Sporting News (Est. 1871)

[Nick Soulis]

Sporting News

For the first time in history, the most popular game in the land will have a professional league where stars will get pain regularly to perform. Thousands of fans anticipate the inagural season where cities and rivalries will dominate the summer weeks. Nine teams will take the field in what will be known as the new National League.

Players scrambled to sign and play at this level of prestige and all the greats have picked their sides. Here is a brief summary of the 9 teams taking part in this historic season.

1. Boston Red Stockings
Famous manager Harry Wright has left Cincinnati and will take over for the Red Stockings. Long Levi Meyerle is the big batting star of the club while a unique Indian will take the mound in the big form of Cherokee Fischer. The team is deep and surely will play the game the right way in a city that will expect the world of them.
Predicted Finish: 13-19

2. Washington Olympics
A players manager named "Uncle" will try and motivate his men to play well for the big wigs in Washington. The son of Harry Wright, George is a joy to watch at the short stop position while Deacon White is one of the most respected names in the game at catcher. Clipper Flynn is another talent on the roster and out of the gate this team is suppose to be among the top favorites for the pennant.
Predicted finish: 23-10

3. Cleveland Forest Citys
Bobby Mathews is one of the better arms in the game and 19 year old right hander will try and lead the Cleveland club. Davy Force and Danny Mack are part of a strong infield and Mack is among the best leadoff bats in the game. The excitement by the lake will be fun to watch this summer as Charlie Pabor leads this team.
Predicted Record: 20-12

4. Philadelphia Athletics
Many like the Athletics to go all the way and become first champions. Big star Ross Barnes is the favorite to win the batting title while Rynie Wolters is among the best arms in the game. Dick Mcbride, the team manager, has promised that he will try to stay off the field and be a general for this team that has deep talent. George Hall and Steven King are a very good outfield combination.
Predicted record: 23-9

5. Chicago White Stockings
Chicago has a strong team and the new exciting city is looking forward to supporting the club. Young Cap Anson is a rare talent who has all the tools and can play multiple positions. Bill Stearns and Dick Higham are a great battery that plan on getting alot of hitters out. Jimmy Wood is maybe the best player of all the managers. Chicago is among the favorites.
Predicted record: 17-15

6. Rockford Forest Citys
West of Chicago is the small town of Rockford that is fortunate enough to sport on of the better clubs. George Zettlein is known as the charmer on the mound and is the star of this team, the charmer has a unique manner of pitching. Fred Waterman and John Radcliffe make a strong left side of the infield and many are saying the Rockford team is a contending team.
Predicted record: 18-14

7. Troy Haymakers
At 26 years old Wes Fisler is one of the older players in the league and even has some years on his manager Lip Pike. Fisler can still pick it and always had a dream to play at this level. Pike is an excellent talent but his managerial skills will be questioned. Al Pratt will have a chance to prove himself on the mound while Ezra Sutton is a fan favorite at short.
Predicted record: 15-17

8. Fort Wayne Kekiongas
Cal McVey and Asa Brainard are another battery to watch as McVey may have the fastest hands in the league and Brainard can intimidate from the mound. The club is a little short of outfield play and manager Bill Lennon will have a depth issue. Indiana for may is in the middle of nowhere, an odd place for a big league club, but there will indeed be baseball in the corn fields of the midwest.
Predicted record: 13-19

9. New York Mutuals
Alot of work went into a team from New York but experts surely have been hard on manager Bob Ferguson and his team. The pitcher on this team is also the most frugal player. Al Spalding wanted to play in New York but to get him the team may have overlooked everyone else. Dave Eggler is a fine centerfielder and will team well with George Bechtel. The infield is truly a mess. The Mutuals will do their best not to be kicked out of town.
Predicted record: 5-27

Here is of the top 10 prospects in baseball and their ages:

1) SS Ross Barnes, 20, Philadelphia Athletics
2) 3B Cap Anson, 18, Chicago White Stockings
3) SS George Wright, 24, Washington Olympics
4) CF George Hall, 22, Philadelphia Athletics
5) RHP Bobby Mathews, 19, Cleveland Forest Citys
6) C Cal McVey, 21, Fort Wayne Kekiongas
7) RHP Bill Stearns, 18, Chicago White Stockings
8) RHP Dick McBride, 23, Troy Haymakers
9) RF Levi Meyerle, 21, Boston Red Stockings
10) RHP Al Spalding, 20, New York Mutuals

[Nick Soulis]

Sporting News

BOSTON WINS IN FINAL AT BAT IN FIRST LEAGUE GAME



It was the best opening day the new league could have hoped for as excitement went down to the last at bat and the home Red Stockings defeated the Troy Haymakers. Third baseman Henry Burroughs came up with the clutch single to break the tie in the 9th inning off of Al Pratt and send home John Hatfield with the winning run,

[scott1964]

Every time I have Al Pratt on my team he goes bonkers.

