1876: A New League Begins

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION

FIRST BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Ham Allen, Buffalo Bisons* (0-36-.253-0) - This 33-year-old had a relatively solid season in his first starting role in years, but he's not happy losing in Buffalo, and the team will probably want to upgrade the position anyway. He could probably still help a contender in a reserve role.

Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (2-49-.320-13) - This hulking 21-year-old rookie had a phenomenal first year, and looks like he has a bright career ahead of him in Troy.

Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds (0-43-.267-2) - He had a productive but unspectacular year for Cincinnati, which is exactly what he does most seasons. A solid bat, but no one's idea of a star.

Jim Foran, Cleveland Blues (0-54-.286-4) - A good hitter, but he's never been able to fulfill the MVH-level potential he showed early in his career.

Everett Mills, Syracuse Stars* (0-44-.259-1) - For the second time, he came out of inactivity to start for a brand new team, and for the second time, he turned in a decent performance but nothing that's likely to land him a new starting job at age 34.

John Morrill, Boston Red Caps (1-36-.285-1) - He's been tried at various other infield spots, but he's a natural first baseman, so this year Cap Anson agreed to move over to third base to make room for him. He justified the move with a solid year at the plate.

Count Sensenderfer, Providence Grays* (1-26-.252-0) - Providence believed this veteran still had something left after a few years of struggling in St. Louis and Boston, so they brought him in a converted him to a first baseman to get his bat into the lineup. By and large, he proved that it probably wasn't worth the effort.

Joe Start, Chicago White Stockings (4-21-.250-1) - He went down to a season-ending abdominal injury midway through the year, had his least productive season in years, and turns 37 during the offseason. Don't expect too much from him in the future.

And the best-hitting first baseman for 1879 is... DAN BROUTHERS OF THE TROY TROJANS. The hot-hitting rookie breaks Anson's five-year run as the league's best first baseman.

First Base

1871 - Clipper Flynn, Troy Haymakers (0-20-.361-1)
1872 - Joe Start, New York Mutuals (1-51-.330-3)
1873 - Jim Foran, Philadelphia Whites (0-35-.400-7)
1874 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics (0-44-.400-9)
1875 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics (3-41-.417-14)
1876 - Cap Anson, Hartford Dark Blues (5-48-.383-6)
1877 - Cap Anson, Hartford Dark Blues (0-26-.375-8)
1878 - Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps (1-35-.343-8)
1879 - Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (2-49-.320-13)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - SECOND BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Bob "Magnet" Addy, Cincinnati Reds (0-25-.256-1) - Another solid season from this slick-fielding veteran.

Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps (1-73-.354-3) - Another first-rate season from the Boston superstar. Also, he won his first championship as a National Leaguer this season, and Boston looks to be on the verge of establishing a dynasty.

Tom Carey, Providence Grays (0-37-.260-1) - An adequate hitter, and an excellent fielder. Providence has many serious problems, but he doesn't appear to be one of them.

Ed Caskin, Troy Trojans (0-18-.288-1) - Another solid rookie for Troy. At age 27, he isn't expected to develop much more, and probably will be a reserve long-term, but still this was a nice debut.

George Creamer, Cleveland Blues (0-13-.218-0) - They were searching for an answer at this position all season. Unless this 23-year-old develops further, he isn't it.

Andy Leonard, Syracuse Stars* (0-30-.227-6) - He's 33 years old, and two years removed from a .374 season. So is he going to be one of the great free-agent bargains of the offseason, or is he washed up as a player?

Bill McClellan, Chicago White Stockings (0-39-.272-4) - At the start of the season, the plan was for this 23-year-old to spend another year as a utility man before taking moving into a starting role. However, injuries forced him into full-time duty, and he did rather well. Now the dilemma involves his future - it's unlikely that he'll agree to be a substitute after this solid season as a regular.

Lip Pike, Buffalo Bisons (1-36-.261-4) - This veteran is one of the highest-paid players in the league, and he simply didn't do enough to justify that salary this season. He's hit over .300 seven times, so there is certainly hope for next season, but at age 34 he could simply be winding down.

And the best second baseman of 1879 is... ROSS BARNES OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. Another easy call, as Barnes has been the dominant middle infielder of the 1870s.

Second Base

1871 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (1-31-.336-12)
1872 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (1-52-.429-12)
1873 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (1-49-.360-8)
1874 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (0-45-.331-11)
1875 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (1-71-.347-13)
1876 - Lip Pike, New York Mutuals (2-38-.314-6)
1877 - Lip Pike, Hartford Dark Blues (0-39-.323-10)
1878 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps (1-46-.338-7)
1879 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps (1-73-.354-3)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - SHORTSTOP

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Tom Barlow, Troy Trojans (1-47-.294-11) - As expected, he did an excellent job with his new team in 1879, and looks to be one of the league's better shortstops for years to come.

Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues (1-43-.289-0) - A talented 22-year-old rookie who is said to have great potential. Even if he never develops any further, he's already a respectable major leaguer.

Jimmy Hallinan, Syracuse Stars* (3-36-.265-2) - He did a very solid job for Syracuse, particularly since he hadn't been a starting shortstop for five years before 1879.

Sadie Houck, Boston Red Caps (2-47-.243-0) - This 23-year-old had the luxury of being surrounded by stars in the lineup. Nevertheless, his job could be in jeopardy if he doesn't develop significantly next season.

King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds (0-46-.295-12) - You'd think that Cincinnati would move him to one of his more natural positions, since he did an outstanding job when they playing him in right field this year. However, he's certainly a good hitter for a shortstop.

John Peters, Chicago White Stockings* (1-27-.285-1) - He did an excellent job filling in for the oft-injured John Bass this season. Although he's never been given much of a chance to start in Chicago, he's expected to be able to step right in with someone next year.

John Richmond, Providence Grays (0-9-.207-0) - Providence started seven different shortstops in 1879. The player who got the most playing time at shortstop was Tom Carey - the team's starting second baseman. To say that this spot is unsettled is a major understatement. However, one thing seems certain - Richmond isn't the answer.

Jack Rowe, Buffalo Bisons (1-24-.231-0) - This rookie didn't do much this season. However, he's considered to be one of the better prospects in the league, so they'll probably be patient with him - it's not as though Buffalo is on the verge of contention at this point.

And the award for best hitting shortstop of 1879 goes to... TOM BARLOW OF THE TROY TROJANS. This was a close call, as Kelly and Glasscock could also have been realistic selections. However, in the end Barlow's consistent production wins him his fifth award - with his third different team.

Shortstop

1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers (4-38-.374-10)
1872 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers (0-29-.407-4)
1873 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics (1-40-.341-3)
1874 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics (2-59-.316-3)
1875 - John Peters, Chicago White Stockings (1-27-.274-2)
1876 - Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings (1-30-.381-5)
1877 - Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays (1-37-.390-8)
1878 - Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings (0-24-.311-1)
1879 - Tom Barlow, Troy Trojans (1-47-.294-11)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - THIRD BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps (3-52-.389-14) - A true superstar in the prime of his career. Anson switched from first base back to third this season, and didn't miss a beat. He also finally won his first championship ever - and the way the league is shaping up, it might be the first of many.

Steve Bellan, Cincinnati Reds (1-28-.235-3) - This talented Cuban didn't have a very good year in 1879, but he's a steady fielder and one of the more patient hitters in the game, so he's better than his superficial numbers suggest.

Frank Bliss, Syracuse Stars* (1-8-.129-0) - The team didn't have a true starter at third, and Bliss certainly showed that he's not starting material.

Jim Devlin, Providence Grays* (2-31-.213-2) - They tried him as a starter this season, but he simply wasn't up to the task. Next season, Providence hopes to have a better infielder, or at least a younger one.

Dickie Flowers, Buffalo Bisons* (1-49-.218-8) - Although it's difficult to remember now, he was actually one of the league's best players in the early 1870s. At this point, he probably shouldn't be playing regularly anymore, although he's still only 28 years old.

Frank Hankinson, Chicago White Stockings (1-25-.210-0) - The rash of injuries forced the defending champions to experiment with guys like this 23-year-old in starting roles. As a result, it's no surprise that they fell from their lofty perch atop the National League.

Fred Waterman, Cleveland Blues (1-49-.305-5) - Waterman has always been one of the best third basemen in the game, and this year was no exception, as he starred for the struggling Blues.

Ned Williamson, Troy Trojans (3-43-.232-0) - A good power hitter and solid fielder at third, he's going to need to improve his contact to really make it as a standout player in the National League.

And the award for best-hitting third baseman of 1879 goes to... CAP ANSON OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. This may be the easiest call ever, as Anson wins his second award as a third baseman to go with five as a first baseman.

Third Base

1871 - Levi Meyerle, Philadelphia Athletics (0-25-.400-3)
1872 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics (0-37-.434-11)
1873 - Fred Waterman, Brooklyn Atlantics (2-50-.323-10)
1874 - Fred Waterman, Brooklyn Atlantics (0-47-.366-7)
1875 - Fred Waterman, Brooklyn Atlantics (3-44-.330-7)
1876 - Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (2-53-.394-7)
1877 - Fred Waterman, Hartford Dark Blues (0-28-.325-11)
1878 - Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (1-31-.323-5)
1879 - Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps (3-52-.389-14)

[Syd Thrift]

23 skidoo.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - LEFT FIELD

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues (1-31-.332-0) - This extremely talented young man came into his own this season, and he is now the cornerstone of the Cleveland club.

