July 1, 1877
The Boston Red Caps and St. Louis Brown Stockings are battling it out in what looks like it will be a very tight pennant race this season. John Storey and Fred Mannion continue to lead the Red Caps, while the Brown Stockings have given the ball to Jack Anderson, who’s been superb on the mound. Meanwhile, the Reds struggled in June amidst concern over the team’s future.
On June 18, the Cincinnati Reds disband after insufficient funds force the team to cancel their eastern road trip. Chicago quickly signs outfielder John Gano and infielder Tom Louque. Three days later, on June 21, Cincinnati stockholders move to reorganize the club. While the road trip will not happen, the team will resume play eventually. The Reds demand that Chicago return both Gano and Louque, which the White Stockings resist. On June 29, the team returns Louque to the Reds, but retains Gano.
Chicago’s efforts to improve their ballclub at Cincinnati’s expense didn’t pay off, as the White Stockings haven’t won a game since signing the two players away from the Reds. Louisville had a productive month, but Hartford is showing signs of trouble.
In Other News
Jun 7: The Cincinnati Reds take a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 9th inning in Chicago, however three consecutive 2-out singles give the White Stockings a 3-2 victory.
Jun 18: The first eight batters in St. Louis’ lineup all collect at least 2 hits as the Brown Stockings score 11 runs on 17 hits to defeat Hartford. On the same day, Boston also collects 17 hits in a 7-6 loss to Chicago.
Jun 25: A heavy windstorm causes severe damage to the pavilion at Cincinnati Base Ball Park, adding to the team’s financial woes.
Jun 29: Louque released back to the Reds.
Standings
Code:
W L PCT GB
Boston Red Caps 14 6 .700 -
St. Louis Brown Stockings 14 7 .667 .5
Cincinnati Reds 9 8 .529 3.5
Louisville Grays 10 12 .455 5.0
Chicago White Stockings 8 14 .364 7.0
Hartford Dark Blues 6 14 .300 8.0
League Leaders
Average
.386 Fred Mannion (BOS)
.360 Jim Linhart (HAR)
.355 Bob Polansky (STL)
Total Bases
45 Jim Linhart (HAR)
43 Bob Polansky (STL)
41 Dan Norman (STL)
Stolen Bases
7 Fred Mannion (BOS)
5 Sam Shokes (BOS)
5 Charlie Williams (HAR)
ERA
2.04 Jack Anderson (STL)
2.07 Bill Johnson (LOU)
2.14 John Storey (BOS)
Wins
11 Jack Anderson (STL)
11 John Storey (BOS)
7 Bill Johnson (LOU)
Strikeouts
40 Jack Anderson (STL)
33 John Storey (BOS)
26 Joe Bormann (CIN)