1876: A New League Begins

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Thursday, September 27, 1877 - Chicago 9, Louisville 4

This was simply a game where Louisville could not keep Chicago off the basepaths. The White Stockings managed 16 hits, including multi-hit games from Al Thake, John Bass, Levi Meyerle, Jim O'Rourke, Joe Start, and Charlie Eden. Meanwhile, John Donnelly (two hits, three RBI) was the only hitter to really get anything going for Louisville, and he left in mid-game with a strained groin muscle.

The current standings:

Chicago 34-20
Louisville 32-22

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Friday, September 28, 1877

Louisville 5, St. Louis 4 (10 innings)

The Grays came as close as possible to losing this one without actually doing so. It took two errors in the bottom of the ninth and a key two-out hit by Ross Barnes for them to tie, and then a two-out pinch hit by reserve John Richmond won it in the bottom of the tenth. A real nail-biter.

Standings:

Chicago 34-20 (5 games left)
Louisville 33-22 (5 games left)

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Saturday, September 29, 1877

Chicago 2, Cincinnati 0

Simply put, a brilliant performance by J. O'Neill and the Chicagos' defense.

Louisville 5, St. Louis 1

Louisville pitcher Tommy Bond allowed only four hits in the game.

Standings:

Chicago 35-20 (4 games left)
Louisville 34-22 (4 games left)

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Monday, October 1, 1877

Louisville 8, St. Louis 3

Art Allison of Louisville led the way with four hits, and Everett Mills had four runs batted in for the Grays. Louisville tore apart what had been a close 4-3 battle with four runs in the top of the ninth inning.

Cincinnati 5, Chicago 4 (10 innings)

I guess there really is only one October. The teams entered the ninth inning tied 3-3. In the top of the ninth, Chicago had no trouble with the first two Cincinnati batters, but then Ralph Ham reached on an error and Bob Addy followed with a run-scoring triple to right-center field. Dick Higham flied out to end the inning, but the damage was done. In the bottom of the ninth, Dan Collins and Levi Meyerle started the inning with back-to-back singles, then two straight productive ground outs brought the lead runner home to tie the game at 4.

In the tenth, Wally Goldsmith got a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to give Cincinnati the lead, then Chicago got pinch hitter John Peters to second base with only one out, but Al Thake and Dan Collins both failed to bring him home. The lowly Reds defeated Chicago.

Standings:

Chicago 35-21 (3 games left)
Louisville 35-22 (3 games left)

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Tuesday, October 2, 1877

Louisville 10, St. Louis 7

The Grays jumped to a 6-0 lead in the top of the first inning, and never relinquished that lead, despite a couple challenges from St. Louis. A relatively easy victory for Louisville.

Chicago 9, Cincinnati 0

Chicago made up for their defeat of the previous day by routing the hapless Reds. Tom Carey, Jim O'Rourke and Dave Rowe each had three hits for Chicago.

Standings:

Chicago 36-21 (2 games left)
Louisville 36-22 (2 games left)

And just like that, we are down to the final two games between Chicago and Louisville. If Louisville can win them both, they will be the 1877 National League champions. If Chicago can win either, they will retain their crown.

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Friday, October 5, 1877

Chicago 3, Louisville 0

For the third time in a week, J. O'Neill threw a shutout for Chicago, after having had just one shutout for the entire season previously. Once again, O'Neill was completely unhittable. A bases-loaded triple by Joe Start in the bottom of the sixth inning provided all the runs Chicago would need (or get).

And with that, Chicago clinched their second consecutive National League pennant. It ended up being much closer than expected, but Chicago's superior talent won out in the end.

