The United Baseball Association: The New York Chronicle - Page 9

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:46 PM

Gus Duke Announces Brooklyn's New Nickname

BROOKLYN, NY. March 2, 1916 - In a bulletin yesterday, new Brooklyn owner Gus Duke announced that his team will now be known as the Brooklyn Titans.

The previous name, the Brooklyn Tip-Tops, was expected to change when Robert Ward of the Tip-Top Bakery sold the team.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:50 PM

St. Paul Saints Move to Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. March 7, 1916 - After just one year of play in St. Paul, team owner Goose McCormick has moved the club to Indinapolis, Indiana.

The team will now be known as the Indiana Blues.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:52 PM

Opening Day Arrives

NEW YORK, NY. April 1, 1916 - How sweet it is! The United Baseball Association starts play today. It is a new season and a new beginning for all the boys of baseball. Opening Day is here! It is a day of great excitement for everyone in the world of baseball -- players, fans, sportswriters, managers, coaches, scouts, groundkeepers, batboys, ballpark vendors, and the owners. Everybody is eagerly awaiting the first pitch of the game and the first home run. Old records will be broken and new marks set. It all gets under way today with this lineup of games:

Reading Reds @ Cleveland Maroons
Chicago Orphans @ New York Gothams
Washington Grays @ Detroit Wolverines
Pittsburgh Keystones @ Boston Shipbuilders
Indiana Blues @ Kansas City Packers
Brooklyn Titans @ Baltimore Terrapins
Philadelphia Centennials @ St. Louis Terriers
Chicago Whales @ Newark Peppers

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:53 PM

April's MVP Awards Handed Out

NEW YORK, NY. May 1, 1916 - The United League scribes have picked April's MVP of the Month and have given the trophy to Theo Murrell of Washington. He was devastating on the mound last month with a standout 7-1 mark.

The Grays star hurler made 7 starts with a 1.31 ERA and surrendered 51 hits in 68.2 innings. He struck out 38 and walked 16.

--

When Orson Sanford stepped up to the plate in April, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Columbia League MVP of the Month award.

The young Chicago catcher posted a .400 batting average with no home runs, 20 RBIs and scored 9 runs. Sanford also worked pitchers for 5 walks to post a .440 on-base percentage.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:53 PM

Chavez Runs Hit String to 35 Straight Games

CHICAGO, IL. May 7, 1916 - And the streak goes on.

Abner Chavez collected another hit in the Orphans 4-3 win over the Keystones. The Chicago left fielder was 2-for-4 in the game. After the game, Chavez commented on his 35-game hitting streak, "I'm not doing too much, just trying to get the bat on the ball and put it in play."

His manager told me, "Abner makes it easy for me to pencil his name in the lineup everyday."
Chavez tripled in the 1st, grounded out in the 3rd, grounded out in the 4th and singled in the 7th.

This season Chavez is swinging the bat at a .414 pace. He has hit no home runs and scored 8 times, while driving in 15. His on-base percentage is .444 and he has played in 15 games.

The streak started on August 15 of last season.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:54 PM

Calhoun Shows Off, Hits for Cycle

WASHINGTON, DC. May 15, 1916 - There are four types of hits in baseball. It is a rarity for one player to get them all in one game. Eli Calhoun did it -- single, double, triple and a home run -- and sparked Washington to a 14-9 win over Boston at Liberty Park.

"Yeah, I was some kind of hitter in this game. It was like all I had to do was close my eyes and swing the bat. I don't think they could have gotten me out with a bazooka." Those were the words of Eli Calhoun of the Washington Grays reflecting on his great game against the Boston Shipbuilders.

He hit for the cycle and is headed for the record books. For the game the Grays third baseman banged out 5 hits in 6 at-bats and totaled 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Calhoun tripled in the 1st, hit an RBI double in the 2nd, grounded out in the 4th, singled in the 5th, singled in the 7th and hit a two-run home run off C. Haag in the 9th.

This season Calhoun has hit at a .406 clip with 24 RBIs, 1 home runs and 33 runs scored.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:55 PM

Cleveland's Moser Signs Huge Contract

CLEVELAND, OH. May 16, 1916 - Maroons fans were divided today as Cleveland confirmed that the front office has signed Boardwalk Moser to a 1-year extension at a rate of $56,780 per year.

While many were enthusiastically behind the signing, others worried about Moser's age.

