Quote:
Originally Posted by Syd Thrift
Did Ross Barnes rename himself Lipman Pike for a season? Because I swear I only see him on the leaderboards 8 times, not 9.
Actually, I always enjoy reading the end-of-year positional breakdowns. Those are a lot of fun. I guess I wouldn't feel the same way if I was Barney Gilligan, though.  |
Good point. Now let's see if there's something in this post that might help you figure out the answer.
These end-of-year reports are my favorite part of writing this up. I'm thinking I may also do some end-of-career ones for retirees who'd be HoF-eligible. And for Barney "Little Buddy" Gilligan.
HITTERS BY POSITION - SHORTSTOP
(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)
John Bass, Chicago White Stockings (1-43-.294-0) - He's on a multi-year contract that grossly overpays him, and was injured for more than half of 1878-79. However, he managed to come back and remind fans why Chicago paid so dearly for him in the first place. At 31, he's expected to still have some good years left.
Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues (1-22-.310-1) - He was just starting to look like one of the best young players in the league when he injured his shoulder in late June and was out until mid-September. Nevertheless, this slick fielder has a very bright future ahead of him.
Sadie Houck, Boston Red Caps (1-50-.278-1) - This 24-year-old showed significant improvement in his second season, and since he's also a very good fielder, he looks like he'll be a mainstay at short for Boston.
Arthur Irwin, Worcester Ruby Legs (1-36-.245-1) - A good-fielding, average-hitting shortstop. Since he's still got room to improve, Worcester is planning on sticking with him for the foreseeable future.
King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds* (1-36-.324-9) - In his third season, the 22-year-old Kelly blossomed into one of the National League's top hitters. He will certainly be the most sought-after of Cincinnati's position players.
Mike Moynahan, Buffalo Bisons (0-37-.270-0) - This 23-year-old rookie moved from the outfield to short when Jack Rowe went down with a season-ending injury. Unfortunately, he's not a great fielder at either position, although he looks like he'll be solid with the bat.
John Peters, Providence Grays (0-8-.187-0) - He ended up being a free agent disaster - although not a very foreseeable one, since he did an excellent job filling in last season for the injured John Bass in Chicago. Providence actually started five different players for at least ten games at short - Peters, Dickie Flowers (.191), Tom Carey (.227), George Wright (.122), and Bill Harbidge (.248). They are obviously still working on filling this hole.
Ned Williamson, Troy Trojans (1-23-.236-1) - Williamson moved over to short from third this season, although he's a little overmatched defensively. Troy likes his potential, although much of that potential is as yet unrealized.
And the award for best hitting shortstop of 1880 goes to... KING KELLY OF THE CINCINNATI REDS. Kelly won his first award - and observers are saying it may just be the first of many such awards.
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)
1879 - Tom Barlow, Troy Trojans (1-47-.294-11)
1880 - King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds (1-36-.324-9)