This Month In Baseball
February 1881
Edition 10.1
Best 9 Of 1881
Catcher - King Kelly - Detroit Wolverines
A one season experiment at first didn't work out and Kelly is back behind the plate. A new locale in Detroit should bring back big production after a down year for the 23 year old. He is still considered a revelation at the position and his popularity keeps growing.
First Base - Roger Connor - Troy Haymakers
Lead the league with a .341 average and 141 hits, Connor also stole a league leading 48 bases and scored 76 runs. Truly a five tool all around talent, Connor is the darling of Lip Pike's talented club and the table setter for the meat of the order.
Second Base - Fred Dunlap - Buffalo Bisons
Taking the league by storm in his first season, Dunlap has brought the future of the game to life. He had 30 doubles and 40 steals and earned the nickname, 'sure shot.' An excellent defender around the middle of the diamond he has rare intelligence for his ripe age of 21.
Third Base - Cap Anson - Chicago White Stockings
Anson has refined his game after his injury and uses all fields to do his damage. A close to 5 win WAR player, Anson plays like a player manager and is the main reason the Whites had another winning season. Anson has also become one of the most influential voices in the modern game.
Short Stop - Jack Glasscock - St. Louis Browns
A position a lot weaker then expected, Glasscock gets the nod for his outstanding defense and being such a factor in helping turn this franchise around. He has been named 'pebbly' because he can pick the ball under any field conditions. Glasscock has made plays in the hole that no one else has even attempted before. He doesn't excel at the plate, but has good speed and has stole 62 bases in 4 seasons.
Left Field - Jim Foran - Boston Red Stockings
The most triples and homers in the AL with a slugging percentage of .599. Foran is the prized student of Harry Wright and his .949 OPS shows how dangerous he is. Foran has lead the league 3 times already and has started every game in franchise history.
Center Field - Gat Stires - Troy Haymakers
Stires has been a pillar of consistency as he enters his age 31 season. He hit a career high 13 home runs and remains the all-time leader with 48. He drove in 81 runs and is hitting .300 for his career. Being very overlooked, it is close to a travesty that Stires has never won an MVP.
Right Field - Ed Pinkham - Chicago White Stockings
Yes the porch in West Side grounds is very short, but the 24 home runs Pinkham hit were still a wonder around the game. He also lead the league in RBI and walks earning a 1.055 OPS. Pinky is confident and load voice on the field. His competitiveness make him a public enemy outside Chicago.
Pitcher - Jim McCormick - Philadelphia Athletics
His performance in the World Series will truly go down into legend as will his 26 wins. Many dont exactly see great stuff when he goes to the mound but few have the same intensity and commitment to fool and defeat the batters. McCormick shines out most in a league full of great pitching talent. To the champion goes the nod.