[Nick Soulis]

Best Nine Of 1882

Catcher - Charlie Bennett - Worcester Ruby Legs



Coming into his own from the shadow of Deacon White, Bennett put up a 5.9 WAR season and was chosen best at a very competitive position. Bennett did strike out a leading 65 times but he hit 12 home runs with 75 runs and was among the best defensively. He a late bloomer to the position.

First Base - Dan Brouthers - Providence grays



Immense strength and a magnificent eye produced a breakout season for the former pitcher. Brouthers was picked over Cap Anson because of his age and athleticism. The 23 year old hit .370 with 10 home runs, 70 RBI, and 24 stolen bases. Fans come from far and wide to see Big Dan take the plate and scare opposing pitchers straight off the mound.

Second Base - Dick Hunt - Boston Red Caps

The hit king did it again leading the league with 134 hits and 83 runs scored all for a last place club. At 34 he still has the bat speed and know how to get on base and his defense and intelligence of the field still make him among the very best. He is a .360 career hitter and has put up 33.3 WAR during his career. He also has a 161 OPS+ over 10 seasons. He surely is the most popular player in New England.

Shortstop - Jack Glasscock - St. Louis Brown Stockings



Pebbly Jack is the best glove at the position in the game and was a major reason why the Browns took the pennant. He positions himself perfectly and has quick dependable hands to all angles. His hitting is modest as he lead the league in atbats but has only a 98 OPS+. Still just about any manager in the game would love to have Jack on their side. As he turns 25, look for his bat skills to ascend to a higher level.

Left Field - Ed Pinkham - Chicago White Stockings



After an MVP season Pinkham took a bit of a step back but still is considered one of the best bats in the league. He has 52 career home runs but opened eyes with a league leading 28 triples last season. He also was walked the most times proving the respect he holds. Pinkham has driven in 705 runs in his career and has no plans of slowing down in his age 35 season. He has 29 WAR in his 11 year career.

Center Field - Paul Hines - Chicago White Stockings



Hines has taken much of the blame for the Chicago season that came up short. Once considered the best talent in the game, Hines has not improved over his dominant early years but his peers still feel he is among the most talented players in the league. A .335 career hitter with 226 steals and 733 runs scored over 10 seasons, Hines has plenty more to offer for a club that has had a bit of a shakeup this offseason.

Right Field - Gat Stires - Troy Trojans



The MVP of the league helped his club win it all last year and Stires is having the best stretch of his excellent career. The big man lead the league in slugging and of course home runs. He also hit .328 which was the highest mark of his career. Stires isnt fast and has a suspect glove but more then makes up for it at the plate. Above everything else Stires in a competitor like few others and seems to find a way to win at any cost. One of the the now most popular players the game has seen.

Pitcher - Fred Goldsmith - St. Louis Brown Stockings



Leading the league in wins and ERA, Goldy is a fearless pitcher who wants the ball in the biggest of games. He has pinpoint control and a WAR of 0.87 keeps the bases clean. This was a pitcher who lost 28 games a few years ago but his hard work and stubbornness have paid off for himself and his pennant winning club. Many names could have been chosen here, but 1881 was Goldmith's season to be rewarded.