A journey through the history of baseball.

[Powderguy]

Runs
(1) 690-Ross Barnes
(2) 641-Jimmy Wood
(3) 594-Cal McVey
(4) 592-Cap Anson
(5) 529-Jim O'Rourke
(6) 517-Lip Pike
(7) 494-Andy Leonard
(8) 487-Levi Meyerle
(9) 441-George Hall
(10) 388-Fred Waterman
(11) 383-Charlie Gould
(12) 368-Davy Force
(13) 365-Tom Barlow
(14) 356-John McMullin
(15) 353-Al Spalding
(16) 351-Deacon White
(17) 345-Steve Bellan
(18) 342-Ezra Sutton
(19) 341-John Radcliff
(20) 340-Harry Schafer

Hits
(1) 1046-Ross Barnes
(2) 945-Cal McVey
(3) 901-Cap Anson
(4) 852-Levi Meyerle
(5) 848-Jimmy Wood
(6) 795-Lip Pike
(7) 755-Andy Leonard
(8) 742-Jim O'Rourke
(9) 644-George Hall
(10) 639-Charlie Gould
(11) 596-Fred Waterman
(12) 590-Deacon White
(13) 563-Bill Boyd
(14) 559-Steve Bellan
(15) 556-Jim Foran
(16) 553-Tom Barlow
(17) 552-Ed Beavens
(18) 550-Steve Brady
(19) 547-Wes Fisler
(19) 547-Davy Force

Home Runs
(1) 14-Jimmy Hallinan
(2) 11-Cap Anson
(2) 11-George Hall
(2) 11-Lip Pike
(5) 10-George Bird
(5) 10-Jim O'Rourke
(7) 9-Levi Meyerle
(8) 8-Ross Barnes
(8) 8-Steve Bellan
(8) 8-Bill Boyd
(8) 8-Cal McVey
(12) 7-Steve Brady
(12) 7-Ezra Sutton
(12) 7-Deacon White
(15) 6-George Bechtel
(15) 6-Charlie Gould
(15) 6-Paul Hines
(15) 6-John O'Rourke
(15) 6-Jimmy Wood
(20) 5-Jim Foran
(20) 5-Ed Pinkham

RBI
(1) 493-Cal McVey
(2) 447-Ross Barnes
(3) 432-Cap Anson
(4) 420-Lip Pike
(5) 418-Jim O'Rourke
(6) 407-Jimmy Wood
(7) 384-George Hall
(8) 356-Levi Meyerle
(9) 323-Charlie Gould
(10) 320-Andy Leonard
(11) 298-Davy Force
(12) 295-Bill Boyd
(13) 293-Deacon White
(14) 288-Ed Beavens
(15) 287-Ezra Sutton
(16) 276-Wes Fisler
(17) 273-Paul Hines
(18) 272-Jim Foran
(19) 269-George Wright
(20) 263-Al Spalding

Wins
(1) 329-Al Spalding
(2) 146-John Cassidy
(3) 140-George Zettlein
(4) 131-Bobby Mathews
(5) 88-Cherokee Fisher
(6) 84-Len Lovett
(6) 84-Charles Witherow
(8) 78-George Bradley
(9) 54-Dick McBride
(10) 52-Terry Larkin
(11) 46-Jim Britt
(12) 45-Tommy Bond
(13) 42-Martin Malone
(13) 42-Rynie Wolters
(15) 40-Harry Wheeler
(16) 37-John Greason
(17) 35-Candy Cummings
(17) 35-Tricky Nichols
(17) 35-Al Pratt
(20) 34-Curry Foley
(20) 34-Harry Salisbury

[Powderguy]

