A journey through the history of baseball.

[Powderguy]

Union Association formed

For the already established National League and American Association, they will see competition from another league, the Union Association. They have placed teams in mostly major cities like Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Washington D.C.. The only small market city would be Altoona in Pennsylvania.


League Teams:
Altoona Mountain Citys
Baltimore Monumentals
Boston Reds
Chicago Browns
Cincinnati Outlaw Reds
Philadelphia Keystones
St. Louis Maroons
Washington Nationals

[Powderguy]

Free Agent Transactions
10/30: Boston (NL) signs SS Ross Barnes to a 3 year, $6,300 contract extension. Barnes has one year left on his current contract.
11/04: Altoona trades SS Clarence Cross and 1B John Grady to Providence for 3B Joe Mulvey.
11/05: Altoona signs LF Mike Moynahan to a 2 year, $1,810 contract.
11/05: Chicago (UA) signs LF Pete Gillespie to a 3 year, $7,120 contract.
11/05: Baltimore (UA) signs 1B Charlie Gould to a 2 year, $4,240 contract.
11/05: Cincinnati (UA) signs 3B Steve Bellan to a 3 year, $5,670 contract.
11/07: Chicago (UA) signs Paul Hines to a 4 year, $12,520 deal.
11/09: Altoona signs CF Ned Hanlon to a 2 year, $4,620 deal.
11/09: St. Louis (UA) signs SS Tom Burns to a 2 year, $4,440 contract.
11/09: St. Louis (UA) signs 2B Jack Farrell to a 3 year, $6,450 contract.
11/11: Philadelphia (UA) signs 3B Art Whitney to a 2 year, $3,420 contract.
11/11: Cincinnati (UA) signs LF Joe Hornung to a 3 year, $5,040 contract.
11/12: Washington (UA) signs LF Buttercup Dickerson to a 3 year, $6,510 contract. It's rumored that Dickerson may play second, a spot he's never played.
11/13: Washington (UA) signs P Jack Neagle to a 2 year, $2,740 contract.
11/14: Cincinnati (UA) signs RF Bill Boyd to a 3 year, $3,690 contract.
11/16: Altoona signs 1B Jim Foran to a 2 year, $5,000 contract.
11/22: Richmond signs C Emil Gross to a 1 year, $1,460 contract.
11/23: Baltimore (UA) signs 3B John Radcliff to a 2 year, $2,640 contract.
11/25: Chicago (NL) signs CF Monk Cline to a 1 year, $1,200 contract.
11/27: Cincinnati (UA) signs C John Farrow to a 3 year, $3,660 contract.
11/28: Cincinnati (NL) re-signs 1B Bid McPhee to a 2 year, $1,860 contract.
11/29: Chicago (NL) signs SS Yank Robinson to a 1 year, $1,020 contract.

12/02: New York (AA) re-signs 1B John Reilly to a 1 year, $1,470 contract.
12/13: Chicago (NL) trades 3B Fred Waterman and $1,016 to St. Louis (AA) for P Daisy Davis.
12/26: Chicago (UA) signs P Dick McBride to a 2 year, $2,200 contract.

1/14: Chicago (UA) signs P Pud Galvin to a 3 year, $3,360 contract.
1/18: Philadelphia (UA) trades rookie 3B Dave Drew to Cincinnati (AA) for P Terry Larkin.
1/29: St. Louis (UA) signs P Charles Witherow to a 2 year, $2,260 contract.


Retirements
P George "Charmer" Zeitlein (39) (13 seasons ('71-'83), 448 G, 170-209 record, 3.06 ERA, 3213.1 IP, 221 CG)
LF Fred Cone (35) (13 seasons ('71-'83), .267, 466 H, 4 HR, 233 RBI in 547 games)
1B Jim Carleton (35) (12 seasons ('71-'82), .244, 139 H, 70 RBI in 318 games)
RF Dick Hurley (35) (never got into a game in 12 seasons ('72-'83)
C Lou Paul (35) (8 seasons ('76-'83), 9 games in 1882, went 3-9, RBI)
CF Bob Valentine (35) (8 seasons ('76-'83), .194, 79 H, 38 RBI in 105 games)
C Charlie Osterhout (27) (5 seasons ('79-'83), went 9-50 (.180, 9 RBI) in 22 games in 1882)

[Powderguy]

Batting Leaders
BA: Roger Connor (CLV) .411
Hits: Cap Anson (BSN) 41
2B: Cap Anson (BSN), King Kelly (BSN) 10
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN), King Kelly (BSN) 3
HR: Jack Rowe (PHI) 2
RBI: John O'Rourke (BSN), 25
Runs: Cap Anson (BSN), King Kelly (BSN) 24
SB: Jimmy Wood (BSN) 13

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 1.19
Wins: Daisy Davis (CHN) 10
Losses: Jack Jones (DTN) 10
SHO: Daisy Davis (CHN) 3
K's: Ed Conley (PRO) 76

Injuries
PHI- P Hardie Henderson (strained elbow ligament, 3-4 weeks)



Even though Richmond shows up on the standings, they actually replaced Washington on August 2, so this was a minor screwup on my part by putting them in already.

