Our Game From Beginning To End

[Nick Soulis]

The Chronicle
World Series Special Edition



This Ones For You Chicago
Baltimore Dominates Baseball World In 1873

They never forget. The 1873 Baltimore Marylands club remembers how they came up short last season in bitter fashion and they remember even more the faces of their Chicago fans who long to welcome them home. After the great fire of 1871, the Chicago team wanted to send something back to their devastated fanbase, and finally they have been crowned champions of baseball in a season where no one could contest them.

After winning .717 percent of their games and defeated the hated Mutuals, Chicago prepared to blay Elizabeth in the third World Series of its kind. Baltimore took complete control of the series winning the firs three games before the Resolutes rallied as best they could to win two in a row. In game six however the best club in the land closed the door winning 5-2 behind their ace Al Pratt and ending the series.

It was the first championship for the National League and Baltimore first baseman Ed Pinkham was named MVP of the series after hitting .304 with 6 RBI; manager Charlie Pabor hit .306. Elizabeth star Levi Meyerle had nine RBI in the series as the underdogs had their moments, but it was not their time to bring it home.

Now Baltimore lets their champions leave as they return to Chicago. But the Maryland natives who came out in force to support this team, surely had a season they will never forget.

[Nick Soulis]

National League

Outstanding Pitcher



Most Valuable Player



AMERICAN LEAGUE

Outstanding Pitcher



Most Valuable Player

[Nick Soulis]

The Chronicle
February 1874
Edition 4.1

BEST NINE OF 1874

Catcher - Cal McVey - New York Mutuals



In a position that is deep in talent we have our fourth different selection at this position in as many years. Some may call it a New York bias, but McVey finally gets his due as he hit .369 in 1873 with a 2.2 WAR. He is one of the most trusted defensive catchers and a big reason why New York had another winning season.

First Base - Ed Pinkham - Chicago White Stockings



Pinkham reached national attention this season after his club took the championship in what was a dynamic roster. Pinkham was second in the league in OPS at .898 and first in slugging. He gets less attention with Cap Anson and Paul Hines on the roster, but unlike them, it is Pinkham who has made this list.

Second Base - Ross Barnes - Washington Blue Legs



What else can really be said about Barnes who took away his third straight MVP award and leads in multiple offensive categories. Barnes had a 1.05 OPS and won the batting title and still hasnt turned 25. He is currently the national face of the game and the one most boys want to become.

Third Base - Bill Boyd - New York Mutuals



Many were clamoring for Davy Force to be the choice but Boyd has proven to be a steady presence in the New York lineup and one of the best fielders in the league. His ability to scoop and throw on the run is being emulated by fielders throughout the league.

Short Stop - Andy Leonard - Baltimore Canaries



Despite the other Baltimore team winning it all, the Canaries are still the team that belongs to the city. The main man on the Baltimore club is Andy Leonard who covers a ton of ground at the position and has a bright future. Leonard hit .310 last year with 45 RBI and has taken the reigns, at least for one season, away from George Wright.

Left Field - Dave Eggler - New York Mutuals



The MVP of the NL Eggler has proven himself as a true star. He hit .406 last season and lead the league in OPS while being tops in runs created. Eggler had 25 doubles and 144 total bases and is the closest thing to Ross Barnes in the National League.

Center Field - Lip Pike - Philadelphia Athletics



Maybe better put as the best comeback player of the year, Pike picked himself up in a big way after the 1872 season hitting .345 with 10 triples. Some have said the stress with manager Dick McBride took its toll behind the scenes and the former champions had a very difficult season. Pike however remains one of the best talents the entire league has to offer.

Right Field - Frank McCarton - Washington Blue Legs



A great singles hitter who gets on base with regularity, McCarton is another name that is often overlooked but shouldn't be. Frank is even better with the glove separating himself as someone who covers alot of ground and plays the game the right way.

Pitcher - Al Pratt - Chicago White Stockings



Pratt helped the now Chicago club win 43 games and a championship. He was excellent winning 23 games with 25 strikeouts and almost no walks all season. He carried a 2.63 ERA and a 4.3 WAR and seemed to thrive when the games were their most important.

[Nick Soulis]

The Chronicle
March 1874
Version 4.2

American league Preview

1. Boston Red Stockings
Last year: 28-32 (5th)
Manager: Harry Wright
After seriously contemplating calling it quits, Harry Wright was talked back into the manager position for the upcoming season but faces a backlash of criticism that his baseball ways are well outdated. Al Spalding continues to baffle as many would say he has the best talent of any pitcher, but still has a losing record for his career (43-46). George Wright has moved from short to second base and rookie John Peters from down south in New Orleans tries to ignite the club. Eighteen year old Jim Britt will also be expected to mature along with another top prospect, Martin Mullin who will likely win the outfield job. Boston has the least amount of expectations of any season going into 1874.

2. Hartford Dark Blues
Last year: 35-26 (Lost World Series)
Manager: Bob Ferguson
Good memories and tidings as the Resolutes from Elizabeth who won the pennant now move yet again, this time to Hartford. Andy Leonard is the new star of the roster as the Irish Men hit .327 with 44 RBI to couple with Levi Meyerle who batted .363 and isnt slowing down at 24. Manager Ferguseon still pitches when he feels fit but it is George Zettlein who is back coming off a 2.44 ERA and a great partnership with Bill Stearns. The city of Hartford is very fortunate to welcome this winning club to their local Ball Grounds for what they hope is a pennant winning season.

3. Philadelphia Athletics
Last year: 28-32 (4th)
Manager: Dick McBride
Trying to solve why the champion Athletics fell off so badly last season is one of those things in the game that isnt easy to solve. Rookie pitcher John Hatfield will add some real life to the pitching staff but Dick McBride will continue to use himself for most of the work. Henry Kessler and Jim Tipper join a lineup anchored by Dick Higham who had a down season last year hitting just .297 and center fielder George Hall who still can do it all. Hall hit .363 with 14 doubles and his usual good defensive work. Most expect Philly to rebound this season, no drastic moves were made in hopes that 1873 was just an aberration.