This is the first year that we've started to see teams extending contracts with players. After this season, every player with five years or more experience who is not under contract will be free to negotiate with any team they wish.

While we have seen free agency on a very small scale due to the contraction of the Cincinnati Ruby Legs and the Washington Statesmen, the highest paid player as of today is Boots Groat of Washington who is making $17,370 this season. However, he is just 23 years old and has an entire career ahead of him.

Moser is an old man compared to some of the players who will be available after this season. According to the financial experts here at the New York Chronicle, the Maroons should be able to field a team worth approximately $160,000 dollars. They now have nearly one-third of that budget going to a 42-year-old third baseman who is hitting .248.

So far this season Moser has hit .248 with no home runs, 17 RBIs and and scored 17 times.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:55 PM

Many Stars Extending Contracts

PITTSBURGH, PA. May 18, 1916 - In the wake of the first big extension signed, another wave of signings have been made.

The most recent is 30-year-old Twig Kidder of the Keystones, who yesterday signed a two year extension worth $135,000.

In 1916 Kidder has compiled a 8-1 mark with a 2.28 ERA in 10 starts. In pitching 87 innings he has 41 strikeouts and 16 walks while limiting the opposition to a .249 batting average.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:55 PM

Detroit Sends CF Laake to St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, MO. May 25, 1916 - A trade between St. Louis and Detroit was made official this morning. The Terriers have sent 29-year old center fielder Leander Eberly, 23-year old minor league catcher Wesley Moriarty and 24-year old minor league left fielder Theo Bolt to the Wolverines in exchange for 29-year old center fielder Simeon Laake.

In his 1916 season totals, Eberly has no home runs, .316 BA, .343 OBP, 20 RBIs and 12 runs scored.

This season Laake has delivered 37 hits in 117 at-bats for a .316 average with 1 home run. He is getting on base at a .339 clip and his totals also include 4 RBIs and 17 runs scored. This year Laake has played in 32 games.

While some are questioning the move because of Laake and Eberly's similar statistics, the Terriers know that Laake has historically been a much better player and that his numbers are much more likely to hold up through the long season.

The Wolverines were looking to get Laake off the books. He would have been a free agent next year, and the team brought in two top prospects to build for the future.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 07:56 PM

Reds Mckay Down and Out for Year

READING, PA. May 29, 1916 - Reading fans will be disappointed to learn that Snooks Mckay developed a torn back muscle while running the bases in today's game. After the doctor informed the Reds manager that Mckay was expected to miss 8 months, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play until the right fielder could return. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper.

Mckay is hitting .332 so far this season with 28 RBIs and 30 runs scored. He has 67 hits including 1 home run, 10 walks and .361 OBP.

The Reds are 29-21 and four games out of first place behind the Washington Grays. Loosing Mckay will make it tough to catch up.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:03 PM

Superstar SP Inks Deal with Gothams

NEW YORK, NY. May 30, 1916 - Happy times in New York as the Gothams and star starting pitcher Ed Gale put the finishing touches on a $232,740 contract extension that will keep the 30-year-old in town 3 years longer.

The signing is great news for New York because players of this caliber are hard to come by.

In 1916 Gale has a 6-7 record with a 2.47 ERA.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:03 PM

Chicago Orphans Lose SP Laney

CHICAGO, IL. June 4, 1916 - The Chicago Orphans of the United League lost one of their top pitchers yesterday when Bryant Laney, a 37-year-old right hander noticed tightness in his right shoulder.

Team physician Dr. Emil Maurer diagnosed the pitcher with rotator cuff inflation and said he's expected to be out for about three months.

This surely doesn't help the Orphans race for the pennant. The Chicago club is currently 4.5 games behind the Washington Grays with a 33-23 record. If all goes well, Laney should be ready to come back in September, the last month of the season.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:03 PM

Dodd Re-Signs with Grays

WASHINGTON, DC. June 9, 1916 - Opting to stay with what he knows, Ambrose Dodd signed an extension with the Grays early yesterday that will keep the 27-year-old in a Washington uniform for at least 3 years longer.

Dodd is poised to earn $85,470 per year and is loved by diehards for his loyalty to the organization.

So far this season Dodd has 2 home runs and a .327 batting average.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:04 PM

Superstar Calhoun Stays in Washington

WASHINGTON, DC. June 11, 1916 - The Grays inked a deal with 32-year-old Eli Calhoun yesterday signaling that it not only wanted him on the field but in the clubhouse.

