Hurkman's Baseball-An Interactive Journey Throughout the Century

Hurkman · 12-13-2005, 09:22 PM

The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come.~Terence Mann, Field of Dreams

Yes baseball. America's sport, not only now, but well back before any of us were even born. It's survived everything, from wars, to gamblers and the greatest economic bust in the history of man. Yet, like the quote, it has always been there.
The premise here is quite simple; folllow the passage of Major League Baseball from 1901 until 2005. Along the way, we will be looking at some of the best prospects and current players that the game has to offer. We will see dynasties rise and fall, sudden ends to great careers, and rises to those who we never thought we'd see play. All the names; Cobb, Ruth, Dimaggio, Young, Williams, Musial, Foxx, Mantle, Mays, Aaron, and many more. Will they all be successes? Will the players you create surpass those names? Let's find out.

(I will start taking players in 1902, because I already started the 1901 season. So go and sign up!)

Hurkman · 12-14-2005, 09:50 PM

July 1, 1901

Through the first two and a half months of this young season, we have a tight race going for the championship of the American league. Baltimore and Boston are running neck and neck. Baltimore has the one-two punch of John McGraw and Mike Donlin, both of whom are knocking the cover off of the ball, as well as pitchers Joe McGinnity and Stan Yerkes making opposing batters look foolish. Boston has countered with hard hitting Buck Freeman, who leads the Junior Circut in home runs with an astounding 12! Of course, having a pitching staff that starts with Cy Young, now a 300 game winner and 14-1 on the season, as well as 11-2 youngster George Winter would help any teams' chances in the pennant hunt.

Code:

American League Standings 

Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec   Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 

Baltimore        39  20 .661  -    35-24     4     18-13  21-7   2-0   12-6  81  W1     6-4 
Boston (A)       38  21 .644  1.0  40-19    -2     19-8   19-13  2-2    9-8  -   L1     7-3 
Philadelphia (A) 37  22 .627  2.0  41-18    -4     19-9   18-13  1-3    2-12 -   L1     6-4 
Detroit          29  32 .475  11.0 30-31    -1     17-15  12-17  2-0    9-6  -   L2     6-4 
Milwaukee        27  34 .443  13.0 28-33    -1     16-13  11-21  1-1    8-8  -   W2     3-7 
Washington       24  35 .407  15.0 20-39     4     12-20  12-15  3-1    9-5  -   W1     5-5 
Chicago (A)      24  36 .400  15.5 23-37     1     14-18  10-18  3-3    7-6  -   W1     4-6 
Cleveland        22  40 .355  18.5 24-38    -2     11-18  11-22  1-5    8-13 -   L1     4-6

In the National League, it was business as usual for the favorite Pittsburgh Pirates. Led on offense by the Flying Dutchman, Honus Wagner, and anchored by a solid pitching staff featuring three double digit winners already, the Pirates have jumped out to a large lead over their rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies.

Code:

National League Standings 
 
Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec   Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 

Pittsburgh       44  20 .688  -    45-19    -1     16-8   28-12  7-2   13-10 72  W3     8-2 
Philadelphia (N) 38  25 .603  5.5  43-20    -5     23-15  15-10  2-5    8-8  -   L1     5-5 
St. Louis        37  27 .578  7.0  36-28     1     14-10  23-17  6-3   11-9  -   W2     7-3 
Brooklyn         35  28 .556  8.5  33-30     2     19-20  16-8   3-1    6-4  -   L2     4-6 
New York         33  31 .516  11.0 28-36     5     21-17  12-14  1-3   16-9  -   W4     6-4 
Cincinnati       31  37 .456  15.0 30-38     1     15-14  16-23  0-3    8-12 -   W1     6-4 
Chicago (N)      25  41 .379  20.0 25-41     0     12-16  13-25  3-5   14-15 -   L4     2-8 
Boston (N)       15  49 .234  29.0 16-48    -1      9-29   6-20  1-1    4-13 -   L3     2-8

Players of the Month
Due to the late start of the season, player of the month awards were not given out in April.

American League
May
Batter of the Month: John Anderson (MIL)-. 379, 5HR, 25 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Plank (PHA)- 62IP, 6-0, 1.45 ERA

June
Batter of the Month: Socks Seybold (PHA)- .402, 4HR, 21 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Cy Young (BSA)- 62IP, 7-0, 3.05 ERA

National League
May
Batter of the Month: Jimmy Sheckard (BRO)- .417, 2HR, 22 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Jesse Tannehill (PIT)- 62IP, 6-1, 0.87 ERA!

June
Batter of the Month: Ed Delahanty (PHN)- .430, 2HR, 14 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Doc Newton (CIN)- 58.2IP, 5-1, 1.53 ERA

Hurkman · 12-15-2005, 04:12 PM

October 7, 1901

After August, the winner of the American League was never in doubt. Both Boston and Philadelphia faltered down the stretch, allowing the Baltimore Orioles to clinch the title by 4 games over the Athletics. The success of the team, as well as star players Mike Donlin, Jimmy Williams, John McGraw and Joe McGinnity have led some to believe that a larger city, such as New York, may may trying to take them away from Baltimore.

Code:

American League Standings 

Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Baltimore        91  49 .650  -    88-52    3     43-27  48-22  6-4   27-16 *   W1     8-2 
Philadelphia (A) 87  53 .621  4.0  90-50   -3     46-24  41-29  2-8   17-23 -   L1     7-3 
Boston (A)       80  60 .571  11.0 83-57   -3     44-26  36-34  6-6   29-20 -   L2     5-5 
Detroit          73  67 .521  18.0 77-63   -4     36-34  37-33  8-2   22-15 -   L1     6-4 
Milwaukee        73  67 .521  18.0 72-68    1     41-29  32-38  7-1   20-23 -   W2     3-7 
Chicago (A)      60  80 .429  31.0 63-77   -3     31-39  29-41  8-6   18-25 -   W4     5-5 
Cleveland        48  92 .343  43.0 54-86   -6     26-44  22-48  3-9   18-28 -   W1     3-7 
Washington       48  92 .343  43.0 42-98    6     24-46  24-46  4-8   19-20 -   L4     3-7

The finish in the National League was much more of a surprise. The Pirates wilted under the hot summer rays, allowing the Philadelphia Phillies to clinch the National League title. The Pirates attempted to make up their deficit several times, but were always beaten back by the Phils. Ed Delahanty established himself as the leader on offense, hitting .326 with 14 home runs and over 100 RBI, while Al Orth was the clear ace, going 26-9 and winning key games down the stretch.

Code:

National League Standings 
 
Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Philadelphia (N) 92  48 .657  -    103-37  -11   42-28  50-20   7-7   20-19 *   W6     9-1 
Pittsburgh       84  56 .600  8.0  93-47   -9    39-31  45-25  12-6   26-23 -   W5     6-4 
St. Louis        81  59 .579  11.0 77-63    4    40-30  41-29   6-8   27-19 -   W1     6-4 
Brooklyn         73  67 .521  19.0 77-63   -4    36-34  37-33   4-6   17-21 -   L9     1-9 
Cincinnati       73  67 .521  19.0 76-64   -3    39-31  34-36   5-8   20-27 -   L1     5-5 
New York         66  74 .471  26.0 62-78    4    35-35  31-39   5-8   28-22 -   W1     6-4 
Boston (N)       48  92 .343  44.0 41-99    7    21-49  27-43   7-4   18-23 -   L1     6-4 
Chicago (N)      43  97 .307  49.0 36-104   7    26-44  17-53   6-5   22-24 -   L9     1-9

Players of the Month
No awards will be given out for the month of October, due to the season ending awards.

American League
July
Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .419, 5HR, 22RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Harry Howell (BAL)- 62IP, 5-1, 1.74 ERA

August
Batter of the Month: Jack McCarthy (CLE)- .413, 3HR, 25 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Bill Bernhard (PHA)- 63IP, 5-2, 2.00 ERA

September
Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .456, 4HR, 16 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Jack Cronin (DET)- 56IP, 5-1, 1.77 ERA

National League
July
Batter of the Month: Elmer Flick (PHN)- .388, 2HR, 22 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Bill Dinneen (BSN)- 63IP, 6-1, 1.71 ERA

August
Batter of the Month: Sam Crawford (CIN)- .391, 6HR, 23 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Al Orth (PHN)- 63IP, 7-0, 1.29 ERA

September
Batter of the Month: Jesse Burkett (StL)- .396, 4HR, 21 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Ed Murphy (StL)- 35.1IP, 4-0, 1.02 ERA

Hurkman · 12-16-2005, 04:48 PM

End of the Year Notes and Awards

With the end of this first full season of Major League Baseball, several awards for both leagues were handed out, starting with the Rookie of the Year awards.

Rookie of the Year
American League ROY: Eddie Plank, SP (PHA)-In what everyone agreed was a dominant performance the likes of which had not been seen by such a youngster, Eddie ruled the American League, going 29-6 with a 2.60 ERA in 335.2 Innings Pitched.

National League ROY: Jack Harper, SP (StL)-Harper was one of the bright spots on a young St. Louis squad that showed promise during the season. This past season, Harper went 21-6 with a 2.57 ERA, which was more than enough to earn this award.

Most Valuable Pitcher
American League MVP: Eddie Plank (PHA)-Plank's greatness was already discussed when he won the Rookie of the Year, and he continued an amazing first season with the Most Valuable Pitcher award in the American League.

National League MVP: Al Orth (PHN)-Orth was one of two reasons why the Phillies were able to move past the Pirates for control of the National League during the summer months. Orth led the squad with a 26-9 record, including a 2.31 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 331 innings.

Most Valuable Batter
American League MVB: Nap Lajoie, 2B (PHA)-Lajoie's incredible performance helped seal up the sweep of the major awards in the American League by the Athletics. Lajoie has become a nationally known figure after his amazing season where he hit .403 with 18 homeruns and 95 RBI.

National League MVB: Ed Delahanty, LF (PHN)-Ed is reason number two why the Phillies are champions of the National League. With his sweet stroke and awesome power, he is the cornerstone of the Phillies' offense. This past season, he hit .326 with 14 homeruns and 105 RBI.

There were also awards given out for outstanding fielding. These are known as the "Gold Glove Awards" because the players that earned them are said to have gloves of gold.

Gold Glove Winners
American League:
Pitcher: Tully Sparks (MLA)
Catcher: Ossee Schreckengost (BOS)
First Base: Burt Hart (BLA)
Second Base: Jimmy Williams (BLA)
Third Base: Bill Coughlin (WSH)
Shortstop: Freddy Parent (BOS)
Leftfield: Pop Foster (WSH)
Centerfield: Sam Mertes (CHA)
Rightfield: Socks Seybold (PHA)

National League:
Pitcher: Vic Willis (BSN)
Catcher: Ed Mcfarland (PHI)
First Base: Tom Mccreery (BRO)
Second Base: Joe Dolan (PHI)
Third Base: Harry Wolverton (PHI)
Shortstop: Bill Dahlen (BRO)
Leftfield: Fred Clarke (PIT)
Centerfield: Roy Thomas (PHI)
Rightfield: Patsy Donovan (SLN)

Other News

In other news around the league, the interleague rivalry between the Athletics and Phillies has nearly divided the city of Philadelphia. Both teams' success this season, both on the field and at the gate, have already gotten some people clamoring about a possible "Championship Series" between the two leagues. When and if this happens is still under consideration.

With only average play this season, the Milwaukee Brewers are in danger of moving their team to another city. Fan support was low, and rumors are circulating that St. Louis would be the front-runner to get the team, placing yet another American League team within the National League's borders.

Baltimore has fiercly denied the rumors that they will be losing their team to New York. However, despite the success, the Orioles were not a big draw this season, and New York is attempting to gain permission for a new stadium in an attempt to win the franchise over.

Hurkman · 12-16-2005, 05:32 PM

February 1, 1902

One full season is officially now past, and with the first ever amateur draft almost upon us, there have been some major shakeups in both leagues.

News

First and foremost, the Milwaukee Brewers are no more. They indeed did move to St. Louis, changing their colors and name to the Browns, and replacing old manager Hugh Duffy with Jimmy McAleer, the old Cleveland manager. While the new Browns are quite happy in their new city, there are those on the Cardinals that wished it never happened.

"It's hard enough to get loyal fans out here to the ballpark," said Cardinals manager Patsy Donovan. "Now we have to worry about players jumping to the Browns, and them stealing our fans! It just doesn't sit right with me."

Several other teams went through changes, though none as much as the Browns. The Boston Americans changed their name to the Somersets and Cleveland dropped the Blues and decided on Bronchos for their new name.

Rumors are still flying about the Orioles picking up shop and moving up to New York, despite what manager John McGraw has said.

"There's no way we would leave this city," he said. "While we do respect the city of New York, our home is here in Baltimore, and I can't see us moving in the near future."

Although this statement did calm the nerves of Orioles fans, they were again worried when they heard of a possible meeting between the mayor of New York, Seth Low and McGraw within the next week. What comes out of it will be reported as we get it.

Rookie Watch

With the first ever amateur draft no more than a month away, here is a preview of this year's top rookies that will be looking to make a major impact in Major League Baseball.

#1: Dieter "Big D" Kahle, CF
Make no mistake about it, this youngster is the real deal. Having turned just 20 years of age today, Dieter is already known for a sweet swing and superb glove. People are already comparing him to Ed Delahanty or Sam Crawford in terms of being able to hit the ball.

Current Ratings (Contact/Gap/Power/Eye/Avoid K): 40/50/31/46/16
Total Talent Ratings: 106/93/40/60/50

#2: Addie Joss, SP
What Kahle is for hitting, Joss is for pitching in this draft. Just a year older than Kahle, many believe that he is the most developed pitcher in this group, and would be able to help a struggling team right away. It is a tight debate on whether Kahle or Joss will be selected first.

Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 24/85/98
Total Talent Ratings: 20/87/98

#3: Jim St. Vrain, SP
While Joss is seen as the better pitcher, St. Vrain is quite capable of becoming a young ace as well. Even younger than Joss at only 18 years of age, St. Vrain is also seen as just about being ready for the major leagues. If a team were willing to take a large chance, they may opt for St. Vrain over Joss or Kahle, although it is highly unlikely.

Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 33/66/103
Total Talent Ratings: 32/70/103

Which one of these talented rookies will be taken first? Only time will tell.

Hurkman · 12-16-2005, 05:54 PM

Draft Results

The initial Major League rookie draft has come and gone, with very few surprises, save for the tope three selections. Surprising no one, the Chicago Orphans selected Dieter Kahle, and he is expected to start the year playing in center for the big club. The one surprise came at pick number 2, where the Washington Senators selected Jim St. Vrain, leaving Addie Joss to be scooped up by the Boston Beaneaters. The rest of the first round went as follows:

Chicago (N) pick: CF Dieter Kahle
Washington pick: P Jim St. Vrain
Boston (N) pick: P Addie Joss
Cleveland pick: P Bob Wicker
Chicago (A) pick: P Ham Iburg
New York pick: P Mike O'neill
Cincinnati pick: P Bob Ewing
Detroit pick: 2B Larry Schlafly
St. Louis (A) pick: P George Mullin
Brooklyn pick: P Alex Pearson
Boston (A) pick: P Carl Lundgren
St. Louis (N) pick: P Bob Rhoads
Pittsburgh pick: 2B Jack Morrissey
Philadelphia (A) pick: P Rube Kisinger
Baltimore pick: P Tom Walker
Philadelphia (N) pick: 2B Danny Murphy

Season Preview

With the draft now out of the way, it is almost time to begin the new season. In the American League, Baltimore will once again be the favorite to win the crown, although the Philadelphia Athletics should be right on their heels. The defending National League champion Phillies suffered a setback in early training, when shortstop Hughie Jennings went down with a severe leg injury. Although he was treated by the best doctors the team had, it was revealed that he will miss the entire season. Some of Jennings' fellow players suspect foul play.

"I bet it was those damn Athletics that did this," reigning Most Valuable Batter Ed Delahanty said. "They want to be the top team in this city? Well, now they're going to have to live with what they did."

Several National League teams, including the cross-state Pirates, are looking to take advantage of the injury and overtake the Phils for control of the Senior Circut.

metsgeek · 12-16-2005, 09:41 PM

Dieter's already starting in CF with those ratings?? Yeesh!

Hurkman · 12-16-2005, 09:49 PM

Yeah man, I don't know what to tell you. Chicago was about razor thin there to begin with, so imagine my shock when I checked their starting lineup, and sure enough, there he was. He's technically not starting against lefties, but he is on the big club.

Hurkman · 12-17-2005, 01:46 PM

July 1, 1902

The first two and a half months of the season are now in the books, and there have been some surprises in both leagues.

In the American League, the Orioles continue to hold the top spot, but it is not without a visitor. The Detroit Tigers, a team that barely finished above the .500 mark last season, have tied the Orioles for first place. The Tigers are getting excellent seasons from pitcher Ed Siever and batters Kid Elberfeld and Sport McAllister. If they can hold this momentum, the Orioles may be in some trouble. Last year's dark horse team, the Philadelphia Athletics, were hit with an injury to Eddie Plank earlier in the season and have yet to recover.

Code:

American League Standings 

Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Baltimore        35  26 .574  -    33-28    2     17-16  18-10  3-5   13-11 80  W1     7-3 
Detroit          35  26 .574  -    36-25   -1     16-15  19-11 11-2   12-10 80  L1     7-3 
St. Louis (A)    32  29 .525  3.0  33-28   -1     13-18  19-11  2-4   11-11 -   L1     4-6 
Chicago (A)      31  30 .508  4.0  28-33    3     17-14  14-16  2-3   12-7  -   W1     4-6 
Washington       30  31 .492  5.0  29-32    1     13-20  17-11  1-1    9-13 -   L1     5-5 
Philadelphia (A) 29  32 .475  6.0  31-30   -2     10-17  19-15  1-5   10-9  -   W1     6-4 
Cleveland        28  34 .452  7.5  27-35    1     13-19  15-15  3-4   11-9  -   W1     4-6 
Boston (A)       25  37 .403  10.5 29-33   -4      9-18  16-19  5-4   10-18 -   L1     3-7

The National League has many of the usual teams in competition for the league crown, but there is a surprise leader. The Cincinnati Reds, much like the Detroit Tigers in the American League, finished just above .500 last season, but are now atop the league. They have gotten excellent seasons from both Sam Crawford and Noodles Hahn, and with their youth, they could be a feared team for years to come. While the Phillies are in 2nd, reigning MVB Ed Delahanty is struggling mightily this year, hitting under .250. The rest of the team has picked up what Ed has not been able to do.

Code:

National League Standings 
 
Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Cincinnati       36  25 .590  -    35-26    1     21-14  15-11  2-1   12-12 77  W1     9-1 
Philadelphia (N) 36  28 .563  1.5  41-23   -5     19-11  17-17  2-3    6-14 -   L1     7-3 
Pittsburgh       35  29 .547  2.5  30-34    5     21-14  14-15  2-1   18-3  -   L1     5-5 
New York         35  30 .538  3.0  31-34    4     14-17  21-13  3-6   11-8  -   L3     3-7 
Chicago (N)      34  32 .515  4.5  35-31   -1     18-15  16-17  0-3   10-12 -   L1     6-4 
Brooklyn         32  32 .500  5.5  32-32    0     15-16  17-16  8-2   16-14 -   W3     5-5 
St. Louis (N)    26  39 .400 12.0  28-37   -2     13-20  13-19  2-2    6-12 -   W1     2-8 
Boston (N)       23  42 .354 15.0  24-41   -1     10-19  13-23  1-2    8-12 -   W1     5-5

Players of the Month
Again, due to the late start, no awards were given out for the month of April.

American League
May
Batter of the Month: Mike Donlin (BAL)- .424, 3HR, 22 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Harry Howell (BAL)- 71IP, 5-3, 1.27 ERA

June
Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .430, 2HR, 21 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Plank (PHA)- 62IP, 5-1, 1.45 ERA

National League
May
Batter of the Month: Ginger Beaumont (PIT)- .402, 0HR, 22 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Deacon Phillippe (PIT)- 71IP, 7-1, 2.41 ERA

June
Batter of the Month: Willie Keeler (BRO)- .438, 0HR, 14 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Doc Newton (CIN)- 62IP, 5-2, 1.45 ERA

Prospect Watch

Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Orphans

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year  G  AB  H  2B 3B HR RBI R  BB  HP SF K  SB CS AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams
 
1902  54 190 55 3  2  0  21  26 14  1  2  44 0  1 .289 .338 .326 .664  CHN 
Total 54 190 55 3  2  0  21  26 14  1  2  44 0  1 .289 .338 .326 .664

Dieter has struggled at times, but he still has been a consistant part of the Orphans' offense. They are two games above .500, and without him, they would be much worse.

Jim St. Vrain, SP-Washington Senators

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G  GS W L SV ERA  IP    HA  R  ER HR BB K  CG SHO WHIP  BABIP Teams 
1902  16 16 8 3 0  3.36 118.0 113 46 44 0  30 43 1  1   1.21 .276   WSH 
Total 16 16 8 3 0  3.36 118.0 113 46 44 0  30 43 1  1   1.21 .276

St. Vrain has become an instant ace in Washington, placing himself in the top three in both wins, ERA and strikeouts on the team. Although Washington is still struggling, he has been quite good.

Addie Joss, SP-Boston Beaneaters

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G  GS W L SV ERA  IP   HA R  ER HR BB K  CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1902  10 10 1 4 0  3.96 63.2 75 41 28 2  15 28 1  0   1.41 .323  BSN 
Total 10 10 1 4 0  3.96 63.2 75 41 28 2  15 28 1  0   1.41 .323

Joss has had many injuries in his rookie season, slowing his production and limiting his wins. The fact that the Beaneaters are in dead last doesn't help much, either.

metsgeek · 12-17-2005, 04:54 PM

Wow, I'm surprised Dieter is doing so well. Has there been any positive or negative talent development for him??

Hurkman · 12-17-2005, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metsgeek

Wow, I'm surprised Dieter is doing so well. Has there been any positive or negative talent development for him??

All positive, if they changed at all. I'm planning on showing it at the end of the season for all 3 guys that I profiled.

Hurkman · 12-17-2005, 08:04 PM

October 6, 1902

The American League winner was never in doubt the entire season, as the Baltimore Orioles moved ahead of the pack from July until the end of the season. The Tigers, who had started out so well, came unglued in the middle of August and were never able to recover. Baltimore's young star Mike Donlin led the team in batting average, homeruns and RBI to set the pace for their explosive offense.

Code:

American League Standings 

Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Baltimore        84  56 .600  -    87-53   -3     40-30  44-26  6-9   22-21 *   L3     4-6 
St. Louis (A)    71  69 .507  13.0 69-71    2     34-36  37-33  8-6   26-24 -   L2     5-5 
Cleveland        70  70 .500  14.0 64-76    6     37-33  33-37  7-8   28-20 -   W1     5-5 
Boston (A)       69  71 .493  15.0 75-65   -6     33-37  36-34  9-12  23-31 -   W4     7-3 
Detroit          69  71 .493  15.0 70-70   -1     32-38  37-33 13-6   23-26 -   L1     5-5 
Washington       68  72 .486  16.0 66-74    2     33-37  35-35  2-4   23-27 -   W3     7-3 
Philadelphia (A) 66  74 .471  18.0 68-72   -2     34-36  32-38  7-6   22-21 -   L8     2-8 
Chicago (A)      63  77 .450  21.0 59-81    4     34-36  29-41  6-7   22-19 -   W2     5-5

The National League crown was far more contested, as both the Phillies and Reds battled it out until the last day of the season. The Reds had a 7 game lead in August, but the Phils caught fire and the two traded first place throughout September and October. In the end, the Reds had a 1 game lead with two to play, and while the Phillies won their last two games, the Reds allowed themselves to be swept by the Pirates. Deacon Phillippe outdueled Noodles Hahn on the last day of the season, giving the Phils the title and sending the Reds to the locker room facing a chorus of jeers from their fans.

Code:

National League Standings 
 
Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Philadelphia (N) 82  58 .586  -    86-54   -4     42-28  40-30  6-8   20-24 *   W2     6-4 
Cincinnati       81  59 .579  1.0  78-62    3     41-29  40-30  5-5   28-27 -   L3     5-5 
Pittsburgh       79  61 .564  3.0  68-72    11    42-28  37-33 10-3   41-18 -   W3     8-2 
Brooklyn         77  63 .550  5.0  80-60   -3     40-30  37-33  9-3   30-24 -   W3     8-2 
Chicago (N)      72  68 .514 10.0  76-64   -4     34-36  38-32  4-5   19-32 -   W3     6-4 
New York         63  77 .450 19.0  61-79    2     27-43  36-34  6-11  22-19 -   L3     3-7 
Boston (N)       56  84 .400 26.0  55-85    1     28-42  28-42  3-9   23-26 -   L2     3-7 
St. Louis (N)    50  90 .357 32.0  55-85   -5     22-48  28-42  5-4   18-31 -   L3     2-8

Players of the Month

American League
July
Batter of the Month: Irv Waldron (SLA)- .413, 1HR, 24 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Ham Iburg (CHA)- 62IP, 6-1, 2.32 ERA

August
Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .385, 2HR, 17 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Jerry Nops (BAL)- 54IP, 6-0, 1.83 ERA

September
Batter of the Month: Jimmy Collins (BSA)- .373, 1HR, 20 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Joe McGinnity (BAL)- 52IP, 3-3, 1.04 ERA

National League
July
Batter of the Month: Honus Wagner (PIT)- .409, 1HR, 18 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Noodles Hahn (CIN)- 51.2IP, 6-0, 0.87 ERA

August
Batter of the Month: Danny Green (CHN)- .382, 0HR, 23 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Sam Leever (PIT)- 46IP, 4-1, 1.37 ERA

September
Batter of the Month: Jake Beckley (CIN)- .376, 0HR, 20 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Al Orth (PHN)- 72IP, 6-2, 2.88 ERA

Prospect Watch

Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Orphans

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year  G   AB  H   2B 3B HR RBI R  BB HP SF K  SB CS AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 

1902  113 406 110 8  2  1  39  51 30 2  4  94 3  3 .271 .321 .308 .629  CHN 
Total 113 406 110 8  2  1  39  51 30 2  4  94 3  3 .271 .321 .308 .629 

Starting Ratings: 40/50/31/46/16
Current Ratings: 43/54/31/46/31
		 +3 +4       +15

Dieter had a solid rookie season, hitting above .270 and driving in 39 on an Orphans team that finished above .500. He still needs to cut back on strikeouts and get on base more, but those will come with time.

Jim St. Vrain, SP-Washington Senators

Code:

Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G  GS W  L  SV ERA  IP    HA  R   ER  HR BB K   CG SHO WHIP  BABIP Teams 

1902  37 37 18 14 0  3.23 278.2 267 125 100 1  69 109 5  2   1.21 .281    WSH 
Total 37 37 18 14 0  3.23 278.2 267 125 100 1  69 109 5  2   1.21 .281 
 
Starting Ratings: 33/66/103
Current Ratings:  34/72/100
		  +1 +6 -3

While Washington had an up and down season, St. Vrain proved his worth at only 19 years of age. If he can keep up this solid pitching, the Senators will have an ace for quite some time.

Addie Joss, SP-Boston Beaneaters

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G  GS W  L  SV ERA  IP    HA  R  ER HR BB K  CG SHO WHIP  BABIP Teams 

1902  30 30 11 12 0  3.09 209.2 211 94 72 3  38 74 3  1   1.19 .282    BSN 
Total 30 30 11 12 0  3.09 209.2 211 94 72 3  38 74 3  1   1.19 .282

Starting Ratings: 24/85/98
Current Ratings:  23/83/96
		  -1 -2 -2

Joss had a season reflective of the Beaneaters; some promise, but in the end, nothing could work out. Addie was hit with injuries twice, and the lack of total run support and a team has already led to him grumbling about the chances of him staying happy in Boston.