Batting Leaders
BA: Guy Hecker (LOU) .394
Hits: Ed Whiting (BLO) 42
2B: Henry Larkin (PHA), Ed Whiting (BLO) 12
3B: Phil Reccius (LOU) 5
HR: Pete Browning (LOU) 2
RBI: Dan Brouthers (PHA) 30
Runs: Ed Whiting (BLO) 29
SB: Pete Browning (LOU) 14

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Cherokee Fisher (PIT) 1.09
Wins: Tricky Nichols (LOU) 10
Losses: Bobby Mathews (NYP), Adonis Terry (BRO) 8
SHO: Norm Baker (PIT), Jake Seymour (TOL) 2
K's: Bob Caruthers (STL) 74

Injuries
NYP- RF John Reilly (torn ankle ligaments, 6-7 months)



The club from Altoona, even though they are off to a good start, are forced to fold because they don't have the necessary finances to keep fielding such a competitive club. They will be replaced by the Kansas City Cowboys who will begin play on June 7th. Since I can't edit league structure during the season, the Cowboys will just replace Altoona in the standings and inherit their records and players.

Batting Leaders
BA: Tim McGinley (WHS) .361
Hits: Buster Hoover (PHK) 42
2B: Jack Clements (PHK), John Farrow (COR) 10
3B: Bill Krieg (CHB), Mox McQuery (COR), Tom O'Brien (COR) 4
HR: Nine tied with 1
RBI: Tom Burns (SLM) 19
Runs: Joe Farrell (BLU), Joe Strauss (ALT) 22
SB: Joe Strauss (ALT) 17

Pitching Leaders
ERA: John Horan (CHB) 0.88
Wins: John Horan (CHB) 10
Losses: Al Atkinson (BLU), Morrie Critchley (BOS), John Doyle (COR) 10
SHO: Bill Geiss (SLM), John Horan (CHB) 2
K's: Charlie Geggus (WHS) 131

[Powderguy]

June 11, 1884 - Frank Brill of the Detroit Wolverines, a rookie, was at the top of his game against the Chicago White Stockings this afternoon as he threw the 2nd no-hitter in baseball history. Brill accomplished this feat in his only his 5th start of his young career. So far, this has to be the lone bright spot for the Wolverines as they are in 8th place with a 9-23 record, 15 games out of first.

[Powderguy]

Two months into the season, it looks like it will be a 3 team race for the NL title this year. The Beaneaters, Blues, and White Stockings all are separating themselves from the rest of the league. Chicago was dealt a major blow during the last week of June as pitcher Daisy Davis ,who has gone 14-3 this year, tore a bicep muscle and will miss 7 weeks. The Blues are being paced by pitcher Henry Salisbury, who has posted a minuscule 0.93 ERA and compiled an 18-5 record.

Batting Leaders
BA: Roger Connor (CLV) .375
Hits: Cap Anson (BSN) 76
2B: Cap Anson (BSN) 20
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN) 6
HR: George Gore (CLV) 3
RBI: Abner Dalrymple (CLV) 40
Runs: Roger Connor (CLV) 45
SB: Arlie Latham (CLV) 23

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 0.93
Wins: Daisy Davis (CHN) 18
Losses: Jack Jones (DTN) 18
SHO: Daisy Davis (CHN) 4
K's: Ed Conley (PRO) 128

Injuries
BUF- CF Jim Lillie (fractured elbow, 13 months)
BUF- RF Billy Riley (strained rotator cuff muscle, 2 weeks)
CHN- Daisy Davis (torn bicep muscle, 7 weeks)
PHI- P Charlie Ferguson (torn abdominal muscle, 8 months)



The Eclipse have a 30-9 record because of two things: 1. The duo of Tricky Nichols (15) and Gid Gardner (15) have combined for all 30 wins. 2. Jimmy Wolf (35), Pete Browning (31), and Leech Maskrey (31) all rank in the top 10 for RBI.. The Baltimore and Pittsburg clubs are right behind them in the standings though. The defending champion Athletics are struggling, but it isn't because of the effort Dan Brouthers is putting forth so far: .383, HR, 36 RBI, 15 SB.

Batting Leaders
BA: Guy Hecker (LOU) .387
Hits: Dan Brouthers (PHA) 74
2B: Tom Farley (WAS) 17
3B: Deacon McGuire (TOL), Jimmy Wolf (LOU) 6
HR: Pete Browning (LOU) 2
RBI: Dan Brouthers (PHA) 36
Runs: Pete Browning (LOU) 45
SB: Pete Browning (LOU) 23

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Tim Keefe (CIN) 1.30
Wins: Bob Emslie (BLO), Gid Gardner (LOU), Tricky Nichols (LOU) 15
Losses: Adonis Terry (BRO), Larry McKeon (IND) 15
SHO: Ed Morris (COL) 5
K's: Bob Caruthers (STL) 130

Injuries
NYP- RF John Reilly (torn ankle ligaments, 5-6 months)
PHA- 2B Bill Greenwood (torn calf muscle, 13 months)



After having Altoona relocate to Kansas City, the team went 5-6 dropping them two spots in the standings. The Keystones are being led by excellent rookie hitter Buster Hoover who is only 1 of 3 men hitting above .300 this year in the league. One of the reasons why is because of the Browns' starting pitchers, Jim Horan and Cyclone Miller. Horan has been especially good putting up a 14-7 record with a 1.16 ERA and Miller has posted 11 wins.

