July 1, 1872
The Athletics assert themselves with a 7-2 month that puts them atop the standings just ahead of the Red Stockings and Atlantics. At one point, Philadelphia won 5 games in a row, and their two losses came against the Mutuals and Forest Citys. Meanwhile, the Red Stockings and Haymakers continue to look strong, while the Mansfields struggle to restore some promise to their ever dwindling home crowds.
The league continues to struggle financially and in particular in the nations capitol. A month after the Olympics ended their season with a 5-4 record due to financial difficulty, the Nationals have folded their doors as well. The Nationals were 5-6 and 9th in the standings. Several ballclubs criticized the team’s presence in the NA to begin with. Since each team was responsible for scheduling their own games, the Nationals decision to close up shop comes after playing all of their games at home. With upcoming games scheduled on the road in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, the team left the league before having to travel on those expensive road trips.
Standings
Code:
W L PCT GB
Philadelphia Athletics 11 5 .688 -
Boston Red Stockings 11 8 .579 1.5
Brooklyn Atlantics 6 3 .667 1.5
Troy Haymakers 12 9 .571 1.5
New York Mutuals 11 10 .524 2.5
Washington Olympics 5 4 .556 2.5
Middletown Mansfields 7 7 .500 3.0
Cleveland Forest Citys 6 7 .462 3.5
Washington Nationals 5 6 .455 3.5
Brooklyn Eckfords 3 5 .375 4.0
Baltimore Canaries 6 19 .240 9.5
League Leaders
Average
.475 Billy Horace (ECK)
.462 John Arend (WSH)
.456 Joe Bonetti (CLE)
Total Bases
58 Bob Brose (TRO)
51 Bill Shew (BAL)
50 Joe Arthur (BOS)
Stolen Bases
9 Tom Hedgepeth (NY)
9 Jack Masterson (BAL)
7 John Nero (NY)
ERA
2.04 Charlie Champ (CLE)
2.39 Al Allen (TRO)
2.50 Jim Carlos (NY)
Wins
9 Jim Carlos (NY)
9 Pete Jackson (TRO)
8 Charlie Bickley (BOS), Joe Dimond (PHA)
Strikeouts
10 Joe Dimond (PHA)
10 Jake Lindsey (MID)
9 Jim Carlos (NY), Pete Jackson (TRO)