Prologue

[seth70liz76]

From Chicago Eagle
Empire Announces Seasonal Awards
Excellence on the pitch to be honored
President and Chicagoan James McCormick announced to-day the Empire League will honor outstanding performances on the field with official awards. A finely struck medallion, engraved with the player’s name and achievement, will be given in eight categories; four for batsmen, four for hurlers.

Batsmen will have the opportunity to earn honor in the following categories: Average number of hits per time at bat, long hits [what we now call extra base hits], extra bases [steals] and runs scored. Hurlers will be awarded for total victories pitched in [not wins as we know them today, but team victories the hurler appeared in], outs recorded, responsible runs per nine innings [due to inconsistency of scoring practices, this was closer to total runs allowed per 9 innings than the ERA that became fashionable in the late teens and early twenties] , and batters struck. While many long-time admirers of the game may scoff at the inclusion of batters struck, McCormick feels it is a skill few hurlers have. “When a hurler can make a batsman miss the tossed orb, I personally find that amazing; especially if it is in a tense situation!”

Official scorecards are being printed by the Franklin Paper Company of Philadelphia. Thaddeus Hamilton, owner of the Brooklyn franchise, will oversee the tabulation of the scorecards, given his ability with figures. Each park will be equipped with the most advance wiring devices, so totals for league leaders should be updated within one or two days of games being played. “We hope to release to the press a full leader board from the past week every Monday morning. Never before has the common crank been able to chart the progress of his heroes with such precision!”

In addition to the medallion, players achieving this immortality will receive a $75.00 cash bonus from the league.
===
Last of the updates this off season, 1876 will be played and recorded over the next couple days.

[ifspuds]

You know, Seth, would it kill you to -- just once in a while -- throw in a mediocre post?

I can't remember the last time I read a post and didn't think, "Wow. That's a great post."

[seth70liz76]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

You know, Seth, would it kill you to -- just once in a while -- throw in a mediocre post?

I can't remember the last time I read a post and didn't think, "Wow. That's a great post."

Well, I wasn't happy with the letter McCormick sent to Bourne--I lost my draft which was much much better and had to recreate it as best I could. The owner's meeting post scared me (5 rough drafts, and the final form was nothing like the first 4 attempts), since I wasn't sure how well I could pull off 'straight' narrative. And I did have that improper word usage you pointed out so . . .

I'm really touched I've been able to capture and keep your interest to this point. I have said before, I've always had these stories (we all have) about our leagues and the players. Some of us focus on an individual, some on a team, and others on a whole league. Realizing you have someone to tell the stories to makes such a difference--you, and your charges, don't exist in a vaccum. The wife gives me the whole, "you realize it isn't real bit," the cats just want thier bellies rubbed.

This is the most fun I've had with OOTP to date. From a gaming standpoint, I hate having to sim the season--I don't like the rushrushrush of it. But I can say this is the best league I've ever created with any game, and I can still quote you stories from 20 year old APBA leagues. But here, these bits of data and math (and some bits of imagination) have a personality I've never been able to find in any other league I've had. I'm just glad I have others to share the stories with. We may never hear from Leander Tanner again; but his feeling of a tightening market for roster spots would be shared by many--he had the unfortunate luck to have a fight with the man judging him.

Anyway, enough vain rambling. I guess what it comes down to is, while I've enjoyed my other leagues I've had--the fun is unmatched with this one. And if that is showing through, then I'm glad.

PS--my wife likes your avatar ifspuds.

[ifspuds]

Sometimes you have to just keep trying and trying until you find that one great league. I haven't hit it yet in solo play, and I've been playing since just before v5 came out, but I'm lucky enough to be in some outstanding online leagues that have that feeling. Your love for this project is definitely showing through.

You can write and write and write and talk about how you have to love writing it for yourself, but there's nothing quite like the rush of seeing someone comment on it nonetheless. Everyone wants their work to be enjoyed, no matter what they say. This is, as I've said repeatedly, top-notch stuff.

P.S. My avatar appreciates the compliment.

[seth70liz76]

From “The Base Ball Memories of Cappy” by Frank Richardson (1902)

It was opening day of 1876 I swore I would never play for the Chicagos. James McCormick, a man so many say saved the game of base ball from itself, had undertaken a mission to ruin my nine. Jealous he could not beat us on the field, he devised a way to beat us with paper. Our owner, William Temple, was forced to release anybody with any talent and surrounded me with kids who could barely shave, let alone play ball. We looked like a varsity squad; it was shameful a city like New York would be represented by such a motley band. Player for player it was the least talented squad I ever was associated with. Still, we had an advantage no one else could claim—my superior base ball intellect and my unmatched drive to win . . .

