The United Baseball Association

[ryanivr]

Amateur Draft Today at Hotel Imperial


NEW YORK, NY. March 1, 1913 - The sixteen owners of the United Baseball Association meet today at the Hotel Imperial in Manhattan to select the future players for their clubs.

The league's best high school and college athletes will await news of their selections. St. Louis, having the worst record in the 1912 season, will select first.

[ryanivr]

St. Louis Selects Roman Edison with First Pick


ST. LOUIS, MO. March 2, 1913 - Roman Edison, a 17-year-old shortstop was selected with the first pick of the 1913 Amateur Draft. The San Francisco native and switch-hitter attended Wallenberg High School. Edison is known for his speed and excellent bat control.

[ryanivr]

Spring Camps Open in Phoenix


PHOENIX, AZ. March 6, 1913 - Players begin trickling in today to report to their clubs spring camp. Games begin in a few days, and surely fans are looking forward to get their first glimpse of their favorite players since last October.

[ryanivr]

Tip-Top Name Sparks Furor in Brooklyn


BROOKLYN, NY. March 8, 1913 - Baseball fans in Brooklyn have come out against Robert Ward and his Tip-Top baseball club, saying that they are angry the team is essentially an advertisement for Ward's baking business.

“I am not in baseball as an advertising business, never was and never will be.”said Mr. Ward. “I am in baseball because I like the game, am interested in it, and always have been interested in it. To my mind it is a wholesome, clean game that appeals to most people and should appeal to most people. Even if I had tried to ‘play both ends against the middle’ and use baseball to advertise my other business and my other business to advertise baseball, there would be nothing criminal about it. It would be perfectly lawful and perfectly proper and might even be considered good business. But I haven’t done so. My club was nicknamed ‘Tip Tops’ by the sporting writers. They took the name from my favorite brand of bread, very true, but they did so without my knowledge or without consulting me. As far as I am concerned I am sorry they did, for it lays me open to some criticism. But a nickname is like a disease. It comes without the consent or knowledge of the person who has it. And once fastened on an individual or a club it is almost impossible to shake off.”

[ryanivr]

Spring Camp Ends with Brooklyn, Detroit Showing Promise


PHOENIX, AZ. April 2, 1913 - The final games of spring camp were played yesterday, and while everyone is looking towards the regular season, taking a look at spring records can be a fun way to predict a team's success. Interestingly enough, the two 1912 pennant winner finished in last place.

Federal League
		W	L	GB	G
Brooklyn		17	7		24
Newark		14	10	3	24
Pittsburgh		14	10	3	24
Chicago		13	11	4	24
St. Louis		13	11	4	24
Kansas City		9	15	8	24
Baltimore		8	16	9	24
Buffalo		8	16	9	24
United League
		W	L	GB	G
Detroit		18	6		24
Boston		14	10	4	24
St. Paul		13	11	5	24
New York		12	12	6	24
Philadelphia		11	13	7	24
Washington		10	14	8	24
Chicago		9	15	9	24
Cleveland		9	15	9	24
League Leaders
Batting Average		J. McMillan		0.473	KC
Doubles		F. Edwards		9	BRK
Triples		B. Cordle		4	STL
Home Runs		L. Cray		3	STP
Runs Batted In		R. Agan		20	DET
Stolen Bases		D. Currier		11	BRK
Earned Run Average		M. Mitchell		0.40	NEW
Wins		C. Hulbert		5	DET
Strikeouts		G. Cosey		35	BOS

[ryanivr]

Opening Day Arrives in Chicago!


CHICAGO, IL. April 5, 1913 - It is Opening Day in United Baseball Association! Our hardball heroes are back in town for another fresh season of baseball. It is a time of joy and optimism, a time to get away from the world for three hours, enjoy a few hot dogs, hamburgers and soda pops, holler at the umpires and cheer our favorite teams to victory. The Chicago Orphans club will host the Philadelphia Keystones.

A parade through the city leading to the stadium is planned for this morning. Tens of thousands are expected to arrive at the stadium for the game.

Dave Shipman will pitch for Chicago, and Jeffrey Wiley will throw for the Keystones.

[ashantewarrier]

Great thread! What are your plans as this league moves forward? WIll you have expansion, relocation, etc.?

