Our Game From Beginning To End

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
June 1875
Edition 5.3



Pitching Dominates National League
Development Of Pitching Art Has Hitters Tied

With more persons playing the game of baseball more then at any other time in history, the game has and continues to see a great number of enhancements. At odds of course the game comes down to the most basic of confrontations between the pitcher and the batter. In the process both the arts of pitching and hitting have seen a constant evolutions but it now appears one skill is outperforming another.

When the league started in 1871 there were only a handful of great arms in the game like Dick McBride or Asa Brainard. Still the hitters did considerable damage as the ERA that first year was 5.14 and it was customary to see a club score 20 or even 25 runs in a game. s expected teams adapted, and the talent search for great arms brought fresh talent to the league and the craft began to improve.



Along came Mr. Candy Cummings of the New York club introducing a curve ball that hitters struggled with. Now a pitcher could change speed and the trend caught on across the league with variations of the Cummings throw taking shape.

Along with the new pitches, the club defense behind the pitchers has greatly improved. The fields that are playing in the league are much smoother then they used to be and the defensive miscue is not nearly as expected as it used to be. All of this has given the modern pitcher a greater confidence and the numbers clearly show it.

"They throw much harder now" said Chicago slugger Cap Anson who is one of many players that have seen his lofty batting numbers come back to earth. After hitting .451 in 1872 Cap is currently sitting at .276 and hit just and even .300 last season.

Other stars like Davy Force, Orator Schafer and Jimmy Wood have seen their averages dip below .250. While star arms like Jim Clinton, Tommy Bond, and Bill Stearns continue to get better. It is now time for the batters to respond and improve their skill and catch back up to the trend. Some are hoping the league will submit rule changes to make the game more exciting.

Hugh Campbell of New Haven looked smug when this idea was kicked around adding, "Who says pitching isnt exciting?"

Difficult Days For The Westerns
Keokuk Franchise Continues To Struggle No Matter Its Local

Coming into the league in 1872, the Brooklyn Eckfords won only 13 games but the prevailing view was to just give them some time to find their footing. The patience paid off in 1873 when manager Shamar Pate lead the Eckfords to dream season finishing second to the pennant on the last weekend of the season. Last season the club held its ground with a .433 winning percentage but the city of Brooklyn had grown quite indifferent about the club.

Enter 1875 and the city of Keokuk Iowa, the western most franchise in the league. The Eckfords made the long long trek to the midwest and took footing in the small town. The locals loved the club and the season looked to be one of promise.

As we start the summer Shamar Pate's team has a record of 9-28 and truly are playing uninspired. The team average in an unbelievable .202 and the lineup has yet to hit a single home runs while stealing just 24 bases. Oscar Bielaski who was the hope of the franchise is hitting just .194 with 6 RBI while the once proud arm of Frank Buttry is now full of frustration with a 1-10 record already.



Reasons for the demise are said to be many. Some say the ballpark that was promised to the club is short in a number of key areas and players can barely find a cup of water to drink. The team is 3-14 at Perry Park this season. Another factor not considered was the amount of travel the team would have to endure to play games on the east coast, especially with the new 96 game schedule. Players seem tired and delusioned on the field of play, and the manager seems helpless to much about it.

it seems like everyone is asking for a change, and already talk is arising that the Westerns will not survive another season in their current setting, but does it really matter? A poor club has been put together by owner Jordan Jackson and he as much as anyone else, should take the blame for its current condition. The club by many is considered an embarrassment to the professional ranks and the American League.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
July 1875
Edition 5.4



An Irish Bond In American Game
Foreign Pitcher Accepted As Star



Americans take pride in their National game and its origins. Never tell a true baseball fan that the game of baseball does not belong solely to them and that they are the innovators and holders of its legacy. Still in that sort of thinking, is an obvious short sight that the game has appeal to all people and all nations and crossed over backgrounds and cultures.

The Irish immigrants in the country haven't always had it easy. In Philadelphia these days as the city embraces their National League club, a 19 year old Irish arm by the name of Tommy Bond is having a important impact. Bind was born in Granard Ireland and his father immigrated to Brooklyn when he was a young child, giving him plenty of time to learn how to play the game. Little Tommy was a Brooklyn Atlantics fan growing up but his opportunity would come when manager Lip Pike brought him into the club last season. Bond has won 14 games this season with a 1.68 ERA with 11 strikeouts and a 1.7 WAR. Bond in fact can be argued that he is the best arm on the club, even more then Cy Bentley who is already well established.

"Im just trying to show everyone kid from every background that they can make it in this game" says Bond, "the game shows no partiality and I feel colored or anyone else should be allowed to participate."

Currently there are no official rules in the league that disqualify any single race but the issue has not gone without attention.

The White can dream of their first possible pennant as they sit just one half game out of first place but still have to deal with the giant shadows of New York and Chicago.

McVey Gets Six Hits In Six Tries
Star Pitcher Reminds Everyone He Can Still Swing It

Cal McVey took his position in the outfield in a perfect afternoon in Philadelphia. The New York star was not scheduled as a pitcher and took his secondary position in the outfield. McVey made quite a stir in the offseason and he made the decision to focus more on his pitching then his hitting, a move that was rumored to be frowned upon by the league office. The transition has for the most part been a success as McVey has gone 12-6 with a 2.67 ERA in 18 starts. On the flip side his batting average has dipped to .276 well below his career mark of .366. One should keep in mind however that the league as a whole has had offensive struggles as pitching has dominated the season.