Even then, when it was all over, McCormick—a name I will curse until the day I die—found a way to destroy what Temple and I had fought so hard to build. To this day, the first line I check in my newspaper is Chicago’s, and nothing fills me with as much joy as to see them on the losing end of any battle they fight.

[cknox0723]

^^^great, great post. i echo spuds' comments, except for those related to his avatar as i have those off.

there aren't enough superlatives to describe how good this one is, seth.

[seth70liz76]

Thank Craig, it was, in many ways, the most nerve wracking post I’ve made yet, anytime you project into the future, you run the risk of getting burned—but I think Richardson has established himself as a star, and joyfully been around the center of the McCormick/Temple rivalry so far. As I go deeper into the future/history of the league, this is a device I plan to use more; and it gives another way to build the personalities. I’m already anticipating using the “Glory of Their Times” template and some of the early ‘classics’ of baseball literature in one form or another. The more time passes, the greater the detail, the more complete, for lack of a better word, the stories will get.

I hope these digressions aren’t too annoying, but I think I enjoy discussing the process of the dynasty as much as the actual dynasty itself. That’s what almost 30 years of playing in a vacuum will do to you.

PS--should have the actual season completed tonight and start the off season this weekend.

[seth70liz76]

After not appearing in any games during the 1875 season, Aron Mousser announces he does not intend to play at all during the 1876 campaign to concentrate on his duties as field captain. Philadelphia owner Zacariah Franklin relieves Mousser of his duties. “There is no profit in a man who can not play and run a ball club at the same time. The day a man has enough base ball intellect to merely sit back and watch the action unfold is a long way off.” The day isn’t as long off as Franklin thinks, as Mousser takes the helm of the Chicago franchise the next season, and while not appearing in any league games, he will continue to play in exhibitions until an errant throw by a backup second baseman breaks three of his fingers in 1886 when he is 50 years old. Mousser began playing for pay before the War Between the States, and while his totals in the Empire are unimpressive, his contributions to the game (reportedly he was the inventor of the short stop position, and is regarded by many as the first ‘modern’ manager) go well beyond hits and outs.

Year   G AB  H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG   OPS Teams 
1871   9 26  4  0  1  0   3 0  1 2  0  0 .154 .185 .231  .416 PHI 
1872  17 34  8  0  0  0   7 1  2 2  0  1 .235 .278 .235  .513 BAL 
1873  10 21  6  1  0  0   4 3  2 0  0  1 .286 .348 .333  .681 BAL 
1874   6  7  4  0  0  0   0 1  0 0  0  0 .571 .571 .571 1.143 BAL 
Total 42 88 22  1  1  0  14 5  5 4  0  2 .250 .290 .284  .574

Even with two franchises failing, the league extends the season to 90 games, the longest yet. Some owners do grumble about the shrinking opportunities to schedule the highly profitable exhibition games with lesser clubs, but nothing comes of it. The owners are also concerned about the expansion of rosters that could follow the expanding seasons. While there are no set roster rules, a team could conceivably carry a nine-man squad through an entire season, teams usually have twelve to eighteen men under contract at any one time. Travel, injuries, and number of consecutive games affect the number of ‘active’ players at any one time. The sporting press also expresses concern the extended seasons are not ‘healthful’ for players; citing the rash of injuries at the end of the previous year. Wm Bausman of Saint Louis is philosophical, “Is four or five months of ball really more injurious to a man’s health than the rail man’s daily toil? The concern is not whether the player is to be injured, but whether the team is to be. The more time spent with osteopath lessens the chance of victory.”

With Chicago struggling early because of weak pitching, and Brooklyn unable to find enough offense or time for all of their hurlers, the first ‘trade’ in history takes place. The Atlantics send Aron Boday and Sydney Kubiszewski to the Browns for Alton Emch and Price Gray. Emch had not found his hitting stroke yet, but Thaddeus Hamilton felt a return east would clear the batsman’s mind. Chicago, with the improved pitching, makes an immediate run at first place, while Brooklyn continues to struggle along.

