Baseball from 1871

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The Baseball Times
July 20, 1898

Flynn Shuts Out Royals in Rebels’ 1-0 Victory



Jocko Flynn of the Boston Rebels was in top form today, tossing a two-hit shutout to lead his team to a 1-0 win over the Cleveland Royals at Cleveland Grounds. The Royals were unable to mount any offense against Flynn, who struck out 3 and walked 2 in the dominant performance.

"It just felt right today," Flynn said after the game. "Even with the rain, it didn’t throw me off my rhythm."

This win marks Flynn's 9th of the season, and his strong outing helped improve his season record to 9-13 with a solid 3.31 ERA.

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The Baseball Times
July 22, 1898

Cincinnati Wildcats Acquire Van Haltren from St. Louis Roughnecks



In a move to strengthen their lineup, Cincinnati Wildcats general manager Rob Peterson has confirmed the acquisition of 33-year-old right fielder George Van Haltren from the St. Louis Roughnecks. The deal will see the Wildcats send 24-year-old minor league left fielder Spike Shannon and 21-year-old minor league left-handed pitcher War Sanders to St. Louis.

Van Haltren has had a solid season thus far, posting a .259 batting average with 77 hits in 297 at-bats. He has 1 home run, 23 RBIs, and 41 runs scored. Van Haltren also brings a .320 on-base percentage to the Wildcats, offering veteran experience to their outfield.

Billy Earle’s Injury Woes Continue After Setback Against Bandits



Billy Earle's injury-plagued season took another turn for the worse today as the St. Louis Sox center fielder strained his back in only his second game back from a previous injury. Earle sustained the injury during the Sox's 5-2 loss to the Columbus Bandits and is expected to miss 3 to 4 weeks.

Despite the setbacks, Earle has been productive when healthy this season, batting .284 with 35 runs scored and 24 RBIs.

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The Baseball Times
July 24, 1898

Jim Gardner Shuts Down Cleveland in 2-0 Victory for Baltimore



Baltimore Barons pitcher Jim Gardner put on a dominant performance today, shutting out the Cleveland Royals in a 2-0 victory. Gardner held Cleveland to just 5 hits, fanning 2 batters while keeping the Royals’ offense off balance throughout the game.

With the win, Gardner improved his season record to 11-9. He has posted an impressive 2.78 ERA over 21 starts.

Nap Lajoie’s Historic 5-for-5 Performance Powers Wildcats Past Predators



In a game that will surely be remembered for years to come, Nap Lajoie of the Cincinnati Wildcats went a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, leading his team to a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Predators. The 24-year-old first baseman’s offensive outburst included an RBI single, two-run doubles in both the 7th and 8th innings, and two more singles, showcasing his ability to hit in a variety of situations.

Pittsburgh manager Norm Brooks was quick to credit Lajoie’s performance, saying, "Lajoie deserves a hat-tip. He hit some good pitches against us, and according to our scouting reports, he hit several that he’s not supposed to be able to hit."

This remarkable performance adds to Lajoie’s already outstanding season. He’s batting an incredible .418 with 152 hits, 9 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 82 runs scored through 85 games. His .450 on-base percentage highlights his ability to get on base in nearly every plate appearance.

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The Baseball Times
July 25, 1898

Roughnecks Lose George Gillpatrick to Injury in 19-5 Win Over Saints



The St. Louis Roughnecks celebrated a dominant 19-5 victory over the New York Saints today, but the win was bittersweet. The team will be without starting pitcher George Gillpatrick for the next several weeks due to an oblique strain he suffered during the game.

Gillpatrick, who has been struggling this season with a 6-10 record and a 4.68 ERA, will miss approximately 6 weeks of action. His injury is a blow to the Roughnecks’ pitching staff, as they now must find a way to replace his presence in the rotation during his recovery.

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The Baseball Times
July 26, 1898

Wallace Shuts Down Rebels in 6-0 Victory



Bobby Wallace of the Washington Americans turned in a dominant performance today, pitching a complete-game shutout over the Boston Rebels at Boston Fields. Wallace allowed only 5 hits, striking out 4 and walking 4, as he led the Americans to a 6-0 victory.

"I felt great out there," said Wallace following the game. "After the second or third inning, I got real comfortable. Hopefully, this is a building block for me. I'd love a few more starts like this."

