Redoing the Major League history

[AESP_pres]

The real objective of my simulation is to play with the Expos but until 1969 happen I want a "real" league history so I start in 1871 just micro managing.

This is how I play my game
Real transaction (it's available in the game before 1901)
Real line up (work only in 1901+)
Real injury (work only in 1901+)
Real game starter for the 19th century (I use Baseball Man spreadsheet)
Players career start the day it did in real life

I don't use the minor league database

Before 1969 I will just post the seasons end results, but in 1969 since I play for real the posts will be more complete and follow my team (the Expos).

I will try to include the Union Association and the Player League too but not 100% sure yet...

[AESP_pres]

1871 standing and leaders

[AESP_pres]

1872 standing and leaders

[AESP_pres]

Obviously great game performance deserve a seperate post... BTW it's the first time I have seen this happen that early in a simulation

[AESP_pres]

1873 standing and leaders

[AESP_pres]

1874 standing and leaders

The National Association was undoubtedly a less 'professional' league. Just consider the staggering difference in the number of games played between Boston and Philadelphia—16 games! Remarkably, neither team folded out during the season, a rare occurrence compared to previous years. In fact, it marked the first season in the league's history where no team succumbed to such circumstances since its founding.

[AESP_pres]

1875 standing and leaders

After just five seasons, the National Association has ceased operations. It is evident that a significant factor contributing to its demise was the lack of stability. Over the course of five seasons, the league fluctuated between 26 and 25 different franchises, with discrepancies arising over whether to include the 1871 Chicago team as part of the continuity with the 1874 Chicago team. This instability was further exacerbated by numerous teams folding mid-season every season.

In response to these challenges, efforts are underway during the off-season to establish a new league comprised of a select number of teams. The hope is that this new venture will rectify the issues that plagued the National Association. Thus, the year 1876 will mark the inception of the National League. It is noteworthy that, in a nod to historical accuracy, the starting pitchers designated by the game will align with those of real-life counterparts with no interference from me.

[AESP_pres]

1876 standing and leaders

In a dramatic twist, the inaugural season of the National League witnessed a clash of wills between financial woes and the spirit of competition. Two stalwart teams, New York and Philadelphia, stood firm, refusing to face their Western counterparts. However, the league's resolve to uphold its principles reached a crescendo when it made an unprecedented decision: expelling both teams from the National League, effectively banning their return for the following season.

The repercussions of this seismic move reverberated across the sporting world, particularly for the once-mighty Athletics, a franchise with a storied history of success in the now-defunct National Association. Yet, in a bold statement of intent, the league demonstrated that tolerance for such behavior had reached its limit. To maintain its credibility and reputation as a bastion of sporting integrity, tough decisions had to be made.

Consequently, as the dust settles on this tumultuous chapter, the National League braces itself for a leaner, meaner future. With the expulsion of New York and Philadelphia, the league will field just six teams in the upcoming 1877 season. As the league charts a new course, it remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the integrity and competitiveness of America's favorite pastime.

[AESP_pres]

1877 standing and leaders

A six-team league proved to be an engaging format, with four franchises competing intensely for the championship throughout the summer. Only Cincinnati fell short of contention. Boston, however, experienced a resurgence, thanks to the addition of pitcher Tommy Bond. Bond's performance evoked memories of Al Spalding's legendary years with the Red Stockings in the old National Association.

However, the upcoming season will see some changes. St. Louis, which has struggled over the past three seasons, and Hartford, a strong team with a commendable 60.4% winning percentage but financially strained due to its small market, will not be returning. To maintain the league's six-team structure, new franchises have been awarded to Indianapolis and Milwaukee for the 1978 season.

[AESP_pres]

Immediate Release

Louisville Greys Expelled from League Following Gambling Scandal

October 8, 1877 – The Louisville Greys, one of the top-performing teams in the league with a 62.3% winning percentage over the past two seasons, have been expelled from the league due to a significant gambling scandal. This decision follows an investigation revealing that three players—Jim Devlin, George Hall, and Al Nichols—were paid to lose games in August. Consequently, these players have been suspended from baseball for life.

Additionally, Bill Craver has been also suspended for life despite no evidence of his involvement in the gambling scheme. Craver's suspension results from his lack of cooperation with the league's investigation.

To maintain the league's six-team structure, a new franchise has been awarded to Providence for the upcoming 1878 season.

For further information, please contact:
The office of William Hulbert, President of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs

End of Release

[AESP_pres]

1878 standing and leaders

After two seasons of mediocrity, the Cincinnati Reds have emerged as the new champions. Pitcher Will White, who saw little action in Boston last season, delivered a standout performance with 37 wins. The Reds' success was bolstered by seasoned veterans like Charley Jones, Cal McVey, and Deacon White, alongside promising rookies such as King Kelly and Buttercup Dickerson. This blend of experience and young talent made the team formidable from start to finish.

In contrast, Boston, the anticipated favorites to retain the championship, fell short of expectations. A significant factor in their disappointing performance was pitcher Tommy Bond's inability to replicate his previous season's success, securing only half as many wins as he did in 1877.

