Random Debut Rewrite From 1901

[Moriarty9]

I've been away for quite some time, but it's time to get back to it with OOTP. This simulation will utilize random player debuts and start back in 1901, the first year of the American League. I'm utilizing Challenge Mode as a General Manager, starting off with the Boston Americans. There will be a draft with these random players.

The postings that follow will alternate between the team under my control and that of the league as a whole. As we progress, there may be additional subthreads within this simulation for particular players or storylines, particularly if there is reader interest in one.

We begin below with the inaugural draft, which I've set up to do entirely automatically as a means of getting started.

[Moriarty9]

In a twist that sent shockwaves through the baseball universe, the 1901 inaugural draft unfolded like a journey through a time-bending wormhole.

The Chicago White Sox, with the first overall pick, selected the 26-year-old centerfielder Joe DiMaggio. Known for his elegance and power, Joltin' Joe finds himself in the black and white of Chicago.

The Boston Americans, embracing the spirit of innovation, chose a budding star with their second pick—21-year-old corner infielder Albert Pujols.

As the draft continued, the echoes of the past and glimpses of the future intertwined. The Philadelphia Athletics secured the talents of 25-year-old southpaw Hal Newhouser, and the St. Louis Cardinals placed their bet on the 21-year-old left-handed pitcher Ed Morris. The Brooklyn Superbas, ever the trailblazers, selected the enigmatic 22-year-old Fernando Valenzuela, a left-handed pitching sensation from Mexico.

The second and third rounds saw seasoned veterans and future legends finding new homes. George Brett, the stalwart first baseman, donned the colors of the Pittsburgh Pirates, while the Orioles added 31-year-old star shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr., to their ranks.

Curt Schilling was also picked up by Baltimore, while the flamboyant Mark Fidrych brings his antics to the Chicago White Sox. Lou Boudreau, a shortstop known to be a smart ballplayer, was taken by the Washington Senators.

As the 1901 season beckons, the league stands on the precipice of an unparalleled era, where the crack of bats and the cheers of the crowd are a chorus that defies the boundaries of time.

[Moriarty9]

In the heart of Boston, where history and innovation intertwine, the Americans have unveiled their inaugural roster. From the pitching mound to the outfield grass, each player bears the weight of a legacy yet to be written, forging a team that echoes the city's spirit of resilience and reinvention.

At the forefront of the pitching staff is the 22-year-old right-hander John Henry, ready to weave his own tale of triumph on the mound. His companions in arms include the lefty Warren Fitzgerald, the international sensation 28-year-old Daisuke Matsuzaka from Japan, and the promising 22-year-old right-hander Rasty Wright.

Behind the plate, 23-year-old James McCann stands as the guardian of the diamond, guiding a pitching staff that promises both promise and poise. The infield, a blend of local heroics and international flair, features a hometown hero in 31-year-old Chris Colabello at first base, flanked by the dynamic duo of 25-year-old Dave Oliver at second base and 21-year-old Don Money at shortstop. At the hot corner 21-year-old slugger Albert Pujols is ready to etch his mark on the historic grounds of Huntington Avenue.

In the outfield, 26-year-old George Selkirk will patrol left field, the seasoned 31-year-old centerfielder Adam Duvall patrolling the vast expanse in center, and the youthful Fred Brickell, aged 20, poised to make his mark in right field. The bench, a collection of versatile talents, provides depth and flexibility to a team that refuses to be bound by convention.

[Moriarty9]

As the sun-drenched fields of spring witnessed the crack of bats and the pop of mitts, the baseball fraternity braced itself for a season like no other. Spring Training, traditionally a time of optimism and renewal, unfolded with a symphony of news and transactions that added unexpected twists to the narrative of the 1901 season.

In a move that raised eyebrows across the league, the Boston Beaneaters bid farewell to the seasoned second baseman Tim Hulett, aged 35. The release paved the way for a new chapter in Hulett's career, as he found a new home with the Chicago Orphans. Set to platoon with 33-year-old Hal Rhyne in Chicago's West Side Grounds, Hulett brings a wealth of experience to the club.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Blues received a somber blow as 30-year-old pitcher John Wetteland will be sidelined for the entire season. A damaged elbow ligament has silenced the powerful right arm, leaving a void in the pitching staff and dampening the spirits of the Blues faithful.