On this day McVey would remind everyone what a talented swinger he really is going 6 for 6 against the Philadelphia Whites and becoming only the 13th player in the history of the league to do so. No one had accomplished the feat in the past to two seasons and out of the 13 times times done, it is Davy Force who has turned the trick three times. The Mutuals and McVey are still playing great baseball and have a real chance to become the first club in league history to repeat as champions.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
August 1875
Edition 5.5



Brother George Back In Fold
After Season Jaded, Wright Returns To Boston For Stretch



Growing tired of the constant pressures of the game and saying that there is more to life then just hitting a baseball, mysterious Boston star George Wright left his successful ballclub this April to spend time at home. Amid much confusion, George was granted permission by his manager, who also happens to be his brother, for the time off and in truth the ball club hasn't missed much of a beat atop the AL with 44 wins.

The lifetime .353 hitting shortstop is finally on his way back as he appeared at the club at the end of last month and was greeted with hand shakes and smiles. The club is in a tight pennant race with Washington and the addition of Wright may be the ingredient needed for Boston to lift their second successive pennant.

"I knew they were in this fight without me up until now" said Wright, "but i felt it was time for me to return and do my part to help Boston indeed reach their first World Championship."

Some pundits think Wright had received special treatment by his manager but no one can definitively say that his addition back in the lineup doesn't make a great Boston club even better. The reception by Boston fanatics on his first taking of the field at South End Grounds should be interesting to witness.

Boston star pitcher Al Spalding found it all a bit amusing, "I find it interesting that hands down one of the best players this game has is now in our batting order and some people want to act as if it a bad thing. Maybe we should have paid him to stay home to make the press writers happy."

Word is that Wright did not get paid for the time he was away from the club for personal reasons. In the mean time the Washington ball club is questioning the move claiming that such roster moves at or near the end of the season disqualify the intense pennant race that has been forged by the two clubs all season.

Ross Barnes, the Washington star, had a few cutting words to add, "I would never trust him. George Wright is yellow." Interesting enough, Wright first home game return, will be against those very same Senators.

Pike Refuses To Let Whites Lose
Player Manager On Sure Pace For MVP

Over in the National League it is the Philadelphia Whites that have taken over first place from both Chicago and New York. In fact the Whites, who won 11 games in August, defeated Chicago 21-5 in a recent game and seemed poised to bring home their very first pennant.

Their manager Lip Pike has been the beating heart of this club in every way. The 30 year old veteran realizes that he may indeed be running out of chances for glory and this season has pushed all the right buttons to lead his team to success like they have never seen, even in their days at Troy.



But it is what Pike is doing on the field that cant really be put into words. He has earned 6 WAR for the season thus far and is hitting .420 to lead the league far and away all while holding a 36 game hitting streak, only 5 behind the alltime record. Oh and in the meantime he has managed to steal 63 bases and score 86 runs.

It is a phenomenal all around effort this year for the New York native and many around the game would love to see Pike reach the highest levels as he is among the most popular and respected men within the game.

Put quite subtly and direct, Pike tells us, "I would like to win one before I die if that is ok with everyone."

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
September 1875
Edition 5.6



The Iron Will Of Bobby Mathews
The Standard For Durability And Wins



No man has thrown the ball more or accumulated more pitching numbers then the 23 year old out of Baltimore who is a cornerstone of the Washington club. Even more importantly, no single man has won more games then Matthews, who takes the ball every game and is determined to do the job himself each and every time out.

"There is no one to compare his to in the league" points out his loyal catcher and friend Deacon White. "while the remainder of the league has partnerships and threesomes, we just give the ball to Bobby."

In 1875 he has won 33 games surely on pace to break hit own record from 1872 when he won 35 in in a 60 game season. He has 131 career wins, 37 more then the next man and has thrown more then 2000 more innings then anyone to ever play. He has 22.6 WAR for his career including a 1.22 WHIP and a 2.71 career ERA.

Standing at only 5 foot 5 and 140 pounds the durability such a small frame has shown is astounding. It is more then that however, no pitcher experiments more with his delivery and has a bigger variety of throws then Matthews. He has already perfected the Cummings curve ball and his smooth delivery is being copied by men all over the nation. As a reminder, he is still only 23 years of age.

"I plan on winning 500 games before it is all said and done" says the star pitcher, "wins are what drives me and the only number that matters to me."

Washington is the only club in the league that uses only one pitcher, and they put all their eggs and trust in the one basket. Mathews is a marvel that the game should not overlook, and outliner that makes this game of baseball so great. The likes the game has never seen before.

"He just doesn't take no for an answer" compliments his manager Nick Young who has been with him since the beginning. "He is what our club and our city is all about."



Both Leagues Have Enthralling Chases
The Race For The 1875 Flags May Be Best Yet

The great clubs of the land are poised for a fantastic finish in 1875 and as the final month of the baseball year dawns, no one knows who will end up top.

American League - The old guard of Washington, the leagues very first champion, is back, The Nationals have put it all together in 1875 behind the rubber arm of Bobby Mathews and the great consistency of Ross Barnes and Deacon White. Barnes is hitting .346 with 50 RBI while White is at .362 with 63 driven in. For Deacon, no player in the league is feared more when the game is on the line. Keeping pace with the Nationals are Harry Wright and his defending champion Red Stockings. Boston refuses to give up the flag and won 11 games in a row to end September. Jim Foran has had a resurgent season with 75 RBI while Al Spalding has been at his best with a 22-8 record and a 2.10 ERA. The two clubs will battle it out to the finish and both have a pedigree of winning and two managers who will accept nothing less. Baseball is immerse in this historic pennant chase.

