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Most Valuable Hitter - Nominees
Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps - 3B (1-45-.348-9) - His superficial numbers were down slightly, but this was a pitchers' year and he still flat-out dominated and helped lead his team to its second consecutive pennant. Previous winner in 1874, 1875 and 1879, and owner of a lifetime .380 (!!!) batting average.
Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps - 2B (2-64-.342-9) - He and Anson ended up with numbers that were very, very close to one another. Between the two of them, they've won the last three awards, and five of nine overall. This year is expected to be no exception. Previous winner in 1877 and 1878.
Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues - LF (1-51-.353-0) - He just keeps getting better, and by winning the batting title and leading the league in hits, he puts Boston's stars on notice that there's another contender for MVH awards.
King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds - SS (1-36-.324-9) - He has gotten better every year, and the scary thing is that he's still 22 and improving. The bidding war that his free agency should cause is going to be frightening.
John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps - CF (3-52-.313-0) - As good as his year was, many observers feel that he should be happy with the nomination, since he is probably the third-best hitter on his own team.
And the 1880 Most Valuable Hitter award goes to... CAP ANSON, in a razor-thin vote over his teammate Ross Barnes. This is Anson's fourth MVH award; no one else has more than two. Not surprisingly, Ross Barnes finished second in the voting, while Abner Dalrymple of Cleveland took third. These are the same three men who were in the top three in voting last season.
Most Valuable Hitter Awards
1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy
1872 - Cal McVey, Boston
1873 - Jim Foran, Philadelphia (W)
1874 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn
1875 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn
1876 - Levi Meyerle, Chicago
1877 - Ross Barnes, Louisville
1878 - Ross Barnes, Boston
1879 - Cap Anson, Boston
1880 - Cap Anson, Boston
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