Baseball from 1871

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The Baseball Times
May 22nd, 1897

Jocko Fields Goes 5-for-5 in Roughnecks’ Dominant 17-2 Win Over Cardinals



Jocko Fields had a performance for the ages today, going 5-for-5 and leading the St. Louis Roughnecks to a resounding 17-2 victory over the Chicago Cardinals at Roughnecks Field. Fields was in complete control at the plate, showing impressive patience and discipline throughout the game.

"He was patient up there," St. Louis manager Billy Arnold commented after the game. "I like the way he waited for his pitch and wasn’t overly aggressive. Fields has a tendency to chase bad balls sometimes."

Fields’ perfect day included a single in the 1st, an RBI triple in the 2nd, a walk in the 4th, a three-run home run off Kid Nichols in the 5th, and two more singles in the 6th and 8th innings. This season, Fields is hitting .273 with 2 home runs, continuing to be a key contributor to the Roughnecks' offense.

Farmer Weaver to Miss 10 Days with Herniated Disc



The Louisville Captains will be without outfielder Farmer Weaver for approximately 10 days after he suffered a herniated disc during the team’s 9-3 loss to the Cleveland Royals today. Weaver will be placed on the injured reserve list as he recovers from the injury.

Weaver has been a consistent performer for the Captains this season, starting in 36 games and posting a .326 batting average with 25 runs and 7 RBIs. His absence will be felt as the Captains look to make do without one of their regulars for the next week and a half.

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The Baseball Times
May 23rd, 1897

Charlie Dexter Racks Up 5 Hits in Thunder's 13-9 Victory Over Bears



Charlie Dexter put on a hitting display for the ages today, going 5-for-6 in leading the Philadelphia Thunder to a 13-9 win over the Boston Bears at Bears Field. The 21-year-old center fielder collected five RBI singles in his extraordinary performance, each one helping to drive in a run and extend the Thunder's lead throughout the game.

Boston manager Hank Stine gave credit where it was due after the game. “Dexter deserves a hat-tip,” he said. “He hit some good pitches against us. In fact, according to our scouting reports, Dexter hit several that he is not supposed to be able to hit.”

Dexter’s solid performance brings his season average to .316 with no home runs, 30 RBIs, and 18 runs scored as he continues to be a key contributor to the Thunder's offense.

Billy Lush Hits Five Times, But Bears Fall 13-9 to Thunder



Billy Lush put together a remarkable 5-hit performance, but it wasn’t enough to help the Boston Bears avoid a 13-9 loss to the Philadelphia Thunder. Lush, who went 5-for-6 in the game, expressed his frustration after the loss, stating, “Not much I can say. I got a bunch of hits, but it would have been much better to get a win. Can I trade 5 hits for the win?”

Lush’s hits included an RBI double in the 2nd, an RBI single in the 5th, two singles, and a double in the 8th inning. Despite his efforts, the Bears fell short in the high-scoring game.

On the season, Lush is hitting .311 with a .412 on-base percentage, 17 RBIs, and 34 runs scored, continuing to be a steady presence in the Bears’ lineup.

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The Baseball Times
May 24th, 1897

Jerry Nops Shuts Down Rebels in 6-0 Win for Washington



The Washington Americans handed the Boston Rebels a tough defeat today, with 22-year-old pitcher Jerry Nops throwing a dominant 8-hit shutout to lead his team to a 6-0 victory. Nops was in control throughout the game, striking out 3 and walking 2 in his complete-game effort.

For the Rebels, Nops’ performance is one they won’t soon forget, as the right-hander’s stellar outing ensured they won't see him on the mound again for a while.

This season, Nops has been solid for the Americans, boasting a 7-4 record with a 4.71 ERA through 11 starts. His impressive performance today further solidifies his place as a reliable arm in Washington's rotation.

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The Baseball Times
May 30th, 1897

Pete Dowling Dominates on Mound in Rebels' 4-0 Shutout Victory Over Barons



Pete Dowling was in top form today, leading the Boston Rebels to a 4-0 shutout victory over the Baltimore Barons. The right-handed pitcher limited the Barons to just 7 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1 in a complete-game performance.

Despite a few opportunities to break through, the Barons were unable to figure out Dowling, who overpowered batters with his fastball and baffled them with sharp breaking pitches. "We had our shot at him a couple of different times," said Baltimore manager Andy Leonard. "We just weren't able to get to him."

Dowling's solid outing adds to his impressive season, where he now holds a 6-4 record with a 4.43 ERA in 10 starts. With 20 strikeouts in 81.1 innings, he continues to be a key figure in the Rebels' rotation.

