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Rookie of the Year Award - Nominees
George Derby, Detroit Wolverines - RHP (12-12, 2.29) - He wasn't a full-time starter for Detroit, but did a good job when they used him and seems to have strong potential for the future.
Buck Ewing, Troy Trojans - SS-2B (2-33-.286-0) - He played a few games in 1880, but is still considered a rookie. They aren't quite sure where to play him yet, as he's a little green at both infield positions, but he seems to be a very promising hitter.
Martin Powell, Detroit Wolverines - 1B (2-43-.273-0) - This 25-year-old gave the new club some stability in the infield.
Pop Smith, Detroit Wolverines - IF (0-30-.266-0) - They used him at shortstop, but Smith can play all of the infield positions quite skillfully, and turned out to be a solid hitter as well.
Ed Swartwood, Buffalo Bisons - 1B-OF (0-25-.311-0) - He didn't win his starting job until midway through the year, but did a fantastic job once he got the position. Look for him to be a mainstay for years to come.
And the 1881 Rookie of the Year is.... ED SWARTWOOD, in a very close vote, with George Derby as the runner-up and Buck Ewing in third. None of these players looked like superstars, but Swartwood's performance, even in 2/3 of a season, really stood out.
Rookie of the Year
1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy
1872 - Frank McCarton, Middletown
1873 - Jack Manning, Boston
1874 - Steve Brady, Hartford
1875 - Sam Weaver, Philadelphia (W)
1876 - Foghorn Bradley, Boston
1877 - Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati
1878 - Buttercup Dickerson, Cincinnati
1879 - Dan Brouthers, Troy
1880 - Larry Corcoran, Chicago
1881 - Ed Swartwood, Buffalo
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