Baseball from 1871

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The Baseball Times
April 10, 1899

Win Mercer Overcomes Struggles to Shut Out Washington



Win Mercer delivered a gritty performance to lead the St. Louis Sox to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Americans at St. Louis Grounds. Despite surrendering 7 hits and 3 walks, Mercer kept Washington off the scoreboard, showcasing resilience and determination in his complete-game shutout.

"It didn’t feel quite right today, but I made the decision to bear down and work through it," Mercer said after the game. "I made a few mistakes, but it goes to show what you can do with grit and not much else."

The win improves Mercer’s record to 1-1 for the season and lowers his ERA to 2.40. His performance gave the Sox an important win and set a strong tone for the series.

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The Baseball Times
April 11, 1899

Jim Whitney Announces Retirement After Storied Career



Baseball will bid farewell to one of its most consistent hitters, as St. Louis Sox veteran Jim Whitney announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 1899 season. The 42-year-old, who began his career in 1881 with the Providence Islanders (now the St. Louis Sox), has been a cornerstone of the league for nearly two decades.

"I've reached my best before date," Whitney joked during his announcement.

Whitney’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2227 games, he has compiled a .294 batting average with 2464 hits, including 465 doubles, 186 triples, and 76 home runs. He has scored 1375 runs, stolen 441 bases, walked 1012 times, and driven in 1313 runs.

A highlight of his career was winning the 1885 American Conference MVP award. The Sox will miss their franchise stalwart, who has been with the team through its relocation from Providence to St. Louis in 1888.

Pete Browning’s Hit Streak Ends at 22 Games



Pete Browning’s pursuit of history came to an end as the Baltimore Barons’ first baseman went hitless in 5 at-bats in a 7-6 loss to the Cleveland Royals. The performance snapped his 22-game hitting streak, which dated back to the previous season.

"Now that the streak has ended, I can admit I'll breathe a bit easier the next time I step up to bat," Browning told reporters. "I put a little pressure on myself, and now that it's over, I’ll be a little looser at the plate."

Despite the end of his streak, Browning remains a key player for the Barons, batting .364 with 5 RBIs and 5 runs scored this season.

Joe Corbett Sidelined with Elbow Injury



The Cincinnati Wildcats’ rotation took a hit as pitcher Joe Corbett was diagnosed with a sprained elbow following today's 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cardinals. Corbett is expected to miss six weeks of action.

In just two starts this season, Corbett has been outstanding, posting a 1-0 record with a sparkling 0.61 ERA. His absence will leave a void in the Wildcats’ pitching staff as they look to maintain their momentum early in the season.

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The Baseball Times
April 12, 1899

Wiley Piatt Dazzles in Shutout Victory Over New York



Wiley Piatt was masterful on the mound for the Pittsburgh Predators, tossing a three-hit shutout in a 2-0 win over the New York Saints. The 25-year-old southpaw relied on his signature changeup, mixing in just enough fastballs and curves to keep the Saints’ batters off balance throughout his complete-game gem.

"He had the changeup working," said Saints manager Wayne Slagle. "You knew it was coming, and you still grounded out — and then he threw it even slower."

Piatt struck out 2, walked 4, and kept the Saints off the scoreboard with pinpoint control and a focus on keeping the ball down in the zone.

"Keeping the ball down is the key to being successful in this league," Piatt said after the game. "If you don’t do that, they’ll make you pay."

With the victory, Piatt improved to 2-1 on the season with a 2.51 ERA.

Charlie Ferguson’s Historic Hitting Streak Ends at 38 Games



All good things must come to an end, and for Cleveland Royals center fielder Charlie Ferguson, his incredible 38-game hitting streak was halted by the Baltimore Barons in a 4-1 loss.

Facing Baltimore’s pitchers, Ferguson went 0-for-4, marking the first time in 38 games he failed to record a hit. "Came up short," the 36-year-old said succinctly after the game.

"What Charlie did was exciting and quite an achievement," said Royals manager Jim Field. "It’s tough enough to get one hit in this league, much less go 38 games in a row. I’m even more proud of the way he handled the press coverage. He never let the frenzy get to him or affect his play."

