Baseball Journal

[Nick Soulis]

January 1, 1871

The Birth of Professional Baseball



Dawn comes when we need it the most and baseball this yearhas finally reached its rising dawn. After a fever, that has engulfed thecountry, the game found structure this winter and for the first time inhistory, an institution of athletics has been established to pay players toplay a game professionally.
Ten cities were chosen that could meet three criteria; firstto be able to guarantee it can field a 15-player roster, second that it has adequateplaying facilities, and third that it does everything in its power to play outits schedule and play 30 games. The 10 baseball clubs chosen to represent this “MajorLeague” are as follows:

• Boston
• New York
• Chicago
• Troy
• Rockford
• Cleveland
• Philadelphia
• Washington
• Cleveland
• Fort Wayne

The immediate reaction to the teams and clubs chosen was notof who would be taking part, but rather on who would not. The popularCincinnati Red Stockings as well as the Brooklyn Atlantic Club were not part ofthe list and word came down that the clubs themselves had declined because theyfelt they would be more profitable on their own. Of course, that is aninteresting choice since it is sure that the best talent in the game will wantto be paid and play at the professional level.
A 30 game schedule has been proposed with a post-seasonseries possible as two divisions or “leagues” could emerge. A draft ofregistered talent across the country is set to be had by March and actualballgames by April. Even the legendary Harry Wright has signed on to be a partof this.
“It’s a historic day for sport, baseball, and athletics inthis country,” said new league president and Commissioner Nicholas Soulis whotakes the reigns of the league at 25 years old.


OTHER HEADLINES

• GOVENROR OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPEACHED
• JOHN MAYNARD WOODWORTH BECOMES FIRST SURGENGENERAL

[Nick Soulis]

March 1, 1871

Wright Chooses Skills Over Blood




Boston – Harry Wrighthas built the reputation of being one of the greatest innovators the game hasever seen. Wright has helped navigate some of the most successful clubs inrecent memory, most notably the Cincinnati Red Stocking team and its incrediblewinning streak.

When the first professional league was announced to launchlate last year, there was little doubt Wright would be in the middle of thestartup. Indeed once it was announced that the Cincinnati club would not takepart, Wright found his way to Boston and is now head of the Boston RedStockings, a name he brought with him.

With his reputation comes influence. As league officials ofthe 10 team to take part in this historic season established a draft system tofill rosters, Wright was able to convince the league that he should be the onewho makes the very first pick. It is true that no one knows the depth of talent around this country more than Wright who is still expected to also play on his new team.
There was little speculation to what Wright would or should do with the first pick; that is of course until the pick actually was made.

George Wright is the younger brother of Harry and is considered among the most talented ballplayers in the nation. It would seem noone would agree more with this statement than Harry himself since he helpedtutor and teach his younger brother the game. So surely, the number one pickwould be the slick fielding George who would built a dynasty in Boston.

To the shock of everyone in attendance and everyone who read the telegraph, Harry Wright passed over his brother and chose the talented Ross Barnes as his first pick. No one can really doubt the abilities of Barnes as a player and he already has established a reputation of excellence. Still one wonders what is really behind the choice and why the family name is not being merged on the same field.

When asked for comment Harry dismissed questions but rathertalked up the skill of Barnes and everything he brings to a team. George Wrightfor his part knows he will be drafted shortly by another club, but answered thenews with some humor. “It should make for an interesting topic at the dinnertable.”
The remainder of the historic first draft will continuelater today.

OTHER HEADLINES

• GERMAN EMPRIE UNITES UNDER BISMARK
• ACT ESTABLISHING DISTRICT OF COLOMBIA PASSES

[Nick Soulis]

April 1, 1871

Introduction to the American League



An Indian and an Englishman

In Boston the feeling is that Harry Wright will be trusted with building a winner. Wright was born in England but has become the most noted face in all the game and Boston could not be happier to have him.

Ross Barnes is the star of the team while Fred Waterman and Charlie Gould make up a very capable infield. Dickie Flowers will hit in the lead off position and will try and set the table for th offense. The team in a tad weak in the outfield as a converted catcher Tom Foley will man centerfield. Harry Wright can always insert himself in the order in a pinch.