National League - In the National league three teams are in the thick of the race with a fourth looming near. The New York club that won it all last season holds a slim lead having played .600 baseball all season. Bill Boyd has been amazing for the Mutuals driving in 87 runs. Philadelphia lead by their special player manager Lip Pike look for their first pennant. Pike is still hitting .416 with 84 RBI while Gat Stires has 88 driven in making the duo second to none. Chicago is a single game back with 50 wins and Paul Hines has bloomed into a real star, overtaking Cap Anson as the best hitter in the lineup. Finally the New Haven Elms are 3.5 games back and have the tougher road in October, but nothing should be counted out. If any club has the disadvantage, it is the White who have only six games left on their schedule.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
October 1875
Edition 5.7

- PENNANT RACE UPDATE -



Both Leagues Go To One Game Playoff!
For First Time Both Leagues Have Ties At The End Of Season

Professional baseball extended their regular season in 1975 to 96 games and one would think with that amount of games that there would be a clear winner in each league. In fact as the season ended on Sunday the opposite is true, both leagues have two teams at the top of the table with identical records and the necessity for a one single game playoff to determine the pennant winner.

American League - The defending pennant winning Boston Red Stockings finally caught the Washington Senators in the last week of the season. Both clubs won a league leading 63 games but it was Boston who went 19-7 in the last two months to force a playoff. Al Spalding went an amazing 26-8 with a 2.04 ERA and the offense was almost just as good scoring a league leading 667 runs. Washington is a team of experiance and fortitude and they showed it all season long, After a 12-3 September, they went only 9-5 in October and a back breaking sweep of a doubleheader at the hands of the Mutuals in the final week opened the door for the red hot Red Stockings. Bobby Mathews won 37 games and the club had the best batting average in the league at .277

Playoff matchup
At Olympic Grounds: Boston (63-33) vs Washington (63-33)
Jim Britt (19-12, 2.19 ERA vs Bill French (20-8, 2.48 ERA)

National LeagueThe Philadelphia Whites are the suprise participants in this years race but have been there from start to finish. The club went a bleak 6-10 in September but won 5 of 6 to end the season. They are lead by the league batting champion Lip Pike who is also their determined manager. Pike hit .410 with 79 stolen bases taking the league by storm scoring 104 runs. Gat Stires also drove in 93 runs while Tommy Bond won 23 games. The defending champion Mutuals put it all on the line in October and had a memorable sweep of Washington in a doubleheader a week before the end of the season including a 13-1 win. Billy Boyd hit .394 with 98 RBI while Cal McVey won 21 games as a starter. The Mutuals are first in almost every offensive category in the league.

Playoff Matchup
At Union Grounds: Philadelphia Whites (58-38) vs Mutuals of New York (58-38)
Cy Bentley (16-13, 2.16) vs Candy Cummings (17-11, 1.80)

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
Edition 5.8

Playoff Update

Boston Massacres Nats
Convincing Win Earns Red Stockings Second Pennant



A season of hard fought baseball as well as aches and pains came down to one game in the nations capital, and Harry Wright made sure his side left with the spoils. A tight game was broken open in the 5th inning when the visiting side scored 5 runs and would never look back ending with 16 hits lead by a 3-6 game by Dick Hunt who scored two and drove in two. Jim Britt was in control throughout and the support he was given just made him more confident. He tossed nine innings allowing only one earned run and walking none.

The Nationals made 11 errors and were never really in this game. Their ace Bobby Mathews pitched on almost no rest but allowed 10 runs and was visibly annoyed by his teams lack of defense; Dickie Flowers alone made three errors. The discouragement on the faces of the Washington players was profound, as a summer of hope and success come up short of the flag.

Harry Wright continues to build on his legend and now has his mind solely focused on winning the World Series that was lost last season.

Whites Lift First Flag
Hold Off New York In 5-3 Win



The Philadelphia Whites have finally climbed the mountain. After starting off in the city of Troy five years ago and being the black sheep to the Athletics upon their move to the old city, Lip Pike and his men have now brought unquestionable success, as they defeat the storied Mutuals and move on to the World Series.

New York scored three in the bottom of the third and things looked to be heading towards a rematch of last seasons pennant winners. This Philly team however wouldnt quit, scoring 2 runs in the 5th and three more in the seventh to capture the lead. Cy Bentley would not let his club down going all nine innings for his 17th win while Candy Cummings for New York also pitched well, but allowed 5 unearned runs.

Mike McGeary went 3-5 with 2 RBI and Lip Pike went 2-5 with an RBI to have jis season average end up at .410. It truly was an inspired year for Pike, who now gets to live his dream and play in the World Series.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
October 1875
Edition 5.9



Boston's Day In The Sun
Unbelievable Comeback Crown's Red Stockings Champions

The series had all the intrigue and attention of almost every citizen of the land. Two cities soaked in baseball tradition faced off for the championship of 1875, the rooters of Boston against the stone will of Philadelphia.

The series will go down in history as one of surprise and resolve as it took the full seven games to decide the winner. Even more dramatic however is that the club from Philadelphia, won the first three games and appeared clear to win the title for the National League. Step by step however, the men of Harry Wright did not quit and rallied themselves, to win four games in a row and become champions to relish.

Lip Pike went 4-5 in the opening game in Boston as the Whites punished star pitcher Al Spalding taking the opener easily 8-3. A tight back and forth battle in game two saw Boston fall behind 7-0 in the first only to fight back and come one run short to lose 9-8, and take the series to Philadelphia.

In Philly the Whites continued their fine play. Cy Bentley delighted fans with an brilliant 4-1 win in game three and plans for a coronation and a parade were set in the city of Brotherly Love. Boston had none of it, coming out determined not to be embarrassed defeating a relaxed Phlly team 11-2 to force a game five. Keen to get the series back to Boston, Mike Golden beat Bentley 7-2 and whispers began to circulate that the Reds could turn the entire series around.

