The United Baseball Association - Page 3

ryanivr · 04-28-2010, 08:29 PM

Blues, Orphans Lead After Three Months

NEW YORK, NY. July 1, 1912 - The United Baseball Association is officially halfway through it's inaugural season. Buffalo continues to dominate the Federal League, entering July 8 1/2 games ahead of Baltimore and 15 1/2 games ahead of 3rd place Pittsburgh.

In the United League, the Orphans remain on top, but it's a much tighter race. Cleveland and Philadelphia are just 3 and 4 games back, respectively. St. Paul, a team that was in the hunt earlier in the season, has fallen all the way back to 39-36, 9 games back.

June's best hitter of the month would have to be Randall Mitchell of Brooklyn. The 35-year-old right-fielder posted a .402 average in the month with 35 hits, 19 RBIs, and 10 runs scored. He also collected 15 free passes to bring his on-base average to .495 in the month. He's hitting .348 on the year.

As far as pitching goes, Dave Shipman was clearly June's top thrower. The 26-year-old Orphans starter racked up an impressive 5-1 won-lost record in 7 starts. This month he fanned 20 batters in 56.2 innings and compiled a 1.43 ERA.

In 19 starts this season Shipman has crafted a 11-4 record with a 1.86 ERA.

Federal League

	W	L	GB	G
Buffalo	55	23		78
Baltimore	46	31	8 1/2	77
Pittsburgh	39	38	15 1/2	77
Brooklyn	36	41	18 1/2	77
Chicago	36	41	18 1/2	77
Newark	35	42	19 1/2	77
Kansas City	32	44	22	76
St. Louis	30	49	25 1/2	79


United League

	W	L	GB	G
Chicago	49	28		77
Cleveland	47	32	3	79
Philadelphia	45	32	4	77
St. Paul	39	36	9	75
New York	37	41	12 1/2	78
Washington	35	41	13 1/2	76
Detroit	31	44	17	75
Boston	24	53	25	77


League Leaders

Batting Average	T. Howland		0.359	WAS
Doubles	E. Hammon		31	PHI
Triples	D. Paddock		7	BUF
Home Runs	D. Coffelt		6	NYG
Runs Batted In	J. Owen		55	PIT
Stolen Bases	B. Allen		20	CLE

Earned Run Average	P. Hartman		1.39	CLE
Wins	P. Hartman		14	CLE
Strikeouts	R. Sullivan		40	BUF

ryanivr · 04-28-2010, 08:38 PM

UBA Breaks for All-Star Contest

BROOKLYN, NY. July 8, 1912 - No scheduled games today in the UBA, as all sixteen teams will take a three-day break in the middle of the season. Tomorrow, however, is the first All-Star Contest, an exhibition game between the Federal League's best and the United League's best.

Players were voted onto teams by league executives, owners, and other players. Twenty players have been selected for each squad. The game will take place in Brooklyn at Washington Park, home of the Tip-Tops.

ryanivr · 04-28-2010, 10:06 PM

All-Star Team Starters Named

BROOKLYN, NY. July 9, 1912 - Today, the Federal League All-Stars will face off against the United League All-Stars in a 9-inning exhibition contest at Washington Park in Brooklyn.

Last night, a bulletin was released by the league that announced the starters for each squad.

UNITED LEAGUE

1. SS Gilbert Stiles (.351, 0 HR, 32 RBI)
2. 3B Tim Foster (.322, 2 HR, 46 RBI)
3. 2B Earl Hammon (.341, 1 HR, 48 RBI)
4. RF Don Coffelt (.354, 6 HR, 45 RBI)
5. CF Ben Lee (.293, 5 HR, 47 RBI)
6. LF Tommy Howland (.361, 2 HR, 39 RBI)
7. C George LaBelle (.273, 2 HR, 30 RBI)
8. 1B Earl Liss (.305, 1 HR, 28 RBI)

9. P Palmer Hartman (15-5, 1.74 ERA, 31 K)

FEDERAL LEAGUE

1. RF Fred Edwards (.318, 0 HR, 36 RBI)
2. 2B Les Hellman (.289, 2 HR, 22 RBI)
3. 3B Will Eberle (.316, 0 HR, 44 RBI)
4. CF Danny Paddock (.339, 1 HR, 33 RBI)
5. C Columbus Teeters (.345, 1 HR, 30 RBI)
6. LF Joe Owen (.342, 1 HR, 60 RBI)
7. 1B Joe Wynn (.314, 0 HR, 40 RBI)
8. SS Phil Dykes (.322, 0 HR, 27 RBI)

9. P Dan Cooke (10-4, 1.70 ERA, 20 K)

ryanivr · 04-28-2010, 10:06 PM

Federals Rout United League in All-Star Contest

BROOKLYN, NY. July 10, 1912 -

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	R	H	E
United	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1		3	6	2
Federal	1	0	3	1	2	0	0	2	x		9	15	0

The Federal League defeated the United League 9-3 in yesterday afternoon's All-Star Contest. It was a beautiful, partly cloudy day with a warm breeze blowing from left to right.

Will Eberle was the player of the game for the Federals, going 2-4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored with both of his hits being doubles.

NYY #23 · 04-28-2010, 11:32 PM

I really like the detailed back story and your format. Keep up the good work!

I just read it all in one sitting, but I think you've got a good balance with how you are covering things. I'll be following along. As for rooting for a specific team, I usually always like to go with the local team, so I'll be pulling for Philadelphia. Only four games out, so a second half comeback isn't out of the question.

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I really like the detailed back story and your format. Keep up the good work!

I just read it all in one sitting, but I think you've got a good balance with how you are covering things. I'll be following along. As for rooting for a specific team, I usually always like to go with the local team, so I'll be pulling for Philadelphia. Only four games out, so a second half comeback isn't out of the question.