Publicly, Eli Calhoun has spoken highly of Washington, so the extension wasn't a total surprise.

Calhoun will draw $337,950 over the next 3 years.

So far this year Calhoun has hit .381 with 1 home run, 30 RBIs and 52 runs scored.

The Washington third baseman, 32, has been with the club since the league's inception and has arguably been the best hitter in the game. Not only does he hit well, but he gets on base better than anyone in the league. His .452 career on base percentage is the best in the four and a half years the league has been in existence, and his .490 on base percentage last year is the best single season mark so far. And of course, you can't forget his third best .318 career batting average and 8th best 19 career home runs.

The scrawny, 160 pound Texas native is one of the most popular players in Washington and the entire league. He's been quoted as saying "I don't want to be anywhere else. I absolutely love it here." Calhoun, had he not signed this contract with the Grays, would have become a free agent, able to take the contract from the highest bidder which likely would have been New York, Brooklyn, or either of the Chicago teams.

Not only is Calhoun an absolute force on the field, but many of his younger teammates such as Byron Ervin and Freeman Willis have attributed much of their success to Calhoun's leadership.

The Washington Grays just helped their ball club in many ways by locking up Calhoun for three more seasons. He will make $112,650 each season. With the way that he draws fans to the park, the way that he leads his teammates, and the way he produces on the field, the money owner E.C. Landgraf pays him over the next three years will surely be worth it.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:04 PM

$$$ Keeps Superstar Teal in Reading

READING, PA. June 13, 1916 - Wash Teal inked a deal that will keep the seasoned veteran on the Reds roster another 2 years. Earlier today team personnel announced that the 37-year-old had settled on a $99,860-a-year deal to play at Reading Grounds.

It's no secret Teal is getting older, but he could still contribute a lot to the franchise.

Teal is hitting .239 this year with 4 home runs, 25 RBIs and 34 runs scored. He has 51 hits in 213 at-bats, 61 walks and a .412 on-base percentage. Teal has played in 63 games.

This is an interesting move by Reading. Teal was once considered the best hitter in the league. His 1912 season where he hit .356, 22 doubles, and 7 home runs is testament to that. However, he has declined heavily since then. It's not entirely a surprise, since he was 33 in 1912, but take a look at this rapid decline.

1912: .356, 22 doubles, 7 home runs, 77 RBI, 61 SB
1913: .321, 18 doubles, 6 home runs, 64 RBI, 34 SB
1914: .252, 17 doubles, 3 home runs, 72 RBI, 48 SB
1915: .274, 20 doubles, 5 home runs, 76 RBI, 50 SB

So far through two months of the 1916 season, he's hitting just .239. His power numbers have generally been consistent, but his averaging has dropped tremendously.

One has to wonder if team owner William A. Willman is simply interested in keeping him around because he is a fan favorite.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:04 PM

Tight Race in Columbia League

NEW YORK, NY. June 14, 1916 -

United League Standings

	W	L	GB
Washington	44	22	-
Chicago	38	26	5
Reading	38	26	5
Pittsburgh	35	30	8.5
New York	32	32	11
Cleveland	31	34	12.5
Boston	23	41	20
Detroit	17	47	26


Columbia League Standings

	W	L	GB
Chicago	37	30	-
Indiana	35	29	0.5
St. Louis	35	29	0.5
Kansas City	33	31	2.5
Brooklyn	32	33	4
Philadelphia	32	33	4
Baltimore	31	37	6.5
Newark	26	39	10

While Boston and Detroit are floundering in the United League, both of last year's expansion teams are once again doing extremely well over in the Columbia League.

The Columbia League race is extremely tight. The last place Newark Peppers could gain a ton of ground with a couple winning streaks. Indiana and St. Louis are just 1/2 game back. Everyone is in it.

In the United League, Washington is beating up on the lower teams and has posted a 44-22 record. Chicago and Reading are just five games back, but Pittsburgh and New York are falling fast and need to step it up if they want to have a chance when September comes.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:05 PM

Orphans and Peel Come to Terms

CHICAGO, IL. June 15, 1916 - Team officials triumphantly announced that the Orphans and superstar right fielder Ezekiel Peel have closed a deal that keeps the 27-year-old in a Chicago uniform for another 2 years.

Peel will earn $200,820 as part of the settlement.