10/26: Cleveland signs 2B Jack Farrell for 2 years at $333/year.
10/27: Cleveland signs 3B John Radcliff to a 3 year, $2,490 contract.
11/07: Boston re-signs P Will White for 1 year at $905.
11/08: Providence re-signs P John Ward for 1 year at $420.
11/10: Boston re-signs CF George Hall to a 3 year, $4,050 contract.
11/12: Chicago re-signs SS George Wright for 1 year at $590.
11/13: Chicago trades LF Ned Cuthbert and 3B Frank Hankinson to Providence for P George Bradley.
11/18: Chicago signs C John Clapp to a 2 year, $1,410 contract.
11/19: Troy signs 1B Ed Beavens to a 6 year, $7,230 contract.
11/22: Worcester signs P Tommy Bond to a 2 year, $1,110 contract.
11/23: Cleveland signs 2B Steve Brady to a 2 year, $2,200 contract.
11/27: Worcester signs P Dick McBride to a 2 year, $1,020 contract.
12/06: Boston trades 3B Davy Force to Troy for P Pidgey Morgan and 3B Jimmy Macullar.
12/16: Cincinnati 3B Steve Bellan signs a 4 year, $3,210 extension. Bellan had one year remaining on his contract.
12/23: Cincinnati trades C Deacon White and 2B Bill Fouser to Troy for P George Zettlein and 2B Bill Harbridge.
1/15: Cleveland trades RF Doc Kennedy to Chicago for P Al Spalding. Spalding has compiled a 329-156 record with a 2.82 ERA in his career.

[Powderguy]

It seems the league may have found some form of stability as only one team failed to make it through the 1879 campaign, that being the Syracuse Stars. Their departure left just 7 teams, so the Worcester Ruby Legs stepped up to the plate and were admitted into the National League.

Boston Red Caps: With star players manning down nearly every position, how can the club from Boston not win their 9th title in 10 years? Well, the last 2 years they have struggled down the stretch including this past year when they won the league by a mere 1.5 game margin.

C: Jim O’Rourke (.282, 3 HR & 46 RBI, 63 R)
1B: Charlie Gould (.303, 1 HR & 42 RBI, 52 R)
2B: Jimmy Wood (.298, 37 RBI, 16 SB, 115 H)
3B: Cap Anson (.372, 50 RBI, 76 R, 138 H, 16 SB)
SS: Andy Leonard (.304, 35 RBI, 16 SB)
LF: Paul Hines (.247, 2 HR & 54 RBI)
CF: John O’Rourke (.319, 6 HR & 62 RBI, 27 2B)
RF: Levi Meyerle (.339, 1 HR & 54 RBI, 73 R)

CF: Charley Jones (.290 average in 5 years)
CF: George Hall (.283, 15 RBI)
RF: Ezra Sutton (.197 in 66 AB last yr)

SP: Will White (12-10, 2.27 ERA in 28 G)
SP: Curry Foley (34-14, 2.44 ERA in 50 GS)

Buffalo Bisons: The inaugural season for the Bison was as bad as it gets. The club went on a 21 game slide from May 22 to July 9. For the year, they wound up 18-61, good for 34.5 games out of first. The outlook for this year doesn’t get much better as a rookie named Stump Wiedman will start the year on the mound for the club. If you ask me, whenever anyone named Stump plays for your team, the result wont be good.

C: John McGuinness (.204, 24 RBI)
1B: Jake Goodman (.218, 1 HR & 27 RBI for SYR last yr)
2B: John Richmond (1-10 for PRO last yr)
3B: Orator Shaffer (.209, 28 RBI)
SS: Mike Moynahan (rookie)
LF: Joe Hornung (.256, 32 RBI, 81 H)
CF: Hardy Richardson (.288, 30 RBI, 98 H)
RF: Blondie Purcell (.289, 16 RBI)

SP: Stump Wiedman (rookie)
SP: Tricky Nichols (13-46, 3.05 ERA in 69 GS)

Chicago White Stockings: A team that came one game away from winning the title in 1878 took a big step backwards this past year as they finished in 5th place, 11.5 games out of first. Then, they go and make a questionable move in the offseason trading away all time Wins leader Al Spalding to Cleveland.

