The Chronicle
April 1874
Edition 4.4
New York Pins 30 On Champions
Home Debut For Chicago Turns Into Massacre
The emotional return of the Chicago ball club back to a fire ravaged city committed to reconstruction and recovery has been well documented. It could be understood that baseball wasnt the only thing on the minds of the champion White Stockings as they opened their home schedule against the New York Mutuals on Saturday April 25.
A capacity viewing audience of 2,634 witnessed New York put up 8 runs in the very first inning and four more in the second to break things open. To everyone's surprise however, a big reason for this was the Chicago batting star, Cap Anson, took the mound as the starter for the game. Anson to none's surprise could not handle the talented New York hitters and opening day was lost in humiliation.
Why was Anson starting? Rumor has it that the expected Chicago starter, Al Pratt was unable to go because he fell suddenly ill. Falling ill from excessive drinking the night before seems to be another floating rumor. In any case, Anson took the mound and the Mutuals teed off. Thirty runs and 25 hits for the visiting side and overall, the champions are 3-3 to start the season and it could be a long one, if their lone starter has mysterious bouts will sickness throughout the season.
Pratt inebriated?
It wasn't the day we wanted to have upon our return and things did get away from us." said Chicago manager Charlie Pabor. "But we will remember this, and we will see them again this year."
Whites Come To Life In Baseball Crazy Philly
Both Philadelphia Clubs Off To Promising Starts
Everyone knows that 1873 was not a good year in Philadelphia. A new club came to town from Troy and the defensing champion Athletics were poised to defend their title. In the process however, both clubs were buried deep in the standings and through it all a strong rivalry developed between the two local clubs.
The season started with a bang as the two clubs faced off against each other at their shared stadium, Jefferson Street Grounds. The game was well played but Cy Bentley had better stuff then Dick McBride and it was the Whites who took the opener 4-2.
The Whites took their momentum from there and won three more in a row to making it a 4-0 start. Manager Lip Pike seems to have settled his team and a complete 'normal' offseason now has the team playing well with their ace pitchers, Bentley and Tommy Bond at the forefront. In the meantime the Athletics brushed off the loss and went on to win 5 of their next seven for a decent 5-3 start and hopes for a pennant run in the American League. George Hall already has 12 RBI on the season and Joe McDermott has emerged has a 1.57 ERA.
It could be a very different story this year in the city of Brotherly Love even if there is no love to be found among these two.