[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Chronicle
January 1884



The Best Nine Of 1884
The Very Best At Their Position

Catcher - Charlie Bennett - Washington Nationals



No backstop in the game commands more respect entering 1884 than Charlie Bennett of Washington. The reigning American League MVP, Bennett blended power and consistency in a way that few catchers of any era can match. He led his league in both slugging and WAR (7.3), cementing himself as not only an offensive cornerstone but a true all-around star. His 44 doubles paced the circuit, a testament to his gap power and ability to deliver in the clutch. A career .317 hitter, Bennett has established himself as one of the most dependable bats in the professional ranks. Just as importantly, his work behind the plate remains sterling — durable, steady, and trusted by every pitcher who works with him. At 29, he is in his prime and stands tall as the unquestioned standard for catchers across all leagues.

First Base - Dan Brouthers - Providence Grays



“Big Dan” Brouthers continues to tower over the game as one of its most feared sluggers, and nothing about a modest market or a middling ballclub has slowed his ascent. The Providence Grays’ anchor at first base is coming off a brilliant campaign in which he hit .350 and posted a thunderous 178 OPS+, numbers that put him squarely among the elite hitters of the age. Brouthers combines prodigious power with a sharp batting eye, making him as dangerous in the alleys as he is clearing fences. At just 26 years old, the New Jersey native is only now entering his prime, and with his talent, an MVP award feels less like a possibility and more like an inevitability. Wherever the game is played in 1884, pitchers know one thing — if Brouthers is at the plate, the margin for error is razor thin.

Second Base - Fred Dunlap - Brooklyn Atlantics



They call him “Sure Shot,” and for good reason — no man handles the keystone position with greater confidence or flair than Fred Dunlap. At just 24 years old, Dunlap has already earned a reputation as the finest defensive second baseman in the game, pairing quick hands with remarkable instincts. His move to the brand-new Brooklyn Atlantics has generated enormous excitement, as he is expected to be both the field general and the spark plug of the club. Offensively, Dunlap is equally dangerous: he hit .333 a year ago, swiped 36 bases, and crossed the plate 94 times, showcasing his ability to set the tone at the top of the order. With his mix of glove, speed, and leadership, “Sure Shot” isn’t just a star in Brooklyn — he is redefining what it means to be a second baseman.

Third Base - Ned Williamson - Pittsburgh Alleghenys



Ned Williamson arrives in Pittsburgh ready to prove he is more than a supporting act — and last season’s performance left little doubt. Freed at last from New York’s crowded stage, Williamson blossomed into a premier all-around athlete, leading the league with 57 doubles while scoring 85 runs and swiping 32 bases. His aggressive approach at the plate did result in a league-high strikeout total, but Allegheny fans hardly mind; his extra-base thunder and relentless energy have more than made up for it. Williamson brings rare size and athleticism to the hot corner, giving Pittsburgh both offensive punch and a steady hand on defense. As he settles into his new home, the Alleghenys believe they’ve secured a cornerstone player who can carry the franchise into prominence.

Short Stop - Frank Fennelly - Detroit Wolverines



The choice of Fred Fennelly at shortstop may raise eyebrows, but it speaks to the immense reputation the young rookie brings with him into the 1884 season. Fresh from Fall River, Massachusetts, Fennelly is already regarded as the slickest double-play man in the game, his quick pivot and strong arm making him a natural at the position. Though untested at the professional level, his defensive instincts alone have earned him the nod among the “Best Nine.” Detroit, often an overlooked club, sees Fennelly as both a stabilizer in the field and a fresh bat for the middle of the order. If he can deliver on even half of the promise scouts see, the Wolverines may have landed the cornerstone they’ve been missing.

Left Field - Gat Stires - Philadelphia Quakers



If there is one player who embodies the power and spectacle of the modern game, it is Gat Stires. The Philadelphia Quakers’ legendary slugger holds the all-time home run record and shows no signs of slowing down, even at age 34. A three-time MVP, Stires remains the most feared bat in any lineup, fresh off a campaign in which he led the league in slugging, OPS, and RBI with 99. His presence at the plate draws a unique electricity — when Stires strides to bat, entire ballparks rise with anticipation. More than just numbers, he is a symbol of consistency and dominance, still sitting atop the sport’s offensive throne. Philadelphia knows it has a living legend patrolling left field, and the rest of the league knows he remains the ultimate test for any pitcher.


Center Field - Pete Browning - Boston Beaneaters



They call him “The Gladiator,” and at just 22 years old, Pete Browning already plays with the presence of a seasoned warrior. His elite range in center field sets him apart defensively, gliding across the outfield with a mix of speed and fearlessness that few can match. Offensively, he’s equally dynamic, hitting .304 last season with 9 triples and 87 runs scored, while wreaking havoc on the bases with his daring style. Yet Browning’s value cannot be captured by statistics alone — it’s the relentless way he plays the game, the unyielding drive that earns respect from teammates and opponents alike. For Boston, having Browning in the heart of the order and patrolling the middle pasture is a gift; for every other club, it’s a constant headache. Any manager in baseball would welcome “The Gladiator” without hesitation.

Right Field - Ed Pinkham - Chicago White Stockings



At 37 years old, Ed Pinkham remains a towering presence in right field and one of the game’s most enduring stars. Though the Chicago White Stockings have fallen on harder times, Pinkham continues to deliver with remarkable consistency, having led the league in walks in 11 of the past 12 seasons — a testament to both his patience and the fear he inspires at the plate. His power is still formidable as well, with 20 home runs a year ago placing him second only to Gat Stires on the all-time list. While not always the most popular figure in the clubhouse, managers overlook any sharp edges because Pinkham plays hard, produces relentlessly, and still hits the ball a country mile. Making the “Best Nine” for the third time, he has secured his place as one of the most accomplished outfielders of his generation.

Pitcher - Tim Keefe - Pittsburgh Alleghenys



While many assumed John Ward would again claim the mantle as the game’s premier pitcher, whispers of reduced innings have opened the door for Tim Keefe to take center stage — and the young Allegheny ace is ready for it. Keefe’s 1883 season was nothing short of impressive: 18 victories, a sharp 2.33 ERA, and a 1.03 WHIP that speaks to his precision and poise. His delivery is as smooth as it is deceptive, baffling hitters with late movement and keeping them guessing all afternoon. At just 26, Keefe has the perfect blend of experience and untapped potential, giving Pittsburgh fans hope that he can anchor their club for years to come. As 1884 begins, no arm looks more prepared to define the season than Tim Keefe.