Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

[OmahaBaseball]

With the 2022 season not turning out very well for my beloved Boston Red Sox team, I decided to fire up OOTP 22 (now using v25) and start a historical franchise. This franchise thread is designed to keep me motivated and on task with my league, as well as to help me to ignore the fact that the Mets and Yankees are dominating baseball right now.

I will create the league to start in 1896 and use a fantasy draft to fill the initial teams. The league will run for 5 years to help with player development and to get a deeper player pool. Once I get to the 1901 preseason, I will clear all team & player histories, stats, etc to start with a clean draft slate. I will take over the Boston Americans, acting as GM and Manager, though I'm sure I will need to rely upon my "bench" coach at times. Trading is set to hard, favor prospects, injuries off (just hate that part of the game/life), fatigue and trading set to low, and trading of draft picks allowed. The Owner will control the budget and can fire me if I do a lousy job. I tend to sim or watch the games, and generally do not interject myself into the outcome of the game.

While I do want to see success for the team, I am not inclined to make player edits simply to improve my chances. The first handful of posts are designed to set the foundation, and then will use a mix of game and weekly recaps, as well as general league and world news. While I don't expect to get many views, comments are always welcome. With that, welcome to Beantown!

[OmahaBaseball]

With the 1901 baseball season fast approaching, Boston Americans owner Kevin Kunz informed me that I need to achieve a winning season this year. Additionally, I need to improve my right fielder by 1902 (I guess he doesn't like Win Mercer), and make the playoffs by 1903. Will see how this goes.

[OmahaBaseball]

The 1901 preseason schedule is done! While not a guarantee to win the World Series, the 1st place finish for the Americans has created an air of optimism in Boston. Overall, the teams in both leagues are fairly even matched and I am expecting an exciting season of baseball.

[OmahaBaseball]

The American League season predictions are out and the experts really like the Boston Americans odds for making it to the World Series. While Boston is not stacked with power hitters, the team is expected to put the ball in play and use their speed to swipe bases. While hitting is always nice to have, the clear strength for the Americans is found in the arms of their top of the rotation aces of Noodles Hahn and Jesse Tannehill.

Looking at the other teams, I'm really looking forward to seeing how dominate Rube Wadell is this year (a true power pitcher), as well as the batting average race between Honus Wagner, Wee Willie Keeler, and Ed Delahanty. Lastly, the prediction model really does not like the chances for the White Sox this year -- might be a really tough season for the South Side ballclub.

[OmahaBaseball]

If the predictions for the National League come true, the Giants will make it to the World Series primarily via the arms of four (McGill, Winter, Griffith, and Taylor) of the top pitchers in the NL. While the Giants are slated as a middle of the pack hitting team, they have a very special player in Sam Crawford.

While the NL may lack slightly in the pitching department, it is clearly the power hitting league, led by the likes of Nap Lajoie, Buck Freeman, and Sam Mertes. Final note, keep an eye on John McGraw and his OBP. Can he top .500 for the season? This should be fun -- here we go!

[OmahaBaseball]

The regular season is about to begin and the top prospect list is out. Leading the way is Washington Senators ace Rube Waddell. The 24 year-old southpaw displayed elite stuff during spring training that simply baffled hitters. Several teams landed multiple players in the Top-10, including the Americans with #6 Noodles Hahn and #10 Frank Chance.

[OmahaBaseball]

In preparation of the start of the regular season, the Boston Americans bolstered its pitching depth by bringing in veteran hurler Cy Young in exchange for a package of players (Dick Padden, Danny Friend, and Ike Fisher) and draft picks (4th round, 7th round, and 12th round) to the Pirates after they had surprisingly placed the seasoned pitcher on the trading block. While local beat reporters were quick to question this move, the front office seems confident that Young still has something left in the tank. Time will tell...

[OmahaBaseball]

For the 1901 season, the Boston Americans will use a 4-man pitching rotation, led by Noodles Hahn. Expectations are high for the 21 year old lefthander, with several national publications viewing Hahn as a legitimate candidate for pitching awards. Rounding out the rotation are Cy Young, Jesse Tannehill, and Fred Klobedanz.