The win improves Wallace’s record to 7-7 on the season, and his pitching performance may mark the beginning of a strong second half for the veteran. Wallace has also been contributing with the bat, boasting a .310 average with 35 hits, 2 home runs, and 31 RBIs.

Kilroy Dominates Predators in 2-0 Shutout



Matt Kilroy of the Cincinnati Wildcats continued his stellar season with a 2-0 shutout over the Pittsburgh Predators today. Kilroy limited the Predators to just 6 hits, while registering 3 strikeouts and 2 walks in the complete-game effort.

"When he's locating his pitches, he becomes unpredictable," Wildcats manager Malachi Beacham commented. "He had Pittsburgh guessing the entire game."

Kilroy’s performance improves his record to 13-9 for the season, with a 3.14 ERA across 166 innings. Opponents are hitting just .260 against him, and the right-hander has struck out 54 batters so far in 1898. With performances like this, Kilroy remains one of the top pitchers in the league.

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The Baseball Times
July 27, 1898

Frank Scheibeck to Miss Time with Back Injury



St. Louis Sox third baseman Frank Scheibeck will be sidelined for the next 3-4 weeks due to a herniated disc in his back. Scheibeck suffered the injury during the Sox’s 6-3 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks today.

This marks a tough blow for the Sox, as Scheibeck has been a consistent contributor at the plate. The 29-year-old has been hitting a solid .319 this season, with 73 runs and 36 RBIs to his name.

The Sox will now look to fill the gap in their lineup while Scheibeck recovers from this injury. His absence will be felt as St. Louis pushes forward in the tight National Conference standings.

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The Baseball Times
July 29, 1898

Jackie Hayes Out for the Season with Knee Injury



The Louisville Captains have announced that first baseman Jackie Hayes will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn posterior cruciate ligament. Hayes suffered the injury while running the bases in a recent game against the Washington Americans. Team doctors have stated that the recovery process will take at least 8 months, effectively ending his 1898 campaign.

Hayes had been a reliable presence for the Captains, posting a .282 batting average, with 1 home run and 52 RBIs. His injury comes as a significant blow to the team, as they will now have to fill the void left by the 27-year-old’s absence for the remainder of the year.

With the playoffs still in sight, the Captains will need to adjust their lineup as they try to keep their postseason hopes alive without Hayes’ bat in the lineup.

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The Baseball Times
July 30, 1898

Lee Viau Shuts Down Wildcats in 12-0 Victory



Philadelphia Thunder pitcher Lee Viau was on top of his game today, leading his team to a dominant 12-0 victory over the Cincinnati Wildcats. Viau tossed a complete game, holding the Wildcats to just 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 1. His control was sharp throughout the outing, as he dominated the Cincinnati lineup.

"Everything felt right today," Viau said following the game.

With the win, Viau improved his season record to 12-10. In 23 starts, he has thrown 189.2 innings, with 50 strikeouts and an impressive 2.42 ERA. The performance was a key part of the Thunder's effort to stay in the race for the National Conference title.

Wildcats Lose Tuck Turner to Injury



The Cincinnati Wildcats’ push for the National Conference title took a hit today as they lost left fielder Tuck Turner to injury. Turner, who has been a key contributor to the team this season, was hurt during the game against the Thunder and will be sidelined for at least 10 days with a sore back.

Turner, who has started 90 games this season, is hitting .339 with 57 runs and 56 RBIs. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in the Wildcats’ lineup as they attempt to maintain their momentum in the playoff race.

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The Baseball Times
August 1, 1898

July Sees Conference Leads Shrink

The month of July proved to be a challenging one for the leaders in both the American and National Conferences of the Professional Baseball Association. In the American Conference, the Louisville Captains, who had once enjoyed a comfortable 6-game lead, saw their advantage evaporate. The Milwaukee Bucks now hold a slender 1-game lead over the Captains, tightening the race for the top spot.

Meanwhile, in the National Conference, the Brooklyn Hitmen managed to hold onto their lead, but their cushion has dwindled from 6 games to just 3, as the Cincinnati Wildcats have been closing the gap and challenging for the lead. The month of July has set up an exciting finish for both conferences as teams look to make a late push for playoff positions.

Elmer Flick Named American Conference Batter of the Month



At just 23 years old, Elmer Flick is already making a name for himself in the Professional Baseball Association, and his stellar performance in July earned him the American Conference Batter of the Month award.