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The Baseball Times
May 31st, 1897

Frank Scheibeck to Miss Time with Back Injury



St. Louis Sox third baseman Frank Scheibeck will be sidelined for a while after straining his back during today's 9-2 loss to the Washington Americans. The injury has been diagnosed as day-to-day, but Scheibeck has been placed on the injured reserve for the mandatory minimum 10-day period.

This season, Scheibeck has been a key contributor for the Sox, posting a .341 batting average in 44 starts. He has scored 40 runs and driven in 19 RBIs, helping lead the St. Louis offense. His absence will certainly be felt as the Sox look to fill the void left by his injury.

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The Baseball Times
June 1st, 1897

Conference Leaders Taking Shape as Season Hits Two-Month Mark

After two months of play in the Professional Baseball Association, the standings in the American and National Conferences show a clear difference in the potential contenders.

In the American Conference, the Columbus Bandits have surged ahead with a dominant performance, holding an 8-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in second place. Their explosive batting has been key to their success as they continue to separate themselves from the competition.

Meanwhile, the National Conference remains much tighter, with the Cincinnati Wildcats holding a slim 2-game lead over the Philadelphia Thunder. The competition is fierce, and the race for the top spot is expected to continue into the summer months.

Bill Dahlen Named American Conference Batter of the Month



Milwaukee Bucks' standout Bill Dahlen has been awarded the American Conference Batter of the Month honor for his exceptional performance throughout May. Dahlen, 28, put together an impressive month, batting .348 with 5 home runs, 27 RBIs, and 21 runs scored in 23 games.

"I've been around Professional Baseball Association long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," Dahlen remarked. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I might not take the field, and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month."

For the season, Dahlen is hitting .339 with a .410 on-base percentage, 60 hits, 7 home runs, and 47 RBIs.

Honus Wagner Wins National Conference Batter of the Month



Rookie first baseman Honus Wagner of the Boston Bears has been named the National Conference Batter of the Month for his stellar performance throughout May. The 24-year-old Wagner made an immediate impact with a .420 batting average, 4 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 26 runs scored in the month of May.

Wagner's outstanding month has pushed his season total to a .388 average with 7 home runs, solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest young stars in the league.

Standings

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Southern Association


Empire State League


New England Baseball League


Old North State League

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The Baseball Times
June 1st, 1897

Bill Wise Shines in Shutout Victory Over St. Louis



Bill Wise showcased an exceptional pitching performance on Monday as the Pittsburgh Predators triumphed over the St. Louis Roughnecks with a decisive 7-0 shutout. Wise limited the Roughnecks to just six hits over nine innings, giving up no walks and recording one strikeout.

Despite allowing runners on base, Wise proved his resilience by escaping potential scoring threats throughout the game. “Bill is good at getting out of jams,” Predators manager Norm Brooks commented post-game. “He’s almost more effective when he gets guys on base or gets behind in the count, because he uses your aggressiveness against you.”

This standout performance adds to Wise’s season record, which now includes 6 wins and 6 losses over 13 starts. He has maintained an ERA of 3.36, striking out 35 batters across 107 innings pitched.

The victory against the Roughnecks further solidifies Wise’s reputation as a strategic and resilient pitcher capable of controlling the pace of the game and keeping opposing hitters at bay.

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The Baseball Times
June 3rd, 1897

Matt Kilroy Dominates in Cincinnati’s Shutout Win Over Philadelphia



The Philadelphia Thunder were unable to crack the code against Cincinnati Wildcats’ ace Matt Kilroy, who delivered an impressive 5-hit shutout to secure a 4-0 victory. Kilroy’s commanding performance featured four strikeouts and only one walk, leaving the Thunder batters searching for answers throughout the game.

“He just worked us over,” Philadelphia manager Jared Juarez remarked post-game. “He probably didn’t even need a shower after the game — he barely worked up a sweat.”

Kilroy’s win added to his strong season record, now standing at 9 wins and 3 losses over 12 starts. He maintains an ERA of 3.21, having allowed 108 hits over 103.2 innings pitched. With 50 strikeouts and 33 walks issued so far, opposing teams have collectively managed a .256 batting average against him.

Lady Baldwin Suffers Setback with Back Spasms



In a further blow to the Philadelphia Thunder, pitcher Lady Baldwin exited the 4-0 loss to the Cincinnati Wildcats with recurring back spasms. This latest injury will keep Baldwin sidelined for an estimated five weeks, continuing an already difficult season marked by physical setbacks.