Buttercup Dickerson, Cincinnati Reds (0-44-.300-0) - His 1879 campaign wasn't as good as his phenomenal rookie year, but he has definitely shown that he has the talent to be an excellent player for years to come.

Mike Dorgan, Boston Red Caps (4-65-.309-4) - This talented young outfielder really came into his own this year, becoming an excellent complement to the club's "big three" hitters.

Charlie Eden, Chicago White Stockings (1-32-.245-0) - He's now had three years in the major leagues, and he simply doesn't seem to be as good as the White Stockings had expected. An adequate player, but they were hoping for something a bit more.

Joe Hornung, Buffalo Bisons (1-25-.240-0) - Not a bad rookie year, but he'll definitely need to improve on it next year. Because he's only 22 years old, there are still high hopes for him in Buffalo.

Charley Jones, Providence Grays (0-47-.277-2) - He was one of the few solid hitters the Grays had in 1879, and as a result they signed him to a three-year contract extension following the season. Look for him to be the big fish in a small pond for years to come.

Mike Mansell, Syracuse Stars* (0-13-.246-0) - This 21-year-old is said to have some potential. For that reason alone, he will probably attract some interest this offseason.

Tom Mansell, Troy Trojans (0-18-.233-0) - Mike's older brother. He is considered the less talented of the two, although obviously they seem rather similar so far.

And the award for best left fielder of 1879 goes to... ABNER DALRYMPLE OF THE CLEVELAND BLUES. For the second consecutive year, it's a narrow win for Dalrymple. This time, the challenger was Dorgan of Boston.

Left Field

1871 - George Bechtel, Philadelphia Athletics (1-22-.333-6)
1872 - George Bechtel, Philadelphia Athletics (1-33-.333-9)
1873 - Al Thake, Brooklyn Atlantics (1-49-.344-5)
1874 - Steve King, New York Mutuals (1-71-.359-2)
1875 - Andy Leonard, Philadelphia Athletics (0-56-.309-13)
1876 - Count Gedney, Hartford Dark Blues (2-45-.342-4)
1877 - George Bechtel, Cincinnati Reds (0-34-.298-6)
1878 - Abner Dalrymple, Milwaukee Grays (0-23-.303-1)
1879 - Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues (1-31-.332-0)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - CENTER FIELD

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

"Hartford Jack" Farrell, Troy Trojans (2-47-.271-1) - He improved greatly in his second season as a starting outfielder. Look for him to retain his starting duties for the foreseeable future.

Tom Foley, Syracuse Stars* (2-38-.268-0) - A solid season from this veteran. He will be looking to hook up with a team that will promise to start him next season.

George Gore, Chicago White Stockings (3-42-.321-1) - One of many talented rookie center fielders to make his debut this season. Gore gives Chicago reason to hope that the future could be bright - he is a good hitter and fielder, and should be a fixture in their lineup for years to come.

Pete Hotaling, Cincinnati Reds (1-50-.271-0) - Like Gore, O'Rourke, and Richardson, he was a rookie this year, and a good one. At age 22, look for him to continue his improvement over the next few years.

Frank McCarton, Providence Grays (1-44-.299-0) - At age 24, he is now an eight-year veteran, and is considered the "old man" of National League center fielders since he's one of the few non-rookies. He's also one of the best hitters out there, and gives Providence one of its few bright spots.

John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps (5-69-.298-1) - Perhaps the strangest rookie base ball has yet seen. He is the older brother of Chicago's Orator Jim O'Rourke. Jim always told cranks that his brother John was the real base ball star of the family, and it looks like he spoke the truth - John was one of the best power hitters in the league, and a good center fielder as well. Of course, he's not likely to improve much at age 30, but he doesn't really need to - he will help the Boston franchise for the next few years as is.

Hardy Richardson, Buffalo Bisons (0-38-.267-0) - "Old True Blue," as they call him in Buffalo, looks like a promising young center fielder. He's equally adept as an infielder, so look for him to be plugged in wherever the Bisons have a need next year.

George Strief, Cleveland Blues (1-6-.117-0) - He split time in center field with
Len Stockwell, whose .146 average wasn't much better. Clearly, this is a desperate need for the Blues.

And the award for best center fielder of 1879 goes to... JOHN O'ROURKE OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. This was a true toss-up situation, as the award could just as easily have gone to George Gore of Chicago.

Center Field

1871 - Tom York, Troy Haymakers (1-19-.369-0)
1872 - Dave Eggler, New York Mutuals (1-66-.372-20)
1873 - Count Sensenderfer, Philadelphia Athletics-Brooklyn Atlantics (3-38-.354-2)
1874 - George Hall, Philadelphia Athletics (2-49-.336-4)
1875 - Frank McCarton, New York Mutuals (1-48-.354-0)
1876 - Frank McCarton, New York Mutuals (1-38-.335-0)
1877 - Frank McCarton, St. Louis Brown Stockings (0-36-.371-0)
1878 - Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings (0-40-.250-2)
1879 - John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps (5-69-.298-1)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - RIGHT FIELD

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

George Bechtel, Cleveland Blues (1-40-.281-6) - He had an excellent season for Cleveland, and has been one of the most consistent outfielders in the game for a decade now.