Hurkman · 12-17-2005, 09:03 PM

End of the Year Awards and Notes

Rookie of the Year
American League ROY: Rube Kisinger, SP (PHA)- Rube had an excellent first season, although the rest of the Athletics were not nearly as good. He finished the season with an 18-11 record in 285.2 innings, a 2.61 ERA and 76 strikeouts.

National League ROY: Bob Ewing, SP (CIN)- While Ewing's win-loss record wasn't that impressive, he was still one of the main reasons why the Reds improved to finish second in the National League. This year, he went 15-17 in 313 innings with a 3.16 ERA and 118 strikeouts.

Most Valuable Pitcher
American League MVP: Harry Howell, SP (BAL)- Want a good reason why the Orioles are the best team in the American League two years in a row? We present to you Harry Howell. This season, Howell was the best in the league, going 22-12 with a 2.94 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 324 innings.

National League MVP: Noodles Hahn, SP (CIN)- Yes, Hahn did lose the deciding game at the end of the season, but without him, the Reds would have been at the bottom of the league, rather than fighting at the top. He pitched his way to a 27-10 record, featuring 147 strikeouts and a 2.59 ERA in 292 innings.

Most Valuable Batter
American League MVB: Nap Lajoie, 2B (PHA)- What else is there to say about Nap that hasn't already been said. He was about the only Athletic to perform up to the same level as last year, once again reaching .400 as a batting average. He hit .400 square on the nose, and hit 4 homeruns and drove in 81.

National League MVB: Elmer Flick, RF (PHN)- Where Ed Delahanty faltered this season, Elmer Flick stepped up for the Phils. He led the team to their amazing overtaking of the Reds in August and September and his .367 batting average, 2 homeruns and 62 RBI are more than deserving of the award this season.

Gold Glove Winners
American League Gold Glove Award Winners:
Pitcher: Case Patten (WSH)
Catcher: Bob Wood (CLE)
First Base: Jack Doyle (BOS)
Second Base: Jimmy Williams (BLA)
Third Base: Wid Conroy (SLA)
Shortstop: Kid Elberfeld (DET)
Leftfield: Matty Mcintyre (PHA)
Centerfield: Dave Fultz (PHA)
Rightfield: Fielder Jones (CHA)

National League Gold Glove Award Winners:
Pitcher: Vic Willis (BSN)
Catcher: John Warner (NYG)
First Base: Dan Mcgann (SLN)
Second Base: Pete Childs (SLN)
Third Base: Ed Gremminger (BRO)
Shortstop: Otto Williams (CHN)
Leftfield: John Dobbs (CIN)
Centerfield: Roy Thomas (PHI)
Rightfield: Elmer Smith (PIT)

Top 5 Leaderboard
TOP 5 in BATTING AVG :
.400 Nap Lajoie(PHA)
.371 Candy Lachance(CLE)
.367 Elmer Flick(PHI)
.362 Sam Crawford(CIN)
.358 Willie Keeler(BRO)

TOP 5 in HOMERUNS :
10 Erve Beck(CLE)
8 Mike Donlin(BLA)
7 Irv Waldron(MLA)
7 Jimmy Sheckard(BRO)
5 Bill Keister(BLA)

TOP 5 in RBI :
99 Mike Donlin(BLA)
95 Ginger Beaumont(PIT)
94 Willie Keeler(BRO)
94 Ed Delahanty(PHI)
93 Socks Seybold(PHA)

TOP 5 in ERA :
2.41 Doc Newton(CIN)
2.47 Joe Mcginnity(BLA)
2.52 Frank Kitson(BRO)
2.59 Noodles Hahn(CIN)
2.61 Rube Kisinger( PHA)

TOP 5 in WINS :
27 Noodles Hahn(CIN)
24 Deacon Phillippe(PIT)
22 Ed Siever(DET)
22 Harry Howell(BLA)
21 Al Orth(PHI)

TOP 5 in SAVES :
20 Bill Carrick(WSH)
13 Alex Pearson( BRO)
12 Bill Phillips(CIN)
12 Bill Cristall(CLE)
9 Dick Braggins(CLE)

Other News

Rumors are still flying about the Baltimore Orioles possible move to New York. Apparently, the initial meeting between New York mayor Seth Low and team manager John McGraw went well, and the two have met several more times since then. What this means remains to be seen, but the Oriole fans are becoming quite nervous.

The rivalries between several same city National and American League teams are starting to boil over. While the Browns succeeded in St. Louis this year, the Cardinals finished with the worst record in all of baseball. Patsy Donovan reportedly became so frustrated at one point that he threatened to drive the Browns out of "his city" himself. Team owners are meeting now to decide whether or not to actually hold a championship series between the league winners after the regular season.

In the same frame of mind, the Athletics are actually placing the blame on their poor season on the Phillies, saying that their rash of injuries were redemption for the injury to Hughie Jennings in early March. Neither team was willing to comment, but Athletics manager Connie Mack was not happy when he was asked about the situation, saying that the Phillies were "none of my concern."

Hurkman · 12-18-2005, 04:10 PM

February 1, 1903

News

The biggest news of this offseason was, of course, the move of the Baltimore Orioles to New York. Within a month and a half of the 1902 season coming to a close, the Orioles announced plans to move to New York, leaving the fans in Baltimore heartbroken.

What was surprising was that player/manager John McGraw was willing to step down as manager, allowing former White Sox manager Clark Griffith to step in and take control of the renamed Highlanders.

"I wanted to focus entirely on my baseball career right now," McGraw said. "Yes, managing is important, but winning games and getting the World Series is what really matters to me."

It remains to be seen when Baltimore will get another club, if ever, but the city certainly deserves a team.

The other major news is what was mentioned in McGraw's statement. Yes, the owners of both the American and National Leagues have reached an agreement to have the winners of both leagues compete in a championship series that will be known as the World Series. The series is a best of nine, and the winner will help settle the feuds between the respective leagues.

Rookie Watch

With the excellent play of the rookie crop from last season, here's a look at the prospects who will have those shoes to fill in the 1903 season.

#1: Clive "Beast" Woodstock, 1B/RF

Clive, or "Beast" as he likes to be called, is truely that. Coming in at 6"7 and weighing an impressive 260 pounds, Woodstock looks more suited for work out in the fields than playing 1st base. His defensive skills do need some work, but years of work at his family's farm have given him the ability to knock the cover off the ball. Not only that, he's been said to have the hitting abilities of Willie Keeler and Nap Lajoie. He is an imposing sight to see when he stands in the batters box.

Current Ratings (Contact/Gap/Power/Eye/Avoid K): 50/63/27/31/42
Total Talent Ratings: 90/40/110/85/70

#2: Chief Bender, SP

The young Chief is probably the best pitching prospect in the draft this season. He's already got the skills to compete on the big stage, and whomever is lucky enough to select him will certainly get a player that they can use for years to come. Being only 18 also shows that Bender will have time to improve and possibly become one of the best pitchers in the league.

Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 36/74/97
Total Talent Ratings: 40/73/97

#3: Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, SP

Brown is older than most (26) prospects in the draft, but he's got the abilities that will carry him for at least a decade in this league. Nicknamed "Three Finger" because of a childhood accident that left him with three fingers on his pitching hand, Brown now uses that disability to actually put greater movement on his pitches, making him more dangerous. His age is a concern, but he is ready to pitch for whomever drafts him.

Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 40/73/97
Total Talent Ratings: 36/74/97

Each of these three have the chance to place their names in the record book. Which ones will, and which will become the stories of yester year? Time will tell.

Hurkman · 12-19-2005, 02:57 PM

Draft Results

Once again, the first round of the amateur draft passed without much surprise, as the Cardinals made the obvious choice, selecting Clive Woodstock first overall. Although he is not fully prepared to play in the major leagues, the Cardinals have placed him in the starting lineup, playing rightfield. The Beaneaters added another young arm to their pitching staff, selecting Chief Bender second, and Mordechai Brown went third, to the Chicago White Sox.

St. Louis (N) pick: 1B Clive Woodstock
Boston (N) pick: P Chief Bender
Chicago (A) pick: P Mordecai Brown
New York (N) pick: P Fred Burchell
Philadelphia (A) pick: P Chappie Mcfarland
Washington pick: P Weldon Henley
Boston (A) pick: P Barney Wolfe
Detroit pick: P Ambrose Puttmann
Cleveland pick: P Gus Thompson
St. Louis (A) pick: P Oscar Jones
Chicago (N) pick: RF John Titus
Brooklyn pick: 2B Johnny Evers
Pittsburgh pick: P Jake Weimer
Cincinnati pick: P Norwood Gibson
Philadelphia (N) pick: LF Davy Jones
New York (A) pick: P Kaiser Wilhelm

Season Preview

The story in the American League is whether or not any team can actually catch the New York Highlanders. In their last two seasons as the Baltimore Orioles, no team has come within four games of them when the dust settled. This season looks to be more of the same, although if Philadelphia can rebound from it's dissappointing season last year, they may be able to surprise everyone and end up in the World Series.

The National League is far more competitive right now. There are at least three teams, in Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh that have an honest shot at the league crown. Philadelphia, of course, has the edge in experience, winning the last two titles. The Reds will try and put the horrible collapse of 1902 behind them while the Pirates look to try and add to their "dark horse" role that they played at the end of last year.

Prospect Watch

With another draft class now into the league, it's time to look at the featured player from last season's draft: Dieter Kahle.

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year  G   AB  H   2B 3B HR RBI R  BB HP SF K  SB CS AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 

1902  113 406 110 8  2  1  39  51 30 2  4  94 3  3 .271 .321 .308 .629  CHN 
Total 113 406 110 8  2  1  39  51 30 2  4  94 3  3 .271 .321 .308 .629

Current Ratings: 44/58/31/47/33

Kahle played very well last season for a 20 year old making his debut on the big stage. He will once again be starting for the newly renamed Chicago Cubs, and will have an even bigger burden this season as he attempts to prove that his early success was no fluke.

Hurkman · 12-19-2005, 09:07 PM

July 1, 1903

The race for the American League pennant has actually been quite exciting. The Tigers led for some time, then dropped back and allowed the Philadelphia Athletics, New York Highlanders and the surprising Boston Pilgrims to pass them in what has become a tight 4 team race. While the Athletics lead now, by the time the end of the season comes, it could be anyone's guess on who will finish on top.

Code:

American League Standings 

Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Philadelphia (A) 38  25 .603  -    39-24   -1     17-9   21-16  0-5   9-9   76  W2     5-5 
New York (A)     34  27 .557  3.0  36-25   -2     11-10  23-17  2-3   8-8   -   L1     7-3 
Boston (A)       36  29 .554  3.0  34-31    2     19-9   17-20  2-1  10-9   -   W2     2-8 
Detroit          35  30 .538  4.0  35-30    0     25-15  10-15  5-4  11-11  -   W3     9-1 
St. Louis (A)    31  33 .484  7.5  31-33    0     18-20  13-13  3-0  14-11  -   W1     7-3 
Cleveland        30  34 .469  8.5  30-34    0     20-18  10-16  3-5   7-12  -   L2     3-7 
Washington       26  35 .426 11.0  24-37    2     12-10  14-25  4-2  16-11  -   L4     2-8 
Chicago (A)      23  40 .365 15.0  23-40    0     16-24   7-16  4-3   6-10  -   L4     4-6

In another bit of shock, the National League has not nearly been as close as most thought it was going to be. While the Phillies and Pirates are head and shoulders above most of the other teams right now, the Cincinnati Reds seem to have not been able to recover from the shock of just missing out on the title last season. As it stands right now, it appears that Major League Baseball could be headed for an inter-city World Series to start this new tradition.

Code:

National League Standings 
 
Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Philadelphia (N) 45  22 .672  -    43-24    2     26-11  19-11  5-1   15-11 71  W4     8-2 
Pittsburgh       41  25 .621  3.5  41-25    0     20-8   21-17  5-3   12-8  -   W1     6-4 
Brooklyn         38  29 .567  7.0  37-30    1     19-17  19-12  2-2    9-9  -   L1     6-4 
Chicago (N)      31  37 .456 14.5  29-39    2     12-11  19-26  1-5   10-13 -   L2     3-7 
Boston (N)       30  37 .448 15.0  31-36   -1     18-25  12-12  2-3   11-9  -   L4     5-5 
Cincinnati       29  37 .439 15.5  28-38    1     13-17  16-20  2-3    9-12 -   W5     6-4 
New York (N)     28  39 .418 17.0  28-39    0     18-25  10-14  5-4   15-11 -   W2     6-4 
St. Louis (N)    25  41 .379 19.5  29-37   -4     12-15  13-26  2-3   10-18 -   L10    0-10

Players of the Month
While there were Pitcher of the Month award winners for April, no Batter of the Month awards were handed out.

American League
April
Pitcher of the Month: George Winter (BSA)- 27IP, 3-0, 1.67 ERA

May
Batter of the Month: Candy LaChance (CLE)- .398, 0HR, 19 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Earl Moore (CLE)- 54.2IP, 6-1, 2.30 ERA

June
Batter of the Month: John Anderson (SLA)- .389, 2HR, 21 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Plank (PHA)- 61IP, 6-0, 1.48 ERA

National League
April
Pitcher of Month: Rube Waddell (PIT)- 36IP, 2-0, 1.75 ERA

May
Batter of the Month: Willie Keeler (BRO)- .418, 0HR, 17 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Al Orth (PHN)- 53IP, 4-1, 1.19 ERA

June
Batter of the Month: Ed McFarland (PHN)- .378, 1HR, 19 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Al Orth (PHN)- 63IP, 6-1, 1.71 ERA

Prospect Watch

Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Cubs

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
  
Year  G   AB  H   2B 3B HR RBI R  BB HP SF K   SB CS AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 

1902  113 406 110  8 2  1  39  51 30 2  4   94 3  3 .271 .321 .308 .629  CHN 
1903   44 134  38  7 2  3  18  18 19 1  2   33 3  0 .284 .372 .433 .805  CHN 
Total 157 540 148 15 4  4  57  69 49 3  6  127 6  3 .274 .334 .339 .673

Starting Ratings: 44/58/31/47/33
Current Ratings:  47/66/31/49/33
		  +3 +8    +2

Dieter has been solid so far this season, adding a little pop to his already growing hitting abilities. He has yet to make a single error in the outfield, and while the Cubs aren't exactly the top of the National League, with Kahle's help, they may get there soon enough.