The bullpen is staffed by long reliever Effie Norton, middle relief Chummy Gray, Bob Lawson, Varney Anderson, Win Mercer, and stopper Al Orth.

While I won't override things now, I do find it interesting that the AI is using Mercer in a relief role, as well as the starting right fielder. Hoping this doesn't create any game issues.

[OmahaBaseball]

While the Boston Americans lineup likely will not strike fear in opposing teams, there is some talent in the ranks. If the ball takes the right bounce and the team plays smart ball, there is hope this lineup can put up a few runs to keep the pitching staff in the game:

C    Ossee Schrenkegost
1B   Frank Chance
2B   John Farrell
3B   Dave Brain
SS   Kid Elberfeld
LF   Fred Clake
CF   Bill Lange
RF   Win Mercer

[OmahaBaseball]

It's Opening Day and the Detroit Tigers squared off against the Boston Americans. The home fans were treated to a 4 to 2 win, with Noodles Hahn getting the complete game victory. The hype surrounding the matchup of top pitching prospects Doc White and Noodles Hahn was at max level, and the two pitchers did not disappoint. While White's (0-1) control was shaky (7 walks), he flashed moments of dominance. Not to be out done through was Hahn (1-0), who went the distance, allowing just 1 ER, 3 hits, and striking out 5, to get the win. Win Mercer led the way at the plate for the Americans, going 2 for 3 (Double) with 2 Runs and a Walk.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #1 / Career: #1)

[OmahaBaseball]

While the home team fans were hoping for a repeat of yesterday's victory, the Detroit Tigers jumped out to a first inning lead, tacked on 3 additional runs in the 4th inning, and cruised to a 4-1 win over the Boston Americans. Newly acquired pitcher Cy Young (0-1) took the mound for the Americans and while he didn't pitch poorly, he could not keep the opposing hitters off the bases. Win Mercer led the home team hitting, going 2-4 with a stolen base.

Player of the Game: Togie Pittinger

[OmahaBaseball]

What a game! Down by 1 run heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, the Americans scored two runs to take the lead. Given how well Jesse Tannehill (0-1) had pitched on the day, the hometown faithful believed that this one was in the bag. Unfortunately, things don't always turn out the way you want them to.

Behind an untimely walk and some clutch 2-out hitting, the Tigers roared back to take the lead, and ultimately the game. Getting the win (and player of the game honors) for Detroit was John Malarkey (1-0), with Doc White getting his 1st save of the year. In the loss, Boston hitters Fred Clarke and Kid Elberfeld each had 2 hits on the day.

Player of the Game: John Malarkey

[OmahaBaseball]

Just when I thought yesterday's finish couldn't be topped, today's game out did it! Down by a score of 4-2 heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, the Americans tied the score with 2 runs in the inning, and then got the walk-off win in the 9th when Bill Lange smashed a 2-out double to end the game.

Lange went 4-5 on the day (3 singles and 1 double), while Fred Clarke continued his hot start by adding a 2-3 day (single, triple, walk) to raise his batting average to .538 on the season. Hobe Ferris (3-4) and Candy LaChance (2-3) led the Detroit hitting attack in the losing effort.

Player of the Game: Bill Lange (Season: #1 / Career: #1)

[OmahaBaseball]

After a rather stressful stretch of back-to-back close games, it was actually nice to get a blowout game to watch, especially so when it was the Boston Americans who were the dominating team. Boston jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead over the Chicago White Sox and never looked back; cruising to a 13-0 shutout victory. Today's win moves the team to a 3-2 record on the young season, and into a 1st place tie in the American League.