4. Washington Blue Legs
Last year: 30-30 (3rd)
Manager: Nick Young
At 19 years old Frank McCarton has made a name for himself hitting .345 with 58 runs scored last season. The Blue Leg offense has always been among the best with Ross Barnes still dominating pitchers and Deacon White hitting ropes almost every time up. The talent level of this team is much too good for them to be at .500 but the lack of pitching depth has been the issue with once again Bobby Mathews being the only real option for manager Nick Young. Mathews lead the league with 37 starts and 337 innings pitched and has thrown over 1000 innings in three seasons. Finding the magic of 1871 will not be easy, especially if manager Young hasn't realized that the game has already evolved since then.

5. Brooklyn Eckfords
Last year: 34-27 (2nd)
Manager: Shamar Pate
Thinking of a single moment and an error all year isn't going to do anyone any good going into a new season. Warren White had to endure it all for his error that cost the pennant, and that is why many feel a position change to catcher has taken place for him. Still Brooklyn did have a great season, Oscar Bielaski has come into his own as a talent driving in 50 runs last season while Jack Burdock and Tom Barlow make a good infield combination. Frank Buttery had a 2.45 ERA last year and was much better then he was as a rookie not to mention the strong innings the team has had from John Greason. It wont be easy to match the magic for the Eckfords from a season ago, but as far as they have come in just two seasons says a lot about manager Shamar Tate and his grip on the game.

[Nick Soulis]

The Chronicle
March 1874
Version 4.3

National League Preview

1. Chicago White Stockings
Last year: 43-17 (Won World Series)
Manager: Charlie Pabor
Finally back home in Chicago, the White Stockings bring a championship with them and still one of the best rosters in all of baseball. Al Pratt has now won 50 games over his career having a special year last year going 23-4 with a 2.63 ERA. Cap Anson continues to be great but has stepped aise a bit for great talents like Ed Pinkham and Paul Hines. Pinkham had 18 triples and hit .313 while the young Hines lead the league with 114 hits and a .367 average. It will be an emotional scene on opening day at the new 23rd Street Grounds, but Chicago can be genuinely excited about this group.

2. Brooklyn Atlantics
Last year: 27-33 (3rd)
Manager: Bill Lennon
A down year for Brooklyn indeed who couldnt find the magic of their previous pennant winning season. One issue has been the aging of ace pitcher Cherokee Fisher who has now been replaced by George Bechtel who had modrate success with a 4.06 ERA. Davy Force did lead the league on offense with a .411 OBP but at the same time Irish native Jimmy Hallinanhit only .191 last season and despite playing in 153 games in 3 years, it may be time to replace him. Steve Brady is a top prospect at 22 years old that manager Bill Lennon is hoping he can count on. Brooklyn has some work to do as the Eckfords gained some fan share in the neighborhood after their big 1873 season.

3. New York Mutuals
Last year: 39-21 (2nd)
Manager: Joe Lemmens
New York remains an excellent team with the second best record in either league but were stuck behind Chicago. Cal McVey is as good as it gets at the catcher position with a .823 OPS and 103 hits. Dave Eggler lead the league in doubles and won the batting title at .386 while taking home the MVP award. Candy Cummings has finally lived up to his expectations with a 21-11 record and a 2.79 ERA proving that curve balls work. Ed Stratton had 4 'saves' out of relief. Bill Boyd also put together a very impressive rookie season at third base. So can the big city bring glory back to New York? Chicago is the biggest and likely only real advesary.

4. Baltimore Canaries
Last year: 24-36 (4th)
Manager: Scott Hastings
When will the Canaries actually start to win? Baltimore hasnt seen much improvement over their three years and doubts remain about their potential. Steve King is already 31 years old and is slowing down but Jim O'Rourke is the future of the team as he hit .356 last year with 16 SB. More is expected out of Chick Fulmer who hit only .264 last while catcher Elmer Smith hasnt improved nearly as much as thought. The star of the draft is Orator Schafer out of Philadelphia who scouts say has all the tools to be a star. Hugh Campbell will try and have better luck after 17 losses on the mound last season. It is all about the future for the Canaries, but the transition may not be as smooth as the fan base would like.

4. Philadelphia Whites
Last year: 22-38 (5th)
Manager: Lip Pike
The scene has become almost a nightmare for the new Philadelphia team that only won 22 games last season. Manager Lip Pike had a bounce back year including leading the league in steals with 23 but the rest of the lineup struggled including Jimmy Wood who started showing his age going from 2.9 WAR to 0.3. Cy Bentley has done his best to stay positive but his 25 losses and lack of support may have gotten to his head, In any event, rookie pitcher from Ireland named Tommy Bond at only 18 years old has many taking notice. Bond may be a difference maker for a team that needs one desperately. A local kid, Mike McGeary has proved quite a find for the club as he is becoming a star at short and definitively the most popular player in the lineup.

Washington Nationals
Last year: 21-39 (6th)
Manager: Angelo Wynn
The top pick in the country was 19 year old Dan Collins from St. Louis. Collins was the most sought after pitcher, even more so then Tommy Bond, and now has the task of trying to turn this Nationals club around. He will learn under Asa Brainard who lost 26 games last season with a 3.78 ERA. The lineup is still very much the worst in the game with maybe Jack Remsen hit .345 and should get better and short stop Pony Sager hit .306 with soft hands to make him an asset. Finally there is some hype to come out and see Collins pitch, and excitement has been something severely lacking for anyone rooting for these boys.

