National Game - A Random History

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
June 1901



American League Tight Heading Into Summer

While the Philadelphia Phillies hold a three game lead in the National league, the pennant race in the American League is as wide open as can be heading into the summer. Five teams are separated by only 5 games and all 8 teams are within seven.

Dick Allen of the Athletics was named hitter of the month as the strong slugger is leading the league in hitting at .432. Allen hasnt been able to turn the tide for the Connie Mack and his club however sitting in seventh place.

The last place Orioles had a clubhouse problem as pitcher John Rocker was caught in a scuffle in the clubhouse after saying his teamates were not giving it their all. Rocker has only pitched in two games this season with a save but he is quickly becoming a problem for an already struggling team.

Reggie Smith of the Phillies leads the league in WAR and has proven to be a great all around talent for the first place side. Philly pitcher Bill Sowders was named NL pitcher of the month.

The MLB amatuer draft will be held in two weeks and it now appears Baltimore will have the first pick. The top plaer in the nation per scouts is said to be Dummy Hoy of Ohio.

[Nick Soulis]

The 1901 Amateur Draft

Top pick Jeff Bagwell.

Round 1

Round 1, Pick 1 - Chicago Orphans: 1B Jeff Bagwell, age 21
Round 1, Pick 2 - St. Louis Cardinals: SP Bob Feller, age 21
Round 1, Pick 3 - Baltimore Orioles: C Max Flack, age 22
Round 1, Pick 4 - Philadelphia Athletics: CF Cesar Cedeno, age 17
Round 1, Pick 5 - Brooklyn Superbas: 3B Ryne Sandberg, age 19
Round 1, Pick 6 - Chicago White Sox: SS Bobby Grich, age 19
Round 1, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: SP Dave Davenport, age 22
Round 1, Pick 8 - Cleveland Blues: 1B Edd Roush, age 18
Round 1, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: RP Firpo Marberry, age 22
Round 1, Pick 10 - New York Giants: SP Brad Penny, age 20
Round 1, Pick 11 - Boston Americans: 2B Dummy Hoy, age 24
Round 1, Pick 12 - Pittsburgh Pirates: C Jorge Posada, age 21
Round 1, Pick 13 - Milwaukee Brewers: SP John Smoltz, age 19
Round 1, Pick 14 - Boston Beaneaters: RP Andrew Cashner, age 21
Round 1, Pick 15 - Washington Senators: 1B Gary Thomasson, age 18
Round 1, Pick 16 - Philadelphia Phillies: SP Ted Breitenstein, age 20

The Chicago Orphans used the first pick in the amateur draft to select a strong first baseman from Boston named Jeff Bagwell. Bagwell is 21 years old and has both the bat and the glove that will likely be able to help Chicago right away.

Bagwell added, "Im just glad to be given the opportunity. I have never even dreamed I would live in another city and contribute to such a fine ballclub"

Bagwell has been touted for his humility and some are saying he will be the best bat on the team from day one.

The second pick was from the Cardinals who added an outstanding arm in 21 year old Bob Feller. Feller throws a moving fastball and is mature for his years. St. Louis needs an ace to their team and this kid fits the bill perfectly.

"If we had the first pick we would have used it anyway on the talents of Bob Feller." said manager Patsy Donovan.

The third pick went to Baltimore who chose a catcher to stabilize their team. Max Flack will get a chance to work with the likes of Cory Kluber and take charge of the catching position. Jody Davis has been doing fine at catcher, but the team sees Flack and someone who can become a franchise player.

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
July 1901



Phillies Leading The Way

As the summer months approach the pennant contenders start to take shape. In the National League it is the team from Philadelphia that has caught the attention thus far, winning 40 of 62 games and holding off mighty Boston by two full games.

Manager Bill Shettsline is preaching calm among his men, but winning a first pennant could be special in many ways. Reggie Smith and John Olerud lead the charge as both players have proved to be dynamic both at the plate and in the field.