On the mound is a tall and intimidating Indian. Cherokee Fisher will be the main arm for the Red Stockings this season and his ability to keep his poise and throw may be better then his ability even to speak english. Fisher





Uncle Nick Leads Olympics

Celebrations and intrigue as the District of Colombia only recently became an officially independent district and a civic area that will see rsurgence since the end of the war. That is one of the great things about this league, it has brought cities back to life less then 10 years after the darkest of days, and Washington symbolizes this.

Nick Young knew that he wasnt good enough to play this game anymore as a player but his love for it and afinity at getting along now see him as a popular manager. Other cities tried to get Young to lead their team, but the 30 year old saw the chance to manage in the capital city as a unique chance at greatness.

The Olympics have a thin roster and face some tough questions but almost all clubs do. Ezra Sutton is a steady player in the middle of the infield and the diamond. George Bechtel and Fred Treacey will log the miles in the outfield. On the hill is the another player that they like to call uncle, its Al Pratt. Pratt has pinpoint control, doesnt throw hard, but can fool hitters into just about anything.

The talent could be tough to pinpoint, but Washington expects to impress some of the likely high profile fans they may have this season.





Who is In Charge?

In Cleveland optimism is high as Charlie Pabor feels he has the talent to win the pennant and challange Boston and Harry Wright. Pabor is only 24 years of age and truly is one of the boys. He is a skillful outfielder but is expected to carry the team more off the field then on it.

The real strength in Cleveland is in thier battery. Cal McVey is among the very best hitters on any team and his leadership in the middle of the defense and behind the plate is exactly what a winning team needs. There are some rumblings that McVey wanted to be team captain and has some issues with the young manager but nothing has been revealed. Pulling everyone in the right direction will be the key.

Then there is Albert Spalding. Spalding is only 20 years old but carries himself like someone 20 years older and has an articulate and polished demeanor. That all comes with immense talent on the mound but he is such a great pitcher because in part he pitches so smart. He will carry this team and loves the pressure in doing so.

The obvious issues in Cleveland are who is really in control. Three very big personalities will be in the center of everything and how Pabor deals with all of it will be key; obviously winning will go a long way. Many really feel that Cleveland has too much talent not to win.






Home Town Kid Makes Good

Other then Harry Wright, no manager will likely have his hands more into his teams success then Dick McBride. McBride will start as the pitcher/manager for this Philadelphia team and his ability is excellent. More then that however is the fact that McBride is a local Philly kid who literally knows many of the loyal fanbase since he was a child. His popularity is part of the draw of this team.

The Athletics also may have the best young star in the game. Cap Anson is only 19 but few have seen a kid with stronger hands and a better batting eye. Anson is also a respected gentleman off the field and carries himself like a true profesional while not bragging or overstepping his manager. Look for great things from this player, who was the second pick overall.

Some may be overlooking this team with Cleveland and Boston getting the headlines so far. There are some serious concerns in the outfield but Mike McGeary is a good catcher and Count Sensenderfer may be as unique a player as the league has.

[scott1964]

Interesting. Al Pratt is pitching for my Olympics.

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by scott1964

Interesting. Al Pratt is pitching for my Olympics.

Yes Uncle Al was an early version on Ohtani.


But the team will need to find a new outfielder and I will likely shuffle someone over to their roster. Rosters in 1871 can be a slim and interesting thing.

[scott1964]

Wait until 1872 when there are two expansion teams.

[Nick Soulis]

April 1 1871

National League Preview



Chicago Ready to Lead

Most baseball minds around the country seem to believe that the Chicago team has put together the best roster in the new pro league and have a great chance to build excitement. The Whites are they are known are led by Jimmy Wood who is a well-established ball player in his own right, but it is the talent he has put together by the lake that has people taking notice.

Levi Meyerle may be best known for his Jewish faith but anyone who has seen him play isn’t soon to forget him. Long Levi can play all over the diamond and will be in the middle of the order, where he gets much support. Wes Fisler is a little more seasoned at 26 years old but is a dependable first baseman and will provide some support at the plate. Wood himself is a true star and will make an explosive duo with Levi.

Then Chicago welcomes its Deacon. Catcher Deacon White is as popular off the field as he is on it. Deacon is exactly that off the field and brings a sense of leadership and honesty to a team. This team is likely to be all business and not have off field issues. White is also a great backstop who controls runners and really has come into his own as a hitter. There isn’t a man on this team that isn’t happy to have White on their side.
The pressure will fall on starter Rynie Wolters who has a unique submarine delivery. Wolters isn’t known to be among the top pitchers in the game and if Chicago has any trouble this season it will come from this spot. Confidence will be a big key for him, and his catcher has already begun to assure that doesn’t lack.
Chicago are the outright favorites in the National League.





