1876: A New League Begins

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

TROY TROJANS (36-39 in 1879)

Like Cleveland, this club has a ton of young talent, and the only question is whether the various parts are ready to come together to make this team a winner. Figure them to improve on their 36-39 record of a year ago, but still to be a little short of being an actual contender.

33 C John Clapp (2-30-.270-1 with Providence in 1879; lifetime .282 hitter) - They wanted some more hitting at the catcher position, and somehow got Providence to trade them Clapp in exchange for washed-up infielder George Wright.
26 1B Dan Brouthers (2-49-.320-13) - Last year's Rookie of the Year is expected to be one of the stars of this club for years to come.
18 2B Wally Goldsmith (0-19-.186-0 with Cincinnati in 1879; lifetime .225 hitter) - He'll be one-half of their platoon at second base. He'd be much better as a backup infielder than as a starter, because he just can't hit.
28 2B Ed Caskin (0-18-.288-1 as a rookie) - Although Goldsmith is the better fielder, there's no way he's better enough to justify playing him over Caskin, who is a far superior hitter.
3 SS Ned Williamson (3-43-.232-0) - Again, they seem to be making a mistake here. Troy has Tom Barlow, who is both a better hitter and a better shortstop, but Williamson is going to get the nod anyway.
14 3B Roger Connor (rookie) - It's nice when players like this drop into your lap. He's a highly touted rookie who is really a first baseman, but is playing here because Troy already has a star first baseman in Brouthers.
35 LF Al Thake (1-7-.282-1 with Cleveland; lifetime .293 hitter) - Because they stole Clapp from Providence, Troy was able to deal Charlie Bennett for the solid-hitting Thake. He should be a decent upgrade for them.
40 CF "Hartford Jack" Farrell (2-47-.271-1) - He had a solid year for Troy last season, and 24 he's still getting better.
22 RF "Bloody Jake" Evans (0-13-.226-0) - He's part of a platoon in right field, but in this case they're just looking for anyone who can do the job there.
62 RF Tom Mansell (0-18-.233-0) - Maybe combining two not-very-good players can give this club one decent right fielder.

45 P Pud Galvin (29-21, 2.50 in 1879; lifetime 94-139 record) - He just keeps getting better for them, and is now one of base ball's better pitchers.
8 P "Smiling Tim" Keefe (rookie) - This 23-year-old is said to be one of base ball's better prospects.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

WORCESTER RUBY LEGS (new team)

This new team has some talent, but they are still trying to figure out who's going to play where. It's tempting to pick them to finish above Providence, but this team will almost certainly finish no higher than seventh in their inaugural season.

8 C Dick Higham (0-43-.308-1 with Cincinnati; lifetime .325 hitter) - He is one of the best hitters in the game, and yet he's rarely regarded as a true superstar. Worcester signed him to a five-year deal, and it seems to have been their first really smart move.
17 1B Everett Mills (0-44-.259-1 with Syracuse; lifetime .285 hitter) - This 35-year-old resurrected his career last season with the Stars, and hopes to keep it going with the new club.
35 2B/3B Art Whitney (rookie) - This young man probably belongs at third base, but they are going to try him at various infield spots since they are a little short-handed.
10 3B/2B Jimmy Hallinan (3-36-.265-2 with Syracuse; lifetime .287 hitter) - He's another guy who might get tried at second base this year. At least his hitting is proven.
31 SS Arthur Irwin (rookie) - This guy is a skilled 22-year-old who should be a good fielder at short as well as a solid hitter.
32 LF George Wood (rookie) - Another untested player for Worcester. This team will probably have a fairly harsh learning curve this season.
39 CF Harry Stovey (rookie) - He's better as a corner outfielder, but this team doesn't have all the pieces yet, so they'll try him at center. A promising hitter.
34 RF Mike McGeary (0-23-.241-12 with Syracuse; lifetime .261 hitter) - Solid player, but nothing great. Not much of a fielder in right.

28 P The Only Nolan (28-17, 209 with Syracuse in 1879; lifetime 29-19 record) - He looks like a very, very good pitcher. At least that's one hole filled.
19 P NFN O'Rourke (2-0, 1.57 with Syracuse in 1879; lifetime 53-35 record) - A decent second option at pitcher.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Predicted order of finish, 1880:

Boston Red Caps
Cleveland Blues
Chicago White Stockings
Troy Trojans
Cincinnati Reds
Providence Grays
Buffalo Bisons
Worcester Ruby Legs

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Top Ten Active Players Without a Pennant (Measured By Career VORP)

Age, current team in parentheses

10. NFN McDoolan (34, Worcester Ruby Legs) - Had one good year with Hartford (1875), and hasn't done much before or since.