Clive Woodstock, 1B/RF-St. Louis Cardinals

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year  G  AB  H  2B 3B HR RBI R  BB HP SF K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 

1903  66 246 64 15  0  2 27  30 18  6  2 55 2  1 .260 .324 .346 .669  SLN 
Total 66 246 64 15  0  2 27  30 18  6  2 55 2  1 .260 .324 .346 .669 

Starting Ratings: 50/63/27/31/42
Current Ratings:  55/59/27/32/46
		  +5 -4    +1 +4

Clive, who started the season very well, has tailed off of late. He's said to some people that it may be due to the fact that St. Louis is currently on a 10 game losing streak. The Cardinals, who are again in last place, are hoping to be able to make their young star happier in these tough times.

Chief Bender, SP-Boston Beaneaters

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G  GS W L SV ERA  IP    HA  R  ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 

1903  19 19 7 6 0  3.52 130.1 138 60 51  1 28 68 2   1 1.27 .305   BSN 
Total 19 19 7 6 0  3.52 130.1 138 60 51  1 28 68 2   1 1.27 .305 
 
Starting Ratings: 36/74/97
Current Ratings:  38/73/97
		  +2 -1

The Beaneaters are again struggling, but Chief is doing all that he can. Some more run support, as well as some help in the pitching staff, would certainly improve his record.

Mordecai Brown, SP-Chicago White Sox

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G  GS  W L SV ERA  IP    HA  R  ER HR BB K  CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 

1903  17 17  6 9  0 2.81 141.0 159 60 44  0 26 65 15   1 1.31 .325   CHA 
Total 17 17  6 9  0 2.81 141.0 159 60 44  0 26 65 15   1 1.31 .325 

Starting Ratings: 40/73/97
Current Ratings:  25/77/97
		 -15 +4

While Brown's numbers have not been overwhelming, very little about Chicago has been. They are currently the worst team in all of baseball, and at least Brown has shown the endurance to go the distance in almost all of his games, throwing 15 complete games in 17 starts. He will get better with the team.

Hurkman · 12-21-2005, 09:51 PM

October 2, 1903

The regular season is over, and the first ever World Series is set and ready to begin! While both leagues have sent their best, one of the teams leading at the start of July slipped and denied us the chance to see both Philadelphia teams battle for the first ever World Championship.

The American League saw the return to the top of its old owner. The New York Highlanders came roaring back in the second half of the season, easily passing the Philadelphia Athletics and moving into first place by mid-August. After holding off a late Athletic charge, the Highlanders took their spot in the first World Series.

Code:

American League Standings 

Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
New York (A)     87  53 .621  -    87-53    0     42-28  45-25  5-5   29-19 *   W1     5-5 
Philadelphia (A) 82  58 .586  5.0  81-59    1     46-24  36-34  1-7   21-18 -   W4     6-4 
St. Louis (A)    74  66 .529 13.0  71-69    3     36-34  38-32  8-5   30-26 -   W1     8-2 
Detroit          72  68 .514 15.0  72-68    0     43-27  29-41  9-6   21-25 -   L1     6-4 
Cleveland        65  75 .464 22.0  65-75    0     37-33  28-42 11-6   22-27 -   L3     2-8 
Washington       63  77 .450 24.0  62-78    1     37-33  26-44  5-7   29-23 -   W1     4-6 
Boston (A)       60  80 .429 27.0  61-79   -1     35-35  25-45  3-6   18-26 -   L1     2-8 
Chicago (A)      57  83 .407 30.0  57-83    0     33-37  24-46  7-7   19-25 -   L1     7-3

In the National League, the Phillies withstood a valiant effort from the Pittsburgh Pirates as well as the Brooklyn Superbas throughout July and August before pulling away and clinching their third straight league crown. Elmer Flick had another solid season, and with 3 twenty game winners on their pitching staff, they will be hard to beat in any series.

Code:

National League Standings 
 
Team             W   L   PCT  GB   Pyt.Rec  Diff  Home   Away   XInn  1Run  M#  Streak Last10 
Philadelphia (N) 88  52 .629  -    90-50   -2     47-23  41-29  8-2   27-18 *   W2     7-3 
Pittsburgh       82  58 .586  6.0  81-59    1     45-25  37-33 12-7   26-22 -   L1     7-3 
Brooklyn         73  67 .521 15.0  72-68    1     37-33  36-34  6-6   21-24 -   L1     3-7 
Chicago (N)      70  70 .500 18.0  62-78    8     36-34  34-36  5-7   24-20 -   W1     4-6 
Boston (N)       65  75 .464 23.0  66-74   -1     33-37  32-38  7-5   27-25 -   W3     6-4 
New York (N)     65  75 .464 23.0  64-76    1     33-37  32-38  8-9   31-25 -   W1     6-4 
Cincinnati       62  78 .443 26.0  67-73   -5     32-38  30-40  5-12  20-33 -   L4     1-9 
St. Louis (N)    55  85 .393 33.0  58-82   -3     32-38  23-47  5-8   22-31 -   L2     6-4

Players of the Month

American League
July
Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .356, 3HR, 19 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Frank Owen (DET)- 63IP, 5-0, 1.71 ERA

August
Batter of the Month: Buck Freeman (BSA)- .382, 1HR, 24 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Jack Bracken (CLE)- 56.1IP, 5-1, 1.92 ERA

September
Batter of the Month: Erve Beck (CLE)- .419, 0HR, 18 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Rube Kisinger (PHA)- 28.1IP, 2-1, 0.95 ERA

National League
July
Batter of the Month: Fred Clarke (PIT)- .398, 0HR, 23 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Alex Pearson (BRO)- 61IP, 6-0, 1.33 ERA

August
Batter of the Month: Danny Murphy (PHN)- .376, 0HR, 24 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Bob Ewing (CIN)- 53IP, 6-0, 1.19 ERA

September
Batter of the Month: Frank Chance (CHN)- .356, 1HR, 19 RBI
Pitcher of the Month: Togie Pittinger (BSN)- 35IP, 3-1, 1.03 ERA

Prospect Watch

Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Cubs

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year  G   AB  H   2B 3B HR RBI R  BB HP SF K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 

1902  113 406 110 8  2  1  39  51 30  2  4  94 3  3 .271 .321 .308 .629  CHN 
1903  112 376 98  23 3  4  49  40 42  2  3 117 4  1 .261 .336 .370 .705  CHN 
Total 225 782 208 31 5  5  88  91 72  4  7 211 7  4 .266 .328 .338 .666 

Starting Ratings: 47/66/31/49/33
Current Ratings:  51/73/34/52/33 
		  +4 +7 +3 +3

Total Talent Ratings(INITIAL): 106/93/40/60/50
Total Talent Ratings(NOW):     89/93/40/60/34
			      -17	  -16

Dieter had another somewhat solid, if not spectacular, season for the Cubs in center. His average dropped and his strikeouts incresed, but he is still young and is showing signs of improvement. If he can continue to play like he is, he will be a star soon enough.

Clive Woodstock, 1B/RF-St. Louis Cardinals

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year  G   AB  H   2B 3B HR RBI R  BB HP SF K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams
 
1903  140 524 136 30 0  4  57  66 42  9  5 131 3  1 .260 .322 .340 .662  SLN 
Total 140 524 136 30 0  4  57  66 42  9  5 131 3  1 .260 .322 .340 .662 
 
Starting Ratings: 55/59/27/32/46
Current Ratings:  59/57/33/34/51
		  +4 -2 +6 +2 +5

Total Talent Ratings(INITIAL): 90/40/110/85/70
Total Talent Ratings(NOW):     71/40/91/52/70
			      -19  -19 -33

Clive showed some signs of skills throughout the season, but like the Cardinals,he just didn't seem to be able to put it all together. He did hit 4 homeruns, but by the end of the year, he seemed more lost at the plate than he did when he first came up. Rumors are already starting to swirl that perhaps "Beast" would benefit from a change of scenery from deary St. Louis.

Chief Bender, SP-Boston Beaneaters

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G  GS W  L SV ERA  IP    HA  R   ER HR BB K  CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 

1903  39 39 14 10 0 3.00 270.1 255 115 90  1 72 153 3   1 1.21 .285   BSN 
Total 39 39 14 10 0 3.00 270.1 255 115 90  1 72 153 3   1 1.21 .285 

Starting Ratings: 38/73/97
Current Ratings:  38/73/97

Total Talent Ratings(INITIAL): 40/73/97
Total Talent Ratings(NOW):     36/74/97
			       -4 +1

Boston did finish ten games below .500 this season, but it was no fault of Chief Bender, who finished his rookie campaign strong. Boston should look to add some sort of batter in the draft next season, as they finished almost dead last in every offensive category.

Mordecai Brown, SP-Chicago White Sox

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G  GS W  L SV ERA  IP    HA  R    ER HR BB K   CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 

1903  38 38 13 22 0 3.55 317.1 348 159 125  1 78 139 34  3  1.34 .311  CHA 
Total 38 38 13 22 0 3.55 317.1 348 159 125  1 78 139 34  3  1.34 .311 

Starting Ratings: 25/77/97
Current Ratings:  25/77/99
		        +2

Total Talent Ratings(INITIAL): 36/74/97
Total Talent Ratings(NOW):     24/78/110
			      -12 +4 +13

Brown, as well as the rest of the White Sox, went through about the worst stretch of play in Major Leagu history, losing 17 games in a row throughout the summer season. While Brown was able to make a small recovery after that time, he was not fully able to recover his stats after such a disasterous streak. He will be even better next season, though.

metsgeek · 12-21-2005, 10:13 PM

Damn it. I hate talent hits

Hurkman · 12-21-2005, 10:39 PM

World Series Matchup-1903

American League Champion: New York Highlanders (87-53)

Overall Batting Avg.- .291
Overall ERA- 3.24

Leading Batters
John McGraw-3B: .310, 87 RBI, 74 SB
Jimmy Williams-2B: .335, 78 RBI, 44 SB
Mike Donlin-CF: .317, 4HR, 78 RBI, 55 SB

Leading Pitchers
Harry Howell: 24-11, 334.1 IP, 3.26 ERA, 125 K
Joe McGinnity: 23-12, 311.1 IP, 2.72 ERA, 103 K
Stan Yerkes: 20-13, 305 IP, 3.36 ERA, 107 K

National League Champion: Philadelphia Phillies (88-52)

Overall Batting Avg.- .289
Overal ERA- 3.03

Leading Batters
Elmer Flick-RF: .345, 79 RBI, 58 SB
Danny Murphy-2B: .313, 3HR, 94 RBI
Roy Thomas-CF: .334, 52 RBI, 47 SB

Leading Pitchers
Bill Duggleby: 21-10, 294 IP, 2.85 ERA, 109 K
Red Donahue: 20-9, 293.2 IP, 2.61 ERA, 104 K
Al Orth: 20-13, 324.1 IP, 3.27 ERA, 99 K

Analysis and Prediction
The first World Series pits the winners of the last three league championships in the American and National League against each other, and it couldn't be more fitting. Both teams seem even in both pitching and hitting, so this series could very well come down to who makes the fewest number of mistakes.

While both teams seem very well evenly matched, something is telling me that somehow, someway, the Phillies are going to pull this out. Their pitching has just a little bit better numbers, and their hitting, while it can be streaky, can be just as solid as the Highlanders. This is a matchup truly worthy of the name World Series.

Prediction: Phillies in 9

Hurkman · 12-22-2005, 11:45 AM

1903 World Series

Game 1-10/2/03: Phillies-3 Highlanders-4

The Phillies took a two run lead into the bottom of the 9th and pitcher Red Donohue was throwing a gem, giving up only 2 hits in the first 8 innings. After getting Mike Donlin to line out to 1st, Jimmy Williams singled. It was followed up by a John McGraw walk, then Bill Keister tied the game on another single. One pitch later, Burt Young smacked a liner to right, giving the Highlanders the first win in World Series history.

W: Joe McGinnity L: Red Donohue

Game 2-10/3/03: Phillies-5 Highlanders-4

This time, the Phillies managed to hold the lead coming down the stretch. Elmer Flick had the big game for the Phils, driving in two on a single and a sacrifice fly, and although New York made a run in the eighth, Al Orth was able to keep them from tying the game, and they went down quietly in the ninth.

W: Al Orth L: Harry Howell

Game 3-10/5/03: Highlanders-1 Phillies-7

The Highlanders scored in the top of the first in the first World Series game played at a National League park, but that was all they would get on the day. The Phillies had excellent production from their 4-9 hitters, as each man, inlcuding pitcher Bill Duggleby, drove in at least one run. The Highlanders never got into this game.

W: Bill Duggleby L: Stan Yerkes

Game 4-10/6/03: Highlanders-1 Phillies-3

In what could be described as the most sloppily played game of baseball ever, both teams combined for 8 errors, 4 a team. Patsy Dougherty had the big game for Philadelphia, driving in two on a double in the second innning. New York had a chance late, but had a runner picked off first base, only to have the man at bat hit a triple that would have made it a one run game in the top of the eighth.

W: Red Donohue L: Joe McGinnity

Game 5-10/8/03: Phillies-3 Highlanders-2

Again, the New York fielding woes continue, as this time they have three costly errors as the Phillies took a stranglehold on the series. Doc White got his first win pitching, striking out 6 in a complete game effort. With all of these errors by the Highlanders, some people didn't expect the series to last another day.