C: Charlie Bennett (.285, 2 HR & 45 RBI, 104 H)
1B: Bill Boyd (.220, 9 RBI in 59 AB)
2B: Lip Pike (.292, 1 HR & 40 RBI, 107 H, 17 SB)
3B: Fred Waterman (.295, 46 RBI, 108, 11 SB)
SS: George Wright (.241, 42 RBI, 16 SB)
LF: Fred Treacey (.272, 21 RBI)
CF: George Gore (.313, 1 HR & 38 RBI, 100 H)
RF: Doc Kennedy (.265, 20 RBI with CLV last yr)

SP: Larry Corcoran (rookie)

Cincinnati Reds: Since the Reds came into the league 4 years ago, it has been up and down for them. Their inaugural year they finished 5th, the next year 2nd, then 6th, and last year 2nd, just 1.5 games out of first. They rely on workhouse pitcher John Cassidy who started a league record 75 games last year. On offense, they are led by the trio of King Kelly, Ross Barnes, and Buttercup Dickerson.

C: King Kelly (.344, 59 RBI, 58 R, 122 H)
1B: Jim Foran (.263, 45 RBI, 69 R)
2B: Wes Fisler (.315, 39 RBI)
3B: Steve Bellan (.310, 1 HR & 37 RBI, 74 R)
SS: Ross Barnes (.376, 1 HR & 44 RBI, 86 R, 141 H, 21 SB)
LF: Buttercup Dickerson (.329, 1 HR & 54 RBI)
CF: Pete Hotaling (.293, 1 HR & 56 RBI)
RF: Count Sensenderfer (.309, 1 HR & 39 RBI)

SP: John Cassidy (45-27, 2.27 ERA in 75 GS)

Cleveland Blues: The Blues’ inaugural season in the NL saw them start off strong but fade from the midway point of the season which ultimately ended in a 39-43, 6th place, 15.0 games out of first. For the new season, they send Terry Larkin to the pen as they acquired Al Spalding in a trade.

C: John Morrill (.258, 1 HR & 42 RBI)
1B: Bill Phillips (.231, 30 RBI, 47 R)
2B: Steve Brady (.287, 1 HR & 25 RBI)
3B: Ned Williamson (6-16 for CIN last yr)
SS: John Radcliff (.246, 27 RBI)
LF: Abner Dalrymple (.381, 46 RBI, 135 H, 52 R)
CF: Ned Hanlon (rookie)
RF: George Bechtel (.254, 19 RBI)

SP: Al Spalding (34-31, 2.86 ERA for CWS in 70 GS)

Providence Grays: Coming off a 3rd place finish and sporting one of the finest pitchers in the game in Harry Wheeler, the Grays could surprise some people and end the Red Caps run. One of the biggest questions is their lack of offensive power as Cal McVey and Mike Dorgan can’t lead the team alone.

C: Cal McVey (.330, 1 HR & 50 RBI, 127 H, 67 R, 11 SB)
1B: Frank Heifer (.341, 52 RBI, 59 R)
2B: Bob Addy (.280, 1 HR & 21 RBI)
3B: Mike Dorgan (.315, 49 RBI, 57 R)
SS: Ham Allen (.300, 41 RBI, 120 H)
LF: Ned Cuthbert (.222, 1 HR & 10 RBI with CWS last yr)
CF: Harry Little (4-18 in 2 yrs)
RF: William Coon (.259, 11 RBI)

SP: Harry Wheeler (40-27, 2.08 ERA, 389 K in 72 GS)

Troy Trojans: The club from Troy, New York was a pleasant surprise as they arrived into the league and took home a 4th place finish. With veterans like Davy Force and Deacon White on the team, they have experience. But the real numbers will come from Dan Brouthers and amateur ball sensation Roger Connor.

C: Deacon White (.323, 1 HR & 36 RBI)
1B: Dan Brouthers (.345, 1 HR & 54 RBI, 62 R, 23 SB)
2B: Ed Beavens (.277, 1 HR & 39 RBI, 54 R)
3B: Davy Force (11-36 with BOS last yr)
SS: Tom Barlow (.302, 30 RBI with CWS last yr)
LF: Pete Gillespie (rookie)
CF: Roger Connor (rookie)
RF: Ralph Ham (.276, 13 RBI)

SP: Harry Salisbury (34-28, 1.68 ERA, 287 K in 64 GS)
SP: Tim Keefe (rookie)

Worcester Ruby Legs: The newest entry into the league this year will most likely struggle to compete. With veteran names such as Tommy Bond, Dick McBride, and Charles Witherow in the pitching rotation, not to mention The Only Nolan, they have experience there. Their two best offensive players are both rookies, Harry Stovey and Arthur Irwin.

