Our Game From Beginning To End

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by Hageneezz

There are some really great dynasty threads,and this is definately one of them

I enjoy reading through very much

Do you use any add ons?

Cheers, Hagz

Thanks alot for following. Yes the OOTP dynasty writers are some of the best in any forum, I have been reading them for years. No I do not use any Addons.

Cheers!

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
April 1878
Edition 8.2



Spalding Strolls Back To Dominance; Kind Of
After Opening Day Shutout, Concentration Questions Remain



It was almost as if he had never left. Welcome back Mr. Albert Spalding as his declaration before the season that he will lead Boston as their ace starter again took a prophetic tone when the 27 year old opened the season against Keokuk at South End Grounds and looked like he didnt miss a beat. After receiving a huge ovation. the 27 year old looked like his old self going nine innings, allowing just two hits, walking none, and striking out five in an 8-0 shutout victory.

Spalding was hailed the returning savior for a franchise that has not been able to compete for the flag with much seriousness since their 1875 championship. Echoes could be heard all over Beantown that the glory days were indeed back.

Anticipation was high in his second outing against Philadelphia a keen old foe. The Athletics took the game at home as Spalding allowed three in 8 innings but didnt look all that bad. Returning back home in his third start however the questions began to arise. The St. Louis Browns who won just 33 games last season hammered the ace for six earned runs and 10 hits in 8 innings and the atmosphere surely took a turn for the worse.

Many are saying Spalding still doesn't have his full head and attention back in the game. That he sees his playing career as secondary to all the other business avenues he has in his life.

His manager Harry Wright is backing his man and personal friend at ever turn. "He is just getting back after a year off. It is only April, give it a chance. I already can see his stuff is still excellent."

Boston is a mediocre 5-5 to start the season and fans are already starting to murmur that it will be a much less than inspiring season in Boston this year.

All Time Hit Leaders
Race For 1000 Hits Becomes Reality

The National Game is celebrating its 8th season and the popularity of the sport has never been bigger. Over the last couple of years franchises have been focused on revamping pitching in the game and the result has been some amazing young talent emerging as pitching wizards. Still the games central focus remains the stars with the bats. As we look at the all time hit leaders we see that a number of players could make a close run to 1000 career hits if not this year then definitely next.

Ross Barnes remains the alltime leader but a number of players are within his range, especially as the slowing down second base start has a down year. Here is the alltime list, with a reminder of the batting champions from each season past.



Batting Championship
1871 - Lip Pike (.463)
1872 - Cap Anson (.452)
1873 - Ross Barnes (.408)
1874 - Cal McVey (.404)
1875 - Lip Pike (.410)
1876 - Ross Barnes (.511)
1877 - Deacon White (.458)

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
May 1878
Edition 8.3



The Falling Star
Washington And Barnes See Nightmare To Start of Year



It used to take Ross Barnes two games to gather two hits especially in his mythical 1876 season where he hit over .500. As of June 1st, Barnes has totaled 8 hits total in 17 games.

Barnes was the epitome of grace on the field and his bat produced hit after hit sitting as the all time leader in hits, batting average, OBP, OPS, runs, and WAR. No star shined brighter in the baseball world then that of the incomparable Washington star. Some said he was much more famous then the tenant down the street at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

This season he seems like a complacent at the plate and cant seem to get anything right. He even lost the ability to chop the ball past the line for his customary hit as he finishes May with a .154 average and one RBI. Some are even calling for Barnes to be benched, all very embarrassing for the four time MVP.

Making matters worse of course is the play of the defending pennant winners who are 3-14 on the new season and already 11 games out of first place behind Boston. Keep in mind that the team has never finished under .500 and has been a stalwart in the division.

"This game will humble you quickly" says Barnes's wise teammate Deacon White. "I guess that's why we love it."

The summer still looms, we await to see if Barnes can resurrect his career or if the end has already begun.

Move Up Joe
Chicago Second Baseman Becoming Favorite



Things seem as they are suppose to be in the league again early this season as the Boston Red Caps and the Chicago White Stockings are on top of their leagues. Harry Wright has seen a big resurgence in Boston with the return of Al Spalding to form but in Chicago it is once again some youth that is bringing success to the club.

The National League has been a battle to the finish it seems every season since its existence and early indications are that the big four clubs will battle it out again this year. In Chicago, the complaint has never been talent, rather it has been motivation and team chemistry to push past the finish line when games matter the most.

Stars like Paul Hines, Cap Anson and Al Pratt are at it again but this season there seems to be a bit more fire in everyone's belly. It seems that there is an obvious new voice in the clubhouse and on the field that has made a difference.

Twenty three year old Joe Gerhardt was an afterthought when he joined the club three years ago and barely played. Last season however the Washington DC product got into all 96 games hitting .286 with 26 steals but it was his defense at the position that got everyone's attention as he won the gold glove at the position. This year Joe has really turned a corner keeping his stellar glove but not hitting .351 with 16 RBI in the middle of the stacked Chicago lineup.

There is much more to this Joe however, he is the loudest voice on the field and throughout the nine innings is motivating his team with chatter and enthusiasm. In fact the player has earned the nickname "move up Joe" because with runners on base, Gerhardt stands up on the bench and yells at his mates to move the runners along anyway possible.

The Whites have responded and the offense seems to be clicking again using a new philosophy known as the "sacrifice" that is getting an out to move along a runner on the basepath. Gerhardt is said to have a major influence on the new practice.

It is no surprise that the locals of the Chicago team at Lake Front Park love the enthusiasm and energy of a player that is also doing the job himself while on the field. Chicago is tops in runs and almost every offensive category so far in the league.

Move them up.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
June 1878
Edition 8.4



Midwestern Kid With A Smile
Not Your Average Joe; Blong Leads Grays



It has long been noted that the east coast is the hotbed of baseball talent and prowess. The biggest clubs and biggest stars come from famous cities like Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Boston. Even the immensely popular Chicago club has been known to scavenger its talent from the eastern seaboard.

Evolution of the game and the migration of the nations population however is changing that reality. As professional clubs are doing well in the middle of the nation young talent is coming along as well.

"We see the first wave of talent coming from the generation of when the pro game began" says Milwaukee manager Al Barker.

A fine example is 24 year old starting pitcher for the grays, Joe Blong. Blong was born and raised in St. Louis and was just 17 years old when the pro game began, he has since asserted himself and made it to the big stage. Not only has Blong made it to the big stage, he is quickly establishing himself as a star going 9-3 this season with a 1.47 ERA building on his breakout performance from last year when he went 22-9.

Blong always seems to have a smile on his face and is a big reason why the Milwaukee club has fit right into their new home and is sitting in second place with a 21-16 record. Blong has the perfect manners of a boy from rural America and his exploits on the diamond are sure to shoot even more interest into the region for the stars of tomorrow.

