Friday, January 1st, 1892, Brooklyn, NY:
The Brooklyn Bridegrooms are the champions of the National League. The Browns of St. Louis are the champions of the now-absorbed American Association. Which of these outstanding ballclubs is the favorite to win the 1892 National League Championship?
"The Brooklynites have to be given a slight edge," opines Chicago Colts manager Pop Lee. "The National League of 1891 was obviously superior to the Association, so it stands to reason that our best club is better than their best club." Bridegrooms star Charlie Shanafelt agrees. "Pshaw! Of course we're the best. Any fool can see that!"
Shanafelt's opinion is not shared by all. Cincinnati star Otto Bentz, who played for the Reds when the club was part of the Association and continues to play for them after their move into the National League is blunt: "The quality of play in the Association, for the most part, was as good as anything the League has to offer. The Browns are a good club and will acquit themselves quite well as part of the League." For his part, St. Louis star Ron Hulett shrugs it off. "Charlie's what you'd call outspoken," he says with a grin. "Me? I'll let my play do the talking."
Only time will tell, but for now the debate rages.
CHARLIE SHANAFELT, BROOKLYN STAR
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Friday, January 1st, 1892, Cincinnati, OH:
When you're considered to be the best pitcher to ever toss the old horsehide, you're entitled to a certain amount of eccentricity. For Cincinnati Reds chucker Thomas Goss, that may mean putting your golden arm into retirement long before your time. Goss, the beloved "Winter Goose" of the Queen City, shocked a visiting reporter at his home this winter when he said that 1892 may be the final campaign of his storied career.
"My arm aches something awful all through the winter," says Goss who insists on returning to his native Maine each offseason and braving the notorious winters there - winters he spends chopping firewood. "It keeps my arm strong," Goss insists before adding, "though maybe that's why my arm hurts in the winter."
Cincinnati rooters can only pray that Goss was joking. His 385 victories are the standard by which all other hurlers are measured. And at 31 years of age, it stands to reason that Goss' golden arm can hold up for a few more summers.
THOMAS "WINTER GOOSE" GOSS - THE PRIDE OF THE QUEEN CITY