Another Dynasty Try: History of Baseball, 1871 to when?

[Denny Lemaster]

After a couple dynasty tries that ended with equipment failures, I upgraded to OOTP11 and decided to try once again.

This is a pretty straight forward historical dynasty, using Spritze's HS/All DB for the player pool. Financials, coaches and scouts on, with financials set from the start with modern wrinkles-FA, Arb, 10/5 rights, etc. Only using 3 levels minors, no short season leagues.

I'm not using the 'default' settings for league structure that Spritze has. I'm starting with two 6 team leagues. I have a plan for expansion/franchise moves til the early 60's. At that point I hope to take over an expansion club starting with the inaugural draft.

The initial league set up is:

Columbia Association
Boston Beaneaters
Brooklyn Superbas
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
New York Giants
Philadelphia Phillies

United League
Buffalo Bisons
Cleveland Blues
Detroit Tigers
Indianapolis Indians
Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Senators

I'm at the halfway point of my inaugural season. I'm not much for 19th century baseball--not much for Pre-Ruth ball to be truthful--so my coverage will be pretty sparse for the next 50 or so years.

[Denny Lemaster]

You try to ignore things and the game makes you pay attention. Both leagues went into the final day of the season with a the leader holding only a 1 game lead. Brooklyn built their lead on the arm of Tricky Nichols; Philadelphia had a more unique approach. John Greason started every game, but only averaged 5 IP a game. Al Spalding gave the Phillies 4 IP every game in relief and lead the league in ERA they whole year.

Cleveland and Washington were a season long deadlock. Going into the last day, they were the only two clubs in the UL over .500.

All 4 teams were on the road for that last game. The Phillies and Superbas facing off against the bottom two clubs.

The one game gap stayed intact at the end of the day. Brookyn crushed Boston 27-5 clinching the title, while Washington's loss to Indy clinched the title for Cleveland.

The title series was marked by some curious decision making by manager Roland Cameron of Brooklyn. After riding the arm of Tricky Nichols all season long, Cameron went with A O'Rourke and George Snyder for the first two games. Nichols did start games 3 and 4, but it was too late to matter. The 0-2 hole was too far to climb out of.

CA
BRO 26-14
PHI 25-15
NYG 22-18
CHI 17-23
BOS 15-25
CIN 15-25

UL
CLE 23-17
WAS 22-18
BUF 20-20
PIT 19-21
IND 19-21
DET 17-23

Outstanding Pitchers
CA: Tricky Nichols, Brooklyn, 20-11, 2.46 ERA, 285.2 IP
UL: Bill Stearns, Washington, 17-11, 2.65 ERA, 271.1 IP

Outstanding Hitters:
CA: Cap Anson, Cincinnati, .390/.447/.554, 11 2B, 6 3B, 40 RBI, 19/0 BB/K, 22 SB
UL: Lip Pike, Indianapolis, .392/.401/.613, 10 2B, 8 3B, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 21 SB

[Denny Lemaster]

The CA had another down the wire pennant race, with Brooklyn fighting for another title. Chicago held a one game lead--Chicago having the advantage of playing at home. Tricky Nichols threw another winning game for Brooklyn, but Dick McBride continued his dream season for the Cubs winning his 32nd game.

The UL race was over in the first month. Pittsburgh won their first 16 games in and never looked back. Buffalo and Washington made the final margins somewhat respectable, but it was never in doubt.

The Chadwick Cup was never in doubt either. Pittsburgh taking it 3-0.

CA
CHI 32-18
BRO 31-19
PHI 26-24
BOS 24-26
NYG 22-28
CIN 15-35

UL
PIT 38-12
BUF 34-16
WAS 32-18
CLE 19-31
IND 16-34
DET 11-39

Newcomer Of the Year
CA: P Jim Britt, Boston, 23-26, 429.2 ERA, 2.09 ERA, only 16 years old
UL: C Nat Jewett, Pittsburgh, 300/318/392, 13 2B, 44 RBI, 4 SB

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: Dick McBride, Chicago, 32-16, 423.2 IP, 1.36 ERA
UL: George Zettlein, Pittsburgh, 38-12, 434.1 IP, 1.57 ERA

Outstanding Hitter
CA: C Cal McVey, Cincinnati, 403/406/485, 12 2B, 41 RBI, 6 SB
UL: SS George Wright, Cleveland, 404/417/553, 17 2B, 6 3B, 41 RBI, 15 SB

[Denny Lemaster]

For the first time the CA didn't have a final day decision; Philadelphia managed to keep a decent lead all season long. The UL, however, had another last day fight. Both Washington and Pittsburgh went into the final day tied for first. Pittsburgh was starting George Zettlein against a game but lame Detroit squad. Washington had their ace Bill Stearns against a solid Indianapolis team.