[ryanivr]

Originally Posted by ashantewarrier

Great thread! What are your plans as this league moves forward? WIll you have expansion, relocation, etc.?

Thank you! Yes, those things will definitely be happening in the future. I hope you keep following along!

[ryanivr]

Roman Edison Signs with Terriers


ST. LOUIS, MO. April 15, 1913 - In a bulletin released by the St. Louis Terrier club yesterday, they announced the official signing of first overall draft pick Roman Edison. Edison, a 17-year-old short stop from Wallenberg High School, was given a bonus of $9,930 for signing with the club.

[ryanivr]

Whales, Americans Off to Hot Start; New York Clubs Struggle


NEW YORK, NY. May 1, 1913 - The Chicago Whales saw their cross-city rivals win the Presidents Cup last season, but this year it looks like they want one themselves.

Off to a hot 15-10 start, the Whales are on top of the Federal League. It's still early of course, but the Whales are winning by drawing walks (101 - 1st in FL) and hitting for extra-bases (54 - 2nd in FL). On the mound, the pitching staff has struck out 100 hitters (1st in FL) and given up just three home runs, best in the league.

Back on the east coast, the Boston Americans have the best record in baseball. Their 14-8 record isn't a surprise with the team batting .280 (2nd in UL) and the pitching staff having a 2.68 ERA (2nd in UL).

Traveling south, one can't ignore the struggles that the two New York clubs have had in their short history. The Tip-Tops, finishing 3rd in the Federal League last season, are just 9-15 after a month of play, hitting just .244 as a team. The Gothams club, finishing with a 75-79 record last season, are 7-15 thus far.

Both clubs were expected to be title contenders early on due to the large population of ballplayers from the area, but it simply hasn't been that way.

As for individual players, one can't ignore the continued success of Cleveland's Palmer Hartman. The 33-year-old finished with a 24-11 record last season, and is off to another hot start. In April, he dominated hitters has a 5-1 record and a 0.84 ERA

Federal League
		W	L	GB	G
Chicago		15	10	-	25
Buffalo		14	10	1/2	24
Baltimore		12	9	1	21
St. Louis		12	9	1	21
Newark		11	9	1 1/2	20
Pittsburgh		10	13	4	23
Brooklyn		9	15	5 1/2	24
Kansas City		6	14	6 1/2	20
United League
		W	L	GB	G
Boston		14	8	-	22
Cleveland		13	10	1 1/2	23
Chicago		11	10	2 1/2	21
Philadelphia		11	10	2 1/2	21
Detroit		12	12	3	24
Washington		11	12	3 1/2	23
St. Paul		10	12	4	22
New York		7	15	7	22
League Leaders
Batting Average		B. Cordle		0.410	STL
Doubles		D. Surber		8	NYG
Triples		T. Wilson		5	PHI
Home Runs		L. Bostick		4	CHW
Runs Batted In		T. Wilson		21	PHI
Stolen Bases		D. Dickerson		15	CHW
Earned Run Average		C. Hostetter		0.42	KC
Wins		H. Gardener		5	BOS
Strikeouts		P. Hartman		35	CLE

[ryanivr]

Orphans 10-3 in May, Jump to 1st


CHICAGO, IL. May 16, 1913 - After finishing April in 3rd place with an 11-10 record, the defending champions have put together a good first-half of May and now sit in first place.

After the retirement of Patrick Bunch, many wondered whether Orphans pitching would be able to replicate last year's success. In a way, they haven't. The teams 2.68 ERA is good, but still just 4th in the United League. Their real strength has been at the plate, leading the United League in batting average, on-base percentage, and walks.

Shortstop Gilbert Stiles is leading the club with a .393 average.

[ryanivr]

Philadelphia Blanked by Phinney


NEW YORK, NY. May 27, 1913 - It was a dazzling performance by Bob Phinney of the New York Gothams. He shut out the Philadelphia Keystones 2-0 on a well-pitched 1-hitter, ringing up 8 strikeouts and issuing no walks.

In 13 starts this season Phinney has rung up a 7-3 record and a 2.50 ERA. The Gothams are currently in last place with an 18-29 record.