"I really love the thrill of it all" says Blong "playing in Wisconsin and has a local home town feeling that I dont think the big cities know anything about. I hope I finish my career here."

Former manager and long time star of the game Bob Ferguson has alot to say about his new teammate. "I have seen some good ones" he says, "Blong just may be the best of the picking."

Harry The Great Seems To Still Have It
Wright Leading Red Caps Charge To Pennant



No the game has not passed him by.

Two years removed from a championship and having to watch the Washington club dominate the league the past two seasons, 1878 is a completely different story for what is likely the most popular team in the game. The Red Caps of Boston has won 28 of 38 games to start the season and have built a 6.5 game lead going into July, 15.5 games ahead of those Nationals from Washington.

At the helm remains the great baseball mogul Harry Wright who continues to stick to his innovative style of play where team comes before stars. Wright loves the player like Ezra Sutton and John Peters who do anything and everything to win. Many though Wright would fade away and call it a career as he approaches his mid 40's but his passion for teaching and winning have not subsided.

He also remains loyal to the men who put it all on the line for him every season. His brother George has already vowed that he will never play for anyone else and then there is Al Spalding, who has come back to the team with vengeance and is an enormous reason why the club stans with the best record in the game.

No baseball brethren, the game does not pass by innovators like Harry Wright. Instead the game holds on to them as long as it can so that it continues to grow into a better more enjoyable game.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
July 1878
Edition 8.5



Master Of The Strikeout
Mitchell Of Providence Has Taken Pitching To A New Level

Bat to ball contact has always been the emphasis of the game ever since its inception. A swing and a miss by purest is seen as a weak point in the action and something that should be avoided to assure clean smooth play by both sides.

The new generation couldnt disagree more.

A swing and a miss and especially a strike out is a statement of superiority by the pitcher and the surest way to get an out or prevent runs with runners on base. The game was become ultra competitive and winning means everything, but even more then this is the sheer excitement and strength when you see a pitcher throw a hard pitch past a processional batter.

The Providence Grays have the best strikeout pitcher the game has seen yet. One might think we are talking about Frank Fleet who held most strikeout records going into this season, but the new name and arm is that of Bobby Mitchell who at only 22 years old is making batters look silly. Mitchell struck out a record 15 batters in one game, something no one thought could be done, against the Philadelphia Centennials on July 24th. Mitchell has already broken the single season record for strikeouts that was held by Fleet whiffing 185 batters with 2 months in the season left to play.



Mitchell has also amassed a 0.90 ERA and a 19-9 record with a 0.66 WHIP. Mitchell lost 30 games last season and it is a real wonder how he managed to lose nine as he has allowed only 25 earned runs all season. He has become a master on the mound and something that no one in the game has seen before.

"There are alot of great players throughout the land" says Grays manager Chris Davis, "but few can say that they have changed the game. This kid has done exactly that."

He seems a lock for 200 strikeouts this season, in comparison the alltime WAR leader at the position, Cherokee Fisher, struck out 270 in 2565 innings of work. Mitchell is striking out 6.7 batters per nine innings.

The Non Finishers
Chicago Loses Lead To Philadelphia Again

There must be something in the water in Chicago. The White Stockings and their fans seem to follow the same frustrating refrain year after year and this latest season appears no different. Six out of the last seven years the club has been competitive only to fade and finish second or third in the standings. They have never finished a season more then 9 games out of first and their overall record is a strong .564 winning percentage.

Again in 1878 Chicago seemed to be running away with things in the NL going 11-5 in May and sitting atop the league. The slow decline as expected came however and in July Chicago was 4-9 and watched the Philadelphia Whites once again fly past them. The Whites are looking for their unprecedented fourth straight pennant.

Al Pratt, Paul Hines, and maybe more then anyone Cap Anson have carried the burden of these seasons but will argue that the championship season 1873 makes up for everything. However the dynasty has been built in Philadelphia and Chicago could have a maybe should have been claiming that very distinction.

"The past is the past" says manager Charlie Pabor who has always tried to stay positive even within the disappointments. " we still plan on making 1878 our year."

Fans are more critical of course as in truth the only championship the club won wasnt even played in Chicago but rather in Baltimore.

"They just tend to choke when things matter the most." says one fan while another says "we need a few Lip Pikes on our team." A name of blasphemy in these parts.

Chicago now sits 3.5 games back.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
August 1878
Edition 8.6



Red Caps Chasing History
Boston Outfit Looks To Amass Most Wins In Season



Dominance is something that the city of Boston both expects and sustains better then most. This 1878 campaign has been something to really behold as the local Red Caps have won 53 games as of August 1st and lead the American League by 12.5 games. Celebrations for the pennant now are strictly a formality, but what has many writers, fans and experts analyzing is just how good this season is for the club, and if it is indeed the best we have ever seen.

It just seems like Harry Wright and his team are just a step ahead in every contest they play Whether it be strategy or timely defense, no one has been able to keep pace with their amazing 53-17 record. The real key to the club success has been their pitching. The Red Cap starters have a combined ERA of 1.70 and have allowed the least runs in the league at 191. Sam Weaver, maybe the most unappreciated arm around, is 21-4 with a 0.80 ERA while Mike Golden is 16-6 with a 1.81 ERA in 19 starts. They are supported by former league MVP Albert Spalding 13-6 with a 2.73 but still seems to be at his very best when the games matter the most. The genius of the three man rotation has been a game changer for this club and batters are facing a fresh man every single game.

The league record for wins in 64 set by this same franchise in 1875 while the best winning percentage ever was in 1874 at .700 by once again Boston. This club seems poised to shatter all of these marks and more but the club knows beating the National League in the World Series is what matters most. The Philadelphia Whites looked poised to win their 4 consecutive pennants and would set up a rematch of the 1875 fall classic which Boston won.

"We are not just a great team."says Spalding, "we are setting a standard for years to come.

New Iron Man Record
Fleet Throws 21 Innings In One Outing



Pitchers going the distance in a ball game is a normal practice and in many cases a matter of pride for the man who wants to start what he finishes. It always has been a moment of embarrassment for the pitcher when his manager comes and pulls him before the job is done.

However the task to complete can become more of a challenge when the game goes into extra innings. The starter is forced to bear down and throw much more then he was prepared to. Twelve, fourteen, even fifthteen innings starts can be seen on occasion. However what happened in Providence this month for starter Frank Fleet was a level no one had dreamed of.

