The United Baseball Association

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Buffalo Defense Almost Lets Game Slip Away


CHICAGO, IL. October 10, 1912 -

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

W: R. Sullivan (8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K)
L: D. Shipman (8 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K)

Player of the Game: R. Sullivan

It was the first real fantastic pitching performance in the series, and it was almost taken away with poor defense in the final inning.

In previous games, everything seemed to revolve around offensive performance, but yesterday was all about Randy Sullivan. The 29-year-old threw a real gem, going 8 innings, giving up just 5 hits and allowing no one to cross the plate.

In the 9th, Ben Stevens came in to close the game. Leadoff man Will Eberle reached first after Bob Rael booted a ball at third-base. Then Mack Baker lined a single into left. After Eric Matney flew out, John Sherman came to the plate and stroked a single in between the third baseman and shortstop.

With the bases loaded, John Barnes came to the plate looking to smash one. He did, but it was right at Bob Rael, but the previous mistake must have worried him, and he missed another, allowing two runs to scored. With just one out and a man on 1st and 3rd, Stevens was in a jam.

Garret Kempton was up next, and quickly got into an 0-2 count. Stevens tried to get him to chase twice, but Kempton laid off. On the 5th pitch, he hit a worm-burner to the second baseman. John Sherman, who was at 3rd base, started a dash for home, but quickly realized that the ball reached the defender too fast and he would have been cut down at home, so he retreated. The out was made at first, and Barnes, the winning run, moved up to 2nd.

Leadoff man Kirby Shafer came to the plate looking to drive in the winning run. He fouled off two pitches with a 2-2 count, and then on the 7th pitch he swung with all his might, but was just under it. The ball sailed high into the air, and then fell into the mitt of the Buffalo shortstop.

Buffalo now trails the series two games to one, and the teams will play again this afternoon at O'Connor Park in Chicago.

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Nightmarish 8th; Buffalo Scores Five, Lose in Extras


CHICAGO, IL. October 11, 1912 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11		R	H	E
Buffalo		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0	0	0		5	9	1
Chicago		0	2	0	0	1	0	0	0	2	0	1		6	12	2

W: R. Sandler (2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K)
L: M. Monk (0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K)

Player of the Game: B. Henke (2 for 5, 1 R, 3 RBI, 0 BB)

O'Connor Park in Chicago was home to quite a baseball contest yesterday, as the Chicago Orphans and visiting Buffalo Blues battled into extra-innings.

The press had articles written up by the 7th inning, describing the brilliant performance of pitcher Patrick Bunch of Chicago. After 7 innings, Bunch was twirling a 2-hit shutout. His squad up 3-0, the entire crowd expected him to trot out to the mound in the 8th and continue his domination of Buffalo hitters.

It didn't quite turn out that way. Buffalo ended up sending ten hitters to the plate, racking up a single, three doubles, a triple, a walk, and a base reached on error. By the end of the onslaught, they put five runs on the board, taking a 5-3 lead.

At that point, the Buffalo club essentially felt the same way Chicago fans felt the inning prior. Again, they didn't get what they expected. The bottom of the 8th went smoothly, with Hathorn pitching a 1-2-3 inning. But in the bottom of the 9th, Ben Stevens came in to close the game and failed. Two singles and then a 2-RBI double from Bob Henke tied the game and sent it into extras.

In the bottom of the 11th, Mickey Monk went to the mound for Buffalo. John Barnes was at the plate to lead off, and on the 2nd pitch of the at-bat he knocked a line drive into the right-center gap and ended up with a double. A pinch-hitting Don Carey hit a dribbler to third base, and while he was thrown out, it allowed Barnes to advance. Kirby Shafer was walked intentionally to set up a double play, but Bob Henke wouldn't give in to their plans. He roped a high, deep fly ball to center field.

Barnes waited patiently at third, and burst home as Harrison Marino caught it. Marino, known for his speed and not his arm, threw it home with all of his might, but it wasn't in time. Barnes slid across the plate and gave Chicago a three games to one lead.

