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HITTERS BY POSITION - FIRST BASE
(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)
Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (0-47-.309-13) - He hit a rough patch down the stretch, but was still one of the best young hitters in the National League.
Ed Cogswell, Providence Grays (0-14-.241-0) - Although he wasn't great, this midseason acquisition proved to be a huge upgrade over washed-up vets Eggler (.135) and Brady (.194). One of the few bright spots for this downtrodden franchise.
Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds* (2-46-.251-1) - Although he's no star, Flynn will likely be targeted by teams with a hole at first base this offseason. At 31, he's probably still got a few good years left.
Jim Foran, Cleveland Blues (0-38-.277-8) - The solid-hitting Foran signed a two-year extension with Cleveland during the year, and will remain there at least through 1882.
Bill McClellan, Chicago White Stockings (0-25-.229-2) - With Joe Start pretty much washed up (.247 in 97 at-bats), Chicago turned to this 24-year-old to take over at first. He's more experienced as a second baseman, but it's his bat and not his glove that the White Stockings worry about at this point.
Everett Mills, Worcester Ruby Legs* (0-16-.199-0) - Showed pretty clearly that he's washed up. Worcester will be looking to replace him any way they can.
John Morrill, Boston Red Caps (1-24-.214-1) - He missed three weeks early in the season with a concussion, and never did recover his part form. A badly out of character season for this solid young player.
Ecky Stearns, Buffalo Bisons (1-32-.198-5) - Well, Buffalo wasn't really playing for the title this year anyway, but Stearns showed why teams don't usually give starting jobs to untested 18-year-olds. He's got some potential if Buffalo doesn't ruin him by playing him when he's clearly not ready.
And the best-hitting first baseman for 1880 is... DAN BROUTHERS OF THE TROY TROJANS. Brouthers becomes the first player other than Anson to twice win the award at first.
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)
1879 - Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (2-49-.320-13)
1880 - Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (0-47-.309-13)
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