In Boston flying high behind a fanbase they truly believed in them, Boston took game six 11-8 punishing Tommy Bond and proving that momentum is a very real thing in this game. The final battle was set for a winner take all game seven, but somehow, it seemed everyone knew what the final outcome would be. Down 2-0 early, Boston did not flinch and would score seven runs the rest of the way achieving the unthinkable and winning a championship that had eluded them for 5 years.

Harry Wright gets all the credit for somehow rallying his team after all hope seemed lost, and even benching his brother George to change the momentum and get his club back on track. It has become obvious, that the Boston players truly would go through the fire for their manager.

Dick Hunt was named player of the series hitting .412 but it was a entire team effort that has Boston celebrating. For Philadelphia, the players were most hurt that they could not bring home the title for their manager, Lip Pike, who had carried them on and off the field all season long.

[Nick Soulis]

National League

Most Valuable Player



Outstanding Pitcher



American League

Most Valuable Player



Outstanding Pitcher



Other Awards

Rookie of The Year - Henry Luff - Philadelphia Athletics
Manager of The Year - Harry Wright - Boston Red Stockings

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
January 1876
Edition 6.1

The Best Nine

Catcher - Deacon White - Washington Nationals



White brought home his first MVP in what has been an excellent five year career. He had a WAR of 5.0 to lead the league including a 191 OPS+ not to mention the excellent job he does defensively and off the field. In a league that really has some up and coming catchers, White remains head of the class.

First Base - Levi Meyerle - Hartford Dark Blues



Long Levi followed up his MVP season with another good effort including 65 runs and 20 doubles. Some felt that the long season took its toll on the 26 year old Philadelphia product, but across the league, few players are more effective and popular then Meyerle.

Second Base - Ross Barnes - Washington Nationals



Another season and nothing changes in regards to Barnes and his status in the game. The three time MVP almost helped carry the Nats to a pennant that came one game short. He his .338 with 55 RBI and 150 hits. He walked only twice all season, but still stole 33 bases and scored 92 times. There is no slowing down in his game at 25 years old.

Third Base - Cap Anson - Chicago White Stockings



Anson has felt the wrath of many of his critics after he was never able to duplicate his 1872 season and hit just .279 last year. Still, third is a weaker position across the league and when it comes to raw talent, few can match the skill of Anson. He is 7th alltime in hits with 490 and can play numerous positions. The question by everyone, is why does he tend to be so inconsistent with so much talent?

Shortstop - Joe Battin - Hartford Dark Blues



Battin makes the best nine for the first time and did so leading the league in runs with 94. The scrappy short stop seems to get to every ball hit to him and improved his average by 98 points from last season. The 23 year old has alot of great years ahead of him and almost no one works harder.

Left Field - Lip Pike - Philadelphia Whites



Mr Everything for Philadelphia, Pike was the best player in the land in 1875. He hit .410 for his second batting title and finished with 7.1 WAR. His amazing impact on the field included 80 steals which is by far a new record as well as a 39 game hitting streak. Along with all that, Pike is a great manager and lead his club to within one game of the title.

Center Field - Paul Hines - Chicago White Stockings



Hines has taken over as the darling of Chicago baseball and fans flock from all over to see him play. He hit .372 with 84 runs and makes excellent decisions in the outfield seemingly getting to the ball faster then most. At 21 years old, Hines could be the best player in the entire league for years to come.

Right Field - Bill Boyd - Mutuals Of New York



Boyd showed flashes last season but put it all together in 1875 to become a real force. He came two RBI short of getting to 100 and lead the league in extrabase hits including 36 doubles. Boyd is a New York native and plays with an obvious pride for the name on his shirt. A big bat in the bi apple.

Pitcher - Albert Spalding - Boston Red Stockings



Many choices to make for the best pitcher in the legue but the champions get the final say as Spalding makes the best list. He went 26-8 with a 2.04 ERA and for the fifth season in a row had a WAR over 4. He is among the smartest players in general the league has, and there seems to be an aura about him when he does take the mound.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball

1876 American League Preview

1. Boston Red Caps
1875 Record: 64-33 (World Champions)
Manager: Harry Wright
Ball Park: South End Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 54-42

The new image of the champions is now called the Red Caps and their devine feeling of a championship long overdue will propel them in 1876. Manager Harry Wright looks to win his third straight pennant and comes back with mostly the same elite group. Ezra Sutton and Jim Foran will continue to play winning ball and will be bolstered by George Wright, who says he is ready to play again this year Al Spalding and Jim Britt won a combined 46 games last year and are back for more. Boston expects to be there in the end once again and the city finally treats them with the high regard they deserve.

2. Hartford Dark Blues
1875 Record: 41-55 (5th)
Manager: Al Barker
Ball Park: Hartford Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 63-33

After a rough season, the Blues bring in a new manager to turn things around in Al Barker. Barker is 37 years old and replaces Bob Fergusen who will continue to play for the club. Lon White threw 271 innings last year and at 22 years old is the hope for immediate improvement. Scouts do like the team with Levi Meyerle and Joe Battin among the best at their position. The AL is not an easy league, and Hartford will need to hit the ground running and put a 55 loss season behind them.

3. Philadelphia Athletics
1875 Record: 55-41 (3rd)
Manager: Dick McBride
Ball Park: Jefferson Street Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 53-43

The Athletics finally got back to their winning ways after two seasons with losing records, but still were not at the level of Boston and Washington. Dick McBride at 28 years old can still play having won 86 games in his career but has really failed through the years to bring another good arm along with him; Tricky Nichols who was once a great hope, doesnt seem to have the arm for it. Joe McDermott is still a great two way talent and hit .350 last season while outfielder George Hall is another player with great skill that many wonder why he isnt better then his 2.0 WAR. The Athletics will need some luck and big seasons to keep their trajectory going, and with the crosstown Whites doing well, the pressure is on McBride.

