The CHICAGO CUBS- a complete history

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

July 1895

Colts Need Miracle Finish

A bounce back sort of month for Al Spalding and the Chicago Colts as they went 19-10 in the month and fought their way back within shouting distance of the first place Boson Beaneaters.

Boston had suffered a less then spactacular month themselves going 16-13 as as things stand on August 1st the lead in the National League was 5 games. Star Ed Delahanty missed most of the month and contributed to the inconsistent play when he suffered a thumb injury and his still on the mend. Third baseman Bill Joyce has picked up the slack however in a big way as the new star of the team has drew 109 walks so far this season and has already scored 140 runs. Joyce is only nine runs behind the alltime record held by Denny Lyons with all of August left to play.

Can the Colts pull off anykind of miracle and magicall catch Boston? The odds are against them but they definately are up to trying. The two teams will meet three more times in Boston this month but few teams close as strongly as the defending four time pennant winners do.

"We have to believe we can do it" said Fred Clarke, "We cant worry about what they do, we have to worry about winning our games each and everyday."

Charlie Geggus 19-11

The Colts are bolstered by the emergence of Charlie Geggus who has won a league leading 19 games this season and critics who thought the right hander would never get his strength back has done that and then some; Geggus leads the league in innings pitched with 283. Geggus also leads the league in strikeouts with 143. He isnt the same type of pitcher that he used to be but a good Geggus is still better then most.

Sam Thompson has found his power stroke with 17 home runs to lead the league and the Colts as a team are first in the league in stolen bases with 189, 39 of those by Dummy Hoy.

Chicago needs alot of things to go their way this last month, most everyone outside their club house believes that it is just too much to ask.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Cleveland Spiders	69	39	.639	-
Washington Senators	62	46	.574	7.0
Detroit Tigers	58	50	.537	11.0
Louisville Colonels	57	51	.528	12.0
Boston Americans	52	56	.481	17.0
Baltimore Orioles	50	58	.463	19.0
Philadelphia Athletics	44	64	.407	25.0
Chicago White Sox	40	68	.370	29.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Beaneaters	69	39	.639	-
Chicago Colts	64	44	.593	5.0
Philadelphia Phillies	55	53	.509	14.0
New York Giants	52	56	.481	17.0
Brooklyn Grooms	52	56	.481	17.0
Cincinnati Reds	50	58	.463	19.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	47	61	.435	22.0
St. Louis Browns	43	65	.398	26.0

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• The all time wins lead that Tim Keefe earned last month looks like it will be a vert short lived. Bill Sweeney is quickly approaching the mark and is sitting on 342 wins, Sweeney obviously will get a number of more chances as he is 35 and still a mani starter in the Boston team.

Bill Sweeney 342 career wins

• Second pick in the June draft Nap Lajoie is still unsigned as of August 1st. "Nap" isnt finding common ground with the Browns and some rumors are circulating that he isnt all that keen about playing in St. Louis all together.
• The Cleveland Spiders are enjoying another season on top of the Western League. The team did lose their star and leader however this month as Elmer Smith suffered a bad hip injury. Smith will be lost for the remainder of the season (.396, 2, 57), replacing the talented player will not be easy.
  

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

August 1895

Five Straight Pennants For Mighty Boston

Confidence in a mighty force in all aspects of performance and the best at what they do seem to have the most of it. At the same time doubt can be an anchor that brings performance down especially when when challange seems almost impossible.

Such is the explanation on the Chicago Colts fruitless quest to try and overcome the Boston Beaneaters for the 1895 pennant. The Colts had the fight in them down the stretch and cut the lead to 3 games before they ran out of steam and Boston closed the door. The Beaneaters took seven of eight games down the stretch and simply would not give in their lead.

The Beaneaters had an unbelievable offensive season scoring a unthinkable 1021 runs for the season, the most off all time. Leading the way were two players, Bill Joyce and Ed Delahanty.

Joyce had a star studded season setting records of his own, the leadoff first baseman shattered the runs scored record of Denny Lyons crossing the plate a head spinning 167 times! Known as "scrappy Bill", Joyce is the kind of player Boston loves as he seems to refuse to let his team lose. On the other hand everyone knows how good Ed Delahanty is but his season was one for the ages as well.

Ed Delahanty

Big Ed in his prime hit a new record of .441. Delahanty had an onbase percentage over .500, the 27 year old was on base all season long. It was a year that Boston could not lean on their pitching as much even though their pitching still ranked among the top in the game as Bill Sweeney won over 20 games for the 8th straight season.

The Cleveland Spiders now try to do what they could not last season. The Spiders came out of the Western League again and in a repeat of last season's Worlds Series will try and pull the upset it seems no one outside of Cleveland believes they can do. To make matters worse for the underdog Spiders will be the absense of leader Elmer Smith who is out for the season with a hip injury. Mike Tiernan and others will really have to step up their game if the Spiders are to win their first championship.

The Colts enter another season of uncertainty and self confidence seeking.

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Al Orth 44 43 26 10 0 3.21 1.44 Rested Starter R Charlie Geggus 44 44 23 15 0 3.52 1.53 Rested Starter R Charlie Hodnett 22 16 6 8 2 3.81 1.44 Rested Spot Starter R Harry Staley 15 7 4 3 0 4.26 1.61 Rested Middle Reliever R Mark Baldwin 4 0 0 1 1 2.57 1.71 Rested Middle Reliever R Charlie Bartson 16 8 3 6 3 3.74 1.55 Rested Middle Reliever L Carney Flynn 4 0 0 1 0 6.75 1.50 Rested Setup Reliever R John Clarkson 14 0 4 1 3 2.08 1.73 Rested Setup Reliever L Ed Morris 14 0 4 2 1 2.88 1.46 Rested Closer R Nig Cuppy 21 4 7 2 5 3.34 1.82 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 38 L Klondike Douglass C 39 157 45 1 38 29 24 12 .287 .381 .376

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 67 R Billy Shindle 3B 45 175 47 2 30 21 18 6 .269 .340 .377 93 R Cap Anson 1B 118 520 171 3 62 101 48 38 .329 .387 .406 27 R Hughie Jennings SS 123 548 195 2 74 111 34 11 .356 .402 .460 36 R Germany Smith SS 66 254 64 1 34 35 18 13 .252 .304 .327 78 S Dan McGann 2B 49 190 70 4 51 55 31 6 .368 .462 .505 74 L Lou Bierbauer SS 54 207 54 1 27 28 11 7 .261 .298 .353 29 L Ed Sales SS 18 64 17 0 10 9 3 1 .266 .299 .328

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 35 L Fred Clarke LF 125 533 191 10 98 110 49 18 .358 .417 .535 89 R Jimmy McAleer CF 54 203 52 0 31 26 15 15 .256 .311 .315 45 R Charlie Duffee LF 4 13 4 0 4 2 0 0 .308 .308 .308 16 L Dummy Hoy CF 117 478 159 5 65 105 90 12 .333 .442 .446

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Cleveland Spiders	80	52	.606	-
Washington Senators	75	57	.568	5.0
Louisville Colonels	69	63	.523	11.0
Detroit Tigers	69	63	.523	11.0
Baltimore Orioles	66	66	.500	14.0
Boston Americans	64	68	.485	16.0
Philadelphia Athletics	57	75	.432	23.0
Chicago White Sox	48	84	.364	32.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Beaneaters	84	48	.636	-
Chicago Colts	80	52	.606	4.0
Brooklyn Grooms	68	64	.515	16.0
New York Giants	66	66	.500	18.0
Philadelphia Phillies	62	70	.470	22.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	57	75	.432	27.0
Cincinnati Reds	57	75	.432	27.0
St. Louis Browns	54	78	.409	30.0

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season ending Notes

• Willie Keeler didnt win a batting title this season which is news in itself, Keeler however didnt have a quiet season batting .412 and set an all time record in singles with 181.
• Boston of course loves to win and the most feared and succesfull team in the game spent the money to keep winning by signing two of their stars. Pitcher Bob Black signed for a lucrative five year contract while Hugh Duffy also signed for five years. Both players are said to make over 7000 dollars for their service.

• Only two days before signing his deal Black showed why he is so great as the star pitcher won his 300th game at the age of 32, and he did so by throwig a shutout against the Giants. With another 300 game winner in Bill Sweeney on the same team it is no wonder that the Beaneaters are so good.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

September 1895

25th Worlds Series

Baseball Champions Again

The first team in league history to win the championship three consecutive season are the mughty Boston Beaneaters. Removing any doubt that they are the best baseball team in the game from the owners box all the way to the bench players, Boston overwhelmed Cleveland in the championship series once again four games to one.

"It isnt easy to win when everyone expects you too" said Boston manager Steve Denton who deserves credit for building this team. "Still it seems to get sweeter for us each and every time."

History will judge this team as time goes on and many argue if such a dominant team is good for the game or bad. A mojor concern in the game continues to be the separation of powers from year to year and the exactness of the order in the standings from year to year making the game more predictable and less competive. Still the quality of baseball being played by Boston can not be denied.

Stars like Ed Delahanty starred in the series batting .526 while Bob Black won both of his starts. A recap of the series shows the dominance of the winners:

Game 1 at South End Grounds

Wednesday, August 28th, 1895
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland Spiders	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	6	0
Boston Beaneaters	0	0	2	0	1	0	2	0	X	5	10	2

WP: B. Black
LP: J. Keefe

Bob Black is strong in his start as the favorites send a message. Jesse Burkett goes 3-3 and drives in three runs as Cleveland cant get many on base or make a threat. Black strikes out six, goes the distance, and wins his 12 World Series game.

Game 2 at South End Grounds

Thursday, August 29th, 1895
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland Spiders	1	1	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	12	0
Boston Beaneaters	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	X	6	12	3

WP: B. Sweeney
LP: H. Goodall

The closest and best game of the series came down to the end. Gene Demontreville became the first player in Series history to hit two home runs in one game as the second baseman looked strong. Down a run in the 7th however the Beaneaters rallied and a Ed Delahanty RBI double was the diffrence. Cleveland got runners to second and third in the ninth but couldnt get the big hit.

Game 3 At League Park

Saturday, August 31st, 1895
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Boston Beaneaters	0	3	2	1	0	1	4	2	0	13	15	0
Cleveland Spiders	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	3	12	2

WP: B. Black
LP: J. Keefe

Boston loves to send a message when it goes on the road and in this game they did it again. After falling behind by two runs in the 1st inning the visitors scored 13 runs for the win. Bill Joyce hit a home run and Cupid Childs drove in three as Bob Black won yet again.

Game 4 At League Park

Sunday, September 1st, 1895
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Boston Beaneaters	0	1	0	0	1	0	2	1	0	5	10	3
Cleveland Spiders	2	1	1	0	7	0	0	1	X	12	19	1

WP: H. Goodall
LP: B. Sweeney

A reprieve as the Spiders avoid the sweep and do it in a big way. A seven run 5th inning was the diffrence. Mike Tiernan hit a two run home run and Roger Conner drove in three runs from the top of the order. The Spiders ended with 19 hits as a unit and their fans couldnt be happier with the display.