Steve Brady, Syracuse Stars* (1-33-.247-0) - His teams always seem to keep disbanding around him, but he wasn't the problem this season - he had a solid, steady year.

Jake Evans, Troy Trojans (0-13-.226-0) - This rookie doesn't look like much - if not for the fact that hard-hitting right fielders are in short supply, he probably wouldn't be a starter.

John Glenn, Providence Grays (0-19-.207-0) - He's been good in the past, but had a truly dismal season for the Grays. He's going to have to get better or get replaced.

Fred Goldsmith, Cincinnati Reds (1-19-.214-0) - One of many players they tried in right field. Probably won't ever hit enough to be an everyday starter.

Jack Manning, Boston Red Caps (1-29-.218-1) - On a team filled with star hitters, he sticks out like a sore thumb. Inexplicably, this team continues to start him when they have Orator Shaffer, a far superior player, available on the bench.

Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (1-41-.310-4) - One of the few healthy Chicago players, he shuttled between third base and right field all season.

Deacon White, Buffalo Bisons (0-16-.246-0) - He actually shared time with NFN Shaffer (.150) and Bill Holbert (.253) in right field. However, White was the best of the three, which isn't really saying much this season. They need him to get on track next year.

And the award for best right fielder of 1879 goes to... LEVI MEYERLE OF THE CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS. Close call between Meyerle and Bechtel, two players who've won awards at other positions in the past. In the end, Meyerle's slightly higher batting average wins out.

Right Field

1871 - Lip Pike, Troy Haymakers (0-22-.317-6)
1872 - George Heubel, Philadelphia Athletics (0-50-.333-4)
1873 - Lip Pike, New York Mutuals (1-48-.341-7)
1874 - Gat Stires, New York Mutuals (1-35-.312-7)
1875 - Orator Shaffer, Hartford Dark Blues (0-42-.257-4)
1876 - Orator Shaffer, Hartford Dark Blues (0-68-.339-0)
1877 - John Glenn, Hartford Dark Blues (0-24-.291-0)
1878 - Buttercup Dickerson, Cincinnati Reds (0-30-.365-0)
1879 - Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (1-41-.310-4)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

The 1879 Silver Slugger Awards by position:

C - Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (third consecutive win; fifth overall)
1B - Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans (first win)
2B - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps (fourth consecutive win; eighth overall)
SS - Tom Barlow, Troy Trojans (second consecutive win; fifth overall win)
3B - Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps (sixth consecutive win; seventh overall)
LF - Abner Dalrymple, Milwaukee Grays (second conseuctive win)
CF - John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps (first win)
RF - Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (second consecutive win; fourth overall)

And the Gold Glove Awards by position:

P - John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays (first win)
C - Dick Higham, Cincinnati Reds (second win)
1B - Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds (second win)
2B - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps (fourth win)
SS - Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues (first win)
3B - Steve Bellan, Cincinnati Reds (second win)
LF - Charley Jones, Providence Grays (first win)
CF - George Gore, Chicago White Stockings (first win)
RF - George Bechtel, Cleveland Blues (third win)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

YEAR-BY-YEAR WINNERS, GOLD GLOVE AWARDS

Pitcher

1871 - Asa Brainard, Washington Olympics
1872 - John "Lefty" McMullin, Troy Haymakers
1873 - John "Lefty" McMullin, Baltimore Canaries
1874 - Frank Fleet, Philadelphia Whites
1875 - Frank Fleet, Philadelphia Whites
1876 - Tommy Bond, Louisville Grays
1877 - Harry Arundel, Louisville Grays
1878 - Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
1879 - John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays

Catcher

1871 - Mike McGeary, Troy Haymakers
1872 - Mike McGeary, Troy Haymakers
1873 - Pop Snyder, Washington Blue Legs
1874 - Pop Snyder, Chicago White Stockings
1875 - Doug Allison, Philadelphia Whites
1876 - Tim McGinley, Louisville Grays
1877 - Dick Higham, Cincinnati Reds
1878 - John Clapp, Providence Grays
1879 - Dick Higham, Cincinnati Reds

First Base

1871 - Denny Mack, Rockford Forest Citys
1872 - Charlie Gould, Boston Red Stockings
1873 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics
1874 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics
1875 - Denny Mack, Chicago White Stockings
1876 - Jim Devlin, Chicago White Stockings
1877 - Clipper Flynn, St. Louis Brown Stockings
1878 - Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
1879 - Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds

Second Base

1871 - Tom Carey, Fort Wayne Kekiongas
1872 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings
1873 - Andy Leonard, Baltimore Canaries
1874 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings
1875 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings
1876 - Tom Carey, Chicago White Stockings
1877 - Tom Carey, Chicago White Stockings
1878 - Bob Addy, Cincinnati Reds
1879 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings

Shortstop

1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers
1872 - Ed Duffy, Brooklyn Eckfords
1873 - Jimmy Hallinan, Baltimore Canaries
1874 - Jimmy Hallinan, Baltimore Canaries
1875 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics
1876 - George Wright, Boston Red Caps
1877 - John Bass, Chicago White Stockings
1878 - George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
1879 - Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues

Third Base

1871 - Steve Bellan, Troy Haymakers
1872 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn Atlantics
1873 - Davy Force, Philadelphia Whites
1874 - Fred Waterman, Brooklyn Atlantics
1875 - Ezra Sutton, Chicago White Stockings
1876 - Fred Waterman, Hartford Dark Blues
1877 - Ezra Sutton, St. Louis Brown Stockings
1878 - Ezra Sutton, Indianapolis Blues
1879 - Steve Bellan, Cincinnati Reds

Left Field

1871 - Fred Treacey, Chicago White Stockings
1872 - Charlie Pabor, Cleveland Forest Citys
1873 - Fred Treacey, Philadelphia Athletics
1874 - Steve King, New York Mutuals
1875 - Fred Treacey, Philadelphia Athletics
1876 - Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
1877 - Count Gedney, Hartford Dark Blues
1878 - Abner Dalrymple, Milwaukee Grays
1879 - Charley Jones, Providence Grays

Center Field

1871 - Tom Foley, Chicago White Stockings
1872 - Count Sensenderfer, Philadelphia Athletics
1873 - George Hall, Philadelphia Athletics
1874 - Paul Hines, Philadelphia Whites
1875 - Frank McCarton, New York Mutuals
1876 - Tom Foley, Hartford Dark Blues
1877 - Count Sensenderfer, Boston Red Caps
1878 - Count Sensenderfer, Boston Red Caps
1879 - George Gore, Chicago White Stockings

Right Field

1871 - Lip Pike, Troy Haymakers
1872 - Elmer White, Cleveland Forest Citys
1873 - George Bechtel, Philadelphia Athletics
1874 - George Heubel, Philadelphia Athletics
1875 - George Bechtel, Philadelphia Athletics
1876 - Orator Shaffer, Hartford Dark Blues
1877 - John Glenn, Hartford Dark Blues
1878 - Orator Shaffer, Boston Red Caps
1879 - George Bechtel, Cleveland Blues

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Rookie of the Year Award - Nominees

Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans - 1B (2-49-.320-13) - He looks like he's going to be one of the better hitters in the league for years to come.

Curry Foley, Boston Red Caps - LHP (33-15, 2.33) - He had a standout year with the National League champions, although his efforts were mostly overshadowed by the team's great hitters.

George Gore, Chicago White Stockings - CF (3-42-.321-1) - One of many standout young hitters this season. He gives the aging Chicago club a new generation of players to build around.

Pete Hotaling, Cincinnati Reds - CF (1-50-.271-0) - One of the many solid young outfielders to break in this season.

John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps - CF (5-69-.298-1) - Although he's much older than most rookies (30), he still had a standout year, and confirmed that the O'Rourke family has more than one great player.

And the 1879 Rookie of the Year is.... DAN BROUTHERS, with Curry Foley of Boston as the runner-up.

Rookie of the Year

1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy
1872 - Frank McCarton, Middletown
1873 - Jack Manning, Boston
1874 - Steve Brady, Hartford
1875 - Sam Weaver, Philadelphia (W)
1876 - Foghorn Bradley, Boston
1877 - Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati
1878 - Buttercup Dickerson, Cincinnati
1879 - Dan Brouthers, Troy

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Cartwright Award - Nominees

Curry Foley, Boston Red Caps - LHP (33-15, 2.33, 429.0 IP, 434 H, 34 BB, 197 K, 7 HR) - This young southpaw unexpectedly won the primary pitching job from Foghorn Bradley this season and didn't disappoint, helping lead the Red Caps to their first National League pennant.

Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds - LHP (32-18, 1.98, 432.1 IP, 425 H, 40 BB, 233 K, 6 HR) - He just keeps getting better and better, and the scary part is that he is only 23 years old.

The Only Nolan, Syracuse Stars - RHP (28-17, 2.09, 400.1 IP, 413 H, 39 BB, 177 K, 3 HR) - This inexperienced pitcher did a great job for Syracuse, unexpectedly catapulting the now-defunct team into sudden contention.