"We expect our players to be talented all around, bases, bat and glove." says the manager. Along with all this is a balanced and more importantly healthy pitching staff that has allowed the least runs in the league and look poised. Bill Sowders has won 12 games while Les German has been great support.

In the American League things are also thight but it is Washington that has pulled away a bit with the dynamic Richie Sexson leading the way.

Let the summer heat bring the best baseball yet.

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
August 1901



WASHINGTON EXCITED ABOUT SENATORS

Some could indeed consider Washington as a city of boredom and politics with little time for sport. This summer however has changed much of that thinking as the local baseball club has now truly started to anticipate a pennant.

It may be a better dressed and different type of crowd at American League with even the likes of President McKinley paying attention. The Senators are in the lofty first place position in the AL and proved that winning is indeed a group effort. Six players of this team have driven in over 35 runs with two over 50. The towering presence of Richie Sexson has been a true vision of intrigue with his 7 home runs and even seven triples.

Richie Sexson

Manager Jim Manning has been very happy with his pitching arms with th likes of Bob Ojeda really overachieving with 12 wins while Smoky Joe Wood will miss the season with a torn rotator cuff. Ojeda has 12 wins while Clay Buchholz has become the stand in ace with 13 wins and 63 punchouts.

Milwaukee and Cleveland are only two games behind the lead in what has been an intense first season race. The Senators however seem to have a calm about them that many think will help them as pressure mounts.

After all isnt pressure what Washington is all about?

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
- Pennant Chase -
Septermber 1901



AMERICAN LEAGUE DRAMA UNFOLDS FOR PENNANT

It is what many had been hoping for, in the first season of the expanded Major Leagues we have a dramtic and exciting pennant race that is shaping up with the autumn winds blowing.

Three teams in the American League are separated by one single game and only one will finish with the spoils. The Washington Senators have been holding on since the start of summer, like a stubborn trench soldier the Senators refuse to give up the top spot but the Milwaukee and Boston clubs sit in great position.

Alex Jones has won 18 games for the Brewers and along with Michael Wacha have formed maybe the best overall staff in the league. Dave Duncan of the Senators has hit 10 home runs and along with Richie Sexson have made the nations capital a fun place to see a game. Boston has been a bit of a dark horse up until now, but have the chance they want. New rookie sensation Dummy Hoy has filled in perfect in the leadoff position and the likes of Bryce Harper have lifted Jimmy Collins and his men.

Who will it be in the American League? There is no doubt in the National League. The dominant Philadelphia Phillies are poised to clinch their title, and have built a 10 game lead on the competition.

A first of its kind, a pennant race, is about it take its final shape.

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
October 1901

As Expcected, Phillies Bring It Home

The Philadelphia Phillies knew they had to win the affections of their fanbase as two popular clubs played in the same city. In their first opportunity and first season the Phillies did what they had been planning to all season, and won the National League pennant by 14 games.

"To bring this to the best city and fans is something special" said Bill Sowders who won 24 games and showed a poise at 23 that not everyone expected. The Phils scored 750 runs with Tom Grieve and John Olerud consistent in the middle of the order.

Now the first World Series against American League opponnents from Boston and the city can not be more prepared for the occasion. Tradition of two of the oldest cities in the country makes the matchup even more intriguing.

In The End Boston FInds Its Flag

Holding off multiple teams and doing it with a calm within in the fight. The Boston Americans take home the American League pennant. Stars like Bryce Harper and Dummy Hoy made the offense go. The club was 22-8 in one run games and would again and again come up big when they needed too.

Washington had lead the league for most of the season but Boston stayed close and turned it on in the end losing only 21 games since August 1st. Pitching lead by two 20 game winners in Mark Portugal and Curry Foley were key as was what may have been the best defense in the league.

In breaking news however, it looks very likely that team star Bryce Harper will miss the Wold Series against Philadelphia with a bad knee.

The 92 win Phillies are heavy favorites going into the series.

