1876: A New League Begins

[swampdragon]

Originally Posted by Eckstein 4 Prez

Edit: also, I'm not changing the error rating on the config file, just on the in-game screen. You can do it either way, but of course you shouldn't do both or you'll have way, way too many errors.

Silly story: I forgot last night that I had used the ingame screen when I made my 1876 Quick Start. I changed the rating in the config file for OOTP8. My first game had 136 errors.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

June 9, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Chicago White Stockings 11-6
Cincinnati Reds 10-7
Boston Red Caps 9-4
Indianapolis Blues 9-8
Milwaukee Grays 5-12
Providence Grays 3-10

Chicago had another good week this week, as they finished off a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Caps and also took two games in Providence. With six consecutive games against Milwaukee coming up over the next two weeks, the White Stockings have a chance to give themselves a decent lead in their quest for a third consecutive pennant.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .407, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .419, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .559, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .979, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 25, Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds
Doubles - 7, Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings
Triples - 2, 6 players tied
Home Runs - 1, 5 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 9, Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings
Total Bases - 34, Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings
Runs Batted In - 21, Ezra Sutton, Indianapolis Blues
Runs Scored - 16, Frank Selman, Indianapolis Blues
Stolen Bases - 4, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 6, Steve Bellan, Cincinnati Reds
Strikeouts - 18, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
RC/27 - 10.09, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .153, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 8.2, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 1.37, NFN O'Rourke, Milwaukee Grays
Wins - 10, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Losses - 9, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, Asa Brainard, Chicago White Stockings
Innings Pitched - 126 2/3, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Shutouts - 2, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Walks - 15, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Strikeouts - 67, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
H/9IP - 8.04, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, 5 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.28, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
K/9IP - 6.65, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
K/BB Ratio - 13.75, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Opp. Avg. - .216, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 0.96, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 29.5, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

June 16, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cincinnati Reds 13-7
Chicago White Stockings 12-8
Boston Red Caps 11-5
Indianapolis Blues 10-10
Milwaukee Grays 7-13
Providence Grays 3-13

Chicago dropped two of three against Milwaukee to squander a chance to put some distance between them and the other NL teams. Meanwhile, Cincinnati swept lowly Providence to pull into the first place spot. This week, Cincinnati travels to Boston for two crucial games, while Chicago will play three more against Milwaukee.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .394, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .408, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .535, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .930, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 30, Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds
Doubles - 7, Ross Barnes, Boston and Paul Hines, Chicago
Triples - 5, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Home Runs - 1, 6 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 9, Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings
Total Bases - 38, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 23, Ezra Sutton, Indianapolis Blues
Runs Scored - 18, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Stolen Bases - 4, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 7, Steve Bellan, Cincinnati Reds
Strikeouts - 20, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
RC/27 - 9.08, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .155, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 9.0, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 1.82, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Wins - 11, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Losses - 12, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, Asa Brainard, Chicago and The Only Nolan, Indianapolis
Innings Pitched - 149 2/3, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Shutouts - 2, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Walks - 15, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Strikeouts - 83, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
H/9IP - 8.57, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, 4 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.42, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
K/9IP - 6.71, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
K/BB Ratio - 9.86, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Opp. Avg. - .229, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 1.01, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 31.4, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

June 23, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Cincinnati Reds 14-8
Chicago White Stockings 14-9
Boston Red Caps 12-6
Indianapolis Blues 11-11
Milwaukee Grays 8-15
Providence Grays 4-14

Nothing much was decided this week, as Cincinnati and Boston split their two-game series, and Chicago took two of three from Milwaukee to give them a 3-3 record over the two-week, six-game series. This probably hurts the White Stockings, since this was an opportunity for them to make up ground. Then again, Chicago is 3-0 against Boston this year, so they aren't exactly worried about a showdown. This week Boston will try to improve on that record as they travel to the western metropolis for three games, while Cincinnati will play four games on four consecutive days in Indianapolis.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .398, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .412, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .531, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .910, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 36, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Doubles - 7, Ross Barnes, Boston and Paul Hines, Chicago
Triples - 5, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Home Runs - 1, 9 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 9, Ross Barnes, Boston and Paul Hines, Chicago
Total Bases - 45, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Runs Batted In - 23, Ezra Sutton, Indianapolis Blues
Runs Scored - 20, King Kelly, Cincinnati and Al Thake, Chicago
Stolen Bases - 4, Cal McVey, Boston and Al Thake, Chicago
Walks - 7, Steve Bellan, Cincinnati Reds
Strikeouts - 21, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
RC/27 - 8.23, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .173, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 11.2, Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds

Earned Run Average - 1.89, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Wins - 13, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Losses - 13, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, Asa Brainard, Chicago and The Only Nolan, Indianapolis
Innings Pitched - 172 2/3, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Shutouts - 2, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Walks - 15, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Strikeouts - 90, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
H/9IP - 9.14, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
HR/9IP - 0.00, 4 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.49, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.51, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
K/BB Ratio - 7.25, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Opp. Avg. - .243, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
WHIP - 1.07, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Pitching) - 32.7 J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

Apologies to anyone who might be reading. I was without internet at home for about three weeks due to a move and some issues with the cable company, which have now (hopefully) been resolved.

At any rate, things continued in my league, and here's where we now are:

July 21, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Chicago White Stockings 22-13
Cincinnati Reds 20-15
Boston Red Caps 19-11
Indianapolis Blues 19-16
Milwaukee Grays 11-23
Providence Grays 8-21

Although Cincinnati and Indianapolis are both staying close to the "big two," it appears likely that the race will come down to Chicago and Boston. Boston, predictably enough, is led by the superstar trifecta of McVey, Barnes and Anson, who are probably the NL's three best hitters this season. Chicago's stars were Meyerle and John Bass, until Bass went down to a season-ending (and career-threatening) injury late in June. Since then, Tom Barlow has stepped up nicely for Chicago, but the White Stockings seem to be doing it with smoke and mirrors, as the Boston lineup is just devastating with their three stars.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .394, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .411, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .537, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .941, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 57, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Doubles - 13, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Triples - 7, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Home Runs - 1, 13 players tied
Extra Base Hits - 15, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 73, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 28, George Bechtel, Indianapolis and Ezra Sutton, Indianapolis
Runs Scored - 30, 4 players tied
Stolen Bases - 7, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 11, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 31, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
RC/27 - 8.76, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .162, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 15.3, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 2.18, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Wins - 18, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Losses - 18, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
Saves - 1, 4 players tied
Innings Pitched - 267, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Shutouts - 2, Dick McBride, Milwaukee and J. O'Neill, Chicago
Walks - 23, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Strikeouts - 157, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 9.42, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, 3 players tied
BB/9IP - 0.55, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
K/9IP - 6.06, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
K/BB Ratio - 7.85, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .246, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 1.12, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 38.8, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Dagrims]

Originally Posted by Eckstein 4 Prez

Apologies to anyone who might be reading.

No problem, I don't have much else going on right now.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

I've had a couple more weeks go by in my league without updating, but here's the current status:

August 11, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Chicago White Stockings 25-19
Boston Red Caps 24-17
Cincinnati Reds 24-19
Indianapolis Blues 24-21
Providence Grays 17-23
Milwaukee Grays 14-29

The strangest recent occurrence has been the rise of the Providence Grays. On the morning of July 26, Providence was 8-23. Since then, they have rattled off nine straight wins. Of course, there simply isn't enough time left in the season for them to contend for the pennant, but it looks like this young club could end up playing a spoiler role. Indeed, they recently swept Cincinnati in a three-game series and Indianapolis in four, devastating those clubs' title hopes.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .376, Joe Start, Chicago White Stockings
On-Base Percentage - .380, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .492, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .867, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 67, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Doubles - 16, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Triples - 7, Cap Anson, Boston and George Wright, Milwaukee
Home Runs - 2, Lip Pike, Milwaukee Grays
Extra Base Hits - 19, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 89, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 35, George Bechtel, Indianapolis Blues
Runs Scored - 39, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Stolen Bases - 8, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 16, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 34, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
RC/27 - 7.15, Joe Start, Chicago White Stockings
ISO - .127, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 17.3, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 2.06, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Wins - 23, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Losses - 20, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis and John Montgomery Ward, Providence
Saves - 1, 7 players tied
Innings Pitched - 346 1/3, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Shutouts - 2, 3 players tied
Walks - 30, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis and Dick McBride, Milwaukee
Strikeouts - 193, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 9.45, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, NFN O'Rourke, Milwaukee and Dory Dean, Cincinnati
BB/9IP - 0.56, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.04, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
K/BB Ratio - 7.15, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .246, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 1.14, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 54.4, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

