[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - FIRST BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

National League

Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans* (4-55-.358-18) - What a prize he's going to be this offseason. Brouthers led the NL in nearly every offensive category this year, and he is only 24 years old. He is the heir apparent to Barnes and Anson as the NL's offensive star, and he'll be on the open market this offseason.

Lew Brown, Boston Red Caps (1-25-.319-0) - He's really more of a catcher than an infielder, but with Cal McVey behind the plate, they decided midway through the year to give him a shot at first base. He did an outstanding job in his trial and some observers suggest this contributed to the team being willing to let McVey go. He'll probably catch next year, which means the team will have a vacancy at this spot.

Ed Cogswell, Providence Grays (1-45-.267-0) - He was made into a true everyday player this year for the first time in his career, and did a solid job for Providence. Meanwhile, Fred Corey, the pitcher for whom he was traded, continues to do nothing in Boston.

Clipper Flynn, Worcester Ruby Legs* (0-32-.254-0) - This 33-year-old has been a reasonably good hitter for years now. He's a perfect stopgap, but is a long way from being a star. Still, expect him to draw some interest from teams who need a first baseman but can't afford Brouthers.

Jim Foran, Cleveland Blues* (2-42-.281-2) - This veteran became the fifth player to reach the 1,000-hit milestone this season, yet Cleveland has announced they simply haven't got the money to resign him. He'll be a good veteran pickup for some team.

Hugh Nicol, Chicago White Stockings (1-30-.212-20) - This young speedster simply isn't a good enough hitter to justify his constant inclusion in the team's lineup. Look for them to replace him if they can.

John Reilly, Detroit Wolverines (2-37-.283-30) - This 23-year-old's emergence as one of the NL's better first baseman was integral to Detroit's rise to a near-pennant this year. If he can sustain this level of production, he could be one of the bright stars of the 1880s.

Ecky Stearns, Buffalo Bisons (1-25-.137-7) - He was probably the worst position player in the entire league last year. Yeah, he's only 20 and still developing, but how long does this team want to give him? This is his third season as a black hole for Buffalo at first base.

American Association

Charlie Comiskey, St. Louis Brown Stockings (2-47-.287-18) - This talented 23-year-old not only was one of the best rookies in the AA, but also showed some real on-field leadership. He seems to have a very bright future in base ball.

John Glenn, Louisville Eclipse* (0-68-.284-1) - After four weak years with Providence, it looked like Glenn was just headed to Louisville to wind down his career. Instead, he had a record hitting streak and was one of the integral parts of a pennant-winning team. Surprisingly, he hasn't resigned with Louisville, so he'll see what kind of interest he draws this offseason.

Ralph Ham, Cincinnati Reds (0-36-.233-7) - Longtime journeyman Ham took his solid but unspectacular play to Cincinnati this season, the ninth professional team of his career.

Charlie Householder, Baltimore Orioles (2-61-.246-0) - This 28-year-old rookie did a solid job for the Baltimore club, and is expected to retain his starting job next season.

Chappy Lane, Pittsburgh Alleghenys (1-38-.201-0) - He wasn't the first baseman they would've liked, but he's all they had. Look for them to try to upgrade at this position in the offseason.

Jack O'Brien, Philadelphia Athletics (3-53-.282-0) - This young player was one of the few bright spots for last-place Philadelphia in 1882.

And the best-hitting first basemen for 1882 are... DAN BROUTHERS OF THE TROY TROJANS in the National League, and CHARLIE COMISKEY OF THE ST. LOUIS BROWN STOCKINGS in the American Association. This is Brouthers' fourth win in a row, while Comiskey, a rookie, gets his first award.

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)
1882 - NL - Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (4-55-.358-18) / AA - Charlie Comiskey, St. Louis Brown Stockings (2-47-.287-18)