4. Keokuk Westerns
1875 Record: 29-67 (5th)
Record: Shamar Pate
Ball Park: Perry Park
Preseason Prediction: 30-66

Unfortunately the Western franchise seems to be heading in the wrong direction, and being able to draft and find talent has been an issue since they joined the league. A talented catcher by the name of John Morrill is a great talent and could be a great one but other stars to be like Oscar Bielaski just havent panned out. With the lack of offense, John Greason won only seven games with a 1.93 ERA and Frank Buttry has been wasted as another competent starter. Keokuk is an interesting place for a ballclub, and maybe its the lack of pressure on the club and the manager that is showing in the field. Pate has a 102-175 career record.

5. St. Louis Brown Stockings
1875 Record: 33-63 (5th)
Manager: Jamari Arms
Ball Park: Grand Avenue Park
Preseason Prediction: 30-66

In only their second season, the Brown Stockings are trying to build their club in the proper way, and they are doing it by loading up on pitching. Three very good future prospects headed by Hugh O'Neil should make the Browns tough to score on. Pidgey Morgan at 22 years old lead the league in ERA at 1.88 and finally Charlie Mason is a good spot starter. The offense has been neglected for sure as Harry Berthwrong and Ed Duffy are just two of the names in the mix for an offense that is easy pickings for opposing pitchers. Patience is the name of the game for this franchise, but regardless losing is never easy.

6. Washington Nationals
1875 Record: 63-34 (2nd)
Manager: Nick Young
Ball Park: Olympic Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 64-32

Names like Barnes, White and Matthews roll off the tongue for any baseball fan as the great names of Washington return for another year. It was a bitter loss in a one game playoff to Boston where the Nats were run off the field that will drive this group. Nick Young finally got some help on the mound for Bobby Mathews as Joe Borden was picked up from Philadelphia. White won the MVP and Frank McCarton came into his own as a fine player leading the league in hits with 166. All eyes are once again on the pennant, and with talent like this, 1871 seems like a very very long time since this team has won something.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball

1876 National League Preview

1. Chicago White Stockings
Record: 56-40 (3rd)
Manager: Charlie Pabor
Ball Park: 23rd Street Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 59-37

Chicago just came up a bit short last season but still remain one of the better run organizations in the sport. Chicago shows off established talent like Paul Hines and Cap Anson while Al Pratt had another fine year winning 29 games and proving he hasnt lost anything on his stuff. Top pick Dory Dean will enter the fray as a 23 year old rookie and in support will be the dependable Bill Stearns. The Whites are put together to win and win for the long haul, as the organization looks to continue its excellence with a .570 career franchise winning percentage.

2. Louisville Grays
Record: 45-51
Manager: Bill Lennon
Ball Park: Louisville Baseball Park
Preseason Prediction: 45-51

In the most shocking move of the offseason, the great name of the Brooklyn Atlantics were disbanded after a number of subpar seasons, and the franchise moved to Louisville. Manager Bill Lennon was behind the move and sees a fresh start in Kentucky to turn this team around. Three time pitcher of the year winner Cherokee Fisher anchors this team with new man Ed Stratton and his 2.35 career ERA joining the club for support. The club has lacked offensive punch and unfortunately little has changed this season. Jimmy Hallinan and Davy Force have been on the roster for a while but the hope is coming from the likes of Irish born catcher John McGuinness who at 18 years of age could turn into something.

3. Mutuals Of New York
Record: 58-39 (2nd)
Manager: Joe Lemmens
Ball Park: Union Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 53-43

The Mutuals represent a class organization to many and have taken over the entire region on their own and have brought up a shining star in slugger Bill Boyd. Boyd is a beloved New York native and he hit .393 last year with 98 RBI at only 23 years old. Cal McVey will continue to pitch having won 27 games last season and the likes of John McMullin and Candy Cummings keeping their legends strong. The club did come up a a game short to the surging Whites last year, but manager Joe Lemmens is sure to have his club smack in the middle of the race again. The Chicago-New York rivalry may be the best one in the game alongside Boston and Washington.

4. Cincinnati Reds
Record: 52-44 (4th)
Manager: John Riker
Ball Park: Avenue Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 52-44

From New Haven to Cincinnati, there is some hope for optimism for this vagabound franchise who hasnt won much. Cincinnati has welcomed the franchise with open arms and now they can sit back and try and build a winner. George Bradley and Hugh Campbell have built a core of very good pitching as both hold career ERA's at around 2.20. Jim ORourke leads the offense with the ageless Steven King also contributing hitting .330 at the age of 33. Chick Fulmer is a vacuum at short and the club can pick the ball quite well. The Reds are a team many expect to make a big jump for the upcoming season.

5. Philadelphia Whites
Record: 59-38 (1st)
Manager: Lip Pike
Ball Park: Jefferson Street Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 59-37

Losing a three games to none lead in the World Series had to make what was a dream like season into a bitter pill to swallow. But through it all Lip Pike made the most of his team and won the MVP with 104 runs and 93 RBI. His battering mate was Gat Stires who also drove in 93 runs making the duo a nightmare for opposing sides. Jimmy Wood and Jim Snyder are excellent up the middle and on the mound the Whites have a balance of stars in Cy Bentley and Tommy Bond. Up and coming is 20 year old pitcher Foghorn Bradley who could have a role to play. The Whites wont sneak up on anyone this season, but with a roster full of talent and a star among stars as their manager, the flag could fly over Jefferson Grounds again this year.