August 18, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Chicago White Stockings 28-19
Boston Red Caps 27-17
Cincinnati Reds 26-22
Indianapolis Blues 24-24
Providence Grays 17-26
Milwaukee Grays 17-31

Providence's hot streak finally came to an end this week, as Chicago trounced them in a three-game series to help give them a little separation from the also-rans. However, Boston also had an undefeated week, and with about fifteen games left in the season it looks like the race between the two clubs will go down to the wire.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .371, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .384, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .500, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .884, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 74, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Doubles - 16, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Triples - 8, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
Home Runs - 2, Lip Pike, Milwaukee Grays
Extra Base Hits - 20, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 97, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 37, George Bechtel, Indianapolis Blues
Runs Scored - 42, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Stolen Bases - 9, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 20, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 38, Abner Dalrymple, Milwaukee Grays
RC/27 - 7.58, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .129, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 19.5, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 2.05, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Wins - 25, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Losses - 22, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Saves - 1, 8 players tied
Innings Pitched - 358 2/3, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Shutouts - 2, 3 players tied
Walks - 34, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Strikeouts - 219, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 9.45, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, NFN O'Rourke, Milwaukee and Dory Dean, Cincinnati
BB/9IP - 0.55, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
K/9IP - 6.28, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
K/BB Ratio - 7.30, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .246, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 1.14, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 59.7, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

August 25, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Chicago White Stockings 31-19
Boston Red Caps 28-19
Indianapolis Blues 27-24
Cincinnati Reds 26-25
Milwaukee Grays 19-32
Providence Grays 17-29

Chicago is on fire and has ten games left to play in their season. Thus, this week's three-game series between Chicago and the Boston Red Caps in Boston's South End Grounds will likely determine the 1878 pennant winner. Will Harry Wright's team of stars be able to stop Chicago from winning their third consecutive National League title?

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .368, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .381, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .495, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .873, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 79, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Doubles - 18, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Triples - 8, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
Home Runs - 2, Steve Brady, Indianapolis and Lip Pike, Milwaukee
Extra Base Hits - 22, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 103, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 39, Ross Barnes, Boston and George Bechtel, Indianapolis
Runs Scored - 45, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Stolen Bases - 9, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 22, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 39, Abner Dalrymple, Milwaukee and George Wright, Milwaukee
RC/27 - 7.35, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .130, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 20.2, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 2.05, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Wins - 26, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Losses - 22, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Saves - 1, 8 players tied
Innings Pitched - 385 2/3, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Shutouts - 2, 4 players tied
Walks - 34, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis and Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati
Strikeouts - 228, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 9.45, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, NFN O'Rourke, Milwaukee and Dory Dean, Cincinnati
BB/9IP - 0.58, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
K/9IP - 6.05, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
K/BB Ratio - 6.68, John Montgomery Ward, Providence Grays
Opp. Avg. - .246, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 1.12, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 64.9, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

September 1, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Chicago White Stockings 34-19
Indianapolis Blues 30-24
Boston Red Caps 28-22
Cincinnati Reds 27-26
Milwaukee Grays 19-35
Providence Grays 18-30

Chicago's three-game sweep of Boston effectively ended the National League pennant race with a month to go in the season. They now lead the league by 4 1/2 games with less than ten games remaining in the season. It appears that Chicago will maintain their stranglehold on the NL championship despite the star performances by Boston's big three - Anson, McVey, and Barnes.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .357, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .377, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .480, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .845, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 85, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Doubles - 19, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Triples - 8, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
Home Runs - 2, Steve Brady, Indianapolis and Lip Pike, Milwaukee
Extra Base Hits - 23, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 106, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 40, George Bechtel, Indianapolis Blues
Runs Scored - 48, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Stolen Bases - 9, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 24, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 43, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
RC/27 - 6.79, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .127, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
VORP (Batting) - 20.1, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 1.99, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Wins - 26, Foghorn Bradley, Boston and Pud Galvin, Indianapolis
Losses - 22, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis and Dick McBride, Milwaukee
Saves - 1, 8 players tied
Innings Pitched - 412 2/3, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Shutouts - 3, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Walks - 38, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Strikeouts - 242, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 9.45, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, NFN O'Rourke, Milwaukee and Dory Dean, Cincinnati
BB/9IP - 0.59, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
K/9IP - 6.10, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
K/BB Ratio - 6.91, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .246, John Cassidy, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 1.13, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 70.4, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