The Boston Americans, gearing up for their inaugural season, faced an early setback as second baseman Dave Oliver strained his ACL during Spring Training. While the injury places him on the injured list, the team looks to the versatile 27-year-old Freddie Bynum to fill the void. Known for his speed and adaptability, Bynum is poised to be a key figure in the early chapters of the Americans' season.

Over in Pittsburgh, the Pirates received news that their promising 20-year-old right-hander, Charlie Buffinton, will be sidelined for the first couple of months with biceps tendinitis. A setback for the young talent, yet the Pirates faithful remain hopeful that Buffinton's return will inject renewed vigor into their pitching arsenal.

[Moriarty9]

April 18, 1901

The echoes of history reverberated across ballparks as Major League Baseball's Opening Day in 1901 unfolded in a spectacle that showcased the timeless beauty of the national pastime. From complete game shutouts to offensive explosions, the day proved to be a tapestry of skill and strategy that set the stage for a season unlike any other.

In Cincinnati, lefty Thornton Lee of the Reds stole the spotlight with a masterful performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lee tossed a complete game shutout, surrendering only five hits and a walk while striking out none. Reds shortstop George McBride left his mark on the game, going 1-for-3 with a walk and driving in two crucial runs. Freddy Guzman, the Reds' rightfielder, exhibited his prowess by going 2-for-4 with two runs scored. The Pirates, left in the wake of Lee's brilliance, faced a daunting start to their 1901 campaign.

Over at the Polo Grounds, the New York Giants orchestrated an 8-5 victory against the Boston Beaneaters. Giants catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia showcased his offensive prowess with a double and a two-run home run, guiding his team to an early triumph.

National League Park in Philadelphia witnessed a pitching duel between Brooklyn Superbas' Fernando Valenzuela and Phillies ace Frank Knauss. Valenzuela emerged victorious, striking out four while limiting the Phillies to six hits and three walks. Brooklyn backstop William Fischer's two-run home run proved to be the deciding factor, as the Superbas secured a 3-1 win.

In St. Louis, the Cardinals triumphed over the Chicago Orphans with a 3-1 victory, courtesy of a stellar outing from Ed Morris. Morris struck out three and held the Orphans to one run on four hits and one walk in a complete game effort. Cardinals shortstop Pee Wee Reese played a pivotal role, scoring twice to propel his team to an early success.

[Moriarty9]

April 22, 1901

In a display of pitching mastery, 38-year-old Thornton Lee of the Cincinnati Reds cast a spell on the Chicago Orphans, conjuring a 9-0 shutout victory at League Park. Lee's wizardry on the mound left the Orphans spellbound, as he weaved a tapestry of control, precision, and strategic brilliance.

The southpaw's performance was nothing short of magical, as he allowed only six hits while issuing no walks and tallying two strikeouts. Lee's command of the strike zone and ability to work both sides of the plate showcased a level of mastery that left opponents and spectators alike in awe.

"I had a lot of good things working in this one," Lee shared after the game. "I worked both sides of the plate. I was rarely behind in the count."

With this latest triumph, Thornton Lee's early-season resume boasts a staggering 18 shutout innings across two starts. In a testament to his consistency and prowess, opponents have managed just 11 hits and a solitary walk, with Lee striking out two batters along the way.

[Moriarty9]

April 24, 1901

The Boston Americans embarked on their inaugural season with a 6-3 victory over Baltimore at Oriole Park.

John Henry, the young ace chosen to lead the Americans, took the mound and delivered a standout performance. In seven innings of work, he held the Orioles to two runs, one earned, on five hits and a walk, striking out four. His command and composure showcased the depth of Boston's pitching arsenal. Henry left the game with forearm tendinitis, signaling a potential setback for the young pitcher who had set the tone for the team's pitching staff.

Frank Fleet entered the fray to secure the victory, pitching two innings and allowing just one run on a hit and a walk for his first save.

The Orioles countered with the formidable Curt Schilling on the mound, and despite his efforts, the Boston offense flourished. Shortstop Don Money went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI. Adam Duvall and George Selkirk added to the offensive showcase, each hitting a triple to highlight the Americans' prowess at the plate.

However, the game wasn't without its share of controversy. A strikeout led to the ejection of Boston first baseman Chris Colabello, who passionately contested the call, adding a layer of intensity to an already charged atmosphere.

[Moriarty9]

April 28, 1901

The promising start to the Boston Americans' historic season has been marred by an unfortunate setback, as outfielder Adam Duvall faces a 2-3 week absence due to a torn thumb ligament. Duvall, a key offensive force for the team, will be sorely missed after an impressive early-season performance that showcased his prowess at the plate.