Thanks! I think I already told you this in another dynasty I had, but The Hit Man is my favorite player of all time!

Anyway, it was fairly easy to create a back story because most of it is true! The one thing I changed about the United League was Mr. Witman moving to Philadelphia. In reality, he stayed in Reading. But the Pagoda is a real building that still stands today.

As for the Federal League, their story is much more well known, but I had so much fun digging through the NY Times archive for United and Federal League information. Most of the owners names are correct, if the info was out there, and you may know that Weeghman Park, home of the Chicago Orphans of the FL, is now known by a different name...Wrigley Field.

Thanks for reading and I hope you keep following along!

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 03:55 AM

Keystones Struggling After Hot May, June

PHILADELPHIA, PA. July 23, 1912 - After getting off to a rather cool, 10-11 start to the year, the Philadelphia Keystones took the months of May and June to make up for it. In May, the club went 17-12, finishing the month 3 games back of Chicago. In June, they did even better, going 17-12, but finished 4 games back of the Orphans.

But now, after going 8-9 so far through July, the team is falling. They're now 7 games back of first place and will need a lot of luck to get back in the race.

The offense hasn't been a factor in their struggles. The team ranks 1st in many categories, including runs scored, batting average, on-base average, and hits But pitching and defense is another story. The team is 5th in the UL in runs allowed, 3rd in ERA, and 4th in walk allowed.

Jeffrey Wiley has been great, going 12-5 with a 2.65 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, but they've also had to deal with Steven Kenney, who's 8-12 and just barely under a 5.00 ERA.

It will be interesting to see if the Keystones decide to bolster their pitching staff before the July 31st trade deadline, or they sit tight and keep their young prospects under their control. They have two young pitching prospects in the developmental league playing in Minneapolis, 21-year-old John Falkner and 20-year-old Tom Hannah.

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 04:00 AM

Buffalo CF Danny Paddock Out

BUFFALO, NY. July 26, 1912 - The first place Buffalo Blues were dealt a severe blow when Danny Paddock was hurt making a defensive play recently in a game against the Newark Peppers. After the game, the team trainer reported Paddock might have to spend a lengthy time on the disabled list. Today doctors confirmed it, ruling the 29-year-old center fielder out for the rest of the season with torn ankle ligaments. They indicated it would take Paddock at least 4 months to heal.

Paddock was batting .322 with 1 home run and 37 RBIs. It will be interesting to see if Buffalo fills the void internally or pulls off a trade instead.

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 04:34 AM

Four Trades at Deadline

NEW YORK, NY. August 1, 1912 - The UBA trading deadline passed yesterday at 4PM, and four major trades helped bolster contenders.

Buffalo and Kansas City have agreed to a swap that will send 26-year-old center fielder Ed Parker and 25-year-old minor league reliever Lloyd Keane to the Packers with 33-year-old center fielder Bob Fant joining the Blues. Just last week, Buffalo lost their star center-fielder Danny Paddock for the season due to injury. On the season, Fant is batting .306 with no home runs and 15 RBIs. He has played in 46 games.

Fans in Cleveland woke up this morning to learn that their team had traded 19-year-old minor league reliever Gilbert Casper, 30-year-old reliever Jack Garrick, 19-year-old shortstop Brian Klotz and 17-year-old minor league starting pitcher Chris Amick to the Boston Americans. In return, the Green Sox will receive 33-year-old left fielder Chris Greenway and 32-year-old shortstop Parker Earnest. This year Greenway has collected a .328 batting average to date with 86 hits in 262 at-bats, 22 RBIs, no home runs and scored 42 times. He has played in 67 games.

There were plenty of hugs and handshakes passed out as 32-year-old third baseman Danny Cochrane, 26-year-old minor league third baseman John Edwards, 23-year-old minor league starting pitcher Hubert Olinger and 26-year-old minor league left fielder Bob Allen left the Chicago Orphans yesterday en route to joining the Newark Peppers organization. 33-year-old third baseman and all-star Will Eberle will be traveling to Chicago Orphans to complete the swap. This season in 96 games Eberle is batting .318 with no home runs, 56 RBIs and has scored 52 times.

Finally, a trade between Cleveland and Detroit was also made official this morning. The Green Sox have sent 23-year-old third baseman Bobby Devlin, 26-year-old minor league right fielder Byron Higley, 19-year-old minor league starting pitcher Dave Wimer and 18-year-old minor league second baseman Ben Bowens to the Wolverines in exchange for 34-year-old shortstop Spencer Cool. This season Cool has hit at a .347 clip with 41 RBIs, no home runs and 49 runs scored. He has played in 92 games.

The four deals will certainly impact the pennant race in the Federal league, with Chicago and Cleveland both improving drastically on paper.

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 04:38 AM

Manager Simpson and Boston Part Company

BOSTON, MA. August 8, 1912 - Arnie Simpson knew that firings are part of the job, he just didn't think it would happen to him. "I was stunned. I didn't think it would happen," said the Boston Americans skipper. "I recently sat in a meeting with the owner and general manager and it seemed that my job was secure."

The 51-year-old Minnesota native had a rough go of it in the league's inaugural season. Boston never really got going, and he leaves with the team sitting in last place, winning at just a .358 clip. At 38-68, the Americans are 30 1/2 games back.

Juan Enriquez, a 43-year-old from Chicago, will take over the job.

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 04:43 AM

Cleveland LF Greenway Will Miss 4 Months

CLEVELAND, OH. August 21, 1912 - The injury bug struck Chris Greenway of the Green Sox today in the game against Wolverines. The newest Green Sox player was hurt while making a defensive play and will miss 4 months with a ruptured finger tendon.