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FINAL 1877 STANDINGS AND LEADERS

Chicago White Stockings 38-21
Louisville Grays 36-24
Hartford Dark Blues 32-26
Boston Red Caps 26-34
St. Louis Brown Stockings 24-36
Cincinnati Reds 21-36

For the second consecutive year, Chicago has won the National League title, and for the second consecutive year, their two chief rivals will not be back next season. Both the Louisville Grays and the Hartford Dark Blues were forced to disband for financial reasons, along with the St. Louis Brown Stockings. This leaves only Chicago and the weak Boston and Cincinnati clubs. To fill out the National League's schedule for 1878, new teams from Providence, Milwaukee and Indianapolis will be added. However, given the current talent disparity in the National League, it looks like Hulbert's club has created a sort of dynasty by default in the League. (Because of this, there continue to be worries over the League's financial viability.)

The final league leaders:

Batting Average - .390, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays
On-Base Percentage - .416, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays
Slugging Percentage - .528, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays
OPS - .944, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays
Hits - 104, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Doubles - 19, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays
Triples - 8, Fred Waterman, Hartford Dark Blues
Home Runs - 3, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Extra Base Hits - 25, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays
Total Bases - 132, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 53, Deacon White, Hartford Dark Blues
Runs Scored - 56, Lip Pike, Hartford Dark Blues
Stolen Bases - 11, Fred Waterman, Hartford Dark Blues
Walks - 15, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 39, Steve Brady, Louisville Grays
RC/27 - 9.22, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays
ISO - .139, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays
VORP (Batting) - 25.3, Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays

Earned Run Average - 1.79, NFN O'Rourke, St. Louis Brown Stockings
Wins - 34, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Losses - 28, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Saves - 4, Pidgey Morgan, Hartford Dark Blues
Innings Pitched - 445 1/3, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Shutouts - 4, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 59, Harry Arundel, Louisville Grays
Strikeouts - 202, Harry Arundel, Louisville Grays
H/9IP - 9.10, NFN O'Rourke, St. Louis Brown Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, Tommy Bond, Louisville and NFN O'Rourke, St. Louis
BB/9IP - 0.28, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
K/9IP - 4.18, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
K/BB Ratio - 8.00, Tommy Bond, Louisville Grays
Opp. Avg. - .246, NFN O'Rourke, St. Louis Brown Stockings
WHIP - 1.08, NFN O'Rourke, St. Louis Brown Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 81.1, Harry Arundel, Louisville Grays

League Champions, History

National Association

1871 - Boston Red Stockings
1872 - Boston Red Stockings
1873 - Philadelphia Athletics
1874 - New York Mutuals
1875 - Philadelphia Athletics

National League

1876 - Chicago White Stockings
1877 - Chicago White Stockings

Individual Awards coming soon....

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HITTERS BY POSITION - CATCHER

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Dick Higham, Cincinnati Reds (0-19-.320-0) - After struggling for years to get recognition and playing time in New York, Higham moved west and immediately started getting noticed for his fine play.

Fergy Malone, Louisville Grays* (0-25-.222-3) - He got the chance to start this season after several years as a benchwarmer, and he probably ensured that he will not be getting any more starting jobs in the near future. Also, at age 34 he may be getting close to hanging it up.

Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (3-46-.375-9) - 1877 was a huge year for this star hitter, as he had one of his best seasons ever on the field, and off the field he signed a huge contract that will keep him in Boston through 1882.

"Orator Jim" O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings (0-37-.322-1) - He gave the White Stockings the offensive boost they were looking for at this position, even though he had a rather down year by his lofty standards.

Frank Selman, St. Louis Brown Stockings* (1-25-.316-2) - He will probably be targeted by the new teams that do not come up with Deacon White. He's always been a good-not-great catcher and hitter.

Deacon White, Hartford Dark Blues* (0-53-.325-3) - He had another excellent year, which means that he will be a very sought-after free agent this offseason. Look for one of the new teams to sign him, since the three returning teams seem set at the position.

And the award for best catcher of 1877 goes to... CAL McVEY OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. In a season with many good-hitting catchers, McVey kept a low profile and still outshined all the competition to become the first catcher to win this award three times.