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by scott1964

Every time I have Al Pratt on my team he goes bonkers.

Yes poor Uncle Al blew opening day late but will have his chance as the only starter on Troy for the season.

[Nick Soulis]

April 1871

JOHN BASS TAKES FIRST AWARD OF SEASON



The new season only two weeks old but the first awards have been handed out. In hopes of promoting the new league and reserving space in the headlines, national sportswriters have come up with the idea of awarding the best player of the month a new taylored suit.

The first winner comes out of Chicago as the White Stockings won their first two games. John Bass, the Chicago short stop had 6 hits in 10 atbats but especially earned his award by going 5-6 with three doubles in a win against Troy. Bass has also proven to be quite exciting in the field saving runs for his team and starter Bill Stearns.

Chicago has alot of talent on display with Cap Anson and Jimmy Wood rounding off a fine lineup.

League Attendance Impressive In Cold

The big concern for the new league was if people would spend their money and come out and see the action. If April is any indication, the spectators could get enough. Boston, Troy, and Cleveland each saw over 2000 fans attend games for the month and some temperatures reached into the 40's. All this being said and two teams, New York and Washington haven't even played a game yet.

Now excitement truly rises as the league will compete in its first full month and May will also bring better weather and more fans coming out to the parks.

And to think less than a decade ago this landscape was in the midst of a Cilvil War.

[Nick Soulis]

May 1871



"BOWTIES" NICKNAMED IN WASHINGTON

The Washington Olympics have infused a bit of class to their club and now have a new nickname. The Olympics have started wearing bowties as part of their uniforms and the fans and newspapers have taken notice.

"I think they look quite handsome" said one impressed spectator.

"We wanted to bring some dignity to the field when representing the nations capital." said manager Nick Young.

The Olympics are also playing quite well on the field winning 5 of their first 8 games. Deacon White it batting .486 and George Wright has driven in 8 runs.

Top New Prospects Announced

For the first time all nine teams will choose new prospects to add to their think rosters this summer. The top prospect in all the land is said to be 15 year old Jim Britt from Brooklyn. Britt is a starting pitcher who can throw the ball bette than most of men 5 to 10 years older than him.

[Nick Soulis]

June 1871



BRITT MAKES START AT ONLY 15

What were you doing when you were 15? For Jim Britt he was given a baseball and told to take the mound as the new starter of the Cleveland club. Britt as expected, wasnt the sharpest to start but later in the month he settled down and became the youngest pitcher to earn a win.

"We doesnt really know any better" says manager Charlie Pabor. The team has rallied around their young arm and are 8-7 at about the midpoint of their season only 3 games off the leading pace.

Rockford Overtakes Chicago

Just a little west of the bigger city, the Rockford Forest Citys have taken the National League league over Chicago going into July. Rockford lead by George Zettlein (13-5) won seven games in June and brushed off a 15-0 loss to Washington.

Andy Leonard has 15 RBI in the middle of the order the same amount as teamate Dave Birdsall; the Forests have scored the most runs in the league with 149.

[Nick Soulis]

July 1871



MCBRIDE AND ATHLETICS HEAT UP SUMMER

The hottest team this summer has its roots in the heart of old Philadelphia. The Athletics have represented their city very well winning 15 of 20 games and and seemingly in control for the pennant. Manager Dick McBride is one of the top pitchers on any team when he is needed but his role has been more to spell regular starter Rynie Wolters who has been excellent with a 1,94 ERA and 13 wins. Philly has had a distinct advantage by deciding to keep three pitchers on their active roster.

George Hall has partnered up with Ross Barnes to create a dangerous combination in the middle of the order. Hall has 3 home runs and 27 RBI already in 20 games while Barnes is hitting .313.

Mcbride likes the direction his team has taken, "We are well balanced and in a time where teams are still getting to know themselves, we are a step ahead." he recently said.