Greenway was traded to Cleveland from Boston at the trade deadline and had really made an impact with his new club, hitting .339 in 16 games. The Green Sox are currently 5 games back and losing a player of Greenway's caliber may be too much to overcome.

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 05:00 AM

Buffalo, Chicago Continue Winning

NEW YORK, NY. September 1, 1912 - We're at the home stretch, with just 24 or 25 games left for most teams.

Buffalo, barring a colossal failure, has nothing to worry about. They're 10 1/2 games up over Baltimore and need 15 wins to clinch a spot in the first ever Presidents Cup Series. The club is 26-19 since the All-Star break, but has gone just 4-6 in their last ten games.

Buffalo started Randall Sullivan has been great in August, shutting down Federal League hitters with an impressive 4-0 record, a 2.15 ERA, and 11 strikeouts in 50.1 innings. Sullivan is 20-2 on the year with a 2.31 ERA.

In the United League, Chicago continues to top the standings, and the addition of 3B Will Eberle at the trade deadline should make them even tougher to catch. The one missing link for the Orphans has been speed, and Eberle is a threat on the base paths, stealing 19 bags so far this season, 7 already with Chicago in 27 games.

Federal League

	W	L	GB	G
Buffalo	86	44	-	130
Baltimore	75	54	10 1/2	129
Brooklyn	66	63	19 1/2	129
Newark	61	68	24 1/2	129
Pittsburgh	61	69	25	130
Chicago	59	70	26 1/2	129
St. Louis	56	75	30 1/2	131
Kansas City	54	75	31 1/2	129


United League

	W	L	GB	G
Chicago	79	47	-	126
Cleveland	77	52	3 1/2	129
Philadelphia	66	61	13 1/2	127
New York	64	65	16 1/2	129
St. Paul	59	67	20	126
Detroit	58	69	21 1/2	127
Washington	55	72	24 1/2	127
Boston	52	77	28 1/2	129


League Leaders

Batting Average	J. Soles		0.366	BOS
Doubles	R. Word		50	STL
Triples	D. Dickerson		11	CHW
Home Runs	D. Coffelt		7	NYG
Runs Batted In	M. Burrows		83	WAS
Stolen Bases	E. Frith		33	BUF

Earned Run Average	D. Shipman		1.85	CHO
Wins	S. Kunz		21	BAL
Strikeouts	R. Sullivan		59	BUF

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 04:30 PM

New York Dazzled, Hulbert Hurls No-Hitter

DETROIT, MI. September 4, 1912 - Chad Hulbert of the Wolverines was standing behind the mound when the scoreboard caught his eye, confirming what he already knew... he was one out from a no-hitter. He froze... for a couple of seconds he didn't move.

"This hitter is the last one," Hulbert told himself. Then he collected himself and finished one of his greatest performances ever.

The Detroit hurler no-hit the New York Gothams 6-0 at Bronx Oval Grounds, finishing with 2 walks and no strikeouts, facing only 29 batters.

Hulbert admitted to the press, "I knew from the fifth inning on it was a no-hitter, but really didn't worry about it until the last out. I just wanted to win the game until then... then I wanted the no-hitter, too."

This year Hulbert has compiled a 18-10 mark with a 3.20 ERA in 33 starts.

NYY #23 · 04-29-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanivr

Thanks! I think I already told you this in another dynasty I had, but The Hit Man is my favorite player of all time!

Anyway, it was fairly easy to create a back story because most of it is true! The one thing I changed about the United League was Mr. Witman moving to Philadelphia. In reality, he stayed in Reading. But the Pagoda is a real building that still stands today.

As for the Federal League, their story is much more well known, but I had so much fun digging through the NY Times archive for United and Federal League information. Most of the owners names are correct, if the info was out there, and you may know that Weeghman Park, home of the Chicago Orphans of the FL, is now known by a different name...Wrigley Field.

Thanks for reading and I hope you keep following along!

Well, I'll definitely keep following along, although my support for Philadelphia hasn't helped them this year.

I enjoy reading about the "other" leagues, for lack of a better word. I spent a lot of time doing research on the Federal League and Player's League trying to find a good starting point of a dynasty, and wondered what would it have been like if things turned out differently.

I think you did mention The Hit Man, but it is always worth mentioning.

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 09:50 PM

No Drama as Season Ends

NEW YORK, NY. October 5, 1912 -

Federal League

	W	L	GB	G
Buffalo	98	56		154
Baltimore	85	69	13	154
Brooklyn	82	72	16	154
Newark	79	75	19	154
Pittsburgh	77	76	20 1/2	153
Chicago	68	86	30	154
Kansas City	64	89	33 1/2	153
St. Louis	62	92	36	154


United League

	W	L	GB	G
Chicago	97	56		153
Cleveland	92	62	5 1/2	154
Philadelphia	77	77	20 1/2	154
Detroit	75	77	21 1/2	152
New York	75	79	22 1/2	154
St. Paul	70	84	27 1/2	154
Washington	65	88	32	153
Boston	63	91	34 1/2	154


League Leaders

Batting Average	R. Mitchell		0.361	BRK
Doubles	J. Telford		54	CLE
Triples	W. Eberle		12	CHO
Home Runs	D. Coffelt		8	NYG
Runs Batted In	W. Eberle		101	CHO
Stolen Bases	B. Allen		43	CLE

Earned Run Average	D. Cooke		1.94	BUF
Wins	P. Bunch		25	CHO
Strikeouts	R. Sullivan		66	BUF

The final game of the regular season was played yesterday, but it meant little. Buffalo and Chicago wrapped up the season a few days ago by clinching the pennant of their respective league.

Buffalo in particular has dominated all season, while Chicago has had a few teams attempt a blitz on them, but none succeeded. Just two weeks ago, the Cleveland Green Sox were two games down with a three-game series with the Orphans the next day. But Chicago swept them, solidifying their lead.