Today, the teams will travel back east to Buffalo and will continue the series tomorrow at noon.

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Orphan Bats Wake Up Late in High-Scoring 5th Game


BUFFALO, NY. October 13, 1912 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Chicago		0	0	0	0	1	3	0	4	1			9	12	1
Buffalo		4	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0			6	11	5

W: D. Shipman (7 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K)
L: R. Sullivan (7.1 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 0 BB, 0 K)

Player of the Game: B. Henke (4 for 5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 0 BB)

Down three games to one, the Blues desperately needed a win yesterday. After taking a 4-0 lead in the 1st and watching Randall Sullivan pitch well, it looked like they would get what they asked for. But Sullivan and the defense behind him blew the lead in the 6th, and then let two more cross the plate in the 8th before Mickey Monk came in to relieve the Buffalo ace.

Monk was not helpful, walking three and letting in two earned runs in just 1.2 innings.

In the bottom of the 8th, Garret Kempton came in to pitch and did his best to blow the Orphans lead. Kepmton was wild, giving up two walks and grooving a pitch to Mike Hodge, who slapped one into the outfield driving in two.

In the end, he managed to keep the lead and gave Chicago their 4th win of the series. The two clubs will play again tomorrow at 1:30. A Chicago victory would win them the Presidents Cup.

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Buffalo Comes Back in 9th; Wins on Walk-Off in Extras


BUFFALO, NY. October 14, 1912 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11		R	H	E
Chicago		0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	0		3	11	0
Buffalo		1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	1		4	16	0

W: M. Monk (3 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K)
L: R. Sandler (0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K)

Player of the Game: P. Flood (4 for 5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 0 BB)

The Buffalo Blues kept their season alive for another day as they beat the Chicago Orphans yesterday with a score of 4-3.

The match was exceptional. After Buffalo scored in the 1st, neither could get a man across despite plenty of hits.

In the top of the 7th, with Travis Hathorn still on the mound for Buffalo, singles from Mack Baker, Eric Matney, and John Barnes, plus an RBI-groundout from John Sherman put two runs across the plate and gave Chicago a 2-1 lead. They added another in the top of the 9th after a Patrick Bunch sacrifice fly to center.

Chicago took the field in the bottom of the 9th ready to celebrate. The players, smiles on their faces, had an extra hop in their step as they ran out to their positions. Patrick Bunch walked out to the mound to finish what he started. But Buffalo wouldn't die just yet.

Joe Hinckley roped a line-drive into left field for a single. After a fly-out from Ed Frith, Paul Flood ripped a hard one right down the line. The Chicago third-baseman dove, but came up short. As the third-base umpire pointed to signal a fair ball, the crowd of 19,808 erupted. Joe Hinckley rounded third as the ball bounced around in the left-field corner and was safe at home with no throw.

Up next was Bob Young. He hit one hard up the middle, allowing Flood to move over, but the shortstop quickly scooped up the ball and Young was out on a close play at 1st.

Mike Hodge was their final hope. A hit would tie the game, an out would end their season. Apparently Mike Hodge wasn't quite ready to go home. The Buffalo right-fielder ripped the 1-0 pitch into right-center field and sped his way around the bases for a triple, driving in Flood to tie the game. The inning would end on a fly out, but the two teams were headed to extra innings.

In the bottom of the 10th, Harrison Marino lined a single into the outfield to lead off the inning. Phil Dykes was up next, and instead of bunting Marino over, he swung away and smashed one directly at the second baseman. It was an easy double-play, and a single from Bob Rael meant little as the next batter flew out to end the inning.

In the top of the 11th, a one-out single from John Sherman was a good start, but Don Carey grounded into his own double-play, ending the inning.

With Ed Frith, Paul Flood, and Bob Young coming up in the bottom of the 11th, the Blues knew that now was the time to attack. Frith kicked things off with a single, and Flood followed with his own. Bob Young came to the plate and ripped one into left, but it was hit so hard that Frith had to stay at 3rd.