6. Philadelphia Centenials
Record: 33-63 (7th)
Manager: Lew Carl
Ball Park: Centenial Grounds
Preseason Prediction: 37-59

Maybe the most unstable franchise in either league, the black sheep of Philadelphia baseball hopes to make a significant turn this season. Enthusiasm on star prospect Pd Galvin has cooled a bit and it appears that Asa Brainard is in for another heavy workload. Jack Remsen may be the best player on the team with a 124 OPS+ and almost 3 WAR. Catcher Lew Brown is the #3 prospect in the nation and may be a main stay at catcher for the club but is only 18. It is going to be a telling season for the club and manager Lew Carl has his work cutout for him to at least be competitive.

7. St. Louis Red Stockings
Record: 38-58 (5th)
Manager: Chris Davis
Ball Park: Red Stocking Park
Preseason Prediction: 28-68

Its hard to build a winner for a new team with out a reliable arm to back things up. The Red Stockings now have the nickname to themselves but the talent is still lacking. Frank Fleet some feel can become that star pitcher everyone is hoping for but he has little to no support behind him. Harry Schafer has 113 hits over the past two seasons and will try to be a cog in this less then average lineup. Fred Andrus is a 25 year old good prospect who likely will be thrown in the fire. There is currently a battle and rivalry for the St. Louis market, and the Brown Stockings are racing the Red Stockings to build a winner first; both have miles to go.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
April 1876
Edition 6.2



A Ray Of Hope For Centennials
Young Catcher Turning Heads



It had been well established that the most promising position in the game along with the pitchers has been that of the catcher. Numerous young catching prospects have come up in the league of late trying to emulate the great names of Deacon White and Cap Anson.

For the Philadelphia Centennial franchise, there hasnt been much to cheer about and on the 100 year anniversary of the nation, it would be nice if the team made a turn for the better. The start the banner year, the club has has won 3 of 8 games. Beyond the record however, is the emergence of an 18 year old catcher to the lineup that has made an immediate impact. Young Lew Brown has some of the of the most respected eyes in the game already quite impressed.

Brown is quite mature for his years and was the top selection for Lew Carl and his team this spring. Brown has 14 hits in 33 at bats and has added 3 steals while driving in six runs. His defensive work also seems to be ahead of its expected pace and most pitchers have loved to throw to him, especially ace Asa Brainard.

The biggest enigma on the Philly roster has been starter Pud Galvin who has started off poorly to the new year with a 5.46 ERA and alot of frustration. Brown has been vocal in his on field criticism for Galvin and has time and again tried to inspire the hurler to focus better and stay motivated. The two players are only one year apart in age and the enthusiastic influence of the new catcher is hoped the inspire a change.

"We have won three games already and there is more to come" says the young Brown. "I am so happy to be part of this team and we just have to believe in ourselves and each other to sustain a winner."

Many are just passing this kid as a dreamer who will soon be pulled back to reality by losing. Others however say to not count anything against the kid, that it sometimes takes young men with big aspirations to pull everyone with them.

All He Needed Was a Chance
English Born Al Thake Makes Most Of His Time In STL

Being born across the Atlantic pond, the Thake family decided to make the trek west in search for a better life as many others followed. Young Albert had few aspirations to play a game known as baseball but his father recognized it as a form of the rounders game. Thake did pick up the hobby quite well and when he began to grow and star on a local amatuer club, the young England lad looked to make good.

Thake was by the Middleton Mansfields in 1873 and was part of a championship team. The 22 year old however had some immense talent in front of him and his chances to get on the field were few and far between. As the club moved from Baltimore and then to Chicago, the outfielder would only start 8 games in three years, and needless to say his frustration was palpable.

Then came the calling of the first league expansion draft in 1875 and with it St. Louis came calling. Thake was taken by the Brown Stackings and was immediately welcomed as an integral part of the team. At 26 years old the chance came at the perfect time.

"Sometimes being patient really pays off." says Thake. "Chicago is a great team and it taught me how to win. Now I can take those lessons and actually use them on the field."

Thake hit .278 last season with 116 hits and 12 triples in 95 games. This year he is even better hitting .348 with a .855 OPS. The Browns have responded very well, winning 4 out of their first 6 games.

"Life is all about second chances and not giving up. Now lets go compete for the flag." A perfect British mindset on the 100th anniversary of the revolution.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
May 1876
Edition 6.3



Baseball Finds Home In Cincinnati
Legendary Club Embraced By Queen City



Before there was any professional league whatsoever, the game was full of legends and stories that each city seemed to claim as its own. Beyond all of those local legends however, was the story of the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds lead by Harry Wright were the first real great team and set a precedence that made the National League possible.

Origins of the team trace back to after the war in 1866 when the likes of Asa Brainard, Fred Waterman, and George Wright came together to go on a 21 game unbeaten streak across the nation taking on any and all comers. The legendary streak finally ended in Brooklyn against the Atlantics in extra innings.

Still in 1871 when the new league was formed, Harry Wright moved his expertise east to Boston to form a new club and take with him much of his talent including his brother. Cincinnati was left without its team and watching the rest of the nation play without them just did not seem right. Action needed to be a taken and the love of the city for the game itself showed through.

The Cincinnati Enquirer began a petition to to bring back the Reds and make a wrong a right again. Lead by O.P. Caylor, thousands of signatures where signed and sent to the league president and with a struggling league team in New Haven, a move became apparent. To the credit of the league that understood the history, the owner of the franchise Michael Martin was encouraged to save the city and retain the name of the great team and in 1876, they have taken the field again.

The city embraced the club like few others did. A grand parade was held upon their arrival and fans have flocked to the ballfield to support and encourage the team.

The team has finished the first two months of the season with a respectable record of 11-11. Such players as Orator Jim O'Rourke and George Bradley have made a name for themselves but it is 34 year old outfielder Steve King who seems to have grabbed the heart of the city hitting .484 thus far this year with 19 runs driven in.

"It is an honor to wear this jersey and represent such a historic franchise" says the veteran King who is playing like his is 10 years younger then reality says.

