[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION

FIRST BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps* (1-35-.343-8) - He is generally recognized as the best hitter in professional base ball, yet he has still never played on a championship team. Will test the free agent market, as he was unhappy with Boston's attempts to resign him.

Steve Brady, Indianapolis Blues* (2-25-.239-2) - An adequate hitter, but certainly nothing to celebrate. If he is a starter in 1879, he'll have the league's expansion to thank.

Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds (0-27-.297-3) - He is a very respectable hitter, and was rewarded with a three-year contract extension with Cincinnati during the season. Possibly a little overpaid given the fact that he's a good, not a great, player.

Jim Foran, Milwaukee Grays* (0-35-.276-6) - His production declined again, and he hardly seems like the same player who was putting up MVH-type numbers in 1875. Could he be past his prime at age 29?

Tim Murnane, Providence Grays* (0-6-.209-1) - This was his chance to prove his .188-hitting season in 1876 was no fluke. Instead, he proved that he's not capable of being a starter on a regular basis. Providence will certainly be looking to upgrade this position.

Joe Start, Chicago White Stockings (0-30-.333-0) - Old Reliable had another excellent season for the pennant-winning White Stockings. Despite the fact that he is one of the league's oldest starters at nearly 36 years old, he continues to perform solidly.

And the best-hitting first baseman for 1878 is... CAP ANSON OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. This is five consecutive seasons for Anson, who will undoubtedly be the free agent prize this offseason.

First Base

1871 - Clipper Flynn, Troy Haymakers (0-20-.361-1)
1872 - Joe Start, New York Mutuals (1-51-.330-3)
1873 - Jim Foran, Philadelphia Whites (0-35-.400-7)
1874 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics (0-44-.400-9)
1875 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics (3-41-.417-14)
1876 - Cap Anson, Hartford Dark Blues (5-48-.383-6)
1877 - Cap Anson, Hartford Dark Blues (0-26-.375-8)
1878 - Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps (1-35-.343-8)