This season Peel is batting .277 with 62 hits, 6 home runs, 36 RBIs, .404 OBP and has scored 31 runs.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:05 PM

SP Ebert Signs Extension with Chicago

CHICAGO, IL. June 20, 1916 - After the team locked up their best hitter a few days ago, team officials were upbeat today as Earl Ebert signed an extension with the Orphans. He'll be calling Chicago home for the next 2 years and will earn $145,920 in salary by the end of the contract.

In 1916 Ebert has a 12-4 record with a 2.33 ERA.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:05 PM

Washington's Groat Out Again

WASHINGTON, DC. June 30, 1916 - Washington second basemen Boot Groats is just 23-years old and his already have trouble staying on the field.

He made the big league club back in 1912 at just 19 years old, and while his first three seasons went without a hitch, last year and now this year are different stories.

Last year, Groat missed 46 games due to two different injuries. First, he hurt his rotator cuff on a throw from the outfield in a cutoff play, and then as soon as he came back, he injured his ribs in a collision at home plate.

He put the injuries behind him and made it through the first two months of the season fine. But on the last day of May, he had a minor setback when he strained his forearm and was out for a week and a half.

Two weeks later, he had pretty bad knee inflamation that kept him out for another week. And yesterday, his shoulder acted up. Doctors haven't made a diagnosis other than "sore shoulder," but say that he likely won't be back for 8 weeks.

This is a very tough break for Groat and his team, the Washinton Grays, who sit on top of the standings of the United League with a five game lead over the Chicago Orphans.

28-year-old Ducky Bunn, a good defensive player but an absolutely dreadful hitter, will take over for Groat for the next 7-8 weeks.

ryanivr · 07-09-2009, 08:06 PM

June's Top Players

NEW YORK, NY. July 1, 1916 - Earl Ebert of Chicago had an award-winning June as he took home the United League MVP of the Month award.

"He told me once people used to make fun of the way he pitches," Ebert's pitching coach Archie Munch told reporters. "There wasn't anybody laughing in June except for Earl."

Ebert was all business when he took the mound though, collecting a 6-1 record in 7 starts. He struck out 44 batters in 64 innings and kept opponents to a .184 batting average.

So far this season Ebert has 14 wins and 5 losses and a 2.27 ERA.

--

There's nothing like putting up good, solid numbers in the last year before free agency. Today Warley Kephart helped his contract negotiations by nabbing June's Columbia League MVP of the Month honors.

The St. Louis shortstop put together a .305 batting average with 1 home run, 15 RBIs and 16 runs scored.

Someone will surely be opening up the vault this offseason if Kephart continues at this brisk pace.

In 1916 Kephart is hitting .273, batted in 40 runs with 3 home runs and 42 runs scored.

07-09-2009, 07:46 PM	#161
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Gus Duke Announces Brooklyn's New Nickname BROOKLYN, NY. March 2, 1916 - In a bulletin yesterday, new Brooklyn owner Gus Duke announced that his team will now be known as the Brooklyn Titans. The previous name, the Brooklyn Tip-Tops, was expected to change when Robert Ward of the Tip-Top Bakery sold the team.

07-09-2009, 07:50 PM	#162
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	St. Paul Saints Move to Indiana INDIANAPOLIS, IN. March 7, 1916 - After just one year of play in St. Paul, team owner Goose McCormick has moved the club to Indinapolis, Indiana. The team will now be known as the Indiana Blues.

07-09-2009, 07:52 PM	#163
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Opening Day Arrives NEW YORK, NY. April 1, 1916 - How sweet it is! The United Baseball Association starts play today. It is a new season and a new beginning for all the boys of baseball. Opening Day is here! It is a day of great excitement for everyone in the world of baseball -- players, fans, sportswriters, managers, coaches, scouts, groundkeepers, batboys, ballpark vendors, and the owners. Everybody is eagerly awaiting the first pitch of the game and the first home run. Old records will be broken and new marks set. It all gets under way today with this lineup of games: Reading Reds @ Cleveland Maroons Chicago Orphans @ New York Gothams Washington Grays @ Detroit Wolverines Pittsburgh Keystones @ Boston Shipbuilders Indiana Blues @ Kansas City Packers Brooklyn Titans @ Baltimore Terrapins Philadelphia Centennials @ St. Louis Terriers Chicago Whales @ Newark Peppers

07-09-2009, 07:53 PM	#164
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	April's MVP Awards Handed Out NEW YORK, NY. May 1, 1916 - The United League scribes have picked April's MVP of the Month and have given the trophy to Theo Murrell of Washington. He was devastating on the mound last month with a standout 7-1 mark. The Grays star hurler made 7 starts with a 1.31 ERA and surrendered 51 hits in 68.2 innings. He struck out 38 and walked 16. -- When Orson Sanford stepped up to the plate in April, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Columbia League MVP of the Month award. The young Chicago catcher posted a .400 batting average with no home runs, 20 RBIs and scored 9 runs. Sanford also worked pitchers for 5 walks to post a .440 on-base percentage.