[Nick Soulis]

The Chronicle
April 1874
Edition 4.4



New York Pins 30 On Champions
Home Debut For Chicago Turns Into Massacre

The emotional return of the Chicago ball club back to a fire ravaged city committed to reconstruction and recovery has been well documented. It could be understood that baseball wasnt the only thing on the minds of the champion White Stockings as they opened their home schedule against the New York Mutuals on Saturday April 25.

A capacity viewing audience of 2,634 witnessed New York put up 8 runs in the very first inning and four more in the second to break things open. To everyone's surprise however, a big reason for this was the Chicago batting star, Cap Anson, took the mound as the starter for the game. Anson to none's surprise could not handle the talented New York hitters and opening day was lost in humiliation.

Why was Anson starting? Rumor has it that the expected Chicago starter, Al Pratt was unable to go because he fell suddenly ill. Falling ill from excessive drinking the night before seems to be another floating rumor. In any case, Anson took the mound and the Mutuals teed off. Thirty runs and 25 hits for the visiting side and overall, the champions are 3-3 to start the season and it could be a long one, if their lone starter has mysterious bouts will sickness throughout the season.

Pratt inebriated?

It wasn't the day we wanted to have upon our return and things did get away from us." said Chicago manager Charlie Pabor. "But we will remember this, and we will see them again this year."

Whites Come To Life In Baseball Crazy Philly
Both Philadelphia Clubs Off To Promising Starts

Everyone knows that 1873 was not a good year in Philadelphia. A new club came to town from Troy and the defensing champion Athletics were poised to defend their title. In the process however, both clubs were buried deep in the standings and through it all a strong rivalry developed between the two local clubs.

The season started with a bang as the two clubs faced off against each other at their shared stadium, Jefferson Street Grounds. The game was well played but Cy Bentley had better stuff then Dick McBride and it was the Whites who took the opener 4-2.

The Whites took their momentum from there and won three more in a row to making it a 4-0 start. Manager Lip Pike seems to have settled his team and a complete 'normal' offseason now has the team playing well with their ace pitchers, Bentley and Tommy Bond at the forefront. In the meantime the Athletics brushed off the loss and went on to win 5 of their next seven for a decent 5-3 start and hopes for a pennant run in the American League. George Hall already has 12 RBI on the season and Joe McDermott has emerged has a 1.57 ERA.

It could be a very different story this year in the city of Brotherly Love even if there is no love to be found among these two.

[Nick Soulis]

The Chronicle
May 1874
Edition 4.5



Spalding Loves To Play The Field
Boston's Most Talented All Around Player Thriving

One of the most interesting and enigmatic personalities in the game is the young 23 year old star of the Boston club, Mr. Albert Spalding. No doubt that Spalding has some of the very best baseball talent the game has to offer and whether it is with the his arm or with the bat, he seems to be a step ahead of everyone else.



Boston manager Harry Wright often wishes his star player would concentrate more on his pitching and getting batters out. Spalding however insists that he plays the outfield on days he is not throwing as he seems to enjoy his time out there just as much or more then all the tension when he is pitching. Spalding is a .326 career hitter with 100 career RBI and a .756 career OPS. He also seems to know where the opponent is going to hit the baseball and positions himself in advance to make plays a normal outfielder would never get too.

On the mound Spalding is having one of his best seasons as his 1.80 ERA is much better then his career 3.75 mark. Jim Britt has added much needed support to the pitching rotation and Spalding more then ever seems to be having fun. The team as a whole has benefited greatly as Boston is off to their very best start going 12-3 and sitting on top of the American League.

"It just looks like a different club this season" says Philadelphia manager Dick McBride. "they are not beating themselves like they usually do."

A great deal of credit needs to go to Spalding, who in his free time has a number of business ventures going and is proving to be quite the innovator at his ripe young age within the Boston community.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he ran for President" says teammate Ezra Sutton. Unfortunately he will have to wait at least 17 years to be eligible. In the meantime Boston just may keep on winning.

Candy Continues To Get Better
Sweet Array Of Pitches Working For Cummings



The Mutuals of New York are off to a good start in 1874 and seemed as determined as ever to regain the pennant. The club has caught most of the attention of the New York fanbase as teams like the Atlantics and Eckfords cant seem to get out of their own way.

The pioneer for the club making the biggest impact has to be star pitcher Candy Cummings. Cummings of course is famous for bringing in his curve ball to the game and making ti famous. In 1872 when the Ware native introduced the pitch, there was immense doubt and even some ridicule for the abnormal pitch. Cummings however to his credit stayed stubborn and kept throwing it and even teaching it to others. With practice comes perfection, and in time Cummings has made the pitch close to perfect.

From an ERA of 3.62 in his rookie year to 2.79 last year and this year brining it all the way down to 2.11, the pitch has been harder and harder to hit. Cummings had compiled almost 50 strikeouts in just over 2 seasons and at this point pitchers all over the league are studying the pitch and its late diving action. Teammate Ed Stratton has learned to throw the pitch and has brought his ERA down from 4.14 to 2.37, the difference is obvious.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
June 1874
Edition 4.6



The Monstrous Swing Of Stires
Fans Flock To Philly To See Slugger

To see a baseball fly over 400 feet is something that most people have never witnessed before. Tales of such hitting skill have been spread for years along with fast pitches and great catches. Now that a professional league of baseball exists and the best talent in the game tours the country, many more can enjoy and authenticate such feats.



In Philadelphia, word has spread about the powerful swing of New Jersey Native Gat Stires, Starting his career in Troy a few years ago, the right fielder may have been just too raw to succeed. Since the team has up and moved to Philly and turned into the Whites, Stires has become a star. The 23 year old in 1874 has upped his batting average to .320 and continues to be a leader in triples with 33 in his career. Even more so however Stires has hit four home runs in 24 games this season making his career mark 9. The four long shots that he has hit have gone a long long way and fans are making the trip to see him swing in hopes that they will see one of those majestic blasts.