The Federal League officially added Randall Mitchell to its record book as well today. The 35-year-old right fielder for the Brooklyn Tip-Tops put up the top batting average in the league with 180 hits in 498 at-bats for a .361 average. Mitchel played in 139 games and chalked up 38 doubles, 2 triples and 2 home runs, while batting in 72 runs and scoring 56 times.

This year's United League batting title went to Paul Zachery of the Keystones. During the regular season he slapped out hits at a .358 pace (222-620) to win the honor. The 25-year-old Philadelphia left fielder played in 149 games and had no home runs, 60 RBIs and scored 90 runs.

Expect plenty of coverage over the next few days as the first Presidents Cup Series begins.

ryanivr · 04-29-2010, 11:09 PM

1912 Presidents Cup Series Preview: Buffalo Blues

BUFFALO, NY. October 6, 1912 - The relatively small city of Buffalo has taken home the 1912 Federal League Pennant. While many expected Brooklyn, Pittsburgh, and Chicago to be the main contenders, the Blues were in control the entire season. By the end of April, they were 18-6 and up 3 games over 2nd place Baltimore. Amazingly, they never let first place slip out of their grasp.

However, August and September were down months for the team. They went 13-13 in August, 12-10 in September, and then lost their three October matches as well.

The slow-down can be attributed to injuries, as they lost their star center-fielder Danny Paddock for the season. After picking up CF Bob Fant in a trade with Kansas City, they lost him for the season as well. Now, youngster Harrison Marino is manning center field. He's solid defensively, but he needs work at the plate.

Speaking of offense, the Blues are just above average at the plate, but they make up for it in other ways. Their .289 average ranked 3rd in the Federal League, and their 1543 was also ranked 3rd. However, they were 1st in extra-base hits with 432 and they also completely outclassed the entire UBA with 161 stolen bases. Brooklyn ranked 2nd, with 134.

With all of that being said, offense isn't the strong suit of Buffalo anyway. Their pitching got them here. The team ranked 1st in the United League in ERA (3.05), runs allowed (548), opponents average (.256), and was 2nd in walks allowed (405). Of course, their defense is also a large part of their ability to stop runs from being scored.

In summary, the team is built around pitching, defense and speed.

1. CF Harrison Mariano (.268, 3 HR, 42 RBI, 38 SB)
2. SS Phil Dykes (.330, 0 HR, 41 RBI)
3. 3B Rob Rael (.311, 1 HR, 80 RBI)
4. LF Joe Kinckley (.305, 1 HR, 69 RBI)
5. 2B Ed Frith (.32o, 1 HR, 65 RBI)
6. C Bob Young (.303, 1 HR, 67 RBI)
7. 1B Paul Flood (.290, 2 HR, 58 RBI)
8. RF Mike Hodge (.316, 1 HR, 13 RBI)

Randall Sullivan (22-3, 2.27 ERA, 66 K)
Travis Hathorn (19-9, 3.44 ERA, 28 K)
Dan Cooke (19-9, 1.94 ERA, 29 K)
Mickey Monk (17-19, 3.42 ERA, 37 K)

The Buffalo Blues play their home games at the International Fair Association Grounds. The park holds 20,000 people and favors right-handed hitters. You'll see more extra-base hits than home runs. Games 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9 will take place at Buffalo's park. The field has the following dimensions:

Left Line: 328 ft., 7 ft. wall
Left Field: 363 ft., 7 ft. wall
Left-Center: 417 ft., 7 ft. wall
Center: 438 ft., 7 ft. wall
Right-Center: 420 ft., 7 ft. wall
Right Field: 383 ft., 15 ft. wall
Right Line: 331 ft., 15 ft. wall

Buffalo players wear a solid navy-blue cap, a navy-blue jersey with white piping and the "Buffalo" logo on the left breast. They were navy-blue pants and white stockings.

The club is owned by 61-year-old Walter Mullen, a steel magnate, and managed by 43-year-old William Trent.

ryanivr · 04-30-2010, 02:03 AM

1912 Presidents Cup Series Preview: Chicago Orphans

CHICAGO, IL. October 6, 1912 - Unlike their Buffalo counterpart, Chicago had plenty of competition in the United League pennant chase. First, it was St. Paul. A May article covered a series between the Saints and the Orphans calling it a very important match-up. St. Paul lost that series and was never the same after it, eventually finishing 70-84. Cleveland and Philadelphia were still in it by July, but Philadelphia went 30-41 after the All-Star break and quickly fell out of it.

By September, Cleveland was just 3 1/2 games out. Amazingly, they won their first nine games of September, bringing them within one game. But the lost five of their next eight, and would then face off against Chicago in a three-game series. They were swept, essentially putting an end to their chances.

Chicago is extremely well balanced, with their only real weakness being the running game. The Orphans ranked 2nd in batting average (.294), 1st in on-base percentage (.365), 1st in runs scored (748), 1st in walks (584), and tied for 1st in least amount of strikeouts (173).

The team had one big hole in the first half of the season, and that was at third-base. Danny Cochrane was penciled in as the starter at the start of the season, but the 32-year-old hit just .261 with a .310 on-base average. The Orphans needed an upgrade, and they could also use some speed in their lineup. They got a boost when the team traded Cochrane and three other prospects to get All-Star Will Eberle from Newark.

Eberle didn't disappoint. The team would have been happy if he continued his ways from Newark, where he hit .318, with a .414 OBP. But he did better. In 54 games with Chicago, Eberle hit .401 with a .484 OBP and a .604 SLG. He also stole 13 bases.