The game between the Greys and Keonuk just kept on going with neither team or pitcher giving way. The game is the longest ever played on record and took 5 hours and 40 minutes. It is a good thing the game was played in August and enough sunlight was left to finish. Both pitchers kept matching each other until finally in the 17th inning John Greason had enough and was relieved. Fleet kept going, in fact he went 21 innings and threw 270 pitches and nearly had to be carried off the mound.

Providence finally won the game in the 22nd inning 5-4 and collected 20 hits in the process.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
September 1878
Edition 8.7



Chicago Surging Towards Pennant
Second Half Run Has Put Whites Even



The perennial club that has become known for letting leads in the standing wilt at the end of the season is writing a different script in this one. The Philadelphia Whites looked like a sure thing to raise their fourth pennant in a row in the middle of the summer, but the Chicago White Stockings seemed to have enough of their underachieving and put a run together to end the race up going into October.

Chicago played great ball going 21-10 over the past two months including an impressive mark at home with a season record of 30-13. The club has not won the pennant since 1873 and a team with as much talent as they have to have only a single pennant in their history is really a shame. Chicago so many times seems to be everything that Philadelphia is not, a team that cant win when it matters most and and a chemistry or leadership group that cant get the most out of its storied lineup.

Everyone at the city by the lake is hoping this year is different as enthusiasm continues to grow in the Windy City. Second baseman Joe Gerhardt is the latest Chicago star as the 23 year old is hitting .362 with 29 steals and 68 runs. Paul Hines is still only 23 but has 880 hits in his career and this season leads the league in RBI with 68. Dory Dean has won 18 games while Bill Stearns stays consistent with 16 wins. Chicago leads the National League in almost every offensive category with a 22.8 batting WAR and a .707 team OPS.

The October schedule is not an easy one as Chicago has to play the 60 win Red Caps three times while the Whites in Philly have only 5 games left all month, half of what Chicago will play. The two teams do not meet each other for the remainder of the season.

Paper writers and fortune tellers all feel that once again the stars will allign and the Philadelphia outfit will once again prove its mettle. However that is the beauty of the game, that the disappointing White Stockings have a chance to change the narrative and their legacy despite what everyone else thinks. Charlie Pabor's men have surely been playing like they believe this to be true.

King First To Introduce Fielding Glove
League Veteran Could Change Game For Better



Everyone stood to look and see exactly what was on Steve Kings hand as he took the field in Cincinnati. When a fly was hit to him however he soon showed everyone what the purpose was as he snagged a liner out of the air and did not give the customary grimace of pain a regular fielder would show.

Steve King in on to something. Few players in the game have come to be more respected then the 36 year old veteran and if anyone else had introduced something so unique they may have been laughed back to the dugout. King, who is haviing another impressive season as he is hitting .299 and seems to never be slowing down, no adds a dimension that the entire league is taking notice of.

It is a padded mitt that has some cushion to the hand when a hard hit ball impacts the fielder. Many thought such a glove would impede the ability to catch it but King has proven otherwise. Long have players looked for something to cushion the palm from the hard ball with some catchers even visiting the butcher shop for a slab of meat to protect them. It is obvious that King has spent some time creating his glove and now has it on full display despite the curious looks he has been given.

Rumor has it that the idea will spread and that some players are already working on their own covering. Still some of the older players are against the innovation and even go far as to say the young lads are just not tough enough to handle the game. In any event, one can be sure the interest of a certain Albert Spalding in Boston will be perked as the Boston pitcher already has a Sporting Goods business that specializes in baseball equipment innovation.

It is only natural that the game and its safety will evolve as competition gets better and the stakes get even higher. It is players like Steve King who are not afraid to take a risk, that really make the difference to change stubborn minds.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
October 1878
Edition 8.8




Pure Joy For Chicago!
City Wins First Pennant In One Game Playoff



The are finally over the hump as the Chicago White Stockings have won their first pennant in Chicago, overcoming years of close finishes and disappointing seasons. In the process the White knock off the three time defending National League pennant winners and defending world champions, as Philadelphia will have to settle for second best this season.

The two teams finished with identical records and it looked as if Chicago would throw it all away as they let a two game lead slide during the final week of the season. The tie in the standings set up a single game playoff to determine the pennant winner and the team with the right to play in the World Series.

The game itself was one of the most anticipated in the history of the game. Teams from the east coast to the midwest had fans everywhere trying to be a part of the encounter. Telegraphs ran out to Philadelphia as fans waited in the streets and drugstores from inning to inning scores coming out of Lake Front Park in Chicago. The game was tight and the drama its highest as Al Pratt and Jim Devlin batted it out into the late innings.

Chicago broke through in a big way scoring 6 runs in the 7th inning and soon the dream for Chicago fans would become a reality as they took the final tally of 7-3 as Pratt struck out six and Joe Gerhardt drove in two. The White Stockings lift the flag and Chicago will play host to its very first World Series.

"Everyone said we didnt have heart" said Chicago star Cap Anson, "Now we can tell everyone to wash their mouths out and watch us raise the flag."

Celebrations in the streets of the Windy City lasted for days, and now comes the privilege of the World Series where the champions from the American League await in the Boston Red Caps. The Red Caps won the most games in baseball history in 1878, and Chicago will have their work cut out for them if they are the culminate their success.

Its 200 Wins For Mathews
In Down Year Washington Veteran Sets Mark



He has almost 50 more wins then the closest other player in the games history and he has won his 200th game at the young age of 26. Bobby Mathews of the Washington Nationals truly made history setting the mark for wins even if it was overall a season he would love to forget.

Mathews for the first time struggled along with his Washington mates as the defending American League champions finished in last place and lost 66 games. Mathews himself went 13-30 and seem to lose his knack at finding a way to win no matter what the odds.

With a week remaining in the season however, the right hander from Baltimore knew that he was approaching the historical mark of 200. He and his mates bore down to make sure he would get it as he defeated the Boston Red Caps 5-2 in front of an appreciative crowd.

Surely Mathews has many more wins to go but at the same time there is little doubt that the winds of change are going to blow in Washington. In any case, his durability of over 3000 innings pitched has earned him the respect and the prestige and the 200 wins is something to be proud of.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
World Series Edition



The White Stockings Come Full Circle
Beleaguered City Gets Its Championship Reward

It was only a few years ago that the midwestern jewel of Chicago sat in ashes after the tragic fire of 1871. Baseball returned to the city to bring hope and recreation to a public that desperately needed it. Unfortunately the great club just could not deliver a championship as the ultimate reward. That is, until this season of 1878.

The White Stockings completed a storybook season defeating the 68 win mighty Boston Red Caps in seven games to take it all. The Whites really had to sweat it out as they won the first three games of the series only to see Boston fight back and win three in a row to tie it. In the final game Dory Dean lead Chicago to a win over Albert Spalding by the tight margin of 2-1 to settle matters. Chicago lived on the edge all season long, but when it mattered most and this team needed to find a way, they did exactly that and this year will go down in history.

