1876: A New League Begins

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Rookie of the Year Award - Nominees

Tom Burns, Chicago White Stockings - IF (0-35-.311-1) - They couldn't decide where to play this talented 23-year-old, so he saw significant time at first, second and short. His natural position is third base, so he could end up anywhere. One thing is for certain, though - he showed himself to be a very good hitter.

Roger Connor, Troy Trojans - 3B (4-64-.304-1) - This talented left-hander is very popular in Troy, and excelled even though he's playing out of position at third base.

Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings - RHP (38-18, 1.83) - What an amazing first season this 21-year-old had. He kept Chicago in contention practically by himself, and dominated the rest of the league. Look for him to be a top pitcher for years to come.

Fred Dunlap, Cleveland Blues - 2B (2-52-.254-0) - A slick-fielding infielder who appears to have the potential to develop into an excellent hitter as well.

Ned Hanlon, Cleveland Blues - CF (0-42-.285-0) - Looks like a very good player and natural leader. Without question one of the better fielders in the league.

And the 1880 Rookie of the Year is.... LARRY CORCORAN, with Roger Connor of Troy as the runner-up. Connor would have won the award in many seasons, but this year Corcoran was just amazing. Corcoran is the first pitcher to win the award since Bobby Mitchell in 1877.

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
1880 - Larry Corcoran, Chicago

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Cartwright Award - Nominees

George Bradley, Cleveland Blues* - RHP (31-16, 2.44, 416.1 IP, 401 H, 82 BB, 92 K, 5 HR) - After seeing little action in recent years, he won the everyday job in Cleveland and responded well. To the Blues' surprise, he has elected to sell his talents on the open market this offseason, so he'll probably attract some high bids.

Larry Corcoran, Chicago White Stockings - RHP (38-18, 1.83, 500.1 IP, 413 H, 75 BB, 341 K, 8 HR) - It's true that he's "only" a 21-year-old rookie. But he ended up leading the league in innings pitched, wins (by seven!), strikeouts, and average-against, while finishing third in ERA. An incredible rookie season.

Curry Foley, Boston Red Caps - LHP (29-22, 2.18, 450.0 IP, 449 H, 51 BB, 209 K, 5 HR) - He's played in two big league seasons, and been the primary pitcher on two championship teams. There are those who say his success is due to the team he's on, but the reality is that he's a very good pitcher.

Pud Galvin, Troy Trojans - RHP (31-22, 2.18, 470.2 IP, 470 H, 42 BB, 240 K, 3 HR) - He just keeps getting a little better each year. This was Galvin's first 30-win campaign, and despite the fact that he's a six-year veteran he's still only 23 years old. Will probably continue to be a big part of Troy's attack going forward.

Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds* - LHP (24-16, 1.80, 360.2 IP, 344 H, 26 BB, 229 K, 2 HR) - He had something of a hard-luck season this year with Cincinnati, but still led the league in K:BB ratio, and will probably command a huge salary this off-season.

And the 1880 Cartwright Award winner is... LARRY CORCORAN. Corcoran had such an amazing rookie year, there's simply no way to avoid giving his this award as well. Galvin finished a distant second, while defending winner Bobby Mitchell took third.

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
1880 - Larry Corcoran, Chicago

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Most Valuable Hitter - Nominees

Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps - 3B (1-45-.348-9) - His superficial numbers were down slightly, but this was a pitchers' year and he still flat-out dominated and helped lead his team to its second consecutive pennant. Previous winner in 1874, 1875 and 1879, and owner of a lifetime .380 (!!!) batting average.

Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps - 2B (2-64-.342-9) - He and Anson ended up with numbers that were very, very close to one another. Between the two of them, they've won the last three awards, and five of nine overall. This year is expected to be no exception. Previous winner in 1877 and 1878.

Abner Dalrymple, Cleveland Blues - LF (1-51-.353-0) - He just keeps getting better, and by winning the batting title and leading the league in hits, he puts Boston's stars on notice that there's another contender for MVH awards.

King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds - SS (1-36-.324-9) - He has gotten better every year, and the scary thing is that he's still 22 and improving. The bidding war that his free agency should cause is going to be frightening.

John O'Rourke, Boston Red Caps - CF (3-52-.313-0) - As good as his year was, many observers feel that he should be happy with the nomination, since he is probably the third-best hitter on his own team.

