The Chronicle
February 1874
Edition 4.1
BEST NINE OF 1874
Catcher - Cal McVey - New York Mutuals
In a position that is deep in talent we have our fourth different selection at this position in as many years. Some may call it a New York bias, but McVey finally gets his due as he hit .369 in 1873 with a 2.2 WAR. He is one of the most trusted defensive catchers and a big reason why New York had another winning season.
First Base - Ed Pinkham - Chicago White Stockings
Pinkham reached national attention this season after his club took the championship in what was a dynamic roster. Pinkham was second in the league in OPS at .898 and first in slugging. He gets less attention with Cap Anson and Paul Hines on the roster, but unlike them, it is Pinkham who has made this list.
Second Base - Ross Barnes - Washington Blue Legs
What else can really be said about Barnes who took away his third straight MVP award and leads in multiple offensive categories. Barnes had a 1.05 OPS and won the batting title and still hasnt turned 25. He is currently the national face of the game and the one most boys want to become.
Third Base - Bill Boyd - New York Mutuals
Many were clamoring for Davy Force to be the choice but Boyd has proven to be a steady presence in the New York lineup and one of the best fielders in the league. His ability to scoop and throw on the run is being emulated by fielders throughout the league.
Short Stop - Andy Leonard - Baltimore Canaries
Despite the other Baltimore team winning it all, the Canaries are still the team that belongs to the city. The main man on the Baltimore club is Andy Leonard who covers a ton of ground at the position and has a bright future. Leonard hit .310 last year with 45 RBI and has taken the reigns, at least for one season, away from George Wright.
Left Field - Dave Eggler - New York Mutuals
The MVP of the NL Eggler has proven himself as a true star. He hit .406 last season and lead the league in OPS while being tops in runs created. Eggler had 25 doubles and 144 total bases and is the closest thing to Ross Barnes in the National League.
Center Field - Lip Pike - Philadelphia Athletics
Maybe better put as the best comeback player of the year, Pike picked himself up in a big way after the 1872 season hitting .345 with 10 triples. Some have said the stress with manager Dick McBride took its toll behind the scenes and the former champions had a very difficult season. Pike however remains one of the best talents the entire league has to offer.
Right Field - Frank McCarton - Washington Blue Legs
A great singles hitter who gets on base with regularity, McCarton is another name that is often overlooked but shouldn't be. Frank is even better with the glove separating himself as someone who covers alot of ground and plays the game the right way.
Pitcher - Al Pratt - Chicago White Stockings
Pratt helped the now Chicago club win 43 games and a championship. He was excellent winning 23 games with 25 strikeouts and almost no walks all season. He carried a 2.63 ERA and a 4.3 WAR and seemed to thrive when the games were their most important.