As good as the offense is, the pitching may even be better. The one-two punch of Dave Shipman and Patrick Bunch is arguably the best in the league. The team was 2nd in ERA (3.12), 2nd in runs allowed (553), 2nd in opponents average (.267) and had the fewest walks (379).

The team will be extremely tough to beat.

1. CF Kirby Shafer (.276, 3 HR, 55 RBI, 29 SB)
2. RF Bob Henke (.410, 1 HR. 4 RBI in 39 AB)
3. 2B Gilbert Stiles (.327, 0 HR, 75 RBI, 19 SB)
4. 3B Will Eberle (.348, 3 HR, 101 RBI, 25 SB w/ NEW and CHO)
5. LF Chad Abernathy (.300, 6 HR, 66 RBI)
6. 1B Mack Baker (.286, 1 HR, 85 RBI)
7. C Eric Matney (.300, 2 HR, 59 RBI)
8. SS John Barnes (.303, 2 HR, 37 RBI)

Dave Shipman (21-8, 2.09 ERA, 54 K)
Patrick Bunch (25-9, 2.58 ERA, 48 K)
Joe Vincent (13-15, 4.65 ERA, 33 K)
Larry Cowell (11-6, 4.26 ERA, 13 K)

The Chicago Orphans play their home games at O'Connor Park. The park holds 20,000 people and favors left-handed hitters slightly. You won't see any more home runs than usual, but the park does slightly diminish extra-base hits. The field has the following dimensions:

Left Line: 329 ft., 10 ft. wall
Left Field: 362 ft., 10 ft. wall
Left-Center: 397 ft., 10 ft. wall
Center: 424 ft., 10 ft. wall
Right-Center: 396 ft., 10 ft. wall
Right Field: 355 ft., 10 ft. wall
Right Line: 328 ft., 10 ft. wall

Chicago players wear a royal-blue cap with a "C", a gray jersey with "Chicago" written across the breast. They wear gray pants and royal blue stockings.

The club is owned by 53-year-old Jack O'Connor, an automobile magnate, and managed by 32-year-old Victor Estrada.

ryanivr · 05-01-2010, 01:54 AM

Orphans Take Game One

BUFFALO, NY. October 7, 1912 -

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	R	H	E
Chicago	2	0	0	3	1	0	0	0	4		10	11	0
Buffalo	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0		4	6	1

W: D. Shipman (7 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K)
L: R. Sullivan (6 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 0 K)

Player of the Game: C. Abernathy (2 for 3, 1 R, 3 RBI, 1 BB)

Yesterday afternoon, the Chicago Orphans won the 1st game of the 1912 Presidents Cup Series with a score of 10-4.

In the opening frame, Chicago flexed their muscles early. Kirby Shafer kicked off the contest with a base hit. After stealing 2nd and then taking 3rd on a wild pitch, Buffalo pitched around Will Eberle and walked him to face Chad Abernathy.

With men on 1st and 3rd, Eberle stole 2nd base, which is one of the biggest reasons the Orphans brass brought him to Chicago. With two runners in scoring position, Abernathy ripped a 2-RBI double, but was then thrown out trying to steal 3rd.

Buffalo countered with a lead-off hit of their own from Harrison Marino. He stole 2nd, but Dave Shipman worked out of it.

The Blues put together a rally in their half of the 3rd. After Randall Sullivan lined a single to lead off the inning, Marino drew a walk and then Dykes hit a hard single that made the bases loaded. Bob Rael came to the plate and delivered a deep ball into the gap in right-center field. The ball kicked off the wall oddly and Rael made it into 3rd easily for a triple, scoring three. Joe Hinckley grounded out next, but Rael scored on the play giving Buffalo a 4-2 lead.

Unfortunately for the Blues, that would be their only offensive attack. Chicago went on to scored 3 in the 4th, and another in the 5th, making it 6-4.

It remained that way until the top of the 9th. Chicago came to bat looking for an insurance run, but they got much more than that. Kirby Shafer led off with a walk, but two outs were quickly recorded. Will Eberle came up next and delivered a single, making it 1st and 3rd. Then John Sherman blooped a hit over the second baggers head scoring Shafer and putting runners on 1st and 2nd. A Mack Baker walk loaded the bases for Eric Matney.

A frustrated Mickey Monk let things get away from him, and he plunked Matney on the third pitch. Next, he walked Barnes. And when Garret Kempton came to the plate, he threw a wild pitch on an 0-2 count, scoring another. He finally got out of the inning after that, but the damage was done.

The two clubs will play a 2nd game today in Buffalo. Patrick Bunch will throw for Chicago, and Travis Hathorn will pitch for the Blues.

ryanivr · 05-01-2010, 09:12 PM

Buffalo Takes Two-Game Lead After 11-Inning Affair

BUFFALO, NY. October 8, 1912 -

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	R	H	E
Chicago	0	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	5	13	1
Buffalo	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	4	9	1

W: R. Sandler (9 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K)
L: M. Monk (3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K)

Player of the Game: B. Henke (3 for 6, 0 R, 0 RBI, 0 BB)

In a three hour and twenty minute, eleven inning contest yesterday afternoon, the Chicago Orphans took a two-game lead after scoring the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th inning.

Chicago once again got off to an early lead, this time going up 3-o after four innings. In the bottom of the 5th, Buffalo put two on the board. Bob Young singled, then Mike Hodge ripped a double into left field. Travis Hathorn was next, and he drove in Young with a seeing-eye single. Marino then hit a deep fly ball allowing Hodge to tag up and score.

Chicago held Buffalo in check throughout the next three innings, keeping the score at 4-2. But in the bottom of the 9th, Paul Flood, Bob Young, and Mike Hodge strung together three doubles before an out was recorded to tie the game. Unfortunately, they couldn't put the winning run across and the game went into extra innings.

