The Level Playing Field: Alternate MLB History From 1884-Onward

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Two players made it into the Hall of Fame in 1907 upon their debut ballots. C Jack Rowe was the clear headliner at 97.6% and was joined by SS/2B Jack Glasscock at 83.5%. The best returner was 1B Cap Anson at 59.8% on his fifth try, the closest he’s come to the 75% requirement. C Emil Gross was at 53.1% on his third ballot. Both rebounded after falling significantly on last year’s crowded ballot, which had five inductees. P/LF Jack Stivetts had a nice debut at 48.8%.

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Jack Rowe – Catcher – Indianapolis Clowns – 97.6% First Ballot

Jack Rowe was a 5’8’’ 185 pound left-handed catcher from Hamburg, New York. It is a town on Lake Erie that had around 4000 people when Rowe was born in 1856. Little is known about his early life but he emerged as a very good contact hitter, especially for a catcher. He was above average in terms of drawing walks and avoiding strikeouts.

Rowe’s gap power was steady and he occasionally went deep, posting a 162 game average of 37 doubles, 4 triples, and 14 home runs. He graded as average-to-above average as a baserunner. Rowe was a career catcher known for excellent framing and good blocking skills, although his arm was subpar. He showed remarkable durability, starting 110+ games each year from 1884-97. Some teammates felt he lacked hustle and was selfish, but Rowe became one of the era’s most beloved players amongst fans.

When the inaugural Major League Baseball season and draft came for 1884, Rowe was already a seasoned pro at age 27. He was a second round pick, #30 overall, to Indianapolis. Rowe would earn all-star honors each of his first five seasons for the Clowns and got named again in 1890. In 1885, Rowe posted his career bests for hits (169), doubles (49), slugging (.547), and WAR (7.0).

Indianapolis had a respectable 85-77 debut in 1884, then had the National League’s top mark in 1885 at 95-67. The Clowns defeated Brooklyn 4-2 in the NLCS, followed by 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox in the second World Series. Rowe was merely decent in the playoff run with 1 4hits, 9 runs, 2 doubles, 2 homers, 5 RBI, .706 OPS, 87 wRC+, and 0.1 WAR. Indy remained competitive with 90-72 and 92-70 records in the next two seasons, but both years took second in the NL West to St. Louis.

In 1887, Rowe won his first Silver Slugger and had career highs for home runs (18), and RBI (96). In 1888, Indianapolis returned to the top of the NL West at 95-67. They upset 101-win Pittsburgh 4-1 in the National League Championship Series with Rowe earning NLCS MVP, going 8-20 with a homer and four RBI. The Clowns fell 4-3 in the fifth World Series to Milwaukee. For the playoff run, Rowe had 16 hits, 11 runs, 2 doubles, 2 homers, 9 RBI, .926 OPS, 153 wRC+, and 0.6 WAR.

In March 1889, the Clowns gave Rowe a four-year, $95,200 extension at age 32. Indianapolis stayed above .500 the next two years but finished third in the division both times. The Clowns then struggled with sub-70 win seasons from 1891-93. Rowe’s batting was down from his previous peaks, but he was still a quality starter. Indy opted to buy out the team option year after the 1892 season, sending Rowe to free agency at age 36.

For Indianapolis, Rowe played 1225 games with 1371 hits, 717 runs, 318 doubles, 47 triples, 98 home runs, 698 RBI, 300 stolen bases, .306/.366/.464 slash, 130 wRC+, and 42.9 WAR. He was extremely popular for his role in the Clowns being one of the NL’s early contenders despite being one of the smallest market teams. Indy would eventually retire Rowe’s #26 uniform. He would stay in the NL West on a three-year, $28,700 deal with Cincinnati.

Rowe was an all-star in each of his Reds seasons and won his second Silver Slugger with an impressive 1894, posting a career best average (.349), OBP (.407), and wRC+ (157) with 6.6 WAR. After struggling in the team’s first decade, Cincinnati was a contender during Rowe’s run. They won the NL West by a game over St. Louis in 1893 at 91-71, but dropped the NLCS 4-2 to Buffalo. Rowe had a weak series, going 5-19 with .563 OPS.