Through the first three games, Duvall had been a standout contributor, showcasing an impressive .417 batting average (5-for-12) along with a .500 on-base percentage, a .750 slugging percentage, and an outstanding 1.250 OPS. His dynamic presence in the lineup played a pivotal role in the Americans' early success, making his injury a notable challenge for the team.

In response to the setback, 19-year-old John Kelty has been called up to fill Duvall's spot for the time being. Kelty, known for his switch-hitting ability and tremendous speed, brings youthful energy and versatility to the outfield. As the Americans adjust to this unexpected twist, the focus shifts to how they can collectively rise to the occasion and maintain their early-season momentum.

[Moriarty9]

April 29, 1901

In a nail-biting 11-inning clash against the Philadelphia Athletics at Columbia Park, the Boston Americans secured their fifth consecutive victory to open the season, capitalizing on defensive struggles by JB Shuck, who was forced to play out of position at shortstop. Shuck's unexpected placement off the bench became a focal point as his defensive missteps played a crucial role in Boston's go-ahead run and eventual triumph. He had entered the game as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth inning, and, normally an outfielder, was put into the game at shortstop by manager Connie Mack.

As the game entered extra innings, Shuck's debut at shortstop became a storyline that unfolded in the 11th. His first error allowed James McCann to reach base, setting the stage for a strategic offensive play by the Americans. The sequence continued with Frank Shannon's sacrifice bunt and another error, this one by firstbaseman Bobby Young receiving a throw from Shuck. Pinch runner Kiddo Davis entered for McCann, and Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka's well-executed bunt advanced the runners to second and third.

An intentional walk to the red-hot George Selkirk loaded the bases, and pinch hitter Fred Brickell's routine grounder turned into a game-defining moment as Shuck's second error allowed Davis to score the go-ahead run.

Shuck's defensive struggles highlighted the challenges that players face when playing out of their established positions. While his outfield skills are well-regarded, the shift to shortstop underscored the adaptability required in the unpredictable world of baseball.

On the pitching front, Matsuzaka went the distance with 11 innings of work. His efforts resulted in a well-deserved second win of the season, with a 4.05 ERA, as he limited the Athletics to four runs on nine hits and six walks, striking out four.

Chris Colabello's solo home run added to the offensive spark, marking his second of the year and contributing to the Americans' impressive start to the season.


Daisuke Matsuzaka is now 2-0 with a 4.05 ERA on the young season.

[Moriarty9]

May 3, 1901

The Boston Americans, riding high on an unbeaten streak, faced a formidable challenge at American League Park, ultimately suffering their first loss of the season with a 7-4 defeat against the Washington Senators. The Senators orchestrated a commanding five-run first inning, disrupting the rhythm of a team that had previously seemed invincible.

Daisuke Matsuzaka endured a tough outing, lasting 4 2/3 innings and surrendering seven runs (three earned) on eight hits and two walks. The early offensive onslaught by the Senators tested the resilience of a Boston team that had grown accustomed to success.

In contrast, Washington's George Kirby delivered a strong performance, going the distance and securing the win to improve to 1-2 with a 4.32 ERA. Kirby's ability to hold the Americans to four runs (two earned) on nine hits and a walk showcased the Senators' determination to halt Boston's unbeaten streak.

Senators rightfielder Mark Teahan emerged as a pivotal figure, contributing a two-hit game, including a crucial double, and driving in two runs. The Senators' offense, sparked by early momentum, proved effective against the Americans' pitching staff, sealing a victory that ended Boston's undefeated run.

As the Americans regroup and assess the lessons learned from their first loss, the season unfolds as a journey filled with ups and downs, where resilience and adaptability become key factors in maintaining momentum and achieving success.

[Moriarty9]

May 3, 1901

In a dominant outing, Hal Newhouser of the Philadelphia Athletics totally silenced the bats of the Baltimore Orioles, finishing with a no-hitter at Columbia Park.

In the Athletics' 5-0 victory, Newhouser faced only 28 batters, surrendered no hits, had 7 strikeouts and 1 walk.

"Honestly, I didn't even know the situation was what it was until the seventh inning," Philadelphia manager Connie Mack said. "I happened to look up there to see how many hits we had gotten, and I happened to notice that they hadn't gotten any."

Commenting on the defeat, losing manager John McGraw told reporters in the clubhouse that he had a "simple" analysis of the game.