[Nick Soulis]

1901 FINAL STANDINGS



Batting Titles:


AL - Dick Allen .397


NL - Ryan Braun .360

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
- World Series Edition -



Game 1
At National League Park
Americans.................3
Phillies.......................6
Phillies lead series 1-0

A late rally by the home team sees them score six runs in two innings the big hit being a Marry Alou three run triple in the 8th that gave the home side the win in the first ever Wold Series game.

Game 2
At National League Park
Americans..................1
Phillies........................4
Phillies lead series 2-0

Twenty five game winner Les German got the job done in a big way going nine innings and allowing only one run in another Phillie win. John Kane went 3-3 and the Americans made four errors in the loss.

Game 3
At Huntington Avenue Grounds
Phillies......................3
Americans.................1
Phillies lead series 3-0

Dominant Phillies pitching continues as now the Phillies have a commanding three games to none lead. Herb Goodall goes the distance this time allowing one earned run while Pete OBrien goes 4-5 in the win.

Game 4
At Huntington Avenue Grounds
Phillies...................5
Americans.............4
Phillies win series 4-0

Bill Sowders pitched his team to victory with another good 9 inning performance as Philadelphia becomes the first World Champion. Dummy Hoy scored two runs and went 3-3 while once again the Americans could not hold a lead.

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
October 1901

PHILLIES FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONS

In the end they left little to no doubt. The Philadelphia Phillies are the first champions of the baseball world after they won their pennant by 14 games and swept to the title in four games.

Celebrations spilled over as the train brought the team back from Boston with a championship. The mayor couldnt be more proud as the club will enjoy an autumn of adolation.

The MVP of the series win against the Americans was pitcher Bill Sowders who won two games including the opener and the clincher. On the offensive end Matty Alou drove in five runs in the series including three big ones in the opening game.

"To be the first is something special, even more special is to show that the National League is the better and stronger league." said happy team owner Pete Cox.

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
-League Awards-

American League Awards

Most Valuable Player



Cy Young Award



National League Awards

Most Valuable Player



Cy Young Award

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
1901 Season Recap

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Boston Americans
Record: 78-62
Top Player: Bryce Harper (3.8 WAR)
Attendance: 229,620
Awards: John Henry (Gold Glove), Curry Foley (Silver Slugger), Bryce Harper (Silver Slugger)

A tight pennant race saw the Americans hold on for the first AL Pennant in history. The late season injury to Bryce Harper who missed the World Series was a big reason for the loss to Philadelphia, but the team will be back. A 2.93 team ERA lead the league.

Detroit Tigers
Record: 75-65
Top Player: Bill Sweeney SP (7.8 WAR)
Attendance: 229,430
Awards: Bill Sweeney (AL Cy Young), Don Mattingly (Gold glove), Juan Samuel (Silver Slugger)

Juan Samuel and Don Mattingly are quite the force in the middle of the Tigers lineup and the offense was on que all season for the Tigers. The team also boasted what turned out to be the arm of the season in Bill Sweeney (19-3, 2.31) but there was not enough behind it all.

Milwuakee Brewers
Record: 73-67
Top Player: Johnny Pesky (3.8)
Attendance: 229,253
Awards: Ted Sizemore (Gold glove), Johnny Pesky (Gold glove), Ferris Fain (silver slugger), Jim Eisenreich (silver slugger)

It looks as if it will be one year and done in Wisconsin for this team as the wind seems to be blowing towards St. Louis. The team has a handful of very good players like Johnny Pesky and Jim Eisenreich, Eisnrich is one of the best overall leadoff men in the game whie Pesky and his defense are thrilling. Michael Wacha throws hard and may be the new ace of this team.

Philadelphia Athletics
Record: 72-68
Top Player: Dick Allen (10.7 WAR)
Attendance: 184,710
Awards: Dick Allen (MVP), Dick Allen (Gold glove), Dick Allen (Silver Slugger), Ron Stone (Silver Slugger)

It is never easy when a team from the same city wins the championship. But if the A's cant boast the best team in the game, they can definitely boast of the best player. Dick Allen is the best hitter the league has seen and his flirting with .400 all season was fun to watch. The offense scored the most runs but just could not get the pitching it needed to win. Connie Mack must try and add depth and arms.

