[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - THIRD BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Steve Bellan, Cincinnati Reds (0-16-.247-6) - This solid veteran had a down year in 1878, but still signed a three-year contract extension with Cincinnati.

Jimmy Hallinan, Milwaukee Grays* (0-26-.250-2) - For most of his career, he's been a solid but unspectacular starting infielder, and this year was no exception. At age 29, he'll be a decent pickup for a team needing a cheap solution at third base.

Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (1-31-.323-5) - For three years he's been a star for the Chicago club, and for three years they've won the National League pennant. Coincidence? I think not. He signed a contract extension this year that will keep him in Chicago through 1882, when he will be 37 years old.

Ezra Sutton, Indianapolis Blues* (0-33-.232-0) - A good fielder, but he's a lifetime .233 hitter, so he may have some trouble finding a starting job in 1879.

Fred Warner, Providence Grays (0-18-.231-0) - He was basically an average player for Providence, which shows why Providence had so much trouble winning games this season.

Fred Waterman, Boston Red Caps* (0-27-.268-8) - Waterman was expected to be one of Boston's stars this year, but had a very disappointing season. As a result, they decided not to resign the 32-year-old for 1879.

And the award for best-hitting third baseman of 1878 goes to... LEVI MEYERLE OF THE CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS. This is Meyerle's third time winning the award, his second with Chicago.

Third Base

1871 - Levi Meyerle, Philadelphia Athletics (0-25-.400-3)
1872 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics (0-37-.434-11)
1873 - Fred Waterman, Brooklyn Atlantics (2-50-.323-10)
1874 - Fred Waterman, Brooklyn Atlantics (0-47-.366-7)
1875 - Fred Waterman, Brooklyn Atlantics (3-44-.330-7)
1876 - Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (2-53-.394-7)
1877 - Fred Waterman, Hartford Dark Blues (0-28-.325-11)
1878 - Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (1-31-.323-5)