The quality of games were high and ended with a first time titlist in the UL. The Tigers squeaked out a 3-2 win over Pittsburgh while Stearns was in and out of trouble all day in a 7-3 win. The Senators clinching their first flag.

The other big storyline in the season would be the collapse of Brooklyn, After two seasons of being in it until the last day, the Superbas fell to the basement.

The Phillies, who used something resembling a 3 man rotation all year were too balanced for Washington. 3-1 was the series result.

CA
PHI 33-17
BOS 31-19
NYG 26-24
CHI 23-27
CIN 22-28
BRO 15-35

UL
WAS 31-19
PIT 30-20
BUF 28-22
IND 24-26
DET 24-26
CLE 13-37

Newcomer
CA: P Flip Lafferty, Philadelphia, 15-4, 27/19 G/GS, 1.39 ERA, 161.1 IP
UL: P Jumbo McGinnis, Indianapolis, 24-26, 50 GS, 2.06 ERA, 441 IP

Outstanding Pitching
CA: P Jim Britt, Boston, 31-18, 50 GS, 1.53 ERA, 436.2 IP
UL: P George Zettlein, 29-18, 49 GS, 1.40 ERA, 412.2 IP (Zettlein's 2nd consecutive)

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 2B Ross Barnes, Philadelphia, 434/457/536, 12 2B, 6 3B, 43 RBI, 5 SB
UL: SS George Wright, Cleveland, 388/400/561, 11 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 51 RBI, 8 SB (Wright's 2nd consecutive)

[Denny Lemaster]

The Major Leagues increase the length of the season from 50 to 60 games. Minor Leagues increase from 40 to 50. Rosters are also increased from 15 to 16.

Once again the last series of the season is left to decide the respective pennants. And, oddly, yet again, none of the contending teams play each other. The CA watched Chicago lose a slim lead to Brooklyn and Philadelphia at the end of the year. With 3 to go, Philadelphia lead the Superbas by 1, the Cubs by 2.

In the UL a huge finishing kick by Pittsburgh forced a tie with upstart Buffalo going into that last weekend. This is the 3rd straight season the Pirates have had a chance at the title in the last series.

8/25
Chicago drops out with a loss to the Giants. Brooklyn slips to the brink of elimination with a loss to Boston, while the Phils magic number drops to 1.

Pittsburgh moves one game ahead as Zettlein tosses a shut out win and the Bison lose.

8/26
Both leagues go for the last day stand off as Brooklyn moves to 1 GB (8-3 over Boston, Philadelphia losing to Cincinnati 7-6). Pittsburgh and Buffalo reverse the day's prior results to tie it all up again.

8/27
Philadelphia becomes the first repeat champion in either league beating the Reds 15-10. Pittsburgh drops one to lowly Detroit to finish as a second time bridesmaid. Buffalo, after 3 seasons of contending, but never threatening, finally has the brass ring.

And it was over before it started, Buffalo sweeps the Phillies 3-0. The UL has taken 3 of the 4 title series, going 9-1 in their series wins.