9. Jim Foran, 1B (31, Cleveland Blues) - He's even been an MVH before, but hasn't managed to win a pennant. Could this be the year?

8. NFN O'Rourke, RHP (35, Worcester Ruby Legs) - Still sees a lot of playing time, but he's obviously not got too many years left.

7. Harry Arundel, RHP (25, Providence Grays) - A pitcher who's played for some bad teams.

6. Tommy Bond, RHP (24, Providence Grays) - Another pitcher who's toiled with some bad teams.

5. Fred Waterman, 3B (34, Cleveland Blues) - He's been a good player on a lot of bad teams. This year, he'll try to help land the Blues in the first division.

4. Pud Galvin, RHP (23, Troy Trojans) - This is more a measure of how valuable he's been than of how long he's been suffering. Although he's played for some bad teams, it seems likely that a guy with his talent will win a pennant eventually.

3. Bobby Mitchell, LHP (24, Cincinnati Reds) - After only three years, he's already got a ton of career value. As with Galvin, it seems likely that he's going to win some pennants before he's through.

2. John "Lefty" McMullin, RHP (32, Cleveland Blues) - He doesn't get to pitch much these days, but he was one of the best throwers from 1871-74.

1. George Zettlein, RHP (35, Worcester Ruby Legs) - Zettlein was one of the best pitchers of the mid-1870s. Pretty much washed up at this point, and not much chance of getting that championship with Worcester.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

May 9, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 4-1
Providence Grays 4-1
Boston Red Caps 3-2
Chicago White Stockings 2-2
Cincinnati Reds 2-2
Troy Trojans 2-3
Buffalo Bisons 1-4
Worcester Ruby Legs 1-4

The early surprise of the league has been the good play of the Providence Grays. Mired in last place the past two seasons, Providence has suddenly given their long-suffering fans a reason to hope. Of course, the reality is that the strong start is mostly due to two players: Frank McCarton and Emil Gross, who between them have gone 25 for 48 (.521) over the team's first five games.

In other news, Worcester's building program received some bad news this past week. Young infielder Art Whitney bruised his cheekbone in Wednesday's game. Attempting to play through it, he reinjured and fractured the same cheekbone on Saturday, and he is now expected to be out for the rest of the season. Not the most auspicious start for his rookie campaign.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .560, Frank McCarton, Providence Grays
On-Base Percentage - .560, Frank McCarton, Providence Grays
Slugging Percentage - .760, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
OPS - 1.298, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Hits - 14, Frank McCarton, Providence Grays
Doubles - 3, 4 players tied
Triples - 2, 3 players tied
Home Runs - 1, Wally Goldsmith, Troy Trojans
Extra Base Hits - 4, 3 players tied
Total Bases - 19, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Runs Batted In - 8, Emil Gross, Providence and Al Thake, Troy
Runs Scored - 7, Andy Leonard, Providence and Frank McCarton, Providence
Stolen Bases - 2, John "Lefty" McMullin, Cleveland Blues
Walks - 3, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago and Deacon White, Buffalo
Strikeouts - 6, 4 players tied
RC/27 - 21.08, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
ISO - .300, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 7.0, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans

Earned Run Average - 0.00, John "Lefty" McMullin, Cleveland Blues
Wins - 3, Curry Foley, Boston Red Caps
Losses - 2, 6 players tied
Saves - 0
Innings Pitched - 36, Curry Foley, Boston Red Caps
Shutouts - 1, John "Lefty" McMullin, Cleveland and The Only Nolan, Worcester
Walks - 6, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Strikeouts - 26, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
H/9IP - 5.00, Martin Malone, Cleveland Blues
HR/9IP - 0.00, many players tied
BB/9IP - 0.00, Foghorn Bradley, Boston and Stump Wiedman, Buffalo
K/9IP - 8.67, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
K/BB Ratio - 13.00, John Montgomery Ward, Providence and Harry Wheeler, Providence
Opp. Avg. - .161, Martin Malone, Cleveland Blues
WHIP - 0.80, John "Lefty" McMullin, Cleveland and Pud Galvin, Troy
VORP (Pitching) - 8.5, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

May 16, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 7-2
Boston Red Caps 5-3
Troy Trojans 5-3
Cincinnati Reds 5-4
Providence Grays 4-4
Chicago White Stockings 4-5
Worcester Ruby Legs 2-6
Buffalo Bisons 2-7

Cleveland's hot start continued this week with some hard-fought wins over Buffalo and Cincinnati. They'll have another decent test this week, as they go on the road to Chicago for three games.