This year, Baldwin has posted a 3-3 record with an ERA of 4.76. The Thunder will now need to navigate the upcoming weeks without him as they seek to stay competitive in the league.

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The Baseball Times
June 4th, 1897

Scott Stratton Leads Baltimore to Shutout Victory Over Cleveland



Scott Stratton delivered an impressive performance at Barons Park, pitching a 7-hit shutout to lead the Baltimore Barons to a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Royals. Stratton’s strong outing featured four strikeouts and just one walk, effectively stifling Cleveland’s offense throughout the game.

Despite his struggles earlier in the season, Stratton’s display of skill against the Royals adds a highlight to his record. This season, Stratton has accumulated a 3-9 mark and holds an ERA of 5.59.

Harry Blake Sidelined After Injury in Pittsburgh’s Win



In a high-scoring 21-14 triumph over the Chicago Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Predators’ center fielder Harry Blake sustained a significant injury. Diagnosed with a herniated disc in his back, Blake is expected to miss 6-7 weeks of play.

Blake’s absence will be a challenge for Pittsburgh as they continue their season. Over 47 starts this year, Blake has posted a batting average of .228, contributing 19 runs and 16 RBIs to the Predators’ efforts.

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The Baseball Times
June 5th, 1897

Denny Lyons Shines in 5-Hit Performance, But Pittsburgh Falls Short



It was a day filled with offensive fireworks at Predators Grounds, but despite an extraordinary effort from Denny Lyons, the Pittsburgh Predators were unable to secure victory over the visiting Chicago Cardinals. Lyons put on a masterclass at the plate, going 5-for-6, yet the Predators fell in an 11-9 defeat.

“I don't want to sound ungrateful, but something is missing here,” Lyons expressed after the game. “When you have a great game you should win the game, too.”

Lyons’ impressive outing included singles in the 1st and 3rd innings, a three-run home run off John Clarkson in the 4th, a two-run single in the 6th, and a solo home run off Sam Leever in the 8th. His only blemish came in the 11th inning, where he flied out.

“Denny played a whale of a game, but sometimes individual brilliance is not enough,” Pittsburgh manager Norm Brooks commented to reporters.

Despite the loss, Lyons' season continues to be remarkable. He is currently batting .439, with 66 RBIs, 56 runs scored, and 10 home runs.

The Predators will look to regroup and build on Lyons’ stellar performance as they move forward in their campaign.

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The Baseball Times
June 7th, 1897

Bucks Beat Washington Americans 11-1



The Milwaukee Bucks cruised to an easy 11-1 win over the Washington Americans at Washington Stadium. The standout performance of the game came from shortstop Jim Canavan, who went 5-for-6 at the plate.

Canavan’s day included a triple in the 3rd inning, a two-run double in the 4th, and two RBI singles in the 7th and 9th innings, along with a single in the 6th. He grounded out in his first at-bat.

"I don't know what to call that," Canavan said after the game. "I'm not 'dialed in' or 'in a zone,' I just try to keep it simple. The pitcher throws the ball, I try to pick up the spin, and today I did pretty well with that."

Canavan is currently batting .272 with 3 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 40 runs scored. He has 58 hits in 213 at-bats so far this season.

With the win, the Bucks continue to show strong offensive form as they move forward in the season.

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The Baseball Times
June 8th, 1897

Kilroy Shuts Down Roughnecks in 5-0 Win



Matt Kilroy was nearly untouchable in today’s game, tossing a complete-game shutout to lead the Cincinnati Wildcats to a 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Roughnecks. Kilroy allowed just 2 hits in the contest, striking out 1 batter while walking none.

The Wildcats’ ace continues to impress this season, improving his record to 10-3 with a 2.96 ERA. Through 112.2 innings of work, he has struck out 51 batters and held opponents to a .244 batting average. Kilroy’s performance was a key factor in his team’s dominant win.

Sparks Leads Cardinals to 3-0 Shutout



Tully Sparks delivered a stellar performance on the mound, guiding the Chicago Cardinals to a 3-0 win over the New York Saints. The right-hander threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just 2 hits while striking out 4 and issuing 3 walks.

"I had good balance and mechanics today, and that helped me keep the ball down," Sparks said after the game. "When I do that, good things happen."

With the victory, Sparks improves his record to 5-4 on the season. His ERA stands at 5.32 after today’s dominant outing.