In 1894, the Reds went 90-72; this time one behind the Cardinals. The next year, Cincinnati posted a franchise-best 101-61 and had home field advantage against defending NL champ Philadelphia. In a seven-game classic, the Phillies prevailed although Rowe had a nice showing with nine hits, four doubles, .913 OPS, 141 wRC+, and 0.3 WAR.

Over three seasons, Rowe played 389 games with 432 hits, 178 runs, 89 doubles, 39 home runs, 249 RBI, .319/.380/.480 slash, 139 wRC+, and 16.0 WAR. He was a free agent again off a big season at age 39. The Philadelphia Athletics gave Rowe a two-year, $35,600 deal. While there, he reached his 2000th hit and 1000th RBI. Rowe also made the all-star game in 1897, his tenth trip. His bat was down in 1896 with career lows to that point in OPS (.671), wRC+ (83), and WAR (1.3). Rowe answered with better results in 1897 on .829 OPS, 125 wRC+, and 3.6 WAR.

The Athletics went 72-90 in 1896, but took the American League East title in 1897 at 88-74. The A’s then shocked defending champ 102-win Brewers 4-3 in the ALCS to earn their first pennant. Rowe met up against his original team Indianapolis with the Clowns taking the World Series 4-3; each game won by the home team. In the playoffs, Rowe struggled with .596 OPS, 62 wRC+, and 0 WAR.

For his playoff career, he played 50 games with 56 hits, 26 runs, 9 doubles, 5 homers, 20 RBI, .287/.325/.421 slash, 103 wRC+, and 0.9 WAR. Rowe wasn’t exceptional in the postseason, but he was undoubtedly part of several winning squads. At induction, he’s one of 16 players with 50+ career playoff games. Now 41, Rowe signed a two-year, $20,400 deal with the Boston Braves.

Rowe had his first notable injuries with the Braves; a sprained ankle in 1898 and a torn thumb ligament in 1899. Over 180 games, he was still useable with 155 hits, 66 runs, 26 doubles, 14 homers, 98 RBI, .274/.337/.409 slash, 112 wRC+, and 3.8 WAR. Rowe went to Brooklyn in 1900, his last season as a full-time starter, with a 3.6 WAR, .774 OPS, and 127 wRC+ season. He also made the all-star game for the eleventh and final time.

In 1901, Rowe returned to the Athletics but saw his bat dip with .643 OPS, 88 wRC+, and 1.2 WAR over 76 games. Between A’s stints, he had 316 games, 293 hits, 128 runs, 52 doubles, 28 home runs, 150 RBI, .271/.325/.400 slash, 101 wRC+, and 6.1 WAR. Rowe was traded to Washington in July 1901 for a pitching prospect and played 26 games for the Nationals with 1.013 OPS, 184 wRC+, and 1.3 WAR over the small sample. He seemingly could still go, but Rowe decided to retire that winter just after his 45th birthday. Rowe would officially make his coaching debut in 1906 managing Class A Stamford.

Rowe finished with 2267 games, 2396 hits, 1154 runs, 511 doubles, 61 triples, 195 home runs, 1285 RBI, 739 walks, 890 strikeouts, 351 stolen bases, .300/.361/.453 slash, 126 wRC+, and 73.7 WAR. At induction, Rowe ranks 68th in games, 79th in runs, 53rd in hits, 55th in total bases (3614), 26th in doubles, 41st in RBI, 85th in walks, and 38th in WAR for position players. Among qualifiers (3000+ plate appearances), Rowe’s triple slash ranks 44th/66th/80th and his .814 OPS is 71st.

Among catchers, Rowe is 4th in WAR, 5th in games, 6th in runs, 4th in hits,4th in doubles, and 4th in RBI. He doesn’t have massive tallies as is often the case with catchers, but Rowe was a perennial all-star with impressive longevity and consistency. He helped Indianapolis win two pennants and their first World Series, got the Athletics their first pennant, and Cincinnati’s first playoff berths. This made Rowe extremely popular at every stop, making him an easy choice for a first ballot Hall of Fame nod at 97.6% in 1907.