Stires has even put on exhibitions for fans on off days or before actual games and there is no doubt few have seen a mere man hit a baseball that far. Stires likes the attention he has been getting and the team front office loves the ticket sales, but the club as a whole assures that the most important thing for all of them is chasing the pennant and winning games.

The Whites are currently in third place, only 2.5 games out of first place and everything to play for.

A New Star In Boston
Rookie Second Baseman Dubbed As Savior



Harry Wright finally looks like the baseball genius everyone though that he was when the league started three years ago. Wright of course has suffered through some thin years amid the big expectations of Boston baseball but 1874 thus far looks like a different script. Much of the success has to do with a 24 year old second base talent that has brought fire to the club.

Wright found John Peters in New Orleans Louisiana of all places working on the dock of the Mississippi River. The rookie was playing i dependent ball there and was found and signed for 94 dollars this offseason. Peters has paid that all back and then some in the opening three months. He is leading the club in most offensive categories hitting .369 with 22 RBI, seven doubles, and two home runs. He even has a higher OPS then George Wright at .874. Peters is only 5 foot seven but is build stocky and muscular and a strong baserunner. Teammates love him for his positive energy and encouragement, something a team down on its confidence and luck really needed.

"I love the kid" says manager Wright, "He has brought a win and never give up fight that the team has identified with."

Boston of course is off to their best start ever going 18-8 and leading the American League by three games.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
July 1874
Edition 4.7



Pitching The Difference In Washington
Nationals Try And Keep Pace With Mutuals

The Washington Nationals have a .373 winning percentage in their third season in the league and have never even approach being competitive until this year. The Nats are turning heads this summer and are being lead by a pair of pitchers that, although different, work well together.

Many teams in the game are quickly realizing that a two man rotation is truly the smart way to go through the course of the season and only a few clubs, like Chicago, have stuck with only one starter. With this in mind the Nationals made 20 year old St. Louis native Dan Collins their top pick in the draft and teamed him with veteran Asa Brainard.

Collins

Brainard is one of the most crafty arms in the game and earned the nickname "The Count" for his ability to fool hitters. Brainard lost 50 games over the past two seasons but had no help from his offense and was forced to take the ball everyday. It is said that is was Brainard who went to his manager Angelo Wynn and convinced him to draft another top line pitcher. The Count is 33 years old, ancient in a league like this, but has gone 6-8 this season with a 2.75 ERA, the best of his career by far. Beyond the numbers, it is Brainard's mentoring of the young Collins that may be his biggest contribution.

Collins is an outspoken kid who teammates have come to love but opponents have already began to resent; he seems to be in the mold of an Al Spalding and at times can lose focus or even pout a bit. He has gone 7-6 with a 2.56 ERA and 30 strikeouts. His fast pitch is impressive and he has added a touch of deception in his delivery. Brainard has taken the kid under his wing and taught him about some of the best talent in the game and how to attack them. Even little things of when to get to the ball yard and how to warm up have been influenced by the veteran to the kid. Collins has all the stuff to become a star in the league and even though some think he does not have the mental makeup, he surely has shown flashes in 1874.

The Mutuals from New York of course remain the favorites for the flag as Chicago has fallen quite a ways off the pace. The Washington offense is still quite thin but the club has won 8 of 12 at home and have allowed the fewest runs in the National League.

Baseball can create the most peculiar of duos, and the Nationals just may the tandem to make a legitimate run at a pennant.

MVP Having Head Scratching Season
Barnes Putting Together Worst Numbers Of Career

Is it an injury? Is it apathy? A rule change? What is happening to the biggest star of the game, the three time MVP Ross Barnes? Barnes is heading into August hitting .242 with a .562 OPS. What was first considered a slow start to the season has not turned into something much bigger and many around the game are starting to really take notice.

Barnes is a hitter who never finished a season under .400 and hit .408 in 1873. He currently has only six doubles, 15 RBI and 32 hits overall. Barnes was the type of player that would get you 32 hits in a month. It does appear that many clubs have adjusted to the slap hitting style of Barnes and have played him closer to the lines limiting his ability to bounce the ball into the outfield. Pitching is also quickly getting better in the league and pitchers all around are doing their homework and learning how to throw to the most dangerous hitter. Some are saying the inside pitch is causing Barnes to struggle.

Barnes has been quiet about his slump and keeps saying he is working to turn things around. His manager Nick Young has been nothing but supportive of his favorite player but the results on the field have underwhelmed. The Blue Legs are in second place but 5 games behind the Boston team that is having a resurgence of a season. Fans are hoping the heat of a pennant race will heat up Barnes bat.

Underneath it all, is the truth that the game of baseball is a hard game and staying consistent is a constant battle even for the best of them.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
August 1874
Edition 4.8



He Is His Brothers Keeper
George Wright Leading Resurgence In Boston



Cain questioned why he should be his brothers keeper after he did him wrong, but in Boston these days there is no such tragic story, as one brother is playing his best ball for another.

The Boston Red Stockings are having their best season ever and the pennant race seems all but wrapped up heading into September as the magic number sits at 12. It wasnt so long ago that Boston manager Harry Wright was seriously thinking of stepping away from the club after yet another poor year for a club with elite expectations in 1873.

It was his brother George who had a conversation with his older brother Harry before the season. He encouraged him to give it a go one more year and even more so committed to having a great season to support the team. Give it one more try, was the message that lead into 1874, and the result have been nothing short or special.