Meanwhile, Troy's hot bats have been attracting notice as well. Center fielder Hartford Jack Farrell, never much of a hitter, has been absolutely on fire to start the season, and youngsters Dan Brouthers (.351) and Roger Connor (.324) are hitting the ball hard as well. If this keeps up Boston's Big Three may find themselves challenged for hitting supremacy.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .556, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
On-Base Percentage - .579, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Slugging Percentage - .806, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
OPS - 1.385, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Hits - 20, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Doubles - 5, King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds
Triples - 3, Dan Brouthers, Troy and Jack Farrell, Troy
Home Runs - 1, 4 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 7, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 29, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Runs Batted In - 13, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 12, John Morrill, Boston Red Caps
Stolen Bases - 2, John "Lefty" McMullin, Cleveland and Cal McVey, Boston
Walks - 7, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 11, Charlie Bennett, Cleveland Blues
RC/27 - 26.70, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
ISO - .306, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 11.9, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans

Earned Run Average - 0.00, John "Lefty" McMullin, Cleveland Blues
Wins - 4, George Bradley, Cleveland and Curry Foley, Boston
Losses - 4, Bill McGunnigle, Buffalo Bisons
Saves - 0
Innings Pitched - 56, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Shutouts - 1, John "Lefty" McMullin, Cleveland and The Only Nolan, Worcester
Walks - 11, Bill McGunnigle, Buffalo Bisons
Strikeouts - 37, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 5.40, John "Lefty" McMullin, Cleveland Blues
HR/9IP - 0.00, many players tied
BB/9IP - 0.00, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 7.46, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
K/BB Ratio - 15.00, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
Opp. Avg. - .164, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.76, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Pitching) - 19.1, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds

[swampdragon]

It's a good thing you're going to break up Troy in a few years. Brouthers aand Connor on the same team in the early-mid 1880s would be frightening.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Originally Posted by swampdragon

It's a good thing you're going to break up Troy in a few years. Brouthers aand Connor on the same team in the early-mid 1880s would be frightening.

Frankly, they're pretty scary already. Fortunately for the rest of the NL, Connor is more Pedro Guerrero than Brooks Robinson at third.

May 23, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 9-3
Boston Red Caps 9-3
Troy Trojans 8-3
Cincinnati Reds 6-5
Chicago White Stockings 5-7
Providence Grays 4-7
Buffalo Bisons 3-8
Worcester Ruby Legs 2-10

Early on, both Cleveland and Troy are looking like realistic challengers to the Boston Red Caps. Boston still looks like the best team, as they are currently second in the league in both runs scored (with 96) and runs allowed (with 42). However, Troy, led by the hitting of Dan Brouthers (.380), rookie Roger Connor (.367), and the surprising "Hartford Jack" Farrell (.469), are actually outscoring the vaunted Boston hitters. Meanwhile, Cleveland, although their hitting attack has not been as strong, has been the best team in the league at not giving up runs. This is looking like it could be an interesting race.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .480, Frank McCarton, Providence Grays
On-Base Percentage - .500, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Slugging Percentage - .673, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
OPS - 1.173, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Hits - 25, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues
Doubles - 5, 5 players tied
Triples - 3, 4 players tied
Home Runs - 1, 6 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 8, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 33, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Runs Batted In - 19, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 17, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Stolen Bases - 2, 5 players tied
Walks - 8, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 16, Charlie Bennett, Cleveland Blues
RC/27 - 16.77, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
ISO - .222, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 9.7, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans

Earned Run Average - 0.73, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Wins - 6, Curry Foley, Boston Red Caps
Losses - 6, The Only Nolan, Worcester Ruby Legs
Saves - 1, Jim McCormick, Cleveland Blues
Innings Pitched - 74, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Shutouts - 1, 4 players tied
Walks - 15, Bill McGunnigle, Buffalo Bisons
Strikeouts - 51, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 7.00, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, many players tied
BB/9IP - 0.00, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.98, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
K/BB Ratio - 16.00, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
Opp. Avg. - .194, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.81, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Pitching) - 21.7, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

May 30, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 11-4
Boston Red Caps 11-5
Troy Trojans 9-6
Cincinnati Reds 9-6
Chicago White Stockings 7-9
Buffalo Bisons 6-10
Providence Grays 5-10
Worcester Ruby Legs 4-12

In a big early season showdown, the Boston Red Caps were able to take two of three from the surprising Troy Trojans. However, Cleveland was still able to keep pace with them. The two teams will meet for the first team this season for a three-game set in Boston beginning at the end of this week.