The Real Guy: Baseball-Reference - Wikipedia

Jack Rowe was one of the “Big Four” who made their name with Buffalo in the National League’s early years along with Dan Brouthers, Hardy Richardson, and Deacon White. The group was later sold to Detroit for three seasons, winning the World Series in 1887 for the Wolverines. He was a reliable solid starter over a 12-year career.

Rowe later operated a cigar store in Buffalo and lived until age 55. In the Level Playing Field, Rowe was one of the 19th Century’s most steady backstops. He won’t be in any GOAT conversations and wasn’t the #1 catcher of the era, but his consistency and reliability earned a spot among the game’s greats.

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Jack “Pebbly Jack” Glasscock – Shortstop/Second Base – Boston Braves – 83.5% First Ballot

Jack Glasscock was a 5’8’’, 170 pound right-handed middle infielder from Wheeling, West Virginia. A town on the Ohio River, it had around 14,000 people when Glasscock was born in 1857. The nickname “Pebbly Jack” came from his habit of tossing away stones he found in the infield. Glasscock was a solid contact hitter who was quite good at avoiding strikeouts. Especially later in his career, he developed a strong knack for drawing walks.

Glasscock wasn’t pure singles slap hitter, but his power was unremarkable with a 162 game average of 29 doubles, 4 triples, and 14 home runs. He had good speed and was a very good baserunner. In his prime, Glasscock played shortstop and was an elite defender. He switched to second base in his later seasons once his range was dwindling and was good initially, but really struggled by the end. All things considered, Glasscock’s durability held up pretty well over a 20-year run. He was a true fan favorite known for his work ethic, loyalty, and adaptability.

In the earliest days of pro baseball, gloves weren’t used and Glasscock was considered among the best defenders. Gloves were added once Major League Baseball officially formed in 1884. Glasscock was 26 and already an established pro, going in the first round of the inaugural draft to Cleveland with the #21 selection.

Glasscock was the American League’s top hitting shortstop with the Spiders, winning Silver Sluggers in 1884, 85, and 87. He was an all-star selection all four seasons and was the all-star game’s MVP in 1885, going 3-4 with a homer, double, three RBI, and two runs in a 9-3 AL win. Glasscock’s debut had his career best WAR at 7.8, although he was good for 6+ in each of his four Spiders seasons.

Cleveland was middle-tier in the first two seasons, then fell to the lower tier the next two. Looking to rebuild, the Spiders traded Glasscock in October 1887 to the Boston Braves for four prospects. One of them, 2B Jimmy Cooney, was an okay starter six seasons for Cleveland. Glasscock played 594 for the Spiders with 701 hits, 317 runs, 103 doubles, 70 homers, 366 RBI, 169 steals, .309/.364/.462 slash, 132 wRC+, and 28.3 WAR.

Boston viewed the 30-year old Glasscock as a long-term play and in spring training gave him a six-year, $133,200 extension. The Braves had gone 91-71 the last two years and won the National League pennant in 1886, but missed the playoffs by two wins in 1887. They were 92-70 in Glasscock’s debut, but fell to 101-win Pittsburgh in the NL East. He won a Gold Glove and was again an all-star.

The all-star streak continued in 1889, although he had his weakest season to date with .713 OPS, 100 wRC+, and 4.4 WAR. He didn’t need to excel on a stacked Braves team that was a record-setting 114-48. They defeated New Orleans 4-2 in the NLCS, but were unable to crown themselves as the best ever with a 4-2 World Series loss to the crosstown Red Sox.

In 1890, Glasscock missed most of the season to a fractured ankle. He was back by the stretch run as Boston finished 101-61, defeating Louisville 4-3 in the NLCS. This time, the Braves earned their first World Series win, defeating St. Louis 4-2. Glasscock was healthy and closer to his old form in 1891 as the Braves won the division again at 94-68. They upset 104-win Chicago 4-3 for a third straight National League crown, but couldn’t repeat in the World Series with a sweep by Detroit.