Boston came out in April a different team and have lead the division wire to wire. Jim Foran and Dick Hunt found their stroke both hitting over .340 while young John Peters brought fire to the group. Al Spalding has won 13 games and even better is Jim Britt who has won 16 with an impressive 1.90 ERA. At in the middle of the order, keeping his promise, was George Wright who is hitting .327 with a team high 48 RBI and a 148 OPS+.

The Boston Rooters have completely turned now and are riding high with this club as the city prepares for its first pennant and its first World Series. Harry Wright can smile again and his reputation as the games best thinking manager rings more true then ever this year.

Philadelphia Leading In 1874 Attendance
Over 300,000 Fans Have Attended This Season

When they first came to Philadelphia last season, the Whites were coming into a city that already had a pennant winning team and most of the citys allegiance. After patience and hard work however, the Whites have won the hearts of the city and have overcome their crosstown rival Athletics. So much so that the Whites lead all of baseball in 1874 in attenance with over 34,000 fans going to their games.

Times in Brooklyn are not so good as the storied Atlantics have the lowest attendance in baseball, a black eye for what should be one of the most respected names in the game. But winning is everything and this season Brooklyn sits with a 17-26 record, 9.5 games out of first. Here are the overall numbers that should still be considered a great success for the game in the country and the relatively new leagues.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
September 1874
Edition 4.9



A Moment With The President
Leader Of The Major Leagues Very Content

In an oddity this year, there really will be no pennant race in either league going into October as the Boston Red Stockings and New York Mutuals are already winners and now prepare for one of the most anticipated matchups in baseball history in the World Series.

While given the opportunity, TMIB wanted to track down the president of the Major Leagues both American and National, Robert Ferguson. Of course Ferguson also serves as the manager of the Hartford club. At only 29 years old, this great player and even better leader has taken the new league in incredible heights.

Q: Hello Sir, thank you for taking a moment to speak with us. Lets start by talking about the league. Has the league exceeded your expectations in its first three years?

Most definitely. There was always some risk and apprehension when a group of ambitious men take on a venture like this that has never been done before. We felt strongly that the game needed a professional foundation where it can be trusted and showcased with the utmost integrity. Still it is the game itself that has made this league such a success, in the end baseball is such a great game that it stands on its own, and we are just conductors and protectors of the game.

There has been a diversity of champions and the competetive balance has been very good. How was this accomplished?

We have a great group of owners that laid down rules that assured the league would be balanced and competitive. The initiation of the league draft and scouting keeps the worst clubs with hope and able to choose from the best new talent in the nation. One great example is the Washington club, who almost won the pennant last season after struggling at the bottom of the standings. We also have a great group of motivated managers who wont quit until their club reaches success. It is also a great testament that the league have only expanded, and not lost any franchises.

That is true, but you have seen a number of teams move and relocate in the offseason, is that good for the league?

We need to remember that we are still a very young league in our fourth season. We never want to see fanbases loses their favortite players and franchises but it is also important that each franchise stays profitable to build their long term future. A big factor in this of course is stadiums, as the game expands clubs need better facilities for their players and their fans. Hpefully moving forward we can limit the movement of teams, but our eyes are always open on opportunities and new markets.

Which markets do you possibly see in expansion?

There are a number of possibilities like St. Louis, Louisville, or Pittsburgh but at the same time we will choose wisely and are content with our current city lineup.

What does it mean to have a city like Boston finally lift the pennant this season?

Well of course I manage the Hartford club so cant be that happy right? But it is great to see such an important baseball city and figure in Harry Wright have this success. It also sets up one of the best World Series matchups we have seen to date.

Speaking of Hartford. Any conflict of interest managing a team while being league president?

Only when you folks in the papers bring it up. Look, has anyone noticed that my club hasnt won a championship yet, we are in the fight along with everyone else.

Any significant rule changes coming?

We are looking at the amount of strikes for an out and the amount balls for a free walk. We want to make the game as fluid and enjoyable as possible.

Finally, where do you see the league being in 5 years and beyond?

Hopefully we will be around 10 to 12 stable clubs with a close to 100 game schedule with the very best players in the nation playing for all to see. The excitement level of the future is off the charts and I am glad to be part of it.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
Final 1874
Edition 4.10

Final Standings



All Eyes On The World Series
Two Major Cities Battle For The Crown

In its fourth year of existence, the league finally has the matchup that everyone has been waiting for. Hype for the 1874 World Series between the Boston Red Stockings and New York Mutuals has braced every paper in the country and has even casual fans excited about the contest.

Boston for the leagues first season were the most glamorized team in the lad and after three years of bitter disappointment, Harry Wright and his team have lifted the pennant winning 42 games and a .700 winning percentage. George Wright lead the nation in runs batted in with 58 while Jim Britt and Albert Spalding have created the best duo of arms on a single team in all the land. Boston was 23-7 away from home and as many have noted have rallied for their manager and seem to surely be a team of destiny and the favorites for the big clash.

The big shoulders of New York City and its grand shadow that falls over Boston is a natural reality. The most populous city has one of the very best clubs bringing the legendary name of the Mutuals back to baseball excellence. Much like Boston, New York have not been able to win a championship coming up short in their pennant winning year of 1871 which of course was a shortened season. The current greatest star of the game plays for this team in Cal McVey who hit .404 and is sure to win the MVP. Candy Cummings and his curveball will be on full display while Bill Boyd drove in 65 runs and is a stand up leader for the club.

Baseball is ready for its first great matchup where telgraphs and couriers will be delivering pitch by pitch actions to countless fans accross the nation.

McVey Has Legendary Season
New York Star Wins Batting Title and Sets Record



Cal McVey probably got very tired about being overlooked as one of the very best players in the world. Much likely had to do with the fact that he seemed to be changing positions for manager Joe Lemmens every season. This year McVey is back at the catcher position and the wear and tear hasnt seem to slow him down on bit. McVey has had an incredible 1874 season.