Washington Senators
Record: 70-70
Top Player: Richie Sexson (3.5 WAR)
Attendance: 213,628
Awards: Dave Duncan (Silver Slugger)

They were leading the league for much of the summer but they lost 20 of 30 games to end the season. Injuries to the likes of Smoky Joe Wood really hurt the club late but some questioned their resolve under pressure. The city expects the team to compete again and the talent is there is Bob Ojeda and Clay Buchholtz have really stepped up. Manager Jim Manning is under the microscope.

Cleveland Blues
Record: 67-73
Top Player: Bobby Murcer (4.6 WAR)
Attendance: 209,981
Awards: Jim Rooker (Gold glove), Bobby Murcer (Gold glove), Buster Hoover (Silver slugger)

Bobby Murcer is among the most liked and best overall players in the game and Buster Hoover took the league by storm hitting .376. Clayton Kershaw however didnt live up to the hype and seemed to fight injury most of the season winning only 15 games. Peek a Boo Veach is a talent on the mound that many feel can become the true team ace as the key word all around Cleveland is "bounce back".

Baltimore Orioles
Record: 66-74
Top player: Corey Kluber (4,5 WAR)
Attendance: 222,786
Awards: Chad Curtis (gold glove)


What happened to the stars on this team? Ted Williams had an early season injury and never recovered hitting only .268 with two home runs. John McGraw also wasnt the set up man the side needed but the real struggle was on the mound where the team had the worst pitching in th league. Unsung stars like Jody Davis who drove in 81 runs and Frank Kitson who won 20 games will provide some hope, but the Orioles need to be sure their foundation is sound.

Chicago White Sox
Record: 59-81
Top Player: Tex Mcdonald (2.2 WAR)
Attendance: 189,386
Awards: None

The Sox offense was anemic and the pitching staff under much too heavy of a strain to be able to win games. The Sox drafted talented rookie Bobby Grich and hope he can be a catalyst in the middle of the infield and order. Tex Mcdonald turned into a nice player and Deacon Phillipe still has the stuff of an ace, but this Chicago team seems a very long way off from even being average at this point, having fans scratch their heads after only one season of existance.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 92-48
Top Player: Bill Sowders (4.2 WAR)
Attendance: 335,221
Awards: John Olerud (Gold glove), Phil Rizzuto (Gold glove), Reggie Smith (Gold glove), Bill Sowders (Silver slugger), Reggie Smith (NL MVP), Bill Sowders (WS MVP)

A team built to win championships the Phillies delivered the goods in a big way winning over 90 games and sweeping the World Series. The team defense was supurb and Reggie Smith proved to be a true MVP talent with the bat and the glove. Bill Sowders and Roger Pavlik won over 23 games and Les German lead the league in ERA at 2.20. Tom Grieve was a great clean up man with 74 RBI and the whole feeling of this team is about a winner. No one can match the Phillies right now.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 78-62
Top Player: Mike Trout (9.1 WAR)
Attendance: 318,428
Awards: Bob OFarrell (Silver Slugger)

Ham Iburg won 26 games and was quite a pleasent suprise in Pittsburgh as most people are happy with how this club performed this year. Mike Trout is likely the best overall talent on anyteam as he lead the league with a .426 OBP. Still the offense needs more firepower and the rotation is thin on the far end. Most feel manager Fred Clarke did a very good job winning 78 games, no one realistically feels this team can catch the Phillies.

Boston Beaneaters
Record: 77-63
Top Player: Ryan Braun (4.9 WAR)
Attendance: 289,259
Awards: Jim Doyle (Silver slugger), Danny Green (Silver Slugger), Ryan Braun (Silver Slugger)

Still some excitement about this team going forward. Ryan Braun drove in 95 runs and is a great hitter even if his defense is in question. The team as a whiole needs to play better with the gloves. Max Scherzer won 22 games but wasnt as dominate as expected while this team stole 270 bases to lead the league lead by Danny Green who stole 79.