Batting Leaders
BA: Buster Hoover (PHK) .349
Hits: Buster Hoover (PHK) 67
2B: John Farrow (COR) 14
3B: John Irwin (BOS) 6
HR: Buster Hoover (PHK) 3
RBI: John O'Brien (BLU) 26
Runs: Joe Farrell (BLU), Joe Strauss (KCC), Buster Hoover (PHK), Art Whitney (PHK) 30
SB: Bill Johnson (PHK) 24

Pitching Leaders
ERA: John Horan (CHB) 1.16
Wins: John Horan (CHB) 14
Losses: John Doyle (COR) 14
SHO: J. Fisher (PHK) 3
K's: Charlie Geggus (WHS) 205

Transactions
6/26: Kansas City trades 1B Jim Foran to Philadelphia for P Hugh Daily. Foran was batting .288 in 132 ABs for KC this year. Daily had only appeared in 1 game for the Keystones this year.

[Powderguy]

The Cleveland Blues have opened up a 7.5 game lead on the Beaneaters and White Stockings. They went 21-1 in the month of July and had a 17 game winning streak where they swept the Boston club in a 4 game series. Pitcher Harry Salisbury was sensational this past month as he had an 11-0 record with a 0.73 ERA including 4 SHUTOUTS, earning him NL Pitcher of the Month honors. For the Beaneaters, they lost their top RBI man in John O'Rourke to a inguinal hernia and had 2B Andy Leonard announce his retirement after this year. Leonard was the primary starter for the Beaneaters from '77-'82. In response, Boston traded him away for a young pitcher.

Batting Leaders
BA: Cap Anson (BSN) .388
Hits: Cap Anson (BSN) 113
2B: Cap Anson (BSN) 29
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN) 8
HR: Jack Rowe (PHI) 4
RBI: Abner Dalrymple (CLV) 58
Runs: Roger Connor (CLV) 63
SB: Arlie Latham (CLV), Billy Sunday (CHN) 30

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 0.86
Wins: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 29
Losses: Joe Borden (NYG), Billy Serad (BUF) 23
SHO: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 7
K's: Ed Conley (PRO) 160

Injuries
BSN- CF John O'Rourke (inguinal hernia, 2 weeks)
BUF- P Jack Lynch (herniated back disc, 3 weeks)
BUF- CF Jim Lillie (fractured elbow, 12 months)
BUF- RF Billy Riley (strained rotator cuff muscle, 2 weeks)
CHN- Daisy Davis (torn bicep muscle, 2 weeks)
PHI- P Charlie Ferguson (torn abdominal muscle, 7 months)

Transactions
7/13: Detroit trades 25-year old P Dupee Shaw and 18-year old C Ed Gastfield to Chicago (UA) for 28-year old 3B Charlie Householder.
7/27: Boston trades 38-year old 2B Andy Leonard and 23-year old CF Edgar (AE) Smith to New York (AA) for 28-year old P Fred Corey.



The Washington Nationals have announced they will cease operations after their 2 game series against the Metros is concluded. The Richmond Virginians are already waiting in line to jump into the vacated spot.

Batting Leaders
BA: Dan Brouthers (PHA) .377
Hits: Dan Brouthers (PHA) 114
2B: Henry Larkin (PHA) 26
3B: Deacon McGuire (TOL), Jimmy Wolf (LOU) 9
HR: Henry Larkin (PHA) 4
RBI: Henry Larkin (PHA) 58
Runs: Pete Browning (LOU) 69
SB: Charlie Comiskey (STL) 31

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Bob Barr (PIT) 1.44
Wins: Gid Gardner (LOU), Tricky Nichols (LOU) 22
Losses: Adonis Terry (BRO), Ed Trumbull (WAS), Ron Deagle (CIN) 21
SHO: Ed Morris (COL) 6
K's: Bob Caruthers (STL) 197

Injuries
BLO- C Ed Whiting (torn thigh muscle, 2-3 weeks)
CIN- CF Buck West (torn bicep muscle, 7 months)
NYP- RF John Reilly (torn ankle ligaments, 4-5 months)
PHA- 2B Bill Greenwood (torn calf muscle, 12 months)

Transactions
7/25: Indianapolis trades 25-year old CF Jon Morrison to Baltimore (UA) for 27-year old P Ed Smith.
7/27: New York trades 28-year old P Fred Corey to Boston for 38-year old 2B Andy Leonard and 23-year old CF Edgar (AE) Smith.



Batting Leaders
BA: Buster Hoover (PHK) .338
Hits: Buster Hoover (PHK) 90
2B: John Farrow (COR), Jack Farrell (SLM) 18
3B: John Irwin (BOS) 8
HR: Buster Hoover (PHK) 3
RBI: Joe Quinn (SLM) 35
Runs: Joe Strauss (KCC) 47
SB: Joe Strauss (KCC) 32

Pitching Leaders
ERA: John Murphy (KCC) 1.35
Wins: Bob Black (KCC) 20
Losses: John Doyle (COR) 20
SHO: J. Fisher (PHK), Charlie Geggus (WHS) 4
K's: Charlie Geggus (WHS) 284

Injuries
COR- SS Steve Bellan (dislocated shoulder, 5 weeks)
KCC- Barney McLaughlin (fractured jaw, 3 weeks)

Transactions
7/13: Chicago trades 28-year old 3B Charlie Householder to Detroit for 25-year old P Dupee Shaw and 18-year old C Ed Gastfield.
7/25: Baltimore trades 27-year old P Ed Smith to Indianapolis for 25-year old CF Jon Morrison.