Game 5 at League Park

Monday, September 2nd, 1895
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Boston Beaneaters	0	0	0	3	0	0	2	0	0	5	10	2
Cleveland Spiders	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	6	1

WP: T. Ramsey
LP: J. Keefe

When tyour third starter can dominate a game you know you have a good side and Toad Ramsey had a strong game in the clincher from Boston. Down by two runs the champs turned it on with two big innigs as Ed Delahanty drove in two and Ramsey wen the distance.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY


1895 Baseball Awards

NL MVP AWARD


Jesse Burkett LF Boston Beaneaters
.408, 14, 140 RBI, 128 R



NL OUTSTANDING PITCHER AWARD



Al Orth Chicago Colts
26-10 3.21 ERA 345 IP



NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR



Bill Everitt 3B NY Giants
.346 3 HR 62 RBI

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WL MVP AWARD



Jake Beckley 1B Boston Americans
.368, 12 HR, 103 RBI




WL OUTSTANDING PITCHER AWARD


Jersey Bakely Cleveland Spiders
20-7 2.68 ERA 1 SV



WL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR


Mike Grady C Boston Americans
.335 2 HR 86 RBI

__________________

[Nick Soulis]

Lg	LgAvg	LgERA	Champion	Year	Champion	LgERA	LgAvg	Lg
WL	.238	1.98	Philadelphia Athletics	1871	Boston Red Stockings	3.82	.284	NL1
WL	.267	2.44	Philadelphia Athletics	1872	Chicago White Stockings	3.02	.288	NL1
WL	.290	2.82	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1873	Boston Red Stockings	3.53	.313	NL1
WL	.258	2.19	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1874	Boston Red Stockings	2.68	.279	NL1
WL	.243	1.77	Philadelphia Athletics	1875	Boston Red Stockings	1.98	.263	NL1
WL	.254	2.06	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1876	Cincinnati Reds	2.63	.278	NL1
WL	.243	2.00	Baltimore Orioles	1877	Chicago White Stockings	2.45	.280	NL1
WL	.245	2.03	Philadelphia Athletics	1878	Boston Red Caps	2.56	.275	NL1
WL	.241	1.89	Baltimore Orioles	1879	Boston Red Caps	2.47	.273	NL1
WL	.233	1.50	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1880	Chicago White Stockings	1.84	.255	NL1
WL	.250	1.97	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1881	Chicago White Stockings	2.67	.286	NL1
WL	.238	1.66	Cleveland Blues	1882	Brooklyn Atlantics	1.88	.244	NL1
WL	.247	1.86	Baltimore Orioles	1883	Cincinnati Red Stockings	1.87	.252	NL1
WL	.228	1.59	Baltimore Orioles	1884	Chicago White Stockings	1.55	.221	NL1
WL	.238	1.90	Baltimore Orioles	1885	Brooklyn Grays	1.89	.239	NL1
WL	.247	1.97	Boston Americans	1886	Brooklyn Grays	2.11	.254	NL1
WL	.262	2.81	Boston Americans	1887	Chicago White Stockings	3.39	.270	NL1
WL	.241	2.23	Louisville Colonels	1888	Philadelphia Quakers	2.51	.255	NL1
WL	.258	2.72	Boston Americans	1889	Brooklyn Bridegrooms	2.93	.261	NL1
WL	.261	3.10	Detroit Tigers	1890	Brooklyn Bridegrooms	2.96	.261	NL1
WL	.255	2.62	Louisville Colonels	1891	Boston Beaneaters	2.55	.246	NL1
WL	.252	2.81	Boston Americans	1892	Boston Beaneaters	2.71	.250	NL1
WL	.280	3.46	Louisville Colonels	1893	Boston Beaneaters	3.37	.278	NL1
WL	.309	4.34	Cleveland Spiders	1894	Boston Beaneaters	4.21	.307	NL1
WL	.302	3.90	Cleveland Spiders	1895	Boston Beaneaters	3.90	.301	NL1

Single Season Batting Career Batting 409 PA required for season rate statistics. 2660 PA required for career rate statistics. Player Value Year Board Stat Board Value Player Ed Delahanty .441 1895 Season Batting Average Career .348 Hugh Duffy Mike Griffin .526 1887 Season On-Base Pct Career .468 Bill Joyce Dan Brouthers .643 1894 Season Slugging Pct Career .509 Dan Brouthers Ed Delahanty 1.152 1895 Season On-Base plus Slugging Pct Career .948 Bill Joyce Hughie Jennings 100.3 1894 Season VORP Career 831.3 Dan Brouthers Tommy Tucker 155 1892 Season Games Career 2242 Cap Anson Jack Glasscock 667 1888 Season At-Bats Career 9435 Cap Anson Bill Joyce 167 1895 Season Runs Career 1649 Dan Brouthers Hughie Jennings 234 1894 Season Hits Career 2948 Cap Anson Jake Stenzel 363 1894 Season Total Bases Career 3663 Cap Anson Willie Keeler 181 1895 Season Singles Career 2429 Cap Anson Dan Brouthers 48 1887 Season Doubles Career 405 Dan Brouthers Dan Brouthers 32 1894 Season Triples Career 322 Dan Brouthers Yank Robinson 31 1889 Season Home Runs Career 140 Jerry Denny Jesse Burkett 140 1895 Season RBIs Career 1419 Cap Anson Denny Lyons 129 1886 Season Stolen Bases Career 590 Dan Brouthers Monte Cross 62 1895 Season Caught Stealing Career 416 Dan Brouthers Sam Wise 199 1887 Season Walks Career 1073 Dan Brouthers Pat Deasley 144 1884 Season Strikeouts Career 736 Harry Stovey

Single Season Pitching Career Pitching 132 IP required for season rate statistics. 858 IP required for career rate statistics. Player Value Year Board Stat Board Value Player Bob Black 0.58 1884 Season Earned Run Average Career 1.56 Jumbo McGinnis Bob Black 38 1884 Season Wins Career 352 Tim Keefe Jim Britt 35 1878 Season Losses Career 308 Tim Keefe Bob Black .833 1894 Season Winning Percentage Career .664 Bob Black Eddie Fusselback 14 1882 Season Saves Career 39 Hugh Campbell Al Pratt 57 1875 Season Games Career 724 Al Spalding Candy Cummings 57 1875 Season Games Started Career 707 Tim Keefe Cy Bentley 52 1878 Season Complete Games Career 510 Tim Keefe Charlie Geggus 8 1887 Season Shutouts Career 39 Bob Black George Bradley 510.0 1876 Season Innings Pitched Career 5924.1 Tim Keefe Len Lovett 595 1873 Season Hits Allowed Career 6140 Al Spalding Charlie Getzien 28 1888 Season Home Runs Allowed Career 148 Harry McCormick Bob Black 579 1884 Season Strikeouts Career 2861 Tim Keefe Mark Baldwin 324 1889 Season Bases on Balls Career 1889 Tim Keefe Bill Stearns 0.18 1878 Season Bases on Balls / 9 IP Career 0.53 Bill Stearns Charlie Geggus 5.41 1887 Season Hits Allowed / 9 IP Career 7.59 Dupee Shaw Charlie Geggus 12.55 1884 Season Strikeouts / 9 IP Career 7.17 Dupee Shaw Charlie Geggus 114.8 1887 Season VORP Career 857.8 Bob Black Bob Black 0.75 1884 Season Walks + Hits / IP Career 1.02 Dupee Shaw Bob Black .171 1884 Season Opponents AVG Career .217 Dupee Shaw Bob Black .199 1884 Season Opponents OBP Career .253 Dupee Shaw Bob Black .223 1884 Season Opponents SLG Career .300 Bob Black Bob Black .422 1884 Season Opponents OPS Career .554 Dupee Shaw

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

March 1896

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME ESTABLISHED

Entering its 26th season the game of baseball has established itself as the national game and is part of the fabric of American society. In its 26 year history more then enough stories and legends have been established. As the first generation of great players has almost fully passed, fans and the league itself looked for a way to honor the pioneers of the game and the first era's greatest players.

Cooperstown New York was chosen as the perfect spot late last year and this April a small structure or museum opens to the public to honor the history of the game even beyond the profesional debut in 1871. The greatest acomplishments in the history of the game but even more so the game's best players will be remembered and honored in a place that wont pass away. The first of its kind, the Hall of Fame of Baseball has been established.

The Hall of Fame will be backed by the league and a commision that also includes prominant baseball writers accross America. Each year an enshrinement ceremony will be held where retired players and contributors to the game will be elgible for entrance to the Hall. Annually the following requirements will be needed for enshrinement:

• Played last game five years ago
• Voted in by 75% of members

"The history of the first professional Amercian sport is unique and important to all of us." said the league commisioner Ban Johnson, "we believe this will be a destination where families can come for many generations."

A public ceremony was held this month with the first ever member of the Baseball Hall of Fame being introduced.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AL SPALDING FIRST MEMBER OF HALL OF FAME



For his contributions to the game and his establishment as the game's first dominant pitcher, Al Spalding had the honor to be the first player ever to enter the baseball Hall of Fame.

Before many of his peers Spalding was humbled as he took the stage to accept his enshrinement.

"I am beyond words to be the first to be accepted in this great community." said Spalding who currently manages the Chicago Colts. "I will continue to be an ambassador for the game and want to thank everyone who helped me reach this incredible honor."

Spalding won 348 games in his career with 27 shutouts and a 2.33 ERA in an 18 year career.

