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HITTERS BY POSITION - FIRST BASE
(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)
Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (1-35-.326-12) - Brouthers continues to be one of the league's best young players. Is expected to win his third award at the position - in fact, he's won it every year he's been in the league so far.
Tom Burns, Chicago White Stockings (2-36-.257-1) - This versatile infielder gives the Chicago club some jack-of-all-trades potential, even though he'll probably never be a star.
Ed Cogswell, Providence Grays (0-15-.250-2) - A solid, steady player, even though this club continues to try different combinations, some of which leave him on the bench.
Clipper Flynn, Worcester Ruby Legs (0-41-.258-0) - He's certainly no star, but he is a steady, reliable veteran. Since Worcester really needs to build from the ground up, he might be better as a role player on a contending team.
Jim Foran, Cleveland Blues (0-37-.263-5) - Foran is not the hitter he once was, but he's still a solid starter, especially for a team like Cleveland that doesn't give up many runs.
John Morrill, Boston Red Caps (2-25-.219-3) - After two consecutive terrible years, he's gone from "promising young player" to "most likely to be demoted." If Boston can replace him this offseason, they will.
Martin Powell, Detroit Wolverines (2-43-.273-0) - This rookie looks like he's got the potential to be a very solid hitter. Look for him to register in this year's Rookie of the Year voting.
Ecky Stearns, Buffalo Bisons (1-23-.219-4) - The 19-year-old Stearns made some progress this year, but ended up losing his starting job anyway to Ed Swartwood (.311), another talented young player. Swartwood's future is probably in the outfield, so we could be seeing Stearns back in a starting role next season.
And the best-hitting first baseman for 1881 is... DAN BROUTHERS OF THE TROY TROJANS. In his third season as a professional, Brouthers wins this award for the third time. Impressive.
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)
1881 - Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (1-35-.326-12)
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