CA
PHI 38-22
BRO 36-24
CHI 36-24
CIN 28-32
NYG 24-36
BOS 18-42

UL
BUF 35-25
PIT 34-26
CLE 29-31
WAS 29-31
IND 27-33
DET 26-34

Newcomer
CA: P Will White, Philadelphia, 13-11, 33/28 G/GS, 2.78 ERA, 223 IP
UL: P Harry Salisbury, Cleveland, 25-29, 59 GS, 1.60 ERA, 454.1 IP, 71 K

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Dick McBride, Chicago, 31-23, 59 GS, 1.67 ERA, 483.2 IP (2nd award)
UL: P George Zettlein, Pittsburgh, 32-26, 60 GS, 2.01 ERA, 479.2 IP, 78 K, (3rd straight award)

Outstanding Hitter
CA: C Cal McVey, Cincinnati, 350/371/457, 13 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 43 RBI, 13 SB (2nd award)
UL: LF George Hall, Detroit, 364/385/446, 11 2B, 5 3B, 35 RBI, 17 SB

[Denny Lemaster]

While the final series could have affected the title in each league, but it did not seem that close. For the first time in history the leader went into the final series with more than a 1 game lead. Brooklyn had rebuilt itself from the 1873 collapse and perinnial cellar dweller Detroit (6-6-5-6 place finished the first 4 years) finally showed some life. The final difference was 1 game in each game. The Tigers were a little too happy to just be there losing the series 3-1.

CA
BRO 37-23
PHI 36-24
NYG 30-30
BOS 29-31
CHI 27-33
CIN 21-39

UL
DET 37-23
WAS 36-24
IND 31-29
PIT 30-30
BUF 28-32
CLE 18-42

Newcomer
CA: P James McCormick, Boston, 14-10, 27 GS, 2.22 ERA, 202.2 IP
UL: RF Chief Roseman, Detroit, 267/274/353, 13 2B, 5 3B, 18 RBI, 5 SB

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Tricky Nichols, Brooklyn, 35-22, 60 GS, 1.44 ERA, 500 IP, 74 K (2nd award)
UL: P Cherokee Fisher, Detroit, 36-21, 60 GS, 1.42 ERA, 493 IP
Fisher spent the first three season hurt, his health is one of the main reasons why Detroit has been in the cellar.

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 2B Ross Barnes, Phialdephia, 385/404/476, 12 2B, 5 3B, 36 RBI, 22 SB
UL: 1B Levi Meyerle, Indianapolis, 355/375/465, 13 2B, 6 3B, 39 RBI, 10 SB

[Denny Lemaster]

A return to form with a 1 game lead going into the final series. The final tally show Boston winning their first title (and becoming the first 40 win team) and Senators copping their 2nd pennant.

The Senators take the title 3-1 with a 15-1 romp in the finale.

CA
BOS 40-20
CHI 37-23
PHI 32-28
CIN 28-32
BRO 27-33
NYG 16-44

UL
WAS 35-25
DET 33-27
IND 33-27
PIT 30-30
BUF 29-31
CLE 20-40

Newcomer
CA: P Harry Arundel, Chicago, 4-1, 12/2 G/GS, 1.45 ERA, 1.04 WHIP
UL: P Sam Weaver, Washington, 33-20, 60 GS, 1.27 ERA, 501.2 IP, 105 K

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P James McCormick, Boston, 38-18, 60 GS, 1.74 ERA, 490 IP, 102 K
UL: P Sam Weaver, Washington, 33-20, 60 GS, 1.27 ERA, 501.2 IP, 105 K

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 2B Ross Barnes, Philadelphia, 373/391/453, 9 2B, 5 3B, 46 RBI, 16 SB (2nd Straight)
UL: RF Tom York, Washington, 348/373/399, 12 2B, 55 R, 46 RBI, 11 SB

[Denny Lemaster]

Brooklyn (Brooklyn Athletic Oval), Chicago (Stockyard Park), Indianapolis (Hoosier Place), Philadelphia (Jewel Box), Pittsburgh (Industry Way Field) and Washington (Capitol Ballyard) all move into new parks.

The Cubs went out and spent a fair share of money to build possibly the strongest team in the brief history of the leagues. The Cubs scored 482 runs, the next best team was New York at 404 runs. Stars Deacon White, Ross Barnes and Gat Stires just led a crushing offense. The 13 game lead the largest in history. Pittsburgh, despite the loss of Zettlein to Brooklyn, put themselves back into contention with their second title.

Not a soul in the know would have picked Pittsburgh over Chicago, but that's what happened. 3-1 Pittsburgh for another Chadwick Cup.