McVey wins the batting title hitting .404 in a season where hitting has been down all around. Mcvey wins his first batting championship ending with 120 hits and 23 doubles both which lead the league. Overall his 4.0 WAR is also good enough for league best and McVey now has 392 total hits, the most of any player since the league started play in 1871.

Those numbers however are only the beginning of the story. McVey broke a significant hitting record this year getting a base knock in 40 consecutive games. The record was held by both Bob Addy and Dick Higham, but McVey flew by both of them and the only thing that stopped him was the end of the season. McVey will take his record into next season and will have a chance to really set a standard that likely could never be broken.

Finally the star catcher has lead New York to the National League pennant. It would indeed be a perfect season for the 25 year old Colorado native if his club could pull the upset and defeat the Boston club for a place in history.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
World Series Edition



New York Second To None
Mutuals Run Away With Championship In 5

The mighty Red Sox came into Union Grounds in Brooklyn to open the World Series and promptly allowed 12 runs and dropped the opener. As talks swirled if the Mutuals could make a series of it, Mutuals pitcher Candy Cummings went and sought his manager out for a talk.

"I have them figured out" says Cummings to Joe Lemmens, "pitch me in game two and I will deliver a win." Cummings in fact would take the mound in games 1, 2 and four and would win the last two repaying his managers trust in him.

New York took game two 7-4 as John McMullin hit a two run home run and it seemed confidence turned. In Boston, the Mutuals did it again in game three in a 7-5 win defeating their nemesis Al Spalding. Cummings pitched a gem in game four allowing one earned run in a 7-3 win where the home side made six errors.

The clincher came just as quickly as the Red Stockings seem to lose all face in front of their faithful fans as the Mutuals scored 15 runs to slam the door.

A great upset in the eyes of many pundits of the game and mass celebrations broke out in the Big Apple as the Miutuals clearly prove that they are the best club in the land.

It was the confidence of their ace pitcher that had alot to do with the drastic turnaround.

[Nick Soulis]

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Outstanding Pitcher



Most Valuable Player



NATIONAL LEAGUE

Outstanding Pitcher



Most Valuable Player



The outstanding Rookie of the year was Steve Brady of Brooklyn Atlantics
The outstanding manager of the year was Harry Wright of Boston

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
November 1874
Edition 4.11

McVey Decision Sends Ripples Down League
Star Player Decides To Become Pitcher



As the 1874 baseball season wrapped up and the Mutuals of New York finished their parade and brought the championship home, all were gearing for a rest in the offseason. At the awards banquet to end the season it was a shoe in that the MVP award for the National League would go to Cal McVey who hit .404 for the season and took a step towards being the best hitter in the game.

To the shock of everyone the award did not go to McVey but rather to his teammate Bill Craver. In fact McVey wasnt even on the ballot for the journalist to vote for and his name was excluded from the "Best 9" awards list that is coming out in the next month.

What gives?

To everyone surprise, only days earlier the star ball player announced that he was making a giant career change. McVey told the New York Times that he was tired of catching and only hitting and had accomplished everything he had do in those roles and that he needed a new challenge. McVey announced that he had been secretly training over the past few weeks in private and now was ready to take on a new role; starting pitcher. Word quickly came down that his manager Joe Lemmens had agreed to the move and that the change would be made to provide McVey with the majority of the starts in 1875 above World Series hero Candy Cummings.

The next few details get sketchy but the understanding is that when league president Bob Fergusen received the news he was not happy whatsoever. Fergusen asked to speak with McVey but word is he was stood up and ignored. The league president would like McVey to avoid pitching and keep his incredible popularity and status as a catcher and hitter going. As a note the McVey is currently on a 40 game hitting streak.

Ferguson sees the move as a mockery to the game.

Without a response on this issue, Ferguson announced that McVey would be removed from all eligible voting for the MVP award or any other honors at the end of the season.

Mcvey of course still expects to hit in his new position and would not be the first player to make such a switch as teammate John McMullin did exactly the same thing after the 1871 season. McVey belives from internal sources that he will quickly become the very best pitcher in the game.

In the end it appears it is really a clash of hurt feelings and egos that is keeping the dserved winner of these awards off the podium.

Expansion of Schedule
League ambitious to 96 game season

In a direct indicator of the success of the major leagues in only its 5th season, the owners overwhelmingly passed a decree to expand the league schedule from 60 games to 96 for the upcoming 1875 season.

More baseball action for everyone can only mean a good thing however travel from as far cities as Philadelphia to St. Louis will make an interesting aspect for players and their recovery time. Some teams have already announced that they will be going with three man pitching rotations.

[Nick Soulis]

Best Nine Of 1875

Catcher - Deacon White - Washington Nationals



White became the best catcher by default after Cal McVey changed his position this offseason. Still White has been among the most consistent batters in the league with a .336 career average with 217 RBI. White it also a great leader and mentor to the entire roster.

First Base - Levi Meyerle - Hartfold Dark Blues



Meyerle had a dominant year leading the American League with a .378 average and .813 OPS. Meyerle is at the prime of his skill and 25 years old and was well deserving of his MVP award.

Second Base - Ross Barnes - Washington Nationals



Yes Barnes did have a down season but still ended with a .284 average and lead the league with 15 steals. The 3 time MVP is sure to put the disappointing season behind him and remains by reputation the most popular player in the league.

Third Base - Jim O'Rourke - New Haven Elm Citys



Likely the best mustache in the league and a handsome figure, O'Rourke is one of the most feared hitters in the league. A 125 OPS+ including 40 doubles in his three seasons this line drive hitter is making his home town of Bridgeport proud.

Short Stop - Jim Holdsworth - Hartford Dark Blues

Long Jim hit .358 last season with an .867 OPS but hasnt been able to play everyday for a variety of reasons. When right, Holdsworth is a great talent with a wonderful arm and reach at a key position. Many expect him to break through in 1875.