Mike Hodge stepped to the plate, the hero who tied the game in the 9th. He fouled off the first pitch behind home plate into the crowd. He stepped out of the box, took a deep breath, stepped back in, dug in his cleats, and stared at Roger Sandler on the mound. The pitch came in. The crack of the bat was solid. It was a high, deep fly ball, plenty deep to score the runner from 3rd base.

The left-fielder caught the ball, and Frith bolted home. The ball never even made it home. Frith touched home plate as he jumped into a crowd of his teammates. There will be more baseball in 1912.

[ryanivr]

Chicago Wins Presidents Cup Series!


CHICAGO, IL. October 16, 1912 -

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

W: D. Shipman (9 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K)
L: R. Sullivan (6.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 0 K)

Player of the Game: D. Shipman

The inaugural season of the United League, Federal League, and the United Baseball Association has come to a close, with the Chicago Orphans claiming the first ever Presidents Cup.

Dave Shipman pitched a fabulous complete game, giving up just 6 hits and 1 run.

Buffalo got out to an early 1-0 lead after roping two doubles in the top of the 2nd, but they wouldn't do much else on offense the rest of the game.

Chicago took advantage of Buffalo miscues, collecting five walks and reaching base twice because of fielding errors. The bottom of the 7th really changed the game. Down 3-1, Buffalo had a legitimate shot at coming back. But after an error, a single, a walk, another single, and then a bases loaded walk, the Orphans put two more on the board. One could argue that three of those base-runners could have been avoided.

Paul Flood was the final batter in this 1912 season, lining out to second baseman Gilbert Stiles. After Stiles made the catch, all 19 players and the Chicago coaching staff rushed towards the mound to celebrate. The 19,722 fans in attendance celebrated with the team, standing, clapping, and hugging for almost an hour after the game.

This afternoon, a parade will be held in the city to celebrate the victory. United League President William Witman will be in attendance to award the Presidents Cup to Orphans owner Jack O'Connor.

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Witman Awards Presidents Cup to Chicago Club


CHICAGO, IL. October 17, 1912 - After compiling a 97-56 regular season record, the Chicago Orphans Baseball Club defeated the Buffalo Blues club in a best-of-nine-games series, winning them the first ever Presidents Cup.

William Witman presided over a city-wide celebration in Chicago yesterday afternoon that began with a parade and ended with a trophy presentation.

"After defeating Buffalo five games to two, I would like to officially award the first-ever Presidents Cup to Jack O'Connor and his Chicago Orphans," said Witman as he began the ceremony. "The rest of the United League and I would like to personally thank Mr. O'Connor for bringing such a good, quality brand of baseball into the league. Enjoy the success you have had this year, and good luck in the future."

"Thank you, Mr. Witman. I can honestly say that this year has been a tremendous success, not just for us, but for the whole league," said the 53-year-old O'Connor. "We're a group of businessmen, and most of us have a passion and love for the game of baseball. But our first success came in business. And, just like in my automobile business, without great, loyal customers, my business wouldn't be great. I feel the same way about our fans. Without you coming to games, or even coming to this celebration today, our team, and this league, wouldn't be great. So, I thank you, and I thank you in advance for your support going forward. There's still a lot of baseball left to be played by this club."

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The 1912 Chicago Orphans




The Chicago Orphans were without a doubt the most balanced club in the 1912 United Baseball Association season, finishing on top of the United League standings with a 97-56 record. The race was close at many points in the season, but Chicago was never intimidated when they saw a team closing in.

First, it was the St. Paul Saints. In a three-game series in May, the Orphans retained their first-place position by winning two games. The Saints would never get back into contention after that series, and would eventually finish 27 1/2 games back.

At the All-Star break, Cleveland and Philadelphia were just 3 and 4 games back, respectively. When Philadelphia went 30-41 after the break, it was a two-team race. 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 they 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.

The team's leader on offense was shortstop Gilbert Stiles. In 150 games, the 25-year-old hit .327, got on base at a .406 clip, hit 37 doubles, scored 97 times and drove in 75 runs. Stiles, considered by many to be one of the brightest players in the league, was also excellent defensively, committing just 13 errors while playing five positions.