"It is just right for the Reds to be back in Cincinnati and playing at the highest level" those were the true words of Reds manager Jon Rikker who expects great things in the future and a great tradition to continue.

The Best Skippers
Four Men Dominate The Best Manager List

Speaking of Harry Wright and the best managers in the current game, this list of victories and winning percentages for the first 5 years of the league can now be analyzed. Four names dominate the list as Harry Wright has the most wins with 197 while Nick Young of Washington has the best winning percentage at .600. Joe Lemmens and Charlie Pabor also are not far behind in most categories and overall most teams have stayed consistent with the same leader at the helm as the league grows into maturity.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
June 1876
Edition 6.4



The Resurrection Of The Hitter
1876 Offensive Numbers At All Time High

The evolution of the game continues as the National League has stabilized itself and the uncertainty of its year to year existence has turned into fierce competition to win. With that we have seen significant fluctuation in the way that the game has evolved and has been played.



In the early days it was obvious that hitting was ahead of pitching as the hurler was accustomed to just throw the ball in a place where it could be hit and batters could actually turn down a pitch they didn't like. In 1874 however the league had quite a switch as hitters no longer could turn down good pitches and the pitchers themselves developed new types of throws to fool the batters. Candy Cummings of New York was at the forefront of this transition inventing the now famous 'curve' ball.

Averages plummeted to as low as .252 last season as the hitter seemed to be losing his place. In 1876, the game and the tide has turned dramatically again although the reason for the turnaround of the hitter is not as easy to see. This season averages have skyrocketed with both leagues hitting over .330 and the likes of Ross Barnes are making it look easy. Barnes as of July 1st is hitting .500 with 75 hits in 150 atbats.

"Pitchers have become very predictable once again and batters seem to know what is coming" says Steve King of the Reds who is hitting .479. "the talent that was created from the excitement of the 1871 league has now flowered and those boys are now in the league."

The game is now being focused more on offense with bunts and stolen bases a central part of the games. Many feel it is long overdue that the defense in the league improves rapidly or offense will continue to dominate. For the causal fan, it seems that this new trend is a good one, as there is more action including the comeback and the late inning walkoff hit.

One thing for sure, the game will continue to evolve.

Introducing Spalding Sporting Goods
Star Pitcher Has Proved To Be An Entrepreneur



Albert Spalding like many pitchers this season, is experiencing the worst numbers of his career. The 25 year old right hander has through the year established himself as one of the best arms in the game as well as without a doubt one of the most popular.

Spalding went 26-8 last season when Boston won the flag with a 2.04 ERA. He lead Harry Wright's team in the World Series always seeming to want the ball in the big game. Spalding his 94 wins in his career with a 23.2 WAR. He is also a .329 career hitter. For this season, his ERA is 5.00 in 13 appearances.

Maybe Mr. Spalding has other things on his mind. No one is surprised at the intelligence of the young man as he articulates himself well and has also been a part of the rules changes the game has seen. This time however he has started his own business and seems to be looking to solve a long standing equipment shortage in the game. Spalding has opined up his very own sporting goods company that specializes on baseball equipment like balls, bats and glove padding.

In its first few months, the company is doing remarkably well and the league itself has already started to use some of his equipment. The first store opened in Boston and now the company has expanded to New York with farther plans for Philadelphia and Washington.

So will Spalding leave the game to become a successful business' man? No one seems to think so but his ambitions outside the game can not be ignored. Some even feel that Spalding will one day make a very successful politician or even league president. Regardless, one can only marvel that the young man has seen the need for equipment improvement in the league and is behind the innovation and push to do so, and make a profit in the process.

[BaseballMan]

Can you post Spalding's career stats?
He was a pretty good hitter in my league as well.
I think thats why i think i might take him over Anson.
However Spalding's career is just so short

[progen]

This has been a fun read. Nice detail.

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by BaseballMan

Can you post Spalding's career stats?
He was a pretty good hitter in my league as well.
I think thats why i think i might take him over Anson.
However Spalding's career is just so short

Sure, here are Spalding's stats for my league so far. Yes he is quite the hitter.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
July 1876
Edition 6.5



Professional League Chooses New President
William Hulbert Takes Baseball Into New Age



By even the most ambitious standards, the professional game of baseball has exceeded almost all expectations in its first 5 years of existence and as expected there is great optimism about the future of the game. To properly handle the increasing financial side and potential continued growth, the league decided to appoint a president who will have the authority to oversee and structure the game.

In New York this week a panel of team owners chose 44 year old New York native William Ambrose Hulbert as its first president. Born in Burlington Flats, New York, Hulbert moved with his family to Chicago two years later where he lived save for a stint at Beloit College beginning in 1847. When he returned to Chicago from school, he married into the family of a successful grocer and expanded the business into the coal trade. A backer of the Chicago White Stockings baseball club of the National Association from its inception in 1871, Hulbert became an officer of the club in 1874 when it resumed play after being forced to sit out two seasons due to the Great Chicago Fire and helped establish the Whites as one of the most respected and well run ballclubs in the game.

Some feel that Hulbert may have a built in bias against the strong clubs on the east coast but in his first address to the teams the new president assured all clubs that the vision was 'strength in unity" and building an established league through fairness and competition was the ultimate goal.

The league does face numerous challenges including logistics and some rowdiness among fanbases but the biggest challenge will likely be those of rule changes. The league has seen an explosion of offensive hitting this season and many are clamoring that the game is not balance like it was intended to be. Hulbert has already planned a committee to look into rules as the game evolves and talents differ.

The overall feeling remains one of great optimism and the formulation of an executive league staff only assures that the new league has finally made it and nationwide big league baseball is here to stay for all to enjoy.