Meanwhile, Chicago is starting to come to terms with their new status as non-contenders. While they still have some stars, such as John Bass, Levi Meyerle and "Orator Jim" O'Rourke, they simply do not appear to have the firepower to keep up with younger teams such as Cleveland and Troy.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .422, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
On-Base Percentage - .448, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Slugging Percentage - .578, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
OPS - 1.026, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Hits - 28, Frank McCarton, Providence Grays
Doubles - 6, 5 players tied
Triples - 4, 3 players tied
Home Runs - 1, 9 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 9, Ross Barnes, Boston and Dan Brouthers, Troy
Total Bases - 38, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Runs Batted In - 21, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 20, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Stolen Bases - 3, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Walks - 11, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 19, Charlie Bennett, Cleveland Blues
RC/27 - 11.99, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
ISO - .188, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
VORP (Batting) - 8.8, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans

Earned Run Average - 0.89, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Wins - 7, 3 players tied
Losses - 8, The Only Nolan, Worcester Ruby Legs
Saves - 1, Dick McBride, Troy and Jim McCormick, Cleveland
Innings Pitched - 101, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Shutouts - 1, 4 players tied
Walks - 17, George Bradley, Cleveland and Bill McGunnigle, Buffalo
Strikeouts - 67, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 7.31, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, many players tied
BB/9IP - 0.26, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.64, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
K/BB Ratio - 10.50, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
Opp. Avg. - .201, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.94, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 28.6, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

June 6, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 14-5
Troy Trojans 12-7
Boston Red Caps 12-8
Cincinnati Reds 11-8
Chicago White Stockings 10-9
Worcester Ruby Legs 7-13
Buffalo Bisons 6-14
Providence Grays 5-13

A good week for Chicago underscores the fact that there are really two National Leagues this year: the big five of Cleveland, Troy, Boston, Cincinnati and Chicago, and the little three of Worcester, Buffalo and Providence. Troy continues to hit the ball well, and observers are starting to wonder if Hartford Jack Farrell can keep up his amazing hitting for the entire season.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .410, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
On-Base Percentage - .432, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Slugging Percentage - .577, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
OPS - 1.009, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Hits - 32, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Doubles - 9, Fred Dunlap, Cleveland Blues
Triples - 4, 5 players tied
Home Runs - 1, 12 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 11, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 45, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Runs Batted In - 24, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 22, Dan Brouthers, Troy and Jack Farrell, Troy
Stolen Bases - 3, Ross Barnes, Boston and Levi Meyerle, Chicago
Walks - 11, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 22, Charlie Bennett, Cleveland Blues
RC/27 - 11.34, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
ISO - .183, Arthur Irwin, Worcester Ruby Legs
VORP (Batting) - 9.7, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans

Earned Run Average - 1.21, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Wins - 9, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Losses - 9, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, Dick McBride, Troy and Jim McCormick, Cleveland
Innings Pitched - 119 1/3, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Shutouts - 1, 5 players tied
Walks - 20, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Strikeouts - 81, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 7.50, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, many players tied
BB/9IP - 0.20, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.65, Tim Keefe, Troy Trojans
K/BB Ratio - 11.00, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Opp. Avg. - .204, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.94, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 30.6, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

June 13, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 17-5
Troy Trojans 14-8
Boston Red Caps 13-10
Chicago White Stockings 13-10
Cincinnati Reds 12-10
Worcester Ruby Legs 8-15
Buffalo Bisons 7-16
Providence Grays 6-16

So what's the deal with Cleveland? Well, for starters, they are second in the NL in runs scored with 152, and lead the league in fewest runs allowed with 81. (To some extent, this is skewed by the bizarre game they had this week - a 27-1 thrashing of Worcester, in which they hammered out 30 hits, while their pitcher George Bradley took a no-hitter into the eighth inning. This was probably the most lopsided game in league history.)