W: Doc White L: Harry Howell

Game 6-10/9/03: Phillies-8 Highlanders-5

Those people were right about the series lasting just another day, but it should have been longer. The Highlanders took a 5-3 lead going into the top of the ninth inning with a chance to at least extend the series. What happened next was both astounding and pathetic, depending on who you ask. It took until the 7th batter of the inning to record an out, and by that time, the Highlanders had allowed three runs to score. The other two were added on New York's 4th error of the game, giving them an astounding 17 errors for the entire series. After they were retired in the bottom of the ninth, many of the Phillies players went directly into the center of the infield and started celebrating, claiming they had finally proven the National League's dominance over their foe.

W: Bill Duggleby L: Stan Yerkes

Series MVP: Jack Dunn, SS- .429, 3 2B, 5 RBI

1903 World Series Champions: Philadelphia Phillies
First Championship

12-13-2005, 09:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	Hurkman's Baseball-An Interactive Journey Throughout the Century The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come.~Terence Mann, Field of Dreams Yes baseball. America's sport, not only now, but well back before any of us were even born. It's survived everything, from wars, to gamblers and the greatest economic bust in the history of man. Yet, like the quote, it has always been there. The premise here is quite simple; folllow the passage of Major League Baseball from 1901 until 2005. Along the way, we will be looking at some of the best prospects and current players that the game has to offer. We will see dynasties rise and fall, sudden ends to great careers, and rises to those who we never thought we'd see play. All the names; Cobb, Ruth, Dimaggio, Young, Williams, Musial, Foxx, Mantle, Mays, Aaron, and many more. Will they all be successes? Will the players you create surpass those names? Let's find out. (I will start taking players in 1902, because I already started the 1901 season. So go and sign up!)

12-14-2005, 09:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	July 1, 1901 Through the first two and a half months of this young season, we have a tight race going for the championship of the American league. Baltimore and Boston are running neck and neck. Baltimore has the one-two punch of John McGraw and Mike Donlin, both of whom are knocking the cover off of the ball, as well as pitchers Joe McGinnity and Stan Yerkes making opposing batters look foolish. Boston has countered with hard hitting Buck Freeman, who leads the Junior Circut in home runs with an astounding 12! Of course, having a pitching staff that starts with Cy Young, now a 300 game winner and 14-1 on the season, as well as 11-2 youngster George Winter would help any teams' chances in the pennant hunt. Code: American League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Baltimore 39 20 .661 - 35-24 4 18-13 21-7 2-0 12-6 81 W1 6-4 Boston (A) 38 21 .644 1.0 40-19 -2 19-8 19-13 2-2 9-8 - L1 7-3 Philadelphia (A) 37 22 .627 2.0 41-18 -4 19-9 18-13 1-3 2-12 - L1 6-4 Detroit 29 32 .475 11.0 30-31 -1 17-15 12-17 2-0 9-6 - L2 6-4 Milwaukee 27 34 .443 13.0 28-33 -1 16-13 11-21 1-1 8-8 - W2 3-7 Washington 24 35 .407 15.0 20-39 4 12-20 12-15 3-1 9-5 - W1 5-5 Chicago (A) 24 36 .400 15.5 23-37 1 14-18 10-18 3-3 7-6 - W1 4-6 Cleveland 22 40 .355 18.5 24-38 -2 11-18 11-22 1-5 8-13 - L1 4-6 In the National League, it was business as usual for the favorite Pittsburgh Pirates. Led on offense by the Flying Dutchman, Honus Wagner, and anchored by a solid pitching staff featuring three double digit winners already, the Pirates have jumped out to a large lead over their rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies. Code: National League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Pittsburgh 44 20 .688 - 45-19 -1 16-8 28-12 7-2 13-10 72 W3 8-2 Philadelphia (N) 38 25 .603 5.5 43-20 -5 23-15 15-10 2-5 8-8 - L1 5-5 St. Louis 37 27 .578 7.0 36-28 1 14-10 23-17 6-3 11-9 - W2 7-3 Brooklyn 35 28 .556 8.5 33-30 2 19-20 16-8 3-1 6-4 - L2 4-6 New York 33 31 .516 11.0 28-36 5 21-17 12-14 1-3 16-9 - W4 6-4 Cincinnati 31 37 .456 15.0 30-38 1 15-14 16-23 0-3 8-12 - W1 6-4 Chicago (N) 25 41 .379 20.0 25-41 0 12-16 13-25 3-5 14-15 - L4 2-8 Boston (N) 15 49 .234 29.0 16-48 -1 9-29 6-20 1-1 4-13 - L3 2-8 Players of the Month Due to the late start of the season, player of the month awards were not given out in April. American League May Batter of the Month: John Anderson (MIL)-. 379, 5HR, 25 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Plank (PHA)- 62IP, 6-0, 1.45 ERA June Batter of the Month: Socks Seybold (PHA)- .402, 4HR, 21 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Cy Young (BSA)- 62IP, 7-0, 3.05 ERA National League May Batter of the Month: Jimmy Sheckard (BRO)- .417, 2HR, 22 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Jesse Tannehill (PIT)- 62IP, 6-1, 0.87 ERA! June Batter of the Month: Ed Delahanty (PHN)- .430, 2HR, 14 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Doc Newton (CIN)- 58.2IP, 5-1, 1.53 ERA

12-15-2005, 04:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	October 7, 1901 After August, the winner of the American League was never in doubt. Both Boston and Philadelphia faltered down the stretch, allowing the Baltimore Orioles to clinch the title by 4 games over the Athletics. The success of the team, as well as star players Mike Donlin, Jimmy Williams, John McGraw and Joe McGinnity have led some to believe that a larger city, such as New York, may may trying to take them away from Baltimore. Code: American League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Baltimore 91 49 .650 - 88-52 3 43-27 48-22 6-4 27-16 * W1 8-2 Philadelphia (A) 87 53 .621 4.0 90-50 -3 46-24 41-29 2-8 17-23 - L1 7-3 Boston (A) 80 60 .571 11.0 83-57 -3 44-26 36-34 6-6 29-20 - L2 5-5 Detroit 73 67 .521 18.0 77-63 -4 36-34 37-33 8-2 22-15 - L1 6-4 Milwaukee 73 67 .521 18.0 72-68 1 41-29 32-38 7-1 20-23 - W2 3-7 Chicago (A) 60 80 .429 31.0 63-77 -3 31-39 29-41 8-6 18-25 - W4 5-5 Cleveland 48 92 .343 43.0 54-86 -6 26-44 22-48 3-9 18-28 - W1 3-7 Washington 48 92 .343 43.0 42-98 6 24-46 24-46 4-8 19-20 - L4 3-7 The finish in the National League was much more of a surprise. The Pirates wilted under the hot summer rays, allowing the Philadelphia Phillies to clinch the National League title. The Pirates attempted to make up their deficit several times, but were always beaten back by the Phils. Ed Delahanty established himself as the leader on offense, hitting .326 with 14 home runs and over 100 RBI, while Al Orth was the clear ace, going 26-9 and winning key games down the stretch. Code: National League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Philadelphia (N) 92 48 .657 - 103-37 -11 42-28 50-20 7-7 20-19 * W6 9-1 Pittsburgh 84 56 .600 8.0 93-47 -9 39-31 45-25 12-6 26-23 - W5 6-4 St. Louis 81 59 .579 11.0 77-63 4 40-30 41-29 6-8 27-19 - W1 6-4 Brooklyn 73 67 .521 19.0 77-63 -4 36-34 37-33 4-6 17-21 - L9 1-9 Cincinnati 73 67 .521 19.0 76-64 -3 39-31 34-36 5-8 20-27 - L1 5-5 New York 66 74 .471 26.0 62-78 4 35-35 31-39 5-8 28-22 - W1 6-4 Boston (N) 48 92 .343 44.0 41-99 7 21-49 27-43 7-4 18-23 - L1 6-4 Chicago (N) 43 97 .307 49.0 36-104 7 26-44 17-53 6-5 22-24 - L9 1-9 Players of the Month No awards will be given out for the month of October, due to the season ending awards. American League July Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .419, 5HR, 22RBI Pitcher of the Month: Harry Howell (BAL)- 62IP, 5-1, 1.74 ERA August Batter of the Month: Jack McCarthy (CLE)- .413, 3HR, 25 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Bill Bernhard (PHA)- 63IP, 5-2, 2.00 ERA September Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .456, 4HR, 16 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Jack Cronin (DET)- 56IP, 5-1, 1.77 ERA National League July Batter of the Month: Elmer Flick (PHN)- .388, 2HR, 22 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Bill Dinneen (BSN)- 63IP, 6-1, 1.71 ERA August Batter of the Month: Sam Crawford (CIN)- .391, 6HR, 23 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Al Orth (PHN)- 63IP, 7-0, 1.29 ERA September Batter of the Month: Jesse Burkett (StL)- .396, 4HR, 21 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Ed Murphy (StL)- 35.1IP, 4-0, 1.02 ERA

12-16-2005, 04:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	End of the Year Notes and Awards With the end of this first full season of Major League Baseball, several awards for both leagues were handed out, starting with the Rookie of the Year awards. Rookie of the Year American League ROY: Eddie Plank, SP (PHA)-In what everyone agreed was a dominant performance the likes of which had not been seen by such a youngster, Eddie ruled the American League, going 29-6 with a 2.60 ERA in 335.2 Innings Pitched. National League ROY: Jack Harper, SP (StL)-Harper was one of the bright spots on a young St. Louis squad that showed promise during the season. This past season, Harper went 21-6 with a 2.57 ERA, which was more than enough to earn this award. Most Valuable Pitcher American League MVP: Eddie Plank (PHA)-Plank's greatness was already discussed when he won the Rookie of the Year, and he continued an amazing first season with the Most Valuable Pitcher award in the American League. National League MVP: Al Orth (PHN)-Orth was one of two reasons why the Phillies were able to move past the Pirates for control of the National League during the summer months. Orth led the squad with a 26-9 record, including a 2.31 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 331 innings. Most Valuable Batter American League MVB: Nap Lajoie, 2B (PHA)-Lajoie's incredible performance helped seal up the sweep of the major awards in the American League by the Athletics. Lajoie has become a nationally known figure after his amazing season where he hit .403 with 18 homeruns and 95 RBI. National League MVB: Ed Delahanty, LF (PHN)-Ed is reason number two why the Phillies are champions of the National League. With his sweet stroke and awesome power, he is the cornerstone of the Phillies' offense. This past season, he hit .326 with 14 homeruns and 105 RBI. There were also awards given out for outstanding fielding. These are known as the "Gold Glove Awards" because the players that earned them are said to have gloves of gold. Gold Glove Winners American League: Pitcher: Tully Sparks (MLA) Catcher: Ossee Schreckengost (BOS) First Base: Burt Hart (BLA) Second Base: Jimmy Williams (BLA) Third Base: Bill Coughlin (WSH) Shortstop: Freddy Parent (BOS) Leftfield: Pop Foster (WSH) Centerfield: Sam Mertes (CHA) Rightfield: Socks Seybold (PHA) National League: Pitcher: Vic Willis (BSN) Catcher: Ed Mcfarland (PHI) First Base: Tom Mccreery (BRO) Second Base: Joe Dolan (PHI) Third Base: Harry Wolverton (PHI) Shortstop: Bill Dahlen (BRO) Leftfield: Fred Clarke (PIT) Centerfield: Roy Thomas (PHI) Rightfield: Patsy Donovan (SLN) Other News In other news around the league, the interleague rivalry between the Athletics and Phillies has nearly divided the city of Philadelphia. Both teams' success this season, both on the field and at the gate, have already gotten some people clamoring about a possible "Championship Series" between the two leagues. When and if this happens is still under consideration. With only average play this season, the Milwaukee Brewers are in danger of moving their team to another city. Fan support was low, and rumors are circulating that St. Louis would be the front-runner to get the team, placing yet another American League team within the National League's borders. Baltimore has fiercly denied the rumors that they will be losing their team to New York. However, despite the success, the Orioles were not a big draw this season, and New York is attempting to gain permission for a new stadium in an attempt to win the franchise over. Last edited by Hurkman; 12-17-2005 at 08:34 PM.

12-16-2005, 09:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
metsgeek Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Norwood, MA Posts: 5,449 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2x in 2 posts	Dieter's already starting in CF with those ratings?? Yeesh! __________________ Commissioner - PBRL Time Warp Baseball - Boston Red Sox The Baseball Chronicle - Cleveland Spiders

12-16-2005, 05:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	February 1, 1902 One full season is officially now past, and with the first ever amateur draft almost upon us, there have been some major shakeups in both leagues. News First and foremost, the Milwaukee Brewers are no more. They indeed did move to St. Louis, changing their colors and name to the Browns, and replacing old manager Hugh Duffy with Jimmy McAleer, the old Cleveland manager. While the new Browns are quite happy in their new city, there are those on the Cardinals that wished it never happened. "It's hard enough to get loyal fans out here to the ballpark," said Cardinals manager Patsy Donovan. "Now we have to worry about players jumping to the Browns, and them stealing our fans! It just doesn't sit right with me." Several other teams went through changes, though none as much as the Browns. The Boston Americans changed their name to the Somersets and Cleveland dropped the Blues and decided on Bronchos for their new name. Rumors are still flying about the Orioles picking up shop and moving up to New York, despite what manager John McGraw has said. "There's no way we would leave this city," he said. "While we do respect the city of New York, our home is here in Baltimore, and I can't see us moving in the near future." Although this statement did calm the nerves of Orioles fans, they were again worried when they heard of a possible meeting between the mayor of New York, Seth Low and McGraw within the next week. What comes out of it will be reported as we get it. Rookie Watch With the first ever amateur draft no more than a month away, here is a preview of this year's top rookies that will be looking to make a major impact in Major League Baseball. #1: Dieter "Big D" Kahle, CF Make no mistake about it, this youngster is the real deal. Having turned just 20 years of age today, Dieter is already known for a sweet swing and superb glove. People are already comparing him to Ed Delahanty or Sam Crawford in terms of being able to hit the ball. Current Ratings (Contact/Gap/Power/Eye/Avoid K): 40/50/31/46/16 Total Talent Ratings: 106/93/40/60/50 #2: Addie Joss, SP What Kahle is for hitting, Joss is for pitching in this draft. Just a year older than Kahle, many believe that he is the most developed pitcher in this group, and would be able to help a struggling team right away. It is a tight debate on whether Kahle or Joss will be selected first. Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 24/85/98 Total Talent Ratings: 20/87/98 #3: Jim St. Vrain, SP While Joss is seen as the better pitcher, St. Vrain is quite capable of becoming a young ace as well. Even younger than Joss at only 18 years of age, St. Vrain is also seen as just about being ready for the major leagues. If a team were willing to take a large chance, they may opt for St. Vrain over Joss or Kahle, although it is highly unlikely. Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 33/66/103 Total Talent Ratings: 32/70/103 Which one of these talented rookies will be taken first? Only time will tell.