And the 1880 Most Valuable Hitter award goes to... CAP ANSON, in a razor-thin vote over his teammate Ross Barnes. This is Anson's fourth MVH award; no one else has more than two. Not surprisingly, Ross Barnes finished second in the voting, while Abner Dalrymple of Cleveland took third. These are the same three men who were in the top three in voting last season.

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
1880 - Cap Anson, Boston

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Offseason Retirements

This offseason saw 38-year-old Joe "Old Reliable" Start hang up his spikes. Start has been one of America's top base ball players for two decades, and his ten-year career as a professional saw him hit .309 for the New York Mutuals, the Philadelphia Athletics and the Chicago White Stockings. His best year in the professional era was 1872, when he hit .331 for the Mutuals. He won championships in 1873 and 1875 with Philadelphia, and in 1877 and 1878 with Chicago. He was a starter for all four of these teams.

Start retires at 17th on the all-time list in batting (.309), 19th in OBP (.316), 26th in slugging (.374), 19th in OPS (.691), 18th in VORP (70.22), 25th in games played (480), 19th in at-bats (2,030), tied for 18th in runs scored (368), tied for 13th in hits (627), 17th in total bases (760), 13th in singles (520), 24th in doubles (91), tied for 71st in triples (6), tied for 2nd in home runs (10), 14th in RBI (306), 46th in steals (14), and 30th in walks (38).

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

THE 1881 SEASON BEGINS

The Detroit Wolverines have replaced the Cincinnati Reds in the National League this season, giving the league another western club. The league has a distinctive geographical divide at this point, with Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland as the western clubs, Providence, Boston and Worcester in New England and Troy and Buffalo representing upstate New York. The lack of any teams in cities such as New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore seems to represent a lack that will be filled in the near future, but for now we soldier on with this alignment.

On the field, Boston still looks like the top team this season. Most of their players from last season are back, and there is simply no reason to think they won't have the ability to win their third consecutive title. Cleveland and Chicago again seem to present the strongest challenges, although the two young New York teams could surprise.

[Syd Thrift]

Are you going to bring the AA into the fold? What about the UA?

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Originally Posted by Syd Thrift

Are you going to bring the AA into the fold? What about the UA?

The AA, definitely; the UA, I'm still deciding but leaning toward "yes." As long as I'm doing everything by the book as far as league structure goes, why not go the extra mile? I think I may look at some other leagues that have tried it first, though, to see what problems arose.

TEAM-BY-TEAM PROFILES - 1881 BEADLE BASE BALL PLAYER

BOSTON RED CAPS (54-30 in 1880; champions in 1879-80)

They have been the best team for two years running, and it seems very likely that they'll make it three. Although there are good squads in Chicago and Cleveland to give them a run for the money, Boston still has the two best hitters in the league in Anson and Barnes, and McVey and John O'Rourke are also legitimate stars. With four players at that level, they don't need much else. They are leaving their team mostly intact from last season.

8 C Cal McVey (0-40-.285-11) - A down year by his standards, but he's still one of the league's top catchers. Became the first 1,000-hit man in 1880.
50 1B John Morrill (1-24-.214-1) - He was a solid .290 hitter before last year, and the team is hoping he finds that level again.
11 2B Ross Barnes (2-64-.342-9) - What's there to say? He and Anson are without a doubt the two best players in professional base ball. Will reach 1,000 hits sometime early in the season.
29 SS Sadie Houck (1-50-.278-1) - This solid young player came into his own last year, and is now an unquestioned part of the Boston attack.
5 3B Cap Anson (1-45-.348-9) - With four MVH Awards, Anson is obviously the premiere player in the National League. Still only 28 years old, he's signed for another three seasons in Boston.
78 LF Frank Heifer (1-5-.250-0; lifetime .350 hitter) - He has been toiling on the bench in Boston for six years now, and is finally getting a chance to start now that Manning and Shaffer have left.
13 CF John O'Rourke (3-52-.313-0) - He's one more top-notch player for Boston's potent attack. Also a very solid center fielder.
37 RF Mike Dorgan (1-52-.236-4) - Dorgan was primarily a left fielder before this season, but they're moving him to right this year. Either way, he's a solid hitter but nothing special.

