Our Game From Beginning To End

[Nick Soulis]

The Baseball Chronicle
August 1882
Edition 11.7



He Did It! Bentley Tosses First No Hit Game
Troy Star Holds Reds In Historic Performance



It was a long time coming but the game finally has a pitching performance that has never been seen before. Some said it really couldn't be done, but on this hot August afternoon, the hurler from East Haven got it done and threw the league's first no hit contest.

Bentley has been one of the league's most consistent performers on what has become the best team in the land. When the hitting got all the attention it was Bentley in the background who won 196 games for the club including some of the biggest games in the World Series. In the midst of another first place pennant run and likely another 20 wins, Bentley took this afternoon against the Cincinnati club to make baseball history and immortality.

In the game at Bank Streek Grounds Cy made quick work of his competition getting easy outs while striking out two and walking another two. Famous hitters like Jim O'Rourke and Chick Fulmer could get nothing done and soon the game moved to the later innings without a single Red Stockings scratch.

Once the spectators and his teammates started ti realize what was happening. Word spread throughout the city and fans climbed trees and rooftops to see the finish. Bentley had to feel the pressure but didnt show it as he and catcher Elmer White were in a personal world of their own. In the bottom of the 8th he struck out John Curran while Buttercup Dickerson and Blondie Purcell closed out the inning to set up the dramatic 9th. Orator Schafer flew out to left and Chick Fulmer grounded out the short and the masterpiece was almost complete.

Only Jim O'Rourke stood in the way. O'Rourke took a ball and fouled off four pitches. Bentley had to dig deep and with everyone on edge his next pitch was hit to first base where Roger Connor was waiting for it and as Connor stepped on the bag, the celebration ensued. a no hit game for the first time in Major League history.



Congratulations came from everywhere as even important statesmen reached out the the Troy ace to show their appreciation. This will be a day the baseball world will not forget as Bentley threw just 89 magical pitches that seemed to be placed exactly where the needed them.

Twenty Long Ones Sets Standard
Stires Home Run King As He Reclaims Record



The short porch in Chicago allowed Ed Pinkham to set a record in home runs hit a few years ago breaking the record set by the all time home run leader Gat Stires. Well this season the Troy slugger has surpassed all records and expectations as he hit his 25th home run in August and has set the standard with over a month more to play.

Stires has been showcasing he power all season and has really put together an MVP season thus far with his .335 average and 100 RBI taking the league by storm for a Troy club that seems to have the best of everything as they surge to another pennant. The record for RBI by Jimmy Hallinan of 116 is very likely to fall as Stires hasnt slowed down but seems to be getting better even as he turns 32.

"We have seen nothing like him in the game before" says alltime baseball mind Harry Wright who is currently out of the game but still follows. "He has changed the way we approach and play to win. He truly has revolutionized the traditional precepts of the sport."

Or in plain English, wow can this man hit a baseball hard and far.

[Nick Soulis]

The Baseball Chronicle
September 1882
Edition 11.8



The Spotlight Never Leaves John Ward
Only A Month After The First, Ward Throws No Hitter



They said it couldn't be done and when Cy Bentley did it last month the entire baseball world marvelled and believed they may never see a feat like a no hit game pitched again. Rumor has it that when John Ward of the St. Louis Browns read about the feat, he went to park and proclaim to his mates that he would match the feat just to prove a point.

Ward has never shyed away from the limelight as the spokesman for the Browns club on and off the field. It is very hard to believe that this young man is not yet 23 years of age but has won 87 games and seems to have an never ending confidence to his abilities or expectations. His club has responded as they hold the lead in the American League as the pennant race heats up into the last weeks of the season.

On September 23rd however, Monty as they like to call Ward, out did himself and backed up his outlandish remarks about pitching a no hitter. Ward was facing what many consider the best offense in the game as the Chicago White Stockings took the field. Ward showed his best stuff from the first moments and mowed down Chicago hitters leaving some of the best batters in the sport looking listless. As the innings wore on, Ward seemed to grow even more in confidence even as he walked five men. His offense gave him a nice lead and after getting both Paul Hines and Cap Anson in the 8th inning, cruised into the ninth to close the deal. Ralph Ham made the final out and the Chicago crowd had no alternative but to show their appreciation on this day. Ward had pitched the second no hitter in the history of the game and quite honestly made it look easy.