12-16-2005, 05:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	Draft Results The initial Major League rookie draft has come and gone, with very few surprises, save for the tope three selections. Surprising no one, the Chicago Orphans selected Dieter Kahle, and he is expected to start the year playing in center for the big club. The one surprise came at pick number 2, where the Washington Senators selected Jim St. Vrain, leaving Addie Joss to be scooped up by the Boston Beaneaters. The rest of the first round went as follows: Chicago (N) pick: CF Dieter Kahle Washington pick: P Jim St. Vrain Boston (N) pick: P Addie Joss Cleveland pick: P Bob Wicker Chicago (A) pick: P Ham Iburg New York pick: P Mike O'neill Cincinnati pick: P Bob Ewing Detroit pick: 2B Larry Schlafly St. Louis (A) pick: P George Mullin Brooklyn pick: P Alex Pearson Boston (A) pick: P Carl Lundgren St. Louis (N) pick: P Bob Rhoads Pittsburgh pick: 2B Jack Morrissey Philadelphia (A) pick: P Rube Kisinger Baltimore pick: P Tom Walker Philadelphia (N) pick: 2B Danny Murphy Season Preview With the draft now out of the way, it is almost time to begin the new season. In the American League, Baltimore will once again be the favorite to win the crown, although the Philadelphia Athletics should be right on their heels. The defending National League champion Phillies suffered a setback in early training, when shortstop Hughie Jennings went down with a severe leg injury. Although he was treated by the best doctors the team had, it was revealed that he will miss the entire season. Some of Jennings' fellow players suspect foul play. "I bet it was those damn Athletics that did this," reigning Most Valuable Batter Ed Delahanty said. "They want to be the top team in this city? Well, now they're going to have to live with what they did." Several National League teams, including the cross-state Pirates, are looking to take advantage of the injury and overtake the Phils for control of the Senior Circut.

12-16-2005, 09:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	Yeah man, I don't know what to tell you. Chicago was about razor thin there to begin with, so imagine my shock when I checked their starting lineup, and sure enough, there he was. He's technically not starting against lefties, but he is on the big club.

12-17-2005, 01:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	July 1, 1902 The first two and a half months of the season are now in the books, and there have been some surprises in both leagues. In the American League, the Orioles continue to hold the top spot, but it is not without a visitor. The Detroit Tigers, a team that barely finished above the .500 mark last season, have tied the Orioles for first place. The Tigers are getting excellent seasons from pitcher Ed Siever and batters Kid Elberfeld and Sport McAllister. If they can hold this momentum, the Orioles may be in some trouble. Last year's dark horse team, the Philadelphia Athletics, were hit with an injury to Eddie Plank earlier in the season and have yet to recover. Code: American League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Baltimore 35 26 .574 - 33-28 2 17-16 18-10 3-5 13-11 80 W1 7-3 Detroit 35 26 .574 - 36-25 -1 16-15 19-11 11-2 12-10 80 L1 7-3 St. Louis (A) 32 29 .525 3.0 33-28 -1 13-18 19-11 2-4 11-11 - L1 4-6 Chicago (A) 31 30 .508 4.0 28-33 3 17-14 14-16 2-3 12-7 - W1 4-6 Washington 30 31 .492 5.0 29-32 1 13-20 17-11 1-1 9-13 - L1 5-5 Philadelphia (A) 29 32 .475 6.0 31-30 -2 10-17 19-15 1-5 10-9 - W1 6-4 Cleveland 28 34 .452 7.5 27-35 1 13-19 15-15 3-4 11-9 - W1 4-6 Boston (A) 25 37 .403 10.5 29-33 -4 9-18 16-19 5-4 10-18 - L1 3-7 The National League has many of the usual teams in competition for the league crown, but there is a surprise leader. The Cincinnati Reds, much like the Detroit Tigers in the American League, finished just above .500 last season, but are now atop the league. They have gotten excellent seasons from both Sam Crawford and Noodles Hahn, and with their youth, they could be a feared team for years to come. While the Phillies are in 2nd, reigning MVB Ed Delahanty is struggling mightily this year, hitting under .250. The rest of the team has picked up what Ed has not been able to do. Code: National League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Cincinnati 36 25 .590 - 35-26 1 21-14 15-11 2-1 12-12 77 W1 9-1 Philadelphia (N) 36 28 .563 1.5 41-23 -5 19-11 17-17 2-3 6-14 - L1 7-3 Pittsburgh 35 29 .547 2.5 30-34 5 21-14 14-15 2-1 18-3 - L1 5-5 New York 35 30 .538 3.0 31-34 4 14-17 21-13 3-6 11-8 - L3 3-7 Chicago (N) 34 32 .515 4.5 35-31 -1 18-15 16-17 0-3 10-12 - L1 6-4 Brooklyn 32 32 .500 5.5 32-32 0 15-16 17-16 8-2 16-14 - W3 5-5 St. Louis (N) 26 39 .400 12.0 28-37 -2 13-20 13-19 2-2 6-12 - W1 2-8 Boston (N) 23 42 .354 15.0 24-41 -1 10-19 13-23 1-2 8-12 - W1 5-5 Players of the Month Again, due to the late start, no awards were given out for the month of April. American League May Batter of the Month: Mike Donlin (BAL)- .424, 3HR, 22 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Harry Howell (BAL)- 71IP, 5-3, 1.27 ERA June Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .430, 2HR, 21 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Plank (PHA)- 62IP, 5-1, 1.45 ERA National League May Batter of the Month: Ginger Beaumont (PIT)- .402, 0HR, 22 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Deacon Phillippe (PIT)- 71IP, 7-1, 2.41 ERA June Batter of the Month: Willie Keeler (BRO)- .438, 0HR, 14 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Doc Newton (CIN)- 62IP, 5-2, 1.45 ERA Prospect Watch Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Orphans Code: Career Batting Stats Year G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB HP SF K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS Teams 1902 54 190 55 3 2 0 21 26 14 1 2 44 0 1 .289 .338 .326 .664 CHN Total 54 190 55 3 2 0 21 26 14 1 2 44 0 1 .289 .338 .326 .664 Dieter has struggled at times, but he still has been a consistant part of the Orphans' offense. They are two games above .500, and without him, they would be much worse. Jim St. Vrain, SP-Washington Senators Code: Career Pitching Stats Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 1902 16 16 8 3 0 3.36 118.0 113 46 44 0 30 43 1 1 1.21 .276 WSH Total 16 16 8 3 0 3.36 118.0 113 46 44 0 30 43 1 1 1.21 .276 St. Vrain has become an instant ace in Washington, placing himself in the top three in both wins, ERA and strikeouts on the team. Although Washington is still struggling, he has been quite good. Addie Joss, SP-Boston Beaneaters Code: Career Pitching Stats Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 1902 10 10 1 4 0 3.96 63.2 75 41 28 2 15 28 1 0 1.41 .323 BSN Total 10 10 1 4 0 3.96 63.2 75 41 28 2 15 28 1 0 1.41 .323 Joss has had many injuries in his rookie season, slowing his production and limiting his wins. The fact that the Beaneaters are in dead last doesn't help much, either.

12-17-2005, 04:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
metsgeek Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Norwood, MA Posts: 5,449 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2x in 2 posts	Wow, I'm surprised Dieter is doing so well. Has there been any positive or negative talent development for him?? __________________ Commissioner - PBRL Time Warp Baseball - Boston Red Sox The Baseball Chronicle - Cleveland Spiders

12-17-2005, 08:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	October 6, 1902 The American League winner was never in doubt the entire season, as the Baltimore Orioles moved ahead of the pack from July until the end of the season. The Tigers, who had started out so well, came unglued in the middle of August and were never able to recover. Baltimore's young star Mike Donlin led the team in batting average, homeruns and RBI to set the pace for their explosive offense. Code: American League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Baltimore 84 56 .600 - 87-53 -3 40-30 44-26 6-9 22-21 * L3 4-6 St. Louis (A) 71 69 .507 13.0 69-71 2 34-36 37-33 8-6 26-24 - L2 5-5 Cleveland 70 70 .500 14.0 64-76 6 37-33 33-37 7-8 28-20 - W1 5-5 Boston (A) 69 71 .493 15.0 75-65 -6 33-37 36-34 9-12 23-31 - W4 7-3 Detroit 69 71 .493 15.0 70-70 -1 32-38 37-33 13-6 23-26 - L1 5-5 Washington 68 72 .486 16.0 66-74 2 33-37 35-35 2-4 23-27 - W3 7-3 Philadelphia (A) 66 74 .471 18.0 68-72 -2 34-36 32-38 7-6 22-21 - L8 2-8 Chicago (A) 63 77 .450 21.0 59-81 4 34-36 29-41 6-7 22-19 - W2 5-5 The National League crown was far more contested, as both the Phillies and Reds battled it out until the last day of the season. The Reds had a 7 game lead in August, but the Phils caught fire and the two traded first place throughout September and October. In the end, the Reds had a 1 game lead with two to play, and while the Phillies won their last two games, the Reds allowed themselves to be swept by the Pirates. Deacon Phillippe outdueled Noodles Hahn on the last day of the season, giving the Phils the title and sending the Reds to the locker room facing a chorus of jeers from their fans. Code: National League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Philadelphia (N) 82 58 .586 - 86-54 -4 42-28 40-30 6-8 20-24 * W2 6-4 Cincinnati 81 59 .579 1.0 78-62 3 41-29 40-30 5-5 28-27 - L3 5-5 Pittsburgh 79 61 .564 3.0 68-72 11 42-28 37-33 10-3 41-18 - W3 8-2 Brooklyn 77 63 .550 5.0 80-60 -3 40-30 37-33 9-3 30-24 - W3 8-2 Chicago (N) 72 68 .514 10.0 76-64 -4 34-36 38-32 4-5 19-32 - W3 6-4 New York 63 77 .450 19.0 61-79 2 27-43 36-34 6-11 22-19 - L3 3-7 Boston (N) 56 84 .400 26.0 55-85 1 28-42 28-42 3-9 23-26 - L2 3-7 St. Louis (N) 50 90 .357 32.0 55-85 -5 22-48 28-42 5-4 18-31 - L3 2-8 Players of the Month American League July Batter of the Month: Irv Waldron (SLA)- .413, 1HR, 24 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Ham Iburg (CHA)- 62IP, 6-1, 2.32 ERA August Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .385, 2HR, 17 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Jerry Nops (BAL)- 54IP, 6-0, 1.83 ERA September Batter of the Month: Jimmy Collins (BSA)- .373, 1HR, 20 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Joe McGinnity (BAL)- 52IP, 3-3, 1.04 ERA National League July Batter of the Month: Honus Wagner (PIT)- .409, 1HR, 18 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Noodles Hahn (CIN)- 51.2IP, 6-0, 0.87 ERA August Batter of the Month: Danny Green (CHN)- .382, 0HR, 23 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Sam Leever (PIT)- 46IP, 4-1, 1.37 ERA September Batter of the Month: Jake Beckley (CIN)- .376, 0HR, 20 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Al Orth (PHN)- 72IP, 6-2, 2.88 ERA Prospect Watch Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Orphans Code: Career Batting Stats Year G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB HP SF K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS Teams 1902 113 406 110 8 2 1 39 51 30 2 4 94 3 3 .271 .321 .308 .629 CHN Total 113 406 110 8 2 1 39 51 30 2 4 94 3 3 .271 .321 .308 .629 Starting Ratings: 40/50/31/46/16 Current Ratings: 43/54/31/46/31 +3 +4 +15 Dieter had a solid rookie season, hitting above .270 and driving in 39 on an Orphans team that finished above .500. He still needs to cut back on strikeouts and get on base more, but those will come with time. Jim St. Vrain, SP-Washington Senators Code: Pitching Stats Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 1902 37 37 18 14 0 3.23 278.2 267 125 100 1 69 109 5 2 1.21 .281 WSH Total 37 37 18 14 0 3.23 278.2 267 125 100 1 69 109 5 2 1.21 .281 Starting Ratings: 33/66/103 Current Ratings: 34/72/100 +1 +6 -3 While Washington had an up and down season, St. Vrain proved his worth at only 19 years of age. If he can keep up this solid pitching, the Senators will have an ace for quite some time. Addie Joss, SP-Boston Beaneaters Code: Career Pitching Stats Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 1902 30 30 11 12 0 3.09 209.2 211 94 72 3 38 74 3 1 1.19 .282 BSN Total 30 30 11 12 0 3.09 209.2 211 94 72 3 38 74 3 1 1.19 .282 Starting Ratings: 24/85/98 Current Ratings: 23/83/96 -1 -2 -2 Joss had a season reflective of the Beaneaters; some promise, but in the end, nothing could work out. Addie was hit with injuries twice, and the lack of total run support and a team has already led to him grumbling about the chances of him staying happy in Boston. Last edited by Hurkman; 12-17-2005 at 11:19 PM.