Glasscock’s playoff numbers saw 36 starts, 38 hits, 23 runs, 11 doubles, 4 RBI, 13 walks, 15 steals, .271/.338/.350 slash, 96 wRC+, and 0.7 WAR. He wasn’t exceptional, but he was extremely popular with Braves fans for his role in their dynasty. Boston stayed in the 80s wins range for the next three seasons but were done as the NL’s top dog.

He moved to second base and won a Gold Glove in 1892 and Silver Slugger in 1893. Glasscock missed time to a sprained ankle in 1893 but had his best hitting metrics with a .333/.408/.519 slash, .926 OPS, 157 wRC+, and 5.5 WAR. Boston voided the team option in his contract, but gave him a new two-year, $42,000 deal. Glasscock was a Slugger winner again in 1894 at 2B and was an all-star in 94, 95, and 98; making ten appearances in the game.

Boston gave him another two-year, $46,400 extension in November 1894. Glasscock reached free agency after the 1897 season at age 40, but the Braves brought him back on a two-year, $32,400 deal. From 1895-97, Boston posted losing records. They were back above .500 from 1898 onward, but just outside of the playoff picture. 1898 was Glasscock’s last great year, posting 4.9 WAR and .848 OPS. In 1899, he was reduced to a part-time role with only 97 games and 47 starts.

For the Braves, Glasscock played 1592 games with 1638 hits, 889 runs, 299 doubles, 40 triples, 124 home runs, 746 RBI, 653 walks, 536 strikeouts, 506 stolen bases, .290/.365/.423 slash, 121 wRC+, and 48.3 WAR. Now 42, Glasscock signed with Buffalo for 1900 but was traded to the Phillies at the deadline. Combined, he played 134 games with .693 OPS, 101 wRC+, and 1.2 WAR.

Glasscock joined the Red Sox in 1901 with 106 games, .730 OPS, 116 wRC+, and 1.2 WAR. Boston traded him to the White Sox near the deadline, but he only played six games before a season-ending ankle sprain. Glasscock opted to retire that winter at age 44. For 1902, he took a job as a hitting coach for Louisville’s AAA squad in Lexington and remains in that role at induction.

Overall Glasscock played 2432 games with 2570 hits, 1331 runs, 434 doubles, 63 triples, 210 home runs, 1206 RBI, 969 walks, 807 strikeouts, 724 stolen bases, .291/.363/.426 slash, 122 wRC+, and 79.1 WAR. Glasscock ranks 48th in games, 49th in runs, 38th in hits, 47th in total bases (3760), 50th in doubles, 66th in triples, 83rd in homers, 55th in RBI, 37th in walks, and 32nd in WAR among position players.

Among batters with 3000+ plate appearances, Glasscock is 73rd in batting average and 64th in OBP with his .790 OPS ranking 97th. He ranks 13rd in zone rating among shortstops. Glasscock was never a league leader and was only briefly viewed as a tip-top shortstop. But he had remarkable consistency with a big role in three straight National League titles and a World Series win for the Braves.

A few voters felt Glasscock wasn’t dominant enough to deserve the big honor, but his longevity, consistency, defense, and popularity won the day for most Hall of Fame voters. Others also pointed out his “official” stats began at age 26, keeping him from possibly being a 3000 hit guy. Glasscock received 83.5% for a first ballot induction as part of a two-man 1907 class.

The Real Guy: Baseball-Reference - SABR BioProject - Wikipedia

Pebbly Jack had a 17-year career almost exclusively in the National League, leading twice in hits, twice in WAR, and once in batting average. Glasscock was viewed as a stellar defensive shortstop and was considered by some to be the best SS of the 19th Century. His longest run was six seasons in Cleveland and played for nine different teams, although a lot of teams had short lives in that era.

B-R has him at 62.0 career WAR, the 116th best position player in baseball history. Glasscock actually had a strikingly similar career in the Level Playing Field as he did to reality. The real guy never got any Hall of Fame traction relative to the other 1800s greats, but the fictional Glasscock was appreciated and honored as one of the game’s best. The actual Glasscock managed to live a long life and lived through the Civil War and both World Wars, dying in 1947 at age 89.

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Below are the top-rated batters in professional baseball entering the 1907 season.



Below are the best pitchers in the game entering 1907.