Catcher

1871 - Deacon White, Cleveland Forest Citys (0-28-.389-1)
1872 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Stockings (3-52-.405-18)
1873 - John Clapp, Baltimore Canaries (0-45-.345-4)
1874 - Jim O'Rourke, New York Mutuals (2-68-.365-3)
1875 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Stockings (1-79-.329-14)
1876 - Jim O'Rourke, New York Mutuals (1-32-.374-3)
1877 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (3-46-.375-9)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION

FIRST BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Cap Anson, Hartford Dark Blues* (0-26-.375-8) - Another year, another superstar season, as he had his sixth consecutive year batting .375 or better. Will be the offseason's prize free agent, and is said to prefer the east coast teams after this past six years spent in Brooklyn and Hartford.

Clipper Flynn, St. Louis Brown Stockings* (0-24-.290-4) - At age 28, he had a very respectable season. Look for him to be an attractive low-cost alternative to Anson and Foran in the free agent market.

Jim Foran, Boston Red Caps* (0-29-.300-4) - He was a decent hitter for Boston, but this season was the worst of his seven-year professional career. Still, at age 28 he's expected to get some good offers this offseason.

Ralph Ham, Cincinnati Reds (1-31-.274-5) - For a guy who hadn't been a starter since 1872, he did a pretty respectable job. Gives the Reds respectability at the position, which in their current state is something of an achievement.

Everett Mills, Louisville Grays* (0-30-.253-2) - He bounced back after four years as a bench-warmer in Gotham, but still didn't do well enough to make this a strong position for the Grays.

Joe Start, Chicago White Stockings (1-33-.347-3) - The one-year deal he signed with Chicago proved extremely successful, as he bounced back well from a down year, and signed on for three additional years, which means he will be in Chicago until age 38.

And the best-hitting first baseman for 1877 is... CAP ANSON OF THE HARTFORD DARK BLUES, for the fourth consecutive season.

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)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - SECOND BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Bob "Magnet" Addy, Cincinnati Reds (0-22-.257-3) - He had an opportunity to be one of the better players on the Cincinnati club, but instead had an off-year and was just another mediocre hitter on a bad club. As good a fielder as his nickname suggests.

Tom Carey, Chicago White Stockings (0-46-.335-0) - He's always been a great glove man, but this season Carey had a breakout year at the plate. The 28-year-old gave Chicago one of the best middle infielders in base ball this season. If he can repeat this performance in 1878, they should have an excellent chance at their third consecutive title.

Bill Craver, Boston Red Caps* (0-7-.185-1) - This lifetime .223 hitter hadn't started since 1871, and it's easy to see why. He lost his job in mid-season and was sent out to the minor leagues. Don't expect him to be high on anyone's wish list for 1878.

Andy Leonard, Louisville Grays* (0-40-.374-5) - After two years as a left fielder for Philadelphia, Leonard moved back to his natural position and shined for Louisville. Although his numbers were somewhat inflated by the park in which he played, .374 is still .374 and he should be quite sought-after this year.

Lip Pike, Hartford Dark Blues* (0-39-.323-10) - Simply a great all-around player. Pike has played all of the home games of his career in the state of New York, so it remains to be seen how he will adjust next year at age 33. However, just moving to a home park that is less of a pitchers' park should help his numbers.

Jimmy Wood, St. Louis Brown Stockings* (0-27-.251-5) - Wood had probably the worst season of his professional career this year, and he will be turning 35 in December. Is this the end of the line, or will a new setting give him a resurgence in 1878?

And the best-hitting second baseman of 1877 is... LIP PIKE OF THE HARTFORD DARK BLUES. Although Leonard's numbers look better, much of the difference is due to park effects, and Pike is faster and better at getting extra base hits. A close call, but a clear one.

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)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - SHORTSTOP

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays* (1-37-.390-8) - He moved to the other side of second base at the request of Louisville management. Although he's not as good a fielder at short, his hitting did not suffer at all, as he led the National League in nearly every hitting category.