Ferguson has started the 1899 season batting .297 with 5 RBIs, 7 runs scored, and 11 hits in 37 at-bats across 9 games. His streak, which began late last season, will go down as one of the longest and most impressive in league history.

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The Baseball Times
April 14, 1899

Terry Rogers of the Cincinnati Wildcats to Miss 6 Weeks Due to Injury



The Cincinnati Wildcats will be without their second baseman, Terry Rogers, for the next six weeks after he sustained an injury during his team’s 3-2 victory over the Brooklyn Hitmen.

Rogers, 24, was diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow and will require several weeks to recover. The injury comes at a time when Rogers has struggled at the plate, hitting just .188 with 1 home run, 3 runs scored, and 3 RBIs this season.

"It's unfortunate," said Wildcats manager. "Terry is a young player, and we’re hoping for a quick recovery. We’ll manage without him for now, but we’ll certainly miss his presence in the lineup."

Stump Wiedman of the Brooklyn Hitmen Sidelined for 3 Weeks



Brooklyn Hitmen pitcher Stump Wiedman will also be out for a few weeks due to injury. Wiedman suffered a fractured foot during his team’s 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Wildcats and is expected to miss the next 3 weeks of the season.

The 27-year-old right-hander has been solid so far this season, with a 1-1 record and a 2.41 ERA in 3 starts.

"It's a tough break for Stump," said Hitmen manager. "He’s been pitching well, and we’re hopeful he’ll return strong after this setback."

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The Baseball Times
April 15, 1899

Alex Jones Shuts Down Washington in Complete-Game Victory



The Cleveland Royals were led by a dominant performance from Alex Jones, who tossed a complete-game shutout to help his team cruise to a 7-0 victory over the Washington Americans at Washington Stadium.

Jones was in control throughout the game, limiting the Americans to just 8 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1. Despite facing pressure at times, Jones remained poised and was able to finish the game strong.

"I was just focused on hitting my spots," said Jones after the game. "It was a good effort all around, and I’m glad to help the team with the win."

Jones, now 2-1 for the season, boasts a 3.67 ERA after today's impressive outing.

Adonis Terry Goes 5-for-5 in Royals’ 7-0 Win



The Cleveland Royals had an outstanding day at the plate, and center fielder Adonis Terry led the charge with a perfect 5-for-5 performance in their 7-0 triumph over the Washington Americans.

Terry's hot bat contributed to the Royals’ offensive explosion, as he singled in the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th innings, while also driving in 2 RBIs with singles in the 2nd and 9th.

"I don't know what to call that," Terry said modestly. "I'm not 'dialed in' or 'in a zone,' I just try to keep it simple. The pitcher throws the ball, I pick up the spin, and I try to hit it. Today, I picked up the spin pretty well."

Terry’s performance lifted his batting average to .298 on the season. He has yet to hit a home run but has contributed 4 RBIs for Cleveland.

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The Baseball Times
April 16, 1899

Fred Clarke's Five Hits Lead Philadelphia to 12-11 Win Over St. Louis



Fred Clarke was the standout performer as the Philadelphia Stallions edged past the St. Louis Sox, 12-11, in a thrilling contest at Stallions Park.

The left fielder went an impressive 5-for-7 at the plate, playing a key role in Philadelphia’s victory. Clarke’s contributions included a two-run double in the 8th inning and a two-run single in the 11th, both of which helped the Stallions secure the win in extra innings.

"I just stayed with my approach and kept swinging," Clarke said after the game. "It was a good win for the team, but I always want to do more to help us win."

Clarke has been on fire to start the season, boasting a .464 batting average with no home runs and 12 RBIs.

Joe Kelley of the Stallions Injured in Win Over Sox



Philadelphia's victory over the St. Louis Sox was overshadowed by an unfortunate injury to center fielder Joe Kelley. Kelley, who had been a solid contributor for the Stallions this season, tore a thigh muscle during the 12-11 win and will be out for the next four months.

Kelley had started off the season strong, hitting .295 in 12 games, with 8 runs scored and 10 RBIs. His injury will be a significant blow to the Stallions, who will now have to navigate a large part of the season without one of their key players.

The Stallions will be looking to fill Kelley’s shoes, as they move forward in the season.