[ryanivr]

Whales, Orphans Keep Chicago Fans Excited


NEW YORK, NY. June 1, 1913 - If the Presidents Cup Series started today, it would be an exciting cross-town series between Charles Weeghman's Whales club and Jack O'Connor's Orphans club. The Whales, who are enjoying their first real success, had a fantastic May, going 18-10.

While they are leading the Federal League in ERA (2.54), one very interesting statistic is that they have the most walks in the league, and also the fewest strikeouts. Much of their offensive success can be attributed to Lawrence Bostick. Larry, as he likes to be called, was widely considered to be the best young player in the league before last year. However, he broke his kneecap in spring camp and didn't return until September, playing in only 21 games. This year, after 47 games, Bostick is leading his team in average (.338) and home runs (6).

Federal League
		W	L	GB	G
Chicago		33	20		53
Buffalo		30	22	2 1/2	52
Pittsburgh		27	24	5	51
Baltimore		24	24	6 1/2	48
Newark		24	24	6 1/2	48
St. Louis		22	27	9	49
Kansas City		20	27	10	47
Brooklyn		20	32	12 1/2	52
United League
		W	L	GB	G
Chicago		28	21		49
Philadelphia		27	21	1/2	48
Cleveland		26	22	1 1/2	48
Boston		26	23	2	49
Washington		26	24	2 1/2	50
Detroit		24	28	5 1/2	52
St. Paul		21	29	7 1/2	50
New York		20	30	8 1/2	50
League Leaders
Batting Average		B. Rael		0.418	BUF
Doubles		D. Durber		17	NYG
Triples		T. Wilson		10	PHI
Home Runs		L. Bostick		6	CHW
Runs Batted In		M. Durbin		37	PIT
Stolen Bases		E. Parker		28	KC
Earned Run Average		K. Brown		1.40	STL
Wins		E. Wright		10	CHO
Strikeouts		B. Phinney		66	NYG

[ryanivr]

Orphans Star 3B Eberle Out for Season


CHICAGO, IL. June 17, 1913 - The Chicago Orphans were dealt a severe blow when Will Eberle was hurt running the bases recently in a game against the New York Gothams. After the game, the team physician reported Eberle might have to spend a lengthy time on the disabled list. Today doctors confirmed it, ruling the 33-year-old third baseman out for the rest of the season with a torn back muscle. They indicated it would take Eberle at least 5 months to heal.

This season Eberle has hit at a .314 clip with 26 RBIs, 1 home runs and 34 runs scored. He has played in 62 games. The Orphans club sat atop the United League standings at the start of June, but have since struggled a bit, falling back to 3rd place behind the Boston Americans (37-28) and the Philadelphia Keystones (35-39).

[ryanivr]

Boston Leads United League


BOSTON, MA. June 21, 1913 - After finishing the 1912 season in last place, the Americans got off to a hot start, finishing April with a 14-8 record. But May was a different story. The club went 12-15, dropping them to 4th place.

But the club has been hot again in June. The Americans won 3 of 4 in Cleveland, split a 4-game series with Washington, won 3 of 4 in Detroit, and then finished their two and a half week road trip by sweeping a 4-game series in St. Paul, putting them in first place.

Boston's .278 batting average is the best in the United League, in large part because of second baseman Richard von Bulcher. During spring camp last year, the 28-year-old severely injured his leg, and he ended up missing the entire season. Now, he's off to a brilliant start, hitting .364 and stealing 16 bases.

[ryanivr]

2nd Annual All-Star Contest Today in Buffalo


BUFFALO, NY. July 8, 1913 - This afternoon, the best players of the United League will play the stars of the Federal League in an exhibition contest at the International Fair Association Grounds in Buffalo, NY.

The starting lineups for each club was announced last night in a bulletin from the league office.