John Bass, Chicago White Stockings (1-33-.273-1) - Chicago signed him to a huge long-term contract before the season began, and he did little to justify it. Now the team could be stuck with a large contract, and they have another player (Barlow) who could be better at the position.

Wally Goldsmith, Cincinnati Reds* (1-24-.224-0) - Cincinnati signed him to a one-year deal hoping he would solve their persistent shortstop problems. They're still looking...

Jim Holdsworth, Hartford Dark Blues* (0-27-.310-5) - After five years as a backup in Philadelphia, he got his first-ever starting job and performed excellently. Look for him to be a prize middle infielder in the free agent market.

Mike McGeary, Boston Red Caps (1-16-.247-8) - After several years as a utility player for Boston, he regained a starting job, but did not play particularly well. If Boston has the money to upgrade, this might be a position to target.

George Wright, St. Louis Brown Stockings* (1-20-.226-8) - When he was traded by Boston for Count Sensenderfer over the offseason, the rampant speculation was that his brother Harry was trying to get him onto a winning team. After the season he had, Harry looks like a genius, as he didn't have to worry about whether to bench his little brother and hear about it at family gatherings.

And the award for best hitting shortstop of 1877 goes to... ROSS BARNES OF THE LOUISVILLE GRAYS. This couldn't be an easier decision, as Barnes easily takes home his sixth award - and his first at shortstop.

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)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - THIRD BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Steve Bellan, Louisville Grays* (1-36-.287-3) - He had a solid season with a good team, which means this talented Cuban will probably be back with some other club in 1878.

Charlie Hodes, Cincinnati Reds* (0-14-.238-1) - The Reds were hoping he would prove to be a capable starter at third, but it looks like he's not the answer.

Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (1-32-.368-5) - Another incredible year for this star third sacker. He looked like a decent bet to repeat as MVH, but missed a month of the season due to injury, which probably derailed his chances.

John Morrill, Boston Red Caps (2-38-.294-2) - This 22-year-old had his first full season this year, and looks like he might be a star in the making. He is equally adept at all of the infield positions, and looks like he might be the foundation for a new, competitive Boston club.

Ezra Sutton, St. Louis Brown Stockings* (0-15-.214-0) - Although Sutton is a fine fielder, his lifetime .233 average suggests that he's just not capable of hitting well enough to justify continued time as a starter.

Fred Waterman, Hartford Dark Blues* (0-28-.325-11) - This 31-year-old has been a consistent star since the start of the National Association, and this year was a typically great one for him. It should be a close battle between him and Meyerle for the Silver Slugger Award this year.

And the award for best-hitting third baseman of 1877 goes to... FRED WATERMAN OF THE HARTFORD DARK BLUES. A very close call, as Meyerle had better hitting numbers, but missed a month of the season and played in a better hitting park.

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)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - LEFT FIELD

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

George Bechtel, Cincinnati Reds (0-34-.298-6) - After six years with the Athletic club, three of which were excellent (1871-73) and three mediocre (1874-76), he signed with Cincinnati and had something of a resurgence. Probably the best player on that bad team, and certainly the most popular.

Count Gedney, Hartford Dark Blues* (0-15-.275-1) - His adequate but unspectacular year suggested that 1876 was probably a fluke. Still, it seems likely that he's at least a good enough player to get a starting job somewhere next season.

Charley Jones, St. Louis Brown Stockings* (1-30-.260-1) - He had the worst season of his three-year career, although he's still considered promising enough to probably find a starting job next year.

Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings (0-18-.304-3) - He had an off-year in 1877, and to make matters worse was injured for much of the season. Going forward, he's still probably one of the league's top outfielders, though.

Fred Treacey, Louisville Grays* (0-20-.233-6) - Although he's one of the best fielders in the business, it's not clear why he keeps getting starting jobs - he hasn't had a decent hitting year since 1873. Louisville was likely hoping for a career turnaround a la George Bechtel, but it simply didn't happen.