J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings - RHP (22-23, 2.40, 385.2 IP, 471 H, 33 BB, 102 K, 6 HR) - He had a very solid season, despite the fact that the players behind him changed on what seemed like a daily basis. Not much chance of winning the award, but he did have a legitimately strong season.

John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays - RHP (17-28, 2.42, 352.2 IP, 437 H, 29 BB, 222 K, 3 HR) - An outstanding pitcher who's finally getting some recognition. Until the team around him is overhauled, it's likely the only recognition he's going to get.

And the 1879 Cartwright Award winner is... BOBBY MITCHELL. Mitchell was close last year, and now that the defense-first Reds actually contended for the title this year, it's the right time and the right player.

Cartwright Award

1871 - Dick McBride, Philadelphia
1872 - Dick McBride, Philadelphia
1873 - Dick McBride, Philadelphia (A)
1874 - Dick McBride, Philadelphia (A)
1875 - Sam Weaver, Philadelphia (W)
1876 - J. O'Neill, Chicago
1877 - Harry Arundel, Louisville
1878 - J. O'Neill, Chicago
1879 - Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Most Valuable Hitter - Nominees

Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps - 3B (3-52-.389-14) - What an amazing season he had. A fitting time for him to finally win the championship he's been seeking since professional base ball began in 1871. Previous winner in 1874 and 1875.

Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps - 2B (1-73-.354-3) - He is just consistently outstanding, and while he and Anson have been playing professional base ball since the early 1870s, both are still in their twenties - a scary thought for other teams. Previous winner in 1877 and 1878.

Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans - 1B (2-49-.320-13) - This 21-year-old rookie had an amazing first season, and hopes to become one of the league's leading hitters. Scarily for the rest of the league, he improved as the season went on, hitting .357 over the final three months.

Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues - LF (1-31-.332-0) - Last year, this 22-year-old was one of the league's best rookies. This year, he's one of the best players. Looks like he'll be one of the best players of the 1880s.

Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps - C (0-62-.333-11) - All three of Boston's "big three" had huge years, leading the team to its first National League pennant. Previously won in 1872.

And the 1879 Most Valuable Hitter award goes to... CAP ANSON, in near-unanimous voting. Anson becomes the first player ever to win three MVH Awards, in a year where he finally won a championship for the first time. In a mild surprise, Dalrymple snuck into second place in the voting, while back-to-back defending MVH Ross Barnes finished third.

Most Valuable Hitter Awards

1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy
1872 - Cal McVey, Boston
1873 - Jim Foran, Philadelphia (W)
1874 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn
1875 - Cap Anson, Brooklyn
1876 - Levi Meyerle, Chicago
1877 - Ross Barnes, Louisville
1878 - Ross Barnes, Boston
1879 - Cap Anson, Boston

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

THE 1880 SEASON BEGINS

For the first time, the National League has a measure of season-to-season stability. Only the Syracuse Stars are gone from last season, replaced by the Ruby Legs from Worcester, Mass., who filled out their roster primarily by taking the former Syracuse players.

On the field, Boston's Big Three finally won a pennant together, and they enter 1880 looking like the league's strongest team again. Chicago looks like the biggest challenger for this season, but the team seems to be aging and may have passed their window of opportunity.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds are hurting for revenue and have decided to rent out their ballpark to some local semipro teams that play on Sundays and sell beer at their games. These are two of National League founder William Hulbert's strictest prohibitions, so it will be interesting to see how this power struggle ultimately plays out.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

TEAM-BY-TEAM PROFILES - 1880 BEADLE BASE BALL PLAYER

BOSTON RED CAPS (56-28 in 1879)

What a difference a year makes. Boston has gone from being a perennially underachieving team to the presumptive champion for years to come. The year was a truly perfect convergence of two key factors: the stars had their usual great seasons, while several other key contributors (Dorgan, Morrill, O'Rourke, Foley) really came into their own. On the whole, things look very good for the defending champions going forward - the Big Three are going to be playing together for another three years (or more), and the supporting cast looks great. What's not to like?