The likes of Cap Anson, Paul Hines, and Charlie Pabor can finally breathe a sigh of relief and lose the moniker of loser or weak willed. These men are outstanding at their craft and even the very best team in the land could not deny them. It was Joe Gerhardt who earned the MVP honors for the series pushing his club on and hitting .444 at the plate. Boston manager Harry Wright tried to pull out all the stops to get his team the title, but even his genius proved to not be enough.

Chicago truly was a sea of celebration after the win and the men of this roster have in every way become beloved and cherished as the great city of Chicago has now come full circle.

[Nick Soulis]

1878 Awards

National League

Outstanding Pitcher



Most Valuable Player



American League

Outstanding Pitcher



Most Valuable Player



Rookie Of The Year



**Manager of the Year went to Boston's Harry Wright**

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
November 1878
Edition 8.9

Major League Shakeup
Baseball Departs From DC; Whites Returning Home

Just when many thought we had reached a state of stability in the national pastime, the offseason once again proves that nothing is for certain. After enduring their worst season in franchise history, the two time defending league champions out of Washington are leaving town.

Washington has seen some of its most iconic stars hear whistles and the team finished in the cellar of the American League with a 30-66 record. In the process the club disposed of one of the winningest and most respected managers in the game as Nick Young was sent packing with a 331-266 record. The team owner seemed to have been left with a very bitter taste over the past year and agreed to move the club all the way north to Syracuse.

Nick Young

The memories of three pennants and two world championships can not be diminished and it is truly a sad day to see baseball leave such a storied setting. It is definately worth seeing if past stars like Deacon White and Ross Barnes will be part of the clubs plans. There have been rumors that Barnes especially has no plans to accompany the club north.

In almost just as shocking a move, the Philadelphia Whites are no more. The Whites won four pennants and a championship in the city of brotherly love but found the setting a bit too crowded. With the Athletics and Centennials digging in for market share in the old city, this franchise decided to go back to their roots and return to where it all began in Troy New York. They were once known as the Haymakers but now will be known as Trojans in a city that will be happy to embrace them.

Truly amazing that two of the most established and successful franchises in the game up and changed cities in a blink of an eye, leaving fans scratching their heads.

Baseball has returned to Cleveland as the Milwaukee Greys had a very brief stay in Wisconsin and head east. Of course the franchise is also returning home to its roots where it started play as the Forest Citys. There have always been rumors that the club would eventually make it back to Ohio, and that is exactly where they will make their home with the club owner vowing he will never leave again. The club also made a move to help build excitement as the Blues dealt a few players to New York to get the services of 22 game winning pitcher Candy Cummings. Cummings is one of the most recognized and popular players in the league, and his departure from New York really is noteworthy.

Candy Cummings

In another very brief stint, the Louisville Grays didnt particularly like their home in Kentucky and especially didnt like the lack of money they were making. The Louisville club completely shocked the league by declaring their they will move to Buffalo for the upcoming season and will be known as the Bisons.

The league itself may need to take a closer look at the ability for owners to just up and leave a city when they get a better offer.

The shocking release of Nick Young as Washington manager had the league talking but he wasnt the only managerial casualty this offseason. The losing was just too much in St. Louis as the Brown Stockings parted ways with manager Jamari Arms. Following that same tune the Providence Grays let go of their skipper Chris Davis even though his team finished with a winning record for the first time.

Finally looking back on the season, Orator Schafer won the league batting title hitting .398 and Bobby Mitchell won the triple crown of pitching and struck out 309 men, a mark that many truly feel will never be broken.

The Amateur Draft is next month with the top prospect being George Gore, a 21 year old center fielder who can do it all. Syracuse, formally Washington, will have the first pick of the draft.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
December 1878
Edition 8.10

1878 Amateur Draft

Round 1
Round 1, Pick 1 - Syracuse Stars: SP Bill McGunnigle, age 23
Round 1, Pick 2 - St. Louis Brown Stockings: SP Harry Salisbury, age 23
Round 1, Pick 3 - Philadelphia Athletics: CF John O'Rourke, age 29
Round 1, Pick 4 - New York Mutuals: SP Curry Foley, age 22
Round 1, Pick 5 - Keokuk Westerns: SP Harry McCormick, age 23
Round 1, Pick 6 - Buffalo Bisons: CF George Gore, age 21
Round 1, Pick 7 - Providence Grays: SP Dan Brouthers, age 20
Round 1, Pick 8 - Boston Red Caps: SP Pat McManus, age 19
Round 1, Pick 9 - Cleveland Blues: 3B Hardy Richardson, age 23
Round 1, Pick 10 - Philadelphia Centennials: C Emil Gross, age 20
Round 1, Pick 11 - Cincinnati Reds: SP Blondie Purcell, age 24
Round 1, Pick 12 - Troy Trojans: SP Jim Tyng, age 22
Round 1, Pick 13 - Chicago White Stockings: CF Pete Hotaling, age 21
Round 1, Pick 14 - Cleveland Blues: SP Jack Neagle, age 20
Round 1, Pick 15 - Boston Red Caps: RP Lee Richmond, age 21

Number One Pick


Bill McGunnigle - SP
Syracuse Stars
Age 23
Hometown: Boston MA

Bright kid from Boston who has great movement on his throws and has already earned the nickname the Gunner for his work against semi pro teams. It is really the first time this franchise has invested in pitching and McGunnigle will team up with 200 game winner Bobby Mathews.

Anson Has Serious Accident
Injuries Could Have Ended Stars Career

Fresh off the celebration of his life, Cap Anson was riding high from a championship in October with his White Stocking mates. Late this month however, very close indeed to Christmas, Anson was found unconsiouis and disjointed by his wife at the bottom of the staircase on their ranch in Iowa. Anson took a fall in the early morning and had multiple injuries and broken bones.

The brunt of the fall was said to be taken by his shoulder and it was at the least dislocated. The star will spend multiple weeks in bed and his availability for the Whites opening day lineup is still in question.

No substantiation to the rumors that have many saying Anson was drinking when the accident took place. Doctors are saying he is indeed lucky he did not sustain a fatal head injury on the fall.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
February 1879
Edition 9.1

The Best Nine

Catcher - Jim O'Rourke - Cincinnati Reds



Catcher remains among the deepest and most talented positions in the game but it is still odd not to see Deacon White on top of this list. White and his mates however had a down year and the performance of O'Rourke who is the heart of the Reds club could not be overlooked. He drove in 58 runs with 27 doubles and a .307 average while being the motivator and engine of the club. For now it is O'Rourke who is top but look for young up and coming star King Kelly to challenge this spot next season.

