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Old 06-30-2022, 11:11 PM   #11
Nick Soulis
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago IL
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THE CHRONICLE
Edition 1.9


September 1, 1871

Spalding Has Seasons Most Dramatic Performance
Ace Boston Star Comes One Out Away from No Hitter



The inaugural season of professional baseball has seen its share of special moments and historic firsts. On September 5th however Boston pitcher Albert Spalding put on a performance no one will forget at South End Grounds.

Pitchers are taught to pitch to contact but on this day Spalding had the Chicago offense tied around his finger as he kept the lineup off balance and completely inept. As the innings went by the murmur of the 708 spectators in attendance grew and word rounded the city as more patrons came to the park. Spalding had yet to allow a hit as the game moved into its later stages. No pitcher had ever dreamed of pitching a no hit game, and with every out Spalding came closer to this immaculate feat.

In the midst of all the drama, the game itself was at stake as Boston held a precarious one run lead after Al Pratt was also pitching a very good ballgame. Spalding however was at another level and kept mowing down hitters until low and behold came the 9th inning.

In the 9th, Denny Mack grounded out to short and shortly after Steve Bellen grounded out to second. One out remained for the historic final to be registered. Ed Pinkman was the last man standing and the count went all the way to 3 and 2. Pinky then swung and hit a low line drive to left center and as all eyes remained on the baseball, it fell to the earth and the dream ended.

Spalding would hold on to win the game with only the one hit allowed. Everyone who was in attendance gave their sincere congratulations to the 21 year old who threw 116 pitches, struck out four, and deserved better.

"Albert showed everyone how special he can be" said manager and baseball voice Harry Wright.

WASHINGTON WINS FIRST LEAGUE PENNANT
Senators Lead Division From Start To Finish

A loss by Boston mathematically gave the Federal League pennant to the Washington Senators who have the best record in the league and are the undisputed glamour team of professional baseball.

The Senators won their 20th game in September and have by far the best lineup in the league having scored 403 runs with a .336 team batting average. Ross Barnes leads the team with a .434 average to go with 36 RBI while Deacon White has driven in 43 and is hitting .342. Add Dickie Flowers and Clipper Flynn and truly the Washington offense can not be compared to anyone.

Bobby Mathews has been the recipient of the great offensive support as the teams pitcher and has to be the most fortunate man in the league. Now the Senators prepare for the National League champion as the first ever World Series. championship of baseball, is set for October and either Troy or New York will be the other pennant winners.

Whoever the National League brings forth, there is no doubt that Washington will be the favorites and not team in the land can compete with what manager Nick Young has put together.

Last edited by Nick Soulis; 07-01-2022 at 08:45 AM.
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