"It has become an important part of American life" Hulbert added as he completed his inaugural speech to great applause.

Pike Goes For 45 Straight Games
Philly Star Breaks Own Record As His Acclaim Grows

Baseballs are flying all over the field in 1876 as the league has seen unprecedented offensive outputs this season. Regardless to how easy it looks, being consistent is still an attribute that anyone can appreciate and this season the great Lip Pike of the Philadelphia Whites has again set the standard of excellence.

Pike surpassed a well established record by Cal McVey who hit in 41 consecutive games in 1874. Pike put the record in his sight and never looked back making it all the way up to 45 straight games before the Cincinnati Red Stockings stopped him on July 23rd.

Pike is batting .445 for the season with 14 triples and 60 RBI. Even more satisfying is that his Philadelphia club has the very best record in the league and has a substantial 4.5 game lead in over the Mutuals for the National League pennant, something of course the Whites won last year.

Pike is the alltime leader in total bases and is trailing only the great Ross Barnes for most hits off alltime by only five; of course Barnes his writing his own storybook season hitting .521 as we enter August.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
August 1876
Edition 6.6



Irish Flavor In Louisville
Intense Hallinan First To Break 100 RBI

Few cities have embraced their new ball club in 1876 like the Louisville Grays. Although the results on the field will have no one celebrating at the end of the season as the club sits 37-38 but the season as a whole has not been a waste.

Jimmy Hallinan wasnt really getting the American game very well for his first five years in the league in Brooklyn. For three seasons he hit under. 200 and last year finished at .231with a negative WAR. Still he played everyday and in fact has not missed a single game in his clubs franchise, one of only a handful of players who have played in 384 games.



The year of 1876 seems to be different for everyone. Offense is breaking every record in the books as the league tries to scramble to see why the hitters are doing so well. Hallinan is surely no exception, the 27 year old Irish born star is hitting .417 with 13 triples and 13 steals enticing fans to continue to come out to the park. Still it is the first basemans ability to drive in runs that has astounded the league thus far. In 75 games Hallinan has drive in 96 runs while scoring 79. He is surely going to fly past the 100 RBI mark and set a new standard at driving in his mates.

The Irishman for sure is also almost as much known for his temper. He is rumored to have had numerous run ins with players and opponents but in the process has earned a respect from his mates now as one of the most senior members of the team. Jimmy want to win at all costs.

"I will go to battle with him anyday" says pitcher Cherokee Fisher who has played with Hallinan for all five years and the two have created an unexpected friendship.

Louisville has drawn over 40,000 fans to the park in their first season in Kentucky.

Can He Do It?
Barnes Chases to .500 Mark

No player has set the standard higher for hitting a baseball then Ross Barnes of the Washington Nationals. Not only are the Nationals back in first place so far this pennant race and are holding off the rival Boston Red Caps, but Barnes is doing something that no one in their right mind thought was possible. As of this printing, Barnes is batting .517.

The star studded second baseman saw his number drop over the course of July but another red hot streak pushed well over as we head into the hottest part of summer. Barnes is slugging .711 with 15 triples and 22 doubles while scoring 72 runs.

"Really there is nothing that he cant do" says manager and good friend Nick Young. "He really feels like he can do this, to be the first and only man to hit .500 in a season."

In the meantime the Washington club has seen a resurgence and is currently on top of the league looking for their second pennant. They have defeated Boston in 4 of 6 contests this season.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
September 1876
Edition 6.7



Whites Have Pennant All Wrapped Up
For second consecutive season Philadelphia Takes Flag



Doing even more then they did last season, the Philadelphia Whites left no doubt this season as to who the best team in the National League is running away from the competition and raising the flag. The Whites have won 58 games going into October for a .644 winning percentage and setting a standard in success.

Lip Pike leads with a steady hand and joined the explosion of offense hitting .448 for the season, but as always the great Pike was not alone. Philly as a club hit .360 with both Jimmy Wood and Gat Stires also over the .400 mark as the club lead all of baseball with 715 runs. Stires has 5 home runs on the season and is the alltime leader with 20.

The pitching is lead by 21 game winner Jim Devlin who is also supported by starter Cy Bentley who won 19 times. Even rookie Foghorn Bradley has made a nice impact with a 4.06 ERA in less then fulltime work as they ease the youngster in. Pike has put together an impressive roster with few blemishes and many feel this is the year where the Whites can show their ability in the postseason for a championship.

Philadelphia in many ways has become the center of the baseball universe overcoming Boston and New York as both these white and the Philadelphia Athletics are among the most successful an popular clubs in the league.

Hartford Making Real Strides
Forgotten Club Ready To Start Winning



Surely it takes a while to build a winner and franchises have died or have been forgotten trying to climb the exclusive and dangerous ladder of Major League Baseball. It is the third season that the city of Hartford Conneticut has had a baseball club to support and finally there seems to be real light at the end of the tunnel for Dark Blues even if winning a pennant this season is very unlikely.

Manager Al Barker deserves most of the credit as he has brought a new feel to the team and one of overall accountability to the success of the club. Twenty three year old Joe Battin is a real grinder in the middle of the diamond and the order and is hitting .451 this season with 71 RBI. Levi Meyerle of course is still a big part of the team as is former manager and switch hitter Bob Ferguson who has found a new lease on life now that he does not have the pressure to manage.

In his second season pitcher Lon Knight has looked just as good as he did last season while George Zettlein at 31 years of age refuses to slow down and has managed 15 wins to his credit. The Dark Blues are a nice 49-39, good enough for third place in the division even ahead of the famous Boston club. No one going into the season thought this team had a prayer of winning anything close to 50 games.

There may not be glory for this team at the end of this season, but something is brewing in Connecticut and this Hartford group of players are impressive and are doing things the right way.