Locals Continue New York Legacy

No city has a greater baseball history than that of New York. Legend has it that the game itself was born here and team like the Mutuals helped nurture it. Now the Mutuals go pro, something their rivals from Brooklyn would not do. The Mutuals say that they would not have joined this league if they didn’t have every intention of winning it.

They have turned to the local kids to do well. Manager Bob Fergusen will play third base and comes from the borough of Brooklyn. Ferguson is outgoing and at times flamboyant, he has fun playing the game and will bring some fun to this team. Along with the skipper comes Davy Force who is a local New York kid who grew up watching the Mutuals. Force simply may be the best fielder in the game and can handle the bat as well. To cap off a nice lineup comes Dick Higham who comes all the way from Ipwich England. Higham is quite impressive at only 19 years old, and he has a slick nature about him that is contagious.

The top pick and maybe star of this team could be their pitcher Bill Stearns. Stearns is young, lean, and athletic and can really force weak contact; his talents will be needed especially when facing the rival Chicago order. Stearns is only 17 years of age, and may need his parents to go on the road with him, but the kid seems to be taking in the very heavy burden of his role on this team in stride.





Surprise Entrant Rockford Ready To Roll The Dice

There is New York or Chicago, and then there is Rockford. About 100 miles west of the popular White Stockings comes Rockford who feels even with their small market, can build and play with the big boys. Some are worried Rockford may not be able to finish a season or afford the travel, but the baseball club is established and ready to play.

The youngest player manager in the league is Scott Hastings who will also put himself in the middle of the order as the starting catcher. Hastings goes about his job in a resrved manner and isn’t into all the rah rah styles, play like a gentleman is what he says in the real spirit of the game. Centerfielder George Hall is the star of this team and thinks his talent can be among the very best. He is an excellent defender and drives the ball all over the field. At another key position, Chick Fulmer is a fine talent and will help this team compete. The rest of the team lacks in real stand out talent.

On the mound will be top pick Bobby Mathews. Mathews is a control specialist and gets the baseball exactly where he wants it. The added benefit of this team is that the pressure really wont be that high. Rockford is quite happy to love and support this team. More pressure will be on ownership to make a profit and keep this team on the field. Rockford should be a fun place to be this summer.





Pearce, the First Captain, Leads Fort Wayne

Almost in the middle of nowhere comes the club from Fort Wayne. That is also the hope of this team that other teams will forget about them and be weary when they go through the back roads to get to Grand Duchess park. The atmosphere at this park should be a good one as the Kekiongas have quite a good roster.

Asa Brainard is known as the Count and he will be the main focus on the mound. At 29, Brainard may not be as strong as some of the younger arms, but he sure is as smart and as poised. The other good news for Brainard is that the offense he has around him is quite a good one.
This is the only team that made the step to name an outright captain. It is shortstop Dickey Pearce who is a very mature 34 years of age but still can play a key position and his experience could really be golden. The outfield for this team is maybe the very best; Gat Stires may be among the biggest draw in the league with his power bat and home run potential. Steve King and Dave Eggler are fast and confident outfielders that should get on base and really make it tough on opposition.

In other key positions, Doug Allison and Clipper Flynn will hold their own and Allison is already said to work very well with Brainard as a battery mate. The Fort Wayne team is deep and talented, and dreams of an actual pennant may not be that impossible to dream of.





Troy Leans On the Other Wright

After the national news that Boston passed on their own blood in George Wright, a new home was found quickly for maybe the best shortstop in the game in Troy. Wright will headline this team and will be the focus anywhere he goes. Manger Lip Pike is a players manager and is quite a player in his won right. Pike will be smack in the middle of the order and his duet with Wright will really be fun to watch.

The team has major concerns at catcher and no on really suitable to play this position. Some are saying that th teams was duked at the draft table and now they have a big issue at a key position. This of course is of great concern to starter George Zettlein who will have to have someone to throw to. Adding to the drama is that Zettlein who is known as the ‘charmer’ throws a splitter that loves to dig itself in the dirt.

It should be an interesting season in Michigan where the open spaces are popping up ballfields all over the place. The Haymakers are a new team without tradition and high expectations to back them but adding some of the big names in the game will make this a hot destination for the baseball world, it is too bad Harry Wright and the Red Stockings play in the American League.