Flick enjoyed a breakout month, batting .345 with 3 home runs, 18 RBIs, and 22 runs scored. His strong play has contributed to his season totals of a .340 average, 13 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 63 runs scored. With such impressive numbers, Flick has cemented his status as one of the league’s rising stars.

Nap Lajoie Earns Third Straight Batter of the Month Award



Cincinnati Wildcats first baseman Nap Lajoie has continued his dominant performance at the plate, earning the National Conference Batter of the Month award for the third consecutive month.

In July, Lajoie posted an exceptional .434 batting average, adding 1 home run, 20 RBIs, and 23 runs scored. His .462 on-base percentage also highlighted his ability to get on base and contribute to his team's offense.

Lajoie’s remarkable season continues, with a .410 average through 91 games, 159 hits, 10 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 87 runs scored. His consistent production has made him one of the most dangerous hitters 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
August 1st, 1898

Van Haltren Sidelined After Injury



Cincinnati Wildcats outfielder George Van Haltren will miss two weeks of play following a back strain sustained during today’s 6-2 loss to the Philadelphia Thunder. Van Haltren, a recent addition to the Wildcats roster, suffered the injury while on the field, marking a setback for the team as they navigate the season.

Van Haltren, who joined the Wildcats on July 22 via trade, has been a steady contributor this season. His current batting average stands at .274, with 1 home run, 46 runs, and 28 RBIs. The Wildcats will have to adjust their lineup during his recovery as they look to bounce back from today’s defeat.

Team officials are optimistic about his return in two weeks and anticipate his continued impact as they push toward the later stages of the season.

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The Baseball Times
August 3rd, 1898

Brooklyn’s Lefty Marr Announces Retirement



The Brooklyn Hitmen confirmed today that their veteran catcher, Lefty Marr, will hang up his cleats at the conclusion of this season. Marr, a stalwart presence behind the plate, has decided to retire after a storied career spanning nearly 15 years.

Over his career, Marr has amassed 1,452 hits with a .270 batting average, 799 runs scored, 8 home runs, and 789 RBIs. He began his professional journey in 1884 with the Providence Islanders before being traded to the Hitmen during the offseason between 1886 and 1887.

Marr’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the game, and his presence will surely be missed both on the field and in the clubhouse.

Noodles Hahn Dominates in Shutout Victory



Louisville Captains ace Noodles Hahn delivered a masterful performance yesterday, silencing the St. Louis Sox with a four-hit shutout in a 2-0 victory.

“I had my good stuff, and it went where I wanted it to go,” Hahn told BNN reporters following the game.

The left-hander struck out two, issued no walks, and kept the Sox hitters in check throughout the contest. This win adds to Hahn’s impressive season record of 19-3 in 24 starts. Over 232.1 innings pitched, he has allowed 217 hits, struck out 100 batters, and posted an exceptional 2.44 ERA.

Hahn continues to solidify his reputation as one of the league’s most dominant pitchers, keeping the Captains firmly in contention.

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The Baseball Times
August 5th, 1898

Stratton Shines in Boston Shutout



Baltimore Barons pitcher Scott Stratton delivered a stellar performance yesterday, blanking the Boston Rebels 3-0 at Boston Fields. Stratton allowed just two hits over the course of the game, striking out two and walking four in the victory.

This strong outing brings Stratton’s season record to 12-12. Over 201 innings pitched, he has struck out 57 batters while maintaining a respectable 3.13 ERA.

Wallace Dominates Royals with Five-Hit Shutout



Bobby Wallace of the Washington Americans was in complete control yesterday, leading his team to a 5-0 victory over the Cleveland Royals at Cleveland Grounds. Wallace scattered five hits over nine innings, striking out one and walking three in a masterful performance.

“It was just one of those games where everything went right. I threw a lot of strikes,” Wallace said postgame. “And the pitches they did get to hit, they didn’t do anything with them.”

Wallace’s prowess isn’t limited to the mound—offensively, he is hitting .309 this season with 2 home runs, 33 RBIs, 19 runs scored, and an impressive .388 on-base percentage.

Wagner Goes 5-for-6 in Losing Effort



Boston Bears first baseman Honus Wagner showcased his batting skills in a thrilling 7-6 loss to the Cincinnati Wildcats at Wildcats Field. Wagner went 5-for-6, driving in four runs, including a two-run triple in the 7th inning.

Despite Wagner’s remarkable performance, the Bears fell short, leaving Wagner to reflect on the bittersweet outcome. “The loss takes some of the joy out of it, but I’ll take it. 5-for-6 ain’t bad in any league,” he said.

