[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - CATCHER

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Terry Connell, Chicago White Stockings (0-16-.214-0) - Hard to believe he's the starting catcher on a pennant-winning team. Chicago may well be looking to upgrade here this offseason.

Barney Gilligan, Cincinnati Reds (0-29-.260-1) - This 20-year-old rookie had a pretty solid season, and looks to have a pretty good major league career ahead of him.

Bill Harbidge, Hartford Dark Blues (0-28-.277-0) - Like Gedney, he slumped mightily in the late season, which was probably why Hartford fell so far in the standings.

Tim McGinley, Louisville Grays (1-27-.238-0) - A pretty good fielder behind the plate, but probably not a good enough hitter to have a long career as a starter.

Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (1-47-.326-7) - He's always a great hitter, and this season was no exception.

"Orator Jim" O'Rourke, New York Mutuals* (1-32-.374-3) - One of the best hitters in the league at any position, he will be one of the leading free agents this offseason.

Paddy Quinn, St. Louis Brown Stockings (0-41-.262-1) - He's been around professional base ball since its inception, sometimes as a starter, sometimes a backup. He's adequate, but nothing great.

Deacon White, Philadelphia Athletics* (0-42-.381-2) - Like O'Rourke, he will command a high price this offseason and should really help some team's pennant chances.

And the award for best catcher of 1876 goes to... JIM O'ROURKE OF THE NEW YORK MUTUALS. Very close voting in this one, as it could easily have gone to Deacon White. The two will likely battle for this award again next year - but with two different teams.

Catcher

1871 - Deacon White, Cleveland Forest Citys (0-28-.389-1)
1872 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Stockings (3-52-.405-18)
1873 - John Clapp, Baltimore Canaries (0-45-.345-4)
1874 - Jim O'Rourke, New York Mutuals (2-68-.365-3)
1875 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Stockings (1-79-.329-14)
1876 - Jim O'Rourke, New York Mutuals (1-32-.374-3)