The A's lead Washington by 2.5 games.

BASS HITS FOR WHAT IS NOW KNOWN AS A "CYCLE"

"I didnt even know what it meant" said Chicago short stop John Bass following his team's 9-8 loss in Boston.

What Bass was referring too was his ability to hit for a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game. Bass homered in his last at bat against Cherokee Fisher to complete the trick, his leading fifth of the season.

Earlier in the month Bass also became the first player to hit two home runs in a single game against Fort Wayne.

[Nick Soulis]

August 1871



CHARMER BAFFLES HITTERS



Many like to go to the circus when it comes to town to be both entertained and suprised. Everyone knows of the charmers in their tents who love to tell of future fortune and destiny.

Such is the nickname of Rockford pitcher George Zettlein who leads the league with 17 wins and has lead the Rockford club on the cusp of a pennant. Zettlein tends to disguise what speed and type of pitch that he will throw, and batters are caught baffled and surprised at what comes out of his hand.

"He just knows things on the mound that no one else does" says his battery mate Dave Birdsall. "He seems to always be a step ahead."

Rockford have held off the favored White Stockings by 2.5 games and in a very slow September schedule wise throughout the league will play only one game and that against Chicago.

Philadelphia continues to hold a 4 game lead in the American League.

World Series Set For October

A championship type series has been established that will be donned the Word Series. Some are calling the series a publicity stunt by the two leagues but it was formally announced that the winners of both leagues will play off in a best of seven series to determine one champion.

Reaction to the idea has been mixed as most teams are focused on the season long pennant.

[Nick Soulis]

September 1871

PENNANTS TO THE WIRE



A first season and a first taste of a true pennant race. Both leagues have races coming down to the wire as we enter the early stages of autumn.

In the National League the Chicago club has finally caught the Rockford team that has been in first place since the spring. Chicago has always been considered the favorites and their play has finally overcome the competition. Chicago has six games remaining while Rockford has only two. The two teams will not meet again and Chicago ends the season with two games in Cleveland.

Chicago has scored 225 runs and is an offense that cant really be held down. John Bass, Dick Higham and Cap Anson have combined for 10 home runs and over 60 RBI. Rockford looks rattled and worried, but winning their last two games will keep the pressure on the favorites.

In the American League it appeared that Philadelphia was going to walk to the pennant. A long season however has a number of storylines. In Washington the club never gave up and have now cut the league lead to only one game. Washington has three home games left and feel they have the momentum to get the flag.

Philly has lost three games in a row including allowing 17 runs to Troy recently. It seems the club has lost focus and took the race for granted. In a late desperation move, a change was made as Rynie Wolters has been held back and Cy Bently will try and close out the season as the starter.

Philadelphia is a nervous town right now.

[Nick Soulis]

October 1871

CHICAGO AND PHILLY TAKE FLAGS



It could not have been more close, but in the end the two teams most pundits expected took home the pennants. After a grueling season, the first of its kind, both divisions had to go to a one game playoff but the more established clubs came out on top.

In Philadelphia the league pennant was thought to be an afterthought for most of the summer until a slide in September brought Washington, and Cleveland to some extent, on their doorstep. The Olympics caught Philly and played them at home for all spoils. Washington actually seemed to have the game in hand winning 8-4 in the top of the ninth inning. The Athletics however put 8 runs on the board including a bases clearing triple by Ross Barnes.

The Rockford club heard all summer how they were not good enough to hold off Chicago. The White Stockings hid in the weeds before the final month but they did have a chance to clinch the flag on the final game of the season but lost in Cleveland 6-5 to force the tie.

In the playoff at the Union Grounds there was no competition as Chicago took the game 11-2 and secured their expected place. It is a bitter pill for teams like Rockford who in some cases needed the success just for survival of the club.

Now the country prepares for a relatively unknown event as two pennant winners face off in a single series. Many are already saying these by far are the two most talented teams in the game today. The Chicago lineup lead by John Bass and his 9 home runs as well as 19 year old Cap Anson who hits leadoff and has a .394 average.

Ross Barnes in the star in Philadelphia and manager Dick McBride feels his pitching staff lead by Rynie Wolters can handle the task at hand. It is bragging rights as well for the two leagues in what should be a watershed event in the game.

