Playoffs
Boston Beaneaters vs Baltimore Orioles
Game 1 Boston at Baltimore
Tuesday 9/24
Baltimore 10 Boston 2: Jimmy Ryan HR (1), 4 RBIs, 3-5.
Game 2
Wednesday 9/25
Baltimore 6 Boston 1: Hardy Richardson 3-4, 2 RBIs.
Game 3 Baltimore at Boston
Friday 9/27
Baltimore 5 Boston 4: Hardy Richardson and Tommy Tucker 2-5, RBI.
Game 4
Saturday 9/28
Baltimore 6 Boston 4 (12): Joe Kerins 12th inning 2 run HR (1).
Sweet Sweep for Baltimore
Saturday, September 28th, 1889: Baltimore gathered in its 4th Round 1 championship today and made it look easy. They swept the Boston Beaneaters in straight games, winning the series 4-0. The Orioles disposed of Boston 6-4 in the series finale at South End Grounds II.
Retirements
Athletics Hitting Coach Kevin Blackwell
MR John Greening
Bobby Mathews: 245-248, 2.27 era, 913 Ks.
Post Season News
Cookson New Owner; Cleveland Spiders Sale Approved
Monday, September 30th, 1889: A new era is coming to Cleveland. The Cleveland Spiders have been purchased by Theo Cookson from Mario Caraballo Jr. after lengthy negotiations. The sale was approved by owners today. New owner Cookson told the press he was thrilled to be part of the league and would bring an exciting and winning brand of baseball to Cleveland. Cookson was characterized by financial experts as a hands-on type of guy with generous pockets and a penchant for being lenient in performance demands. The Cleveland Spiders wound up 5th in the American League this season with a 79-75 record.
New Owner, New Outlook for Washington Nationals
Monday, September 30th, 1889: The new season will see new ownership in Washington this year. Juan Hidalgo has been bought out by Jonah Mitchell. owners approved the Washington Nationals purchase yesterday in a special meeting. Mitchell will take charge of an organization that chalked up a 81-73 record this past season, which was good enough for second place in the American League. According to financial insiders with knowledge of the new owner, he is tolerant in expectations and in dealing with people. Financially, Mitchell is known for being economizer.
NABL News: Draft Pool Revealed
Wednesday, October 2nd, 1889: The speculation as to who will be the number one pick can now officially begin. Earlier today, North American BaseBall League published its list of players eligible for the annual rookie draft. For the next thirty days, scouts will be busy studying this untested talent in order to come up with a list of names to recommend that their clubs pursue. But just who those picks will be won't be known until the draft is conducted next month.
The top players available (in no particular order) seem to be:
1. Bill Joyce, 24 year-old third baseman out of college.
2. Jake Stenzel, 22 year-old catcher out of college.
3. Will Calihan, 20 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
4. Bill Daley, 21 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
5. Duke Esper, 21 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
6. Ed Stein, 20 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
7. Tom Vickery, 22 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
8. Bill Whitrock, 19 year-old starting pitcher out of high-school.
9. Crazy Schmit, 23 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
10. Billy Rhines, 20 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
Name changes
Washington Statesmen
Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Colts
Best Defenders Announced by NL
Thursday, October 10th, 1889: Any pitcher would love to have these defenders on the field backing them up. They are the best glovemen in the National League for 1889. This year's Glove Wizard Award winners are:
Pitcher: Peek-A-Boo Veach (New York Giants)
Catcher: Charlie Bennett (St. Louis Browns)
First Baseman: Charlie Comiskey (Philadelphia Quakers)
Second Baseman: Bid McPhee (Boston Beaneaters)
Third Baseman: Ned Williamson (Boston Beaneaters)
Shortstop: Bobby Wheelock (Cincinnati Reds)
Left Fielder: Tip O'Neill (Brooklyn Bridegrooms)
Center Fielder: Dick Johnston (Philadelphia Quakers)
Right Fielder: Mike Tiernan (New York Giants)
AL Glove Wizard Award Selections Announced
Thursday, October 10th, 1889: What does it take to win a Glove Wizard Award? It's a combination of good hands, knowing how to play the hitters, all-out hustle and a willingness to sacrifice your body to make a play. Good speed and a good arm never hurt, either, but not always required. This year's all-defense team in the American League consists of:
Pitcher: Pete Conway (Boston Americans)
Catcher: Jim Keenan (Boston Americans)
First Baseman: John Reilly (Washington Nationals)
Second Baseman: Lou Bierbauer (Detroit Tigers)
Third Baseman: Jerry Denny (Boston Americans)
Shortstop: Jack Glasscock (Cleveland Spiders)
Left Fielder: Hugh Duffy (Louisville Colonels)
Center Fielder: Mike Gaule (Louisville Colonels)
Right Fielder: Ed Yewell (Boston Americans)
NL Newcomer of the Year Award Presented
Friday, October 11th, 1889: In his initial season, Scott Stratton proved he could be a real big game pitcher for the Chicago Colts. He was so good that he was christened with the National League Newcomer of the Year Award today.
Stratton put up a 25-17 record in 45 starts. The Chicago rookie recorded a 2.15 ERA in 386 innings as he fanned 150 hitters and walked 57.
Rusie Sweeps Up Newcomer of the Year Award
Friday, October 11th, 1889: Amos Rusie's age didn't show very often in his first year. He performed more like a veteran on the hill for the Chicago White Sox and today he walked away with the 1889 American League Newcomer of the Year Award.