Career Pitching Stats

Year/Team/League Age G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP VORP ERA+ 1871 Baltimore - NL 20 30 30 14 16 0 1.88 273.0 238 71 57 5 24 185 27 5 0.96 .285 62.1 105 1872 Baltimore - NL 21 46 46 18 24 0 2.76 374.2 426 222 115 8 18 31 31 2 1.19 .284 40.1 88 1873 Baltimore - NL 22 50 50 24 24 0 3.45 417.0 554 259 160 7 18 28 35 2 1.37 .320 33.3 82 1874 Baltimore - NL 23 56 56 31 22 0 2.56 474.0 508 242 135 10 19 39 45 2 1.11 .268 45.5 85 1875 Baltimore - NL 24 57 57 29 26 0 1.92 510.0 492 232 109 6 34 53 44 5 1.03 .249 48.3 92 1876 Baltimore - NL 25 57 57 26 28 0 2.40 505.1 509 241 135 4 41 72 49 0 1.09 .266 45.6 86 1877 Chicago - NL 26 44 44 26 16 0 2.35 375.2 425 193 98 2 20 85 36 1 1.18 .291 36.8 104 1878 Chicago - NL 27 50 50 29 20 0 2.29 428.2 429 203 109 0 29 112 41 3 1.07 .272 47.8 112 1879 Chicago - NL 28 53 53 25 20 0 2.44 454.0 511 241 123 5 46 107 38 2 1.23 .291 37.1 101 1880 Chicago - NL 29 53 53 29 16 0 1.34 455.2 409 178 68 4 35 153 40 4 0.97 .252 67.2 137 1881 Chicago - NL 30 40 40 21 13 0 2.35 329.0 413 214 86 15 23 64 23 0 1.33 .306 35.4 114 1882 Chicago - NL 31 26 26 17 8 0 2.03 225.2 249 124 51 6 10 46 23 0 1.15 .272 18.7 92 1883 Chicago - NL 32 36 36 19 14 0 2.18 305.0 339 196 74 7 19 98 27 0 1.17 .285 23.1 86 1884 Chicago - NL 33 27 14 8 6 5 1.74 140.0 133 72 27 5 8 58 6 1 1.01 .255 13.0 89 1885 Boston - NL 34 10 0 1 0 5 0.00 11.0 5 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 0.73 .172 3.5 999 1886 Brooklyn - NL 35 34 34 19 14 0 2.69 277.2 279 188 83 27 26 7 23 0 1.10 .234 10.3 78 1888 Cleveland - NL 37 27 17 12 5 1 2.48 170.2 151 74 47 14 14 44 14 0 0.97 .230 17.0 90 1889 Cleveland - NL 38 18 0 0 1 0 3.26 38.2 42 25 14 2 8 10 0 0 1.29 .272 2.5 83 1890 Baltimore - NL 39 10 0 0 0 1 2.45 22.0 28 10 6 2 2 2 0 0 1.36 .302 3.9 126 Total NL 724 663 348 273 12 2.33 5787.2 6140 2985 1497 129 397 1198 502 27 1.13 .275 591.4 99

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colts Prepare For Another Run At Boston

The Chicago Colts will once again chase their dream of a pennant as they try and overcome the 5 time repeating pennant winners the Boston Beaneaters. Chicago didnt make wide changes in the offseason but did bring in a few new faces in hopes for putting their team over the top.

The biggest new additions were pitcher Amos Rusie who comes to town from Philadelphia. In order for the team to get Rusie the Colts had to say goodbye to young star Klondike Douglass at the catcher position. Many thought that the price for Rusie was too much, but with Billy Earle still at catcher the team felt like they could make the move. Rusie has won 106 games in his career and has a 3.41 ERA.

The Colts also added veteran star Buck Ewing. At 36 years old Ewing brings a winning mentality and some support at first base for Cap Anson who will split some time at the age of 43.

The 1896 Roster:

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Al Orth 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Starter R Charlie Geggus 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Starter R Amos Rusie 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Spot Starter R Charlie Hodnett 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Middle Reliever R Jack Stivetts 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Middle Reliever R John Clarkson 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Middle Reliever L Ed Morris 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Setup Reliever L Ed Morris 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Setup Reliever R Harry Staley 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Closer R Nig Cuppy 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 96 R Billy Earle C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 28 S Tub Welch C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 70 R Tom Kinslow C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 67 R Billy Shindle 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 93 R Cap Anson 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 82 R Buck Ewing 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 27 R Hughie Jennings SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 36 R Germany Smith SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 78 S Dan McGann 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 74 L Lou Bierbauer 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 15 S Bill Eagan 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 35 L Fred Clarke LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 89 R Jimmy McAleer CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 32 L Sam Thompson RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 16 L Dummy Hoy CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 75 S Paul Russell CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

August 1896

Winning One For Pops

He has been there since the first pitch of the frnchise was thrown back in 1871, he has managed the team and been the team spokesman through championships and disapointments. Cap Anson is truly the face of the Chicago franchise as he enters his 26th season.

There are persistent rumors that this will be the legends final season. Nothing has been comfirmed but for the first time in his career Anson is sharing time with another player and isnt at the heart of the Colts lineu. With all that beng said, Anson is still batting .368 and is still almost impossible to strike out and is a career .313 hitter.

Anson is also a source of comfort and advise for the young kids on the team and in a strong influence still in how the team presents itself and plays the game. The big prize for Cap will surely be seen later this year as "Pops" will reach the incredible 3000 hit milestone sometime this season, he is 44 hits away at this publication.

Surely the Colts knowing that Anson may not be playing beyond this season at the age of 44, want to send him off a winner. No one is speaking publically of this to add any pressure but a number of players seem determined to win one more for the team's and the game's legend.

Al Orth Carries Team As Fight With Boston Commences

The outstanding pitcher from last season has picked up right where he has left off and seems to be getting stronger. Al Orth had heard critics throughout his early career as scouts said he didnt have what it takes to be great, he has already proved them wrong. Behind Orth, the Colts opened the new season with a 18-6 record and have a slim one game lead against the enemy Beaneaters.



Orth is 7-1 with a 1.17 ERA and in this recent era of offense, the way he controls games is indeed impressive. Along with Orth, Charlie Geggus is back in fine form as he threw for two shutouts this month alone and once again leads the league in strikeouts with 49. The top two pitchers in the Colts rotation will be very difficult to beat.

The Colts continue to score runs as well and they are first in the league with 146. With all their numeric success however it does have to be a bit discouraging to see Boston sitting only one game back. It is a similar story with what we saw last season.

In May the team will meet four more times but with both teams playing well we may be in for a season long pennant race. The experiance and confidence factor of course has to be with the five time defending pennant winners from Boston.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Americans	15	9	.625	-
Washington Senators	14	10	.583	1.0
Baltimore Orioles	14	10	.583	1.0
Louisville Colonels	12	12	.500	3.0
Detroit Tigers	11	13	.458	4.0
Cleveland Spiders	11	13	.458	4.0
Chicago White Sox	10	14	.417	5.0
Philadelphia Athletics	9	15	.375	6.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	18	6	.750	-
Boston Beaneaters	17	7	.708	1.0
Philadelphia Phillies	14	10	.583	4.0
St. Louis Browns	12	12	.500	6.0
Cincinnati Reds	10	14	.417	8.0
New York Giants	9	15	.375	9.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	9	15	.375	9.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	7	17	.292	11.0

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• Bill Sweeney, even at 35 years old is still of great value and Boston recognized this by signing him to a three year contract this month for $1272. "Its where I want to be" said Sweeney.
• Jesse Bukett of the Beaneaters had a huge day on April 19th going a perfect 6-6 in the Boston 11-5 win over St. Louis.
• Oyster Burns in on his 6th team of his career as he was dealt this week from Detroit to join the Baltimore Orioles. Burns who is a .289 hitter hasnt been the easiest player to deal with despite his talent. The Tigers get the popular Denny Lyons in the move. Lyons of course is one of the best and most popular infielders in the game today.

Denny Lyons to Detroit

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

May 1896

'Dont Let Up For A Second'
Colts Good Lead In Division Commit Future To Two Stars

The Chicago Colts were in first place at the end of May last season but as history shows eventually fell to the wayside and June and saw the Boston Beanaters run away with the pennant. The team finds themselves in an even better spot this year at the end of the month as they have played outstanding baseball and lead the National League and more particular Boston, by six full games.

The big spot this month came at West Side Grounds in the middle of the month when the Colts swept the defending champions in three straight games and opened up their lead. The big diffrence for the team is the ability of their starting pitching staff to control games, the Colts lead the league with a 2.53 ERA. Charlie Geggus is fully recovered now from any arm issues and leads the league in ERA (1.76) and strikeouts (100). Al Orth and Geggus have combined for a 24-7 record on the season.

Chicago also opened up their pockets this month and signed third starter Amos Rusie who is a great compliment to the top two arms. Rusie signed for two years and the news is that the right hander came as a bargain. On the other Sam Thompson is deserving of top dollar. The Colts right fielder who is the biggest power bat in the game signed a lucrative three year contract that is said to be over $9,500. Thompson shows every day what he is worth as this year again he has his average at .399 and has driven in 47 runs.

Discussion is spreading throughout the league that the Colts are the best team in the game now as their top record would indicate, many are saying Boston's days of dominance are done. Still no such talk can be heard in the Chicago clubhouse.

Manager Al Spalding talked about the tone of the team, "Its only May and we know who is behind us, we cant let up even for a second."

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Al Orth 18 18 13 4 0 2.55 1.25 Rested Starter R Charlie Geggus 17 17 11 3 0 1.76 1.14 Rested Starter R Amos Rusie 15 15 8 3 0 2.53 1.40 Rested Spot Starter R Charlie Hodnett 5 2 1 0 0 5.84 1.62 Rested Middle Reliever R Jack Stivetts 2 0 1 1 0 6.75 1.88 Rested Middle Reliever R John Clarkson 4 0 0 1 0 6.00 2.67 Rested Middle Reliever L Ed Morris 6 0 0 0 2 3.60 1.60 Rested Setup Reliever L Ed Morris 6 0 0 0 2 3.60 1.60 Rested Setup Reliever R Harry Staley 5 0 1 1 1 1.20 1.40 Rested Closer R Nig Cuppy 8 0 1 3 1 2.61 2.03 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 96 R Billy Earle C 44 176 53 1 24 19 11 24 .301 .346 .369 28 S Tub Welch C 8 33 10 1 3 2 1 4 .303 .324 .394 70 R Tom Kinslow C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 67 R Billy Shindle 3B 5 22 5 0 4 2 0 1 .227 .227 .409 93 R Cap Anson 1B 20 90 30 1 17 18 4 5 .333 .362 .500 82 R Buck Ewing 1B 32 139 47 1 18 21 9 8 .338 .378 .453 27 R Hughie Jennings SS 48 210 84 2 46 38 8 10 .400 .450 .529 37 L Jocko Halligan 1B 35 119 34 2 11 15 11 4 .286 .346 .361 36 R Germany Smith SS 12 49 13 0 3 10 1 2 .265 .280 .327 15 S Bill Eagan 2B 34 125 28 0 14 14 16 17 .224 .312 .272

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 35 L Fred Clarke LF 48 221 86 4 29 57 17 11 .389 .433 .543 89 R Jimmy McAleer CF 11 38 13 0 10 5 4 5 .342 .405 .421 32 L Sam Thompson RF 50 213 85 8 47 39 19 5 .399 .453 .634 16 L Dummy Hoy CF 48 187 49 1 26 33 23 15 .262 .352 .337 75 S Paul Russell CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000

Lineup vs RHP

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Washington Senators	34	18	.654	-
Cleveland Spiders	29	23	.558	5.0
Detroit Tigers	28	24	.538	6.0
Boston Americans	28	24	.538	6.0
Louisville Colonels	24	28	.462	10.0
Chicago White Sox	24	28	.462	10.0
Baltimore Orioles	23	29	.442	11.0
Philadelphia Athletics	18	34	.346	16.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	36	16	.692	-
Boston Beaneaters	30	22	.577	6.0
Philadelphia Phillies	28	24	.538	8.0
Cincinnati Reds	27	25	.519	9.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	25	27	.481	11.0
St. Louis Browns	23	29	.442	13.0
New York Giants	21	31	.404	15.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	18	34	.346	18.0

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• For some reason star outfielder Ed Delahanty has not been playing in the starting nine for the Boston Beaneaters. Delahanty who is healthy is seen only on occasion as a pinchhitter even thougn he is batting .452. More to come on why the star isnt playing but Delahnaty is a .339 career hitter and former league MVP.
• The upcoming draft pool has been revealed for the June draft. The top name is 22 year old Honus Wagner from Chartiers Pennsylvania. The Chicago White Sox have the first pick in the draft but havent committed to a pick, the second pick belongs to the St. Louis Cardinals. There is much excitement in the city as the prospect of seeing young Nap Lajoie play with Wagner would make quite a team for the future. Will the Sox pass on Wagner?
• The great Dan Brouthers who has won 8 MVP awards reached a milestone this month. Big Dan recorded his 2500th hit of his career and is 2nd on the alltime list behind Cap Anson.