The trade for pitching proves fortuitous for the Browns. Brice Kinan, a former 4 year starting pitcher for the New Yorks missed significant time with an elbow complaint and Flip Giles, a talented, but oft injured thrower missed the beginning and middle of the season with various muscle and back problems.

Leander Tanner managed to stick with the Eries as a substitute, and was not performing well in the role (4-25) when starter Nelson Hepworth strained his back and would miss a 1/3 of the season. Cleveland had spent most of the first part of the year in the first division until the team went into a collective slump dropping them out of the race.

Both Brooklyn and Cincinnati tear off 10 game win streaks in the first half to stay in the race, conversely Hartford brings back memories of the 1871 Philadelphia squad with their 16 game losing streak. Cincinnati’s 2nd 10 game streak of the year push them into first with 1/3 of the season left.

Late injuries to second baseman Raymond Flake and pitcher Aron Boday cool off the Browns into 4th place.

For the first time ever, a western club wins the Empire League title. The Cincinnati Kings, the pitching lead by Boris Seekell and Rodney Stollings at the bat, outpace Boston and Philadelphia by 4 games. “It is appropriate the Cincinnati, whom Tory and I represented in the days before the Empire, win this crown,” Stollings remarked. “We are the Kings in more than name.”

Henry Pannell of Cleveland wins his second batting title with a .416 average; Norman Lent is second with his first sub-.400 season. Rodney Stollings leads in Long Hits, 61 of his 138 total and runs, 70. Steve Alves of Chicago takes the most extra bases with 27.

Boris Seekell is credited with pitching in 20 victories and 2.21 responsible runs allowed. Merlin Humphries of Cleveland is credited with 779 outs pitched; this will be changed to innings pitched for 1877. Brice Kinan of Chicago leads with 61 batters struck.

Other than Hartford (which finished 36 games behind Cincinnati), the New York Nine score the fewest runs. But somehow, Frank Richardson leads them to a 42-48 record, which could have been even better if not for a season ending 8 game losing streak. Making due with players like Kurtis Holderby, starter in 81 games at first and hitting .181 on the year, Richardson kept the club competitive for the entire season. A tribute to his will to win.

Cleveland finished in 9th, as the pitching was the worst in the league. Leander Tanner showed some improvement at the bat, raising his average every month, and showed promise not as a shortstop, but as a back up catcher.

Alton Emch never gets on track in Brooklyn, but the Atlantics do finish a respectable 5th, winning 50 games. It is puzzling to many why the Atlantics did not do better, as the pitching and hitting are both among the best in the Empire League. Thaddeus Hamilton attributes the placement to the poor showing on the road, and has high hopes for the next season. He is very pleased at finishing 8 games better than New York. "If I can not have a championship," he confides in William Adams, "at least let us best the New Yorks."

While his former club did not win, James McCormick was very pleased to see the stranglehold Boston had on the League title end. Finally, other cities could expect a championship. The fear he held that domination by Boston and New York would choke off interest could be placed aside. Besides, he knew the upcoming owner’s meeting would be more exciting than any pennant race; he knew victory over his rival was at hand; and with it, the power and pennants would surely move west . . .

Team 	      W  L  PCT   GB  Home  Away XInn  1Run 
Cincinnati   57 33 .633    - 29-16 28-17 3- 3 18-18 
Boston 	     53 37 .589  4.0 26-19 27-18 5- 3 15-11 
Philadelphia 53 37 .589  4.0 29-16 24-21 5- 2 18-12 
Chicago      51 39 .567  6.0 25-20 26-19 4- 0 11-10
Brooklyn     50 40 .556  7.0 28-17 22-23 4- 2 13-12 
Saint Louis  47 43 .522 10.0 29-16 18-27 5- 4 12-15
New York     42 48 .467 15.0 21-23 21-25 4- 5 17-13
Pittsburgh   40 50 .444 17.0 24-22 16-28 5- 2 21-15
Cleveland    36 54 .400 21.0 20-25 16-29 1-10  8-19
Hartford     21 69 .233 36.0 15-30  6-39 2- 7 10-18

[I'm not very pleased with this post. As the seasons lenghten, I need to go maybe a 1/4 step slower to drink it all in. Well, what's done is done--1876 off season starts over the weekend)

[seth70liz76]

From an open letter to the Brooklyn Sun
While most of those who go Brooklyn are excited about the solid season by our squad, it pains us to note the ledger could have been more positive. In fact, the seven game deficit could have been easily erased but for what could politely described as indifferent play by several key member of the Atlantics.