Manager George Derby, however, was quick to temper any praise. “Honus told me, ‘Coach, I had 5 hits,’ and I said, ‘Well, that’s great, but it looks like we needed one more from you.’”

Wagner, who has played in 95 games this season, is hitting .318 with 5 home runs, 56 RBIs, 61 runs scored, and a .354 on-base percentage.

Columbus Loses Boyd for the Season



The Columbus Bandits’ injury woes continue as they lose pitcher Jake Boyd for the remainder of the season. Boyd sustained a strained forearm during the team’s 11-5 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The injury is expected to sideline him for three months.

This season, Boyd has started seven games and appeared in nine, posting a 3-3 record with a solid 3.32 ERA. His absence further depletes an already struggling Bandits pitching staff as the team pushes through the latter part of the season.

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The Baseball Times
August 6th, 1898

Jack Dunn Throws Gem in Roughnecks Victory



St. Louis Roughnecks pitcher Jack Dunn delivered a commanding performance yesterday, shutting out the Philadelphia Thunder in a 4-0 victory. Dunn allowed only three hits across nine innings, striking out three and walking one in the complete-game effort.

“A complete-game shutout is fun territory for me,” Dunn shared with reporters after the game. “I had good balance and mechanics and was able to keep the ball down. When I do that, good things happen.”

Despite his impressive outing, Dunn has struggled this season, holding a 1-3 record with a 6.64 ERA.

Healy Injured as Cardinals Triumph Over Saints



Chicago Cardinals pitcher John Healy left today’s 2-0 win against the New York Saints with a mild hamstring strain, an injury that will sideline him for two weeks.

Healy has been a reliable contributor this season, starting seven games with a 4-3 record and a 3.36 ERA. Additionally, he has made six appearances as a relief pitcher, earning one save.

The Cardinals will feel Healy’s absence as they continue their push in the standings, but the team remains optimistic about his return in short order.

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The Baseball Times
August 8th, 1898

Arlie Pond Silences Roughnecks with 5-Hit Shutout



Boston Bears pitcher Arlie Pond dominated the St. Louis Roughnecks yesterday, throwing a brilliant 5-hit shutout in a 5-0 victory. Pond struck out two batters and issued no walks in the commanding performance, giving the Roughnecks little chance to mount an offense.

With this outing, Pond has made 25 starts this season, recording an 11-13 record and a 3.64 ERA.

The Roughnecks will surely be relieved to avoid facing Pond again for a while, as the Bears’ hurler continues to show his ability to control games on the mound.

Steve Brodie Goes 5-for-5 in Bucks Victory



Milwaukee Bucks catcher Steve Brodie put on a batting clinic in an 8-4 triumph over the Washington Americans. Brodie went a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, driving in five runs and leaving Washington’s pitchers searching for answers.

“I felt good. I saw the ball well and just wanted to make good contact and put the ball in play,” Brodie said during the postgame interview.

His standout performance included singles in the 2nd, 4th, 7th, and 9th innings, as well as a two-run double in the 5th.

For the season, Brodie is hitting an impressive .351 with 52 RBIs, 48 runs scored, and no home runs. His batting prowess continues to fuel the Bucks’ offense as they fight for a strong finish to the season.

However, not everyone was thrilled. One disgruntled Washington fan suggested foul play, claiming, “I think the Bucks were stealing signs.” The allegations remain unsubstantiated, but Brodie’s performance speaks for itself.

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The Baseball Times
August 11th, 1898

Wildcats’ Moss Sidelined with Foot Injury



Cincinnati Wildcats shortstop Charles Moss is expected to miss two weeks after suffering a foot contusion during today’s 6-2 victory over the New York Saints. The injury marks a setback for the Wildcats, who have relied on Moss’s defensive reliability and steady contributions at the plate.

This season, Moss has appeared in 99 games, posting a .228 batting average with 1 home run, 59 runs scored, and 30 RBIs.

The Wildcats will need to adjust their infield lineup during Moss’s recovery as they continue their push in the standings. Team officials expressed optimism about his quick return to action.

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The Baseball Times
August 12th, 1898

Leamon Shines in Roughnecks Shutout Victory



St. Louis Roughnecks pitcher William Leamon delivered a masterful performance at Bears Field, shutting out the Boston Bears 2-0. Leamon allowed just three hits while striking out two and issuing two walks in the dominant outing.