Not only did Boston ace Noodles Hahn (2-0) toss a complete game shutout (impressive 4 hitter, with 8 K's and 87 Game Score), he also led Boston's 15 hit day by going 4 for 5 with a double, 2 triples, and 5 RBI. Following up his game winning hit from the day before, Bill Lange went 3 for 5 (3 singles) to raise his batting average to .450 on the season.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #2 / Career: #2)

[OmahaBaseball]

Several outstanding game performances over the last few days I wanted to spotlight: Chicago White Sox outfielder John Anderson became the first MLB batter to achieve a 5 hit day (3 singles, double, and HR), leading his team to a 17-4 route over the Philadelphia Athletics.

Cincinnati Reds young ace Jack Harper raised his record to 2-0 on the year, twirling a masterful 6-0 shutout of the Brooklyn Superbas. Harper allowed 6 hits, struck out 7 batters, and did not issue a walk.

Not to be outdone, Cleveland Blues veteran pitcher Kid Nichols kept the Milwaukee Brewers in check, tossing a shutout while giving up just 5 hits in the Blues 8-0 victory.

[OmahaBaseball]

Make that 3 in a row for Boston! While Chicago jumped out to an early lead, the Americans battled back to tie the score in the 6th inning and took the lead for good in the 8th inning.

Cy Young (1-1) picked up the complete game win; scattering 8 hits and allowing 1 earned run. Despite pitching a respectable game, Willie Sudhoff (1-1) was saddled with the loss due to the poor fielding of LF John Anderson (2 errors) and 3B Pat Dillard (1 error).

Each team had 8 hits on the day, with Boston led by Frank Chance (2 for 5, double with 2 runs) and Kid Elberfeld (2 for 4, 2 rbi). For Chicago, Mike Grady (3 for 4, triple, 2 runs) and Harry Bay (2 for 5) were the top hitters.

Player of the Game: Cy Young (Season: #1 / Career: #1)

[OmahaBaseball]

Watch Out, Boston is on a roll! The Americans topped the White Sox by a 4 to 2 score for their 4th consecutive win. Although he allowed 14 base runners (12 hits and 2 walks), Jesse Tannehill (1-1) limited the damage to 2 ER to pick up the complete game win. At the plate, Boston was led by Dave Brain (2 for 4, 1 rbi) and Frank Chance (2 for 4, 1 run).

Chicago pitcher Bill Phillips (1-1) took the loss, allowing 4 ER on 8 hits, 3 walks, and 1 hit batsman. The White Sox had a solid day at the plate, led by Hughie Jennings (3 for 5), Dummy Hoy (3 for 5, 1 run and 1 rbi), and Mike Grady (2 for 4, 1 rbi).

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #1 / Career: #1)

[OmahaBaseball]

The first week of the 1901 season is finished and the Boston Americans are off to a nice start. With a 5-2 record, Boston is currently tied with the Cleveland Blues for top spot in the American League. Leading the way in the National League standings, and the top overall power ranking, are the Boston Beaneaters whose 6-1 record is tops in baseball.

[OmahaBaseball]

With Week 1 wrapping up, the AL and NL Player of the Week awards were announced. Chicago White Sox catcher Mike Grady took home AL PofW honors by going 14 for 28 (.500 BA), 6 RBI, and 8 Runs. The NL PofW winner is Boston Beaneaters ace Pete Dowling who went 3-0 (2 CG) and a 0.95 ERA,

[OmahaBaseball]

The Boston Americans traveled to the City of Brotherly Love for the start of a 4 game series against the Philadelphia Athletics. Boston continued the hot streak, winning the first game by a score of 13 to 2. Boston smacked 15 hits on the day, led by Kid Elberfeld's 3 for 5 day (HR, 3B, 1B, 3 Runs, 5 RBIs) and Ossee Schreckengost (3 for 5, 1 Run, 2 RBIs). Towing the rubber for the Americans was Fred Klobedanz (2-0), who spun a complete game 4-hitter, allowing 2 runs (1 earned), striking out 6, and finishing with a 75 game score. Philadelphia shortstop Honus Wagner went 2 for 3 (2 Doubles) in the losing effort.

Player of the Game: Kid Elberfeld (Season: #1 / Career: #1)