Dan Brouthers

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

June 1896

The Mystery Of Ed Delahanty

The Boston Beaneaters as far out of the pennant race as they have been in the last five years as they ended the month of May ten full games behind the Chicago Colts. The five time defending pennant winners still have a roster deep in talent and experiance, but a cloud seems to be growing over the Boston dynasty of late.

Ed Delahnty likely has put together three of the best seasons of any hitter in the history of the game over the past three years. Big Ed has hit .435 over the past two seasons and is over .400 again as we get past the halfway point of the season. Delahanty has played ten years in Boston and has been part of everyone of their triumphs and remains beloved by the Boston fanbase. Still such a great player is spending most of his time in the 1896 season on the bench, rarely starting and only having 125 atbats so far for the entire season.

Many wondered if the star was injured, but no such eveidence or report of an injury exists. Still mysteriously, day after day, manager Steve Denton has the star starting on the bench and favors Vince Dailey who is batting a modest .286 this season. Neither player or manager want to comment to the media but rumour continue to grow as no logical explantation can be determined for the move, even more so as the pennant continues to slip away.

Obviously there may be a personal rift between manager and player as many are saying after so much winning; egos have taken over in Boston.

"Truly the pride of manager Denton has to be enourmous" said a source close to the team, "whatever his reasons are it takes alot to keep such a talent off the field."

Others say that Boston is so accustomed to winning that it has turned into greed, and they believe they ca win with anylineup on the field of play.

Others still are speculating that a trade of the star may be in the works, but with the trade deadline approaching quickly, something would have to be done soon.

Whatever the case the league and its pitchers in the National League could not be happier to see the star anywhere but without a bat in his hand.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Amatuer Draft Brings New Drama; New Star In New York

The annual amatuer draft took place this month in the Grand hotel along Chicago's magnificent mile. The anticipation for this draft was high as a number of amatuer stars were part of the pool. Some cities however coudnt believe what they were seeing.

Most of the drama revolved around young super talent Honus Wagner who most experts say is far and away the best talent available. The Chicago White Sox passed on the player and took a strong arm in Harley Payne as the top pick. Everyone then expected the St. Louis Browns to choose Wagner with the second pick but instead the side chose Jimmy "Chicken" Wolf, a talented outfielder from Louisville.

Honus Wagner

Other teams stepped up but kept on passing on Wagner. The star kid actually dropped to number nine, when finally the New York Giants brought hope to New Yorkers everywhere when they chose Wagner 9th overall.

New York burst into celebrations when news spread of the pick. Still many in the media were suspicious of a conspiracy as it is obvious that the league would benefit from a strong team out of New York. Some are claiming momey under the table set this pick up for New York.

Still the excitement is real, and Wagner now goes into negotiation to sign a deal with his new club.

A lively arm by the name of Rube Waddell was also making some noise as the strikeout artist joins the Cincinnati Reds and their other ace Cy Young.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Washington Senators	52	28	.650	-
Cleveland Spiders	47	33	.588	5.0
Detroit Tigers	44	36	.550	8.0
Boston Americans	43	37	.537	9.0
Louisville Colonels	40	40	.500	12.0
Chicago White Sox	35	45	.438	17.0
Baltimore Orioles	33	47	.412	19.0
Philadelphia Athletics	26	54	.325	26.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	57	23	.713	-
Boston Beaneaters	47	33	.588	10.0
Philadelphia Phillies	41	39	.512	16.0
St. Louis Browns	39	41	.487	18.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	37	43	.463	20.0
Cincinnati Reds	35	45	.438	22.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	33	47	.412	24.0
New York Giants	31	49	.388	26.0

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• Two men hit for the cycle in the same month. Tom Parrott of the Detroit Tigers did the trick against Chicago on the 7th of the month and only 13 days later Gene Demontreville did the same for the Cleveland Spiders. There have only been 10 cycles hit in the history of the game.
• Nap Lajoie who was off to a great season batting .346 will miss six weeks after the first baseman sprained his knee this month for the Browns.
• Ed Dugan of the Detroit Tigers won the 250th game of his career this month. While in Philadelphia Jack Glasscock whipped the 2500th hit of his career.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

July 1886

'The Greatest Batter To Ever Walk To The Plate'
Anson Gets Hit Number 3000

He stepped up to the plate just as he has done over 9500 times in his career. Cap Anson has played the game longer and in many estimation's better then anyone in history. Just like he has done countless other times Cap Anson went with the pitch and drove the ball between third and short for a single. Only this time Anson reached a number that no one has even come close to, with his single against Cincinnati the 44 year old earned his 3000th hit.

Anson could have sat out and waited to reach the feat when the team came back to Chicago, but Anson refused to sit out and wanted to play as his team is in first place in the National League. The Cincinnati fans as well as players from both dugouts took a moment to applaud the star and show thier appreciation for his longevity. Chicago and its mayor have already announced a small ceremony before the Colts next game against the Pittsburgh Pirates where he may also recieve the key to the city.

The emotions were especially high as Anson is already playing in the last year of his contract. Anson is one of the original players of Major League Baseball and the appreciation for him is showing throughout baseball by generations old and new.

His teamates are said to have told him that they will win it all for him this season and the Colts could not have been more right so far. Chicago has the best record in baseball and is leading the three time defending champion Boston Beaneaters by 13 full games.

The Colts set the tone of the season pounding the Beaneaters 16-3 and 11-1 this month giving them a 9-6 record against them for the year.

Charlie Comiskey the manager of the Reds had high praise indeed for Anso as a former manager of his as well as a former player himself. "Anson is the greatest batter ever to step to the plate. I have seen them all and no one is better."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Washington Senators	66	42	.611	-
Cleveland Spiders	66	42	.611	-
Boston Americans	60	48	.556	6.0
Detroit Tigers	56	52	.519	10.0
Louisville Colonels	53	55	.491	13.0
Baltimore Orioles	47	61	.435	19.0
Chicago White Sox	46	62	.426	20.0
Philadelphia Athletics	38	70	.352	28.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	77	31	.713	-
Boston Beaneaters	64	44	.593	13.0
St. Louis Browns	53	55	.491	24.0
Philadelphia Phillies	53	55	.491	24.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	49	59	.454	28.0
New York Giants	47	61	.435	30.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	47	61	.435	30.0
Cincinnati Reds	42	66	.389	35.0

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• The Cleveland Spiders have caught the Washington Senators in the standings of the Western League. The two time defending pennant winners went 19-9 for the month and tied the leaders who have been leading since April. An exciting finish for the pennant is set to transpire.
• Trying to stay in the race with Chicago, Boston traded one of their best players when Jesse Burkett was sent to Brooklyn in exchange for catcher Ed Greer. Greer was the MVP of the National League last season.
• Another "Cap", named Dan McGann made news out of Chicago this month as the second baseman hit for the Cycle against the Beaneaters. McCann is batting .326 and at the age of 25 has a bringt future indeed.
• Former Colt Cyclone Miller has a damaed elbow and will miss the remainder of this season and most likely next season for the Baltimore Orioles. Miller has 165 wins in his career.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

August 1896

Satisfaction As Colts Win NL Pennant

After 8 years of frustration the Chicago Colts ended their drought and brought home the National League pennant. The Colts wrestled the pennant away from the five time champion Boston Beaneaters and led for most of the season ending the campaign with an 8 game lead.

Many though that Chicago would never have what it took to overcome Boston as the Beaneaters not only won the pennant every season, but dominated Chicago and the rest of the league along the way. Still Al Spalding and the Chicago management has to be given credit as they built and molded a team that could not only batter the baseball but pitch better then anyone else. Chicago ended with the best record in the league at 88-44, and also earned the most wins in their proud franchise history.

Chicago had the highest average in the league (.317) and scored the most runs (825). The team ERA was tops in the league (2.95) as were least runs allowed 570. The team had numerous big stars but on the mound the resurgance of Charlie Geggus was enourmous as the right hander went 27-10 and lead the league in strike outs with 245. Along with Geggus of course was Al Orth who went 28-11 and threw for over 369 innings on the year.

The bats had their usual stars of Sam Thompson and Hughie Jennings but the emergence of Fred Clark at the top of the order was key. Clark led the team in average with a .388 clip and had 209 hits along with 118 runs. The Colts had no easy outs up and down their lineup and should be strong for years to come, even with the pending retirement of great Cap Anson.

No one is resting on their laurels however as the World Series awaits. The Cleveland Spiders overtook the Washington Senators easily to win the Western League for the third straight seasson. The Spiders are the only original franchise city that still hasnt won a World Series, they will be the underdog again.

The Spiders are led by star pitcher Charlie Fergusen who has come back just in time from an elbow injury to lead the staff. Roger Conner and Mike Tiernan are super at the plate for a team that had the best average in the Western League (.303).

Charlie Fergusen

Still Chicago can reslish their pennant winning season as some of the fans chanted, "The King is dead. Boston is dead".