C: Harry Schafer (.232, 32 RBI, 58 R last yr with CLV)
1B: Harry Stovey (rookie)
2B: Joe Gerhardt (1-3 for CWS in 2 yrs)
3B: Ed Pinkham (.211, 24 RBI with SYR last yr)
SS: Arthur Irwin (rookie)
LF: George Wood (rookie)
CF: Tom Foley (.273, 14 RBI with CLV last yr)
RF: Tom York (.269, 29 RBI with SYR last yr)

[Powderguy]

The day was May 7, 1880, it will be long remembered as the first no-hitter in NL History and it was accomplished 5 foot 2 rookie pitcher Larry Corcoran.
Note: A reference to real life here. On August 19, 1880, Corcoran actually did toss a no-hitter, although it was the 4th no-hitter ever at that time. I thought it was very odd and cool how he did it in his rookie season in this game as well.

[Powderguy]

Injuries
CLV-CF Hardy Richardson (torn back muscle, CAREER ENDING!)
TRO-3B Ed Duffy (torn thigh muscle, 1-2 weeks)
TRO-C Deacon White (torn back muscle, 6-7 months)

Trades
5/21: Boston sends SS John McMullin to Chicago for C Charlie Bennett.

[Powderguy]

Batting Leaders
BA: Cap Anson (BSN) .411
Hits: Cap Anson (BSN) 62
2B: Three tied with 15
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN) 6
HR: Art Whitney (WOR) 2
Runs: Ross Barnes (BSN) 29
SB: Ross Barnes (BSN) 14

Pitching Leaders
ERA: George Bradley (PRO) 0.86
Wins: Al Spalding (CLV) 19
Losses: Stump Wiedman (BUF) 19
K's: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 153

Injuries
BOS-RF Levi Meyerle (damaged knee meniscus, 1 week)
CLV-CF Hardy Richardson (torn back muscle, CAREER ENDING!)
TRO-C Deacon White (torn back muscle, 5 months)

[Powderguy]

Batting Leaders
BA: Ross Barnes (CIN) .398
Hits: Ross Barnes (CIN) 88
2B: Abner Dalrymple (CLV) 23
3B: Ross Barnes (CIN) 9
HR: Art Whitney (WOR), Buttercup Dickerson (CIN) 2
RBI: King Kelly (CIN) 45
Runs: Ross Barnes (CIN) 57
SB: Ross Barnes (CIN) 20

Pitching Leaders
ERA: George Bradley (PRO) 1.06
Wins: John Cassidy (CIN) 29
Losses: Stump Wiedman (BUF) 28
K's: Will White (BSN) 224

Injuries
CLV-CF Hardy Richardson (torn back muscle, CAREER ENDING!)
TRO-C Deacon White (torn back muscle, 4 months)

[Powderguy]

Batting Leaders
BA: Levi Meyerle (BSN) .380
Hits: Cap Anson (BSN) 109
2B: Pete Hotaling (CIN) 29
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN) 11
HR: Four tied with 2
RBI: Roger Connor (TRO) 58
Runs: Ross Barnes (CIN) 74
SB: Ross Barnes (CIN 26

Pitching Leaders
ERA: George Bradley (PRO) 2.33
Wins: John Cassidy (CIN) 37
Losses: Stump Wiedman (BUF) 37
K's: Harry Wheeler (PRO) 255

Injuries
BUF-1B Joe Hornung (ruptured ACL, 7-8 weeks)
CIN-2B Wes Fisler (damaged knee meniscus, 3-4 weeks)
CLV-CF Hardy Richardson (torn back muscle, CAREER ENDING!)
TRO-C Deacon White (torn back muscle, 3 months)

[Powderguy]

For only the 2nd time in the 10 year existence of the Boston Red Caps, they will not hoist up a trophy at the end of the year. They ended up finishing 5th in a very competitive league . Bad news broke after the season ended as the Cincinnati Reds refused to adopt the new laws concerning selling beer to fans at games and playing on Sundays. Thus, they were expelled from the National League and replaced by the Detroit Wolverines.