8 C Cal McVey (0-62-.333-11) - As expected for the career leader in hits (905), he's remarkably consistent as well as remarkably talented. He is expected to continue dominating at the backstop position.
50 1B John Morrill (1-36-.285-1) - This solid young infielder can play all over the field, but he seems most comfortable at first, so they seem to have settled on playing him there.
11 2B/SS Ross Barnes (1-73-.354-3) - Another great season from this superstar. He will be playing both middle infield positions this year, depending on whether the team starts Wood or Houck next to him.
18 2B Jimmy Wood (3-34-.287-6) - Last season, he was 36 years old and coming off two straight subpar seasons, so he looked like he was done. Then he had this astonishingly good year. He is reportedly unhappy at having to share time with Houck in the middle infield.
29 SS/LF Sadie Houck (2-47-.243-0) - This slick-fielding 24-year-old played his way into a starting job last season, and as long as he can keep hitting well enough to justify his fielding-first approach, he'll probably keep it. Against left-handed pitchers, they will play him in left field.
5 3B Cap Anson (3-52-.389-14) - Certainly one of the top three players in the league. He seems satisfied with the move to third base, so they'll probably keep him there from now on.
37 LF/RF Mike Dorgan (4-65-.309-4) - In his third season, Dorgan really came into his own as an excellent hitter, giving Boston yet another element to their potent attack.
13 CF John O'Rourke (5-69-.298-1) - He may have been old for a rookie, but that didn't make him any less capable. He gives the Boston club an embarrassment of riches in hitting.
24 RF Jack Manning (1-29-.218-1) - Does he have some kind of blackmail material on Harry Wright? Orator Shaffer is the far superior player, but Manning continues to get the starting nod.

9 P Curry Foley (33-15, 2.33 as a rookie) - This 24-year-old Irishman had a very strong debut season, and now looks to build upon that success. Fortunately, he has a great team behind him.
44 P Foghorn Bradley (16-8, 3.45; lifetime 94-83 record) - Although he's no longer the primary starter, he'll still be counted upon to make many starts for the team this season.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

BUFFALO BISONS (30-48 in 1879)

After a long and unproductive rookie season, the Bisons have decided to try to build their franchise around young talent. To that end, they're starting nearly every young player they have. This also means that Lip Pike and Deacon White will definitely be the odd men out this season. Look for one or both to end up traded if another team is willing to take on the contracts.

18 C Frank Selman (3-47-.263-5) - Although he's bounced around the league a fair amount, he's a pretty talented catcher and is still only 27 years old. A good start for this club.
44 1B Ecky Stearns (rookie) - He'll be splitting time at the position, at least until one of these rookies proves himself.
30 1B Dude Esterbrook (rookie) - The other half of Buffalo's rookie first baseman platoon.
27 2B Lip Pike (1-36-.261-4) - Had probably the worst season of his career last year. The Bisons are hoping this was a one-year anomaly and not the beginning of the end for this soon-to-be 35-year-old. Has two years left on a huge contract.
6 SS Jack Rowe (1-24-.231-0) - Had a decent but not great rookie season, and supposedly has great potential. We'll see.
22 3B Arlie Latham (rookie) - This 20-year-old has some promise, but does not appear ready to play in the big leagues quite yet. Still, Buffalo is rebuilding so they're going to give him a shot.
0 LF Mike Moynahan (rookie) - Supposedly a pretty good hitter, and he's definitely cheap and 23, which makes him a perfect fit for this team.
35 CF Hardy Richardson (0-38-.267-0) - Another guy who had a solid rookie year, and he's also a very good defensive center fielder.
28 RF Deacon White (0-16-.246-0) - Like Pike, he's an aging player coming off a bad season with two years left on an enormous contract. If either of these guys starts strong, look for Buffalo to try to trade them away for younger men.

39 P Bill McGunnigle (3-2, 2.77 as a rookie) - As the Bisons try to put together the cheapest team they can, he will get his chance to prove that he's ready to be a full-time starter.
69 P Stump Wiedman (rookie) - This 19-year-old will probably see significant pitching time as well.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS (40-39 in 1879; champions from 1876-78)

On paper, this still looks like a pretty formidable team, but they just don't seem to have the star power that Boston has. In addition, some of their key players may be getting a little long in the tooth. If they can stay healthy they should be better than last year, but they may not be able to keep up with Harry Wright's boys.

30 C "Orator Jim" O'Rourke (2-35-.287-0) - Although all of the four national league pennants have been won by a member of the O'Rourke family, that's small consolation for Jim, who saw his brother win a championship with Boston last season. Has been a solid hitter ever since coming into the league in 1872.
33 1B Joe "Old Reliable" Start (4-21-.250-1) - He missed the last half of the season due to injury, and now hopes to regain his old form. However, he's now 37 years old and it seems doubtful that he will be able to hit the way he once did.
11 2B/LF Paul Hines (1-36-.238-1) - Since George Gore took over the center field job, he has been a man in search of a position. One of the most popular White Stockings, he will split time between second base (where he is a poor fielder) and left field (where he is quite skilled).
12 2B Tom Burns (rookie) - The team hopes this 23-year-old will help ease the transition to a younger club. He seems to have pushed McClellan, the presumptive heir at this position, further down the depth chart.
17 SS John Bass (1-12-.313-0) - They just hope he can put together a healthy season, which has eluded him for the past two years.
27 3B Levi Meyerle (1-41-.310-4) - He is moving back to third base full time this year, after having spent some time in right field last season. He's been one of the keys to this team's success in recent years.
34 LF/RF Charlie Eden (1-32-.245-0) - Fpr three years now, young Eden has been an adequate but relatively anonymous player for the club.
7 CF George Gore (3-42-.321-1) - One of the best rookies of 1879, he is only 22 years old and looks like a star in the making.
15 RF Dave Rowe (2-21-.248-0) - After a couple years on the Chicago bench, he got his first chance at regular playing time in 1879 and did a decent job.