Many of our backers point to the arm injury by Candy Skewis as the downfall of our nine, but a more likely culprit was the late hurling by Elmo Broenneke. When the base situation called for the boxman to ‘bear down’ he would lay an easy ball in for the batsman. In key situations, even a muffin could be counted on for a solid hit. When we needed a strong effort from our hurler, Broenneke was strangely absent.

But Broenneke was not alone in this peculiar effort. First Baseman Bennie Zoellner could not be counted on for a hit when the season was on the line. And further, decisions by field captain Bryon Mosholder puzzled even the most dedicated of crank. Alton Emch, famed for his skill in getting the long hit, sat on the pine while Jonathon Goodstein—adequate substitute but far from a skilled afield—played everyday. Mosholder, who’s skills peaked before the Empire was formed, insisted on patrolling right field of the Union Grounds while younger and more able players were given no chance.

We, the undersigned players implore Thaddeus Hamilton to rid the Brooklyn roster of these men of questionable motives and replace them with men who are not so prone to the influence of loose money and men of persuasion.

Signed, Alton Emch, Bennie Kafka, Everett Waugh and Clarence Walters

The players had approached Hamilton with their concerns after the season, but were dismissed outright. “The days of games being within the pocketbook of the numbers masters disappeared with the formation of the Empire. What we have here are the accusation of players who are trying to place blame for their own failings and eroding skills. These agitators will admit the error of their slander, or find employment elsewhere next summer. Bryon Mosholder has my highest confidence, and to suggest his decisions intentionally caused us to fail in our goal of a championship is beyond the pale,” Hamilton would state in print. "No man would disappoint the Brooklynite by trying to serve two masters."

[seth70liz76]

“What is wrong Temple? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost?” the question dripped with mock concern. In many ways though, William Temple had just gazed upon a dead man.

Raleigh Bourne. Almost 3 years earlier approved as the primary investor of the Hartford franchise, and almost as quickly laid out a plan assuring Mick Avery of Boston and William Temple of New York would buy his interest. The deal was kept secret, to prevent McCormick from trying tip the balance of power. However; events of the past two seasons had achieved McCormick’s wish of control, but Avery and Temple were convinced they could keep the Chicagoan at bay with three solid votes in opposition to the President. They did not count on the depths of McCormick’s determination to end any impediment to him dictating his will.

The President stood slowly measuring every inch of his rival’s reaction. “You would be surprised what those Pinkertons can find when they put their mind to it. Out in Arizona Territory he was. Arizona! For the past three years! Leaves many a mysteries still in the air, does it not, Mr. Temple?”

Avery returned to the room from the privy, wiping vomit from his mouth. Temple’s hand reached to the breast pocket where the forged letter of proxy rested. McCormick’s steps toward the conspirators were deliberate allowing the gathered to turn the spectacle over and over.

“We are beaten,” Avery spoke softly to Temple. “We are at his mercy.”

McCormick gestured grandly towards Bourne, “Why don’t you share you story, Mr. Bourne? I am positive the owners here would be interested to know how our two eastern friends came to represent your interest so passionately.” Of course, Bourne had shared his story twice already—once in private to McCormick and a second time to the other Empire owners. The motive was not disclosure, but humiliation.

Temple blood began to boil as Bourne related how, realizing he could not afford the upkeep of professional club, he devised a way to “make a profit of the matter.” The rage grew and grew as the shiftless man from Connecticut revealed how the fear of McCormick was twisted into a secret buyout. The rage was not directed at Bourne but at the Chicagoan who could not control his laughing at the matter.

“So,” McCormick asked between chortles, “they paid good money for a club you had no intention of fielding?”

“That is correct.”

“And if they had waited a month or so, you would have been forced to sell—legitimately—to someone else? Someone from Hartford perhaps?”

“More than likely, Mr. McCormick.”

“A fraud for no reason, what do you think of that Temple?”

Temple bit his lip trying to keep control of his temper. “You’ve had your fun. Now let’s get on with the real business of this meeting,” the words pushed through his clinched teeth.

“Well, I am the President. I thought I decided what is necessary to discuss and deal with at this gathering,” the good humor of a moment ago had left his voice. He stood overdramatically, Temple and the rest braced for the speech.

McCormick had developed the habit on “Very Important Matters” of delivering the same speech about being the shepherd of the game. The particulars would change to fit the situation, but the preamble and conclusion where always the same.

