[Nick Soulis]

THE BASEBALL CHRONICLE
Edition 1-2

March 31, 1871


In the first official league meeting at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in New York City, the framework of the league and the first season were established with the entry of 9 clubs and 2 divisions as Washington was a late entry to the cities included. Nothing but anticipation and enthusiasm has filled the air as the schedule has been released, the rosters brought together, and professional baseball on the horizon for the very first time. Some important information about the new league:

• 2 divisions (one 4 teams, one 5)
• 34 game schedule
• Two division winners will face in a best of 7 series known as the World Series.
• Home club will keep all gate receipts
• Trading players is allowed pending league approval.
• Monetary prizes will be given at a banquet at the end of the season including outstanding hitter, pitcher, and manager.

LEAGUE BEST 9 OF 1871

Before doing a synopsis of the divisions and the specifics of each new club, we wanted to start our annual “BEST 9” ranking. This is a ranking of the top player at each position as scouts and talent evaluators see them. Of course, this time there isn’t much to go by other than reputation and prospectus talent.

CATCHER – CaL McVey
New York Mutuals

Part of the great Cincinnati club that took the country by storm, McVey in known for his exemplary character and his ability to hit. Harry Wright did his best to get McVey to come play for him in Boston, but the Iowa native decided to play for the biggest market of them all as he will lead a New York club that will have the pressure to succeed especially against Boston and Philadelphia.

FIRST BASE – Levi Meyerle
Cleveland Forest City’s

A tall talented young player standing at 6’1 and coming out of the city of Philadelphia. Meyerle is bringing his talents to Cleveland after playing in Chicago last season and gaining attention for his quick feet and powerful swing. Meyerle is also noted for his heritage, as he has an immense following for being Jewish and representing the culture with pride.

SECOND BASE – Ross Barnes
Washington Olympics

The top player in many of the expert’s opinion in the entire new league, Barnes has the ability to place the ball perfectly every time up and get on base. Barnes is from New York but spent the last couple of years playing in Rockford along side another star named Al Spalding. Washington will be a new home for him, and he is the favorite to win the first batting title.

THIRD BASE – Ezra Sutton
Boston Red Stockings

Likely the very best glove man in the league with the best arm, Sutton is a perfect fit for Harry Wright and his club. Sutton originates from Western New York and played for Rochester before catching the eye of the Cleveland club which he played wonderfully in 1870. Ezra is described by many as fearless and has a competitive attitude that Boston fans will gravitate to.

SHORTSTOP – Dickie Flowers
Washington Olympics

A Philadelphia kid, Flowers will be joining Ross Barnes in Washington to establish the best middle infield of any club. Flowers played for the Quakers before moving to the Keystones and showed off his speed and intelligence scoring over one run per game in the 1869 season. As mentioned, Flowers plays much more mature than his age of 21 and has a bright future.

LEFT FIELD – Steve King
Rockford Forest City’s

Making the move all the way from New York to Rockford, Steve King has the all-around talent any team would love to have and will be a centerpiece for the Rockford club. His glovework in the outfield is top of the line and he also could be expected to hit well over .300 as anyone who saw him play in Troy last season would attest. He has a real good natural feel for the game.

CENTER FIELD – Dave Eggler
New York Mutuals

Born in Brooklyn and playing for the Mutuals for the past three seasons, Eggler is a fan favorite and will be right at home in the center of the defense. Is he actually the best at the position? Many like George Hall of Philly as the best and think Eggler hasn’t seen this type of competition; but the Brooklyn kid surely will be given every chance to succeed.

RIGHT FIELD – Dick Higham
Philadelphia Athletics

A stickler for the rules and the son of a cricket player, Higham can play multiple positions including catcher, but manager Dick McBride and scouts love him in right field. Higham and George Hall should make Philly a formidable opponent for anyone, and few have better instincts boldness of play then this player who was born overseas in Ipswich England.

PITCHER – Al Spalding
Boston Red Stockings

Born in Illinois, Spalding was too far from the powers of the east coast to be part of the great teams of the post war. Still in recent years the young hurler has foiled some of the best teams across the land and has gained the reputation as one of the best control pitchers in the nation. With the mentorship of Harry Wright, the sky is the limit for Spalding who can also swing the bat just about as good as any regular.