Looking ahead, the league has announced an expansion to eight teams for the 1879 season, despite Milwaukee and Indianapolis not returning for a second season. The National League will welcome four new franchises—Buffalo, Cleveland, Troy, and Syracuse—with hopes that these additions will prove more successful than their predecessors.

[AESP_pres]

1879 standing and recap

This season was exceptionally thrilling, with five clubs fiercely competing for the championship until mid-August. It was then that Providence emerged as an unstoppable force, securing 30 wins out of their last 37 games.

The summer also showcased remarkable performances from several standout pitchers: Will White (CIN), John "Monte" Ward (PRO), Pud Galvin (BUF), and Tommy Bond (BSN), each achieving over 40 wins. In the batter's box, Cap Anson of the White Stockings led the league with an impressive .382 batting average, while Charley Jones reigned as the home run king with 14 homers.

Conversely, the Syracuse franchise had a dismal season, ultimately folding with a few games remaining on their schedule. To fill this gap, Worcester was awarded a franchise for the 1880 season.

[BaseballMan]

Do the 1876 Chicago White Stockings hae the highest team batting avg?

That team had a whos who of 19th century stars.
Cap Anson, Ross Barnes, Deacon White, Paul Hines, Cal McVey
and Al Spalding was a good batter as well as being the best pitcher.

[AESP_pres]

Indeed they did and the second team that season wasn't near them at all... they are also the all time record holder.

[BaseballMan]

Same here except Chicago only managed a .334 team batting avg.

I don't know if you have a postseason but we have the same champion the first 3 years.
Providence almost made it for me in 1879 but didn't make the playoffs due to percentage points.

I did find that when you get to 1883 you need to release Edgar Smith from Providence and sign him to Philadelphia (NL) by June 19th as i believe he pitches for Philadelphia on the 20th.

[AESP_pres]

I don't... I follow what is at BBref so my league will have its first championship serie in 1884.

TBH as I play with two leagues (one of them being empty until 1882) I don't think championship are possible since the empty league can't have a champion. I know it was the case many versions ago and I never checked again if it was always the case.

[AESP_pres]

1880 season

Everyone anticipated the Providence Greys would replicate their success from '79, but a complete collapse in September dashed their hopes. This disastrous final month opened the door for Chicago, who seized their first championship since their legendary 1876 team. The White Stockings, led by rookie sensation Larry Corcoran, who won the Pitching Triple Crown and became the first pitcher in league history to win 50 games (falling just six wins short of Al Spalding's record in the National Association), were unstoppable. George Gore, the league's best hitter with a .365 batting average, along with solid performances from Cap Anson, Abner Dalrymple, King Kelly, and Joe Quest, solidified their dominance.

Notably, the Troy Trojans made significant progress in their sophomore year, bolstered by standout rookies like Mickey Welch, who recorded 35 wins, and Roger Connor, who contributed a .298 batting average, 2 home runs, and 52 RBIs.

However, the season's end brought troubling news for the league's stability with the situation in Cincinnati, one of the original National League franchises. Despite on-field success over the past three seasons, the team faced severe financial difficulties. The Reds narrowly avoided folding last year when Justus Thorner purchased the team at the last minute. Unfortunately, their financial situation did not improve in 1880, forcing the team to cease operations. To maintain an eight-team league structure, the seven remaining club owners awarded a franchise to the city of Detroit for the upcoming season.

[BaseballMan]

Originally Posted by AESP_pres

I don't... I follow what is at BBref so my league will have its first championship serie in 1884.

TBH as I play with two leagues (one of them being empty until 1882) I don't think championship are possible since the empty league can't have a champion. I know it was the case many versions ago and I never checked again if it was always the case.

You can have a championship series for one league if you use custom playoffs.

[AESP_pres]

Too late for this year since my simulation is already going, but it's nice to know that I will be able to simulate the championship next year

[AESP_pres]

1881 Baseball Season Recap: A Year of Thrilling Competitions and Stellar Performances

This summer, the baseball world was gripped by a fierce battle for the title, with Chicago, Cleveland, and Providence constantly vying for the top spot. The competition remained tight until the final week when Providence asserted dominance and secured the lead. In a strategic and somewhat unconventional move, the Grays relied on a two-pitcher rotation, featuring Charles Radbourn (31-17) and John Ward (20-10).

Offensively, the team was propelled by the seasoned prowess of Joe Start, Tom York, and Paul Hines. Notably, Cap Anson of Chicago emerged as the league's best hitter with a remarkable batting average of .392. Meanwhile, Dan Brouthers, who had experienced two lackluster seasons with Troy, led the league in home runs, hitting a total of 11.

On the pitching front, the season's standout performers included Pud Galvin (BUF) and Jim McCormick (CLV), each securing 34 wins. John Ward boasted the lowest Earned Run Average (ERA) at 2.28, while George Derby (DTN) dominated the strikeout category with 195.

Perhaps the most promising news for 1881 is the stability within the league—no teams folded or faced significant difficulties, ensuring that the landscape remains unchanged for the upcoming season. The stage is set for another thrilling year of baseball, with fans eagerly anticipating the action to come.