“We have a public trust as the shepherds of baseball. To conduct our business above board, to assure fair play and to carry ourselves in a manner befitting the Grand American Game. . .”

“Just tell us what the fine is you blowhard and get on with it! You have had your fun, now get on with it,” Temple was in no mood for theatrics. “If we are in endgame, call ‘mate.’ Do not waste my time with your useless words.”

McCormick paused and looked daggers at the New Yorker. Part of the show was making the moment last, watching Temple and his New York money squirm, wondering what would become of him and his club. McCormick felt no need to end his victory speech any sooner than pride demanded. It was clear though Temple would not allow a man savor his rightful moment. If dramatics were not allowed, then cold reality would rule.

“Mr. Bourne, since you have already sold your interest in the Hartford club, we have no need for you anymore. The Hartford franchise is hereby dissolved for lack of a legitimate owner.” McCormick turned to Avery, who appeared on the brink of vomiting again. “Mr. Avery,” the Bostonian managed to gesture futility, “how soon can you have an appropriate buyer in place for your club.”

Avery lifted his head and nodded. “The Hartford situation made it impossible to sell, but I have had inquires. I shall direct them to contact you for approval.” He no longer appeared a man defeated; the weight of his secrets and debt finally lifted.

“So that is my fate, sell the New Yorks to one of your cronies? Eh, McCormick.”

“The New York franchise is hereby dissolved for you acts of fraud.”

Not even Temple’s rage made a sound. Someone finally gasped, “Good Lord,” breaking the silence.

“Avery was lead astray by this contentious bastard. Temple was the source of corruption and deserves to face a stiffer penalty.” The explanation came for the unasked question on everyone’s mind. “Besides, the success of the Bostons makes it very difficult to turn them out.”

Temple pounded the table, causing the gathered to recoil, “You NEED a team in New York! YOU CAN NOT DO THIS TO ME!”

“Clause 2.5 of the Constitution: In the best interest of the game, the President may take action on any matter not covered by the Constitution or Official League Rules, as he sees fit. I see fit to dissolve your club and permanently ban you from any association with the Empire League. Fraud on this grand a scale must be dealt with swiftly and forcefully. We have a club in Brooklyn, sharing a field with our former ‘New York’ club; I feel that is sufficient for our League’s profile in the area. With Hartford out, we must have an even number of clubs, and it is much easier to take yours away than find another owner.”

“I shall sue,” Temple began ranting, shouting accusations at all gathered; telling how much they would owe for his indiscretion.

“Yes, let us go to court! Let your business partners and associates wonder what frauds you engage in with them. Let us know how base your soul.”

Temple turned from the President to the other owners, “Don’t you see what he is doing? If he can take my club, he can take yours.”

“You can override my decision with a ¾ vote; I’ll even allow you Boston and Hartford’s votes. Do you honestly think 5 of them will side with you?”

The formerly imposing man refused to beg and plead; quickly he saw it was to no purpose. Quietly, he gathered his items and staggered to the door. “You have not heard the last of this McCormick. If it is war you want, it is war you shall have.”

The room collectively exhaled when the New Yorker left. “Thank God, we can get back to normal business,” Chesterfield sighed.

But the President did not move. His eyes coursed over the remaining owners. “Do you know why you elected me President of this league?” For a second time, the room fell silent. “Do you?”

“Because you wanted it?” stammered Goethe of Saint Louis.

Distaste filled to his eyes as McCormick rose. “I am President, because other than Hamilton, you are all followers. None of you are a leader of men. None of you could make the decisions I make.” The men shifted nervously in there hardback chairs. “Hamilton’s secretary is more a leader than any of you. You would let Temple and his ilk run roughshod over what we are building in a vain attempt to curry favor with the men who do lead. Without me, Temple would be ruining your investments and you would smile at him while you trod to the poorhouse.”

“That’s uncalled,” Chesterfield of Cleveland objected. “How did we become successes if we are not leaders.”

“Being born to money does not a leader make. Of all of us, only Hamilton has made himself into what he is today, the rest of us are an accident of birth.” McCormick could see the faces which moments ago had hailed him were now on the brink of revolt. “Do you doubt me?” The owners tried to hide their nods. “Very well: there are eight of us now. If six of you are leaders, you can remove me from my position.”

“I’m with you,” shouted Obie McCormick

“And I too,” said Hamilton.