"Just dont take your eyes off St. Louis this year" said Ward after the game. "I am sure it is written in the stars that we will reach every pinnacle before us this year."

Of course the club from Cleveland that was won 11 straight game to end the month will have something to say about the end result as will a half decent club in the National League that has won 6 and going on seven pennants.

However would anyone doubt what Monty Ward has to say or predict. His presence, charisma, and ability make this particular no hit game a perfect fit for him and the game itself.

Jumbo Is The Toast Of Pittsburgh
First Year Pitcher Brings Unconventional Style



Most professional ball players first a certain type of stature and body in order to be successful at this level. Most players are thin, fast, agile and well toned. In Pittsburgh this year there is a pitcher who is in his first year that breaks all of these norms and is doing quite well. He has earned the name 'Jumbo" by fans and teammates and has brought some hope to Pittsburgh even as the club wont be fighting for a pennant.

Jumbo McGinnis stands at 5 foot 10 inches and weighs a likely 200 pounds. He has a bit of a beer belly and puffed up face making him look like anything but a ball player. McGinnis started in the game later in life as he is now 28 coming out of Alton Illinois. He was a farmer and a woodcutter, but the love of the game carried him all the way to Pittsburgh. He has won 15 games this season with a 3.08 ERA earning 4.4 WAR already. He even hit .264 at the dish proving he can do more then pitch. Many are saying he should win rookie of the year honors in the National League, a strong finish could mean exactly that.

Appearances are not everything; results are. The Pittsburgh faithfull surely wouldnt trade their 'Jumbo" for anything in the world.

[Nick Soulis]

The Baseball Chronicle
October 1882
Edition 11.9



A Series Like No Other
St. Louis And Troy Prepare For Battle





The game has seen great moments and players or clubs that have created and aura or a legend behind them. Baseball is about life and stories that capture the imagination of people well beyond the grandstand. The spectacle awaits us this October as two of the greatest clubs we have ever seen face off for the World Series of 1882. There have been great matchups, but none like this.

The matchup is the same as last season but the stakes seem higher. Two teams that have won over 70 games and truly showcase some of the biggest names in the game. Two teams that reek with confidence and almost an assurance of their greatness. Two clubs that come from different corners of the country taking every watchful eye with them. The media world as well as the telgraph system prepares for the onslaught of attention for the series as most city squares have been transformed into group gatherings for following the games.

The St. Louis Browns won the most games in league history with 76 and had the best record in the league. A club that once lost 77 games in a season is now playing baseball at a level few have seen before. Fred Goldsmith won 28 games and was one of three players over 20 wins. John Ward of course threw his no hit game as is among the most popular players on the circuit. Oscar Walker, a colored player, drove in 85 runs and recently hit for the 'cycle' in October; only the 5th player to ever do so. The team is first in batting WAR and Jack Glasscock is among the very best glove men in the league. The Browns were 21-12 in one run games and won 9 of 12 in extra innings. This is their second consecutive pennant and are desperately looking for revenge against Troy. Manager Cortez Cachola has brought in a new brand of baseball based on positioning that has other clubs taking notice.

Troy is the best franchise the game has ever seen. This is the clubs 6th pennant and its third in a row. The defensing champions are looking to win it all again and manager Lip Pike has proven he knows how to win the bkg series. The center of attention for the club is their offense lead by Gat Stires. Stires shattered every league record this season with 32 home runs and 126 driven in. The club scored 718 runs and along with Pike great bats like Roger Connor and lead off man Jimmy Wood round out the intimidating lineup. Jim Devlin and Cy Bentley are a formidable duo in the rotation and Bentley was the first to no hit an opponent this summer. The club just knows how to win and seem to play their best ball when the stakes are the highest. They dismantled St. Louis last season and look to do the same.