Left Field - Lip Pike - Philadelphia Whites



One of the best players of his generation, Pike seems to be as good as ever. driving in 41 runs with a .328 average all while managing his team Pike has 323 total hits in his baseball career. He is smart, quick to the ball, and a very serious competitor as he tries to get the Whites to a pennant.

Center Field - Dave Eggler - New York Mutuals



A huge star as the Mutuals bring home the championship and Eggler is the model of a winner. He lead the league with 300 at bats and never missed an inning of action with a .310 average and 11 triples he is a spark that few teams can deal with. He will be expected to do even more this season as Cal McVey takes the mound and the Mutuals look to repeat.

Right Field - Paul Hines - Chicago White Stockings



Just having turned 20 years old, Hines has already gained much respect across the league. He can play multiple positions and puts his body on the line in every game. Hines continues to hit with a .317 average and 186 runs scored in his three very strong seasons.

Pitcher - Albert Spalding - Boston Red Stockings



There are many great arms in the game but when he is at his best, still no one is better then Spalding. He helped Boston bring home its first pennant with an 18-9 record and a 4.2 WAR. Spalding is also a great hitter and spends some time playing center field.

[Nick Soulis]

1875 Team Previews

National League

1. Mutuals of New York
Last Year: 38-22 (Won World Series)
Manager: Joe Lemmens
Reaching the top of the mountain and upsetting Boston in the World Series is the stuff of legend as the Mutuals look for another successful season. Cal McVey made headlines as he will try and become a fulltime pitcher after being the best hitter in 1874. Bill Craver took home the MVP with a .346 average with 15 steals while Dave Eggler remains a star in center with a 2.9 WAR last season. New York has the stuff and now ace Candy Cummings has to make room for McVey who makes one of the more intriging moves in baseball history.

2. Chicago White Stockings
Last Season: 30-30 (2nd)
Manager: Charlie Pabor
The White Stockngs biggest change in a down season was to pick up discarded ace Bill Stearns to help head up their pitching staff for the longer season. Paul Hines and Cap Anson are still an excellent duo in the lineup with Ed Pinkman providing his steady muscle for four home runs. Chicago is expected to be much better this season and challenge for the pennant that they took home two seasons ago.

3. Philadelphia Whites
Last Season: 30-30 (2nd)
Manager: Lip Pike
The Whites got a big year from power outfielder Gat Stires who belted six home runs and had the league talking. Still Jimmy Wood and Lip Pike will have to do more to get the offense up to speed with Jim Devlin and Bill Harbridge two new names in the order. Cy Bentley has to still make the next step to be considered one of the best pitchers in the game; he is capable.

4. New Haven Elms
Last Season: 24-36 (6th)
Manager: John Riker
The first team in league history to make a managerial change as John Rike takes over a team that will not only look much different on the field, but also leave Baltimore for New Haven. Orator Schafer and Jim O'Rourke will try and bring life to the lineup while Jim Clinton and young George Bradley will try and turnaround the pitching. Hugh Campbell is also still there but his commitment to winning has been questioned. A large baseball void has been create in Baltimore.

5. Brooklyn Atlantics
Record: 28-32 (4th)
Manager: Bill Lennon
Brooklyn have definitely fallen under hard times but did win the off field battle as the Eckfords have left town and the Atlantics have the market to themselves again. George Bechtel had 14 wins and 23 complete games last season with 28 strikeouts, he did not have the support he needed however. Young Charley Jones and Pop Snyder join the team to get the offense going as hopes remain that Fred Treacey and Davy Force can find their old strokes again. Lennon is on the hot seat for sure.

6. Philadelphia Centennials
Last Season: 26-34 (4th)
Manager: Angelo Wynn
Philadelphia welcomes its third club as owners just cant resist the market the old city has for the game. All the hype behind Dan Collins was hushed a bit but the young arm still had a fine season leading in WAR with 6. Still a new sensation has joined the team in 17 year old Pud Galvin who is said to be the young arm seen in years. Pony Sager is proving to be a nice talent with 88 hits last year but overall the offense was among the worst in the league. Hope does spring eternal whenever a team moves to a new home.

7. St. Louis Red Stockings
Expansion Team
Manager: Chris Davis
Baseball comes to St. Louis is a big way as two teams will make their debut there in 1875. Frank Fleet will get his big chance to be an ace starting pitcher in this league while Harry Schafer and Charlie Gould are two familiar names that were picked up in the expansion draft. Chris Davis is the man in charge and the hope being talent like young pitcher Fred Goldsmith will make for a fast start for these Reds.

[Nick Soulis]

American League

1. Boston Red Stockings
Record: 42-17 (1st)
Manager: Harry Wright
A bittersweet finish to a great season in Boston as the Red Stockings will look to be the first team to win back to back pennants. Jim Britt and Al Spalding are probably the best pitching combination in the league while the Boston offense is also elite. Jim Foran lead the AL in batting at .339 with Dick Hunt right behind him at .331. George Wright was on track leading in RBI with 58 including 121 total bases. Harry Wright finally has the team he has always wanted to build, and winning everything this season has to be the only goal.

2. Philadelphia Athletics
Record: 26-34 (5th)
Manager: Dick McBride
Another down year for the A's and they made sure that they retooled for their future. The pitching side has been a letdown but the addition of two wonder arms in Tricky Nichols and Henry Luff should immediately make the A's one of the top pitching sides for years to come. George Hall, Dick Higham, and Tom York all will need to produce more runs as the A;s have been one of the more frustrating sides in the game since their magical 1872 40 win season.