[Nick Soulis]

LEAGUE LEADERS



Dick Higham accomplished something some experts thought could not be done. The Chicago catcher hit .400 for the season with 64 hits and helped lead Chicago to the pennant. Cap Anson his teammate wasnt far behind hitting .394.

John Bass, another Chicago player, stunned the league with 9 home runs and 54 RBI. Those two number totals were no where approached by another player in the league. Bass is almost a lock to win the first award for Most Valuable Player.

[Nick Soulis]

WORLD SERIES GAME 1

Wood, Chicago Start World Series Strong with Home Win

The Chicago White Stockings started the World Series in style today, downing the visiting Philadelphia Athletics at Union Base-Ball Grounds by a score of 8-6 to stake an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. White Stockings second baseman Jimmy Wood was named player of the game after he was 3-4 with 2 triples and a double, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 3.

The White Stockings took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Facing Philadelphia hurler Rynie Wolters with two outs, Wood hit a run-scoring triple.

"I'm just looking for a good pitch that I can hit well," said Wood. "And not try to do too much."

Game 2 is set to be played tomorrow in Chicago. The scheduled starters for the game are Rynie Wolters for Philadelphia and Bill Stearns for Chicago.

[Nick Soulis]

WORLD SERIES GAME 2

White Stockings Win to Extend Series Lead to 2-0

When the games really matter, the Chicago White Stockings put on their best show, beating the Philadelphia Athletics by a final score of 12-11 today. Gat Stires earned player of the game honors, as he was 5-6 with a home run, a double, and 3 singles. He scored 2 runs and drove in 4. Chicago now leads Philadelphia 2-0 in the best-of-7 affair.

Chicago took advantage of an error in the bottom of the eighth inning. The game was tied, 10-10, when Everett Mills hit a 2-run single that was misplayed. It put Chicago in front, 12-10.

"I'm just looking for a good pitch that I can hit well," said Mills. "And not try to do too much."

The next game is set to be played Monday at Jefferson Street Grounds in Philadelphia. Slated to start are Bill Stearns for the Chicago White Stockings and Rynie Wolters for the the Philadelphia Athletics.

[Nick Soulis]

WORLD SERIES GAME 3

White Stockings Win to Extend Series Lead to 3-0

The Chicago White Stockings moved to within one game of the Championship today, downing the Philadelphia Athletics on the road at Jefferson Street Grounds by a score of 9-3. White Stockings right-hander Bill Stearns was named player of the game after a strong outing in which he threw 9 innings of 6-hit ball. The win gives the White Stockings a 3-0 advantage in the best-of-7 World Series.

Ned Cuthbert scored 0 runs against the Athletics. In the top of the first inning, he reached on an error by the 1B, driving in 1 run, putting Chicago in front, 1-0.

"I'm just looking for a good pitch that I can hit well," said Cuthbert. "And not try to do too much."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow in Philadelphia. The scheduled starters for the game are Bill Stearns for Chicago and Rynie Wolters for Philadelphia.

[Nick Soulis]

WORLD SERIES GAME 4

Philadelphia Breaks Through for First Win in World Series; Now Trails 3-1

The Philadelphia Athletics have closed some of the gap between themselves and the series-leading Chicago White Stockings, winning 3-2 at Jefferson Street Grounds today. Athletics right-hander Rynie Wolters was named player of the game after he threw 9 innings of 7-hit ball. The win cuts the deficit facing the Athletics to 3-1 in the best-of-7 World Series.

Tied up with the White Stockings in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Athletics got a boost from center fielder George Hall. With a runner on 3rd, Hall saw a 2-2 fastball from Bill Stearns and hit a run-scoring triple to break the stalemate and put Philadelphia on top, 2-1.

"The effort we put into this one paid off," Hall said.

Game 5 is set to be played tomorrow at Jefferson Street Grounds. Slated to start are Bill Stearns for the Chicago White Stockings and Rynie Wolters for the the Philadelphia Athletics.

[Nick Soulis]

WORLD SERIES GAME 5

White Stockings Win World Series Crown

With a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Athletics at Jefferson Street Grounds today, the Chicago White Stockings wrapped up their 1st title in team history.

The White Stockings left little doubt who was the better team. Celebrating a banner year, "team" was the word of the day in the victorious clubhouse after the game.