As expected, Cleveland's veterans are doing a good job - such players as Fred Waterman (.324) and George Bechtel (.310) are solid contributors. But it's the young players, such as Abner Dalrymple (.308), rookie Fred Dunlap (.275), rookie Ned Hanlon (.289), and especially Pebbly Jack Glasscock (.379, plus flawless defense at shortstop) who are leading the way. Now it will be seen how they deal with some adversity, as one casualty of the Worcester blowout was catcher Charlie Bennett, who left the game with a knee injury. Early reports are that the injury is very serious, and Bennett will probably not play again this year.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .379, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues
On-Base Percentage - .407, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Slugging Percentage - .521, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
OPS - .910, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
Hits - 39, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues
Doubles - 11, Fred Dunlap, Cleveland Blues
Triples - 4, 5 players tied
Home Runs - 2, 3 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 13, Fred Dunlap, Cleveland Blues
Total Bases - 53, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues
Runs Batted In - 24, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 25, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues
Stolen Bases - 3, 4 players tied
Walks - 14, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 24, Charlie Bennett, Cleveland Blues
RC/27 - 8.76, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
ISO - .185, Arthur Irwin, Worcester Ruby Legs
VORP (Batting) - 11.1, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues

Earned Run Average - 1.17, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Wins - 11, George Bradley, Cleveland and Larry Corcoran, Chicago
Losses - 11, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, Dick McBride, Troy and Jim McCormick, Cleveland
Innings Pitched - 145 2/3, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Shutouts - 1, 6 players tied
Walks - 23, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Strikeouts - 98, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 6.97, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, 5 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.17, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.65, Tim Keefe, Troy Trojans
K/BB Ratio - 12.00, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Opp. Avg. - .192, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.87, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 36.3, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

June 20, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 19-7
Troy Trojans 16-10
Chicago White Stockings 16-11
Cincinnati Reds 15-11
Boston Red Caps 14-13
Buffalo Bisons 11-16
Worcester Ruby Legs 9-18
Providence Grays 6-20

Boston started the season 11-3, and looking like the same team that cruised to the title in 1879. Since that time, they are 3-10, and looking more "second division" than "second straight pennant." What has happened? For starters, it's been a tough stretch of schedule: those 13 games have included a loss against Troy, a three-game sweep at the hands of Chicago, and two of three lost against both Cincinnati and Cleveland.

However, it's also more than that; their hitting seems to have taken a holiday. Nearly their entire lineup is doing much worse this year than last, and in particular their big three just isn't getting the job done. Last year, Anson, Barnes and McVey hit .389, .354 and .333, respectively. This year, those numbers are .314, .282, and .270. The same malaise pervades their entire lineup at this point. If this is a slump, they'd better figure out a way out of it, and if it's a trend, they'd better figure out a way to buck it - the season is getting away from them.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .364, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues
On-Base Percentage - .391, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Slugging Percentage - .514, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
OPS - .895, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Hits - 44, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues
Doubles - 12, Fred Dunlap, Cleveland and King Kelly, Cincinnati
Triples - 6, Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings
Home Runs - 2, 3 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 15, King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds
Total Bases - 59, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Runs Batted In - 25, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 27, Dan Brouthers, Troy and Jack Glasscock, Cleveland
Stolen Bases - 4, 3 players tied
Walks - 14, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 24, Charlie Bennett, Cleveland Blues
RC/27 - 7.84, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
ISO - .174, King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds
VORP (Batting) - 11.0, Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues

Earned Run Average - 1.31, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Wins - 13, George Bradley, Cleveland and Larry Corcoran, Chicago
Losses - 14, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, 3 players tied
Innings Pitched - 177, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
Shutouts - 1, 9 players tied
Walks - 28, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Strikeouts - 115, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
H/9IP - 6.61, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, 5 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.15, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.65, Tim Keefe, Troy Trojans
K/BB Ratio - 13.00, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Opp. Avg. - .186, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.84, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 40.1, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

June 27, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 21-9
Troy Trojans 18-11
Chicago White Stockings 18-13
Cincinnati Reds 17-12
Boston Red Caps 17-14
Buffalo Bisons 13-18
Worcester Ruby Legs 10-21
Providence Grays 7-23