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The Baseball Times
April 18, 1899

Charlie Reilly Injured in Philadelphia Thunder's Win Over Brooklyn



The Philadelphia Thunder have been dealt a blow as Charlie Reilly will be sidelined for the next 1-2 weeks after suffering a herniated disc in his back during today's 5-2 victory over the Brooklyn Hitmen.

Reilly, who has been a steady contributor for the Thunder this season, was hurt during the game and will now have to recover from the injury.

The 26-year-old is batting .260 this season, with 6 runs scored and 4 RBIs. His absence will be felt by the team, but Philadelphia will hope to weather the storm until he returns to the lineup.

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The Baseball Times
April 19, 1899

Danny Green's Streak Continues in Baltimore Victory



Danny Green extended his hitting streak to 20 games in the Baltimore Barons' 2-1 victory over the Columbus Bandits at Bandits Ballpark today. Green went 1-for-4 in the game, singling in the 4th inning, but declined to comment on his performance after the contest.

The 28-year-old has been on a tear to start the season, batting .370 with 20 hits in 14 games. He has yet to hit a home run but continues to produce for the Barons.

Bill Hawke Shuts Down Philadelphia Stallions in Washington Win



Bill Hawke delivered a stellar performance on the mound, tossing a 3-hit shutout to lead the Washington Americans to a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Stallions at Washington Stadium.

Hawke allowed just 3 hits, 4 walks, and struck out 4 in a dominant outing. Philadelphia manager Dave Birdsall praised the pitcher, calling his effort "a jewel."

Hawke is now 2-2 on the season with a 2.31 ERA.

Pete Browning Joins Elite Club with 3000th Career Hit



Pete Browning reached a major milestone in his career, collecting his 3000th hit today in the Baltimore Barons' 2-1 win over the Columbus Bandits.

The 38-year-old first baseman went 2-for-5 in the game, and now boasts 3001 hits, 375 doubles, 172 triples, and 58 home runs in his storied career. Browning, a lifetime .353 hitter, also has 1293 RBIs and 1558 runs scored.

"It's an incredible feeling to reach 3000 hits," Browning said after the game. "It's been a long journey, but it's the teammates and fans that made it all possible."

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The Baseball Times
April 20, 1899

John Sowders Dominates in Shutout Victory Over Columbus Bandits



John Sowders was in top form today as he led the Baltimore Barons to a 5-0 shutout victory over the Columbus Bandits at Bandits Ballpark.

The 29-year-old right-hander was unhittable for most of the game, allowing only 5 hits while fanning 1 and walking 2 in his complete-game performance.

"It’s hard not to go home happy after a game like that," Sowders said following his dominant outing.

With the win, Sowders improved to 3-1 on the season and now boasts a sparkling 1.93 ERA.

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The Baseball Times
April 22, 1899

George Davis Extends Hitting Streak in Loss to Philadelphia Thunder



Despite a strong individual performance from George Davis, the Pittsburgh Predators fell to the Philadelphia Thunder, 5-2, in today's matchup.

Davis, the Predators’ left fielder, continued his hot streak at the plate, going 3-for-5 and extending his hitting streak to 20 games. He singled in the 5th, 7th, and 9th innings, but despite his efforts, Pittsburgh couldn’t overcome the Thunder’s offense.

“Things went well for me personally,” Davis said. “I got 3 hits and the streak keeps going. But we didn’t win the game.”

The 25-year-old is hitting .351 this season with 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 14 runs, and an on-base percentage of .398.

Honus Wagner Keeps Streak Alive, but Boston Bears Fall to Cincinnati Wildcats



Honus Wagner’s 20-game consecutive hitting streak remains intact, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Boston Bears from suffering a 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Wildcats at Wildcats Field.

Wagner, the Bears’ first baseman, singled in the 1st inning to extend his streak but couldn’t prevent Boston from coming up short.

"Honus has a nice streak going, but the scoreboard tells the important story today," said Boston manager George Derby. "We lost, no matter how many hits anyone had."

Wagner is batting .412 for the season with 1 home run, 15 RBIs, and 20 runs scored. He has tallied 28 hits in 68 at-bats.