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Al Orth 44 44 28 11 0 3.07 1.34 Rested Starter R Charlie Geggus 42 42 27 10 0 2.14 1.19 Rested Starter R Amos Rusie 36 36 19 8 0 2.92 1.37 Rested Spot Starter R Charlie Hodnett 9 3 1 1 0 5.12 1.47 Rested Middle Reliever R Jack Stivetts 5 0 1 1 0 7.94 1.94 Rested Middle Reliever R John Clarkson 8 0 3 1 0 2.92 1.62 Rested Middle Reliever R Charlie Hodnett 9 3 1 1 0 5.12 1.47 Rested Setup Reliever L Ed Morris 14 0 0 3 2 5.63 1.88 Rested Setup Reliever R Harry Staley 14 7 6 3 1 3.53 1.38 Rested Closer R Nig Cuppy 16 0 3 6 3 4.22 2.16 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 96 R Billy Earle C 105 424 133 4 76 71 31 50 .314 .362 .401 1 L Tim Donahue C 60 177 52 1 38 29 20 9 .294 .369 .395 28 S Tub Welch C 16 63 20 1 7 5 2 5 .317 .348 .397

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 67 R Billy Shindle 3B 17 66 14 0 5 6 4 5 .212 .257 .273 93 R Cap Anson 1B 47 191 68 1 35 42 26 11 .356 .438 .503 82 R Buck Ewing 1B 71 287 102 1 38 49 29 16 .355 .416 .481 27 R Hughie Jennings SS 123 538 201 3 77 101 33 21 .374 .434 .470 37 L Jocko Halligan 1B 56 197 63 4 18 28 19 11 .320 .382 .426 36 R Germany Smith SS 76 302 78 1 41 40 21 11 .258 .311 .338 78 S Dan McGann 2B 115 470 165 3 88 86 29 33 .351 .401 .477 86 R Win Clark 2B 1 4 1 0 0 1 0 1 .250 .250 .250

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 35 L Fred Clarke LF 121 539 209 6 85 118 39 34 .388 .431 .525 89 R Jimmy McAleer CF 34 127 38 0 27 22 13 12 .299 .364 .402 32 L Sam Thompson RF 127 536 188 13 106 101 41 12 .351 .401 .521 15 L Dick Harley LF 2 9 3 0 1 1 0 2 .333 .333 .333 16 L Dummy Hoy CF 112 460 120 2 61 74 44 34 .261 .332 .333

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Standings

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Cleveland Spiders	82	50	.621	-
Washington Senators	77	55	.583	5.0
Boston Americans	72	60	.545	10.0
Detroit Tigers	71	61	.538	11.0
Louisville Colonels	63	69	.477	19.0
Baltimore Orioles	62	70	.470	20.0
Chicago White Sox	58	74	.439	24.0
Philadelphia Athletics	43	89	.326	39.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	88	44	.667	-
Boston Beaneaters	80	52	.606	8.0
Philadelphia Phillies	67	65	.508	21.0
St. Louis Browns	66	66	.500	22.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	60	72	.455	28.0
New York Giants	58	74	.439	30.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	57	75	.432	31.0
Cincinnati Reds	52	80	.394	36.0

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• New York has a new darling as Honus Wagner finally made his big league debut in the big city. Wagner took a while to sign but lived up to the hype batting .345 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI in 14 games.
• Jesse Burkett was the only batter this season to get over the magical .400 mark. The "Crab" batted .405 for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, Burkett played most of the year in Boston.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

September 1896

Cleveland Fight To First Championship
Blues Take Dramatic Series 4 games to 2

In the history of the game no teams are more loyalty followed then the original eight franchises in the game. Seven of the original eight had thrilled their fans with championships except for the Cleveland Blues who tried for 25 seasons to no avail including coming up short the last two seasons. This year however was diffrent.

The Cleveland Blues battled the favorite Chicago Colts in what turned out to be one of the best World Series we have seen in years. The Blues proved resilient to their fans and fought back to win in two games in their final atbat. We have seen too often in the history of this league that the underdog in the World Series often walks away with the crown.

Its heartbreak for Chicago who many thought would win it all. The team tried to win one for their legendary star Cap Anson, who is surely playing his last games in a 26 year career with the franchise. It wasnt meant to be however as Anson came up in the bottom of the ninth of the final game with the tying run on base. In his final atbat Anson grounded out to the second baseman.

Heroes of the series for Cleveland included Bobby Lowe and Roger Conner who both batted over .440 in the series and drove in 14 runs. A quick recap of the World Series:

Game 1 at West Side Park

Thursday, August 27th, 1896
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland Spiders	2	1	3	1	0	2	0	0	7	16	24	3
Chicago Colts	2	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	4	8	4

WP: C. Fergusen
LP: A. Orth
HR: R. Connor

A statement game from the Blues who ran all over the Colts in front of their home fans. It had been a while since Chicago played in such a big game and they wernt ready for it. Al Orth allowed six earned runs and Roger Connor drove in four.

Game 2 at West Side Park

Friday, August 28th, 1896
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland Spiders	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	2	8	4
Chicago Colts	4	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	X	7	13	1

WP: C. Geggus
LP: W. Sawyer

Chicago recovers behind Charlie Geggus. Geggus allows only two runs in his complete game. Jimmy McAleer doubled twice and drives in three runs in the win.

Game 3 at League Park

Sunday, August 30th, 1896
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago Colts	2	0	0	0	0	0	8	0	0	10	13	2
Cleveland Spiders	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	1	4	13	3

WP: A. Rusie
LP: C. Ferguson
HR: Sam Thompson

It appears as the Colts have taken the upper hand in the series as they win in Cleveland. An eight run 7th inning opened up the game with every position player scoring a run in the plate. Three crucial errors didnt help the Blues either.

Game 4 at League Park

Monday, August 31st, 1896
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago Colts	0	0	1	0	0	5	0	2	0	8	13	5
Cleveland Spiders	0	0	1	3	0	0	0	1	4	9	14	2

WP: J. Corbett
LP: N. Cuppy
HR: J. Clements

A memorable game and comeback for the Blues as they score four runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Colts. Nig Cuppy just couldnt close the door for the save and a single by Jake Stenzel was walked off and capped the rally. Hysteria in Cleveland as this game turns the tide for sure in the series.

Game 5 at League Park

Tuesday, September 1st, 1896
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago Colts	1	0	0	3	2	0	0	0	2	8	14	6
Cleveland Spiders	1	0	0	0	2	1	2	0	3	9	17	1

WP: B. Sanders
LP: A. Rusie
HR: D. McGann, G. Demontreville

Another classic game that had all the emotion in the 9th inning. The Colts made six errors to make their game a tough prospect. The Colts broke a tie in the top of the ninth inning with two runs thanks to a Buck Ewing clutch single. Still the Colts couldnt hold it. Only one out away Amos Rusie let in a two run tying triple from Jack Clements and then a winning hit from Paul Radford. Two great comeback wins for the Blues who thrilled their fans and came one game away from the title.

Game six from West Side Park

Thursday, September 3rd, 1896
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland Spiders	2	2	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	6	11	4
Chicago Colts	0	0	1	1	2	0	0	0	1	5	10	3

WP: C. Fergusen
LP: C. Geggus

The Blues win their title in Chicago as they had the momentum and the belief that they could do so. Mike Tierman went deep and the Colts made four errors, four runs in the first two innings of this game against the Colts took the heart out of the home side. Charlie Fergusen closed out the game.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY


1896 Baseball Awards

NL MVP AWARD


Jesse Burkett LF Broklyn Bridegrooms
.405 7 HR 95 RBI 103 R 29 SB
2 Time Winner



NL OUTSTANDING PITCHER AWARD




Charlie Geggus SP Chicago Colts
27-10 2.14 ERA 245 K 5 Shut Outs
2 Time Winner



NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR



Nap Lajoie1B - St. Louis Browns
.365 7 HR 77 RBI 69 R

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WL MVP AWARD



Mike Tiernan CF - Cleveland Spiders
.353 8 HR 89 RBI 16 3B




WL OUTSTANDING PITCHER AWARD


Bert Abbey SP - Washington Senators
23-8 2.28 ERA 49 BB



WL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR


Ollie Pickering CF - Baltimore Orioles
.338 2 HR 80 RBI 88 R

[Nick Soulis]

Lg	LgAvg	LgERA	Champion	Year	Champion	LgERA	LgAvg	Lg
WL	.238	1.98	Philadelphia Athletics	1871	Boston Red Stockings	3.82	.284	NL1
WL	.267	2.44	Philadelphia Athletics	1872	Chicago White Stockings	3.02	.288	NL1
WL	.290	2.82	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1873	Boston Red Stockings	3.53	.313	NL1
WL	.258	2.19	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1874	Boston Red Stockings	2.68	.279	NL1
WL	.243	1.77	Philadelphia Athletics	1875	Boston Red Stockings	1.98	.263	NL1
WL	.254	2.06	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1876	Cincinnati Reds	2.63	.278	NL1
WL	.243	2.00	Baltimore Orioles	1877	Chicago White Stockings	2.45	.280	NL1
WL	.245	2.03	Philadelphia Athletics	1878	Boston Red Caps	2.56	.275	NL1
WL	.241	1.89	Baltimore Orioles	1879	Boston Red Caps	2.47	.273	NL1
WL	.233	1.50	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1880	Chicago White Stockings	1.84	.255	NL1
WL	.250	1.97	St. Louis Brown Stockings	1881	Chicago White Stockings	2.67	.286	NL1
WL	.238	1.66	Cleveland Blues	1882	Brooklyn Atlantics	1.88	.244	NL1
WL	.247	1.86	Baltimore Orioles	1883	Cincinnati Red Stockings	1.87	.252	NL1
WL	.228	1.59	Baltimore Orioles	1884	Chicago White Stockings	1.55	.221	NL1
WL	.238	1.90	Baltimore Orioles	1885	Brooklyn Grays	1.89	.239	NL1
WL	.247	1.97	Boston Americans	1886	Brooklyn Grays	2.11	.254	NL1
WL	.262	2.81	Boston Americans	1887	Chicago White Stockings	3.39	.270	NL1
WL	.241	2.23	Louisville Colonels	1888	Philadelphia Quakers	2.51	.255	NL1
WL	.258	2.72	Boston Americans	1889	Brooklyn Bridegrooms	2.93	.261	NL1
WL	.261	3.10	Detroit Tigers	1890	Brooklyn Bridegrooms	2.96	.261	NL1
WL	.255	2.62	Louisville Colonels	1891	Boston Beaneaters	2.55	.246	NL1
WL	.252	2.81	Boston Americans	1892	Boston Beaneaters	2.71	.250	NL1
WL	.280	3.46	Louisville Colonels	1893	Boston Beaneaters	3.37	.278	NL1
WL	.309	4.34	Cleveland Spiders	1894	Boston Beaneaters	4.21	.307	NL1
WL	.302	3.90	Cleveland Spiders	1895	Boston Beaneaters	3.90	.301	NL1
WL	.289	3.35	Cleveland Spiders	1896	Chicago Colts	3.66	.294	NL1

Single Season Batting Career Batting 409 PA required for season rate statistics. 2762 PA required for career rate statistics. Player Value Year Board Stat Board Value Player Ed Delahanty .441 1895 Season Batting Average Career .379 Willie Keeler Mike Griffin .526 1887 Season On-Base Pct Career .465 Bill Joyce Dan Brouthers .643 1894 Season Slugging Pct Career .504 Dan Brouthers Ed Delahanty 1.152 1895 Season On-Base plus Slugging Pct Career .944 Bill Joyce Hughie Jennings 100.3 1894 Season VORP Career 855.9 Dan Brouthers Tommy Tucker 155 1892 Season Games Career 2289 Cap Anson Jack Glasscock 667 1888 Season At-Bats Career 9626 Cap Anson Bill Joyce 167 1895 Season Runs Career 1728 Dan Brouthers Hughie Jennings 234 1894 Season Hits Career 3016 Cap Anson Jake Stenzel 363 1894 Season Total Bases Career 3868 Dan Brouthers Willie Keeler 181 1895 Season Singles Career 2479 Cap Anson Dan Brouthers 48 1887 Season Doubles Career 430 Dan Brouthers Dan Brouthers 32 1894 Season Triples Career 326 Dan Brouthers Yank Robinson 31 1889 Season Home Runs Career 140 Jerry Denny Jesse Burkett 140 1895 Season RBIs Career 1454 Cap Anson Denny Lyons 129 1886 Season Stolen Bases Career 602 Dan Brouthers Walt Wilmot 62 1890 Season Caught Stealing Career 429 Dan Brouthers Sam Wise 199 1887 Season Walks Career 1162 Dan Brouthers Pat Deasley 144 1884 Season Strikeouts Career 754 Harry Stovey