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The Baseball Times
June 9th, 1897

Stivetts' Perfect Day Leads Bucks to 8-6 Win Over Washington



Jack Stivetts delivered a flawless performance at the plate, going 5-for-5 to help the Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Washington Americans 8-6 at Washington Stadium. Stivetts’ hitting barrage was the highlight of the game, as he played a key role in the Bucks' victory.

Stivetts' hits included a single in the 1st, another single in the 3rd, an RBI double in the 4th, a double in the 7th, and yet another single in the 8th inning. His perfect day at the plate was a key factor in the Bucks' success.

So far this season, Stivetts is hitting .272 with no home runs, 28 RBIs, and 35 runs scored. His strong performance today helped propel the Bucks to another important win on the road.

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The Baseball Times
June 13th, 1897

Morris Out for the Season Due to Elbow Injury



The Milwaukee Bucks received tough news today as starting pitcher Ed Morris was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury. Morris suffered a stretched elbow ligament while pitching against the Boston Rebels and will be sidelined for at least 10-11 months.

The loss is a significant blow to the Bucks, as Morris has been a key contributor to the team’s pitching staff. This season, he posted a 9-5 record with a 3.28 ERA over 14 starts. In 123.1 innings of work, he struck out 32 batters. The Bucks will now have to find a way to fill the void left by the injury.

Browning’s Streak Hits 20 Games Despite Loss



Pete Browning’s impressive hitting streak continues, now at 20 games, despite the Barons' 7-6 loss to the Washington Americans. Browning went 2-for-5 in today’s contest, maintaining his hot bat with a single in the 1st and 4th innings.

"I'm trying not to think about it much," Browning said after the game. "I don't want to mess with whatever zone I'm in."

Browning’s .408 batting average this season has been one of the standout individual performances in the league. In 152 at-bats, he has accumulated 62 hits, 1 home run, 23 RBIs, and 34 runs scored. He has played in 38 games so far this season.

Wiedman Shuts Down Roughnecks in 3-0 Victory



Stump Wiedman had a stellar outing today, pitching the Brooklyn Hitmen to a 3-0 shutout victory over the St. Louis Roughnecks. Wiedman held the Roughnecks to just 5 hits, striking out 1 and walking 2.

"It was a nice win in a long season," Wiedman said after the game. "I don't want to dwell too much on it."

The win was a bright spot for Wiedman, who is working his way back from a 9-month injury layoff. With 3 starts and 1 relief appearance this season, Wiedman holds a 1-2 record with a 7.17 ERA. Despite the rough start to his comeback, today's shutout performance will certainly boost his confidence moving forward.

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The Baseball Times
June 15th, 1897

Dorr Shuts Out Wildcats in 7-0 Victory



Bert Dorr delivered a dominant performance on the mound, shutting out the Cincinnati Wildcats 7-0 in a complete-game victory for the Brooklyn Hitmen. Dorr allowed 15 hits but issued just 1 walk and struck out 2 batters in the contest.

Cincinnati manager Malachi Beacham was quick to praise Dorr after the game. "We didn't have good at-bats," Beacham said. "I don't make excuses, but when we were playing the game, our energy didn't show. That comes from either extremely good pitching or extremely lousy hitting, and seeing as our team has a bunch of good hitters, I have to tip my cap to Dorr."

So far this season, Dorr has a 9-6 record with a 4.01 ERA. In 128 innings pitched, he has given up 154 hits and struck out 30 batters.

Foreman Leads Roughnecks to 4-0 Shutout of Thunder



Frank Foreman was on top of his game as the St. Louis Roughnecks defeated the Philadelphia Thunder 4-0. Foreman threw a 6-hit shutout, keeping the Thunder’s offense at bay throughout the contest.

The win marked Foreman’s 6th victory of the season, as he improves his record to 6-7 with a 3.87 ERA.

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The Baseball Times
June 16th, 1897

Inks Shuts Out Rebels in 2-0 Victory



Bert Inks turned in a stellar performance on the mound today, leading the Cleveland Royals to a 2-0 win over the Boston Rebels. Inks threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just 5 hits while striking out 2 batters and issuing 3 walks.

"He just came out and was on the attack from the first pitch he threw," said Cleveland manager Al Barker after the game. "When Bert stays ahead in the count, he does well. That's the key."

With the victory, Inks improves to a perfect 4-0 on the season with a remarkable 0.90 ERA. In 40 innings pitched, he has recorded 8 strikeouts.

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The Baseball Times
June 17th, 1897

Wallace Shuts Out Captains in 1-0 Victory



Bobby Wallace delivered a masterful pitching performance today, tossing a complete-game shutout to lead the Washington Americans to a 1-0 victory over the Louisville Captains. Wallace allowed just 6 hits while striking out 3 batters and walking none.