New York Giants
Record: 72-68
Top Player: Teddy Higuera (8.5 WAR)
Attendance: 323,477
Awards: Teddy Higuera (NL Cy Young), Carl Yastrzemski (Gold glove)

A winning record to build on for the Giants but they surely will hope for more. Teddy Higuera and Bret Sabeerhagen are a very good duo at the top of the rotation and the pitching held its own all season long. Carl Yastrzemski was expecting a bigger year but Mark Thornberry and Jack Fournier show some promise for an offense that finish 7th overall. The 250 steals on the offense will also help going forward in the spacious Polo Grounds. Can the Giants take a step forward.

Cincinnati Reds
Record: 71-69
Top Player: Joe Tinker (5.1 WAR)
Attendance: 295,845
Awards: Mike Moustakas (Gold glove), Joe Tinker (Silver Slugger)

The Red Machine had some injuries but still managed to have a winning season. Joe Tinker and Mike Moustakas are the type of hard nosed players this team is all about, Tinker is a pest at the top of the order and stole 74 bases. The pitching has been adequate, with Bob Welch acting as a 21 game winning ace. The team also remains excited about catcher Chris Hoiles and his all around leadership skills. This is a good character team that many think will be contenders next season.

Brooklyn Superbas
Record: 66-74
Top Player: Boog Powell (5.8 WAR)
Attendance: 291,688
Awards: Andre Eithier (Gold glove), Dick Hoblitzell (Silver slugger), Boog Powell (Silver slugger)

Many felt the Boog should have won the MVP in the NL with his 100 RBI and 16 home runs. The Brooklyn offense hit the most home runs and play a base to base style that most teams around the league avoid. This team could really use an ace on the mound as no one took the reins, as for prospects 19 year old Ryne Sandberg has scouts and other expecting a superstar in 1902, he hit .315 with 4 home runs and a tidy glove in only 41 games.

St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 60-80
Top Player: Dave Winfield (2.0 WAR)
Attendance: 218082
Awards: Bengie Molina (Gold glove)

Little went as planned for the Cardinals in their first season and now it seems things may get worse as a new team altogether may be moving into town. The Cards had no stability in their rotation and looked for answers where they could not be found as Dad Clarke lost 16 games. The hope is with young arm Bob Feller who went 9-9 in the second half of the season and hopes for a big 1902. Sam Crawford and Dave Winfield may be showing their age and not a single man in the Cards order hit over .300. Too many holes and a lack of youth may plague the Cards for a while.

Chicago Orphans
Record: 44-96
Top Player: Fernando Vina (4.0 WAR)
Attendance: 200,341
Awards: Fernando Vina (Gold Glove), Fernando Vina (Silver Slugger)

Chicago was not the place to be if you wanted winning baseball and the news going forward isnt great. Chicago couldn't put together a pitching staff but at the same time were last in most offensive catagories. Fernando Vina is a fine player and the hope is that top pick Jeff Bagwell can make an impact soon after the likes of Alex Rodriguez hit .230 and complained all season long. The Orphans are tough to watch at times and even worse have no desire it would seem to play like a team.

[Nick Soulis]

Baseball Review
American League 1902 Season Preview

Baltimore Orioles
Last season: 66-74
Manager: John McGraw
Ball Park: Oriole Park
Projected: 68-72

Lineup
C - Doc Kennedy
1B - Vic Power
2B - Joel Youngblood
3B - Jimmy Outlaw
SS - John McGraw
LF - Ted Williams
CF - Chad Curtis
RF - Buzz Boyle

SP - Cory Kluber

The Orioles will try to get the most of their stars in Ted Williams and Croy Kluber to improve their record. Still some are starting to talk that the team may be on the move after this season.

Boston Americans
Last season: 78-62
Manager: Jimmy Collins
Ball Park: Huntington Avenue Grounds
Projected: 76-64

Lineup
C - John Henry
1B - Moose McCormick
2B - Dummy Hoy
3B - Eric Hinske
SS - Charles Moran
LF - Bob Jones
CF - Joe Keough
RF - Bryce Harper

SP- Deacon Phillipe

The World Series was bitter, but the Americans are hoping to repeat as the best team in the AL and have the talent to do so. The team is young and exciting and Bryce Harper has a chance to make a run at the MVP.