"The Athletics had all the hits and all the runs, so they won," he snapped. "But yeah, Newhouser pitched a heck of a ballgame."

[Moriarty9]

May 12, 1901

After a scintillating 8-0 start, the Boston Americans find themselves in the midst of a challenging stretch, with just one win in their last eight games and a four-game losing streak. Manager Jimmy Collins, however, remains confident in his team's abilities, attributing the rough patch to the natural ebb and flow of the long baseball season.

Pitching has been a bright spot, with southpaw Warren Fitzgerald leading the staff at 4-0, accompanied by a 3.00 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. The emergence of rookie Rasty Wright, sporting a 2-0 record, an impressive 0.79 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP, adds depth to the rotation. John Henry (1-2, 2.62 ERA) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (2-2, 4.54 ERA) round out the starting four.

Offensively, left fielder George Selkirk has been the standout performer, boasting a .344 batting average, two home runs, and 11 RBI in the team's first 16 games. James McCann has also contributed significantly with a .333 average and an .861 OPS in 15 games. Rookie third baseman Albert Pujols has lived up to expectations, hitting .303 with two homers.

However, the team has faced challenges with Barry Evans and Freddie Bynum stepping in for the injured Dave Oliver. Evans is hitting .227 with a .500 OPS, while Bynum has hit .208 with a .500 OPS. The impending return of Oliver and Adam Duvall, recovering from a thumb injury, is anticipated to inject renewed strength into the lineup.

Collins acknowledges the team's recent struggles as part of the game's natural dynamics. He emphasizes that the early-season rough patch, though looking pronounced, is part of the baseball journey. Collins is optimistic about a swift turnaround, drawing confidence from the Americans' capability demonstrated in their stellar 8-0 start. As they prepare to face the Washington Senators in Boston, the team aims to recapture their winning momentum.

[Moriarty9]

May 15, 1901

In a historic and unforgettable moment for the Pittsburgh Pirates, left-hander Vern Olsen delivered a pitching masterpiece by tossing a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. The remarkable performance unfolded at National League Park, where Olsen faced 26 batters, secured 3 strikeouts, issued only 2 walks, and led the Pirates to a commanding 6-0 victory.

Olsen's journey to the no-hitter was characterized by a blend of skill, focus, and mental fortitude. As the scoreboard revealed that he was just one out away from the historic achievement, Olsen took a moment behind the mound to compose himself. In that pivotal pause, he harnessed the determination required to secure the final out and etch his name into the annals of baseball history.

"I took a breath and told myself 'This is the last one,'" Olsen recounted, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a pitcher on the cusp of greatness. With precision and poise, Olsen secured the final out, completing what stands as one of the greatest performances of his career.

Olsen's acknowledgment of the significance of the no-hitter adds depth to the narrative: "I knew for a while it was a no-hitter, but I really didn't worry about it until the last out. I thought I just wanted to win the game, and then I realized I wanted the no-hitter, too."

As Olsen revels in the glory of his no-hitter, his season's performance to date reflects a consistent impact on the Pirates' success. With a record of 4 wins and 3 losses, an impressive 2.20 ERA, and 19 strikeouts in 57.1 innings across 7 games, Olsen stands as a stalwart contributor to the Pirates' campaign, leaving an indelible mark on the 1901 baseball season.

This was the second no-hitter of the season as Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Hal Newhouser no-hit the Baltimore Orioles on May 3. Though thrown in different parks, both no-hitters this year have been thrown in the City of Brotherly Love.

[Moriarty9]

May 20, 1901

In an unforgettable 13-inning clash at Huntington Avenue Grounds, the Boston Americans clinched a hard-fought 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles, capping off a game filled with suspense and dramatic moments. The deciding play unfolded with two outs, George Selkirk on first base, and Baltimore's Chuck Stobbs on the mound. A wild pitch and an intentional walk set the stage for Freddie Bynum, whose sharp grounder up the middle secured the walk-off victory for Boston.

Stobbs, showcasing exceptional endurance, pitched the entire game for the Orioles, throwing an incredible 191 pitches in a 12 2/3 inning effort. Despite his resilience, Stobbs conceded five runs (four earned) on 13 hits and seven walks, ultimately absorbing the loss and falling to 2-4 with a 4.05 ERA. The Orioles' strategic decision to intentionally walk Chris Colabello created a high-pressure situation that unfolded in favor of the home team.

Nik Turley was credited with the win, his first decision of the season. He worked a scoreless top of the 13th inning, allowing one hit and issuing one walk.