[Powderguy]

August 23, 1884 - Oh how close Bob Emslie came this afternoon to tossing the first perfect game. Two errors in the 6th inning cost him his shot at perfection, but that didn't keep him from throwing a no-hitter against the Alleghenys. It was the 1st no-hitter in the American Association history. It was the 2nd one this year, joining Frank Brill's on June 11, and 3rd all-time in baseball history. Emslie was dominant out there on the mound today, as he struck out 10 batters on the way to his 27th win.

[Powderguy]

Batting Leaders
BA: Cap Anson (BSN) .382
Hits: Cap Anson (BSN) 138
2B: Cap Anson (BSN) 33
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN) 9
HR: Lip Pike (CHN) 5
RBI: Abner Dalrymple (CLV), Ross Barnes (BSN) 65
Runs: Cap Anson (BSN) 77
SB: Arlie Latham (CLV) 41

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 0.96
Wins: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 37
Losses: Billy Serad (BUF) 31
SHO: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 8
K's: Charlie Buffinton (BSN) 204

Injuries
BUF- CF Jim Lillie (fractured elbow, 11 months)
PHI- P Charlie Ferguson (torn abdominal muscle, 6 months)



Batting Leaders
BA: Guy Hecker (LOU) .366
Hits: Dan Brouthers (PHA) 140
2B: Jack O'Brien (PHA) 31
3B: Jimmy Wolf (LOU) 12
HR: Henry Larkin (PHA) 4
RBI: Dan Brouthers (PHA) 69
Runs: Pete Browning (LOU) 86
SB: Charlie Comiskey (STL) 40

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Bob Barr (PIT) 1.60
Wins: Bob Emslie (BLO) 29
Losses: Adonis Terry (BRO), Ron Deagle (CIN) 29
SHO: Ed Morris (COL), Doc Landis (BLO) 6
K's: Bob Caruthers (STL) 263

Injuries
CIN- CF Buck West (torn bicep muscle, 6 months)
NYP- RF John Reilly (torn ankle ligaments, 3-4 months)
PHA- 2B Bill Greenwood (torn calf muscle, 11 months)



The Philadelphia Keystones lack the necessary funds to complete the rest of the season. This means star player Buster Hoover will go elsewhere, the Cincinnati Outlaw Reds picked him up along with pitcher J. Fisher.

Batting Leaders
BA: Buster Hoover (COR) .337
Hits: Buster Hoover (COR) 105
2B: John Farrow (COR) 23
3B: John Irwin (BOS) 10
HR: Buster Hoover (COR) 3
RBI: Jumbo Schoeneck (CHB) 45
Runs: Joe Strauss (KCC) 63
SB: Joe Strauss (KCC) 47

Pitching Leaders
ERA: John Murphy (KCC) 1.19
Wins: Bob Black (KCC) 27
Losses: John Doyle (COR) 24
SHO: Charlie Geggus (WHS) 6
K's: Charlie Geggus (WHS) 366

Injuries
COR- SS Steve Bellan (dislocated shoulder, 5 days)

[Powderguy]

The Cleveland Blues are well on their way to representing the National League in the World Series. Meanwhile, Cap Anson is on a tear for the Beaneaters and has his average up to .390. Meanwhile, for the White Stockings, pitcher Daisy Davis has suffered another injury. Fans of the club are left wondering how good they could have been if Davis would have stayed healthy this year. Davis is 24-4 with a 1.25 ERA in 30 games to date.

Batting Leaders
BA: Cap Anson (BSN) .390
Hits: Cap Anson (BSN) 173
2B: Cap Anson (BSN) 40
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN) 11
HR: Lip Pike (CHN) 6
RBI: Ross Barnes (BSN) 83
Runs: Cap Anson (BSN) 95
SB: Billy Sunday (CHN) 51

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 1.15
Wins: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 44
Losses: Joe Borden (NYG) 38
SHO: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 9
K's: Charlie Buffinton (BSN) 254

Injuries
BUF- CF Jim Lillie (fractured elbow, 10 months)
CHN- P Daisy Davis (strained rotator cuff muscle, 2-3 weeks)
PHI- P Charlie Ferguson (torn abdominal muscle, 5 months)
PHI- P Bill Vinton (damaged knee meniscus, 1-2 weeks)



As October begins, the Baltimore Orioles still hold the same 5 game lead over Louisville as they had a month ago.

Batting Leaders
BA: Pete Browning (LOU) .372
Hits: Dan Brouthers (PHA) 164
2B: Jackie Hayes (NYP), Curt Welch (TOL) 36
3B: Jimmy Wolf (LOU) 12
HR: Henry Larkin (PHA) 4
RBI: Jimmy Wolf (LOU) 83
Runs: Pete Browning (LOU) 105
SB: Charlie Comiskey (STL) 49

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Larry McKeon (IND) 1.67
Wins: Bob Emslie (BLO) 35
Losses: Ron Deagle (CIN) 36
SHO: Ed Morris (COL), Doc Landis (BLO) 6
K's: Bob Caruthers (STL) 326

Injuries
BRO- CF Tug Wilson (fractured foot, 4-5 weeks)
CIN- CF Buck West (torn bicep muscle, 5 months)
NYP- RF John Reilly (torn ankle ligaments, 2-3 months)
PHA- 2B Bill Greenwood (torn calf muscle, 9-10 months)



Perhaps the Kansas City Cowboys are being handed the Union Association title as the Chicago Browns folded on September 18 even though they were in sole possession of first place.