Cleveland Bronchos
Last season: 67-73
Manager: Jimmy Mcaleer
Ball Park: League Park
Projection: 74-66

Lineup
C - Jack Slattery
1B - Jim Fregosi
2B - Billy Martin
3B - Terry Moore
SS - Buster Hoover
LF - Ray Barker
CF - Woodie Held
RF - Bobby Murcer

SP- Peek A Boo Veach

Peek A Boo Veach is the new talent for the team with the new name. Veach will hope a renegerized Cleyton Kershaw could allow Cleveland to be among the best staffs in the league. Bobby Murcer is the best bat on this team and a great leader off the field.

Detroit Tigers
Last season: 75-65
Manager: George Stallings
Ball Park: Bennett Park
Projection: 81-59

Lineup
C - Johnny Bassler
1B - Don Mattingly
2B - Juan Samuel
3B - Alex Rodriguez
SS - John Atz
LF - Matt Mieske
CF - Eli Marrero
RF - John Mabry

SP- Bill Sweeney

The Tigers are the favorites to take the pennant again this season. The addition of Alex Rodriguez from Chicago comes with much intrigue as this team looks to win now. Bill Sweeney is still a dominant ace, but can the Tigers win when he isnt on the hill?

Philadelphia Athletics
Last Season: 72-68
Manager: Connie Mack
Ball Park: Colombia Park
Projection: 77-63

Lineup
C - Tom Daly
1B - Sam Chapman
2B - Garry Jestadt
3B - Dick Allen
SS - Rico Petrocelli
LF - Wilton Guerrero
CF - Cesar Cedeno
RF - Hank Sauer

SP- Pete Dowling

Some bad vibes have been coming out of this clubhouse and the motivation of Dick Allen is in question. Still most feel the talent is there as cesar Cedeno and Hank Sauer make up a good outfield. The A's pitching needs to perform for a pennant to be in realistic reach.

Chicago White Sox
Last Season: 59-81
Manager: Clark Griffith
Ball Park: South Side Park
Projection: 62-78

Lineup
C - Jack O;Connor
1B - High Pockets Kelly
2B - Snuffy Sternweiss
3B - Owen Friend
SS - Tex Mcdonald
LF - Justin Ruggiano
CF - Bob Zupcic
RF - Felix Jose

SP- Jose Rijo

Many feel some inprovement should be coming for Clark Griffith and his team. High pockets Kelly and Tex Mcdonald should have decent seasons and Jose Rijo still has good stuff. The chicago market is still wide open for this team, but improvement is needed now.

St. Louis Browns
Last season: 73-67
Manager: Hugh Duffy
Ball Park: Sportsmans Park
Projection: 58-82

Lineup
C - Frankie Hayes
1B - Ferris Fain
2B - Ted Sizemore
3B - Don Hoak
SS - Johnny Pesky
LF - Mitch Webster
CF - Willy Mo Pena
RF - Jim Eisenreich

SP- Alex Jones

Not the best of projections for the Browns who come into a new city and try and find their footing. Don Hoak is the most interesting addition as he left the Cardinals to come and play with the Browns. The team still has confidence in Alex Jones and Greg Hibbard at 23 will be a big part of the rotation.

Washington Senators
Last season: 70-70
Manager: Jim Manning
Ball Park: American League Park
Projection: 65-75

Lineup
C - Dave Duncan
1B - Richie Sexson
2B - Ray Morgan
3B - Tom OMalley
SS - Jack Hannifin
LF - Moises Sierra
CF - Mike Lum
RF - Jack Smith

SP- Smoky Joe Wood

Just when Joe Wood returns news comes that Bob Ojeda will miss all the 1902 season with injury. The Senators faded late last season and its lack of depth came to the surface. Dave Duncan and Richie Sexson are still great run producers, but the excitement of last summer may soon be a faded memory.