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HITTERS BY POSITION - CENTER FIELD
(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)
"Hartford Jack" Farrell, Troy Trojans (0-32-.292-1) - In three seasons as a starter, he has gotten better each year. He will be expected to provide a solid complement to Brouthers and Connor next year.
George Gore, Chicago White Stockings (1-39-.290-0) - Gore looks like a fine young player, and he is helping Chicago make its transition to a new generation of players.
Ned Hanlon, Cleveland Blues (0-42-.285-0) - Another talented rookie in center field. While the National League seems short of corner outfielders, it appears to be full of young center fielders.
Pete Hotaling, Cincinnati Reds* (0-42-.276-0) - Hotaling is a fine young player, and there will probably be a number of teams interested in his services this offseason.
Frank McCarton, Providence Grays (0-22-.317-0) - Providence had exactly one .300 hitter, so naturally they flirted with taking him out of the lineup. Reportedly, he has lost patience with the poor management of the club and is just waiting for his contract to expire at the end of 1881.
John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps (3-52-.313-0) - Another good year for O'Rourke, who gives the Red Caps one more offensive weapon. An above-average defensive center fielder.
Hardy Richardson, Buffalo Bisons (0-16-.240-0) - Richardson is supposed to be a promising hitter, but he just hasn't lived up to his potential yet. He is, however, an excellent defender.
Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs (2-34-.268-9) - A very good young player, who provides the Ruby Legs with some small measure of hope for the future.
And the award for best center fielder of 1880 goes to... JOHN O'ROURKE OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. Both O'Rourke brothers are tops in their position this season - if only there were more ball playing brothers in the family.
Center Field
1871 - Tom York, Troy Haymakers (1-19-.369-0)
1872 - Dave Eggler, New York Mutuals (1-66-.372-20)
1873 - Count Sensenderfer, Philadelphia Athletics-Brooklyn Atlantics (3-38-.354-2)
1874 - George Hall, Philadelphia Athletics (2-49-.336-4)
1875 - Frank McCarton, New York Mutuals (1-48-.354-0)
1876 - Frank McCarton, New York Mutuals (1-38-.335-0)
1877 - Frank McCarton, St. Louis Brown Stockings (0-36-.371-0)
1878 - Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings (0-40-.250-2)
1879 - John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps (5-69-.298-1)
1880 - John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps (3-52-.313-0)
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