4 P Larry Corcoran (rookie) - He's supposed to be one of the better young pitchers to come along in recent years. He must be good if they are planning on using this 20-year-old ahead of O'Neill - and they are.
13 P J. O'Neill (22-23 2.40; lifetime 124-85) - He's just been one of the best pitchers of the late 1870s, so naturally they've moved him out of the top spot after one losing season.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

CINCINNATI REDS (49-31 in 1879)

This team has been gradually getting better ever since they came into the league. However, this year there were some financial issues: they allowed starting catcher Dick Higham to leave rather than paying to resign him, and they refused to spend any money on a new right fielder. Amid speculation of financial precariousness, the team is renting out its park to a semipro club that plays on Sundays and sells beer at the park - in direct violation of President Hulbert's edict.

37 C Barney Gilligan (0-6-.214-0) - For the past three years, he has been their backup catcher, but when the team did not renew Dick Higham's contract, the job fell to him by default. Hit .260 as a starter in 1876.
12 1B Clipper Flynn (0-43-.267-2) - He continues to do a solid job for them at first base.
13 2B Bob "Magnet" Addy (0-25-.256-1) - A aging, slick-fielding infielder, Addy hits just well enough to justify keeping him as a starter.
17 SS King Kelly (0-46-.295-12) - He's still improving, both in the field and at the plate. A good hitter and an extremely popular player, the flamboyant Kelly has promised he will lead the Reds to a pennant in 1880.
34 3B Steve Bellan (1-28-.235-3) - Like Addy, he's an excellent fielder and hits just well enough to keep his job.
28 LF Buttercup Dickerson (0-44-.300-0) - In his second season, Dickerson fell off his 1878 pace slightly, but he is still one of base ball's better young hitters.
43 CF Pete "Monkey" Hotaling (1-50-.271-0) - He had a pretty good rookie season, and looks to improve upon it this year. Another very good fielder.
35 RF Pete Donnelly (0-4-.156-0 with Syracuse in 1879; lifetime .263 hitter) - When their 1879 starter retired, Cincinnati was left scrambling for a replacement. Donnelly was the best stopgap option they could find.

3 P Bobby Mitchell (32-18, 1.98 in 1879; lifetime 75-64 record) - Simply put, he was incredible in 1879 and kept the team in contention, at times all by himself. Is considered the league's best left-handed pitcher, if not the best overall pitcher.
23 P George Knight (12-10, 2.71 in 1879; lifetime 16-57 record) - Rescued from the scrap heap by Cincinnati, he actually did a pretty nice job for them as a second starter.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

CLEVELAND BLUES (35-47 in 1879)

This could be a darkhorse contender in 1880. They were already a pretty solid lineup, and added a few talented young guys who should really help the team - by filling holes at second base and in center field, if nothing else. If the pitching can hold up, this team might be able to win a few games.

21 C Charlie Bennett (0-39-.236-1 with Troy; lifetime .250 hitter) - He came over during the offseason in a trade for Al Thake and $150,000 in cash. Cleveland says they are expecting more hitting than the 25-year-old has shown in the past.
26 1B Jim Foran (0-54-.286-4) - The veteran had a solid season for Cleveland in 1879, and should be one of the cornerstones of the offense.
30 2B Fred "Sure Shot" Dunlap (rookie) - This talented 20-year-old is said to have great potential.
49 SS Jack Glasscock (1-43-.289-0) - This 22-year-old had a good rookie season, and is an exceptional fielder at shortstop.
9 3B Fred Waterman (1-49-.305-5) - Seemed to be on the downslope of his career when signed by Cleveland, but had a good year last year, so it appears there's still something left in the tank.
44 LF Abner Dalrymple (1-31-.332-0) - He's already considered one of the best hitters in the National League, and he is only 22 years old.
18 CF Ned Hanlon (rookie) - No team got less production from any position than Cleveland got from center field last year, so this highly touted rookie definitely fills a need.
6 RF George Bechtel (1-40-.281-6) - He's settling in as one of the anchors of this club. A talented veteran who's still only 31 years old, even though this will be his tenth major league season.

1 P George Bradley (3-1, 2.45 last year; lifetime 14-31 record) - In a surprise, he won the primary starter job in spring training this season. Hasn't played much since he started for St. Louis in 1875-76.
29 P Martin Malone (15-20, 2.51 last year; lifetime 36-58 record) - He did a pretty good job once they started using him regularly midway through the season last year.