First Base - Joe Start - Chicago White Stockings



The call him Old Reliable for a reason, Joe Start plays every day and never seems to miss a beat. Start hit .318 with 53 RBI for the championship club but even more it was his defense that made Chicago tough to beat as it seemed any ball hit up the him was contested. Start will enjoy this honor at 36 years of age and the resurrection of his career should be an inpiration of all who want to give up during a tough stretch. Start is a worthy champion indeed.

Second Base - Dick Hunt - Boston Red Caps

He has started 565 games in a row and might murder his manager if he was ever pulled; Hunt continues the trend of determined players who give maximum effort on this list. Hunt hit .350 with a 2.9 WAR the 31 year old isnt the fastest on his feet but his soft hands and great positioning make him a pitchers best friend. With the game on the line, Hunt is also the main man his club would want coming up. It is all blood, guts, and glory for Hunt.

Shortstop - Bill Craver - New York Mutuals



Craver has scored almost 500 runs in his career and had a career high in stolen bases with 39 all while hitting an even .300. Short stop has been a weaker position of late in the year but Craver has a good build and can make all the throws to help his team. Craver and his mates are doing their best to get New York back to their winning ways and the all around talents of a player like him obviously will go a long way.

Third Base - Bob Ferguson - Cleveland Blues



An MVP season for Ferguson who lead the league in runs scored and hit .359 with 10 triples. Everyone knows how good the defense has been over the years and his baseball IQ has always been excellent even as a former manager himself. The Brooklyn native has it all and will be proud to lead this team back to Cleveland where it all began. Ferguson has six gold gloves to his name and can do things no one else would dare to even try.

Left Field - Charley Jones - Buffalo Bisons



His nickname is still "Baby", the first to really be called by the moniker for his boyish handsome looks. Jones is much more than that as he hit .339 with 37 steals and an impressive 72 RBI. He also has the muscle hitting three home runs, and now 8 for his career. Buffalo may not know much about baseball yet, but Jones is sure to become their favorite player in short order. Fans also cant wait to see him team up with rookie George Gore in the outfield.

Center Field - Paul Hines - Chicago White Stockings



The joy of a championship cant really be matched by anything else; Hines however is still considered the best outfielder in the game. He lead the league in both home runs and RBI as well as his 6.5 WAR was best in the game. Still amazing that he is only 23 years old and truly may make a claim as the very best to ever do it before it is all said and done. He has scored 500 runs, drive in over 400 runs, and 897 hits to go along with his championship. It is in many ways amazing and baffling that he has never won an MVP.

Right Field - Orator Schafer - Cincinnati Reds



The lefty won the batting title this season and walked away with the MVP award. Schafer lead the game in doubles, Slugging, OBP, and OPS. He came one hit shy of hitting .400. His turnaround as a player has been amazing over the past two seasons and the star gives much of the credit to his popular teammate, Steve King. Schafer loves playing the game plain and simple and his the discipline to keep refining and improving on his talents.

Pitcher - Bobby Mitchell - Providence Greys



The game has so many great arms, but no one has revolutionized the game as much as Bobby Mitchell. Mitchell took the position to another level and introduced the talent of striking batters out as he tallied 309 of them last season. Mathews won the triple crown and threw for over 400 innings to earn a 13.3 WAR, telling you just how much better he was then everyone else. Mitchell is a hard nosed player that wont be seen with a smile but more of a scowl to let you know he means nothing but business on the field.

[Nick Soulis]

1879 Season Preview

American League

Boston Red Stockings
1878 Record: 68-28
Manager: Harry Wright
Predicted Finish: 6th

The most wins by any club in 1878, Harry Wright and the Red Caps still came one game short of the championship. Many critics feel that Boston can never repeat their success of last season and a number of people have them losing out on the pennant. The old reliables are back in Georghe Wright, Ezra Sutton, Al Spalding and Dick Hunt. New talent like starter Pat McManus will hope to make their own mark on a club that is always expected to win. There are very few things that can match baseball in Boston.

Cleveland Blues
1878 Record: 63-33
Manager: Al Barker
Predicted Finish: 2nd

Back to their roots, baseball is welcomed back home to Cleveland where the city never really got over losing a professional club. Winning 63 games last season, this roster looks as strong as ever. The young skills of Hardy Richardson will take center stage at third base and Wes Fisler along with Tom York make up a good outfield. Past his regular playing days is team legend Levi Meyerle who didnt seem to have anything last season. Meyerle will stay on the roster and support the team with a much more limited role. Joe Blong and George Zettlein make a good duo at the top of the rotation with Zettlein still showing great poise at 34 years old and coming off of 19 wins.

Philadelphia Athletics
1878 Record: 37-59
Manager: Asa Brainard
Predicted Finish: 5th

"Losing is a culture that we will not stand for anymore" said new manager Asa Brainard as the former pitcher was given the keys to the club starting in 1879. The days and methods of Dick McBride are finally passed and a fresh new approach hopes to revive the A's; the talent for one is there. Rookie John O'Rourke is ready to make his mark as a star in center field while Joe McDermott has already proven his stardom at first base with a 14.2 career WAR. Tricky Nichols is still capable as a starter even if he lost 21 games while Jim McCormick is coming off a 20 win season and the Scott has real promise at 22 years of age. Can Brainard really make the difference? There is optimism around this club that hasnt been seen since the pennant of 1872.

Syracuse Stars
1878 Record: 30-66 (6th)
Manager: Shamar Pate
Predicted Finish: 2nd

He has promised to come back like he was in his best days as Ross Barnes the 4time MVP and the former Washington club look for a new beginning. The club lost 66 games and their star hit around .190 but did hit over .300 over the last month of the season. A new manager with a dubious past, Shamar Pate, has the task of rebuilding and in their new setting the optimism does exist. Deacon White and Bobby Mathews can still play a big role but the new arm, Bill McGunnigle, is given the keys to become a leading pitcher in the American League. Look out for Frank McCarton to also have a big season as the 24 year old is primed to come into his own in centerfield. Will this group really turn things around in Syracuse?

Keokuk Westerns
1878 Record: 42-54 (3rd)
Manager: Nate Berkenstock
Predicted Finish: 3rd

King Kelly made a giant impression on this team and in the league last season hitting .318 with 59 runs scored. Kelly is a special talent and will move to the outfield this year. John Morrill and Sadie Houk make the infield a strong point and there should be genuine hope about the talent on the roster. Laurie Reis took a step back last year but is looking to regain the dominance and his hardware from two years ago. If rookie Harry McCormick can give a boost to the pitching staff, many feel that the Westerns could be an outside candidate club to lift the flag. Manager Nate Berkenstock is one of the brightest minds in the game.