9 P Curry Foley (29-22, 2.18; lifetime 62-37 record) - He doesn't get much credit for the team's success, but he's done a solid job in two years as the primary pitcher.
44 P Foghorn Bradley (17-5, 1.44; lifetime 111-88 record) - After a very successful 1880, many are arguing that Bradley should be the top starter. It will be interesting to see what happens if he gets off to a good start this season.

[Syd Thrift]

So assuming you'll have them in entirely separate league structures within your universe, how will you be handling the Dauvray/Temple Cups? Then again, that's so far into the future that maybe v10 will have a quick and easy fix (aside from exhibition games, that is).

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Originally Posted by Syd Thrift

So assuming you'll have them in entirely separate league structures within your universe, how will you be handling the Dauvray/Temple Cups? Then again, that's so far into the future that maybe v10 will have a quick and easy fix (aside from exhibition games, that is).

One day at a time, man. Assuming lots of other dynasty leagues have converted and had no problems, I'm thinking I'll move to OOTP9 during the 1881/1882 offseason. Since it takes me a couple months to get through a season, I may well be looking at OOTP10 before I have to deal with this.

Something that occurred to me the other day: if I get through 10 seasons/year (which right now I don't), I will be 50 years old when/if I get to the present day. Yikes. I almost want things to fall apart soon, because if I had a catastrophic data loss in 1970 or so, that would be my life's work down the drain.

[Syd Thrift]

Let's make a pact. If we don't complete our dynasties by the time we're 60, let's get married. Deal?

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

BUFFALO BISONS (38-44 in 1880)

This is still a very young team that is weighed down by two disastrous contracts - those of Lip Pike and Deacon White. It will be interesting to see what moves they make this offseason, when they will finally be able to sign some new players to go with the young guys. Until then, they will continue to play anyone who looks promising, whether ready for the big leagues or not.

18 C Frank Selman (0-32-.236-1) - Selman had an off year in 1880, but he is still a very solid catcher in the prime of his career. A dependable if unglamorous start for the team.
44 1B Ecky Stearns (1-32-.198-5) - Last year, he clearly wasn't ready to start at age 18. Will he be better this year at 19? Either way, look for him to continue platooning with Dude Esterbrook.
27 2B Lip Pike (2-38-.309-4) - He had a very good year last season, but Buffalo still has to be glad they're in the final year of his ruinous contract.
0 SS Mike Moynahan (0-37-.270-0) - He will be the starting shortstop at least until Jack Rowe returns from injury sometime this summer. After that, they may move him to left field.
22 3B Arlie Latham (1-28-.201-4) - He wasn't ready for the big leagues last year, but they are hoping he and Stearns make it through these growing pains and become strong starters.
30 LF/1B Dude Esterbrook (0-5-.146-0) - This 23-year-old will probably just fill in until the return of Jack Rowe.
24 LF Joe Hornung (1-25-.190-0) - Another young player who needs to either get better or get replaced.
35 CF Hardy Richardson (0-16-.240-0) - Still hasn't found his hitting stroke, but he is one of the best defensive outfielders around.
28 RF Deacon White (0-29-.248-0) - His contract is just killing this club, but fortunately he'll be a free agent this offseason. Evidently he's a better negotiator than he is a hitter.

39 P Bill McGunnigle (15-10, 2.18; lifetime 18-12 record) - Winning 15 games and finishing above .500 is no small feat with these inexperienced guys behind him. He's definitely earned his spot as the primary pitcher.
15 P Denny Driscoll (7-7, 3.47 as a rookie) - He did a decent job for the club as well, and will be expected to start some games for them.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS (48-36 in 1880; champions from 1876-78)

This club continues to age at some key positions, and to come up with less-than-stellar replacements at others. However, they remain dangerous thanks to their 21-year-old sophomore pitcher, Larry Corcoran. Corcoran had what is probably the best pitching season of all time last year, and if he can deliver again the team has a chance at the pennant. Last year, the team was 38-18 when Corcoran got the decision, and 10-18 when he did not.