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
May 1871

The First Opening Day

A little bit of rain never hurt anyone the old addige goes. On this day there was just too much excitement to worry about a little rain as 1,469 spectators wathed the first ever professional baseball game at the Jefferson Street Grounds of Philadelphia.

Player manager Dick McBride wizzed the first pitch to Fred Treacey of the Washington Senators who offered at the pitch and flied out to right fielder Dick Birdsall who made the play. With two out Ezra Sutton became the first ever man to each base when the star player singled to left field.

Later in the 2nd inning Ed Duffy would score the first run on a throwing error. The game would turn sloppy as Philadelphia alone made 16 errors in the game and the visitors would end up spoiling the day with a 15-7 victory.

Most would say however that today was really a vicotry for the game and the new league.

There were also three triples in the game, two by young star Cap Anson, one umpire argument, one stolen base, and hundreds of frankfurters consumed. Word is surely to spread that a day at the park is a good experience.

Games across the rest of the leagues seven teams will follow suit shortly with surely the same time of reception.

[Nick Soulis]

June 1871

Wright Leads Boston Charge



Harry Wright has taken any doubt of his Boston team and put it the bed in the first stage of the season has his team won 6 of their first seven games to top the American League. What makes it all the more impressive is that Wright is helping his team so much with his play, rather then his management.

Wright is hitting second in the Boston lineup and is hitting .387, best for second in the league and has driven in 5 runs. Ross Barnes has struggled early on hitting only .222 and likely feeling the pressure of being the top overall pick.

Wright was also bright enough to be one of the few teams to draft two pitchers and has actually given Cherokee Fisher a rest to start John McMullin three times and the results were three wins. Wright seems to continue to be a step ahead of everyone else.

- The Whites of Chicago in the National League have also won 6 of their first seven games. One of those wins was a first of its kind, starting pitcher Rynie Wolters threw a complete game shutout against Fort Wayne in a 9-0 win

- Lip Pike of Troy is leading the lague in hitting as the player/manager has 10 hits in his first 19 at bats.

- Ed Duffy of the Washiington Olympics became the first player to garner five hits in one game. Duffy went 5-6 in a 9-1 win over Philadelphia.

[G-Force]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

June 1871

Wright Leads Boston Charge



Harry Wright has taken any doubt of his Boston team and put it the bed in the first stage of the season has his team won 6 of their first seven games to top the American League. What makes it all the more impressive is that Wright is helping his team so much with his play, rather then his management.

Wright is hitting second in the Boston lineup and is hitting .387, best for second in the league and has driven in 5 runs. Ross Barnes has struggled early on hitting only .222 and likely feeling the pressure of being the top overall pick.

Wright was also bright enough to be one of the few teams to draft two pitchers and has actually given Cherokee Fisher a rest to start John McMullin three times and the results were three wins. Wright seems to continue to be a step ahead of everyone else.

- The Whites of Chicago in the National League have also won 6 of their first seven games. One of those wins was a first of its kind, starting pitcher Rynie Wolters threw a complete game shutout against Fort Wayne in a 9-0 win

- Lip Pike of Troy is leading the lague in hitting as the player/manager has 10 hits in his first 19 at bats.

- Ed Duffy of the Washiington Olympics became the first player to garner five hits in one game. Duffy went 5-6 in a 9-1 win over Philadelphia.

Wow Lip Pike...guy had a couple powerhouse years in my old Pastime Baseball League. I had never heard of him until then.

GH

[Nick Soulis]

June
1871

Meyerle Leads Surging Whites

Evreryone seemed to know that Chicago had a special kind of offense going into this season and halfway through the schedule, the Whites have been all that and some more. Jimmy Wood and Chicago have built a 4.5 game lead on the competition already. The Whites have scored 133 runs and lead the league with a .345 team average.

Wood himself is flrting with .400 and everyone in the lineup is over .320. If you are looking for a star however, the Whites have the real deal. Levi Meyerle put aside all talk about his national origin and has tore apart the league leading in all triple crown categories. The Jewish third baseman has 26 RBI while scoring 13 runs and hitting three home runs. Meyerle sees the ball extremely well and pitchers just can not keep him off base.

Rynie Wolters is the luckiest pitcher in the league with all the support he is getting. Wolters is a bulldog however and fits in well in the Chicago winning metality.