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The Baseball Times
April 24, 1899

Philadelphia Thunder's Bill Gray to Miss 4-5 Months with Torn Meniscus



The Philadelphia Thunder received troubling news today regarding outfielder Bill Gray, who will be sidelined for the next 4-5 months after being diagnosed with a torn meniscus.

Gray suffered the injury while running the bases during a recent game. Team doctors have confirmed the diagnosis, and while they are optimistic about his full recovery, doubts remain about whether Gray will return to his previous form following such a significant injury.

Currently, Gray is batting .296 with 1 home run, 7 RBIs, and a steady presence in the Thunder lineup. His absence will be a blow to the team as they move forward in the season.

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The Baseball Times
April 25, 1899

Columbus Bandits' Bill Hutchison Announces Retirement at 40



Bill Hutchison, the 40-year-old veteran pitcher for the Columbus Bandits, has announced that this season will be his last in professional baseball.

"I'd rather walk away from the game than be forced out of it," Hutchison said in a statement to the press. "I'm happy to get out with my health still intact and at a young enough age where I can look forward to the rest of my life."

Hutchison's decision marks the end of a remarkable career. Over his 411-game tenure, he has posted a 161-182 record, with a 3.87 ERA and 923 strikeouts in 2932 innings. He has also earned 2 saves.

A cornerstone of the Columbus Bandits, Hutchison was a key contributor to the team's success, helping them secure 4 championships between 1889 and 1893. He began his career in Baltimore with the Barons in 1884 before being traded to the Bandits ahead of the 1889 season.

As he prepares to retire, Hutchison leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication, cementing his place in the history of the league.

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The Baseball Times
April 26, 1899

Danny Green's 24-Game Hitting Streak Comes to an End



Danny Green's impressive 24-game hitting streak has been snapped. The 23-year-old center fielder for the Baltimore Barons went 0-for-4 in his team's 7-6 victory over the Philadelphia Stallions at Stallions Park, marking the end of his remarkable streak.

"I think I only made it to 24 games because I got lucky once or twice," Green reflected after the game. "So I guess I can't complain too much that I got unlucky and broke the streak."

Despite the streak ending, Green’s performance this season remains strong. He is hitting .347 with 26 hits, 14 RBIs, and 12 runs scored in 19 games.

The Barons secured the win, but Green will undoubtedly be looking to start a new streak in the coming games.

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The Baseball Times
April 27, 1899

George Davis' 23-Game Hitting Streak Comes to an End



It appears the baseball superstition may hold some truth after all. Just hours after speaking to the press about his impressive 23-game hitting streak, Pittsburgh left fielder George Davis went hitless in two at-bats in the Predators' 3-2 victory over the Brooklyn Hitmen.

"I guess it’s not magic," Davis said with a laugh during his postgame press conference. "Nobody jinxed me. Streaks don’t last forever. I’ve heard about it every day for weeks now. My roomie told me to get a hit before every game and wished me luck. I just ran out of hits."

Though his streak has ended, Davis has been a consistent force this season, batting .337 with 1 home run and 5 RBIs. He’ll look to start a new streak as the Predators continue their campaign.

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The Baseball Times
April 28, 1899

Honus Wagner Extends Hitting Streak to 25 Games Despite Loss



Honus Wagner’s impressive hitting streak continues, but it came in a losing effort as the New York Saints dominated the Boston Bears 8-1 at Bears Field.

The Bears first baseman went 2-for-3 on the day, extending his hitting streak to 25 games. He doubled in the 1st, singled in the 4th, and grounded out in the 6th.

"Disappointing," Wagner said of the outcome, clearly frustrated by the team’s defeat despite his personal achievement.

Wagner has been a standout performer this season, batting .414 with 2 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 24 runs scored. He has tallied 36 hits in 87 at-bats and has played in 21 games.

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The Baseball Times
April 30, 1899

Bob Allen's Perfect Day Powers New York Saints to 14-3 Victory



Bob Allen turned in a sensational performance at the plate, leading the New York Saints to a commanding 14-3 win over the Brooklyn Hitmen.

The Saints second baseman went 5-for-5 in the game, including a three-run double in the 2nd inning. He also singled in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th innings. Allen was hit by a pitch in the 1st but responded with a flawless day at the plate.

“It was just one of those days where everything seemed to fall into place,” Allen said after the game.