Batting Leaders
BA: Buster Hoover (COR) .333
Hits: Buster Hoover (COR) 122
2B: John Farrow (COR) 29
3B: John Irwin (BOS) 12
HR: Buster Hoover (COR), Ed Crane (BOS) 3
RBI: Jack Farrell (SLM) 51
Runs: Joe Strauss (KCC) 74
SB: Joe Strauss (KCC) 55

Pitching Leaders
ERA: John Murphy (KCC) 1.28
Wins: Bob Black (KCC) 32
Losses: Bill Geiss (SLM) 29
SHO: Charlie Geggus (WHS), J. Fisher (COR) 6
K's: Charlie Geggus (WHS) 410

[Powderguy]

1884 World Series: Baltimore (AA) vs Cleveland (NL)

Three runs in 7th allow Blues to rally for win

Game 1 – In the first game, Cleveland would send veteran 488 game winner Al Spalding to the mound against Baltimore’s Bob Emslie, owner of a no-hitter earlier in the year. Baltimore strikes in the bottom of the first with the first run on an Oyster Burns groundout. Baltimore tacks on another run when Cleveland shortstop Arlie Latham mishandles a routine grounder allowing the O’s to take a 2-0 lead. Despite having 2 hits in both the 3^rdth innings, Cleveland can’t plate a run and still trail 2-0. The Blues tally 2 more hits in the 6^th inning, but once again, fail to score. In the top of the 7^th, Cleveland breaks through against Bob Emslie in a big way as they score 3 runs on 5 hits to take a 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the 7^th, Cleveland and 4 pitcher Al Spalding allows 2 Orioles to reach base, but gets out of the jam when Ed Whiting hits into a lineout double play. Spalding wasn’t troubled the final 2 innings of the game as he thwarted the Orioles comeback attempt, giving the Blues a 3-2 win. As the teams were leaving their respective dugouts, the Orioles knew they had just squandered a golden chance to win Game 1.

Landis can't keep Blues from coming back (again), O's lose series

Game 2 – With a World Series on the line, Cleveland sends out Harry Salisbury and Baltimore gives Doc Landis the nod. In the top of the 4^th, the Orioles knock around Salisbury for 3 runs and 5 hits. Tom Brown, Dennis Casey, and Count Gedney all have rbi singles in the inning. In the bottom of the 6^th, a George Pinkney sac fly narrows the gap to 1 at 3-2. Then, in the bottom of the 7^th, Abner Dalrymple smacks a single into right plating 2 runs giving Cleveland a 4-3 lead completing the comeback. The 4^th run is scored when Harry Stovey crashes into Baltimore catcher Ed Whiting jarring the ball loose. In the 8^th, a key Baltimore error allows 2 Blues runners to cross the plate making it 6-3. A Harry Stovey groundout and Charlie Bennett single allow 2 more runs to score making it 8-3. Baltimore loads up the bases in the 9^th inning against Salisbury and Ed Whiting delivers a 2 run single. That means Oyster Burns would have a shot to tie up the game with a homerun. He works it to a full count before lining out to the shortstop giving CLEVELAND THE 1884 WORLD SERIES!!!

[Powderguy]

PITCHING

[Powderguy]

PITCHING

[Powderguy]

Award Winners - National League

MVP: Cap Anson (BSN) .388/.425/.528, 188 H, 43 2B, 3 HR, 77 RBI, 34 SB, 61.0 VORP
2. Roger Connor (CLV) .352/.414/.460, 167 H, 35 2B, 2 HR, 74 RBI, 52.4 VORP
3. Cal McVey (PRO) .354/.378/.456, 173 H, 1 HR, 53 RBI, 24 SB, 55.8 VORP

Cartwright: Harry Salisbury (CLV) 45-11, 1.16 ERA, 505.1 IP, 192 K, 17 game winning streak (7/2-8/22)

Rookie: Daisy Davis (CHN) 24-4, 1.25 ERA, 259.0 IP, 169 K

Award Winners - American Association

MVP:Pete Browning (LOU) .368/.428/.498, 121 R, 186 H, 23 2B, 14 3B, 2 HR, 87 RBI, 53 SB, 75.5 VORP
2. Dan Brouthers (PHA) .362/.402/.487, 105 R, 175 H, 10 3B, 2 HR, 78 RBI, 32 SB, 66.1 VORP
3. Tom Brown (BLO) .350/.396/.426, 99 R, 164 H, 2 HR, 74 RBI, 47.1 VORP

Cartwright: Bob Emslie (BLO) 38-13, 2.12 ERA, 461.2 IP, 295 K

Rookie: Hank O'Day (TOL) 33-17, 1.86 ERA, 454.1 IP, 260 K

[Powderguy]