CA
CHI 45-15
NYG 32-28
BRO 29-31
BOS 25-35
PHI 25-35
CIN 24-36

UL
PIT 36-24
IND 33-27
DET 32-28
BUF 31-29
WAS 29-31
CLE 19-41

Newcomer
CA: P The Only Nolan, Chicago, 24-13, 38 GS, 2.37 ERA, 299.2 IP
UL: P Jack Lynch, Pittsburgh, 25-13, 42 GS, 2.24 ERA, 353.1 IP, 137 K

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Tommy Bond, New York, 29-27, 60 GS, 2.20 ERA, 479 IP, 161 K
UL: P Jumbo McGinnis, Indianapolis, 33-27, 60 GS, 2.43 ERA, 529.1 IP

Outstanding Hitter
CA: LF Dick Higham, Chicago, 364/368/485, 15 2B, 9 3B, 67 R, 38 RBI
UL: RF George Hall, Detroit, 358/388/493, 16 2B, 9 3B, 56 R, 47 RBI, 19 SB

[Denny Lemaster]

While not as dominating as 1877, the Cubs rolled to another comfortable title. Things looked a little grim in the spring when both Ross Barnes and Jimmy Wood went down with injuries, but there was still plenty of thunder in those bats. The Pirates also repeated, taking a 2 game decision ahead of Indianapolis.

The Cubs get revenge with a 3-0 sweep of the Pirates.

CA
CHI 37-23
BRO 33-27
CIN 29-31
NYG 29-31
PHI 28-32
BOS 24-36

UL
PIT 37-23
IND 35-25
BUF 32-28
CLE 26-34
DET 25-35
WAS 25-35

Newcomer
CA: P John 'Monte' Ward, New York, 10-10, 22/19 G/GS, 2.62 ERA, 164.2 IP, 1.09 WHIP
UL: CF Dennis Casey, Pittsburgh, 307/305/438, 10 2B, 5 3B, 41 RBI

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P George Zettlein, Brooklyn, 28-19, 51 GS, 2.09 ERA, 434.2 IP (4th award, first with Brooklyn)
UL: P Jack Lynch, Pittsburgh, 35-22, 59 GS, 1.69 ERA, 512.1 IP, 295 K

Outstanding Hitter
CA: C Deacon White, Chicago, 346/352/411, 8 2B, 3 3B, 44 RBI, 47 R
UL: 1B Jack Manning, Indianapolis, 335/347/429, 14 2B, 5 3B, 42 R

[Denny Lemaster]

The leagues increase the length of the season to 80 games. The roster size is expanded to 17, with the expanded roster going from 20 to 22.

The dangers of an extended season show through in the first 80 game campaign. Chicago rarely lead by less than 10 games. In the UL, on the last day of the season only Detroit was at or above .500; Washington and Pittsburgh needed last day wins to end at 40-40.

The Tigers continued the dominance with a 3-1 series win. The Cubs now have 3 straight pennants with only one playoff win to show.

CA
CHI 51-29
BRO 42-38
BOS 40-40
CIN 36-44
PHI 36-44
NYG 35-45

UL
DET 55-25
PIT 40-40
WAS 40-40
CLE 36-44
BUF 35-45
IND 34-46

Newcomer
CA: C Terry Connell, New York, 296/291/444, 22 2B, 10 3B, 56 R
UL: P Lee Richmond, Buffalo, 19-18, 39 GS, 2.03 ERA, 333 IP, 1.14 WHIP

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P George Zettlein, Brooklyn, 20-15, 40 GS, 2.28 ERA, 327 IP, 1.14 WHIP (5th award, 2nd consecutive)
UL: P Tim Keefe, Detroit, 29-10, 40 GS, 1.43 ERA, 359 IP, 196 K, 0.95 WHIP

Outstanding Hitter
CA: CF Paul Hines, Chicago, 358/375/442, 18 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 73 R, 64 RBI, 13 SB (3rd straight Cubs to win)
UL: CF George Gore, Detroit, 330/368/434, 21 2B, 4 3B, 54 R, 50 RBI

[Denny Lemaster]

Boston (Yanks Field), Brooklyn (Knickerbocker Palace), Chicago (Lake Michigan Field), Detroit (Tiger Athletic Field), New York (Downtown Athletic Field), and Philadelphia (Penn City Yard), all move into new parks. Brooklyn, Chicago and Philadelphia moved into new parks in 1877.