“So, I give you Boston’s vote. Now, who will cast the first vote of no confidence? Which one of you will lead the way?”

In less than a minute, they had all casts a vote of support for President McCormick. “Very well,” triumphantly he returned to his chair, “we have business to attend.”

[ifspuds]

Excellent. I've been wondering what was going on with Hartford.

I like McCormick. He's a ruthless bastard, but he's a lot of fun to read about.

By the way, you've got a handful of typos and grammatical errors throughout this post, if you're concerned about fixing that sort of thing.

[seth70liz76]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

By the way, you've got a handful of typos and grammatical errors throughout this post, if you're concerned about fixing that sort of thing.

I'll look it over tomorrow--unless you have a punch-list to go from My 3 year old friend was over for a play-date (read: 6 hours of Baby sitting with a fun well behaved kid) so am a bit more tired than most Sundays.

Does that count as a medicore post?

[seth70liz76]

Letter from Thaddeus Hamilton to Frank Richardson
Mr. Richardson,
It is unfortunate the New Yorks will not be fielding a club this coming year. However, I believe the opportunity in Brooklyn is greater than the situation you had experienced.

I am prepared to offer you a contract of maximum value and the position of field captain. While this will no doubt be the equal to what others can offer you, Brooklyn has two advantages.

Our club is close to being a champion. I believe with your leadership you can spur on our boys past the last obstacle. You possess a temperament which can push the most ordinary of player to the limits of his ability. Our failure on the pitch last season came from men be comfortable with doing only what the situation required, and not playing the scientific game for which you are renowned. Take the lash to their spirits and drive them to victory, I know of no other man who can.

It is no secret you have become the hero to those who follow sport in the area. Brooklyn would afford you the chance to play on the same field before the same fans. You would not be compelled to leave your numerous business interests behind to the care of another man. You could track your investments locally, and not have the worry of what care they receive as you spend a summer in Saint Louis or Cleveland.

Further, with the additional manpower now available through out the Empire, I shall allow you to assemble the best talent available at what ever price they require. I should like our team to resemble a picked nine and not the junior clubs I have been unfortunate enough to cull together.

Please respond quickly, I know your services will be in great demand.

Sincerely,
Thaddeus Hamilton

[seth70liz76]

From an Editorial in the New York World

The expulsion of Hartford and New York from the Empire League, for reasons based on flimsy pretext, should be hailed as a blessing by the common crank. Yes, the season will continue without proper representation of the city where the passion for the game was born, but an opportunity is afforded.

While James McCormick and his band of thieves plunder the national game for profit and greed, William Temple can form a congregation of men dedicated to what he calls ‘true sport.’ The idea that men who play for love of game and country more than the base allure of gold would provide a better sort of entertainment. While McCormick would have the ballyards overflow with low born men filled with drink, Temple envisioned a healthful spectacle where gentlemen could converse with full view of the Creators majestic bounty.

We at the World pray Mr. Temple has not soured on base ball. With the spread of organized leagues across this great land finding like minded men who place ball before profit should be not a trial. The year of our Lord 1877 may appear to be a dark summer for fans of the game. We encourage patience and hope. If there is justice and right in the universe, a new horizon shall be viewed; one without the interference of those who would destroy all that is good and right with the game.

[seth70liz76]

Friends, competitors and assembled members of the press.
For the past several months, since our beloved Empire League team was summarily dismissed from the league (chorus of hisses) I have been asked on countless occasions when I would endeavor to start my own league based on the ideal of pure sport (huzzahs).

First, if I was to form my own league, I would assure an able council would run the game, lest the whims of a single madman ruin the investment of all (various cheers and whoops).

Second, I would assure the men involved were of the highest integrity and honor—traits which are notoriously short supplied in the Empire. As of now the roster of owners consists of a peddler of sin in Saint Louis, a Shylock in Brooklyn and a puppet in Chicago (loud laughter)! James McCormick (hisses), the so-called President (more hisses), has allowed his jealousy of the centers of commerce and own personal short comings to cloud his judgment—what little he possesses anyway (laughter).