Cleveland still leads the way, but a serious injury to star shortstop Jack Glasscock could spell big trouble for the team. Glasscock may miss the remainder of the season, and has been one of the catalysts of the team's success. All four of the teams chasing the Blues have a real opportunity to take advantage of the situation in the weeks to come.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .352, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
On-Base Percentage - .386, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Slugging Percentage - .533, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
OPS - .919, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Hits - 49, Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues
Doubles - 13, King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds
Triples - 7, Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings
Home Runs - 3, John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps
Extra Base Hits - 16, Dan Brouthers, Troy and King Kelly, Cincinnati
Total Bases - 65, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Runs Batted In - 29, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 31, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Stolen Bases - 7, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Walks - 14, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 27, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs
RC/27 - 7.30, Jack Farrell, Troy Trojans
ISO - .180, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
VORP (Batting) - 12.3, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 1.47, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Wins - 15, George Bradley, Cleveland and Larry Corcoran, Chicago
Losses - 17, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, 3 players tied
Innings Pitched - 195, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
Shutouts - 1, 9 players tied
Walks - 30, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Strikeouts - 128, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
H/9IP - 6.78, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, 5 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.25, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.65, Tim Keefe, Troy Trojans
K/BB Ratio - 8.57, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .190, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.87, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 42.3, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

July 4, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 24-9
Chicago White Stockings 21-14
Troy Trojans 19-13
Cincinnati Reds 18-14
Boston Red Caps 17-18
Buffalo Bisons 16-19
Worcester Ruby Legs 11-23
Providence Grays 9-25

Since their terrible 6-9 start, which led some commentators (ahem) to question whether their time as a contender had passed, the Chicago White Stockings have gone 15-5 to jump right back into the race. Although the Blues continue to win, Chicago has a three-game series in Cleveland from July 10-14, which could really tighten things up.

Chicago's resurgence has been led by their rookie pitcher Larry Corcoran and some timely hitting by familiar veterans Levi Meyerle, Joe Start, Jim O'Rourke and John Bass. If they can come up with a strong series against Cleveland, they might just be in the running for their fourth National League pennant.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .370, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
On-Base Percentage - .400, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Slugging Percentage - .541, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
OPS - .941, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Hits - 56, Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues
Doubles - 14, Roger Connor, Troy Trojans
Triples - 7, Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings
Home Runs - 3, John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps
Extra Base Hits - 17, 3 players tied
Total Bases - 73, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Runs Batted In - 31, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 34, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Stolen Bases - 7, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Walks - 16, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 31, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs
RC/27 - 7.69, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
ISO - .194, John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 14.8, Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues

Earned Run Average - 1.44, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Wins - 17, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Losses - 18, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, 3 players tied
Innings Pitched - 213, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
Shutouts - 1, 9 players tied
Walks - 34, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Strikeouts - 143, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
H/9IP - 7.01, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, 6 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.41, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.65, Tim Keefe, Troy Trojans
K/BB Ratio - 8.53, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .196, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.91, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 43.4, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

July 11, 1880 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cleveland Blues 27-10
Chicago White Stockings 25-14
Troy Trojans 20-16
Boston Red Caps 20-19
Cincinnati Reds 19-17
Buffalo Bisons 19-20
Worcester Ruby Legs 12-26
Providence Grays 9-29

What a week for Chicago. First they swept the Providence Grays, scoring at least 9 runs in each game and outscoring them 32-12 overall. Then in their first game against the league-leading Cleveland Blues, Chicago won by a final of 18-2. Suddenly the National League race is looking like a two-team affair, with the veteran Chicago White Stockings challenging the young Cleveland Blues for supremacy.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .361, Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues
On-Base Percentage - .401, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .513, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .889, Dan Brouthers, Troy Trojans
Hits - 61, Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues
Doubles - 15, Roger Connor, Troy Trojans
Triples - 8, Paul Hines, Chicago and Tom Poorman, Buffalo
Home Runs - 3, John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps
Extra Base Hits - 20, John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 81, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 37, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 37, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Stolen Bases - 9, Tom Poorman, Buffalo Bisons
Walks - 19, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 32, John O'Rourke, Boston and Harry Stovey, Worcester
RC/27 - 7.60, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .190, John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 18.2, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 1.54, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Wins - 19, George Bradley, Cleveland and Larry Corcoran, Chicago
Losses - 18, Harry Wheeler, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, 4 players tied
Innings Pitched - 240, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
Shutouts - 1, 9 players tied
Walks - 39, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Strikeouts - 170, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
H/9IP - 6.90, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, 6 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.58, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.65, Tim Keefe, Troy Trojans
K/BB Ratio - 8.28, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .192, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.88, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 52.9, Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings

[blubbla]

Looks to me like it's as much Corcoran leading the White Stockings as any hitter though.