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Eckstein 4 Prez · 03-13-2008, 10:00 AM

HITTERS BY POSITION - SHORTSTOP

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings* (0-24-.311-1) - An interesting situation. Many observers felt that bringing John Bass in to replace Barlow at short at the start of 1877 was a mistake. However, Bass was hitting .380 through the first two months of the season, before he suffered a season-ending and career-threatening injury, from which he is not expected back until late 1879 at the earliest. Barlow stepped right in and performed excellently. However, with so much money committed to Bass, Chicago is letting the talented Barlow walk away this offseason. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

Jim Holdsworth, Indianapolis Blues* (0-18-.277-2) - He has now proved that he is a solid starting shortstop. Now he just needs his teams to stop disbanding around him - this is the third consecutive year this has happened to him.

King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds (0-19-.245-4) - This 20-year-old rookie did a decent job, but did not live up to his hype as one of base ball's better young players. Also, shortstop is not his best position (he is better as a catcher or outfielder), but it filled a need.

"Honest John" Morrill, Boston Red Caps (0-26-.302-0) - This talented 23-year-old moved from third base to shortstop, and did a solid job. Not a particularly good fielder at short, although his bat makes up for some of the difference.

John Richmond, Providence Grays (0-22-.193-0) - After several years as a utility player, this was his first starting job. It looks like it could also be his last. Simply not enough of a hitter to merit this much playing time.

George Wright, Milwaukee Grays* (0-25-.221-6) - Harry Wright's little brother seems washed up as a hitter, although he is still a solid defensive shortstop so he will probably continue to get jobs around the league for a few more years.

And the award for best hitting shortstop of 1878 goes to... TOM BARLOW OF THE CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS. Chicago probably had the two best shortstops in the league, and it turned out to be necessary due to Bass' injury. This is Barlow's fourth award.

Shortstop

1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers (4-38-.374-10)
1872 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers (0-29-.407-4)
1873 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics (1-40-.341-3)
1874 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics (2-59-.316-3)
1875 - John Peters, Chicago White Stockings (1-27-.274-2)
1876 - Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings (1-30-.381-5)
1877 - Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays (1-37-.390-8)
1878 - Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings (0-24-.311-1)

03-13-2008, 10:00 AM	#156 (permalink)
Eckstein 4 Prez Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The OC Posts: 5,148	HITTERS BY POSITION - SHORTSTOP (asterisked players will be free agents this offseason) Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings* (0-24-.311-1) - An interesting situation. Many observers felt that bringing John Bass in to replace Barlow at short at the start of 1877 was a mistake. However, Bass was hitting .380 through the first two months of the season, before he suffered a season-ending and career-threatening injury, from which he is not expected back until late 1879 at the earliest. Barlow stepped right in and performed excellently. However, with so much money committed to Bass, Chicago is letting the talented Barlow walk away this offseason. It will be interesting to see how this develops. Jim Holdsworth, Indianapolis Blues* (0-18-.277-2) - He has now proved that he is a solid starting shortstop. Now he just needs his teams to stop disbanding around him - this is the third consecutive year this has happened to him. King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds (0-19-.245-4) - This 20-year-old rookie did a decent job, but did not live up to his hype as one of base ball's better young players. Also, shortstop is not his best position (he is better as a catcher or outfielder), but it filled a need. "Honest John" Morrill, Boston Red Caps (0-26-.302-0) - This talented 23-year-old moved from third base to shortstop, and did a solid job. Not a particularly good fielder at short, although his bat makes up for some of the difference. John Richmond, Providence Grays (0-22-.193-0) - After several years as a utility player, this was his first starting job. It looks like it could also be his last. Simply not enough of a hitter to merit this much playing time. George Wright, Milwaukee Grays* (0-25-.221-6) - Harry Wright's little brother seems washed up as a hitter, although he is still a solid defensive shortstop so he will probably continue to get jobs around the league for a few more years. And the award for best hitting shortstop of 1878 goes to... TOM BARLOW OF THE CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS. Chicago probably had the two best shortstops in the league, and it turned out to be necessary due to Bass' injury. This is Barlow's fourth award. Shortstop 1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers (4-38-.374-10) 1872 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers (0-29-.407-4) 1873 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics (1-40-.341-3) 1874 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics (2-59-.316-3) 1875 - John Peters, Chicago White Stockings (1-27-.274-2) 1876 - Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings (1-30-.381-5) 1877 - Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays (1-37-.390-8) 1878 - Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings (0-24-.311-1) __________________ A New League Begins - an exploration of 19th century base ball.