It is Titan vs Titan and the nation awaits to see if the Brown Stockings really have what it takes to dethrone the mighty Trojans.

Foran Ends Season On Fire
Boston Veteran Hits In 36 Straight

As the season ends and the likes of Chicago's Cap Anson win the batting title. It is worth noting of the achievement of Jim Foran of Boston who at the age of 34 had another outstanding season. Foran not only lead the league in triples with 45 which eclipsed Dick Hunt's record, but also had a 237 OPS plus and has a great case for league MVP.



The achievement however comes as he ended his season hitting in 36 consecutive games, only nine shy of the all tine record of 45 by Lip Pike in 1876. Foran hit .400 in October coming off on a .405 in September and can not be fooled by any arm in the league. He will have to wait until next year when he will be 35 to see if he can continue his torrid pace, a big storyline for sure.

[Nick Soulis]

The Baseball Chronicle
World Series Edition



The New Kings Of The Game
St. Louis Gets Its Revenge And Are Champions

It was the ultimate test between the defending champions and the team that lost to them a year ago. This year however from the first pitch the feel and the destiny felt different and true to the karma at hand, the St. Louis Browns win the series in five games and make a legitimate claim as the greatest ball club to ever take the field.

In the opening game at Troy the Browns put up 13 runs and demoralized Trojan starter Jim Devlin. In the second game the Troy faithful didnt see things improve as Fred Goldsmith out pitched Cy Bentley this time the visitors scoring nine times and leaving New York in complete control .

In the gateway to the West Harry Salisbury once again defeated Devlin in game three as the celebrations at Sportsmans Park were jubilant as the Browns took a 3 games to one lead. Bentley and the Trojans showed some pride in game four and clipped the Browns delaying their celebrations and failing to complete the sweep.

As game 5 approached, everyone seemed to have the same question. Where was John Ward? Up to this point the most popular player on the team was not called upon to pitch with the St. Louis manager only saying that he would be used at the perfect time when his club needed him. That time had now come.

Ward took the field and all the Browns faithful and players stood a little taller. No one brings more confidence to the field then Ward. In a storybook display Monte would drive in three runs with the bat and shut down the Trojans allowing only 2 runs in nine innings throwing 157 pitches. Tom Foley would fly out to right and the final out was secured. The 76 win Browns were now champions of the world made Lip Pikes team look quite ordinary.

In fact the slugging duo of Troy were completely taken out. Gat Stires went the whole series without a home run and only one RBI while Roger Connor went 3 for 20 in the five games and looked lost.

Other then Ward, a revelation continued to be Oscar Walker who hit a home run and hit .348 for the series putting away most doubts about a colored player being able to play well. Buck Ewing was also excellent with the glove and hitting .381.

The nation bows to St. Louis and the team that they have assembled. It feels like a watershed moment for the game, as finally a club has put it all together in all aspects for the beautiful game.

[Nick Soulis]

1882 Awards

American League Most Valuable Player



National League Most Valuable Player



American League Outstanding Pitcher


National League Outstanding Pitcher



Rookies Of The Year

AL - Ed Swartwood (Cleveland)
NL- Mike Muldoon (Buffalo)

Notable Retirements

Lip Pike (22 WAR, 3 Time MVP, 1 Ring)
Bob Addy (13.3 WAR, 2 Time Sliver Slugger, 1 Ring)
Fred Waterman (1 gold glove, 1 silver slugger)

[Nick Soulis]

The Baseball Chronicle
November 1882
Edition 11:10

The Mighty Trojans Leave Troy
Troy Movement Among Many League Moves

They brought a championship to the city in 1877 before leaving under suspicious circumstances, the Troy Trojans are doing the exact same thing this offseason. Only now it is back to Philadelphia, back to a starved baseball landscape where the Athletics seem to never win, and the power bat of Gat Stires among others could change everything. In truth the small city of Troy could not compete with the big markets as the league grows, the players do leave on a high note as pennant winners and vow to never forget their fans in the proud locale.

Another small town also saw their team grow beyond its borders. The Worchester Ruby Legs will be moving on. this time west to Columbus Ohio where the club will look to compete with Cleveland and Cincinnati in what has become a baseball hotbed in the midwest, thanks to the title won by the St. Louis team.