Award Winners
MVP: Ross Barnes (CIN) .363./.384/.551, 54 RBI, 40.5 VORP
Cartwright: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 43-21, 2.26 ERA, 550.2 IP, 326 K
Rookie: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 43-21, 2.26 ERA, 550.2 IP, 326 K

Retirements
BUF-CF Hardy Richardson (25) (2 seasons, .284, 33 RBI in 85 games)
BUF-LF Frank Barrows (35) (9 seasons, .221, 3 HR & 52 RBI in 160 games)
CIN-2B Wes Fisler (39) (10 seasons, .286, 4 HR & 314 RBI, 608 H in 514 games)
CLV-SS Bill Craver (36) (10 seasons, .285, 3 HR & 190 RBI, 271 R in 387 games)

[Powderguy]

[Powderguy]

[Powderguy]

Free Agent Transactions
11/06: Chicago signs C Charlie Bennett to 1 year, $995 contract. Bennett was traded from Chicago right as the season started to Boston. Apparently, Chicago had a change of heart.
11/07: Cleveland re-signs 3B Ned Williamson to a 2 year, $1,860 contract.
11/08: Chicago signs LF Buttercup Dickerson to a 3 year, $3,025 contract.
11/09: Chicago re-signs 1B George Wright to a 1 year, $495 contract.
11/10: Worcester signs CF George "Piano Legs" Gore to a 1 year, $1,445 contract.
11/11: Boston signs 2B Jimmy Wood to a 3 year extension at $1,454 per year with the last year being a player option.
11/13: Providence re-signs C/3B Cal McVey to a 4 year extension at $1,981 per year with the last year being a player option.
11/18: Worcester re-signs P Charles Witherow to a 2 year, $1,170 contract.
11/22: Cleveland re-signs LF Abner Dalrymple to a 1 year, $1,665 contract.
11/24: Chicago re-signs 2B Lip Pike to a 3 year, $5,720 contract.
11/26: Troy re-signs 1B Dan Brouthers to a 1 year, $1,550 contract.
11/27: Boston signs C King Kelly to a 1 year, $1,680 contract.
11/29: Boston signs 3B Ross Barnes to a 4 year, $8,400 contract. Barnes, who was expelled from the team by the league back in 1875 rejoins his former team. Many fans were furious when this signing happened, but it is legal in all rights. The penalty was each player wasn't allowed to return to Boston for 5 years, and Barnes has served his five as he played for Cincinnati during that time.
12/04: Providence signs LF Mike Dorgan to a 2 year, $2,258 extension.
12/14: Worcester signs 1B Jim Foran to a 4 year, $3,500 contract.
12/17: Cleveland signs P Pidgey Morgan to a 3 year, $1,575 contract.
1/02: Cleveland signs P The Only Nolan to a 1 year, $420 contract.
1/25: Worcester signs P Joe Borden to a 1 year, $470 contract.
3/04: Detroit signs P Pud Galvin 3 year, $1,125 contract.

Retirements
2B George Creamer (25) (2 seasons ('78-'79), .245, 32 RBI in 75 games)
P Laurie Reis (22) (3 seasons ('77-'79), 43 G, 5-5 record, 2.26 ERA, 119.2 IP)
CF Jim Shandley (32) (1 season ('79), 1 AB in 3 games)
C Dave Pierson (25) (1 season ('76), 1 AB in 2 games)
SS Amos Booth (32) (2 seasons ('76,'79), 1-1 in 2 games)
SS John Peters (30) (3 seasons ('74-'75,'79), .288, 1 HR, 50 RBI in 125 games)
P Dan Collins (26) (6 seasons ('74-'79), 135 G, 32-69 record, 3.16 ERA, 812.2 IP)
3B Red Woodhead (29) (6 seasons ('74-'79), .250, 4 HR, 163 RBI, 324 H in 330 games)
P John Greason (29) (7 seasons ('73-'79), 102 G, 37-31 record, 3.04 ERA, 591.2 IP)

[Powderguy]

This past season saw the end of a run of 3 straight championships by the Boston Red Stockings as they would up finishing 5th. A new power emerged as the Chicago White Stockings led by rookie sensation pitcher Larry Corcoran captured the league title by 6 games. After a dispute over liquor sales and Sunday ball, the Cincinnati Reds got their membership revoked. Their position was quickly filled by the Detroit Wolverines.