Its doubtful anyone in the NL will be able to catch this team, and Chicago is the rare example of being able to live up to the hype.

- Doug Allison is the first player to suffer a very significant injury. The Fort Wayne catcher tore a tendon in his hip and will miss the remainder of the season.

- Cap Anson of Philadelphia has 30 hits in 65 atbats including 5 triples.

- Bill Stearns of the Mutuals won the first ever 1-0 game over Rockford in a pitching duel with Bobby Mathews. Stearns allowed only 6 hits.

[Nick Soulis]

July
1871

Pennant Coming Down To The Wire In AL

The media is loving the creation of the David vs Goliath storyline as the American League has two teams tied at first place with only nine games to play. The mighty Boston Red Stockings lead by Harry Wright are now tied with the upstart darling Washington Olympics. Both teams face each other three more times in Boston.

In Boston, Ross Barnes has completely turned his season around and is blasting the baseball again going 13 for 25 in the month. Barnes endured an early season slump but is now hitting .412 and is in a groove. John McMullin has taken the bulk of the starts away from Cherokee Fisher and is and the lefty has won seven games.

"We just need to play smart and finish strong" says Wright who has played alot more then anyone may have expected this season.

In Washington the team has made a nice run and have caught Boston. Manager Nick Young has this team playing hard every game and Al Pratt has proved to be maybe the best pitcher in the game. Pratt is 8-3 with a 1.54 ERA and has thrown every inning for his team. Washington has stole 54 bases with Fred Treacey doing it 15 times.

It is a first of its kind, a true pennant race that has the nation fixated and talking.

- Wes Fisler of Chicago has an 18 game hitting streak going. Fisler and the Whites have a magic number of only 5.

- Levi Meyerle has driven in 39 runs in 18 games.

[Nick Soulis]

August
1871

Washington Thrills With Pennant

The Washington Olympics knew they had to finish strong to take the very first American League pennant; and strong is what they were as the club won all seven of their final weeks game and took home the prize.

The first three games of the week were against Boston who they were tied with in the standings. Washington took all three games in Beantown winning two of the games by one run including one in the 10th. Washington made no doubt that they were the best team in the league going to Cleveland and winning three more to clinch the pennant.

Ezra Sutton finished the season hitting over .400 at .403 and proved to b one of the best all around players in the game. Al Pratt won 13 games while the Washington defense was the best in the league.

The collapse of the Red Stockings who lost six games in a row at the most crucial time will be remembered all winter in Beantown.

Now Washington can face the National League champions from Chicago who lost only three games all season. Everyone feels that Chicago will do away with the Olympics in short order, but the series will have much intrigue.

- Levi Meyerle lead all the league in hitting with a .454 average without a single time striking out all season long.

- John Bass of Rockford lead the league with sven home runs, many more then anyone expected anyone to hit.

- Al Spalding lead the league with 16 strike outs but ended with a record of 3-13.

- Boston lead the league in attendance with over 16,000 fans in 30 games.

[Nick Soulis]

1871 World Series



Game 1
Washington...........2
Chicago.................6

It was a perfect autumn day in Chicago. Rynie Wolters pitched 9 innings and allowed no earned runs as the Whites took an expected series lead at the Union Grounds. It was the first ever world series game between the two leagues and Chicago broke open the game in the bottom of the seventh scoring three runs.

Game 2
Washington...........2
Chicago................14

The Whites destroy the Olympics in the second game of the series and at the center again was Rynie Wolters. Wolters not only pitched well but went 4-5 at the plate with 3 RBI while his battery mate Deacon White drove in another two. The Olympics made 9 errors in the loss. Now the series heads back east but few feel the home team will fare any better.

Game 3
Chicago,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,7
Washington..........5

George Bechtel becomes the first player to hit a home run in a post season game and Chicago gets 14 hits in a game three win that gets them a game away from ending the series. There was rain at Olympic Grounds and only 496 spectators came out to see this game on a Monday.

Game 4
Chicago................10
Washington...........4

Jimmy Wood and Ezra Sutton drove in four runs and the Whites had 18 hits in the clinching game capping an incredible season. As expected Rynie Wolters won the most valuable player award for the series and Chicago has become the class of all of basball and the first champion for the National League.


Series MVP: Rynie Wolters (3-0, 1.00 ERA, 3 K, 0.89 WHIP, .571 RBI, 6 RBI)

[Nick Soulis]

CHICAGO FIRST BASEBALL CHAMPIONS!