Whatever method he could devise to root out those who defended the game, and replace them with men loyal to him and him alone were used. His so-called leadership has left a quality ballplayer and American like Cappy Richardson (very loud cheers), searching for a position well below his reward (hisses). I have on good authority my expulsion was a simple trick to lure Cappy to that lakeside pit—and to his credit Cappy would starve than toil for the Devil’s Agent (Thunderous applause and cheers, Cappy stands and wave to the crowd to even louder cheers)

McCormick has no vision of what the game can be. As I speak, New York, Buffalo, Washington, Baltimore, and some lesser western cities that are base ball mad are not represented in the Empire! And why? Because James McCormick can not find men of equally base morals willing to submit to him! Because James McCormick would rather treat the clubs as his personal plaything and not as a way to promote the finest qualities our nation has to offer. Because James McCormick would rather have men who see base ball as a business and not dedicate themselves to the public trust! (ovation of some length)

I make this promise on this day to you friends: New York will soon have a team, I will own it, and the Empire will be no more (Huzzahs). It may not be this summer or the summer next, but soon my dear friends, soon. And James McCormick will rue ever deciding to take the coward’s way instead of besting New York on the field of honor (shouts and much clapping).

[The Professor]

This is absolutely magnificent stuff! I don't think I've ever been quite as captivated by a dynasty thread as I have been by this one. Seth, you've created something amazing here. I look forward to reading regularly from now on.

[seth70liz76]

The National cycle of recession/depression that culminated with the Panic of 1877, further strained the Empire. Prepared to enter the season with eight clubs, only six would start the season: Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Chicago, Cincinnati and the relocated Cleveland franchise in Buffalo. Pittsburgh and Saint Louis failed to meet their annual obligation to the league just weeks before the start of the season. Cleveland, unable to purchase adequate grounds for a park “sufficient to maintain profit” was sold to investors in Buffalo who had been shut out of the Ontario-New York League formed some two seasons before. While the other owners, notably Franklin of Philadelphia and Hartpence of Boston (who had purchased the club from Avery in the off season), urged readmitting Temple’s New Yorkers and adding another club from “the stronger teams in the lesser league in abundance these days.” McCormick held firm:

“Why should we rush headlong and add two clubs, when we will need to find two clubs to replace them next season, and two more the season next. I am committed to fielding the strongest league possible, not the largest.”

The hastily redrawn schedule called for each club to face each other 18 times, and the personal battles between players began to grow. “Before then you’d see a fellow twice, and if he did something to bug you, well, you had time to cool down—a couple weeks or a whole winter,” Rodney Stollings recalled. “Now, if someone was busting you, a week later, there he was again, doing the same thing—you started to hate the other fellow.”

Team payrolls began to skyrocket as the best players won roster slots over the cheaper ‘muffins’ that usually rounded out a bench. Quality players, stars in their own right, found themselves relegated to junior squad status. Sport writers early on called it “That amazing season.”

“Never has the top talent of the game been so concentrated, never has the game been so blessed,” wrote the Boston Post. “If there was any question of the status of the game in the hearts of Americans, this championship battle leaves no doubt. Memories of East/West conflict are gone; the game has risen above such petty battles.”

But the cheering of the press and crowds only hid battles yet to be fought. Battles that would test the strength of the Empire.

[ifspuds]

If I might make a request of our noble author...

At some point when and if it's convenient for you, could you give a rundown of the cast of characters? Who owns what team, the stars of the league, things like that?

As always, terrific stuff, Seth!

[seth70liz76]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

If I might make a request of our noble author...

At some point when and if it's convenient for you, could you give a rundown of the cast of characters? Who owns what team, the stars of the league, things like that?

As always, terrific stuff, Seth!

I have a guide I use for myownself, I'll work something out this weekend. That might just be a good thing to do every few season anyway.

[seth70liz76]

Letter from Winfred Siemens to James McCormick

Mr. McCormick,
I must object in no uncertain terms to the placement of an Empire League club in Buffalo. For the past several seasons the Ontario-New York League has operated, with success within the limits of the city. While not as nationally hailed as your Empire League, our clubs in Toronto, Syracuse and other cities in the area have become the pride of the locals. I believe this feeling compels us to defend our territories from interlopers.

The current fad in business is to accept products and goods made elsewhere at the expense of familiar names. I refuse to allow my club or league to be ruined by outside forces. If the Buffalo Empires follow through with their intention to play, I shall bring suit to keep them from playing. I will bring suit against any landowner who permits them to use their playing field. I will bring suit against anyone who facilitates the degradation of our league and investment. The good citizens of Buffalo will not stand for carpetbagger interest to spoil our borders.

Yours,
Winfred Siemens