Frank Whitney, Boston Red Caps (0-8-.256-0) - This inexperienced 21-year-old was one of three players who shared left field duties for Boston this year. Obviously, he wasn't a star or anything, but did show enough promise to give the team some hope that he'll be a solid major league player.

And the award for best left fielder of 1877 goes to... GEORGE BECHTEL OF THE CINCINNATI REDS. This was a default win as much as anything else. There weren't any other good left fielders, and Bechtel did revitalize his moribund career.

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)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - CENTER FIELD

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Art Allison, Louisville Grays* (0-34-.292-5) - A consistently pretty good player, he's sure to catch on with some team this offseason.

Tom Foley, Cincinnati Reds* (0-11-.212-0) - He had a terrible season this year, and was one of the worst everyday players in the National League. Don't expect to see him starting anywhere in 1878.

Bill Harbidge, Hartford Dark Blues* (0-20-.237-1) - Had he been a little more super, he'd have been their super-sub of 1877. He played some at shortstop, left field and center field this season. Since they had no real center fielder, he's the default starter at the position.

Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings (0-36-.305-2) - He continues to be a good but not great player. However, there is still plenty of room for him to improve - he is only 22 years old.

Frank McCarton, St. Louis Brown Stockings* (0-36-.371-0) - He continues to be one of the best players in professional base ball, and currently has the third-highest career batting average behind Cap Anson and Ross Barnes.

Count Sensenderfer, Boston Red Caps (0-18-.262-4) - Everyone suspected Harry Wright's motives when he traded his younger brother for Sensenderfer, but it turned out to be the right move, as George Wright had a horrific year in St. Louis.

And the award for best center fielder of 1877 goes to... FRANK McCARTON OF THE ST. LOUIS BROWN STOCKINGS. McCarton continues to be one of the best young players in the game, and should be a hot free agent commodity.

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)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - RIGHT FIELD

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Steve Brady, Louisville Grays* (0-19-.249-3) - He has never really fulfilled his potential, and at age 26 it appears he may simply be a fourth outfielder type.

Jack Chapman, Cincinnati Reds (0-7-.230-2) - This good-field, no-hit outfielder got the most playing time of the several men who the Reds tried in right.

John Clapp, Boston Red Caps* (0-25-.289-3) - After two seasons of being a part-time player, Clapp did well in his return to a starting role. However, he is said to be extremely unhappy with Boston management and has reportedly ruled out returning to the club.

Mike Dorgan, St. Louis Brown Stockings* (1-22-.266-4) - A rookie who got better as the season went on. Because of the promise he showed down the stretch, he will probably be a prized player for someone next year.

Charlie Eden, Chicago White Stockings (0-29-.259-0) - This 22-year-old rookie had an adequate season, but had a disappointing finish. His batting average declined in each successive month, going from a high of .317 in May to .218 in September.

John Glenn, Hartford Dark Blues* (0-24-.291-0) - Stepped into a starting role when Orator Shaffer went down with an injury in the early season, and did quite well. He is expected to latch on with one of the new teams as a starter.

And the award for best right fielder of 1876 goes to... JOHN GLENN OF THE HARTFORD DARK BLUES. Stepping into a starting role by chance, Glenn wins his first-ever Silver Slugger Award.

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)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

The 1877 Silver Slugger Awards by position:

C - Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (third overall win)
1B - Cap Anson, Hartford Dark Blues (fourth consecutive win)
2B - Lip Pike, Hartford Dark Blues (fourth overall win, second consecutive at this position)
SS - Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays (sixth overall win, first at this position)
3B - Fred Waterman, Hartford Dark Blues (fourth overall win)
LF - George Bechtel, Cincinnati Reds (third overall win)
CF - Frank McCarton, St. Louis Brown Stockings (third consecutive win)
RF - John Glenn, Hartford Dark Blues (first win)

And the Gold Glove Awards by position:

P - Harry Arundel, Louisville Grays (first win)
C - Dick Higham, Cincinnati Reds (first win)
1B - Clipper Flynn, St. Louis Brown Stockings (first win)
2B - Tom Carey, Chicago White Stockings (third win)
SS - John Bass, Chicago White Stockings (first win)
3B - Ezra Sutton, St. Louis Brown Stockings (second win)
LF - Count Gedney, Hartford Dark Blues (first win)
CF - Count Sensenderfer, Boston Red Caps (second win)
RF - John Glenn, Hartford Dark Blues (first 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Rookie of the Year Award - Nominees

Mike Dorgan, St. Louis Brown Stockings - RF (1-22-.266-4) - Was improving and having a promising year before going down for the season with an injury on September 12.

Charlie Eden, Chicago White Stockings - RF (0-29-.259-0) - Got off to a hot start, then tailed off sharply.

Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds - LHP (20-28, 2.54) - A promising young southpaw who is expected to do well for years to come.

John Morrill, Boston Red Caps - 3B (2-38-.294-2) - Not a true rookie, but had his first full season as a starter this year for the Red Caps.

Will White, Boston Red Caps - RHP (2-5, 3.36) - The younger brother of Deacon White, he looks like he could end up being a valuable player.

And the 1877 Rookie of the Year is.... BOBBY MITCHELL, with John Morrill 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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Cartwright Award - Nominees

Harry Arundel, Louisville Grays - RHP (29-22, 2.51, 434.2 IP, 477 H, 59 BB, 202 K, 1 HR) - He shattered all previous records for strikeouts, and since cranks appear to love the new "Ks," this brand of base ball could be here to stay.

Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps - RHP (19-25, 2.79, 370.2 IP, 492 H, 30 BB, 106 K, 1 HR) - A solid pitcher who had a very strong year, but the losing record will likely hurt his chances.

Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds - LHP (20-28, 2.54, 404.1 IP, 486 H, 36 BB, 188 K, 3 HR) - Although he had a great rookie season, he is a longshot to also take the Cartwright.

J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings - RHP (34-17, 2.73, 445.1 IP, 555 H, 14 BB, 85 K, 3 HR) - O'Neill won the award in 1876, and led the White Stockings to their second straight championship, so he must be considered a leading contender.

George Zettlein, Hartford Dark Blues - RHP (30-19, 3.02, 422.2 IP, 497 H, 14 BB, 81 K, 7 HR) - As a back-to-back 30-game winner, Zettlein should figure in the Cartwright discussions, but his peripheral statistics have never been very good.

And the 1877 Cartwright Award winner is... HARRY ARUNDEL. This is Arundel's first award, and will undoubtedly enhance his free agent value.

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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Most Valuable Hitter - Nominees

Cap Anson, Hartford Dark Blues - 1B (0-26-.375-8) - Not only did he put up rate stats comparable with Ross Barnes, but he did so in Union Grounds, a notorious fielders' park. However, his candidacy is hurt by the fact that he missed about a month of the season due to injury. A previous winner in 1874-75.

Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays - SS (1-37-.390-8) - In a year when he was learning a new offensive position, he led the National League in nearly every hitting category. However, his numbers are inflating by the extreme hitters' park in which Louisville played.

Frank McCarton, St. Louis Brown Stockings - CF (0-36-.371-0) - He has become one of the best hitters in baseball, despite the fact that he just celebrated his 23rd birthday on October 6. While his team probably did too poorly for him to win this year, look for him to battle for this award for many years to come.

Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps - C (3-46-.375-9) - He put up some great numbers for a struggling team in Boston, is the best catcher in the National League, and previously won this award in 1872. However, his team's poor performance could hurt him in the voting.

Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings - 3B (1-32-.368-5) - Not only is he the reigning MVH, but he also was the best hitter on the best team this season.

And the 1877 Most Valuable Hitter award goes to... ROSS BARNES. This is the first-ever win for Barnes, who has been among professional base ball's best hitters since the dawn of the Association. The runner-up this year was Anson, and McVey finished in third in the voting.

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