12-17-2005, 09:03 PM	#13 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	End of the Year Awards and Notes Rookie of the Year American League ROY: Rube Kisinger, SP (PHA)- Rube had an excellent first season, although the rest of the Athletics were not nearly as good. He finished the season with an 18-11 record in 285.2 innings, a 2.61 ERA and 76 strikeouts. National League ROY: Bob Ewing, SP (CIN)- While Ewing's win-loss record wasn't that impressive, he was still one of the main reasons why the Reds improved to finish second in the National League. This year, he went 15-17 in 313 innings with a 3.16 ERA and 118 strikeouts. Most Valuable Pitcher American League MVP: Harry Howell, SP (BAL)- Want a good reason why the Orioles are the best team in the American League two years in a row? We present to you Harry Howell. This season, Howell was the best in the league, going 22-12 with a 2.94 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 324 innings. National League MVP: Noodles Hahn, SP (CIN)- Yes, Hahn did lose the deciding game at the end of the season, but without him, the Reds would have been at the bottom of the league, rather than fighting at the top. He pitched his way to a 27-10 record, featuring 147 strikeouts and a 2.59 ERA in 292 innings. Most Valuable Batter American League MVB: Nap Lajoie, 2B (PHA)- What else is there to say about Nap that hasn't already been said. He was about the only Athletic to perform up to the same level as last year, once again reaching .400 as a batting average. He hit .400 square on the nose, and hit 4 homeruns and drove in 81. National League MVB: Elmer Flick, RF (PHN)- Where Ed Delahanty faltered this season, Elmer Flick stepped up for the Phils. He led the team to their amazing overtaking of the Reds in August and September and his .367 batting average, 2 homeruns and 62 RBI are more than deserving of the award this season. Gold Glove Winners American League Gold Glove Award Winners: Pitcher: Case Patten (WSH) Catcher: Bob Wood (CLE) First Base: Jack Doyle (BOS) Second Base: Jimmy Williams (BLA) Third Base: Wid Conroy (SLA) Shortstop: Kid Elberfeld (DET) Leftfield: Matty Mcintyre (PHA) Centerfield: Dave Fultz (PHA) Rightfield: Fielder Jones (CHA) National League Gold Glove Award Winners: Pitcher: Vic Willis (BSN) Catcher: John Warner (NYG) First Base: Dan Mcgann (SLN) Second Base: Pete Childs (SLN) Third Base: Ed Gremminger (BRO) Shortstop: Otto Williams (CHN) Leftfield: John Dobbs (CIN) Centerfield: Roy Thomas (PHI) Rightfield: Elmer Smith (PIT) Top 5 Leaderboard TOP 5 in BATTING AVG : .400 Nap Lajoie(PHA) .371 Candy Lachance(CLE) .367 Elmer Flick(PHI) .362 Sam Crawford(CIN) .358 Willie Keeler(BRO) TOP 5 in HOMERUNS : 10 Erve Beck(CLE) 8 Mike Donlin(BLA) 7 Irv Waldron(MLA) 7 Jimmy Sheckard(BRO) 5 Bill Keister(BLA) TOP 5 in RBI : 99 Mike Donlin(BLA) 95 Ginger Beaumont(PIT) 94 Willie Keeler(BRO) 94 Ed Delahanty(PHI) 93 Socks Seybold(PHA) TOP 5 in ERA : 2.41 Doc Newton(CIN) 2.47 Joe Mcginnity(BLA) 2.52 Frank Kitson(BRO) 2.59 Noodles Hahn(CIN) 2.61 Rube Kisinger( PHA) TOP 5 in WINS : 27 Noodles Hahn(CIN) 24 Deacon Phillippe(PIT) 22 Ed Siever(DET) 22 Harry Howell(BLA) 21 Al Orth(PHI) TOP 5 in SAVES : 20 Bill Carrick(WSH) 13 Alex Pearson( BRO) 12 Bill Phillips(CIN) 12 Bill Cristall(CLE) 9 Dick Braggins(CLE) Other News Rumors are still flying about the Baltimore Orioles possible move to New York. Apparently, the initial meeting between New York mayor Seth Low and team manager John McGraw went well, and the two have met several more times since then. What this means remains to be seen, but the Oriole fans are becoming quite nervous. The rivalries between several same city National and American League teams are starting to boil over. While the Browns succeeded in St. Louis this year, the Cardinals finished with the worst record in all of baseball. Patsy Donovan reportedly became so frustrated at one point that he threatened to drive the Browns out of "his city" himself. Team owners are meeting now to decide whether or not to actually hold a championship series between the league winners after the regular season. In the same frame of mind, the Athletics are actually placing the blame on their poor season on the Phillies, saying that their rash of injuries were redemption for the injury to Hughie Jennings in early March. Neither team was willing to comment, but Athletics manager Connie Mack was not happy when he was asked about the situation, saying that the Phillies were "none of my concern."

12-18-2005, 04:10 PM	#14 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	February 1, 1903 News The biggest news of this offseason was, of course, the move of the Baltimore Orioles to New York. Within a month and a half of the 1902 season coming to a close, the Orioles announced plans to move to New York, leaving the fans in Baltimore heartbroken. What was surprising was that player/manager John McGraw was willing to step down as manager, allowing former White Sox manager Clark Griffith to step in and take control of the renamed Highlanders. "I wanted to focus entirely on my baseball career right now," McGraw said. "Yes, managing is important, but winning games and getting the World Series is what really matters to me." It remains to be seen when Baltimore will get another club, if ever, but the city certainly deserves a team. The other major news is what was mentioned in McGraw's statement. Yes, the owners of both the American and National Leagues have reached an agreement to have the winners of both leagues compete in a championship series that will be known as the World Series. The series is a best of nine, and the winner will help settle the feuds between the respective leagues. Rookie Watch With the excellent play of the rookie crop from last season, here's a look at the prospects who will have those shoes to fill in the 1903 season. #1: Clive "Beast" Woodstock, 1B/RF Clive, or "Beast" as he likes to be called, is truely that. Coming in at 6"7 and weighing an impressive 260 pounds, Woodstock looks more suited for work out in the fields than playing 1st base. His defensive skills do need some work, but years of work at his family's farm have given him the ability to knock the cover off the ball. Not only that, he's been said to have the hitting abilities of Willie Keeler and Nap Lajoie. He is an imposing sight to see when he stands in the batters box. Current Ratings (Contact/Gap/Power/Eye/Avoid K): 50/63/27/31/42 Total Talent Ratings: 90/40/110/85/70 #2: Chief Bender, SP The young Chief is probably the best pitching prospect in the draft this season. He's already got the skills to compete on the big stage, and whomever is lucky enough to select him will certainly get a player that they can use for years to come. Being only 18 also shows that Bender will have time to improve and possibly become one of the best pitchers in the league. Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 36/74/97 Total Talent Ratings: 40/73/97 #3: Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, SP Brown is older than most (26) prospects in the draft, but he's got the abilities that will carry him for at least a decade in this league. Nicknamed "Three Finger" because of a childhood accident that left him with three fingers on his pitching hand, Brown now uses that disability to actually put greater movement on his pitches, making him more dangerous. His age is a concern, but he is ready to pitch for whomever drafts him. Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 40/73/97 Total Talent Ratings: 36/74/97 Each of these three have the chance to place their names in the record book. Which ones will, and which will become the stories of yester year? Time will tell. Last edited by Hurkman; 12-19-2005 at 02:44 PM.

12-19-2005, 02:57 PM	#15 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	Draft Results Once again, the first round of the amateur draft passed without much surprise, as the Cardinals made the obvious choice, selecting Clive Woodstock first overall. Although he is not fully prepared to play in the major leagues, the Cardinals have placed him in the starting lineup, playing rightfield. The Beaneaters added another young arm to their pitching staff, selecting Chief Bender second, and Mordechai Brown went third, to the Chicago White Sox. St. Louis (N) pick: 1B Clive Woodstock Boston (N) pick: P Chief Bender Chicago (A) pick: P Mordecai Brown New York (N) pick: P Fred Burchell Philadelphia (A) pick: P Chappie Mcfarland Washington pick: P Weldon Henley Boston (A) pick: P Barney Wolfe Detroit pick: P Ambrose Puttmann Cleveland pick: P Gus Thompson St. Louis (A) pick: P Oscar Jones Chicago (N) pick: RF John Titus Brooklyn pick: 2B Johnny Evers Pittsburgh pick: P Jake Weimer Cincinnati pick: P Norwood Gibson Philadelphia (N) pick: LF Davy Jones New York (A) pick: P Kaiser Wilhelm Season Preview The story in the American League is whether or not any team can actually catch the New York Highlanders. In their last two seasons as the Baltimore Orioles, no team has come within four games of them when the dust settled. This season looks to be more of the same, although if Philadelphia can rebound from it's dissappointing season last year, they may be able to surprise everyone and end up in the World Series. The National League is far more competitive right now. There are at least three teams, in Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh that have an honest shot at the league crown. Philadelphia, of course, has the edge in experience, winning the last two titles. The Reds will try and put the horrible collapse of 1902 behind them while the Pirates look to try and add to their "dark horse" role that they played at the end of last year. Prospect Watch With another draft class now into the league, it's time to look at the featured player from last season's draft: Dieter Kahle. Code: Career Batting Stats Year G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB HP SF K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS Teams 1902 113 406 110 8 2 1 39 51 30 2 4 94 3 3 .271 .321 .308 .629 CHN Total 113 406 110 8 2 1 39 51 30 2 4 94 3 3 .271 .321 .308 .629 Current Ratings: 44/58/31/47/33 Kahle played very well last season for a 20 year old making his debut on the big stage. He will once again be starting for the newly renamed Chicago Cubs, and will have an even bigger burden this season as he attempts to prove that his early success was no fluke.

12-19-2005, 09:07 PM	#16 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	July 1, 1903 The race for the American League pennant has actually been quite exciting. The Tigers led for some time, then dropped back and allowed the Philadelphia Athletics, New York Highlanders and the surprising Boston Pilgrims to pass them in what has become a tight 4 team race. While the Athletics lead now, by the time the end of the season comes, it could be anyone's guess on who will finish on top. Code: American League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Philadelphia (A) 38 25 .603 - 39-24 -1 17-9 21-16 0-5 9-9 76 W2 5-5 New York (A) 34 27 .557 3.0 36-25 -2 11-10 23-17 2-3 8-8 - L1 7-3 Boston (A) 36 29 .554 3.0 34-31 2 19-9 17-20 2-1 10-9 - W2 2-8 Detroit 35 30 .538 4.0 35-30 0 25-15 10-15 5-4 11-11 - W3 9-1 St. Louis (A) 31 33 .484 7.5 31-33 0 18-20 13-13 3-0 14-11 - W1 7-3 Cleveland 30 34 .469 8.5 30-34 0 20-18 10-16 3-5 7-12 - L2 3-7 Washington 26 35 .426 11.0 24-37 2 12-10 14-25 4-2 16-11 - L4 2-8 Chicago (A) 23 40 .365 15.0 23-40 0 16-24 7-16 4-3 6-10 - L4 4-6 In another bit of shock, the National League has not nearly been as close as most thought it was going to be. While the Phillies and Pirates are head and shoulders above most of the other teams right now, the Cincinnati Reds seem to have not been able to recover from the shock of just missing out on the title last season. As it stands right now, it appears that Major League Baseball could be headed for an inter-city World Series to start this new tradition. Code: National League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Philadelphia (N) 45 22 .672 - 43-24 2 26-11 19-11 5-1 15-11 71 W4 8-2 Pittsburgh 41 25 .621 3.5 41-25 0 20-8 21-17 5-3 12-8 - W1 6-4 Brooklyn 38 29 .567 7.0 37-30 1 19-17 19-12 2-2 9-9 - L1 6-4 Chicago (N) 31 37 .456 14.5 29-39 2 12-11 19-26 1-5 10-13 - L2 3-7 Boston (N) 30 37 .448 15.0 31-36 -1 18-25 12-12 2-3 11-9 - L4 5-5 Cincinnati 29 37 .439 15.5 28-38 1 13-17 16-20 2-3 9-12 - W5 6-4 New York (N) 28 39 .418 17.0 28-39 0 18-25 10-14 5-4 15-11 - W2 6-4 St. Louis (N) 25 41 .379 19.5 29-37 -4 12-15 13-26 2-3 10-18 - L10 0-10 Players of the Month While there were Pitcher of the Month award winners for April, no Batter of the Month awards were handed out. American League April Pitcher of the Month: George Winter (BSA)- 27IP, 3-0, 1.67 ERA May Batter of the Month: Candy LaChance (CLE)- .398, 0HR, 19 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Earl Moore (CLE)- 54.2IP, 6-1, 2.30 ERA June Batter of the Month: John Anderson (SLA)- .389, 2HR, 21 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Plank (PHA)- 61IP, 6-0, 1.48 ERA National League April Pitcher of Month: Rube Waddell (PIT)- 36IP, 2-0, 1.75 ERA May Batter of the Month: Willie Keeler (BRO)- .418, 0HR, 17 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Al Orth (PHN)- 53IP, 4-1, 1.19 ERA June Batter of the Month: Ed McFarland (PHN)- .378, 1HR, 19 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Al Orth (PHN)- 63IP, 6-1, 1.71 ERA Prospect Watch Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Cubs Code: Career Batting Stats Year G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB HP SF K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS Teams 1902 113 406 110 8 2 1 39 51 30 2 4 94 3 3 .271 .321 .308 .629 CHN 1903 44 134 38 7 2 3 18 18 19 1 2 33 3 0 .284 .372 .433 .805 CHN Total 157 540 148 15 4 4 57 69 49 3 6 127 6 3 .274 .334 .339 .673 Starting Ratings: 44/58/31/47/33 Current Ratings: 47/66/31/49/33 +3 +8 +2 Dieter has been solid so far this season, adding a little pop to his already growing hitting abilities. He has yet to make a single error in the outfield, and while the Cubs aren't exactly the top of the National League, with Kahle's help, they may get there soon enough. Clive Woodstock, 1B/RF-St. Louis Cardinals Code: Career Batting Stats Year G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB HP SF K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS Teams 1903 66 246 64 15 0 2 27 30 18 6 2 55 2 1 .260 .324 .346 .669 SLN Total 66 246 64 15 0 2 27 30 18 6 2 55 2 1 .260 .324 .346 .669 Starting Ratings: 50/63/27/31/42 Current Ratings: 55/59/27/32/46 +5 -4 +1 +4 Clive, who started the season very well, has tailed off of late. He's said to some people that it may be due to the fact that St. Louis is currently on a 10 game losing streak. The Cardinals, who are again in last place, are hoping to be able to make their young star happier in these tough times. Chief Bender, SP-Boston Beaneaters Code: Career Pitching Stats Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 1903 19 19 7 6 0 3.52 130.1 138 60 51 1 28 68 2 1 1.27 .305 BSN Total 19 19 7 6 0 3.52 130.1 138 60 51 1 28 68 2 1 1.27 .305 Starting Ratings: 36/74/97 Current Ratings: 38/73/97 +2 -1 The Beaneaters are again struggling, but Chief is doing all that he can. Some more run support, as well as some help in the pitching staff, would certainly improve his record. Mordecai Brown, SP-Chicago White Sox Code: Career Pitching Stats Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 1903 17 17 6 9 0 2.81 141.0 159 60 44 0 26 65 15 1 1.31 .325 CHA Total 17 17 6 9 0 2.81 141.0 159 60 44 0 26 65 15 1 1.31 .325 Starting Ratings: 40/73/97 Current Ratings: 25/77/97 -15 +4 While Brown's numbers have not been overwhelming, very little about Chicago has been. They are currently the worst team in all of baseball, and at least Brown has shown the endurance to go the distance in almost all of his games, throwing 15 complete games in 17 starts. He will get better with the team.