07-09-2009, 07:53 PM	#165
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Chavez Runs Hit String to 35 Straight Games CHICAGO, IL. May 7, 1916 - And the streak goes on. Abner Chavez collected another hit in the Orphans 4-3 win over the Keystones. The Chicago left fielder was 2-for-4 in the game. After the game, Chavez commented on his 35-game hitting streak, "I'm not doing too much, just trying to get the bat on the ball and put it in play." His manager told me, "Abner makes it easy for me to pencil his name in the lineup everyday." Chavez tripled in the 1st, grounded out in the 3rd, grounded out in the 4th and singled in the 7th. This season Chavez is swinging the bat at a .414 pace. He has hit no home runs and scored 8 times, while driving in 15. His on-base percentage is .444 and he has played in 15 games. The streak started on August 15 of last season.

07-09-2009, 07:54 PM	#166
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Calhoun Shows Off, Hits for Cycle WASHINGTON, DC. May 15, 1916 - There are four types of hits in baseball. It is a rarity for one player to get them all in one game. Eli Calhoun did it -- single, double, triple and a home run -- and sparked Washington to a 14-9 win over Boston at Liberty Park. "Yeah, I was some kind of hitter in this game. It was like all I had to do was close my eyes and swing the bat. I don't think they could have gotten me out with a bazooka." Those were the words of Eli Calhoun of the Washington Grays reflecting on his great game against the Boston Shipbuilders. He hit for the cycle and is headed for the record books. For the game the Grays third baseman banged out 5 hits in 6 at-bats and totaled 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Calhoun tripled in the 1st, hit an RBI double in the 2nd, grounded out in the 4th, singled in the 5th, singled in the 7th and hit a two-run home run off C. Haag in the 9th. This season Calhoun has hit at a .406 clip with 24 RBIs, 1 home runs and 33 runs scored.

07-09-2009, 07:55 PM	#167
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Cleveland's Moser Signs Huge Contract CLEVELAND, OH. May 16, 1916 - Maroons fans were divided today as Cleveland confirmed that the front office has signed Boardwalk Moser to a 1-year extension at a rate of $56,780 per year. While many were enthusiastically behind the signing, others worried about Moser's age. This is the first year that we've started to see teams extending contracts with players. After this season, every player with five years or more experience who is not under contract will be free to negotiate with any team they wish. While we have seen free agency on a very small scale due to the contraction of the Cincinnati Ruby Legs and the Washington Statesmen, the highest paid player as of today is Boots Groat of Washington who is making $17,370 this season. However, he is just 23 years old and has an entire career ahead of him. Moser is an old man compared to some of the players who will be available after this season. According to the financial experts here at the New York Chronicle, the Maroons should be able to field a team worth approximately $160,000 dollars. They now have nearly one-third of that budget going to a 42-year-old third baseman who is hitting .248. So far this season Moser has hit .248 with no home runs, 17 RBIs and and scored 17 times.

07-09-2009, 07:55 PM	#168
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Many Stars Extending Contracts PITTSBURGH, PA. May 18, 1916 - In the wake of the first big extension signed, another wave of signings have been made. The most recent is 30-year-old Twig Kidder of the Keystones, who yesterday signed a two year extension worth $135,000. In 1916 Kidder has compiled a 8-1 mark with a 2.28 ERA in 10 starts. In pitching 87 innings he has 41 strikeouts and 16 walks while limiting the opposition to a .249 batting average.