Allen’s strong performance pushed his season average to .301. He has yet to hit a home run this year but has driven in 14 RBIs.

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The Baseball Times
May 1, 1899

Baltimore Barons Lead American Conference; Cincinnati Wildcats Hold Narrow Edge in National Conference

As the first month of the 1899 season comes to a close, the standings in the Professional Baseball Association are beginning to take shape.

In the American Conference, the Baltimore Barons have taken an early two-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing their early dominance in the league.

Meanwhile, in the National Conference, the Cincinnati Wildcats hold a slim one-game advantage over the Pittsburgh Predators, as both teams battle for supremacy.

Though the season is still young, the race is heating up, and much is expected to change as the months progress.

Tom McCreery Earns American Conference Batter of the Month Honors



Baltimore Barons' right fielder Tom McCreery has made a strong impression in his first month of the season, earning the prestigious Batter of the Month award in the American Conference.

McCreery, 25, posted an outstanding .448 batting average in April, with 15 RBIs and 22 runs scored. His performance was a major factor in Baltimore's strong start to the season.

Honus Wagner Named National Conference Batter of the Month



April was a stellar month for Boston Bears' first baseman Honus Wagner, as he was awarded the National Conference Batter of the Month honors.

Wagner, who posted a .407 batting average, also belted 2 home runs, drove in 21 RBIs, and scored 26 runs. His impressive performance helped anchor the Bears' offense, and his .444 on-base percentage highlighted his consistency at the plate.

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
May 2nd, 1899

Killen Shines in Shutout Victory Over Royals



Philadelphia Stallions pitcher Frank Killen delivered an impressive performance yesterday at Stallions Park, leading his team to a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Royals. Killen dominated on the mound, tossing a masterful three-hit shutout. Despite issuing four walks, he maintained control throughout, striking out two batters in the contest.

The win highlights Killen’s contributions not only on the mound but also at the plate this season. In 11 games, Killen is batting .222 with one home run, four RBIs, and four runs scored. He has collected four hits in 18 at-bats, showcasing his versatility as a valuable player for the Stallions.

The victory adds to Philadelphia's momentum as they continue their campaign in the league, with Killen’s stellar performance earning him accolades from fans and teammates alike.

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The Baseball Times
May 4th, 1899

Tannehill Shuts Out Predators in Dominant Performance



Cincinnati Wildcats pitcher Jesse Tannehill was in complete control at Wildcats Field, leading his team to a decisive 7-0 shutout victory over the Pittsburgh Predators. The 25-year-old hurler allowed just seven hits while issuing no walks and striking out three batters.

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

With this victory, Tannehill improves his record to 4-3 on the season. In seven starts, he has logged 61.1 innings, recorded 13 strikeouts, and posted an impressive 2.79 ERA.

Mays Mystifies Roughnecks in Brooklyn Shutout



Al Mays of the Brooklyn Hitmen delivered a pitching clinic against the St. Louis Roughnecks, securing a 2-0 shutout at Hitmen Field. The 34-year-old veteran used a mix of sharp curves, deceptive changeups, and well-placed fastballs to stymie St. Louis hitters.

"He had the changeup working," said St. Louis manager Frank Bell. "You knew it was coming and you still grounded out -- and then he threw it even slower."

Mays completed the game without recording a strikeout, allowing nine hits and two walks. Reflecting on his performance, Mays said, "Keeping the ball down is the key to being successful in this league. If you don't do that, they'll make you pay."

Mays now holds a 3-5 record with a 3.22 ERA for the season. Opponents are batting .270 against him, and he has tallied 14 strikeouts over 67 innings of work.

Wagner’s Hitting Streak Ends at 28 Games



The Boston Bears’ first baseman Honus Wagner saw his impressive 28-game hitting streak come to an end in his team’s thrilling 9-8 victory over the Chicago Cardinals at Bears Field. Wagner, 26, went 0-for-4 in the contest, marking the first time this season he failed to record a hit.

"I think I only made it to 28 games because I got lucky once or twice," Wagner admitted. "So I guess I can't complain too much that I got unlucky and broke the streak."

Despite the streak’s end, Wagner remains one of the league’s most dangerous hitters, boasting a .379 batting average with two home runs and 23 RBIs on the season.