St. Louis Brown Stockings
1878 Record: 36-60
Manager: Cortez Cachola
Predicted Finish: 4th

It may be hard to see, but the Brown Stockings do feel that they are making strides and are now ready for a winning season. New manager Cortez Cachola is someone not much is known about, but he seems to be quite the optimist heading to opening day. Harry Salisbury is yet another promising arm that could take off this year while John Ward looks for soome maturity in his second season at 19 years old. The lineup is of concern and the hope is that Jack Farrell who has been called "moose" will make an immediate impact on a lineup that needs it. Defense could also remain a concern for the club but the new manager has already planned to work the 'kinks' out. It may be important for this club especially to get off to a good start.

[Nick Soulis]

1879 Season Preview

National League

Chicago White Stockings
1878 Record: 59-38
Manager: Charlie Pabor
Predicted Finish: 1st

A season of destiny could not have been written any better for Charlie Pabor and his team. Facing the brink of elimination Chicago found a way to write a storybook finish. All the major players are back as Paul Hines, Ed Pinkham, and Joe Start will assure the Whites have amble opportunity to repeat. Some see the pitching slowing down with Al Pratt and Bill Stearns on the wrong side of 30, the major injury to Cap Anson that wont have him back until the summer is also of concern. Regardless, Chicago are brimming with confidence and are deep enough and experienced enough to be there again in the end.

Buffalo Bisons
1878 Record: 44-52
Manager: Bill Lennon
Predicted Finish: 6th

Many are clamoring that Charlie Jones is the best hitter in the league and the 28 year old should be well in his prime to try and make a great impression in Buffalo. George Gore looks to live up to the hype and greatly improve the club at the plate and with the glove. The Bisons pitching may be the thinnest in the league with only 2 starters on the roster and neither Fred Corey or Ed Stratton are considered world beaters. The ageless Cherokee Fisher will give it one more try, the 34 year old has thrown for over 2500 innings in his career. Manager Bill Lennon looks to notch his 300th win this upcoming season as one of the best game managers in any dugout.

New York Mutuals
1878 Record: 41-55
Manager: Joe Lemmens
Predicted Finish: 3rd

The Mutuals did not stand put after one of their most forgettable seasons on record. Gone is Candy Cummings via trade and in comes Irish rookie Curry Foley who has the Irish community abuzz in the Big Apple. John McMullin has turned 30 and his arm seems to be checking out, he will be used in spot duty this season. Cal McVey has already announced he is finished pitching and will concentrate only on hitting; a curious move when his club needs arms more then ever. Still everything else aside, the star of the club is rookie Ned Williamson who some are already saying he is the most talented player in the league. The Philadelphia native is a great athlete and is in the biggest stage with the most hype the game can offer.

Cincinnati Reds
1878 Record: 49-47
Manager: Jon Riker
Preseason Prediction: 2nd

Many would agree that the Reds are just about ready to make their push for a city that is as enthusiastic as any. Jim O'Rourke is the outspoken catcher with a world of talent who already has three gold gloves. Orator Schafer lead in all major slash lines and just missed out on .400. Steve King will be back for another year and provides a great veteran presence while Chick Fulmer handles the middle of the infield well. Will White is the team ace and finished with a 1.46 ERA and has earned the nickname Whoop la. There is also depth behind White with rookie Blondie Purcell quite intriguing. The Reds would seem to have everything that they need in what may be a special season at the Avenue Ground.

Troy Trojans
1878 Record: 58-39
Manager: Lip Pike
Preseason prediction: 4th

They missed their fourth straight pennant by a whisker and then the shockwave came that the club was leaving Philadelphia to go back to Troy. Lip Pike is still the leader on and off the field but the manager did say they he will relinquish his regular starting position to someone younger. Jimmy Wood and Gat Stires can produce as good as anyone, Stires is the alltime leader in home runs. The top pick for the team was Frank Hankinson who is said to have excellent control. Dick McBride joins the team discarded from Philadelphia as a veteran mind and will likely do some relief pitching. Cy Bentley also could see a reduced role but Tommy Bond has a 2.40 career ERA and will counted on; for the firs time in a while this club may be better on the pitching side then the hitting.

Philadelphia Centennials
1878 Record: 49-47
Manager: Lew Carl
Preseason prediction: 5th

Another fine catching prospect will debut as the starter for the Centennials in 21 year old Emil Gross. The club plays sound defense with Lew Brown at first and Pony Sager at short but when it comes to scoring runs this club still lacks in muscle. The Only Nolan had an exceptional season as the ace winning 20 games with a 1.72 ERA on the contrary Pud Galvin is the inconsistent righty who has a career mark of 62-102. With the Whites leaving town for Troy one would think the marketshare in Philly could be in favor for this club, but no one wants to follow a club that cant consistently win and play good baseball. Philadelphia is a difficult market to fool if the club isnt making noticeable progress and will not be all too happy at losing the best club the city had.

Providence Grays
1878 Record: 49-47
Manager: Alex Segura
Preseason prediction: 7th

Along with Williamson of New York, the buzz of the rookie crop is also focused on a big burly pitcher in Providence named Dan Brouthers. Brouthers throws hard and and at 20 years old will be fun too watch; it is also rumored that he can hit the skunk out of the ball. Despite the hype, this is a team coming off of 60 losses and looking for direction. On the mound are the strike out kings in Frank Fleet and Bobby Mitchell with Mitchell of course winning the triple crown. The lineup however is likely the worst in the league and hasnt gotten much better which will make any real turnaround very tough to expect. The pitching staff will however draw some real attention and entertainment in a city that is just happy to have a ballclub.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
April 1879
Edition 9.2



Welcome To The Big League
New York Starlet Finds Early Career Trying



Natural talent and confidence are two very good attributes to have to make good in any profession. Ned Williamson could outrun, out distance, or outthrow just about any man who challenged him and was brimming with confidence as a 20 year old out of Philadelphia. As he signed a deal to play in the biggest city in America for the Mutuals, before he even took the field many were saying he was a cant miss prospect.

In his first season New York manager Joe Lemmens decided to ease the kid in and try and down play the enormous expectations that surrounded him. In fact Williamson did not start in a single game but showed promise in 57 at bats hitting over .300. Surely as this year came around, Williamson was given the starting position and a chance to make all the predictions be prohetic.

This game however has a way to humble even the most proud. The first month of the 1879 season has nor exactly been a coming out party for the youngster. In 22 at bats thus far Williamson has three hits has struck out four times and only has one RBI. Add also some erratic play in the field and many are beginning to worry even as the club has lost 4 of six games.