Single Season Pitching Career Pitching 132 IP required for season rate statistics. 891 IP required for career rate statistics. Player Value Year Board Stat Board Value Player Bob Black 0.58 1884 Season Earned Run Average Career 1.56 Jumbo McGinnis Bob Black 38 1884 Season Wins Career 366 Tim Keefe Jim Britt 35 1878 Season Losses Career 316 Tim Keefe Bob Black .833 1894 Season Winning Percentage Career .720 Al Orth Eddie Fusselback 14 1882 Season Saves Career 40 Bert Dorr Bobby Mitchell 57 1878 Season Games Career 744 Tim Keefe Al Spalding 57 1876 Season Games Started Career 725 Tim Keefe Cy Bentley 52 1878 Season Complete Games Career 526 Tim Keefe Larry McKeon 8 1884 Season Shutouts Career 40 Bob Black George Bradley 510.0 1876 Season Innings Pitched Career 6119.1 Tim Keefe Len Lovett 595 1873 Season Hits Allowed Career 6140 Al Spalding Charlie Getzien 28 1888 Season Home Runs Allowed Career 154 Pete Meegan Bob Black 579 1884 Season Strikeouts Career 2991 Bob Black Mark Baldwin 324 1889 Season Bases on Balls Career 1984 Tim Keefe Bill Stearns 0.18 1878 Season Bases on Balls / 9 IP Career 0.53 Bill Stearns Charlie Geggus 5.41 1887 Season Hits Allowed / 9 IP Career 7.59 Dupee Shaw Charlie Geggus 12.55 1884 Season Strikeouts / 9 IP Career 7.17 Dupee Shaw Charlie Geggus 114.8 1887 Season VORP Career 916.6 Bob Black Bob Black 0.75 1884 Season Walks + Hits / IP Career 1.02 Dupee Shaw Bob Black .171 1884 Season Opponents AVG Career .217 Dupee Shaw Bob Black .199 1884 Season Opponents OBP Career .253 Dupee Shaw Bob Black .223 1884 Season Opponents SLG Career .301 Dupee Shaw Bob Black .422 1884 Season Opponents OPS Career .554 Dupee Shaw

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

March 1897

Cleveland Has Plans To Be The New Boston

The intrigue going into the new baseball season is as high as its ever been. The Cleveland Spiders are the defending champions and did some serious dealing to keep their team strong and become the new baseball dynasty in the steps of the Boston Beaneaters who have recently seen their reign end.

Also throughout the league a number of new stars are eclipsing the game. Nap Lajoie, Honus Wagner, Chick Stahl and Jimmy Sheckard are already changing the way the game is played. A number of storylines are ready to take off as quite a few big name free agents have moved and the dawn of the 1897 baseball season looks as bright at ever.

Team previews
Western League

Washington Senators
The Senators made a run last season and led the league for much of the season before the experianced Spiders overtook them. Still there is hope in the nation's capatal as Willie Keeler and Ed McKean lead an offense that can score runs in a hurry. Bert Abbey won 23 games last season and had among the breakout seasons of any pitcher. The excitement for this team is real and a run at the pennant is a true aspiration.

Philadelphia Athletics
Sad times in Philly as the A's are clearly still among the weakest teams in the game as internal strife and a lack of ambition have killed a once proud franchise. Mike Griffin is the closest thing this team has to a star in the outfield but the pitching staff is amatuerish, Win Mercer is only 22 years old but hasnt dealt with pressure well as he lost 16 games last season. The A's should be a punching bag again this upcoming season. Klondike Douglass is an up and coming star at catcher if he can stay healthy.

Louisville Colonels
The Colonels havent contended in a few years but will try to get the most out of some of their veteran talent to be competitive. Adonis Terry is still dealing on the mound at 32 years old but consistency has been an issue. The pitching as a whole will be an issue. Jack Doyle came over from Boston and is a very strong bat for this team, the Colonels could score runs and do damage if overlooked. George Tebeau has been named White Wings for his speed and tendancy not to make mistakes on the field. The Colonels will have to be close to perfect however to be taken seriously.

Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are another team serious about winning and ready to roar. The team signed big arm Cy Young this offseason and along with Ed Dugan, the Tigers rotation is as good as it gets. George Van Haltren is still a star among stars and Chief Zimmer is surely among the top catchers in the game. The Tigers are a good team but may be overlooked in a division where great teams are better then good ones.

Cleveland Spiders
The champions reloaded into a team that many feel could be a cinch for another title. The Spiders spent the cash to bring in stars Steve Brodie, Bill Joyce and George Davis. The offense has a star at every position and the mound is still dominated by Charlie Fergusen and Joe Corbett. We havent even mentioned returning stars Mike Tiernan and Roger Conner. This is as talented a team as anyone has ever seen.

Chicago White Sox
The Sox have never been winners so expecting things to change could be a fantasy. The Sox did sign Kid Nichols to carry the staff along with Sadie McMahon who makes another run with the team; neither starter however has proven they can pitch well for an entire season. The offense is where the problems are will too little pop or speed to speak of. The White Sox have actually become a go-betweemn for most players as few players stay for more then a season, or really commit to win for the team. This team is in a bad losing spiral and their reputation follows them.

Boston Americans
The Americans field a good team every season, but winning in this division isnt an easy trick. Star Cupid Childs is loved in Boston and now comes back with a new team. Childs is still the best second baseman in the league and a proven winner with the Beaneaters. Mike Grady is a rare talent as well at catcher and the Boston lineup will be formitable. The pitching however is lacking, Cy Seymour is the hope for the future at the age of 24, but the kid better grow up in a hurry as there isnt much behind him.

Baltimore Orioles
John McGraw is among the best players in the game and is also a leader off the field. The star third baseman just needs to stay healthy as his reckless play often costs him. The Orioles however as others need help on the mound, the birds chased a number of big names this offseason but came up short. Nineteen game winner Billy Hart needs to be special for this team to compete. Along with McGraw the lineup is nice as Reddy Mack and Ollie Pickering are coming of age. Pickering won the rookie of the year award.

National League

St. Louis Browns
Many are still clamoring on how this team passed on Honus Wagner but the Browns are heading in the right direction after a .500 season. Nap Lajoie is everything and more then what people expected and the first baseman may see a new position this year. Bill Lang and Tom McCreery are great support players and come to play everyday. On the mound are questions, Red Donahue is the ace but he had a losing record last season and may tip his pitches. The Browns have come a long way, but may be a season or two away from really competing.

Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates continue to try and find a formula to win and cleaned house again this offseason as Charlie Comiskey and his big influence were shown out of town. The team did bring in the legendary Dan Brouthers who at 37 years old still cna hit a ton. Dusty Miller however is the true star of the lineup as the outfielder is a .317 career hitter and now in his prime. Who however will get the outs for this team, like so many other teams the lack of a true good arm holds this team back, Jake Hewitt will try and prevent this team from losing so many late leads. Jonathan Jackson is the new manager but has a history of losing baseball.

Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies for the last three years have hovered around the .500 mark but after good starts seem to swoon. Their one championship stands alone but still the team seems to have won over the city. An Indian, Chief Sockalexis is a mysterious star who can swing the bat and the rest of the lineup is balanced, Duff Cooley and Tom Leahy are both good hitters along with Chief. The problem wiht the pitching is that ace Jim Handiboe will miss the season with a serious arm aliment, the pieces need to be picked up. Pink Hawley at 24 years old is the futile hope for the staff.

New York Giants
The hype in the big apple is as high as its been since this team first took the field. Honus Wagner spent the end of last season showing his skills and a true star is now on the biggest stage of the Polo Grounds; but does he have any help? The Giants signed the best available starting pitcher in Jack Jones who has been a star accross town with Brooklyn and won over 200 games. Dan McGann was also brough in from the Cubs and the first baseman is another solid talent. The Giants for the first time have a team that some are even predicting to win the pennant.

Cincinnati Reds
The Reds had a disasterous 80 loss season, the worse of their history, and started making big changes in hopes of rebuilding. Gone is the manager and Cy Young who was the biggest star on the team but said to be a headache in the clubhouse. Chick Stahl is the new star in Philly and is a young star that has all the tools to excel. Charlie Hodnett is now the new man at the helm of the rotation, Hodnett couldnt break into the Chicago rotation and is said to hungry to prove his worth. The Reds arnt expected to compete, but this is a team and management that hates to lose.

Chicago Colts
The Colts stayed put for the most part this offseason and are confident that they have the team it takes to win it all and the loss in the series last season was a fluke. With Charlie Geggus back to his ace form the Colts have three great starters when Amost Rusie and Al Orth are included. The hitting is lead by the same machine of Sam Thompson and Fred Clarke; gone in Dummy Hoy and Jimmy Pony Ryan will patrol the outfield and bring some veteran leadership. Jocko Halligan, the high draft pick of the past, is also back with the team. Chicago are the favotires again but are surely in for a big fight.

Brooklyn Bridegrooms
The Bridegrooms let go of their old guard and are ready for a new day. Dan Brouthers is gone and the team is now looking at full recovery and change after a 57 win season. Jesse Burkett is still among the very best hitters in the game but the support is limited. The rotation is a complete rebuilding effort, the Bridegrooms really cant get anyone out and that wont change this year. The memories of the past is all that is left for this proud team.

Boston Beaneaters
Five pennants in a row and the Beaneaters took a step back last season but still were 28 games over .500. With Bob Black and Toad Ramsey still throwing bulletts and even old Bill Sweeney still expected to contribute the key for this staff will be health. Ed Delahanty is back in the middle of the lineup and his swing looks as smooth as ever, Hugh Duffy is another star that is the best leadoff man in the game. There are silent rumors throughout the experts of the game that the Beaneaters should still be considered the team to beat. Chicago and Boston will truly battle in their continued bitter rivalry.

ANSON BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR!



"We couldnt let it end the way it ended"

That was the feeling in Chicago this entire offseason as Cap Anson ended his career after a loss in the World Series. Anson is beloved by the team and the city and everyone wants to see him leave a winner.