"Hitting, pitching, fielding; those are all things you need to win, but most importantly you need a team, a team that works together toward the same collective goal," said Chicago manager Jimmy Wood. "Our players felt that way all year, and they played that way. When one guy had an off day, 24 others stepped up their game and filled the void."

A jovial mood filled the air as Chicago celebrated into the night. The city's mayor said parade plans were underway and a "huge celebration" would be in order.

"I hope they have a big celebration," Philadelphia manager Dick McBride said. "They deserved to win this series and they deserve to celebrate it."

[Nick Soulis]

[Nick Soulis]

November 1871

POST SEASON AWARDS

In a post season gala in Boston the league owners and best players gathered for a fine night of dining as well as recognition for the best players in the new league. Overall the success of the league in its first season could be applauded by everyone.

American League

Outstanding Pitcher



Most Valuable Player



National League

Outstanding Pitcher



Most Valuable Player

[Nick Soulis]

March 1872

SEASON PREVIEW

American League

Boston Red Stockings
Last season: 10-23

Harry Wright brings back mostly the same Boston team that lost 23 games last season. Cherokee Fisher lost 21 games and fans wonder if he can tun things around. Harry Wright has always been a baseball prodigy but his loyalty to his players may prove to be too much.

Cleveland Forest Citys
Last season: 19-13

Charlie Pabor decided to stick to playing the outfield and gave up managerial duties to 39 year old Danny Trevino The Cleveland team won 19 games last season and with Jim Britt on the mound they feel a pennant is in store. Davy Force who hit .338 last season may be the best third baseman in the game.

Philadelphia Athletics
Last season: 21-12

The pennant winners expect nothing less than to repeat it. Rynie Wolters (.305) the ace pitcher for the team swung the bat so well that he will get games in the outfield. Ross Barnes makes this team go at the top of the order and George Hall lead the AL in RBI and WAR.

Washington Olympics
Last season: 20-13

Another new manger on a good team after Nate Berkenstock takes over in hopes of putting the Olympics over the top. The Olympics lineup is dangerous from top to bottom and catcher Deacon White has become the voice of this team that seems to be poised for greater things.

Brooklyn Eckfords
Last season: Expansion team

A new team with new ambitions comes to Brooklyn were baseball remains king. Candy Cummings and his new slurve ball will be the starter for the club but the roster is not expected to compete straight away. The club will surely struggle this season, with Steve Bellen and Art Allison leading the offense.

National League

Baltimore Canaries
Last season: 19-14

The Rockford club decided to move to the city of Baltimore where resources and fans are much more abundent. The club lead by Scott Hastings is very capable with George Zettlein that star pitcher who is a master of deception. Many fancy this Baltimore team to dethrone Chicago.

Middletown Mansfields
Last season: 20-13

Because of the tradegy of the great fire, the Chicago Whites who are baseball champions, will play their next season in Middletown Ohio. The club is still as talented as ever with Cap Anson and John Bass leading an offense that could rarely be stopped. Jimmy Wood is a great players manager and will try and rally this team for a repeat following tragic displacement.

Brooklyn Atlantics
Last season: 7-25

Another club on the move to Brooklyn as the former Fort Wayne team leave town with only seven wins. New York native Aaron Mcmenemy is the new manager and hopes for some improvement and greater support. Cal McVey is a great talent but underachieved last season, while pitcher Asa Brainard just cant seem to catch a break with 25 losses. A new home is the hope for better results for this club.

New York Mutuals
Last season: 14-18

Some questions about who is in charge for this club as very popular Al Spalding seems at times to overshadow manager Bob Fergusen. Surely winning will ease any tension but the Mutuals have been too inconsistent.
Dave Eggler is a fine talent in center field but the infield, especially in defense is lacking. Most expect the Mutuals to be average and spark more interest off the field then on it.

Troy Haymakers
Last season: 16-16

Player manager Lip Pike is optimistic about his teams chances this season and the manger surely does his part on the field hitting .370 last season. Orator Jim ORourke is a fine backstop and does his best to keep Jim Britt on his game. The club is beloved in Michigan but resources are saying that this may be the clubs last season in the small market; it just may be a winner.

Washington Nationals
Last season: Expansion team

Many feel this will be the worse side in the league this season as the Nationals come in through expansion. Cy Bentley has some excited as the 21 year old never had a chance in Philadelphia and now can show his potential. The lineup however is light and many will have to step up that no one expects.