On the mound, Dave Shipman was the go-to guy. Starting 37 games, he finished the season with a 21-8 record, a 2.09 ERA, and 297 IP. The 27-year-old started four of the seven Presidents Cup Series games, going 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA and held Buffalo players to a .244 average.

The 1912 Chicago Orphans were owned by automobile magnate Jack O'Connor and managed by Victor Estrada.

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Weeghman, Ball Fire Managers


NEW YORK, NY. October 18, 1912 - Yesterday, Charles Weeghman fired his manager, Ángel Contreras, citing "failure to utilize all elements of his roster properly." Speaking to reporters while cleaning out his office, Contreras was asked to comment on that assessment. He responded, "Part of a team's success comes from the talent that is put on the field every day. It's common knowledge that the Whales are missing a few key components. I got the best out of the talent I was given. Maybe the wrong person was fired."

The St. Louis Terriers also fired manager Arnie Simpson. Club owner Phil Ball said it was a difficult decision, but one he had to make in order to get the team playing "Terriers baseball" again. No successor has been announced, but team officials said the replacement process was well underway.

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Mike Durbin Chosen FL's Premier Hitter



PITTSBURGH, PA. October 20, 1912 - 1912 was a special season for Pittsburgh first baseman Mike Durbin and it was capped off today with the announcement that he was named the winner of the Federal League MVP Award.

Durbin compiled a .361 batting average and a .426 on-base percentage this year. In 151 games he piled up 202 hits, 33 doubles, 2 triples, 8 home runs, 93 RBIs and 88 runs scored.

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St. Louis's Blake, Pitcher of the Year Award Winner




ST. LOUIS, MO. October 21, 1912 - The Pitcher of the Year Award for 1912 has been presented and the Federal League winner is Leo Blake of St. Louis.

"It's always nice to receive an award like this," said Blake. "I just hope I can improve on my performance next year and be in the running again," the Terriers star told reporters.

Blake excelled with an impressive 15-16 record in 39 starts. In 311 innings he yielded 327 hits and 59 walks, while striking out 45 and compiling a fine 2.84 ERA.

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UL Best Gloves of 1912 Chosen


NEW YORK, NY. October 22, 1912 - On the defensive side of the game pitchers always get the glory, but the best pitchers know their success hinges on the gloves behind them. The defensive dream team in the United League for 1912 has been announced, and the Golden Glove Award trophies will be presented to these outstanding fielders:

Pitcher: Phil Thrift (St. Paul Saints)
Catcher: George LaBelle (Cleveland Green Sox)
First Baseman: Jeff Telford (Cleveland Green Sox)
Second Baseman: Earl Liss (Boston Americans)
Third Baseman: Ray Atkinson (Cleveland Green Sox)
Shortstop: Spencer Cool (Cleveland Green Sox)
Left Fielder: Chad Abernathy (Chicago Orphans)
Center Fielder: Bob Allen (Cleveland Green Sox)
Right Fielder: Don Coffelt (New York Gothams)

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Don Coffelt Captures Best Bat Trophy




NEW YORK, NY. October 23, 1912 - The United League MVP Award for 1912 has been presented to the talented and hot-hitting Don Coffelt of the New York Gothams.

In his fine season, he compiled a .336 batting average with 169 hits, 41 doubles, 4 triples and 8 home runs, along with 81 RBIs and 89 runs scored.

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UL Presents Top Pitcher Trophy




CHICAGO, IL. October 24, 1912 - The Chicago Orphans have a rising superstar in the making.

It's Dave Shipman, this year's United League Pitcher of the Year Award selection. This blossoming hurler wowed fans, peers and sportswriters with a fabulous performance.

Shipman compiled a 21-8 record in 37 starts, tallied 54 strikeouts in 297 innings and recorded a 2.09 ERA. Other clubs managed only a .242 batting average against him.

