then loaned to New York, where he became a fan favorite for his hustle. O'Brien is 28 and hit very well in Cuba in the off-season while on a tour with the New York and Brooklyn teams. Along with Kid Gleason he was told that if he drank enough salt water he would get sick but not have sea sickness after that. He tried this along with Gleason on the way home and was injured much more than Gleason, who recovered quickly. O'Brien was in Phoenix, where he was struggling and was thought to be close to death, when Gleason begged the Shamrocks to bring him to Boston to treat him. Gleason helped his friend back to health along with the better doctors in Boston and he could be ready to play for the Shamrocks in about 20 weeks. O'Brien is about to enter the prime of his career, but it is yet to be seen what he could do. If it was not for Gleason and the Shamrocks, he would have died in Phoenix. (Editor's Note: O'Brien died in real life from internal injuries from drinking the salt water, I created him to see if he could have had somesort of pro career if he had not died).

[CTSoxFan]

Buffalo Bisons



Team Owner: Peter Bernstein

Bernstein is a Brooklyn businessman who decided to put his franchise in the 8th largest city in the country, population wise. Bernstein is a lifelong baseball fan, who was an investor in the Brooklyn ball club of the old National League, which folded when the American Baseball Association was formed.

Bernstein hired former Brooklyn outfielder and Utica, New York native Mike Griffin as the manager. Griffin was a good outfielder and a team leader with the Brooklyn team and was Bernstein's choice to be player manager in 1898, but he only managed 4 games.