Two new players were on the 1896 Hall of Fame ballot: Former center fielder Paul Hines and former starting pitcher George Bradley.

Bradley won 206 games in his 16 year career earning two All Star appearances. He had a career ERA of 2.49 over 532 career games.

Hines was a three time silver slugger in center field for Louisville. He contributed 2010 career hits and 1200 career runs over 1636 career games.

They joined Deacon White and Bobby Mathews...

Opening Day Lineup
C Lave Cross
1B Jake Beckley
2B Lou Bierbauer
3B Jim Donnelly
SS Bill Clymer
LF Willie Keeler
CF Harry Lyons
RF Billy Hamilton

Most Common Lineup
C Lave Cross
1B Jake Beckley
2B Lou Bierbauer
3B Joseph Herr
SS Dan Coogan
LF Willie Keeler
CF Harry Lyons
RF Billy Hamilton

Pitching Staff
SP Charlie Buffington
SP Win Mercer...

1895 was officially the first year that any players in this league have become eligible for the Hall of Fame. Former third baseman Deacon White was on the ballot along with former pitcher Bobby Mathews. White had one All Star appearance and one Silver Slugger award to show for his 19 year career. Meanwhile, Mathews had most of his success prior to the inaugural draft, finishing with 295 career wins but no major career distinguishing rewards.

Deacon White Career Stats
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Opening Day Lineup
C Lave Cross
1B Jake Beckley
2B Lou Bierbauer
3B Joseph Herr
SS Tommy Corcoran
LF Willie Keeler
CF Duke Farrell
RF Billy Hamilton
SP Charlie Buffington

Most Common Lineup
C Lave Cross
1B Jake Beckley
2B Lou Bierbauer
3B Joseph Herr
SS Tommy Corcoran
LF Willie Keeler
CF Duke Farrell
RF Billy Hamilton

Pitching Staff
SP Charlie...

I have to admit, these short 132 game seasons go by way too fast. I love the drama of a season, and 132 games just doesn't cut it. The season ends just when things are getting good.

I really did try to acquire a center fielder in the off season. I went after pretty much everyone in the league who had a defensive rating over 60, and everyone wanted Duke Farrell in return. I wasn't quite ready to part with Farrell because even in a situation where he is no longer my starting center...