FEDERAL LEAGUE

1. SS Ed Frith (.265, 1 HR, 28 RBI)
2. C Columbus Teeters (.320, 3 HR, 27 RBI)
3. LF Lawrence Bostick (.304, 6 HR, 36 RBI)
4. RF Benjamin Cordle (.360, 1 HR, 24 RBI)
5. 1B Daryl Norris (.321, 3 HR, 33 RBI)
6. 3B Bob Fant (.329, 2 HR, 44 RBI)
7. CF Danny Paddock (.232, 0 HR, 43 RBI)
8. 2B Lee Hardt (.312, 3 HR, 37 RBI)

9. P Kirk Brown (7-11, 1.55 ERA, 75 K)

UNITED LEAGUE

1. LF Paul Zachery (.320, 4 R, 36 RBI)
2. 2B Richard von Bulcher (.373, 0 HR, 38 RBI)
3. 3B Gilbert Stiles (.327, 0 HR, 45 RBI)
4. RF Don Coffelt (.275, 8 HR, 38 RBI)
5. CF Earl Hammon (.304, 2 HR, 38 RBI)
6. 1B Buster Kempton (.348, 5 HR, 49 RBI)
7. C Charlie House (.239, 3 HR, 40 RBI)
8. SS Jim Smith (.277, 2 HR, 43 RBI)

9. P Palmer Hartman (12-6, 2.03 ERA, 98 K)

[ryanivr]

United League Stars Defeat Federals


BUFFALO, NY. July 9, 1913 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
United		3	0	1	0	0	0	3	2	0			9	14	1
Federal		0	3	0	4	0	0	0	0	0			7	15	5

The International Fair Association Grounds in Buffalo was home to the 1913 All-Star Contest yesterday. The stars of the United League defeated the Federal League stars 9-7 in a 24-hit affair.

Philadelphia shortstop Earl Hammon was the player of the game, collecting 3 hits in 5 at-bats, 5 RBI and also scored a run.

[ryanivr]

Washington Owner Passes at 68


WASHINGTON, D.C. July 13, 1913 - Hugh McKinnon has passed away at the age of 68. A spokesperson for a local Washington hospital reported that the Washington Nationals owner passed away yesterday. Cause of death was not released. The team has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow.

The Virginia-born McKinnon made his fortune as a banker in the Washington, D.C. area, but always had a love for baseball. After failing in an attempt to bringing a major-league ball club to Baltimore, McKinnon signed on with William Witman to join the United League.

But it almost wasn't McKinnon who controlled the Washington club. Ted Sullivan, the old-time player and promoter, offered him $2,500 for his interest in the club, but McKinnon did not sell.

In a twist of fate, McKinnon's club took first place just a day before he passed away. It is expected that son Hugh will take his father's position in the organization, and it is now up to him to finish what his father started.

[ryanivr]

Weeghman Upset, Promises Changes


CHICAGO, IL. July 21, 1913 - The Chicago Whales are just 1 1/2 games behind the first place Buffalo Blues, but club owner Charles Weeghman has promised personnel changes.

"Two and a half games up coming into July. I've witnessed some pathetic baseball in my life, and the way we've been playing the last few weeks has been some of the worst. Changes will be coming, mark my words."

Weeghman has always been known to have a fiery personality. He threatened to leave the league just days after joining when he discovered he couldn't convince the other fifteen clubs to raid major league rosters. League President Gilmore convinced him to stay, of course, but the 39-year-old has drawn criticism from other owners who believe Weeghman is using the Federal League as a way into the National League. In 1911, Weeghman offered $350,000 to purchase a controlling interest in the St. Louis Cardinals, but was turned down.

In his twenties, Weeghman worked for $10 a week as a waiter for restaurateur Charlie King. After being promoted, Weeghman decided to open up his own business. Incidentally, King, who would have been his main rival in Chicago, died the day Weeghman opened his first restaurant.

Serving cold-sandwiches only, Weeghman came up with the idea to have his customers sit at one-armed school tables in order to fit more into his restaurant. By 1911, Weeghman owned fifteen of these diners, with the one located at Madison and Dearborn serving 35,000 people each day. His net worth is estimated at $8,000,000.

[ryanivr]

Detroit Shut out by Cosey


BOSTON, MA. July 23, 1913 - George Cosey allowed 1 hit while giving up 3 walks and collecting 1 strikeout as Boston blanked Detroit 1-0.

In the post-game interview Cosey said, "I'm trying to keep the ball down and let guys put it in play. It worked for me today."

This year Cosey has gone 11-8 with an ERA of 1.91 and has 81 strikeouts in 211.2 innings. Boston and Washington are now tied for 1st place in the United League, with Philadelphia right behind them, just one game back.