There was some excitement with New York and Brooklyn given good early showings, but it ended with two familiar champions. The Phillies (first title since 1874) and the repeat Tigers. Phillies keep the Tigers from a 2nd Chadwick Trophy, 3-1.

CA
PHI 47-33
BOS 41-39
BRO 40-40
CHI 39-41
CIN 37-43
NYG 36-44

UL
DET 50-30
BUF 43-37
CLE 41-39
IND 38-42
WAS 37-43
PIT 31-49

Newcomers
CA: P Larry Corcoran, Boston, 17-16, 33 GS, 1.66 ERA, 276.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP
UL: P Al Atkinson, Indianapolis, 17-23, 40 GS, 2.04 ERA, 336 IP, 100 K

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Hugh 'One Arm' Daily, Philadelphia, 26-11, 37 GS, 2.25 ERA, 332 IP, 149 K, 1.07 WHIP
UL: P Tim Keefe, Detroit, 25-15, 40 GS, 1.70 ERA, 354.2 IP, 151 K, 1.00 WHIP (2nd straight)

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 1B Cap Anson, Chicago, 343/347/400, 10 2B, 4 3B, 52 RBI, 50 R (2nd award, first since 1871)
UL: CF George Gore, Detroit, 343/383/469, 16 2B, 10 3B, 38 RBI, 54 R (2nd straight)

[Denny Lemaster]

Buffalo moves into Lakefront Park and is it widely criticized for being "too large a field, too small in the stands."

Both leagues agree to add two teams apiece, with the United League getting first choice of territory. St. Louis, Baltimore, and Milwaukee are viewed as the strongest candidates. Kansas City and Louisville are odds on for the final team. The announcements will be made after the first year player draft, the new squads will participate in an expansion draft on January 1, 1882.

After winning the inaugural UL pennant, the Cleveland Blues have found themselves at or near the bottom of the standings (four last place finishes, including 3 in a row). For 1881, Cleveland has the most dominating team in baseball history. Racking up a 61-19 record, 22 games ahead of a 39-41 Washington club. That's right, for the 2nd time in UL history, only one team is above .500.

But the challenger for the Chadwick Trophy was a Cubs team that had brought the 'best team ever' to a playoff and lost. The Cubs won their second Chadwick Playoff, ending the Blues' dream season on a sour note.

CA
CHI 50-30
PHI 46-34
NYG 43-34
CIN 42-38
BRO 38-42
BOS 21-59

UL
CLE 61-19
WAS 39-41
BUF 38-42
PIT 36-44
IND 35-45
DET 31-49

Newcomer
CA: P Hank O'Day, Cincinnati, 18-16, 34 GS, 2.96 ERA, 279.2 IP
UL: P Stump Wiedman, Washington, 15-13, 32 GS, 2.17 ERA, 269.1 IP, 1.15 WHIP

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Bobby Mathews, Chicago, 24-13, 39 GS, 2.29 ERA, 330.2 IP, 104 K, 1.13 WHIP
UL: P George Derby, Cleveland, 30-8, 38 GS, 1.20 ERA, 329 IP, 135 K, 1.04 WHIP

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 1B Roger Connor, New York, 354/393/515, 26 2B, 7 3B, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 83 R, 24 SB
UL: CF Harry Stovey, Cleveland, 328/355/464, 19 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 57 R

At the winter meetings the United League shocks the baseball world by selecting Louisville and Providence as their newest members. The Columbia Association then selects St. Louis and Baltimore as their newest entrants.

[Denny Lemaster]

Since 1881 was the last season of the 'original 12', a quick glance at the composite standings of the leagues.

CA
CHI 394-286
PHI 372-308
BRO 354-326
NYG 315-365
BOS 308-372
CIN 297-383

Team-Playoff-Championship
CHI-5-2
PHI-3-2
BRO-2-1
BOS-1-0
CIN-0-0
NYG-0-0

UL
PIT 361-319
WAS 355-325
BUF 353-327
DET 341-339
IND 325-355
CLE 305-375

Team-Playoff-Championship
PIT-3-2
DET-3-1
CLE-2-1
WAS-2-1
BUF-1-1
IND-0-0

[Denny Lemaster]

Cincinnati (Reds Grounds) and Cleveland (South End Gounds II) move to meet the league required 2000 seating level. Two of the expansion clubs (St. Louis and Providence) all received a two year exemption from this rule. The South End Grounds II, built across the street from the original South End Grounds, was only 331 feet at it's deepest point rendering "power hitting to an unremarkable skill". Cleveland pledges to have the park replaced within 5 years.

