For the first time in years, there was an actual race for MVP in 1881. Big Jim Creighton actually finished in
third place, despite garnering five first-place votes. But the winner was Boston shortstop Sam Woolverton, whose .373 led the circuit. (
Note: Woolverton [real first name unknown] was one of the "extra players" I added back in 1871. He played for the Albany Nationals and Lansingburgh Unions from 1866 to 1870, but not in the real National Association.)
Oh, yeah, and Creighton was Pitcher of the Year for the seventh time. (Maybe they should name the award after him or something...?)