Both teams were held scoreless in the 10th, and the Orphans came to bat in the 11th looking to strike. Kirby Shafer led the inning off with bloop single, and then Bob Henke doubled down the third base line, driving in Shafer. Gilbert Stiles would hit a single, but the Orphans were held to one in the inning.

In the bottom of the 11th, the Blues looked to come back a second time. But they would have no such luck. Bob Young struck out, Mike Hodge grounded out to short, and then Larry Nord made the final out on a fly ball to center.

Today is an off-day, with the teams traveling to Chicago to play games 3 and 4.

ryanivr · 05-01-2010, 10:39 PM

Chicago's Abernathy to Miss Rest of Series

CHICAGO, IL. October 8, 1912 - The Chicago Orphans issued a statement today revealing that Chad Abernathy, the team's starting left-fielder will miss the rest of the Presidents Cup Series. Abernathy injured himself making a defensive play in the first game of the series.

After the doctor informed Victor Estrada that Abernathy was expected to miss the remainder of the series, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play for the remaining games. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper.

This season Abernathy had 6 home runs and a .300 batting average.

04-29-2010, 04:38 AM	#50
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Manager Simpson and Boston Part Company BOSTON, MA. August 8, 1912 - Arnie Simpson knew that firings are part of the job, he just didn't think it would happen to him. "I was stunned. I didn't think it would happen," said the Boston Americans skipper. "I recently sat in a meeting with the owner and general manager and it seemed that my job was secure." The 51-year-old Minnesota native had a rough go of it in the league's inaugural season. Boston never really got going, and he leaves with the team sitting in last place, winning at just a .358 clip. At 38-68, the Americans are 30 1/2 games back. Juan Enriquez, a 43-year-old from Chicago, will take over the job. Last edited by ryanivr; 04-29-2010 at 04:40 AM.

04-30-2010, 02:03 AM	#57
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	1912 Presidents Cup Series Preview: Chicago Orphans CHICAGO, IL. October 6, 1912 - Unlike their Buffalo counterpart, Chicago had plenty of competition in the United League pennant chase. First, it was St. Paul. A May article covered a series between the Saints and the Orphans calling it a very important match-up. St. Paul lost that series and was never the same after it, eventually finishing 70-84. Cleveland and Philadelphia were still in it by July, but Philadelphia went 30-41 after the All-Star break and quickly fell out of it. By September, Cleveland was just 3 1/2 games out. Amazingly, they won their first nine games of September, bringing them within one game. But the lost five of their next eight, and would then face off against Chicago in a three-game series. They were swept, essentially putting an end to their chances. Chicago is extremely well balanced, with their only real weakness being the running game. The Orphans ranked 2nd in batting average (.294), 1st in on-base percentage (.365), 1st in runs scored (748), 1st in walks (584), and tied for 1st in least amount of strikeouts (173). The team had one big hole in the first half of the season, and that was at third-base. Danny Cochrane was penciled in as the starter at the start of the season, but the 32-year-old hit just .261 with a .310 on-base average. The Orphans needed an upgrade, and they could also use some speed in their lineup. They got a boost when the team traded Cochrane and three other prospects to get All-Star Will Eberle from Newark. Eberle didn't disappoint. The team would have been happy if he continued his ways from Newark, where he hit .318, with a .414 OBP. But he did better. In 54 games with Chicago, Eberle hit .401 with a .484 OBP and a .604 SLG. He also stole 13 bases. As good as the offense is, the pitching may even be better. The one-two punch of Dave Shipman and Patrick Bunch is arguably the best in the league. The team was 2nd in ERA (3.12), 2nd in runs allowed (553), 2nd in opponents average (.267) and had the fewest walks (379). The team will be extremely tough to beat. 1. CF Kirby Shafer (.276, 3 HR, 55 RBI, 29 SB) 2. RF Bob Henke (.410, 1 HR. 4 RBI in 39 AB) 3. 2B Gilbert Stiles (.327, 0 HR, 75 RBI, 19 SB) 4. 3B Will Eberle (.348, 3 HR, 101 RBI, 25 SB w/ NEW and CHO) 5. LF Chad Abernathy (.300, 6 HR, 66 RBI) 6. 1B Mack Baker (.286, 1 HR, 85 RBI) 7. C Eric Matney (.300, 2 HR, 59 RBI) 8. SS John Barnes (.303, 2 HR, 37 RBI) Dave Shipman (21-8, 2.09 ERA, 54 K) Patrick Bunch (25-9, 2.58 ERA, 48 K) Joe Vincent (13-15, 4.65 ERA, 33 K) Larry Cowell (11-6, 4.26 ERA, 13 K) The Chicago Orphans play their home games at O'Connor Park. The park holds 20,000 people and favors left-handed hitters slightly. You won't see any more home runs than usual, but the park does slightly diminish extra-base hits. The field has the following dimensions: Left Line: 329 ft., 10 ft. wall Left Field: 362 ft., 10 ft. wall Left-Center: 397 ft., 10 ft. wall Center: 424 ft., 10 ft. wall Right-Center: 396 ft., 10 ft. wall Right Field: 355 ft., 10 ft. wall Right Line: 328 ft., 10 ft. wall Chicago players wear a royal-blue cap with a "C", a gray jersey with "Chicago" written across the breast. They wear gray pants and royal blue stockings. The club is owned by 53-year-old Jack O'Connor, an automobile magnate, and managed by 32-year-old Victor Estrada. Last edited by ryanivr; 05-01-2010 at 06:55 PM.

04-28-2010, 08:38 PM	#42
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	UBA Breaks for All-Star Contest BROOKLYN, NY. July 8, 1912 - No scheduled games today in the UBA, as all sixteen teams will take a three-day break in the middle of the season. Tomorrow, however, is the first All-Star Contest, an exhibition game between the Federal League's best and the United League's best. Players were voted onto teams by league executives, owners, and other players. Twenty players have been selected for each squad. The game will take place in Brooklyn at Washington Park, home of the Tip-Tops.