"We didn't hit well," said Captains manager John Carbine. "Hopefully we shake this off and bounce back tomorrow."

Washington manager Jack Chapman praised Wallace's effort, saying, "Bobby made pitches when he had to. He hit his spots and did a great job of mixing in his changeup and using his fastball effectively."

Wallace now has an 8-8 record in 15 starts this season, with a 4.10 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 129.2 innings.

Halligan's 5-Hit Performance Lifts Baltimore to 6-5 Win Over Bucks



Jocko Halligan was the star for Baltimore today, collecting 5 hits in the Barons' 6-5 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Halligan singled in the 1st, hit a two-run double in the 3rd, and added three more singles in the 5th, 7th, and 10th innings.

"Things were in his favor in every one of his at-bats," said Bucks manager Franklin Lang. "He got hitters' counts."

Halligan himself acknowledged the importance of getting ahead in the count. "Once you get ahead, it makes it a lot easier because you get a better pitch to hit," he explained.

Halligan is batting .340 this season, with no home runs and 31 RBIs.

Sweeney Dominates Wildcats in 5-0 Shutout



Charlie Sweeney had an outstanding outing today, throwing a 5-0 shutout to lead the Brooklyn Hitmen past the Cincinnati Wildcats. Sweeney baffled the Wildcats with a mix of fastballs and changeups, allowing just 4 hits while walking 1 batter and not recording any strikeouts.

Cincinnati manager Malachi Beacham summed up the performance, saying, "I think every time we were looking for a fastball, he threw a changeup, and every time we were looking for a changeup, he threw a fastball."

Sweeney improves to 8-7 on the season, with a 3.91 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 115 innings.

Browning's 22-Game Hitting Streak Snapped in Loss to Baltimore



Baltimore defeated Milwaukee 6-5 today, but the game also saw the end of Pete Browning’s 22-game hitting streak. The Bucks held Browning hitless in 4 at-bats, snapping his impressive run.

"I enjoyed the streak," Browning said after the game. "It's great in one way, but the day-to-day pressure to keep it going can be tough to handle, too. The main thing is we got the win today. That's all that really counts."

Browning is still hitting .396 this season, with 1 home run, 24 RBIs, and a .474 on-base percentage.

Bill Wise Earns Historic 250th Career Win



Bill Wise made history today, securing his 250th career win with a 7-5 victory over the New York Saints at Predators Grounds. Wise pitched 9 innings, giving up 5 runs on 15 hits, and added 3 strikeouts with 1 walk.

"Wow! This is a select group of pitchers. I am honored and thrilled to be in it," said the 37-year-old Wise after the game. "I never dreamed of winning this many games."

In his illustrious career, Wise has thrown 4653 innings, recording 1895 strikeouts, 1212 walks, and a 3.38 ERA. His career record now stands at 250-288, with opposing teams batting .252 against him.

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The Baseball Times
June 19th, 1897

Mack Extends Hitting Streak to 20, But Americans Fall to Rebels



Reddy Mack extended his impressive hitting streak to 20 consecutive games today, collecting a hit in 4 at-bats during the Washington Americans' 9-5 loss to the Boston Rebels at Boston Fields.

Mack’s streak continues as he singled in the 7th inning, though his team's defeat put a damper on his individual accomplishment. "Hey, the streak is great—I hope it never ends," Mack said after the game. "But I'm not happy to lose the game."

In addition to his single, Mack flied out in the 1st, grounded out in the 2nd, walked in the 4th, and grounded out again in the 8th.

This season, Mack is hitting .320 with 15 RBIs, 47 runs scored, and a .409 on-base percentage. He has accumulated 78 hits in 244 at-bats over 58 games, and has drawn 34 walks. Despite his strong personal performance, the Americans couldn't secure a victory in today’s matchup.

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The Baseball Times
June 20th, 1897

Clarkson Shuts Down Roughnecks in 5-0 Victory



John Clarkson delivered a stellar performance on the mound today, tossing a complete-game shutout to lead the Chicago Cardinals to a 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Roughnecks. Clarkson limited the Roughnecks to just 5 hits and issued 1 walk, while striking out 2 batters in the impressive outing.

"It was just one of those games where everything went right. I threw a lot of strikes," Clarkson said after the game. "And the pitches they did get to hit, they didn't do anything with them."

Despite his strong showing today, Clarkson's season record now stands at 3-7 with a 7.27 ERA. He has made 12 starts and pitched 78 innings, striking out 17 batters so far this season.