12-21-2005, 09:51 PM	#17 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	October 2, 1903 The regular season is over, and the first ever World Series is set and ready to begin! While both leagues have sent their best, one of the teams leading at the start of July slipped and denied us the chance to see both Philadelphia teams battle for the first ever World Championship. The American League saw the return to the top of its old owner. The New York Highlanders came roaring back in the second half of the season, easily passing the Philadelphia Athletics and moving into first place by mid-August. After holding off a late Athletic charge, the Highlanders took their spot in the first World Series. Code: American League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 New York (A) 87 53 .621 - 87-53 0 42-28 45-25 5-5 29-19 * W1 5-5 Philadelphia (A) 82 58 .586 5.0 81-59 1 46-24 36-34 1-7 21-18 - W4 6-4 St. Louis (A) 74 66 .529 13.0 71-69 3 36-34 38-32 8-5 30-26 - W1 8-2 Detroit 72 68 .514 15.0 72-68 0 43-27 29-41 9-6 21-25 - L1 6-4 Cleveland 65 75 .464 22.0 65-75 0 37-33 28-42 11-6 22-27 - L3 2-8 Washington 63 77 .450 24.0 62-78 1 37-33 26-44 5-7 29-23 - W1 4-6 Boston (A) 60 80 .429 27.0 61-79 -1 35-35 25-45 3-6 18-26 - L1 2-8 Chicago (A) 57 83 .407 30.0 57-83 0 33-37 24-46 7-7 19-25 - L1 7-3 In the National League, the Phillies withstood a valiant effort from the Pittsburgh Pirates as well as the Brooklyn Superbas throughout July and August before pulling away and clinching their third straight league crown. Elmer Flick had another solid season, and with 3 twenty game winners on their pitching staff, they will be hard to beat in any series. Code: National League Standings Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Philadelphia (N) 88 52 .629 - 90-50 -2 47-23 41-29 8-2 27-18 * W2 7-3 Pittsburgh 82 58 .586 6.0 81-59 1 45-25 37-33 12-7 26-22 - L1 7-3 Brooklyn 73 67 .521 15.0 72-68 1 37-33 36-34 6-6 21-24 - L1 3-7 Chicago (N) 70 70 .500 18.0 62-78 8 36-34 34-36 5-7 24-20 - W1 4-6 Boston (N) 65 75 .464 23.0 66-74 -1 33-37 32-38 7-5 27-25 - W3 6-4 New York (N) 65 75 .464 23.0 64-76 1 33-37 32-38 8-9 31-25 - W1 6-4 Cincinnati 62 78 .443 26.0 67-73 -5 32-38 30-40 5-12 20-33 - L4 1-9 St. Louis (N) 55 85 .393 33.0 58-82 -3 32-38 23-47 5-8 22-31 - L2 6-4 Players of the Month American League July Batter of the Month: Nap Lajoie (PHA)- .356, 3HR, 19 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Frank Owen (DET)- 63IP, 5-0, 1.71 ERA August Batter of the Month: Buck Freeman (BSA)- .382, 1HR, 24 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Jack Bracken (CLE)- 56.1IP, 5-1, 1.92 ERA September Batter of the Month: Erve Beck (CLE)- .419, 0HR, 18 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Rube Kisinger (PHA)- 28.1IP, 2-1, 0.95 ERA National League July Batter of the Month: Fred Clarke (PIT)- .398, 0HR, 23 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Alex Pearson (BRO)- 61IP, 6-0, 1.33 ERA August Batter of the Month: Danny Murphy (PHN)- .376, 0HR, 24 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Bob Ewing (CIN)- 53IP, 6-0, 1.19 ERA September Batter of the Month: Frank Chance (CHN)- .356, 1HR, 19 RBI Pitcher of the Month: Togie Pittinger (BSN)- 35IP, 3-1, 1.03 ERA Prospect Watch Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Cubs Code: Career Batting Stats Year G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB HP SF K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS Teams 1902 113 406 110 8 2 1 39 51 30 2 4 94 3 3 .271 .321 .308 .629 CHN 1903 112 376 98 23 3 4 49 40 42 2 3 117 4 1 .261 .336 .370 .705 CHN Total 225 782 208 31 5 5 88 91 72 4 7 211 7 4 .266 .328 .338 .666 Starting Ratings: 47/66/31/49/33 Current Ratings: 51/73/34/52/33 +4 +7 +3 +3 Total Talent Ratings(INITIAL): 106/93/40/60/50 Total Talent Ratings(NOW): 89/93/40/60/34 -17 -16 Dieter had another somewhat solid, if not spectacular, season for the Cubs in center. His average dropped and his strikeouts incresed, but he is still young and is showing signs of improvement. If he can continue to play like he is, he will be a star soon enough. Clive Woodstock, 1B/RF-St. Louis Cardinals Code: Career Batting Stats Year G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB HP SF K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS Teams 1903 140 524 136 30 0 4 57 66 42 9 5 131 3 1 .260 .322 .340 .662 SLN Total 140 524 136 30 0 4 57 66 42 9 5 131 3 1 .260 .322 .340 .662 Starting Ratings: 55/59/27/32/46 Current Ratings: 59/57/33/34/51 +4 -2 +6 +2 +5 Total Talent Ratings(INITIAL): 90/40/110/85/70 Total Talent Ratings(NOW): 71/40/91/52/70 -19 -19 -33 Clive showed some signs of skills throughout the season, but like the Cardinals,he just didn't seem to be able to put it all together. He did hit 4 homeruns, but by the end of the year, he seemed more lost at the plate than he did when he first came up. Rumors are already starting to swirl that perhaps "Beast" would benefit from a change of scenery from deary St. Louis. Chief Bender, SP-Boston Beaneaters Code: Career Pitching Stats Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 1903 39 39 14 10 0 3.00 270.1 255 115 90 1 72 153 3 1 1.21 .285 BSN Total 39 39 14 10 0 3.00 270.1 255 115 90 1 72 153 3 1 1.21 .285 Starting Ratings: 38/73/97 Current Ratings: 38/73/97 Total Talent Ratings(INITIAL): 40/73/97 Total Talent Ratings(NOW): 36/74/97 -4 +1 Boston did finish ten games below .500 this season, but it was no fault of Chief Bender, who finished his rookie campaign strong. Boston should look to add some sort of batter in the draft next season, as they finished almost dead last in every offensive category. Mordecai Brown, SP-Chicago White Sox Code: Career Pitching Stats Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 1903 38 38 13 22 0 3.55 317.1 348 159 125 1 78 139 34 3 1.34 .311 CHA Total 38 38 13 22 0 3.55 317.1 348 159 125 1 78 139 34 3 1.34 .311 Starting Ratings: 25/77/97 Current Ratings: 25/77/99 +2 Total Talent Ratings(INITIAL): 36/74/97 Total Talent Ratings(NOW): 24/78/110 -12 +4 +13 Brown, as well as the rest of the White Sox, went through about the worst stretch of play in Major Leagu history, losing 17 games in a row throughout the summer season. While Brown was able to make a small recovery after that time, he was not fully able to recover his stats after such a disasterous streak. He will be even better next season, though.

12-21-2005, 10:13 PM	#18 (permalink)
metsgeek Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Norwood, MA Posts: 5,449 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2x in 2 posts	Damn it. I hate talent hits __________________ Commissioner - PBRL Time Warp Baseball - Boston Red Sox The Baseball Chronicle - Cleveland Spiders

12-21-2005, 10:39 PM	#19 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	World Series Matchup-1903 American League Champion: New York Highlanders (87-53) Overall Batting Avg.- .291 Overall ERA- 3.24 Leading Batters John McGraw-3B: .310, 87 RBI, 74 SB Jimmy Williams-2B: .335, 78 RBI, 44 SB Mike Donlin-CF: .317, 4HR, 78 RBI, 55 SB Leading Pitchers Harry Howell: 24-11, 334.1 IP, 3.26 ERA, 125 K Joe McGinnity: 23-12, 311.1 IP, 2.72 ERA, 103 K Stan Yerkes: 20-13, 305 IP, 3.36 ERA, 107 K National League Champion: Philadelphia Phillies (88-52) Overall Batting Avg.- .289 Overal ERA- 3.03 Leading Batters Elmer Flick-RF: .345, 79 RBI, 58 SB Danny Murphy-2B: .313, 3HR, 94 RBI Roy Thomas-CF: .334, 52 RBI, 47 SB Leading Pitchers Bill Duggleby: 21-10, 294 IP, 2.85 ERA, 109 K Red Donahue: 20-9, 293.2 IP, 2.61 ERA, 104 K Al Orth: 20-13, 324.1 IP, 3.27 ERA, 99 K Analysis and Prediction The first World Series pits the winners of the last three league championships in the American and National League against each other, and it couldn't be more fitting. Both teams seem even in both pitching and hitting, so this series could very well come down to who makes the fewest number of mistakes. While both teams seem very well evenly matched, something is telling me that somehow, someway, the Phillies are going to pull this out. Their pitching has just a little bit better numbers, and their hitting, while it can be streaky, can be just as solid as the Highlanders. This is a matchup truly worthy of the name World Series. Prediction: Phillies in 9 Last edited by Hurkman; 12-21-2005 at 10:42 PM.

12-22-2005, 11:45 AM	#20 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	1903 World Series Game 1-10/2/03: Phillies-3 Highlanders-4 The Phillies took a two run lead into the bottom of the 9th and pitcher Red Donohue was throwing a gem, giving up only 2 hits in the first 8 innings. After getting Mike Donlin to line out to 1st, Jimmy Williams singled. It was followed up by a John McGraw walk, then Bill Keister tied the game on another single. One pitch later, Burt Young smacked a liner to right, giving the Highlanders the first win in World Series history. W: Joe McGinnity L: Red Donohue Game 2-10/3/03: Phillies-5 Highlanders-4 This time, the Phillies managed to hold the lead coming down the stretch. Elmer Flick had the big game for the Phils, driving in two on a single and a sacrifice fly, and although New York made a run in the eighth, Al Orth was able to keep them from tying the game, and they went down quietly in the ninth. W: Al Orth L: Harry Howell Game 3-10/5/03: Highlanders-1 Phillies-7 The Highlanders scored in the top of the first in the first World Series game played at a National League park, but that was all they would get on the day. The Phillies had excellent production from their 4-9 hitters, as each man, inlcuding pitcher Bill Duggleby, drove in at least one run. The Highlanders never got into this game. W: Bill Duggleby L: Stan Yerkes Game 4-10/6/03: Highlanders-1 Phillies-3 In what could be described as the most sloppily played game of baseball ever, both teams combined for 8 errors, 4 a team. Patsy Dougherty had the big game for Philadelphia, driving in two on a double in the second innning. New York had a chance late, but had a runner picked off first base, only to have the man at bat hit a triple that would have made it a one run game in the top of the eighth. W: Red Donohue L: Joe McGinnity Game 5-10/8/03: Phillies-3 Highlanders-2 Again, the New York fielding woes continue, as this time they have three costly errors as the Phillies took a stranglehold on the series. Doc White got his first win pitching, striking out 6 in a complete game effort. With all of these errors by the Highlanders, some people didn't expect the series to last another day. W: Doc White L: Harry Howell Game 6-10/9/03: Phillies-8 Highlanders-5 Those people were right about the series lasting just another day, but it should have been longer. The Highlanders took a 5-3 lead going into the top of the ninth inning with a chance to at least extend the series. What happened next was both astounding and pathetic, depending on who you ask. It took until the 7th batter of the inning to record an out, and by that time, the Highlanders had allowed three runs to score. The other two were added on New York's 4th error of the game, giving them an astounding 17 errors for the entire series. After they were retired in the bottom of the ninth, many of the Phillies players went directly into the center of the infield and started celebrating, claiming they had finally proven the National League's dominance over their foe. W: Bill Duggleby L: Stan Yerkes Series MVP: Jack Dunn, SS- .429, 3 2B, 5 RBI 1903 World Series Champions: Philadelphia Phillies First Championship

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode