This Month In Baseball
April 1876
Edition 6.2
A Ray Of Hope For Centennials
Young Catcher Turning Heads
It had been well established that the most promising position in the game along with the pitchers has been that of the catcher. Numerous young catching prospects have come up in the league of late trying to emulate the great names of Deacon White and Cap Anson.
For the Philadelphia Centennial franchise, there hasnt been much to cheer about and on the 100 year anniversary of the nation, it would be nice if the team made a turn for the better. The start the banner year, the club has has won 3 of 8 games. Beyond the record however, is the emergence of an 18 year old catcher to the lineup that has made an immediate impact. Young Lew Brown has some of the of the most respected eyes in the game already quite impressed.
Brown is quite mature for his years and was the top selection for Lew Carl and his team this spring. Brown has 14 hits in 33 at bats and has added 3 steals while driving in six runs. His defensive work also seems to be ahead of its expected pace and most pitchers have loved to throw to him, especially ace Asa Brainard.
The biggest enigma on the Philly roster has been starter Pud Galvin who has started off poorly to the new year with a 5.46 ERA and alot of frustration. Brown has been vocal in his on field criticism for Galvin and has time and again tried to inspire the hurler to focus better and stay motivated. The two players are only one year apart in age and the enthusiastic influence of the new catcher is hoped the inspire a change.
"We have won three games already and there is more to come" says the young Brown. "I am so happy to be part of this team and we just have to believe in ourselves and each other to sustain a winner."
Many are just passing this kid as a dreamer who will soon be pulled back to reality by losing. Others however say to not count anything against the kid, that it sometimes takes young men with big aspirations to pull everyone with them.
All He Needed Was a Chance
English Born Al Thake Makes Most Of His Time In STL
Being born across the Atlantic pond, the Thake family decided to make the trek west in search for a better life as many others followed. Young Albert had few aspirations to play a game known as baseball but his father recognized it as a form of the rounders game. Thake did pick up the hobby quite well and when he began to grow and star on a local amatuer club, the young England lad looked to make good.
Thake was by the Middleton Mansfields in 1873 and was part of a championship team. The 22 year old however had some immense talent in front of him and his chances to get on the field were few and far between. As the club moved from Baltimore and then to Chicago, the outfielder would only start 8 games in three years, and needless to say his frustration was palpable.
Then came the calling of the first league expansion draft in 1875 and with it St. Louis came calling. Thake was taken by the Brown Stackings and was immediately welcomed as an integral part of the team. At 26 years old the chance came at the perfect time.
"Sometimes being patient really pays off." says Thake. "Chicago is a great team and it taught me how to win. Now I can take those lessons and actually use them on the field."
Thake hit .278 last season with 116 hits and 12 triples in 95 games. This year he is even better hitting .348 with a .855 OPS. The Browns have responded very well, winning 4 out of their first 6 games.
"Life is all about second chances and not giving up. Now lets go compete for the flag." A perfect British mindset on the 100th anniversary of the revolution.