In a tremendous development for the CA, the New York Giants and Boston Beaneaters both put up a fight for the pennant. The Cubs, once again, held both teams off to take the title. In an humiliating development, the Cincinnati Reds finished behind both CA expansion clubs.

In the UL the Tigers won with a comfortable margin over Cleveland. Expansion Providence finished 4th and Louisville came in 6th ahead of once proud Pittsburgh and perennial tail ender Indianapolis.

The Tigers win the Chadwick Trophy 3-2, the first series to go the distance.

CA
CHI 51-29
NYG 49-31
BOS 48-32
BRO 46-34
PHI 37-43
BAL 34-46
STL 28-52
CIN 27-53

UL
DET 53-27
CLE 48-32
WAS 40-40
PRO 39-41
BUF 38-42
LOU 37-43
PIT 33-47
IND 32-48

Newcomer
CA: LF Frank Butler, St. Louis, 264/321/344, 9 2B, 4 3B, 39 RBI, 39 R, 25/8 BB/K
UL: P Bert Dorr, Pittsburgh, 11-27, 39 GS, 2.15 ERA, 293 IP, 114 K, 1.16 WHIP

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Bobby Mathews, Chicago, 26-13, 39 GS, 1.65 ERA, 344.1 IP, 147 K, 1.02 WHIP (2nd straight)
UL: P Tim Keefe, Detroit, 30-9, 40 GS, 1.17 ERA, 347 IP, 166 K, 0.94 WHIP (3rd in 4 years)

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 3B Levi Meyerle, Brooklyn, 359/358/493, 22 2B, 9 3B, 61 RBI, 51 R (2nd award, first since 1875)
UL: C Charlie Bennett, Detroit, 353/397/509. 8 2B, 6 3B, 8 HR, 59 RBI, 53 R

[Denny Lemaster]

Schedules at all levels increase to 112 games, in response, rosters are levels are raised to 18, secondary rosters raised to 25.

Buffalo (Bison Yard), Cleveland (South End Grounds III), Detroit (Central City Field), New York (Manhattan Grounds) and Washington (Bascom Park) all move into new parks.

This year saw probably the best race ever in the CA. Until the last month of the season, Boston, New York, Brooklyn and Chicago were all within 1 game of first. Most observers thought the Cubs would push through for their 6th pennant in 7 years. But it didn't happen. Both Chicago and the Superbas, established champions, fell off the pace. There was excitement aplenty in Boston and Manhattan as the Beaneaters and Giants battled down to the last series. The Giants dropped the last 3 of the season (at home no less) to choke away New York's first pennant. The Beaneaters take their first title since 1876.

The United League was out of balance again. The Cleveland Blues take the UL by 13 games, with the race effectively over at the end of June. Second year Louisville finished second.

The lack of competition for the Blues during the regular season hurt them in the playoff once again. Boston taking their first Chadwick Trophy 3-1. Cleveland's last two pennants, 1881 and 1883, have had a .729 winning percentage in the regular season but only 2-6 in the playoffs.

CA
BOS 69-43
NYG 67-45
BRO 64-48
CHI 61-51
CIN 57-55
PHI 45-67
STL 45-67
BAL 40-72

UL
CLE 79-33
LOU 66-46
DET 61-51
PIT 53-59
WAS 53-59
PRO 51-61
IND 47-65
BUF 38-74

Newcomer
CA: P Charlie Buffington, St. Louis, 23-24, 48 GS, 1.67 ERA, 415.2 IP, 325 K, 0.93 WHIP
UL: P William Sweeney, Louisville, 26-28, 56 GS, 1.74 ERA, 495.2 IP, 339 K, 1.02 WHIP

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Pud Galvin, New York, 31-22, 56 GS, 1.81 ERA, 502.1 IP, 265 K, 1.01 WHIP
UL: P Jim Whitney, Cleveland, 43-13, 56 GS, 0.87 ERA, 509 IP, 403 K, 0.72 WHIP

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 1B Dan Brouthers, Boston, 340/375/503, 38 2B, 11 3B, 6 HR, 104 R, 58 RBI, 18 SB
UL: RF Sam Thompson, Louisville, 308/355/473, 31 2B, 11 3B, 8 HR, 71 RBI, 82 R, 21 SB

[Denny Lemaster]

First sign of trouble--no longer can access retire/active&retired list from history.

