Baseball Gazette
BASEBALL FEVER SWEEPS THE NATION: NL STANDINGS REPORT - END OF MAY 1901
In a thrilling display of prowess on the diamond, the National League teams have battled their way through the first leg of the 1901 season, leaving baseball enthusiasts across the nation on the edge of their seats. As May comes to a close, the standings reveal a tight race with every team hungry for the coveted pennant.
Leading the charge are the formidable Brooklyn Superbas, who stand tall with an impressive record of 27 wins and 11 losses, boasting a remarkable winning percentage of .711. The Superbas have showcased their prowess both offensively and defensively, scoring 196 runs while allowing only 136 runs against them.
Hot on their heels are the Pittsburgh Pirates, nipping at the Superbas' spikes with 26 wins and 13 losses. The Pirates, with a commendable winning percentage of .667, find themselves a mere 1½ games behind the leading Superbas. Their offensive firepower, highlighted by 198 runs, has been a force to be reckoned with.
The St. Louis Cardinals have also demonstrated their mettle, securing the third spot with 23 wins and 15 losses, boasting a winning percentage of .605. Positioned 4 games behind the leading Superbas, the Cardinals have proven themselves both at the plate and in the field, amassing 202 runs while limiting their opponents to 138 runs.
The New York Giants occupy the fourth spot, showcasing a record of 20 wins and 18 losses. Despite being 7 games off the pace, the Giants remain in contention with a .526 winning percentage. Their balanced performance includes 142 runs scored and 133 runs allowed.
The middle of the standings sees the Philadelphia Phillies at a .500 winning percentage, standing 8 games behind the leaders. With 19 wins and 19 losses, the Phillies have displayed resilience on the field, scoring 157 runs and conceding 171 runs.
The Chicago Orphans and Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a neck-and-neck battle, both with 15 wins, but the Orphans slightly edging the Reds. The Orphans, with a .375 winning percentage, are 13 games behind the Superbas, while the Reds trail by 13½ games with a .366 winning percentage.
Bringing up the rear are the struggling Boston Beaneaters, enduring a tough start to the season with only 10 wins and 28 losses, resulting in a .263 winning percentage. Despite the challenging road ahead, the Beaneaters have exhibited determination, scoring 121 runs and allowing 183 runs.
As we reflect on the NL standings at the end of May, it is clear that the pennant race is far from over. With the top teams separated by only a few games, and the middle-of-the-pack squads still within striking distance, baseball enthusiasts can expect a thrilling and unpredictable journey as the season unfolds. The battle for supremacy on the diamond continues, and no team can be counted out of the race for the pennant just yet. The summer promises to be filled with excitement and suspense as the teams strive for glory in the National League.
NL Batter of the Month
Jesse Burkett, the seasoned St. Louis outfielder, secured the NL Batter of the Month honor for May. Despite his age, Burkett's impact goes beyond numbers, mentoring younger players in the clubhouse. His impressive May stats include a .364 batting average, 4 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 20 runs scored. For the year, Burkett holds a stellar .383 batting average with 5 home runs, showcasing his enduring value to the team.
NL Pitcher of the Month
Rube Waddell's dominance on the mound secured him the NL Pitcher of the Month title for May. The Pittsburgh hurler showcased an impressive 7-0 record in 7 starts, with a stellar 2.00 ERA. Opposing batters struggled against him, managing only 56 hits and a .243 batting average. Waddell's performance included 37 strikeouts in 63 innings, with 19 walks.
For the season, Waddell maintains a perfect 10-0 record in 10 starts, solidifying his status as a key player for Pittsburgh with his remarkable 2.00 ERA.
NL Rookie of the Month
Philadelphia Phillies' rookie pitcher, Doc White, emerged as the standout newcomer in the NL last month, securing the coveted Rookie of the Month trophy. Displaying remarkable prowess on the mound, White boasted a 5-2 record with an impressive 2.03 ERA and notched 44 strikeouts in 62 innings throughout May. His season totals further attest to his promising talent, with a 7-3 mark and a commendable 2.12 ERA in 10 starts. Over 89 innings pitched, White showcased excellent control with 59 strikeouts and 15 walks, while limiting opposing batters to a .277 average. White's stellar contributions position him as a rising star in the league.