This offseason fans, press, and more importantly the front office did their absolute best to convince Anson to come back for one more year in a limited role as the team he has played for since the beginning of his career is among the best teams in the league.

Anson announced through the press this March that he will be back. He is the only player to achieve over 3000 hits and the only remaining player who was active in the inagural baseball season of this most popular sport back in 1871.

"We are just so close to winning" Anson was quoted as saying, "I just couldnt resist giving it another try.

Anson will soon be 45 years old.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

April 1897

Geggus Earns Extension As Colts Come Out Hot

Last season for the Colts is was all about overcoming a dynasty, this season it seems to be about making right what went wrong late last season. What ever the motivation Al Spalding has intilled in his men the 1897 season for Colts has started off and running in a big way.

Chicago won 18 games in the month of April, the most in team history and the emphasis seems to have been swung to the pitching side of things, where the rotation looks sharp. Nig Cuppy joined the rotation at the star of this season and more and more teams around the league are going with bfour starters instead of three. This addition will reduce the workload on the big Colt arms like Charlie Geggus and Al Orth for the pennant run. Cuppy looked good in his three starts going 3-0 with a 3.27 ERA.

Geggus is back to being possibly the most dominant arm in the game as he once again leads the league in strikeouts with 58. Geggus is also 5-1 and shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 35. The team and cirty also believes in the right hander as the team signed a new three year contract with the player. The deal will help Geggus earn just under 3000 dollars a season.

"Im just happy to be staying in Chicago and with this team" said Geggus when the news broke, "to me this is the best baseball city in the country and having played in both leagues I have seen them all."

The Colts are also getting a fine contribution from a name that they hadnt heard in a few years. Jocko Halligan is back with the team in 1897 and is playing like he did back in his rookie season when he was drafted by the club when he was the 7th overall pick. Halligan who has had an assortment of injuries in his career, is batting .358 for the season and is quite happy to be home and playing.



On a sour note for the month, big Sam Thompson did fracture his fibula and will miss six weeks of action trying to recover.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Washington Senators	15	9	.625	-
Philadelphia Athletics	13	11	.542	2.0
Cleveland Spiders	13	11	.542	2.0
Chicago White Sox	13	11	.542	2.0
Louisville Colonels	12	12	.500	3.0
Boston Americans	12	12	.500	3.0
Detroit Tigers	10	14	.417	5.0
Baltimore Orioles	8	16	.333	7.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	18	6	.750	-
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	15	9	.625	3.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	14	10	.583	4.0
St. Louis Browns	13	11	.542	5.0
Boston Beaneaters	10	14	.417	8.0
New York Giants	9	15	.375	9.0
Cincinnati Reds	9	15	.375	9.0
Philadelphia Phillies	8	16	.333	10.0

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Around the League

• Poor Cy Young is having a heck of time getting settled in Detroit. Young has lost all six of his starts for the Tigers despite pitching relatively well (3.86 ERA). Young also lost all our of his game in the preseason and is now a combined 0-10 when he puts on the Tiger uniform.
• Speaking of the Tigers, their star George Van Haltern will miss close to seven weeks due to an ankle injury. Rip as they call him, is a career .328 hitter.
• Piano legs George Gore has announced that he will retire at the end of this season. Gore who is 39 years old has over 1500 hits in his career as well as a World Championship with the Reds in 1883. He has had limited playing time with Louisville this season.
• Charlie Hodnett won his 200th game this month while Sam Thompson smacked his 2000th career hit.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

May 1897

Colts Holding Off Pirates; Rusie May Lose Spot

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a frustrating existance as a baseball team since they became profesional in 1882. The Pirates in fact have had only three winning seasons and no pennants to speak of. The current Pirates team has however emerged as the best contender against the first place Colts from Chicago as they sit only three games back.

The Pirates resurgance happened in the offseason when the team cleared their roster and fired influencial manager Charlie Comiskey. The Pirates brought in the legendary bat of Dan Brouthers and along with star hitter Dusty Miller have a team that can win. Miller especially has come on the scene as a major talent batting a league leading .466 so far with 34 RBI.

The Colts however have continued to win and try to stay in the lead in the National League while star Sam Thompson prepares his return from a broken leg. The Colts lost 13 games in the month but had enough to hold their lead. Manager Al Spalding however has been looking for ways to keep his starting rotation strong, the addition of Nig Cuppy from the bullpen has proven to be a good move, Cuppy has a 6-4 record and a 2.52 ERA. Less to his liking has been starter Amos Rusie who has an ERA near 4 and has struggled at times.

As of this printing Cuppy was still the 4th starter for the team but rumors swirl that Harry Staley may be due to take up his former place in the Chicago rotation. Staley of course was the ace of the staff a few years ago including winning 26 games in 1892.

The pennant races in both leagues look to be as tight as ever going into June. In the Western League the top four teams are seperated by six games and the last place Orioles are only 11 games back.

Who's Hot? SS Hughie Jennings .522, 0 HR Last 6 games Who's Not?

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Charlie Geggus 15 15 8 5 0 2.63 1.19 Rested Starter R Amos Rusie 14 14 6 4 0 3.83 1.39 Rested Starter R Al Orth 14 14 9 3 0 1.97 1.16 Rested Starter R Nig Cuppy 11 10 6 4 0 2.52 1.07 Rested Middle Reliever R John Clarkson 1 0 0 0 0 0.00 1.00 Rested Middle Reliever R Jack Stivetts 3 0 1 0 1 6.43 2.00 Rested Middle Reliever R Nat Hudson 4 0 0 0 1 0.00 1.05 Day-to-Day Setup Reliever R Harry Staley 4 0 2 1 0 0.68 1.35 Rested Setup Reliever R Jack Stivetts 3 0 1 0 1 6.43 2.00 Rested Closer R John Ewing 6 0 3 1 0 1.93 1.39 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 96 R Billy Earle C 45 185 54 4 27 32 12 15 .292 .348 .395 28 S Tub Welch C 15 46 12 0 7 5 11 2 .261 .404 .326

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 93 R Cap Anson 1B 15 50 15 0 11 7 9 1 .300 .407 .320 37 L Jocko Halligan 1B 36 148 59 1 25 24 13 21 .399 .451 .480 99 L Bill Everitt 3B 30 128 38 0 7 21 13 11 .297 .362 .352 82 R Buck Ewing 1B 14 54 12 0 5 8 6 7 .222 .300 .296 27 R Hughie Jennings SS 50 197 70 0 38 37 26 11 .355 .448 .442 36 R Germany Smith SS 44 178 53 0 20 9 11 7 .298 .339 .348 97 S Billy Kinloch 3B 5 20 5 1 3 3 0 1 .250 .250 .550 86 R Win Clark 2B 12 42 6 0 3 2 0 3 .143 .143 .143

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 89 R Jimmy McAleer CF 46 174 45 0 30 20 19 11 .259 .335 .276 69 R Jimmy Ryan LF 40 179 61 3 21 31 13 17 .341 .389 .469 35 L Fred Clarke LF 38 143 52 1 17 31 22 8 .364 .465 .503 15 L Dick Harley LF 7 26 5 0 2 4 4 2 .192 .323 .192 75 S Paul Russell CF 24 102 31 1 12 13 2 6 .304 .324 .402

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Standings

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Cleveland Spiders	33	20	.623	-
Boston Americans	32	21	.604	1.0
Washington Senators	29	24	.547	4.0
Chicago White Sox	27	26	.509	6.0
Philadelphia Athletics	23	30	.434	10.0
Louisville Colonels	23	30	.434	10.0
Detroit Tigers	23	30	.434	10.0
Baltimore Orioles	22	31	.415	11.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	35	18	.660	-
Pittsburgh Pirates	32	21	.604	3.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	30	23	.566	5.0
St. Louis Browns	26	27	.491	9.0
Boston Beaneaters	25	28	.472	10.0
Cincinnati Reds	22	31	.415	13.0
Philadelphia Phillies	21	32	.396	14.0
New York Giants	21	32	.396	14.0

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Sweeney Has Most Wins



With the recent offseason retirement of ace pitcher Tim Keefe, it was only a matter of time before his alltime win record for a pitcher fell by the wayside.

The first man to do it was none other then the consistent arm of Boston's Bill Sweeney. Sweeey has pitched his 16 year career with the Beaneaters and has won just about every award including three World Championships. On the 25th of May against the Reds Sweeney recieved the appreciation from the fans at South End Grounds as he completed the 367th win of his career to become the alltime leader.

The 37 year old hurler may not have a ton of wins left in him, but the appreciation across the league was unanamous. His record in truth likely wont last long as pitchers like Bob Black (328) are making a run at the alltime total.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• Lousiville and Detroit made a deal this month. First baseman Jack Doyle goes to the Tigers while the well travelled Denny Lyons heads to Kentucky. Lyons is a career .302 hitter with 830 RBI for his career.
• The 1897 amatuer draft is set for this June. The top prospects include catcher Frank Chance from Fresno California and right fielder Elmer Flick from Texas. The top arm in the pool is Bill Carrick from Erie Pennsyvania.
• Cy Young of the Detroit Tigers finally won a game after losing 13 straigh decisions. The bad luck right hander still has a depressing record of 1-12.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

June 1897

Chicago Welcomes California Kid

Sometimes its hard to remember, but baseball is played throughout the country including out west even if there is no Major League team west of St. Louis. The Colts proved this fact by drafting their first player who calls California home when they chose catcher Frank Chance.

Chance is a 20 year old handsome kid who they have begin to call "Husk" in the clubhouse. The Colts were quite happy the Chance had dropped to them late in the first round after many teams had not actually been able to see him play since few scouts venture out so far West.

Chance will be playing behind Billy Earle of course who has been a mainstay at the position. Still Chance started one game in the month and went 2-4 while scoring a run; Chance seems to have fit in well and fans are beginning to ask to see him get some more chances.

"They are a bit of a diffrent type coming from out west" said Cap Anson, "But I told the kid I was playing for this team long long before even his mommy and daddy even met."

Chance has made a good friendship with Cubs second baseman Hughie Jennings who is quite an outspoken character himself.

On the field the Colts are preparing for a huge series to open July against the Pirates at the West Side Park. The Pirates caught the Colts and actually passed them for a short while before the Colts ended the month a game up. Pittsburgh is having quite a season and has true aspirtions at their first pennant. Dan Brouthers of course is the new star in town but its also Dusty Miller who is having a dream season. Miller is leading all of baseball with a .427 average.

Injuries also continue to plague Chicago a bit. Bill Everett will miss four weeks due to a bad back and Fred Clarke has missed most of June but is due back soon with a sprained knee.