Obviously it is still much much too early to make a judgement on the promising talent the kid has including two stolen bases already. But it has to be said that the once cocky youngster is now more grizzled faced and focused as the pressure begins to mount. One place you do not want to miss out on expectations is New York City.

"The game will humble you" said teammate Cal McVey, "I dont care who you think you are."

It being still early spring Williamson will have every chance to make good and odds are that he will. Still the reputation of the big league stands up tall for anyone who has never played in it.

Crowds Amass In Cleveland
New State Of The Art Baseball Field Opens



The most modern ballfield of any city or league can now be found off Lake Erie in Cleveland. The new crowned League Park is the perfect setting for a homecoming as the Blues returned back to the city that birthed them.

The park holds 10,000 spectators in the most modern and spread out bleachers with views that make fans feel like they are part of the action. For the 1879 season the Blues have built on their enthusiasm winning both games at the new park including shutting out the mighty Red Caps 4-0 in the opener.

Cleveland had real aspirations of taking the pennant this season and the roster is full of talent and promise. Short stop Ham Allen has become a fan favorite with his fine play in the infield but is also anchoring the offense thus far with a .458 average in the opening month. Joe Blong and veteran George Zettlein seemed to have their best stuff to start the year and are using the parks vast dimensions to their favor.

The park is a great testament to the advancement and popularity of the game as the pro league enters its 9th season. With another popular club in Cincinnati, Ohio has become a hotbed of excellent baseball.

For Cleveland however, they have never felt or looked better.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
May 1879
Edition 9.3



The Wealth Of The Game
Vagabond Troy Sits Richest Of Clubs



The origin of the National League comes from the immense popularity of the game itself and the National Pastime. The thirst of a league where the best would showcase their skills now has grown out of its infancy to a true entity and spectacle. Yet through it all the game is also a professional one and money is at the heart of running a club. No team can survive with out the budget and funds to sustain a team at this level. Owners are under more pressure then many would realize to turn a profit. After 8 seasons of the league, it is a good time to see where clubs stand in regard to their finances.

Many would automatically think that the big cities would be the richest and that teams like Boston and New York would bring in the most profit. Chicago of course really started with bad luck as the great fire put them in the red early. The obvious thinking however just isnt true, as in anything else in business, the most profitable entities are the ones that have a plan.

As of 1879 the richest club in the game are the Troy Trojans and owner Edward Lago. Lago started his club in the modest setting of Troy and chose a player manager to lead its team who was the perfect baseball man in Lip Pike. As the team had early success, the owner took the enormous risk of moving his club to Philadelphia where two other clubs also shared the baseball crazy citizens. The team signed a lease to play in the massive Jefferson Street Grounds and just kept on winning with a great core of players. A winning team is sure to win over the locals and the then Philadelphia Whites won 3 straight pennants including a championship.

Things seemed perfect for the club, but just when no one expected it, before the start of this season they moved back to Troy and build their own local stadium with a purse full of riches from their stay in Philly. The plan was a great one and the Troy team now is worth $18,704 dollars, over $3,000 more then the next richest team which are the St. Louis Brown Stockings.

On the other side of the spectrum, teams that have been struggling include the Cleveland Blues and the Philadelphia Athletics. The lowest value in the entire league belong to the Buffalo Bisons, who are now worth under $7,000. The Bisons were once the proud Brooklyn Atlantics but poor management have left them reeling and uncertain.

The highest payroll in the league belongs to Boston at $5,062 while Syracuse has the highest paid player in their star catcher Deacon White who is making $388 dollars a season.

The dollar side of baseball may not be something the average fan thinks of. But winning and the actual existence of your favorite club definitely depends on the decisions and direction of their owners and brain trust.

Gunner Brings Life To Stars
Syracuse On Top Of The AL Early

They had their worst season ever in 1878 and ended leaving Washington all together. Sometimes a new start is the best thing possible. The Stars of Syracuse as they are now known are 11-6 heading into the summer and the biggest reason for their success is their new young pitcher, Bill McGunnigle also known as Gunner.

In just 6 starts, the Gunner has won 4 of them and holds a 1.36 ERA. He has had the benefit of working with one of the best catchers to ever play the position in Deacon White but credit is also due to the young man so far. His control has been unbelievable as he has struck out 23 batters and walked only one in 53 innings.



"He can hit a mite sitting on a fence from 50 feet away" says Ross Barnes who has seen them all. As for Barnes he continues to try and turn his career around at the top of the lineup but is still hitting only .200.

Can the Stars sustain this success all season long? Everyone knows nothing at all is certain in the game of baseball, but there is little doubt that the team has found an ace and a true talent in the right arm of the one and only Gunner.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
June 1879
Edition 9.4



The Secret To Chicago Success
Uncle Al Is Glue That Keeps Whites Together



Everyone remembers that favorite uncle that they had as a child. The one that gave you refuge from your parents, let you eat ice cream and stay up late. In some ways it would seem that baseball clubs are also like little kids. In Chicago that have nicknamed a player who has been there since the club inception playing great ball, yet never seems to be recognized.

Al Pratt is a Pittsburgh native but in 1871 he received a call to play pro ball west off the shores of Lake Michigan. Pratt was 23 at the time and started 32 games for the club in their first season but lost 15 games and seemed overwhelmed. The uniqueness about Pratt was that he was adept at both pitching and hitting. He hit .317 in his first season despite his pitching struggles.

The sad story of the Great Chicago Fire soon followed and stories of how Pratt was an influential force in keeping the team together and close were spoken of. Pratt soon gained the respect of his mates for never complaining and being a great teammate for which he was soon dubbed as 'Uncle Al.'. Pratt kept doing his job on the field heling the club win a championship in 1873 with a 23-4 record. In 1875 he threw over 400 innings and through his career has won 164 games and a 35.3 pitching WAR.

Everyone knows the story of New York star Cal McVey who tried to excel both at the plate and on the mound. McVey won 75 games as a pitcher but ultimately saw the workload as too much and stopped pitching. Pratt on the other hand continues to achieve at bot hitting and throwing. Through the years Pratt is a .328 hitter with 282 RBI and 315 runs scored. He provides steady support for stars like Paul Hines and Ralph Ham putting aside any fatigue to help his team win.

Pratt won 18 games in the championship season last year and hit .320. Now at 31 years old he truly is living up to his moniker providing support for younger players to support manager Charlie Pabor. It is said that Pratt has also provided a great lift for Cap Anson who almost lost his life in an offseason accident and is still making the transition back to the field.

Chicago has earned its reputation as one of the very best franchises in the game with an alltime 368-270 record. Sure the club has talent and some of the best stars in the league, but maybe people should be noticing another factor in the popularity and success of the defending champions; a simple Uncles love who does his job not matter what the stakes or circumstances.