04-28-2010, 10:06 PM	#43
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	All-Star Team Starters Named BROOKLYN, NY. July 9, 1912 - Today, the Federal League All-Stars will face off against the United League All-Stars in a 9-inning exhibition contest at Washington Park in Brooklyn. Last night, a bulletin was released by the league that announced the starters for each squad. UNITED LEAGUE 1. SS Gilbert Stiles (.351, 0 HR, 32 RBI) 2. 3B Tim Foster (.322, 2 HR, 46 RBI) 3. 2B Earl Hammon (.341, 1 HR, 48 RBI) 4. RF Don Coffelt (.354, 6 HR, 45 RBI) 5. CF Ben Lee (.293, 5 HR, 47 RBI) 6. LF Tommy Howland (.361, 2 HR, 39 RBI) 7. C George LaBelle (.273, 2 HR, 30 RBI) 8. 1B Earl Liss (.305, 1 HR, 28 RBI) 9. P Palmer Hartman (15-5, 1.74 ERA, 31 K) FEDERAL LEAGUE 1. RF Fred Edwards (.318, 0 HR, 36 RBI) 2. 2B Les Hellman (.289, 2 HR, 22 RBI) 3. 3B Will Eberle (.316, 0 HR, 44 RBI) 4. CF Danny Paddock (.339, 1 HR, 33 RBI) 5. C Columbus Teeters (.345, 1 HR, 30 RBI) 6. LF Joe Owen (.342, 1 HR, 60 RBI) 7. 1B Joe Wynn (.314, 0 HR, 40 RBI) 8. SS Phil Dykes (.322, 0 HR, 27 RBI) 9. P Dan Cooke (10-4, 1.70 ERA, 20 K)

04-28-2010, 11:32 PM	#45
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	I really like the detailed back story and your format. Keep up the good work! I just read it all in one sitting, but I think you've got a good balance with how you are covering things. I'll be following along. As for rooting for a specific team, I usually always like to go with the local team, so I'll be pulling for Philadelphia. Only four games out, so a second half comeback isn't out of the question.

04-29-2010, 03:55 AM	#47
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Keystones Struggling After Hot May, June PHILADELPHIA, PA. July 23, 1912 - After getting off to a rather cool, 10-11 start to the year, the Philadelphia Keystones took the months of May and June to make up for it. In May, the club went 17-12, finishing the month 3 games back of Chicago. In June, they did even better, going 17-12, but finished 4 games back of the Orphans. But now, after going 8-9 so far through July, the team is falling. They're now 7 games back of first place and will need a lot of luck to get back in the race. The offense hasn't been a factor in their struggles. The team ranks 1st in many categories, including runs scored, batting average, on-base average, and hits But pitching and defense is another story. The team is 5th in the UL in runs allowed, 3rd in ERA, and 4th in walk allowed. Jeffrey Wiley has been great, going 12-5 with a 2.65 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, but they've also had to deal with Steven Kenney, who's 8-12 and just barely under a 5.00 ERA. It will be interesting to see if the Keystones decide to bolster their pitching staff before the July 31st trade deadline, or they sit tight and keep their young prospects under their control. They have two young pitching prospects in the developmental league playing in Minneapolis, 21-year-old John Falkner and 20-year-old Tom Hannah.

04-29-2010, 04:00 AM	#48
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Buffalo CF Danny Paddock Out BUFFALO, NY. July 26, 1912 - The first place Buffalo Blues were dealt a severe blow when Danny Paddock was hurt making a defensive play recently in a game against the Newark Peppers. After the game, the team trainer reported Paddock might have to spend a lengthy time on the disabled list. Today doctors confirmed it, ruling the 29-year-old center fielder out for the rest of the season with torn ankle ligaments. They indicated it would take Paddock at least 4 months to heal. Paddock was batting .322 with 1 home run and 37 RBIs. It will be interesting to see if Buffalo fills the void internally or pulls off a trade instead.

04-29-2010, 04:34 AM	#49
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Four Trades at Deadline NEW YORK, NY. August 1, 1912 - The UBA trading deadline passed yesterday at 4PM, and four major trades helped bolster contenders. Buffalo and Kansas City have agreed to a swap that will send 26-year-old center fielder Ed Parker and 25-year-old minor league reliever Lloyd Keane to the Packers with 33-year-old center fielder Bob Fant joining the Blues. Just last week, Buffalo lost their star center-fielder Danny Paddock for the season due to injury. On the season, Fant is batting .306 with no home runs and 15 RBIs. He has played in 46 games. Fans in Cleveland woke up this morning to learn that their team had traded 19-year-old minor league reliever Gilbert Casper, 30-year-old reliever Jack Garrick, 19-year-old shortstop Brian Klotz and 17-year-old minor league starting pitcher Chris Amick to the Boston Americans. In return, the Green Sox will receive 33-year-old left fielder Chris Greenway and 32-year-old shortstop Parker Earnest. This year Greenway has collected a .328 batting average to date with 86 hits in 262 at-bats, 22 RBIs, no home runs and scored 42 times. He has played in 67 games. There were plenty of hugs and handshakes passed out as 32-year-old third baseman Danny Cochrane, 26-year-old minor league third baseman John Edwards, 23-year-old minor league starting pitcher Hubert Olinger and 26-year-old minor league left fielder Bob Allen left the Chicago Orphans yesterday en route to joining the Newark Peppers organization. 33-year-old third baseman and all-star Will Eberle will be traveling to Chicago Orphans to complete the swap. This season in 96 games Eberle is batting .318 with no home runs, 56 RBIs and has scored 52 times. Finally, a trade between Cleveland and Detroit was also made official this morning. The Green Sox have sent 23-year-old third baseman Bobby Devlin, 26-year-old minor league right fielder Byron Higley, 19-year-old minor league starting pitcher Dave Wimer and 18-year-old minor league second baseman Ben Bowens to the Wolverines in exchange for 34-year-old shortstop Spencer Cool. This season Cool has hit at a .347 clip with 41 RBIs, no home runs and 49 runs scored. He has played in 92 games. The four deals will certainly impact the pennant race in the Federal league, with Chicago and Cleveland both improving drastically on paper.