Free Agent Transactions
10/24: Cincinnati trades 27-year old SS Dave Drew to STL Maroons for 28-year old P Charlie Bohn.
10/30: Providence re-signs C Cal McVey to a 3 year, $5,943 contract.
11/11: Louisville signs SS Arlie "The Freshest Man on Earth" Latham to a 2 year, $3,180 contract.
11/11: NY Giants sign 2B Fred "Sure Shot" Dunlap to a 2 year, $3,060 contract.
11/13: Louisville signs CF George "Piano Legs" Gore to a 5 year, $8,850 contract.
11/13: Baltimore signs 2B Jack Glasscock to a 4 year, $6,680 contract.[/FONT][/FONT]
11/13: Pittsburg signs P John Murphy to a 2 year, $1,750 contract.
11/16: Baltimore signs SS Chippy McGarr to a 2 year, $2,380 contract.
11/19: STL Maroons sign C Emil Gross to a 2 year, $3,150 contract.
11/20: Chicago signs LF Emmett Seery to a 2 year, $2,460 contract.
11/24: STL Maroons sign 1B/3B Roger Connor to a 2 year, $3,730 contract.
11/24: Boston signs CF Buster Hoover to a 2 year, $2,830 contract.
11/25: Chicago signs 1B Harry Stovey to a 2 year, $3,300 contract.
11/25: STL Maroons sign LF Harry Moore to a 2 year, $2,370 contract.
11/30: Boston signs LF George Hall to a 3 year, $13,245 contract.
11/30: Boston signs 2B/3B George Pinkney to a 2 year, $1,310 contract.


12/01: Baltimore signs RF Tom Brown to a 2 year extension worth $2,960. Brown currently has $610 left on his current contract.
12/02: Boston signs RF Levi Meyerle to a 3 year, $5,435 contract with the last year being a team option. It would be very surprising if the team executes the final option year of Meyerle's contract since he would be 41 by the final year of the contract.
12/04: STL Maroons sign C Ezra Sutton to a 2 year, $5,980 contract.
12/04: Louisville trades 26-year LF George Wood to Philadelphia (NL) for 25-year old P Joe Knight and 21-year old CF Buck Gladman.
12/07: Chicago signs SS Jim O'Rourke to a 3 year, $12,305 contract. A contract like this is alot to invest in a 34 year old who could be on the downside of his career.
12/09: Providence signs 1B Mox McQuery to a 2 year, $2,770 contract.
12/10: STL Maroons sign C Jack Rowe to a 3 year, $10,755 contract.
12/11: STL Maroons sign CF John O'Rourke to a 3 year, $7,820 contract.
12/12: STL Maroons sign P Hardie Henderson to a 3 year, $4,995 contract.
12/13: STL Maroons sign P Peek-A-Boo Veach to a 1 year, $860 contract.
12/14: Pittsburg signs CF Ned Hanlon to a 2 year, $3,310 contract.
12/14: Phila. Athletics re-sign LF Dan Brouthers to a 5 year, $25,435 contract!! When a large sum of money is thrown around, some may question, but this is no questioning this move as Brouthers proved he has deserved this sum.
12/14: Boston re-signs C King Kelly to a 6 year, $27,900 contract! While the per year value isn't more than Brouthers, the overall total is. Kelly has established himself as a solid cog in the Beaneaters lineup.
12/14: Boston re-signs 3B Cap Anson to a 4 year, $20,600 contract.
12/14: STL Maroons sign SS Yank Robinson 1 year, $1,755 contract.
12/19: Buffalo signs CF Paul Hines to a 4 year, $12,560 contract.
12/20: Buffalo signs 2B Jimmy Wood to a 2 year, $3,010 contract.
12/21: Cincinnati signs 3B Fred Waterman to a 2 year, $3,750 contract.
12/22: STL Maroons sign LF Abner Dalrymple to a 3 year, $11,940 contract. It's rumored that Dalrymple will play first base, a position he has never played.


1/02: NY Giants re-sign LF Tip O'Neill to a 1 year, $1,985 contract.
1/06: NY Giants sign C Charlie Bennett to a 3 year, $4,634 contract.
1/06: Brooklyn signs C Jack Clements 1 year, $2,970 contract.
1/11: NY Metros sign LF Joe Strauss to a 3 year, $4,410 contract.
1/16: STL Maroons sign RF John Reilly to a 2 year, $3,420 contract. Reilly is coming a season where he saw just 22 AB's because of torn ankle ligaments.
1/17: Baltimore signs Billy Sunday to a 3 year, $4,950 contract.


Retirements
1B John Mullen (36) (9 seasons ('76-'84), .153, 7 RBI in 45 games)
CF John Maloney (35) (never got into a game in 9 seasons ('76-'84)
CF Pete Curren (35) (9 seasons ('76-'84), 1-3, RBI in 2 games in 1882)
3B Rit Harrison (35) (never got into a game in 10 seasons ('75-'84)
C Sam Field (36) (never got into a game in 10 seasons ('75-'84)
LF Al Thake (35) (13 seasons ('72-'84), .291, 6 HR, 323 RBI, 621 H in 598 games)
LF Fred Treacey (37) (14 seasons ('71-'84), .284, 3 HR, 410 RBI, 933 H in 790 games)
RF Gat Stires (35) (14 seasons ('71-'84), .253, 149 RBI, 338 H in 468 games)
SS Andy Leonard (38) (14 seasons ('71-'84), .313, 4 HR, 476 RBI, 1077 H, 207 SB in 839 games
C Fatty Briody (26) (5 seasons ('80-'84), .203, 39 RBI in 92 games)
CF George Strief (28) (6 seasons ('79-'84), appeared in 5 games in 1879, no AB's)
RF William Hoffman (31) (6 seasons ('79-'84), 0-1 in 1 game in 1879)
LF Live Oak Taylor (33) (8 seasons ('77-'84), 2-13 (.154, 2 RBI) in 16 games)
RF Jay Pike (35) (8 seasons ('77-'84), 7-53 (.132, 3 RBI) in 43 games)
RF George Fair (28) (9 seasons ('76-'84), 0-1 in 3 games in 1882)
C William Coon (29) (10 seasons ('75-'84), .241, 2 HR, 69 RBI, 129 H in 213 games)
3B Jim Tipper (35) (13 seasons ('72-'84), .264, HR, 137 RBI, 276 H in 346 games)
SS Ham Allen (38) (13 seasons ('72-'84), .283, 3 HR, 326 RBI, 895 H in 758 games)
C Eddie Fusselback (28) (3 seasons ('82-'84), .224, HR, 61 RBI, 162 H in 161 games)
3B Harry Jacoby (30) (1 season ('82), .241, 25 RBI in 68 games)
SS Walt Kinzie (26) (2 seasons ('82-'83), 3-23, 2 RBI in 41 games)
P Will Sawyer (20) (1 season ('83), 3 G, 1 SV, 1.2 IP)[/FONT]