“It was just one of those games where everything went right. I threw a lot of strikes,” Leamon said postgame. “And the pitches they did get to hit, they didn’t do anything with them.”

In addition to his pitching prowess, Leamon has also impressed at the plate this season, batting .306 with 1 home run.

Pud Galvin Injured Again as Bucks Fall to Americans



Milwaukee Bucks pitcher Pud Galvin suffered his second injury of the season during the team’s 11-7 loss to the Washington Americans. Galvin strained his oblique and is expected to miss 6-7 weeks of action, a significant blow to Milwaukee’s pitching staff.

Galvin has struggled this season, starting just nine games and posting a 1-5 record with a 5.20 ERA. With this latest setback, the Bucks will need to explore other options to bolster their rotation as they navigate the remainder of the season.

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The Baseball Times
August 14th, 1898

Chesbro Dominates as Roughnecks Blank Hitmen



St. Louis Roughnecks pitcher Jack Chesbro was in peak form yesterday, leading his team to a 4-0 victory over the Brooklyn Hitmen at Hitmen Ballpark. Chesbro was nearly untouchable, surrendering only two hits while striking out three batters in the shutout performance.

"The shutout is nice, but I'm just happy we won," Chesbro said with a smile after the game. "Coach can be a real bear when we lose."

Chesbro has been a solid presence in the Roughnecks' rotation this season. Over 13 starts, he has amassed a 6-5 record with a 2.75 ERA. In 95 innings pitched, Chesbro has allowed 97 hits and struck out 33 batters.

His latest outing is another example of the skill and consistency he brings to the mound as St. Louis pushes forward in the season.

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The Baseball Times
August 15th, 1898

Lew Brown Announces Retirement, Eyes Future Opportunities



Veteran baseball player Lew Brown has announced that this season will be his last, bringing an end to a career spanning over two decades. The 41-year-old stated his decision was financially motivated, but not due to lack of funds.

"I did pretty well for myself, my bank account isn't hurting," Brown said. "Maybe I'll become a manager or a team owner or something so I can make even more. I'm 41 years old, so I've still got some time to make something of the rest of my life."

Brown has been a consistent force in the league, boasting a career batting average of .269 across 2,198 games. He has amassed 2,077 hits, 90 home runs, 1,170 RBIs, and scored 1,161 runs.

His career began with the Providence Islanders in 1876, where he played until being traded to the Detroit Lakers following the 1886 season. Brown remained with the team as they moved to Cincinnati to become the Wildcats, even winning the 1887 World Series with the Lakers.

Lange Extends Streak, but Royals Fall Short



Cleveland Royals left fielder Bill Lange extended his hitting streak to 20 games with a 1-for-3 performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite Lange’s continued success at the plate, the Bucks emerged victorious in a close 6-5 contest at Bucks Ballpark.

Lange’s day included a walk in the 1st, a single in the 5th, and flyouts in the 3rd and 7th innings. Reflecting on the game, Lange expressed his disappointment in the team’s loss.

Currently, Lange is batting .355 with 7 home runs and 80 RBIs, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier hitters this season.

Bandits Pitching Woes Continue as Abbey Goes Down



The Columbus Bandits’ pitching staff suffered another blow with the loss of Bert Abbey, who strained his oblique during a 2-1 victory over the Washington Americans. Abbey is expected to miss 6-7 weeks, further depleting an already injury-plagued rotation.

This season, Abbey has started 12 games and appeared in 15, posting a 6-6 record with a 3.39 ERA.
With Abbey sidelined, the Bandits face an uphill battle to keep their pitching staff afloat as they navigate the latter part of the season.

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The Baseball Times
August 16th, 1898

Stratton Dominates as Barons Blank Sox



Scott Stratton delivered a pitching masterpiece yesterday, leading the Baltimore Barons to a commanding 14-0 victory over the St. Louis Sox at St. Louis Grounds. The right-hander completely silenced the Sox's bats, allowing just four hits across nine innings while striking out seven and issuing no walks.

The Barons’ offense provided plenty of support, but Stratton’s brilliance on the mound ensured the Sox never had a chance to rally.

This season, Stratton has made 26 starts, posting a 13-13 record. Over 219 innings pitched, he has tallied 65 strikeouts and holds a 2.96 ERA, solidifying his reputation as a reliable force for Baltimore.

The victory marks another strong performance for Stratton as he continues to shine in key matchups.