Finally, even more significant then anything else, the league is expanding on the American League side, and they are doing so in New York city. Much to the dismay of the existing New York club, the new club will try and provide what has been lacking in the biggest market much as in Philadelphia, a winner. The new club will be known as the Metropolitans and an expansion draft will happen this offseason.

Schism Between Leagues Boils Over
Each League Claiming Autonomy From The Other

The sudden move by the American League to plant a club in New York without much pre warning had National League owners furious. New York and even Brooklyn have always been in their domain, but in a free market and a city of millions, the AL could not resist.

As a result the two sides have officially broken off from each other and have announced interleague play will be abolished effective immediately. What does this mean for the World Series, it is hard to say but the amount of revenue both leagues receive from the post season contest would make eliminating the spectacle quite costly.

'I don't see us abolishing the Series" says an anonymous owner, "it is about the money but also gives a chance for one league to kick the behind of the other.'

Money can make the best of friends but also the worst of enemies.

[Nick Soulis]

The Baseball Chronicle
December 1882
Edition 11.11

King Of New York
New Gothams Make Huge Splash With Kelly Deal



There was something in the air and a feeling that the National League wont do something big this offseason in response to the expansion into New York by their rivals. The response was big and what the NL did was pick off one of the very best players in the game, and take him from one side to the other.

King Kelly is heading for New York City.

There was not secret that Kelly himself wanted a change as baseball in Detroit does not do much for your personal celebrity. Kelly is known to be a man of entertainment even to the point of taking part in vaudeville and Michigan wasn't quite the spot for his wishes. The club also lacks real talent and struggled to compete with the top teams. He was the perfect bait for the power hungry Gotham team.

The player Kelly is no doubt one of the best talents the game has to offer. He can play multiple positions well on defense and hit .313 with 49 doubles last season despite being the focal point of every pitcher going against his side. Kelly is now 25 years old and has the opportunity to lead a team that is at the center of it all. If the King could bring a real winner to the city he would never live it down. He is a cannon ball shot from the National League in the battle for the biggest market in the country.

Masses have already anticipated his arrival and Broadway also awaits to see of he would be interested in show business. The persona of King Kelly finally has the stage that it deserves.

Expansion Draft Fills Mets Roster
Former Red Will White Headlines New Roster



While one side of the city was securing the services of King Kelly. The newest club in the big city built their roster in another expansion draft. The Metropolitans chose carefully but shrewedly on their talents, learning from some of the mistakes other clubs have made in the past in these expansion auctions.

Will White has always had the talent and it reached its peak in 1879 when he was voted the outstanding pitcher in the game. Times have been a bit off since then including a rash of injuries. White was the top pick of the new club and the expectation is that he can find his form again and lead a staff to respectability. White did go 13-22 last year for the Reds with a 2.98 ERA. The sensitive 28 year old is said to be very happy with the move and has vowed to turn his career completely around.

Other players on the team include Johnny Quest at short and Molly More at second. Packy Dillon will do the catching and 35 year old George Wright will also be in the roster, mostly it would seem for nostalgia and bench help. Forty eight year old Eddie Cardosa whill be the new manager after spending the last five seasons as the Providence bench coach.



Lefty Shaw Top Pick In Amatuer Draft
Shaw Goes To Detroit First; Orr To Reds In Second Pick

Obscured due to the big trade in the league and also for the perceived lack of talent it offered, the amatuer draft for both leagues took place this month. Detroit after losing King Kelly, looks to reload and chose Charleston native Dupee Shaw, a lefty starter, as their top pick. There are some stamina concerns for the 23 year old, but no one can deny the obvious talent he has throwing the ball.

Dave Orr was the second player taken. He was selected by the Cincinnati Reds and the hope is that the 23 year old can bloom into a power hitting first baseman. The youngest player in the draft was 18 year old Dick Burns who is going to Boston while a 30 year old gent, Ed Cushman was selected by the Cleveland ball club to shore up their pitching.

[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.