[Nick Soulis]

September
1871

Post Season Awards

This week in the central offices of the league, an awards banquet was held to recognize the world champion team from Chicago as well as to award individual performances for the 1871 season. One thing all owners on hand were in agreement in was that the first season was a overwhelming success and there are definite plans to expand both leagues going into next year.

American League Awards

MANAGER OF THE YEAR: NICK YOUNG - WASHINGTON

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER



STAR PITCHER AWARD



National League Awards

MANAGER OF THE YEAR: JIMMY WOOD - CHICAGO

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER



STAR PITCHER AWARD

[Nick Soulis]

December
1871

DISASTER IN CHICAGO; CHAMPS RELOCATE



The have already begun to call it the Great Chicago Fire and the vibrant growing city by the lake is now finding itself in ruins. Just a few weeks ago the city was celebrating a dominant season by its hometown White Stockings who became champions. Such memories now seem like a lifetim ago as thousands look to rebuild from their losses.

"This is all beyond baseball" says Chicago manager Jimmy Wood, "We lost our field yes but alot of us also lost our homes and well being."

The team has considered not fielding a team for th upcoming season, but owners and supporters thought it important that they should. In the short term th tam will have to relocate to Middletown in Ohio where a local ball park will be available.

The immediate hope is that the club can return home as soon as the city has gotten back on its feet, right now the road is a long one.

Star Levy Meyerle summed up the clubs feelings in a few words, "we promise, we will be back."

Baltimore and Brooklyn New Homes

For other reasons two other National League teams will play in new homes. The league just seemed to be too big for the likes of Rockford and Fort Wayne and two of the largest citys now will add to the league.

The famous name of Brooklyn is now part of the new league and the famous Atlantics will take over the roster from Fort Wayne. Things are so exciting that there is even word of a second team playing out of the city.

Now the likes of Asa Brainard have the support and the recognition they deserve. Another team with a new home are the Rockford Forest Citys. Rockford were courted and invited to Baltimore whe they will be known as the Canaries.

Baltimore are lead by the big power of John Bass and are looking to build on a 12-12 record from last season. The National League is no longer a small town league.

[Nick Soulis]

January
1872

League Expansion Bodes Well For Young Leagues

The uncertainty of the start of a new league has now survived a crucial first year. The league made a profit and now has the interest of other investors as the duel professional leagues look to grow. Now the league adds two new franchises to the mix.

Brooklyn is stubborn and instead of one new team will field two; one in each league. The Atlantics are joining the National League but it is the brand new Brooklyn Eckfords who will field a team in the American League. The club will look towards 52 year old Danny Patin, who is truly ancient among his peers and players.

The same formula seems to have been followed by another new team in Washington. It seems that having two baseball clubs in the same city could be a good thing. The new Nationals team have picked up Bill Lennon as the player manager from across town and a poised to challange the loyalty of the district even as the Olympics won the pennant last season.

Rosters are yet to be finanlized as well as a length of schedule but meetings leading up to March are sure to bring in more changes to the very young but growing leagues.

[Nick Soulis]

May
1872

American League Preview

Boston Red Stockings
Last season: 18-12
Manager: Harry Wright
Top Draft pick; Candy Cummings



For Boston it is all about understanding why they fell flat at the end of last season and lost a pennant that thought was all theirs. Harry Wright keeps much of the same lineup and roster but made it a point to stock up on arms as he drafted pitcher Candy Cummings to the staff. Wright also says he feels good enough to keep playing and likes the control he has on the field. Ross Barnes and Dickey Flowers need to keep this offense going.

Brooklyn Eckfords
Last Season: Expansion team
Manager: Danny Patin
Top Draft Pick: Jim Britt



The Eckfords will embrace Brooklyn but will obviously be at a disadvatage when it comes to star power and depth. Jim Britt is the top pick in the entire draft and a very legitamate talent. Britt however likely will get little run support and will be under pressure to keep the scores down. Count Gedney and the Eckfords offense will likely struggle this season leaving the task of competing unlikely.

Philadelphia Athletics
Last season: 11-19
Manager: Dick McBride
Top Draft Pick: Jim Devlin



Dick McBride hopes his boys have a much better season and the manager is getting some pressure from the fanbase who isnt comfortable seeing Boston beat them. Its about the offense for the A's and supporting their young star Cap Anson. Big Jim Devlin is the new first baseman who is expected to contribute quickly. McBride still will be the hurler and when he is going well he is among the best at it. The A's need a step up this year.