Boston Red Caps: For only the 2nd time in their history, the Red Caps didn’t win the title and you can blame that on their pitching. After having Curry Foley lead them to a title two years ago, they started Will White on the mound 69 times and he managed 37 wins. The biggest move of the offseason was the Red Caps’ signing of Ross Barnes, a former member of the original NA Boston club.

C: King Kelly (.333, 59 RBI, 100 H with CIN last yr)
1B: Cap Anson (.377, 52 RBI, 148 H, 22 SB)
2B: Jimmy Wood (.295, 1 HR, 40 RBI, 77 R)
3B: Ross Barnes (.363, 54 RBI, 134 H, 29 SB, 91 R with CIN last yr)
SS: Jim O’Rourke (.333, 1 HR, 59 RBI, 82 R)
LF: Andy Leonard (.278, 2 HR, 38 RBI, 11 SB)
CF: John O’Rourke (.320, 61 RBI, 27 2B)
RF: Levi Meyerle (.352, 1 HR, 60 RBI, 57 R)

SP: Will White (37-29, 2.39 ERA, 320 K)

Buffalo Bisons: After their inaugural season, the fans of the Bisons knew their club couldn’t get any worse and they didn’t as they improved their win total from 18 to 21. They still finished 35 games out of first place raising questions about the commitment of their players. More uncertainty for the team as it looks like they will start their 3rd different starting pitcher on the mound for the season opener in 3 years.

C: Mike McGeary (.297, 6 RBI with BSN last yr)
1B: John Reilly (3-14 with CIN last yr)
2B: Joe Gerhardt (.246, 40 RBI, 47 R with WOR last yr)
3B: Henry Luff (.228, 8 RBI with CIN last yr)
SS: Arlie Latham (.242, 34 RBI, 47 R)
LF: Mike Moynahan (.261, 39 RBI)
CF: Blondie Purcell (.227, 16 RBI)
RF: Joe Hornung (.256, 17 RBI)

SP: Tom Poorman (1-2, 3.09 ERA, 11.2 IP)

Chicago White Stockings: When the White Stockings faithful looked at their lineup last year, they were like “Who is this Larry Corcoran kid?” Well, he turned out to be a excellent pitcher as he pitched the National League’s first no-hitter and also won the Cartwright Award (best pitcher) in addition to the rookie of the year.

C: Charlie Bennett (.296, 1 HR, 38 RBI with BSN last yr)
1B: George Wright (.286, 1 HR, 57 RBI, 67 R)
2B: Lip Pike (.314, 46 RBI, 76 R, 14 SB)
3B: Fred Waterman (.289, 46 RBI, 63 R)
SS: John McMullin (.246, 28 RBI, 58 R)
LF: Buttercup Dickerson (.284, 2 HR, 51 RBI, 55 R with CIN last yr)
CF: Pete Hotaling (.298, 1 HR, 64 RBI, 53 R with CIN last yr)
RF: John Clapp (.272, 1 HR, 46 RBI, 75 R)

SP: Larry Corcoran (43-21, 2.26 ERA, 326 K, 550.2 IP)

Cleveland Blues: In what might have be one of the biggest steals so far, the Blues acquired Al Spalding before the 1880 season and all he did was lead them to a 2nd place while picking up his 350th win along the way. Left Fielder Abner Dalrymple headlines the Cleveland offense.