30 C "Orator Jim" O'Rourke (1-51-.298-5) - He's entering his tenth professional season this year, and he continues to be one of the league's better players. He's been a rock for this club for years now.
43 1B Bill McClellan (0-25-.229-2) - He took over the starting job from the now-retired Joe Start in midseason. Although he's young and versatile, there are serious doubts about his ability to hit well enough to keep the starting job.
11 2B Paul Hines (2-56-.248-5) - It seems like he's been around forever - this will be his tenth season in pro ball - but he just turned 26 years old. He will be a free agent following this season, so Chicago needs to decide whether he will be part of the future.
17 SS John Bass (1-43-.294-0) - After losing almost 1 1/2 seasons to injury, he returned and did quite well. They are planning on platooning him this season, which seems an odd choice for someone as highly paid as he is.
12 SS Tom Burns (0-35-.311-1) - He had a fantastic rookie year last season, so they need to find somewhere for him to play. At the moment, they aren't sure where that will be against right-handers. By next season, there are several holes that could open up, as Meyerle could get too old, Hines could leave as a free agent, and McClellan could turn out not to be much of a hitter.
27 3B Levi Meyerle (2-45-.299-5) - At 35, he isn't getting any younger, but he still seems to be a very capable hitter. As long as he can keep hitting, this team will do all right this year.
34 LF Charlie Eden (2-35-.234-0) - Eden is an adequate player, but nothing great. Fortunately, they aren't really looking for him to be one of their key players.
7 CF George Gore (1-39-.290-0) - A very good young hitter. He is going to be one of the foundations of this club's next generation of players.
26 RF Hugh Nicol (rookie) - They don't have much else out here, so they are going to try this 23-year-old Scotsman.

4 P Larry Corcoran (38-18, 1.83 as a rookie) - What an amazing year he had last season. At age 20, he kept the club in the hunt for the pennant all season, despite not getting much in the way of run support. He looks like he'll be one of the league's stars for years to come.
35 P Charlie Guth (2-2, 3.57 as a rookie) - Since O'Neill left the team this offseason, young Guth got the #2 starter spot almost by default.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

CLEVELAND BLUES (51-33 in 1880)

Cleveland came awfully close to winning the pennant for the first time. This season, their club is mostly the same, although it seems clear that they will be another year older and better. Although the smart money this season remains on Boston, Cleveland will definitely keep things close, especially if their young players continue to improve.

16 C Doc Kennedy (1-36-.310-0) - He stepped in when Charlie Bennett went down for the year in 1880, and unexpectedly did a spectacular job. He'll have the starting job at least until Bennett comes back this season, but after that who knows?
21 C Charlie Bennett (0-10-.200-0) - He hasn't played much since coming over in the Al Thake trade after the 1879 season, but expect the team to find some playing time for him somewhere.
26 1B Jim Foran (0-38-.277-8) - No longer the star he once was, but he's still a dependable hitter.
30 2B Fred "Sure Shot" Dunlap (2-52-.254-0) - Did a decent job at the plate his rookie season, and also is one of the league's better-fielding second basemen. His future looks very bright.
49 SS Jack Glasscock (1-22-.310-0) - He missed half the season with injuries, but he was very, very good when in the lineup.
9 3B Fred Waterman (1-34-.255-4) - At 35, it looks like he's done being a central offensive player. However, Cleveland is hoping he can still contribute on a winning team.
44 LF Abner Dalrymple (1-51-.353-0) - In his three years in the league, he's gotten better each year. He may be on his way to succeeding Anson and Barnes as the league's top hitter.
18 CF Ned Hanlon (0-42-.285-0) - He may be the biggest single reason for this club's turnaround last season. Cleveland was a complete black hole in center field, but thanks to Hanlon's solid play it is now a strength for them.
6 RF George Bechtel (1-39-.248-3) - 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. A good veteran, although the club is hoping he still has someting left in the tank.

1 P George Bradley (31-16, 2.44 last year; lifetime 45-47 record) - His unexpected move to the team's primary starter paid off handsomely. Look for him to continue keeping Cleveland in the pennant race..
29 P Martin Malone (14-9, 2.36 last year; lifetime 50-67 record) - A good second starter, if he still has anything left in the tank at age 36.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

DETROIT WOLVERINES (new team)

This team, like most new teams, is cobbled together out of spare parts. Some of those parts are very, very good, some are terrible, most are in between. They have plugged a lot of their holes with longtime veterans, and have enough talent to possibly finish out of last place, although they do not appear ready for the first division at this point.