07-09-2009, 07:55 PM	#169
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Detroit Sends CF Laake to St. Louis ST. LOUIS, MO. May 25, 1916 - A trade between St. Louis and Detroit was made official this morning. The Terriers have sent 29-year old center fielder Leander Eberly, 23-year old minor league catcher Wesley Moriarty and 24-year old minor league left fielder Theo Bolt to the Wolverines in exchange for 29-year old center fielder Simeon Laake. In his 1916 season totals, Eberly has no home runs, .316 BA, .343 OBP, 20 RBIs and 12 runs scored. This season Laake has delivered 37 hits in 117 at-bats for a .316 average with 1 home run. He is getting on base at a .339 clip and his totals also include 4 RBIs and 17 runs scored. This year Laake has played in 32 games. While some are questioning the move because of Laake and Eberly's similar statistics, the Terriers know that Laake has historically been a much better player and that his numbers are much more likely to hold up through the long season. The Wolverines were looking to get Laake off the books. He would have been a free agent next year, and the team brought in two top prospects to build for the future.

07-09-2009, 07:56 PM	#170
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Reds Mckay Down and Out for Year READING, PA. May 29, 1916 - Reading fans will be disappointed to learn that Snooks Mckay developed a torn back muscle while running the bases in today's game. After the doctor informed the Reds manager that Mckay was expected to miss 8 months, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play until the right fielder could return. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper. Mckay is hitting .332 so far this season with 28 RBIs and 30 runs scored. He has 67 hits including 1 home run, 10 walks and .361 OBP. The Reds are 29-21 and four games out of first place behind the Washington Grays. Loosing Mckay will make it tough to catch up.

07-09-2009, 08:03 PM	#171
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Superstar SP Inks Deal with Gothams NEW YORK, NY. May 30, 1916 - Happy times in New York as the Gothams and star starting pitcher Ed Gale put the finishing touches on a $232,740 contract extension that will keep the 30-year-old in town 3 years longer. The signing is great news for New York because players of this caliber are hard to come by. In 1916 Gale has a 6-7 record with a 2.47 ERA.

07-09-2009, 08:03 PM	#172
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Chicago Orphans Lose SP Laney CHICAGO, IL. June 4, 1916 - The Chicago Orphans of the United League lost one of their top pitchers yesterday when Bryant Laney, a 37-year-old right hander noticed tightness in his right shoulder. Team physician Dr. Emil Maurer diagnosed the pitcher with rotator cuff inflation and said he's expected to be out for about three months. This surely doesn't help the Orphans race for the pennant. The Chicago club is currently 4.5 games behind the Washington Grays with a 33-23 record. If all goes well, Laney should be ready to come back in September, the last month of the season.

07-09-2009, 08:03 PM	#173
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Dodd Re-Signs with Grays WASHINGTON, DC. June 9, 1916 - Opting to stay with what he knows, Ambrose Dodd signed an extension with the Grays early yesterday that will keep the 27-year-old in a Washington uniform for at least 3 years longer. Dodd is poised to earn $85,470 per year and is loved by diehards for his loyalty to the organization. So far this season Dodd has 2 home runs and a .327 batting average.

07-09-2009, 08:04 PM	#174
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Superstar Calhoun Stays in Washington WASHINGTON, DC. June 11, 1916 - The Grays inked a deal with 32-year-old Eli Calhoun yesterday signaling that it not only wanted him on the field but in the clubhouse. Publicly, Eli Calhoun has spoken highly of Washington, so the extension wasn't a total surprise. Calhoun will draw $337,950 over the next 3 years. So far this year Calhoun has hit .381 with 1 home run, 30 RBIs and 52 runs scored. The Washington third baseman, 32, has been with the club since the league's inception and has arguably been the best hitter in the game. Not only does he hit well, but he gets on base better than anyone in the league. His .452 career on base percentage is the best in the four and a half years the league has been in existence, and his .490 on base percentage last year is the best single season mark so far. And of course, you can't forget his third best .318 career batting average and 8th best 19 career home runs. The scrawny, 160 pound Texas native is one of the most popular players in Washington and the entire league. He's been quoted as saying "I don't want to be anywhere else. I absolutely love it here." Calhoun, had he not signed this contract with the Grays, would have become a free agent, able to take the contract from the highest bidder which likely would have been New York, Brooklyn, or either of the Chicago teams. Not only is Calhoun an absolute force on the field, but many of his younger teammates such as Byron Ervin and Freeman Willis have attributed much of their success to Calhoun's leadership. The Washington Grays just helped their ball club in many ways by locking up Calhoun for three more seasons. He will make $112,650 each season. With the way that he draws fans to the park, the way that he leads his teammates, and the way he produces on the field, the money owner E.C. Landgraf pays him over the next three years will surely be worth it.