3. Washington Nationals
Record: 33-27 (2nd)
Manager: Nick Young
The Nationals have taken on Washington completely and remain a club loaded with talent. Everyone expects Ross Barnes to get back to greatness this season while Deacon White and Dickie Flowers remain household names throughout the league. The club needs to play better defense and 20 year old John Richmond may help. Starter Bobby Matthews still may not have the support he needs on the pitching side and some have accused Nick Young with not adapting to the changing game fast enough.

4. Hartford Dark Blues
Record: 26-34 (5th)
Manager: Bob Fergusen
Levi Meyerle and Andy Leonard will lead the Hartford club into a new season with a number of new faces. Rookie Lon Knight will take the ace role and is suppose to really give this team a lift while George Zettlein is ready for another year. Manager Fergusen will move to third base with a betetr glove and Lou Say will take over in right. It was only two years ago this club had lifted the pennant.

5. Keokuk Westerns
Last Season: 26-34 (4th)
Manager: Shamar Tate
Leaving Brooklyn the new Westerns look for fortunes having never won anything. John Greason has proved to be a good starter with a 2.08 ERA last year while 19 year old John Cassidy will try and give some support to the staff. Jim Keenan is a 17 year old catcher who is the #2 prospect in the league to help solid players like Oscar Bielaski generate some runs. Shamar Tate is another manager who better get things right quickly this season.

6. St. Louis Brown Stockings
Expansion team
Manager: Jamari Arms
The second team in St. Louis and the likely goal for this expansion team is just find away to be better then their cross town rival. The Browns literally stole starting pitcher Hugh O'Neil from Chicago after the Whites had drafted him but offered him more money, he will have a chance to prove his worth. Ed Duffy and Harry Berthwrong lead a lineup that is made up of a number of players getting a second chance. It could be the cutomary long season for new manager Jamari Arms and the Browns.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
April 1875
Edition 5.1



McVey Out To Prove Doubters Wrong
After Difficult Debut; Transition To Mound Seems To Work

In the most anticipated story heading into the 1875 season, the defensing champion New York Mutuals committed to the transition of their best hitter into their ace pitcher.

Cal McVey took the mound in front of a full house on opening day as the Mutuals faced off against New Haven at Union Grounds. Obviously showing some nerves, McVey was able to work around things and shut the Elms down for the first three innings. In the fourth however, the Elms scoring four runs and rattling the New York pitcher who at the end of the game would go 7.1 innings allowing five earned runs and 11 hits. He would take the loss in a 10-4 result and fans began to openly wonder if this experiment would be a short one.

Manager Joe Lemmens didn't lose faith, and in fact the velocity and stuff that McVey had shown were quite impressive. In his second effort, with the pressure behind him, the determined star began to show what he could really do. At Philadelphia at Jefferson Street Grounds McVey was excellent shutting down the Whites for nine innings in a 10-3 win allowing zero earned runs and going the full 9 innings. McVey struck out one and walked none and earned the respect of his opponents.

"I dont care what they say," said Philadelphia manager Lip Pike, "Cal can surely pitch."

In the meantime, a few forgot that McVey was actually holding a 40 game hit streak dating all the way back from last season. In his second game against the Whites, McVey was held hitless and his record streak ended up expiring at 41 games.

All eyes will continue to be on the multi talented star, as the Mutuals look to repeat as champions and have gotten off to a good 4-2 start.

Top Prospect List

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
May 1875
Edition 5.2



Grand Theft Dehlman Shakes Game
Boston First Baseman Can Not Be Stopped On Bases



The league itself is only in its fifth season and there are still ripe opportunities for innovation and better ways of playing. No one should be surprised that it is Harry Wright and his team in Boston that is compelty redefining the art of the stolen base as they hunt for repeat pennant performance.

Mike McGeary was the standard of the stolen base having 83 in four years for the most in the span of the league. George Wright set the single season record with 30 in 1872 but those numbers are miniature in comparison with what Herman Dehlin is doing. Dehlin has swiped 40 bases in only 27 games and has been caught only 3 times. Dahlin was a partime player up until this season when the 23 year old got his chance and has added 31 runs and 8 doubles to an already potent lineup.

Enhancements like the leadoff and timing the run for second base on a steal have been implemented making the rt of the steal much more probable and important. Steals are up throughout the league but no one even has half the steals thus far of the what the Brooklyn native has actually done.

"He is literally changing the game and the way that teams play against us." says manager Harry Wright who deflects credit for the strategy and praises his player. "Pitchers are taking their minds off the batsman are obviously distracted."

Boston is on top of the American League going into June and seems determined to go all the way this year. The have scored the most runs thus far and have a weapon that no one in the game has seen up until now. That is what innovation can do.

Athletics Pitching Has Philadelphia Dreaming
After 1873 Title Club Has Not Been The Same

In 1873 Dick McBride and his Phildelphia Athletics won 40 of 60 games and a championship. At the time many hoped that the A's team would be one of excellence for years to come but that plan over the past two years has gone completely the other way. In fact many people gave up completely on the A's. rooting for new clubs in the very same city who seemed to have a better plan.

One of the issues was that McBride was stubborn when it came to his pitching, using himself and refusing to relent with another ace despite mixed results. Sometimes it is time and the game itself that will force ones hand.

Two first year rookies were plucked out of the draft last fall and both arms seem to be turning into gold. Tricky Nichols is 24 year old Connecticut native who has earned his nickname for his delivery and ability to confuse hitters. Nichols is 4-2 with a 2.05 ERA and has walked no one all season long. Joining Nichols and even doing better is rookie Henry Luff who was born and raised a Philadelphia product. Luff is also 4-2 but has an amazing ERA of 1.16 and has allowed only 7 earned runs in 54 innings of work.

Philly does have their hands full in the American League with the Red Stockings still at the top of their game. If the summer could produce a tight pennant race between those two sides truly the baseball world is in for a treat.