Jocko Halligan had quite a month that included a 28 game hitting streak. Charlie Geggus also was named pitcher of the month of June, the 11th time in his career he has achieved this.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Americans	52	29	.642	-
Cleveland Spiders	47	34	.580	5.0
Louisville Colonels	40	41	.494	12.0
Washington Senators	39	42	.481	13.0
Chicago White Sox	38	43	.469	14.0
Detroit Tigers	37	44	.457	15.0
Philadelphia Athletics	36	45	.444	16.0
Baltimore Orioles	35	46	.432	17.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	52	29	.642	-
Pittsburgh Pirates	51	30	.630	1.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	42	39	.519	10.0
Boston Beaneaters	42	39	.519	10.0
St. Louis Browns	39	42	.481	13.0
New York Giants	39	42	.481	13.0
Cincinnati Reds	30	51	.370	22.0
Philadelphia Phillies	29	52	.358	23.0

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1887 Draft Results

Round 1, Pick 1 - Philadelphia Athletics: SP Joe Yeager

Round 1, Pick 2 - Cincinnati Reds: RF Elmer Flick

Round 1, Pick 3 - Brooklyn Bridegrooms: CF Tom O'Brien

Round 1, Pick 4 - New York Giants: SP Sam Leever

Round 1, Pick 5 - Chicago White Sox: SP Wiley Piatt

Round 1, Pick 6 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Cowboy Jones

Round 1, Pick 7 - Baltimore Orioles: RF Emmet Heidrick

Round 1, Pick 8 - Louisville Colonels: SP Vic Willis

Round 1, Pick 9 - St. Louis Browns: SP Jay Hughes

Round 1, Pick 10 - Philadelphia Phillies: SP Frank Kitson

Round 1, Pick 11 - Chicago Colts: C Frank Chance

Round 1, Pick 12 - Boston Beaneaters: SP Harry Howell

Round 1, Pick 13 - St. Louis Browns: SP Bill Dinneen

Round 1, Pick 14 - New York Giants: SP Bill Phyle

Round 1, Pick 15 - Cincinnati Reds: SP Jack Taylor

Round 1, Pick 16 - Detroit Tigers: MR Jack Katoll

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• New York young star Honus Wagner will miss the next three weeks with a strained oblique. Wagner has played well this year but the Giants as a team once again have been a huge disapointment with their 39-42 record.
• Monte Cross of the Philadelphia Athletics was suspended by the league for four games after he attaked an umpire after the last out of a game against Washington. Cross felt the umpire was less then fair through the game.
• The Phillies and the Beanaters made a trade this month in hopes to try and improve their fortunes before the season was too old. The Beaneaters sent second baseman Jake Virtue to the Phillies for right fielder Bob Caruthers.
• After starting the season 0-11, Detroit's Cy Young won seven of his last eight starts.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

July 1897

Colts First In Popularity and In the NL

There are good times in Chicago this summer especially if you are a fan of the Nationa League ball club. The Chicago Colts are the trendy thing to follow as the team is playing great baseball, has some great personalities and talent, and are managed by one of the most respected men in Chicago, Al Spalding.

The Colts hammered the Pittsburgh Pirates two out of three games in Pittsburgh towards the end of this month including an emphatic 14-1 win. To end the month the Colts had increased their lead in the division to six games and show no intention of making this a close fight. Fred Clarke leads the team with a .373 average a 55 runs driven in.

The offense with Clarke at the helm is the best in the league. Rookie sensation Frank Clarke is batting .345 and old reliable Cap Anson is at it again with an impressive .325. As a team the Colts batting a league leading .295 and have scored 585 runs.

The pitching has been impressive as well with four men in double digits in wins. Amos Rusie answered the critisism he had heard earlier in the year and stepped in to gain a spot back in the rotation. Rusie filled in for Charlie Geggus who missed a couple of starts due to some sorness. The Colts have the best ERA in the game 2.73 and have allowed the least runs in the league at 438.

And even more joy for the front office is the fact that fans continue to come out in droves. Chicago has had over 235,000 thousands fans come out to the West Side Park, the most fans of any National League team. The cross town rival White Sox also continue to draw well all be it with a completely diffrent demographic. The facts remains however that no city in America has more people watching live baseball.

"Its a great time to live in this thriving city with its rail roads and steel mills and industry." said the mayor recently, "and of course we love our sports teams and the Colts are a class organization lead by Mr. Spalding"

The fans are adored and truly the only thing missing at this point is a world championship, something Chicago hasnt enjoyed in 13 years.

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Charlie Geggus 26 26 14 9 0 2.28 1.11 Rested Starter R Amos Rusie 25 24 12 8 0 3.14 1.34 Rested Starter R Al Orth 29 29 19 8 0 2.36 1.22 Rested Starter R Nig Cuppy 25 24 14 9 0 2.66 1.27 Rested Middle Reliever R John Clarkson 5 0 0 1 1 5.40 1.40 Rested Middle Reliever R Jack Stivetts 7 0 1 0 1 4.38 1.78 Rested Middle Reliever R Nat Hudson 9 0 1 1 4 4.00 1.61 Rested Setup Reliever R Jack Stivetts 7 0 1 0 1 4.38 1.78 Rested Closer R John Ewing 8 0 3 1 1 1.38 1.31 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 96 R Billy Earle C 78 316 89 5 42 52 24 25 .282 .340 .373 33 R Frank Chance C 20 87 30 1 6 20 4 4 .345 .400 .425

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 93 R Cap Anson 1B 54 206 67 0 28 40 34 13 .325 .421 .379 37 L Jocko Halligan 1B 69 281 95 3 40 45 26 34 .338 .398 .438 99 L Bill Everitt 3B 47 201 63 1 16 30 22 14 .313 .384 .388 82 R Buck Ewing 1B 25 100 29 0 10 15 10 11 .290 .355 .390 27 R Hughie Jennings SS 99 392 140 2 70 72 46 17 .357 .444 .462 36 R Germany Smith SS 97 378 97 1 48 34 34 21 .257 .318 .310 97 S Billy Kinloch 3B 13 43 10 1 4 5 1 2 .233 .250 .372 86 R Win Clark 2B 26 97 22 0 9 8 2 10 .227 .242 .289

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 32 L Sam Thompson RF 59 232 67 7 47 38 16 7 .289 .343 .444 69 R Jimmy Ryan LF 67 283 84 3 35 49 29 31 .297 .368 .406 35 L Fred Clarke LF 79 300 112 4 55 64 41 14 .373 .461 .523 89 R Jimmy McAleer CF 65 250 72 0 52 32 24 14 .288 .353 .340 75 S Paul Russell CF 68 270 77 2 30 27 10 22 .285 .313 .378

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Boston Americans	71	38	.651	-
Cleveland Spiders	65	44	.596	6.0
Philadelphia Athletics	56	53	.514	15.0
Washington Senators	52	57	.477	19.0
Chicago White Sox	52	57	.477	19.0
Detroit Tigers	49	60	.450	22.0
Louisville Colonels	47	62	.431	24.0
Baltimore Orioles	44	65	.404	27.0

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	69	40	.633	-
Pittsburgh Pirates	63	46	.578	6.0
New York Giants	58	51	.532	11.0
St. Louis Browns	57	52	.523	12.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	57	52	.523	12.0
Boston Beaneaters	57	52	.523	12.0
Cincinnati Reds	40	69	.367	29.0
Philadelphia Phillies	35	74	.321	34.0

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• Dave Orr the long time star in the game and currently playing first base for the Cleveland Spiders reached a milestone. Orr collected his 2000 hit and is a .329 career hitter.
• The Pittsburgh Pirates try to make a deal to close the gap on the NL leading Chicago Colts. The Pirates traded Jock Menefee for catcher Marty Bergen from the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles are looking to give up salary and the Pirates took advantage of bagging a young talent.
• Cleveland also had another man reach a milestone this month. Thirty four year old hurler Charlie Fergusen (pictured) won his 250th game this month and is 9th on the all time win list.

[Nick Soulis]

BASEBALL MONTHLY

August 1897

World Series Repeat Set

Picking off where they left off in 1896 the Chicago Colts and the Cleveland Blues will battle for the championship of baseball once again. Few can say going into the year that they are suprzied at the two pennant winning sides, but maybe the way especially one of them got there came as a big suprize.

The Boston Americans lead the Western League for most of the season and six full games going into the final month of the season. Boston however lost 11 of 13 games inlcuding a three game sweep at the hands of the Spiders to see their lead evaporate. Cleveland however won 15 of 18 games and turned on their pennant run at the perfect time of year. In the final series of the season however the Americans did sweep the Philadelphia A's on the road while the Spiders took only two out of three from the White Sox and both teams ended the 1897 season with identical 82-50 records.

In only the second one game playoff in history, the two teams faced off at Huntington Avenue Grounds for the claim of the pennant. The game wasnt even close as Charlie Reily drove in four and the Spiders completed their August comeback with an 11-5 clinching win, their fourth pennant in as many years.

The Colts closed things out will less of a commotion, the Colts lead the National League for most of the season except for a small bump in June when they actually lost the lead to the upstart Pitsburgh Pirates. Chicago in fact spent most of the last month of the season celebrating star Cap Anson who is in his final season, even if we have heard him say so before.

"This is definately my last year." says the 45 year old Anson, "I already have plans to see the world and get away from the game for a while."

The World Series itself should be a great one with the Chicago team vowing revenge. Still both teams go into the series with major stars on the injured list and not elgible to play. For Chicago their leader on the infield Hughie Jennings has a badly strained oblique and wont play unless the series goes six or seven games. The Spiders will be missing center fielder Jake Stenzel who has a badly sprained ankle and wont be back at all for the Fall Classic. Steve Brodie will also miss the opening game in Chicago with a leg injury.

Charlie Geggus is set to face Joe Corbett in the opener on August 27th.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Western League Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Cleveland Spiders	83	50	.624	-
Boston Americans	82	51	.617	1.0
Chicago White Sox	68	64	.515	14.5
Philadelphia Athletics	67	65	.508	15.5
Washington Senators	64	68	.485	18.5
Detroit Tigers	57	75	.432	25.5
Louisville Colonels	56	76	.424	26.5
Baltimore Orioles	52	80	.394	30.5

National League 1 Standings
	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Colts	83	49	.629	-
Pittsburgh Pirates	73	59	.553	10.0
Boston Beaneaters	71	61	.538	12.0
St. Louis Browns	70	62	.530	13.0
New York Giants	70	62	.530	13.0
Brooklyn Bridegrooms	65	67	.492	18.0
Cincinnati Reds	51	81	.386	32.0
Philadelphia Phillies	45	87	.341	38.0

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
League Notes

• Dusty Miller of the Pittsburgh Pirates was the only hitter to bat over .400 for the season and he did it with ease finishing with a .420 average. Miller had the 5th highest average in league history.
• Willie Keeler now has the highest career batting average in the game's history with an incredible .378 mark over his seven year career.
• Bob Black of the Boston Beaneaters has become the only player in league history with over 3000 strikeouts.
• A recent call by former players and league media members to consider Ross Barnes and Cy Bentley more seriously for the Hall of Fame. The two players were among the first major stars of the league but didnt compile the same numbers are others becausse for numerous years the season's were much shorter then the current format. Barnes is a .342 career hitter while Bentley won 326 games.