37 C Barney Gilligan (0-35-.177-1 with Cincinnati; lifetime .217 hitter) - It doesn't seem possible that he is really the best catcher available. Was completely worthless for Cincinnati in 1880.
20 1B Martin Powell (rookie) - He is said to be a very good hitter, and is considered one of the league's most promising rookies.
13 2B Bob "Magnet" Addy (1-29-.236-2 with Cincinnati; lifetime .274 hitter) - This 36-year-old veteran is another pickup from Cincinnati. Doesn't hit much, but is a wizard in the field. They are planning to platoon him at second.
11 2B Pop Smith (2 for 17 with Cincinnati as a rookie) - This 24-year-old is a very good fielder, so if they can get him to hit well enough to be a starter, he might be the new Bob Addy.
17 SS King Kelly (1-36-.324-9 with Cincinnati; lifetime .291 hitter) - In a mild surprise, this budding star agreed to join this new club. He was reportedly hoping to end up in Boston or Chicago, but neither team was willing to open its wallet to sign him.
15 3B Jimmy Hallinan (1-24-.206-0 with Worcester; lifetime .276 hitter) - He spent the last three seasons starting for teams that only lasted one year, and is hoping this club lends his career a little stability. Coming off an off-year with Worcester.
36 3B Steve Bellan (1-34-.223-5 with Cincinnati; lifetime .264 hitter) - This slick-fielding Cuban will share time with Hallinan at third. His batting average has fallen in each of the last three seasons, so Detroit has to wonder whether he has anything left in the tank.
34 LF Steve King (0-9-.213-0 with Providence/Worcester; lifetime .293 hitter) - He is long past his prime, and will turn 39 in June, but is still probably good enough to platoon in left field for Detroit.
19 LF Ned Cuthbert (5 for 12 with Cleveland in 1880; lifetime .272 hitter) - This longtime backup may actually get a chance to start some games with Detroit. He's 35 years old and hasn't logged 100 at-bats in a season since 1872, so don't expect much.
43 CF Pete Hotaling (0-42-.276-0 with Cincinnati; lifetime .273 hitter) - He and Kelly are about the only reasons to hope for this club. A good fielder and decent hitter who is still only 24 years old.
28 RF Orator Shaffer (0-8-.254-0 with Boston; lifetime .287 hitter) - His career got badly derailed by three seasons on the bench in Beantown. In the mid-1870s, he looked like an up-and-coming star, but it hasn't worked out that way. If he can rediscover his hitting stroke, it would really help this club.

30 P Tommy Bond (2-4, 1.68 with Providence in 1880; lifetime 34-48 record) - This 24-year-old is finally getting a chance to start every day after having been a fringe player since age 17.
18 P Dick McBride (1-2, 3.86 with Troy in 1880; lifetime 161-110 record) - He is the career leader in victories by a pitcher, so if he still has anything left at age 36 this team could do okay at pitcher.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

PROVIDENCE GRAYS (30-54 in 1880)

Well, they didn't finish last in 1880. Although this has been the most poorly-run franchise since coming into the league, and they didn't improve at all between 1879 and 1880, the new Worcester Ruby Legs managed to be even worse. This year, expect Worcester to make some progress and Detroit to be a little further along, which means Providence should end up in familiar territory - last place.

15 C Emil Gross (1-35-.251-0) - Because moves in Providence never work out, they planned their future around this 23-year-old and he promptly fell into a sophomore slump. Still, they have high hopes here.
7 1B Ed Cogswell (0-14-.241-0 with Boston and Providence) - This actually turned out to be a good move for the team, as they were desperate for a first baseman and Cogswell was languishing on the bench in Boston. Also, they only gave up pitcher Fred Corey, who they weren't using anyway.
20 2B Andy Leonard (1-33-.239-6) - He's an adequate second baseman, but he's also nearly 35 and no star. One more position they've got to think about long-term.
42 SS/3B Tom Carey (0-23-.227-2) - If he can ever find his hitting stroke again, he wouldn't be a bad player to have. Can field all the infield positions except first base.
4 SS George Wright (0-4-.122-1) - They'll be platooning him at short, both because they gave up a starter to get him and because Providence seems to like playing washed-up vets.
68 3B/LF Joe Sommer (0-7-.208-1 with Cincinnati as a rookie) - Yes, this was the big offseason hitter they picked up. Obviously, it's going to be a long year.
5 LF Fred Cone (0-5-.234-1) - He'll be platooning in left field, and while he's no star, he can't be any worse than the rest of the club.
28 CF Charley "Baby" Jones (1-35-.270-1) - He's a solid player, but using him in center means that Frank McCarton - one of the only players here with any talent - will not be able to start.
6 RF John Glenn (0-19-.274-0) - He actually had a okay year last year, so he immediately became one of the great hopes for the franchise.