C: John Morrill (.235, 48 RBI)
1B: Bill Phillips (.270, 40 RBI, 60 R)
2B: Fred Dunlap (.327, 49 RBI, 56 R)
3B: Ned Williamson (.198, 17 RBI)
SS: Jack Glasscock (13-41, 5 RBI)
LF: Abner Dalrymple (.334, 1 HR, 60 RBI, 67 R)
CF: Ned Hanlon (.262, 40 RBI)
RF: George Bechtel (.218, 1 HR, 28 RBI, 45 R)

SP: Al Spalding (42-26, 2.66 ERA, 105 K, 598.0 IP)

Detroit Wolverines: The newest addition to the National League, the Wolverines look destined to finish as the doormat of the league this year. George Zettlein offers some experience to the young pitching staff, but that’s about it.

C: Earl Caskin (2-7 with TRO last yr)
1B: Martin Powell (rookie)
2B: Harry Smith (6-33 with CIN last yr)
3B: Jim Holdsworth (.250, 11 RBI with BUF last yr)
SS: Tom Barlow (.251, 32 RBI, 54 R with TRO last yr)
LF: Count Sensenderfer (.298, 41 RBI, 65 R with CIN last yr)
CF: George Bird (2-7 with CLV last yr)
RF: Jack Remsen (9-29 with WOR last yr)

SP: George Derby (rookie)

Providence Grays: The Grays came into last year with high expectations as they were coming off a 3rd place finish. Their hopes were quickly killed as Harry Wheeler got off to an 0-10 start, thus the team was 1-14 and in the cellar. They managed to pass Buffalo for 7th place where they ended up, 30 games out of first. Even though catcher Cal McVey signed a 4 year extension, rumors are he is unhappy with the production of his team and has been expressing his thoughts.

C: Cal McVey (.370, 1 HR, 43 RBI, 83 R, 141 H)
1B: Frank Heifer (.297, 1 HR, 59 RBI)
2B: John Farrow (.231, 21 RBI)
3B: Mike Dorgan (.356, 1 HR, 54 RBI, 62 R, 127 H)
SS: Ham Allen (.280, 39 RBI, 60 R)
LF: Al Thake (.179, 1 HR, 23 RBI)
CF: Ned Cuthbert (.210, 24 RBI, 66 R, 27 SB)
RF: Steve Bellan (.275, 41 RBI, 72 R)

SP: John Ward (0-2, 3.68 ERA, 7.1 IP)
SP: Harry Wheeler (21-43, 3.03 ERA, 576.2 IP, 321 K)

Troy Trojans: Since entering the league two years ago, they have finished 4th and 3rd, slowly improving. This year, there is a buzz in Troy, New York about the capabilities of this team as they have solid pitching and great offensive stars in Dan Brouthers and Roger Connor.

C: Buck Ewing (rookie)
1B: Dan Brouthers (.311, 1 HR, 51 RBI, 82 R, 26 SB)
2B: Ed Beavens (.234, 1 HR, 32 RBI, 61 R)
3B: Hick Carpenter (8-17 with WOR last yr)
SS: Davy Force (.251, 1 HR, 41 RBI, 16 SB)
LF: Pete Gillespie (.271, 51 RBI, 42 R)
CF: Roger Connor (.354, 77 RBI, 130 H, 30 2B)
RF: Fred Treacey (.227, 37 RBI)

SP: Harry Salisbury (43-28, 2.46 ERA, 582.1 IP, 280 K)

Worcester Ruby Legs: In the offseason, they acquired workhouse pitcher John Cassidy after the Reds folded. Harry Stovey and Arthur Irwin return as the team also adds CF George Gore.

C: Jack Rowe (.268, 1 HR, 36 RBI, 35 R)
1B: Jim Foran (.331, 40 RBI, 50 R with CIN last yr)
2B: Pop Smith (rookie)
3B: Art Whitney (.265, 2 HR, 33 RBI)
SS: Arthur Irwin (.304, 1 HR, 38 RBI, 58 R)
LF: George Wood (.288, 1 HR, 48 RBI)
CF: George Gore (.322, 1 HR, 55 RBI, 64 R with CHN last yr)
RF: Harry Stovey (.242, 2 HR, 51 RBI)

SP: John Cassidy (37-17, 2.58 ERA, 487.2 IP, 109 K with CIN last yr)

[Powderguy]

Surprisingly, the offensive laden Red Caps are stumbling out of the gate at 10-8. The defending champion White Stockings are rolling behind pitcher Larry Corcoran who has racked up 3 shutouts already. New entry Detroit is playing well at 8-11 behind rookie pitcher George Derby.