Here are the top 25 prospects coming into the season.



Below are the all-time leaderboards and milestones that may be reached during the season.

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In the American League, the top record through April 1907 was New York at 17-10. Baltimore was one back in the AL East at 16-11 with Washington 14-13. Defending World Series champ Boston started 13-14. In the AL West, Kansas City leads at 16-11 followed by Detroit (15-12) and Milwaukee (14-13).

MLB’s best record belongs to reigning National League champ Brooklyn at 19-8 atop the East Division. Chasing them are the Giants (16-11) and Buffalo (15-12). New Orleans sits atop the West at 18-9 with St. Louis (17-10) and Louisville (16-11) next. Cincinnati has the worst overall record at 6-21.

The four-time defending AL MVP Sam Crawford was AL Batter of the Month for April with a .410 average, 41 hits, 9 homers, 22 RBI, and 25 runs. The Orioles OF also had a 24-game hitting streak that carried over from last season. Reigning NL MVP Ty Cobb also started hot as the NL’s best bat for Indianapolis with a .440 average, 8 home runs, 22 RBI, and 18 runs.

Tigers righty Ed Walsh was AL Pitcher of the Month with a 4-1 record, 1.95 ERA, and 34 strikeouts over 50.2 innings. Brooklyn’s Jose Mendez was both Pitcher and Rookie of the Month in the NL on a 6-0 record, 2.25 ERA, and 41 Ks in 48 innings. The AL’s best debutant was the White Sox’s Harry Coveleski with a 1.71 ERA, 4-1 record, and 24 Ks over 42 innings.



In milestones, Braves 1B Skyrocket Smith became the 13th to 3000 career hits. He also was the sixth player with 3000+ games played. Reds CF Tuck Turner got to 2500 and reaching 2000 hits was Cleveland 1B Chick Stahl and Red Sox 1B Ducky Holmes. Both White Sox 1B John McGraw and Royals CF Bill Lange scored their 1500th run. In game accomplishments, Brooklyn two-way man George Mullin hit for the cycle against New York.

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The three best records through May 1907 in the American League are each in the AL East battle with New York on top at 35-20. Both Washington and defending champ Boston are three back at 32-23. The Nationals notably ended the month on a ten-game winning streak. Even Baltimore at 28-27 is in the mix. No one stands out thus far in the AL West. Kansas City and St. Louis are tied at 29-26 for first, but Detroit (28-26), Chicago (26-29), and Milwaukee (25-29) are within four games. Even last place Minnesota at 23-32 is only six games back.

Brooklyn leads the National League East still at 34-21 with Buffalo three behind at 31-28. In the NL West, St. Louis sits first at 34-21 with both New Orleans (32-23) and Louisville (31-24) close behind. Chicago is also above .500 at 28-27.

An upstart member of the famous Delahanty clan won AL Batter of the Month for the first time. This was 24-year old Frank with the White Sox, who hit .356 with 8 home runs, 22 RBI, and 19 runs. New Orleans 1B Frank Chance led the NL’s bats with a .408 average, 4 homers, 20 RBI, and 21 runs.

Red Sox ace Addie Joss secured AL Pitcher of the Month with a 5-1 record, 1.94 ERA, and 35 strikeouts in 51 innings. Buffalo’s Jose Borges took it for the NL on a 4-1 record, 1.75 ERA, and 40 Ks in 51.1 innings. White Sox lefty Harry Coveleski repeated as AL Rookie of the Month with a 2.12 ERA, 4-2 record, and 25 Ks in 51 innings. Two months in, Coveleski is second in the majors with a 1.94 ERA. The NL’s best rookie was Pittsburgh pitcher Joe Lake with a 5-1 record, 2.66 ERA, and 28 Ks in 47.1 innings.

In game milestones, Braves RF Red Murray hit for the cycle on May 10 against Buffalo. Orioles 1B Fred Tenney reached 2500 career hits while Kansas City 2B Gene DeMontreville got to 2000. Royals LF Mike Donlin, Braves SS Shorty Fuller, Browns RF Charlie Dexter, and Spiders 1B Chick Stahl each crossed 1000 runs scored. Runs leader Reddy Mack became the fifth to 700 career doubles with Indianapolis.

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At the 1907 All-Star Break, the top two records in Major League Baseball are in the American League East Division. New York and reigning champ Boston were neck-and-neck with the Yankees at 53-29 and Red Sox at 52-30. Washington, who ended May with a 10-game winning streak, went 12-15 in June to fall nine back at 44-38. Baltimore is a distant fourth at 41-41.

Kansas City gained separation on the AL West field after a 19-8 run in June, putting the Royals at 48-34. The rest of the division was either around .500 or had a losing record for the month. Detroit sits second at 42-39 followed by St. Louis at 41-41.

The Cardinals have the National League’s best record at 49-33, but they have fierce competition still in the West. Louisville is two back at 47-35 with New Orleans four away at 45-37 and Chicago eight back at 41-41. Cincinnati at 24-58 has the worst record in the majors by a decent margin. The NL East is currently a two-team race with Brooklyn and Buffalo tied at 48-34. The Bisons went 17-10 for the month to make up a three-game deficit. Pittsburgh is seven away at 41-41.



AL Batter of the Month for June was Tigers RF Johnny Bates with a .382 average, 9 home runs, 32 RBI, and 20 runs. The second-year slugger leads the majors with 26 dingers. New Orleans SS Jimmy Williams won the NL’s honor on a .458 average, 5 homers, 22 RBI, and 24 runs.

Pitcher of the Month for the AL was Washington’s Mal Eason with a 5-0 record, 1.05 ERA, and 24 strikeouts over 51.2 innings. Buffalo’s Charles Bender won in the NL on a 0.51 ERA, 6-0 record, and 46 Ks in 52.2 innings. Bender is the league leader in wins (13-3), innings (153.1), complete games (11), and shutouts (5). Milwaukee 3B Frank Baker was AL Rookie of the Month hitting .312 with 4 homers, 14 RBI, and 16 runs. Brooklyn’s Jose Mendez won in the NL with a 3.42 ERA, 4-1 record, and 39 Ks in 47.1 innings.



Buffalo pitcher Adonis Terry became the third to win 300 games on the mound, joining Silver King and Mickey Welch. Terry also has 3449 Ks, close to becoming the third to 3500. He has a 301-260 record, 3.52 ERA, 5201 innings, and 97.3 WAR at the break. Terry has also been a two-way guy much of his career in LF and has 32.6 WAR, 2166 hits, 1227 runs, 430 doubles, 148 homers, 965 RBI, and .710 OPS.



Home run king Mike Tiernan added another as the third to 3500 hits, joining Pete Browning and Dick Johnston. Silent Mike is 40 in his second season with the Dodgers and hitting .949 OPS with 175 wRC+ and 1.1 in a part-time role. Tiernan is the leader in homers (660) and RBI (2236) and has 6214 total bases, hoping to catch Browning’s 6305 for the #1 spot.

Eight players now have 3000 games played with Pirates C Doggie Miller and Spiders 3B Denny Lyons getting there in June. Miller also reached 1500 career RBI. WARlord Ed Delahanty became the tenth to 400 career homers. Phillies 2B Heinie Reitz got to 2000 hits. Pelicans SS Jimmy Williams and Orioles LF Sam Crawford both scored run #1000 while Athletics 1B Bill Dahlen earned RBI #1000. Cleveland’s Joe Neale earned his 2500th strikeout on the mound.

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Below are the rosters for the 1907 MLB All-Star Game July 2 at the Polo Grounds in New York. In the Home Run Challenge, perennial American League MVP Sam Crawford defeated White Sox LF Frank Delahanty 9-8 in the final round. In the game, the AL won for back-to-back years with an 11-5 result over the National League. The American League leads the all-time series 16-8.



Despite the lopsided score, the game was tied at 5-5 entering the eighth inning when Brewers rookie Frank Baker hit a go-ahead solo homer. The AL then exploded with a five-run ninth inning to pull the game on ice. Baker had a monster game and lived up to the “Home Run” nickname, winning MVP. He went 4-4 with two homers, a double, three RBI, and three runs.