[Powderguy]

-Union Association folds
-Blues fold after winning series
-Maroons jump to NL
-Louisville change name to "Colonels"
-Gothams now known as "Giants"

[Powderguy]

May 1, 1885 - As the fans filed into Recreation Park for Opening Day against the Buffalo Bisons, nobody knew what they were in store for as they witnessed Abner "Ab" Powell toss a magnificent game. If it wasn't for 2 fielding errors, the 24-year old Powell would have become the first player to ever pitch a perfect game. In all, 8 Bison hitters struck out. This was Powell's NL debut after spending his rookie season in the Union Association playing for the Washington Nationals

[Powderguy]

The Beaneaters have come storming out to a 9 game lead leading the mediocre competition behind them. Boston won their first 10 games before losing to St. Louis and have now won 9 games in a row. The offense is hitting to the tune of .320 while scoring 7.5 runs/game. Behind them, 6 teams are within 1.5 games of each other with the Quakers bringing up the rear.

Batting Leaders
BA: Ross Barnes (BSN) .412
Hits: George Hall (BSN) 39
2B: Tommy McCarthy (BUF), Harry Moore (SLM) 8
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN) 3
HR: Seven tied with 1
RBI: Ross Barnes (BSN) 22
Runs: George Hall (BSN) 24
SB: Cal McVey (PRO) 11

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Charlie Hilsey (PHI) 1.27
Wins: John Connor (BSN) 10
Losses: Charlie Ferguson (PHI) 9
SHO: Daisy Davis (CHN) 3
K's: Abner Powell (DTN) 64

Injuries
BUF- CF Jim Lillie (fractured elbow, 6 weeks)
CHN- CF Dick Johnston (fractured cheekbone, 4 weeks)



The Association is definitely a wide open race as 4 teams are within 3 games of the lead. Atop the standings are the Alleghenys of Pittsburg, their highest finish is 4th in 1882. Right behind them are the Baltimore Orioles, who are familiar to being atop the standings as they made 2 World Series appearances in their first 3 years. Behind them are the Louisville Colonels (formerly Eclipse) who have offensive forces George "Piano Legs" Gore and Pete Browning leading the way. They also have veteran Al Spalding pitching towards win #500, he has 497.

Batting Leaders
BA: George Gore (LOU) .385
Hits: George Gore (LOU) 47
2B: Ned Williamson (PIT) 12
3B: Jack Bamford (PIT) 6
HR: Buttercup Dickerson (BRO), Jim Egan (NYP), Jocko Milligan (PHA) 2
RBI: Buttercup Dickerson (BRO) 31
Runs: Dan Brouthers (PHA), Pete Browning (LOU) 30
SB: Bill Johnson (BLO), Arlie Latham (LOU) 18

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Jim Conway (BRO) 1.22
Wins: John Murphy (PIT) 11
Losses: Bobby Mathews (NYP) 14
SHO: Alex Voss (PIT) 3
K's: Bob Caruthers (STL) 92

Injuries
PHA- CF Henry Larkin (strained elbow ligament, 2 weeks)
PHA- 2B Bill Greenwood (torn calf muscle, 6 weeks)

[Powderguy]

JUNE 16TH, 1885
Baltimore, Maryland - A certain buzz was in the air as fans filed into Newington Park to watch the Orioles take on the Louisville Colonels. It was centering around Colonels pitcher Al Spalding as he was going for career win number 500. It looked like Spalding may be denied #500 for a second straight game, but 3 Louisville runs in the final 2 innings allowed Spalding to capture the milestone victory. When asked to describe the game, a local fan said, "It was a typical Al Spalding pitched game, he limits the big hits and has good defense behind him". Spalding recorded 2 strikeouts and zero walks. Spalding has a career mark of 500-276 at the age of 34. How many more years does he have left in him?

[Powderguy]

The Beaneaters offense was shut down considerably in the month of June and the injury to star hitter Cap Anson didn't help out. Anson missed 2 weeks because of a strained calf muscle. That allowed the St. Louis Maroons gain 7.5 games in the standings as they put together an 18-4 record for the month. The Wolverines were dealt a blow when NL rookie of the year canidate Sam "Big Sam" Thompson went down for 4 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. Meanwhile, somebody needs to get the NY Giants a #2 starter in the rotation as Milo Lockwood can't carry the staff. Lockwood has tallied 15 of the team's 19 wins, leading the league, while Jack Neagle has a 2-14 record. Harry Salisbury, off that magnificent season, is currently coming out of the bullpen for the club. Salisbury may be getting the call to take over the number 2 spot in the rotation if Neagle doesn't get it together.