07-09-2009, 08:04 PM	#175
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	$$$ Keeps Superstar Teal in Reading READING, PA. June 13, 1916 - Wash Teal inked a deal that will keep the seasoned veteran on the Reds roster another 2 years. Earlier today team personnel announced that the 37-year-old had settled on a $99,860-a-year deal to play at Reading Grounds. It's no secret Teal is getting older, but he could still contribute a lot to the franchise. Teal is hitting .239 this year with 4 home runs, 25 RBIs and 34 runs scored. He has 51 hits in 213 at-bats, 61 walks and a .412 on-base percentage. Teal has played in 63 games. This is an interesting move by Reading. Teal was once considered the best hitter in the league. His 1912 season where he hit .356, 22 doubles, and 7 home runs is testament to that. However, he has declined heavily since then. It's not entirely a surprise, since he was 33 in 1912, but take a look at this rapid decline. 1912: .356, 22 doubles, 7 home runs, 77 RBI, 61 SB 1913: .321, 18 doubles, 6 home runs, 64 RBI, 34 SB 1914: .252, 17 doubles, 3 home runs, 72 RBI, 48 SB 1915: .274, 20 doubles, 5 home runs, 76 RBI, 50 SB So far through two months of the 1916 season, he's hitting just .239. His power numbers have generally been consistent, but his averaging has dropped tremendously. One has to wonder if team owner William A. Willman is simply interested in keeping him around because he is a fan favorite.

07-09-2009, 08:05 PM	#177
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Orphans and Peel Come to Terms CHICAGO, IL. June 15, 1916 - Team officials triumphantly announced that the Orphans and superstar right fielder Ezekiel Peel have closed a deal that keeps the 27-year-old in a Chicago uniform for another 2 years. Peel will earn $200,820 as part of the settlement. This season Peel is batting .277 with 62 hits, 6 home runs, 36 RBIs, .404 OBP and has scored 31 runs.

07-09-2009, 08:05 PM	#178
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	SP Ebert Signs Extension with Chicago CHICAGO, IL. June 20, 1916 - After the team locked up their best hitter a few days ago, team officials were upbeat today as Earl Ebert signed an extension with the Orphans. He'll be calling Chicago home for the next 2 years and will earn $145,920 in salary by the end of the contract. In 1916 Ebert has a 12-4 record with a 2.33 ERA.

07-09-2009, 08:05 PM	#179
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	Washington's Groat Out Again WASHINGTON, DC. June 30, 1916 - Washington second basemen Boot Groats is just 23-years old and his already have trouble staying on the field. He made the big league club back in 1912 at just 19 years old, and while his first three seasons went without a hitch, last year and now this year are different stories. Last year, Groat missed 46 games due to two different injuries. First, he hurt his rotator cuff on a throw from the outfield in a cutoff play, and then as soon as he came back, he injured his ribs in a collision at home plate. He put the injuries behind him and made it through the first two months of the season fine. But on the last day of May, he had a minor setback when he strained his forearm and was out for a week and a half. Two weeks later, he had pretty bad knee inflamation that kept him out for another week. And yesterday, his shoulder acted up. Doctors haven't made a diagnosis other than "sore shoulder," but say that he likely won't be back for 8 weeks. This is a very tough break for Groat and his team, the Washinton Grays, who sit on top of the standings of the United League with a five game lead over the Chicago Orphans. 28-year-old Ducky Bunn, a good defensive player but an absolutely dreadful hitter, will take over for Groat for the next 7-8 weeks.

07-09-2009, 08:06 PM	#180
ryanivr All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 907	June's Top Players NEW YORK, NY. July 1, 1916 - Earl Ebert of Chicago had an award-winning June as he took home the United League MVP of the Month award. "He told me once people used to make fun of the way he pitches," Ebert's pitching coach Archie Munch told reporters. "There wasn't anybody laughing in June except for Earl." Ebert was all business when he took the mound though, collecting a 6-1 record in 7 starts. He struck out 44 batters in 64 innings and kept opponents to a .184 batting average. So far this season Ebert has 14 wins and 5 losses and a 2.27 ERA. -- There's nothing like putting up good, solid numbers in the last year before free agency. Today Warley Kephart helped his contract negotiations by nabbing June's Columbia League MVP of the Month honors. The St. Louis shortstop put together a .305 batting average with 1 home run, 15 RBIs and 16 runs scored. Someone will surely be opening up the vault this offseason if Kephart continues at this brisk pace. In 1916 Kephart is hitting .273, batted in 40 runs with 3 home runs and 42 runs scored.