[Nick Soulis]

Best Nine of 1883

Catcher - Charlie Bennett - Columbus Buckeyes



Playing even better then he did last year, Bennett again is voted the best catcher in the game. He drove in a career high 74 runs and ended with a 6.2 WAR in large part also for his fine defense. Bennet won the MVP award in 1881 and isn't slowing down.

First Base - Jim Foran - Boston Beans



A very skilled position in the game this choice could easily have been filled by someone else but the Boston star is an excellent choice. Foran had 109 runs and somehow hit 45 triples and is closing in on 200 for his career. He drove in 112 runs and hit 12 home runs at the age of 34.

Second Base - Dick Hunt - Boston Beans

Dick Hunt is the consummate professional playing at a high level and using his experience as leverage. The all-time hit leader hit .349 with 80 RBI and 97 runs. He is embedded in the Boston culture and heart being one of its originals and still playing at such a high level.

Third Base - Cap Anson - Chicago White Stockings



His second straight batting title and third overall, Anson is now batting .361 for his career. He really seems to be getting better with age as he again also lead the league in hits, runs, and doubles. Truly one of the best hitters we have ever seen play the game.

Short Stop - Jack Glasscock - St. Louis Browns



With his defense still head and shoulders above everyone else, the AL MVP turned his hitting around in a big way last season hitting a career high .308 while mashing 42 doubles. He also lead the AL in steals and helped lead the Bowns to their first title. No one plays the game better in so many different ways.

Left Field - George Gore - Buffalo Bisons



Likely the most unexpected choice on this list, Gore has gained respect for his ability throughout the league. He is cat quick having stole 46 bases and his defense in space is as good as anyones. He ended with 4.0 WAR and a 117 OPS+ and is hoping to revive a talented Buffalo team to a pennant chase.

Center Field - Paul Hines - Chicago White Stockings



He has never won an MVP or the accolades he deserves but Paul Hines makes this list for the seventh time. He has been good for so long it has become an expectation. He did it again last season hitting .335 with a 160 OPS+ and 44 stolen bases. Still just 28 years old, Hines has 42.6 WAR already in his career and will be remembered as a generational talent.

Left Field - Gat Stires - Philadelphia Quakers



Can anything else be said about Stires and his incredible season that has not already been said? His 32 home runs and 126 RBI will mark the 1882 as historic and legendary. Stires looks to hit his 100th home run this year and has set the standard as the greatest power bat in the history of the game.

Pitcher - John Ward - St. Louis Browns



His numbers are not the best in the game but their is no doubt among his peers and fans that Ward is the best pitcher and likely overall player in the game. Ward threw a no hitter and was just as good in the World Series. He plays right field when he isnt pitching and incredibly will be only 23 this season.