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UL Best Gloves of 1912 Chosen


NEW YORK, NY. October 25, 1912 - The top defenders of the United League for the 1912 campaign have been announced. The Golden Glove Award will be awarded to the following nine players:

Pitcher: Phil Thrift (St. Paul Saints)
Catcher: George LaBelle (Cleveland Green Sox)
First Baseman: Jeff Telford (Cleveland Green Sox)
Second Baseman: Earl Liss (Boston Americans)
Third Baseman: Ray Atkinson (Cleveland Green Sox)
Shortstop: Spencer Cool (Cleveland Green Sox)
Left Fielder: Chad Abernathy (Chicago Orphans)
Center Fielder: Bob Allen (Cleveland Green Sox)
Right Fielder: Don Coffelt (New York Gothams)

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Blues Pilot Trent Picked as FL's Best


BUFFALO, NY. October 29, 1912 - A baseball manager's success usually depends on the talent of his club, but in the case of William Trent, he seems to have taken the Buffalo Blues to a higher level and gotten his just due. He was named this season's Manager of the Year in the Federal League for leading the team to a very rewarding season.

"Everyone on the team put in a lot of hard work this season," he told reporters. "It's always nice when it's acknowledged in some way."

Trent led Buffalo to a first place finish in the Federal League. The Blues ended up with a 98-56 record.

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UL Best Manager, Estrada of the Chicago Orphans


CHICAGO, IL. October 30, 1912 - Today, flanked by team officials, Victor Estrada accepted the United League Manager of the Year Award, noting the level of passion for the Chicago Orphans.

"The biggest challenge was the fans. I don't know how many times I was asked, if I thought the club was good enough. It was as if they expected failure. It was much easier to win over the ballplayers. Slowly but surely the fans began to believe in us."

Estrada led Chicago to a first place finish in the United League. The Orphans ended up with a 97-56 record and won the Presidents Cup.

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UBA Officials Meet in Manhattan


NEW YORK, NY. November 27, 1912 - After a month-long vacation, league officials and team owners meet today at the Hotel Imperial to discuss the successes and failures of the inaugural season.

James Gilmore, president of the Federal League, stated that attendance was one main concern. The Chicago Whales, for example, averaged an attendance of 1,530 per game.

Team owners are also expected to discuss trades and sales of players.

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Baltimore, St. Louis Confirm Trade


BALTIMORE, MD. December 13, 1912 - Both sides appear content with the trade finalized today that will send 21-year-old second baseman Kirk Murphy and 20-year-old left fielder Herbert Beck to the St. Louis Terriers, while the Baltimore Terrapins will receive 37-year-old second baseman Roy Word. "We feel this is a move that filled a big gap in our roster," said Terrapins owner Harry Goldman. For his part, Terriers owner Phil Ball said the trade was made "in the best interest of our organization's future." On paper the trade seems to be a plus for both ball clubs. The players involved are expected to join their new teams for the next scheduled game.

During his career Word has compiled a .315 batting average and collected 178 hits, 3 home runs and 89 RBIs.

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Detroit, Boston Deal Made


DETROIT, MI. December 28, 1912 - Detroit and Boston have agreed in principle to a swap that will send 24-year-old shortstop Jim Smith and 16-year-old catcher Keith Callihan to the Americans with 31-year-old shortstop Joe Soles joining the Wolverines. Detroit's general manager would not confirm the trade, but a team representative close to the negotiations said the deal is official and is now only awaiting approval from the league.

Lifetime Smith has hit for a .246 average and totaled 97 hits, 1 home run and 39 RBIs, while Soles is carrying a .350 career batting average with 1 home run and 65 RBIs.

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New York Trades Beaman to St. Paul for Hunter


NEW YORK, NY. January 7, 1913 - Charles White, owner of the New York Gothams, has signed off on a trade for St. Paul's 38-year-old shortstop Brian Hunter. To complete the deal, the Gothams will send 27-year-old shortstop Neil Beaman and 16-year-old third baseman Riley Etheridge to the Saints.

For his career Beaman is hitting .276 with 0 homers, 42 RBIs and 116 hits.

Hunter has a career .325 average with 174 hits, 42 doubles, 4 triples, 1 home run, 72 RBIs, and 51 runs scored to date.