43 P Harry Wheeler (13-32, 2.77 in 1880; lifetime 26-66 record) - He is a solid pitcher, but they have two players with more proven track records (O'Neill, Ward) on the bench.
23 P George Knight (12-11, 2.76 with Cincinnati; lifetime 28-68 record) - He spent the last couple years resurrecting his career in Cincinnati, but don't be surprised if it dies off again here.

[Syd Thrift]

I think that the thing that I like the most about Barney Gilligan is that his name sums up Bob Denver's entire acting career. Now I will grant you that Dobie Gillis' name isn't Barney, but it should be.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Originally Posted by Syd Thrift

I think that the thing that I like the most about Barney Gilligan is that his name sums up Bob Denver's entire acting career. Now I will grant you that Dobie Gillis' name isn't Barney, but it should be.

Another similarity: both of them got into high-profile jobs they had no business doing.

TROY TROJANS (43-40 in 1880)

This team is a real wild card for 1881. They have two young stars, one great pitcher, three good players who inexplicably had terrible years last year (Clapp, Thake and Barlow), and one young phenom who's still trying to find a starting spot (Buck Ewing). If the pieces come together, they will be challenging Cleveland and maybe even Boston. If they don't, this could be a sub-.500 team.

33 C John Clapp (0-33-.204-5) - Troy stole him from Providence last year, but he had a terrible year. Over his career, he's been much better in odd-numbered years than even, so maybe this is his year to bounce back.
26 1B Dan Brouthers (0-47-.309-13) - This 22-year-old looks like a star in the making. He's easily good enough to challenge the top players with Boston and Chicago.
18 2B Jimmy Wood (0-21-.244-3 with Boston; lifetime .289 hitter) - They had a hole here at second base, so they signed this 38-year-old free agent. Although he no longer fields his position well, he will probably be better than any of their other options this year.
17 SS Tom Barlow (0-17-.228-2) - He's been one of the best middle infielders of the National League, but he struggled last year in a part-time role. This year he'll be back to playing everyday, at least as long as he keeps hitting.
14 3B Roger Connor (4-64-.304-1) - Another young superstar. It's a tossup whether he or Brouthers is better, but they both will give the club some punch in the middle of the lineup.
35 LF Al Thake (0-25-.205-2) - Unfortunately, both of their shrewd offseason deals last year failed to produce - he and Clapp were both disappointing. However, Thake, like Clapp, seems to have the talent to play well and they are hoping he'll bounce back.
40 CF "Hartford Jack" Farrell (0-32-.292-1) - He tailed off after a spectacular start, but still had an excellent year. He's been a starter for three years now, and has steadily improved each season.
62 RF Tom Mansell (0-12-.234-0) - He's got up-and-coming 21-year-old Buck Ewing waiting for a starting spot behind him, so expect that change to be made as soon as Mansell hits a rough spell.

45 P Pud Galvin (31-22, 2.18 in 1880; lifetime 125-161 record) - He continues to steadily improve, and was probably the second-best pitcher in the league last year.
12 P Harry Salisbury (6-13, 2.93 in 1880; lifetime 11-27 record) - Not a bad second starter, but he hasn't exactly done much that would inspire any confidence.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

WORCESTER RUBY LEGS (26-57 in 1880)

Okay, they were terrible last season, but at least they played their young players and did what they needed to this offseason - signed young guys who could help the team. Dickerson, Hague, and especially Mitchell are all expected to contribute this season, as this club will probably vault ahead of Providence and possibly one or two other teams.