The 18-year-old starter registered a 28-20 record this season in 50 starts. Over 418.1 innings he gave up 411 hits, struck out 195 and issued 135 walks as he held the opposition to a .248 batting average and fashioned a 2.47 ERA.
Top Pitcher Trophy Won by Browns Wise
Sunday, October 13th, 1889: The Outstanding Pitcher Award for 1889 has been presented and the National League winner is Bill Wise of St. Louis.
"It's always nice to receive an award like this," said Wise. "I just hope I can improve on my performance next year and be in the running again," the Browns star told reporters.
Wise excelled with an impressive 31-14 record in 49 starts. In 428 innings he yielded 401 hits and 33 walks, while striking out 248 and compiling a fine 2.08 ERA.
Mullane Voted AL Outstanding Pitcher Award
Sunday, October 13th, 1889: The spotlight today is on Tony Mullane of the Baltimore Orioles. The bullpen ace was named the top pitcher in the American League and he will be honored with the 1889 Outstanding Pitcher Award.
Baltimore's star reliever held the opposition to a .245 average and put up no saves and 175 strikeouts in 458.1 innings with a 36-12 mark and a 2.34 ERA.
Standout Season For Childs, Wins NL Outstanding Hitter Award
Monday, October 14th, 1889: It was a season to remember for Cupid Childs. He was one of the most dangerous men in the league when he had a bat in his hand, and the National League announced today that he has won the Outstanding Hitter Award for 1889.
The Brooklyn second baseman dominated opposing pitchers with a .358 batting average, 48 doubles, 10 triples, 1 home run and 71 RBIs while compiling a .429 on-base percentage and scoring 98 runs.
Jimmy Ryan Captures AL Outstanding Hitter Award
Monday, October 14th, 1889: Jimmy Ryan really stood out with the bat in the American League this year as he put together a .335 batting average. Today he was named the winner of the coveted 1889 Outstanding Hitter Award.
He hit his way to an award-winning season with these stats: 208 hits, 12 home runs, 120 RBIs and 112 runs scored.
Reds, Athletics Agree to Swap
Thursday, October 17th, 1889: Reports have surfaced that Cincinnati has agreed to send 28-year-old left fielder Charles Fisher to the Philadelphia Athletics in exchange for 26-year-old shortstop Germany Smith. "It's a done deal," said one executive speaking on the condition of anonymity. "I'm surprised word got around so quickly. We just signed off on this an hour ago." The deal apparently is awaiting physicals before an official announcement is made by either team.
More Transactions
Al Splading and Harry Arundel are Free Agents.
NABL News: First-Year Player Draft
Friday, November 1st, 1889: With the rookie draft only hours away, clubs are scrambling to make alternative plans in case their choice pick is snatched up. But with so many different possibilities, chaos is bound to reign in the NABL offices. The first five teams to pick are Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Boston, Cincinnati and Detroit. BNN prognosticators list their top prospects in the draft as:
1. Frank Knauss, 21 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
2. Duke Esper, 21 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
3. Rasty Wright, 26 year-old center fielder out of college.
4. Bill Whitrock, 19 year-old starting pitcher out of high-school.
5. Jake Stenzel, 22 year-old catcher out of college.
6. Kid Nichols, 20 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
7. Billy Rhines, 20 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
8. Bob Glenalvin, 22 year-old second baseman out of college.
9. George Meakim, 24 year-old starting pitcher out of college.
10. Bill Joyce, 24 year-old third baseman out of college.
Athletics draft
RF Jessie Burkett (RL 2850 hits, .338 avg, 15 seasons)
LF Charlie Hamberg (RL one season)
1B Jerry Kane (RL one season)
MR Jack Sharrott (4 seasons 20-17)
MR Bob Murphy (RL one season)
C Floyd Ritter (RL one season)
Colonels Deal Daily to Athletics for Flynn
Tuesday, November 5th, 1889: It came down to the last hour of a self-imposed trade deadline, but the Louisville Colonels and Philadelphia Athletics finally came to an agreement on a trade that had been rumored for weeks. The trade sends Louisville's 25-year-old catcher Con Daily to Philadelphia in a swap for 25-year-old third baseman Ed Flynn and 21-year-old center fielder Dan Burke. Both GMs seemed relieved that the deal had been completed with one stating, "We had to set a deadline to get it done." The players are expected to report to their new teams by tomorrow.
Athletics, Bridegrooms Swap Players
Saturday, November 9th, 1889: It won't turn either team into an instant contender or provide a huge franchise shakeup, but the Philadelphia Athletics and Brooklyn Bridegrooms finalized a trade today. Philadelphia will send 31-year-old center fielder Buttercup Dickerson to the Bridegrooms, while the Athletics will receive 33-year-old reliever Charlie Guth. "We think this is a deal that will help out both teams and we're glad to get it done," said the Athletics general manager). The trade is expected to be officially completed later today with the players to join their new ball clubs by the end of the day.
Dickerson is batting .275 lifetime with 1285 hits, 215 doubles, 82 triples, 21 home runs, 539 RBIs to date. He has also scored 755 runs.
Guth has put up these career stats: 10 wins, 5 losses, 131 appearances, 7 saves, 216.2 IP, 119 strikeouts, .240 OBA and a 1.74 ERA.
Swap: McQuery for Kennedy
Saturday, November 9th, 1889: It is being reported in Chicago that the Colts and Philadelphia Athletics have agreed on a trade. According to anonymous sources 24-year-old reliever Ted Kennedy will be dealt to the Athletics in return for 28-year-old first baseman Mox McQuery.
In his career McQuery is hitting .294 with a total of 7 home runs.