The Chronicle
February 1873
Edition 3.1
BEST NINE OF 1873
Catcher - Deacon White - Washington Blue Legs
In a league that is deep in catching talent, the Deacon remains at the top of the list. Not only is he an excellent leader on the field, he has also innovated the position with pitchouts and pick off throws not seen from the position before. White alos drove in 74 runs and lead the league in triples. He totaled 106 hits and scored 72 times. At 25 years old, White is the pinnacle of a ballplayer at almost any position on the field.
First Base - Joe McDermott - Philadelphia Athletics
Nothing like coming off of a championship season and the 23 year old McDermott has made a name for himself as World Series MVP. He hit .380 with 95 doubles. He also won 14 games as a pitcher but is looking to make a permanent move to first and his 6 foot frame is perfect for the position. Fans love his hustle and natural skill and as mentioned before, he plays his best when the game is on the line. McDermott is part of a trend in the league where pitchers are finding more success moving to position player roles.
Second Base - Ross Barnes - Washington Blue Legs
Some say that Barnes had a down year but he still won the league MVP and lead the league in slugging and OPS. He hit over .400 again and is likely still the best bat in the league. Barnes was outspoken at his clubs swoon at the end of last season and almost everyone is anticipating a new Washington team ready to take on the champion A's. Barnes lead the league with 39 doubles and 93 runs scored in 60 games. He is also regarded as the best defensive second baseman in the game.
Third Base - Davy Force - Brooklyn Atlantics
The New York native loves it in Brooklyn and even more so as the Atlantics are coming off of a pennant winning season. Force hit .436 and scored 74 runs despite striking out 11 times and hitting only 18 doubles. He is a solid defender even if he isnt the most fleet of foot. Wee Davy is what he is known for an he is also a leader in the clubhouse and at the heart of this historic club. Force really is a line drive singles machine.
Short Stop - George Wright - Boston Red Stockings
Wright stole 30 bases to lead the league and hit .340 with his second straight year of 15 doubles. With his brother as manager, some say Wright can tend to take it easy on defense and that his style has hurt the club. Still the defensive numbers do not prove this and Wright remains one of the smartest and well respected players in the game. If Boston is to go anywhere, Wright will be the man who carries them there. He is also one of the best at turning the double play from the hole in the league positioning himself deeper then most.
Left Field - Dave Eggler - New York Mutuals
Eggler had 99 hits with 56 runs scored and a .350 batting average. Some say he runs too much as he stole 27 bases but was caught 17 times, still his aggressiveness is one of his trademarks. Eggler had a serious attitude on the field and is a fine center fielder seemingly getting to the ball faster then most. He is a solid 170 lbs and had 22 doubles with 45 driven in for a lineup that didnt have the same magic they did wihen they won the pennant in 1871.
Center Field - Cap Anson - Baltimore Marylands
The best pure hitter in the league the young Anson isnt even 21 years old yet but is coming off a season where he hit .451 and lead the league in seven offensive categories including his 4.4 WAR. Anson is going to play his third different position in as many years and finding his fit has been a challenge. Center Field is indeed an interesting choice for a player not readily known for his defense. If Anson can come close to matching his historic 1872 season at the plate, they may have to create another league for him to hit in.
Right Field - Dick Higham - Philadelphia Athletics
After an incredible 1871 where he hit .458, Higham came down to earth a bit but still is considered the best at his position. This of course goes along with a great season and championship for his club. Higham hit .384 and drove in 62 runs while scoring 61. He has a .434 OBP for his two seasons and is a graceful outfielder to watch although some say he wont get his uniform dirty. Higham is the consummate professional bringing a good integrity to the league and the club he plays for.
Pitcher - Bobby Mathews - Washington Blue Legs
Bobby Mathews had an even better 1872 season then his historic 1871 season when he won the the Outstanding Arm award. Mathews won 35 games in a 60 game season and lead the league in innings pitched, WHIP, and still has the only two shutouts in league history. He does play for a great offense but the numbers dont lie, Mathews has been as good as it gets at the position with 56 wins in two seasons. He stands at only 5 foot 5 and 140 pounds which makes watching him get batters out quite a sight.