Hunt First To 1000 Hits
Boston Standout Has Also Played In Every Game Since 71

When one talks about determination, one may see the picture of Boston second baseman Dick Hunt in the process. Hunt has the incredible streak of playing in every single Red Stocking game since their franchise started in 1871. Hunt has now played in 603 consecutive games, avoiding injury and slumps, but being steady and reliable at one of the most demanding positions in the field.

Hunt reached the notable honor of being the first player in the league to reach 1000 hits. For a long time it looked as if sure bets were on Ross Barnes, Deacon White, or Levi Meyerle to get there first. However like a great long distance runner, Pratt kept plugging away and reached the milestone this month. He also has the highest batting average in league history hitting .372 in his 7 year career.

"When all is said and done, he may end up being the greatest hitter we have ever seen." says Boston manager Harry Wright.

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
July 1879
Edition 9.5



A Miserable Birthday
Wee Davy Ready To Walk Away From Game





Usually when ones turns the age of 30 there is a right of passage from youth to full maturity. It is an age of accomplishment where one has usually found his path in life and revels in it. Such is the case for everyone it would seem by a ballplayer.

Davy Force for the Buffalo Bisons turned 30 five days ago but the lines on his face make him look closer to 45. He takes his glove as if obligated to do so and keeps his head down as he roams the grass.

It was once that Force was considered among the brightest stars in the game and definitely the most admired as he made the most of his 5 foot 4, 130 pound frame. Force was at his height when his club played in Brooklyn and the name Atlantics carries respect throughout the league. He won a platinum stick award in 1873 as the best hitting 3rd baseman in the game and in 1876 was awarded the award for the best defensive third baseman. His height likely was the 1872 season, when he earned his nickname Wee Davy and hit .436.

Despite it all however, his club just couldn't find a way to win. The team moved from Brooklyn on sad day to Louisville and then eventually ended in Buffalo. The Bisons are the worst team in the game with a 16-39 record.

One could see that the fire has long gone out of the eyes of Force. The game has changed as better, more stronger, pitchers make life difficult for the small men of the game. Force only played in 10 games last season due to issues on and off the field and now the true cruelty of the game has struck him. Force has 23 hits on the season in 178 at bats and 55 games. He has struck out 30 times, has no triples, and is quite honestly going through the motions. His .284 OPS and .129 batting average say it all.

As July came to a close Force took a break from the game despite the high respect levels he has from his teammates. Force once held a 28 game hitting streak in 1872 and now can barely get 5 hits in a month. As other names like Barnes and Meyerle also struggle, there is no doubt the game that is being played now on the diamonds is not the same as it was in 1871. No one however has struggled more then Davy.

As commenters around the game including this one say, save some face Davy. Go home for goodness sake and rest a while.

Providence Turn Roster In Lost Season
The Greys Look To Future With Recent Trades

The Providence Greys sit 15 games out of first place and surely face another impotent end to a season. Providence is 170-268 in its 5 years of existence and it seems they have finally reach the conclusion that they have been going about this the wrong way.

The became the first team to really rely on the trade to shake things up and have done so smack in the middle of the season. The idea surely ws to get younger and rebuild for a better chance next year. The team first traded 35 year old short stop Jack McDonald to the Cincinnati Reds for two 24 year olds, George Creamer and Spike Brady. mcDonald had played 617 games for the franchise and was a career .258 hitter with 6 WAR.

The team then traded 31 year old ace pitcher Frank Fleet to the contending Syracuse Stars for short stop John Richmond and 23 year old talented starter Terry Larkin. This particular move turned alot of heads as Larkin is still considered a pitcher with a dynamic future. Of course as luck would have it, in his first start for Syracuse Fleet went ahead and threw a shutout; not the best publicity following the trade.

Still one has to give credit to the Greys who are not content to sit and try and hope for a change of fortunes. Write or wrong, the club is looking towards 1880 and beyond for success. Really what do they have to lose?

[Nick Soulis]

This Month In Baseball
August 1879
Edition 9.6



A Syracuse Redemption
Shamar Pate Finally Earning Respect As Manager

The definition of a great man often comes from how they react when things are at their worst and when it would seem the entire world is against them. For 5 season Shamar Pate was looked down upon both by the papers and the leaders of the game as a manager well in over his head.

Pate took the job last spring of the new manager of the Syracuse Stars. A team of veterans coming from Washington that had fallen from grace and were expected frankly to roll over and die. For Pate, his prior experience was platry at best coming from Brooklyn with 4 of 5 losing seasons including the worst record in league history going 13-47 in 1872. People wondered how Pate kept his job and even more how he earned getting a new job with the Stars when so many others seemed much more qualified.

But it was said that Syracuse owner Joe Vazquez was impressed at how the manager in his mid-fifties had handled losing with a positive perspective. Vazquez had mentioned He came in to our club like he had won championships in the past and not with a losing mindset. He took a group of veterans who many were in the same public position as he was, being asked to step aside from the game.

Pate refused to completely retool but built confidence back in his squad assuring them that they could win again. He stuck with the fading star of Ross Barnes and placed him at the top of his batting order with all the support in the world. He drafted Bill McGunnigle who has proven to be incredible securing 16 wins and a league best 1.31 ERA. Syracuse played for their own pride instead of trying to win for everyone else and lo and behold, the wins kept coming.

With the critics silenced now the Stars can dream of a pennant with a clear fought against the Cleveland club for the ultimate prize. However a lesson has been learned by all from this peculiar manager that refuses to quit can teach us alot about fighting through in life and not giving up. Shamar Tate loves the game and seems to be mastering it with simple philosophies like faith and relationships; this pennant race will be no different.




The Usual Recipe In the National League
Pennant Once Again Up For Grabs

Nary a season can go by where it would seem the National League pennant is up for grabs by multiple clubs. The 1879 season is no different with three teams heading to the finish line with only three games separating them. Two of the clubs are very familiar with the defending champion White Stockings from Chicago still at the front. The Whites has been leading the race for most of the season, but dont seem to be playing their best ball as September comes around.

The New York club is back in the mix and the Mutuals have brushed aside the customary criticism they seem to get every season. They won 15 games in July and 10 more in August as Bill Boyd and New Williamson are leading the resurgence in the middle of the lineup.

The newcomes to the race are the Cincinnati Reds who feel it is finally their time. The popular club looks to their first pennant with vigor and also have picked the perfect time to get hot going 15-4 in August. Jon Riker has done an outstanding job as manager and the former bench coach of the Mutuals knows something about finishing the job.

The three teams have excited the pulses of the nation from the Mississippi to the Atlantic shore. As seems to be always the case, September brings baseball excitement guaranteed from the National League.