[Moriarty9]

May 28, 1901

In a gut-wrenching turn of events at League Park in Cleveland, the Boston Americans experienced late-inning heartbreak, succumbing to a spirited comeback by the Cleveland Blues in a 5-4 defeat. Despite a solid performance by pitcher Rasty Wright, who worked 8 2/3 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on 14 hits and two walks, the bottom of the ninth proved decisive and swung in Cleveland's favor.

Holding a 4-2 lead entering the ninth, Boston looked poised to secure another victory. However, Cleveland had other plans, orchestrating a series of strategic moves that led to their comeback. Sal Butera's leadoff single set the stage, and pinch runner Joe Strauss, along with pinch hitter Art Scharein, advanced the tying run to second. Ollie Smith's walk loaded the bases, laying the foundation for the Blues' rally.

Cleveland executed a double steal, putting runners in scoring position, and Joe Delahanty's single to right field narrowed the gap to 4-3. Jose Cruz followed suit with a crucial base hit, tying the game at 4-4. Despite a fielder's choice by Logan Morrison, the Americans found themselves on the brink of escape. However, a fisted ball to second by John Radcliffe resulted in an error by Dave Oliver, allowing the winning run to score.

The loss drops Boston's record to 14-16, underscoring the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the game of baseball. As the Americans regroup, the resilience and character of the team will be tested in the face of adversity during the 1901 season.

[Moriarty9]

May 29, 1901

The Boston Americans find themselves in the midst of a challenging stretch, having endured three consecutive losses, with seven defeats in their last eight games and ten in the last 12 outings. The recent downturn has been particularly agonizing for Boston, with each of the last three losses decided by a single run, and the last two marked by heartbreaking walk-off defeats. In the most recent defeat, a Clarence Huber sacrifice fly secured a win for the Cleveland Blues.

Americans manager Jimmy Collins, grappling with the team's recent struggles, expressed his frustration, stating, "It's frustrating, especially when you're right there in the game, or even leading late. Physical errors are one thing, and mental mistakes are a whole other thing. We're doing what we can to address and minimize them."



Despite the team's struggles, catcher James McCann remains hopeful and forward-looking. With the Americans now departing Cleveland for a crucial road series in Chicago, McCann sees an opportunity for a fresh start. He remarked, "We're leaving Cleveland behind, and our job is to move on as we head to Chicago. We won't have enough time to wallow over this with two games tomorrow, so we'll just have to head right back to work and try to pick up a win or two against them. It's a great chance to change the narrative and get on a roll again like the way we started the season."

The mental and emotional toll of such a challenging stretch can be profound for a team with high expectations. As the Americans leave Cleveland behind, their focus shifts to a critical road trip to Chicago, where a four-game series against the White Sox awaits. With a record of 14-17, Boston faces a 15-16 Chicago squad, presenting an opportunity for the Americans to reverse their fortunes and regain momentum.

[Moriarty9]

June 1, 1901

The Boston Americans demonstrated their mettle in a captivating four-game series against the Chicago White Sox, emerging victorious in three out of four contests, with two dramatic wins in extra innings. After splitting a double-header on Thursday, Boston clinched a hard-fought 5-2 win in 10 innings on Friday and secured a nail-biting 5-4 victory in 11 innings on Saturday.

Individual performances that stood out during the series:

• Fred Brickell: Impressive contributions with a .316 average (6-for-19), a walk, a double, four runs scored, four RBI, and three stolen bases.
• George Selkirk: Consistently impactful with a .357 average (5-for-14), a walk, a triple, four runs scored, three RBI, and a stolen base.
• Albert Pujols: Displaying steady performance with a .263 average (5-for-19), three walks, two doubles, three runs scored, two RBI, and a stolen base.
• Chris Colabello: A standout at the plate, boasting a .429 average (9-for-21) with two runs and six RBI.
• Adam Duvall: Making a significant impact with a .389 average (7-for-18), a walk, a double, a triple, a home run, three runs scored, and three RBI.
• Dave Oliver: Exemplary performance, hitting .563 (9-for-16) with two walks, a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI.

The Americans' ability to prevail in extra-inning situations highlights their mental toughness and adaptability. As the team heads to Milwaukee for a four-game series against the Brewers, the positive momentum gained in Chicago sets a promising tone for the upcoming challenges and the extended 16-game homestand.


Boston secondbaseman Dave Oliver had a great series in Chicago, hitting .563 over the four games.