Washington Olympics
Last season: 23-7
Manager: Nick Young
Top Draft Pick: Candy Nelson



All the news out of Washington is about a new team in the city but the defending pennant champions are not sitting on their heels. The Olympics pulled the coup of the offseason in getting Jimmy Wood to leave Chicago and come play for this team. With Chicago relocating, Wood wanted another challange and he will play only and not manage with this team. Ezra Sutton is a good piece as is Al Pratt who is quite underappreciated sometimes. The target is on this team, but the will and the addition of talent should have this team near or at the top again.

Cleveland Forest Citys
Last Season: 8-22
Manager: Charlie Pabor
Top Draft Pick: Paul Hines



Charlie Pabor is trying to turn things around in Cleveland after an unexpected difficult season. The club brings in Cy Bentleyto pitch along side Al Spalding giving this team some of the best arms in the game. Sixteen year old Paul Hines will become the youngest player in the game as he will left field to fill a roster that is shallow. Pabor was a failure as a player and now promises to focus on managing. This team needs to improve or things can get ugly, rumors surface that Al Spalding may be the one waiting to take over this club.

[Nick Soulis]

May
1872

National League Preview

Brooklyn Atlantics
Last season: 9-15
Manager: Bill Lennon
Top Draft Pick: John Clapp



A new home for this club as they take the iconic name of the Atlantics. The roster returns almost exactly the same as last year where the club just didnt have enough. Gat Stires had a down year and is really expected to rebound as a true power man as Dickey Pearce and Dave Eggler keep pitchers honest. Asa Brainard is looking for his luck to change as he was only able to start in 7 games last season. Brooklyn probably hasnt done enough to compete.

New York Mutuals
Last Season: 12-12
Manager: Bob Ferguson
Top Draft Pick: Jim Holdsworth



The Mutuals have struggled to gain support one would think from the big city and their long term plans may be in doubt. The club had a decent season last year as Andy Leonard and Davy Force return bolstering the lineup. Bill Stearns can at times be the best in the game and other times lose his way, staying healthy will be a key for him. Rookie Jim Holdsworth will play at short and be placed right in the middle of the order. The New York native is in the perfect spot.

Baltimore Canaries
Last season: 12-12
Manager: Scott Hastings
Top Draft Pick: Jack Manning



A new home and alot of excitement about the Canaries in Baltimore. Ned Cuthbert comes from Cleveland to be the leadoff man and help set the table for John Bass and his seven home runs that became a star last season. Jack Manning is an 18 year old pitcher who is expected to be the key for this team and Scott Hastings, he will be supported by Bobby Mathews who won seven games last year. This Baltimore team is looked at as a strong dark horse for the pennant in 1872.

Troy Haymakers
Last season: 6-18
Manager: Chris Ellison
Top Draft Pick: Jim O'Rourke



The last small town team remaining, Troy made some major changes and will try and survive after a bad first season. Lip Pike was relieved of his duty as manager and asked just to play his style of hardball. With George Wright and new draft pick Jim ORourke, this offense is much too good not to win. Chris Ellison is a disciplinarian and is expected to cut out player behavior including off the field. Virginia native George Zettlein may be fading as a pitcher which could be this team;s downfall. Troy believes a pennant will be their salvation.

Middletown Mansfields
Last season: 21-3
Manager: David Boucher
Top Draft Pick: Jim Clinton



A shocking turn of events for these champions as first their home city faced the great fire and then their manager left the club for the Amrerican League. Still the very best player in the game resides in this club with Levi Meyerle Rynie Wolters has also begun somewhat of a cult hero in the game with his performances both at the plate and on the mound. The new Mddletown men are just too talented not to win it all again, and some feel no name change or relocation or even new manager will change that.

Washington Nationals
Last year: Expansion
Manager: Bill Williams
Top Draft Pick: Hugh Campbell



The Nationals have built from the ground up and feel they can compete lead by manager Bill Willilams who prides himself on being one of the guys. Irishman Hugh Campbell is the riding hope for the team as his young arm will determine how far this infant team will go. The ability to score runs will be a major concern as well as keeping a new fanbase interested. Nat Hicks, a 25 year old catcher, who started late in this game, is someone who could come on to the scene strong.