04-29-2010, 04:43 AM	#51
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Cleveland LF Greenway Will Miss 4 Months CLEVELAND, OH. August 21, 1912 - The injury bug struck Chris Greenway of the Green Sox today in the game against Wolverines. The newest Green Sox player was hurt while making a defensive play and will miss 4 months with a ruptured finger tendon. Greenway was traded to Cleveland from Boston at the trade deadline and had really made an impact with his new club, hitting .339 in 16 games. The Green Sox are currently 5 games back and losing a player of Greenway's caliber may be too much to overcome.

04-29-2010, 04:30 PM	#53
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	New York Dazzled, Hulbert Hurls No-Hitter DETROIT, MI. September 4, 1912 - Chad Hulbert of the Wolverines was standing behind the mound when the scoreboard caught his eye, confirming what he already knew... he was one out from a no-hitter. He froze... for a couple of seconds he didn't move. "This hitter is the last one," Hulbert told himself. Then he collected himself and finished one of his greatest performances ever. The Detroit hurler no-hit the New York Gothams 6-0 at Bronx Oval Grounds, finishing with 2 walks and no strikeouts, facing only 29 batters. Hulbert admitted to the press, "I knew from the fifth inning on it was a no-hitter, but really didn't worry about it until the last out. I just wanted to win the game until then... then I wanted the no-hitter, too." This year Hulbert has compiled a 18-10 mark with a 3.20 ERA in 33 starts.

04-29-2010, 11:09 PM	#56
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	1912 Presidents Cup Series Preview: Buffalo Blues BUFFALO, NY. October 6, 1912 - The relatively small city of Buffalo has taken home the 1912 Federal League Pennant. While many expected Brooklyn, Pittsburgh, and Chicago to be the main contenders, the Blues were in control the entire season. By the end of April, they were 18-6 and up 3 games over 2nd place Baltimore. Amazingly, they never let first place slip out of their grasp. However, August and September were down months for the team. They went 13-13 in August, 12-10 in September, and then lost their three October matches as well. The slow-down can be attributed to injuries, as they lost their star center-fielder Danny Paddock for the season. After picking up CF Bob Fant in a trade with Kansas City, they lost him for the season as well. Now, youngster Harrison Marino is manning center field. He's solid defensively, but he needs work at the plate. Speaking of offense, the Blues are just above average at the plate, but they make up for it in other ways. Their .289 average ranked 3rd in the Federal League, and their 1543 was also ranked 3rd. However, they were 1st in extra-base hits with 432 and they also completely outclassed the entire UBA with 161 stolen bases. Brooklyn ranked 2nd, with 134. With all of that being said, offense isn't the strong suit of Buffalo anyway. Their pitching got them here. The team ranked 1st in the United League in ERA (3.05), runs allowed (548), opponents average (.256), and was 2nd in walks allowed (405). Of course, their defense is also a large part of their ability to stop runs from being scored. In summary, the team is built around pitching, defense and speed. 1. CF Harrison Mariano (.268, 3 HR, 42 RBI, 38 SB) 2. SS Phil Dykes (.330, 0 HR, 41 RBI) 3. 3B Rob Rael (.311, 1 HR, 80 RBI) 4. LF Joe Kinckley (.305, 1 HR, 69 RBI) 5. 2B Ed Frith (.32o, 1 HR, 65 RBI) 6. C Bob Young (.303, 1 HR, 67 RBI) 7. 1B Paul Flood (.290, 2 HR, 58 RBI) 8. RF Mike Hodge (.316, 1 HR, 13 RBI) Randall Sullivan (22-3, 2.27 ERA, 66 K) Travis Hathorn (19-9, 3.44 ERA, 28 K) Dan Cooke (19-9, 1.94 ERA, 29 K) Mickey Monk (17-19, 3.42 ERA, 37 K) The Buffalo Blues play their home games at the International Fair Association Grounds. The park holds 20,000 people and favors right-handed hitters. You'll see more extra-base hits than home runs. Games 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9 will take place at Buffalo's park. The field has the following dimensions: Left Line: 328 ft., 7 ft. wall Left Field: 363 ft., 7 ft. wall Left-Center: 417 ft., 7 ft. wall Center: 438 ft., 7 ft. wall Right-Center: 420 ft., 7 ft. wall Right Field: 383 ft., 15 ft. wall Right Line: 331 ft., 15 ft. wall Buffalo players wear a solid navy-blue cap, a navy-blue jersey with white piping and the "Buffalo" logo on the left breast. They were navy-blue pants and white stockings. The club is owned by 61-year-old Walter Mullen, a steel magnate, and managed by 43-year-old William Trent.

05-01-2010, 10:39 PM	#60
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Chicago's Abernathy to Miss Rest of Series CHICAGO, IL. October 8, 1912 - The Chicago Orphans issued a statement today revealing that Chad Abernathy, the team's starting left-fielder will miss the rest of the Presidents Cup Series. Abernathy injured himself making a defensive play in the first game of the series. After the doctor informed Victor Estrada that Abernathy was expected to miss the remainder of the series, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play for the remaining games. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper. This season Abernathy had 6 home runs and a .300 batting average.