Batting Leaders
BA: Roger Connor (TRO) .373
Hits: King Kelly (BSN) 31
2B: Harry Stovery (WOR) 10
3B: Six tied with 2
HR: John O'Rourke (BSN) 2
RBI: Jim O'Rourke (BSN) 20
Runs: Jimmy Wood (BSN) 23
SB: Dan Brouthers (TRO) 11

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Jack Lynch (BUF) 1.42
Wins: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 13
Losses: Harry Salisbury (TRO) 10
K's: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 85

Injuries
BUF-Mike McGeary (fractured skull, 12-13 months)
DET-RF Jack Remsen (fractured cheekbone, 5-6 weeks)
TRO-CF Roger Connor (sprained ankle, 6 days)

[Powderguy]

Two months into the season, for the first time in awhile, every single team is still in the running to take home the title at the end of the year. Young Larry Corcoran is still pacing the White Stockings club, but the Red Caps are right on their heels.

Batting Leaders
BA: Abner Dalrymple (CLV) .382
Hits: Abner Dalrymple (CLV), King Kelly (BSN) 58
2B: King Kelly (BSN) 16
3B: Lip Pike (CHN) 6
HR: Five tied with 2
RBI: Levi Meyerle (BSN) 32
Runs: Cap Anson (BSN) 38
SB: Cap Anson (BSN) 16

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Jack Lynch (BUF) 1.56
Wins: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 19
Losses: Tom Poorman (BUF), Harry Salisbury (TRO) 17
K's: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 155

Injuries
BUF-Mike McGeary (fractured skull, 11-12 months)
DET-RF Jack Remsen (fractured cheekbone, 1 week)

[Powderguy]

A 12-3 month has the Red Caps sitting pretty atop the standings as they have opened up a 5.5 game lead. The competitiveness of the league is working in Boston's favor big time and no one can gain any ground on them because they keep knocking each other off. Perhaps though, Larry Corcoran and the White Stockings will catch fire and pass the Red Caps as they look like the only team to have a shot of catching them.

Batting Leaders
BA: Abner Dalrymple (CLV) .406
Hits: King Kelly (BSN) 92
2B: King Kelly (BSN) 22
3B: Cal McVey (POR), Lip Pike (CHN) 8
HR: Lip Pike (CHN) 4
RBI: Levi Meyerle (BSN) 57
Runs: Cap Anson (BSN) 63
SB: John Reily (BUF) 25

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Jack Lynch (BUF) 2.19
Wins: Will White (BSN) 30
Losses: Harry Salisbury (TRO) 25
K's: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 209

Injuries
BUF-Mike McGeary (fractured skull, 10 months)

[Powderguy]

Since the end of July, Boston has added 1.5 more games onto their lead bringing it to 7 games with a month to go. It would appear that Boston would have it locked up, but in recent years, they have struggled down the stretch when they have had leads. While under .500 at 32-34, Detroit is still quite impressive considering the lack of talent they have in their first year in the league.

Batting Leaders
BA: Ross Barnes (BSN) .396
Hits: King Kelly (BSN), Ross Barnes (BSN) 116
2B: King Kelly (BSN) 28
3B: Ross Barnes (BSN), Lip Pike (CHN) 10
HR: Lip Pike (CHN) 5
RBI: Levi Meyerle (BSN) 68
Runs: Cap Anson (BSN) 77
SB: Arlie Latham (BUF) 31

Pitching Leaders
ERA: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 2.31
Wins: Will White (BSN) 39
Losses: John Ward (PRO) 33
K's: Larry Corcoran (CHN) 266

Injuries
BUF-Mike McGeary (fractured skull, 9 months)