[Denny Lemaster]

Both Boston (Beacon Way) and St. Louis (The Hanging Gardens) move into new ballparks. Providence asks for an additional two season waiver on park upgrade as a proper site to build could not be found.

While neither leagues' race was close, there was excitement in some of the newer cities. St. Louis ended up in second in a tight jam with Chicago, New York and Boston. Brooklyn was the winner for the first time since 1875.

In the UL, while Providence and Louisville did not exist two years ago, they were the top dogs this year. The race was even until Providence went 2-5 over the last two weeks.

Brooklyn wins the title with another 3-1 series, their first Chadwick Trophy since 1875.

CA
BRO 68-44
STL 63-49
CHI 61-51
BOS 60-52
NYG 60-52
PHI 48-64
CIN 46-66
BAL 42-70

UL
LOU 71-41
PRO 66-46
DET 60-52
BUF 59-53
WAS 58-54
CLE 54-58
IND 42-70
PIT 38-74

Newcomer
CA: 2B Bill Hassamaer, St. Louis, 248/280/356, 20 2B, 10 3B, 58 RBI, 16 SB (3rd straight Cardinal to win award)
UL: P Art Thompson, Detroit, 17-29, 46 GS, 2.46 ERA, 361.2 IP, 183 K

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Tony Mullane, New York, 35-17, 56 GS, 1.72 ERA, 461.2 IP, 261 K, 1.12 WHIP
UL: P Ed Kent, Detroit, 33-16, 52 GS, 1.62 ERA, 448.2 IP, 234 K, 1.07 WHIP

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 1B Dan Brouthers, Boston, 374/418/588, 18 2B, 22 3B, 9 HR, 76 RBI, 90 R, 18 SB
UL: RF Sam Thompson, Louisville, 326/391/470, 25 2B, 12 3B, 6 HR, 73 RBI, 114 R, 20 SB
For first time, both leagues have repeat outstanding hitters.

[Denny Lemaster]

Taking advantage of their title run, Louisville moves into Commonwealth Field. Providence hopes to have a new park by the start of next season.

For most of the season there was a legitimate 5 team race in both leagues, but the final month pushed the leads misleadingly large.

Cincinnati wins their first pennant, leaving 2nd place New York as the only CA club without a title. Washington gets their 3rd pennant, first since 1876.

The Reds win the playoff 3-2, only the second to go the distance.

CA
CIN 67-45
BRO 62-50
NYG 61-51
STL 60-52
BOS 59-53
CHI 48-64
PHI 47-65
BAL 44-68

UL
WAS 70-42
BUF 63-49
IND 61-51
LOU 61-51
DET 60-52
PRO 49-63
CLE 42-70
PIT 42-70

Newcomer
CA: P Dan Casey, New York, 19-11, 32 GS, 2.27 ERA, 269.2 IP, 144 K
UL: Gus Weyhing, Baltimore, 25-23, 49 GS, 2.68 ERA, 416 IP, 308 K

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Hardie Henderson, St. Louis, 31-19, 55 GS, 2.10 ERA, 479 IP, 251 K, 1.18 WHIP
UL: P John Clarkson, Buffalo, 38-17, 56 GS, 2.23 ERA, 467.2 IP, 323 K, 1.04 WHIP

Outstanding Hitter
CA: CF George Gore, St. Louis, 316/426/409, 14 2B, 10 3B, 53 RBI, 65 R, 78 BB, 27 SB (3rd award, first since 1880)
UL: 3B Bill Joyce, Buffalo, 330/455/500, 18 2B, 8 3B, 11 HR, 82 RBI, 77 R, 94 BB, 24 SB

[Denny Lemaster]

The schedule expands again to 128 games at all levels. The rosters do not expand.


1886 had two stories--the one that was important and the one that would have gotten all the coverage. First, the story that would get all the coverage: The New York Giants won the CA in a walkaway, their first title in the history of the Club. Now only Indianapolis remains as a title-less original club.


The story that was important would be the UL pennant race. Unfortunately the race was confined to Providence, Buffalo and Indianapolis. With a game to go, Providence and Buffalo were tied with the Indians a game back. All three were at home for a fabulous last series. All but the Bison had their ace going, so the Grays, newly minted in 1882 were the favorites to win the UL. Buffalo, however won their game on the arm of late season call up William Seldon. Al Atkinson watched his defense choke away the game and the Bison get their first title since 1874.


The Empire State Series the papers called it. Buffalo, always a solid team, with very little to show over the history of the league. And the New York Giants, the Sleeping Giants those in the business would call them. Aside from back to back 2nd place finishes in 82 and 83, there have been few moments of glory in the big city. The upstate champs couldn't mount much of a charge against the G-men. New York get their first pennant and Chadwick Trophy all in the same season.


CA
NYG 76-52
CIN 68-60
BAL 66-62
STL 65-63
BRO 63-65
CHI 63-65
BOS 57-71
PHI 54-74


UL
BUF 76-52
IND 75-53
PRO 75-53
LOU 70-58
PIT 58-70
WAS 57-71
DET 52-76
CLE 49-79


Newcomer
CA: P Lady Baldwin, Baltimore, 22-15, 38 GS, 1.69 ERA, 329.1 IP, 169 K, 1.08 WHIP
UL: P Matt Kilroy, Indianapolis, 28-14, 43 GS, 1.57 ERA, 356.1 IP, 184 K


Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P Lady Baldwin, Baltimore, 22-15, 38 GS, 1.69 ERA, 329.1 IP, 169 K, 1.08 WHIP
UL: P Matt Kilroy, Indianapolis, 28-14, 43 GS, 1.57 ERA, 356.1 IP, 184 K


First time Newcomers and Outstanding Pitcher are won by the same players in both leagues


Outstanding Hitter
CA: 1B Dan Brouthers, Boston, 372/452/522, 35 2B, 19 3B, 88 RBI, 108 R, 74 BB, 23 SB
RF: Sam Thompson, Louisville, 360/438/576, 29 2B, 16 3B, 17 HR, 120 RBI, 108 R, 71/13 BB/K, 25 SB
Third time Brouthers and Thompson won in the same year.

[Denny Lemaster]

The 1887 pennants were the culmination of two expansion clubs building. The Providence Grays spend 3/4 of the season chasing Washington, before passing the Senators down the stretch. The Grays had been close before, but they finally pulled it through.

The CA was a blowout. The Orioles won by 18 games over Boston. The O's came in with 3 last place finishes and no closer than 10 games in any season.

Providence loses game one, then comes back to sweep the last 3 for the Chadwick win.

CA
BAL 87-41
BOS 69-59
CHI 68-60
NYG 65-63
STL 61-67
BRO 58-70
PHI 55-73
CIN 49-79

UL
PRO 80-48
WAS 77-51
BUF 70-58
PIT 61-67
DET 60-68
CLE 57-71
LOU 56-72
IND 51-77

Newcomer
CA: P Wild Bill Widner, Boston, 19-14, 38 GS, 2.90 ERA, 301 IP
UL: P Elton Chamberlain, Buffalo, 22-17, 42 GS, 2.35 ERA, 341 IP, 167 K

Outstanding Pitcher
CA: P George Derby, New York, 28-13, 43 GS, 2.72 ERA, 363.1 IP (2nd award, first since 1881)
UL: P Mickey Welch, Providence, 24-15, 40 GS, 2.25 ERA, 347.2 IP, 134 K

Outstanding Hitter
CA: 1B Dan Brouthers, New York, 384/477/583, 38 2B, 13 3B, 11 HR, 103 RBI, 134 R, 91 BB (2nd straight, 4th overall)
UL: 3B Bill Joyce, Buffalo, 308/453/485, 24 2B,14 3B, 11 HR, 70 RBI, 123 R, 125 BB, 26 SB (2nd award)