Batting Leaders
BA: Abner Dalrymple (SLM) .407
Hits: Harry Moore (SLM) 69
2B: Sam Wise (NYG) 14
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN), John Reilly (SLM) 5
HR: Sam Thompson (DTN) 3
RBI: Harry Moore (SLM) 37
Runs: Roger Connor (SLM) 47
SB: Cal McVey (PRO) 17

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Milo Lockwood (NYG) 1.44
Wins: Daisy Davis (CHN), Milo Lockwood (NYG), Peek-A-Boo Veach (SLM) 15
Losses: Charlie Ferguson (PHI) 15
SHO: Daisy Davis (CHN), Milo Lockwood (NYG), Peek-A-Boo Veach (SLM) 3
K's: Peek-A-Boo Veach (SLM) 140

Injuries
BUF- CF Jim Lillie (fractured elbow, 1-2 weeks)
DTN- RF Sam Thompson (dislocated shoulder, 4 weeks)



Three teams are starting to put some distance between them and their competitors. The Colonels used the momentum of a 16 game winning streak and Al Spalding's 500th win to go from third to second in the standings. Meanwhile, the Alleghenys dropped from first to third after getting swept by Baltimore in a 4 game series in mid-June. The Baltimore Orioles split their 4 game series with Louisville, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia. For fans of the NY Metropolitans, it only gets worse as their best hitter, 1B Dave Orr suffered a torn abdominal muscle and will miss 2 months. The team is already 23.5 games back, so it will be interesting to see how south the season will go for the team.

Batting Leaders
BA: George Gore (LOU) .351
Hits: George Gore (LOU) 73
2B: Ned Williamson (PIT), Jocko Milligan (PHA) 19
3B: Dan Brouthers (PHA), Pete Browning (LOU) 7
HR: Buttercup Dickerson (BRO), Jim Egan (NYP), Jocko Milligan (PHA), Pete Browning (LOU) 2
RBI: George Gore (LOU) 43
Runs: Pete Browning (LOU) 60
SB: Charlie Comiskey (STL) 31

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Alex Voss (PIT) 1.41
Wins: Bob Black (BLO) 17
Losses: Bobby Mathews (NYP) 21
SHO: Alex Voss (PIT), Bob Black (BLO), Bob Emslie (BLO) 3
K's: Bob Caruthers (STL) 166

Injuries
NYP- 1B Dave Orr (torn abdomen muscle, 2 months)
PHA- 2B Bill Greenwood (torn calf muscle, 1-2 weeks)
STL- RF Harry McCaffery (fractured cheekbone, 4 weeks)

Transactions
6/15: St. Louis trades 28-year old 1B Bill Phillips to Baltimore for 33-year old SS Tom Barlow.
6/25: Cincinnati trades 39-year old 3B Fred Waterman to Pittsburg for 26-year old SS Jack Bamford and 24-year old 2B Kid Butler.

[Powderguy]

Batting Leaders
BA: Ross Barnes (BSN) .375
Hits: Harry Moore (SLM), Ross Barnes (BSN) 102
2B: Fred Dunlap (NYG) 22
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN), John Reilly (SLM) 6
HR: Sam Thompson (DTN) 4
RBI: Harry Moore (SLM) 51
Runs: Roger Connor (SLM) 57
SB: Piggy Ward (PHI) 25

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Hardie Henderson (SLM) 1.49
Wins: Daisy Davis (CHN) 25
Losses: Charlie Ferguson (PHI), Larry McKeon (BUF) 21
SHO: Daisy Davis (CHN) 5
K's: Peek-A-Boo Veach (SLM) 206

Injuries
SLM- CF Roger Connor (torn thigh muscle, 3 weeks)

Transactions
7/28: St. Louis trades 27-year old P Bill Geiss to Louisville for 25-year old 2B Frank Olin and 24-year old 1B Walter Prince.
7/29: Buffalo trades 28-year old P Jack Lynch to Brooklyn for 29-year old 1B Martin Powell and 24-year old LF Anton Falch.



Batting Leaders
BA: Pete Browning (LOU) .336
Hits: Pete Browning (LOU) 107
2B: Pete Browning (LOU) 26
3B: Dan Brouthers (PHA), Pete Browning (LOU) 12
HR: Jocko Milligan (PHA) 3
RBI:Jocko Milligan (PHA) 60
Runs: Pete Browning (LOU) 81
SB: Charlie Comiskey (STL) 48

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Bob Black (BLO) 1.45
Wins: Bob Black (BLO) 25
Losses: Bobby Mathews (NYP) 27
SHO: Bob Black (BLO) 4
K's: Bob Caruthers (STL) 227

Injuries
CIN- 1B John Clapp (dislocated shoulder, 2 months)
NYP- 1B Dave Orr (torn abdomen muscle, 5 weeks)
NYP- 3B Charlie Reipschlager (flu, 2 weeks)

Transactions
7/13: Cincinnati trades 26-year old 3B Jerry Denny to Louisville for 34-year old P Al Spalding. What a shocker when this crossed the news wire. In the middle of a pennant race and the Colonels trade away the reliable right hander, very questionable.
7/28: Louisville trades 25-year old 2B Frank Olin and 24-year old 1B Walter Prince to St. Louis(NL) for 27-year old P Bill Geiss.
7/29: Brooklyn trades 29-year old 1B Martin Powell and 24-year old LF Anton Falch to Buffalo for 28-year old P Jack Lynch.