8 C Dick Higham (1-31-.266-1) - He didn't have a very good year last season, but he is still expected to be one of the team's best players. At 29, he's still young enough to recover from the off-year.
16 1B Hick Carpenter (0-19-.226-0) - He hasn't really shown that he's likely to be much of a hitter. However, he still young enough (25) to improve.
35 2B Art Whitney (2 for 13 as rookie in 1880) - He was one of their more promising rookies last year, but went down to a season-ending injury in his fifth big league game. Although he lost a year of development, he's still considered a good prospect.
31 SS Arthur Irwin (1-36-.245-1) - This 23-year-old showed himself to be a world-class fielder in his rookie campaign last year.
12 3B Bill Hague (3 for 3 with Boston in 1880; lifetime .273 hitter) - He's had trouble getting playing time over the course of his career and was languishing on the bench in Beantown. He'll get a chance to prove himself here.
32 LF George Wood (1-38-.220-1) - He may not have been quite ready to start last year, but they are hoping this 22-year-old gained from the experience.
30 CF Buttercup Dickerson (2-46-.259-0 with Cincinnati; lifetime .298 hitter) - He should fit in perfectly here - a young player (22), who can hit but didn't do much last season. A very good signing for this club.
39 RF Harry Stovey (2-34-.268-9) - Observers say he could be the National League's first legitimate star at the right field position. Of course, he's not there yet, but he's still only 24 years old.

3 P Bobby Mitchell (24-16, 1.80 with Cincinnati in 1880; lifetime 99-80 record) - A great signing for this club, as he's generally considered the second- or third-best pitcher in the National League. Should keep them close even if the hitting isn't there.
28 P The Only Nolan (16-35, 2.91 in 1880; lifetime 45-54 record) - He was a very good pitcher on a very bad team last year. Although he's been demoted to the alternate pitcher, he's still probably the best second-best pitcher in base ball.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Predicted order of finish, 1881:

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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

May 8, 1881 - Sunday Base Ball Report

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

We're a week into the 1881 season, and each team is finished with its first series. So far, no huge surprises, other than the ease with which Cleveland took 4 of 5 from Chicago. If Larry Corcoran doesn't have a big year for the former champs, they are in danger of falling into the second division.

Meanwhile, Detroit started well, winning its first four games before dropping the final two against Buffalo. They seem to have a good combination of hitting and pitching, although obviously they haven't faced any top-level competition yet.

Meanwhile, in Boston Ross Barnes is at 998 hits for his career, so sometime this week he will join teammate Cal McVey as the only players ever to amass 1,000 hits in professional base ball. Fellow Bostonian Cap Anson is currently third in career hits with 976, so by month's end there should be three members of the 1,000 hit club, all of whom play for Boston.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .417, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .435, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs
Slugging Percentage - .714, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs
OPS - 1.149, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs
Hits - 11, Pete Hotaling, Detroit Wolverines
Doubles - 3, 4 players tied
Triples - 2, 6 players tied
Home Runs - 2, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs
Extra Base Hits - 5, Roger Connor, Troy Trojans
Total Bases - 15, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs
Runs Batted In - 6, 4 players tied
Runs Scored - 7, Al Thake, Troy Trojans
Stolen Bases - 2, 3 players tied
Walks - 5, John Glenn, Providence Grays
Strikeouts - 7, Orator Shaffer, Detroit Wolverines
RC/27 - 11.52, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs
ISO - .350, Roger Connor, Troy Trojans
VORP (Batting) - 3.9, Harry Stovey, Worcester Ruby Legs

Earned Run Average - 0.69, Tommy Bond, Detroit Wolverines
Wins - 3, George Bradley, Cleveland and Pud Galvin, Troy
Losses - 3, Larry Corcoran, Chicago and Bobby Mitchell, Worcester
Saves - 0
Innings Pitched - 35, Pud Galvin, Troy Trojans
Shutouts - 1, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Walks - 9, George Bradley, Cleveland Blues
Strikeouts - 14, Bill McGunnigle, Buffalo Bisons
H/9IP - 6.00, The Only Nolan, Worcester Ruby Legs
HR/9IP - 0.00, many players tied
BB/9IP - 0.00, J. O'Neill, Providence and Mike Golden, Detroit
K/9IP - 6.00, The Only Nolan, Worcester Ruby Legs
K/BB Ratio - can't be computed for players with 0 walks
Opp. Avg. - .167, The Only Nolan, Worcester Ruby Legs
WHIP - 0.96, Tommy Bond, Detroit Wolverines
VORP (Pitching) - 9.0, Tommy Bond, Detroit Wolverines