September 8, 1878 - Sunday Base Ball Report

Chicago White Stockings 38-19
Boston Red Caps 31-22
Indianapolis Blues 30-26
Cincinnati Reds 28-29
Milwaukee Grays 21-35
Providence Grays 18-35

Chicago has three games to play and Boston still has seven left, and Chicago's magic number is one. Unless Chicago drops three to Cincinnati and Boston sweeps Indianapolis and Providence, Chicago will breeze to their third consecutive National League pennant.

The current league leaders:

Batting Average - .357, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .374, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .470, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
OPS - .833, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Hits - 87, Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings
Doubles - 19, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Triples - 8, George Wright, Milwaukee Grays
Home Runs - 2, Steve Brady, Indianapolis and Lip Pike, Milwaukee
Extra Base Hits - 23, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 110, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 44, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 52, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Stolen Bases - 10, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 26, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 44, John Richmond, Providence and George Wright, Milwaukee
RC/27 - 6.66, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
ISO - .128, Lip Pike, Milwaukee Grays
VORP (Batting) - 20.7, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 1.88, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Wins - 29, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Losses - 22, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis and Dick McBride, Milwaukee
Saves - 1, 9 players tied
Innings Pitched - 412 2/3, Foghorn Bradley, Boston and Pud Galvin, Indianapolis
Shutouts - 3, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis and J. O'Neill, Chicago
Walks - 38, Dick McBride, Milwaukee and Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati
Strikeouts - 257, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 9.26, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, NFN O'Rourke, Milwaukee and Dory Dean, Cincinnati
BB/9IP - 0.55, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
K/9IP - 6.21, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
K/BB Ratio - 6.76, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .244, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 1.09, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 79.7, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

FINAL 1878 STANDINGS AND LEADERS

Chicago White Stockings 39-21
Boston Red Caps 36-24
Indianapolis Blues 32-28
Cincinnati Reds 30-30
Milwaukee Grays 24-36
Providence Grays 19-41

Once again, Chicago has managed to win the National League title, as they had no trouble at all holding off the Bostons. This is beginning to grow rather monotonous, as each year a new set of challengers fails to knock off the western power. Next season, Boston, Cincinnati and Providence will be back to challenge Chicago, while Milwaukee and Indianapolis will be disbanding. The league will shift back to a more eastern emphasis with three new teams from the state of New York - Buffalo, Syracuse and Troy. (Cleveland will also add a team, bringing the league back to eight clubs.)

The final league leaders:

Batting Average - .355, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
On-Base Percentage - .371, Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps
Slugging Percentage - .462, Lip Pike, Milwaukee Grays
OPS - .812, Lip Pike, Milwaukee Grays
Hits - 94, Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps
Doubles - 21, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Triples - 8, Cap Anson, Boston and George Wright, Milwaukee
Home Runs - 2, Steve Brady, Indianapolis and Lip Pike, Milwaukee
Extra Base Hits - 25, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Total Bases - 119, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Batted In - 46, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps
Runs Scored - 52, 3 players tied
Stolen Bases - 10, Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings
Walks - 26, Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings
Strikeouts - 48, Abner Dalrymple, Milwaukee Grays
RC/27 - 6.61, Lip Pike, Milwaukee Grays
ISO - .127, Lip Pike, Milwaukee Grays
VORP (Batting) - 21.4, Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps

Earned Run Average - 1.87. J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
Wins - 34, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Losses - 23, Pud Galvin, Indianapolis Blues
Saves - 1, 9 players tied
Innings Pitched - 471 2/3, Foghorn Bradley, Boston Red Caps
Shutouts - 3, 3 players tied
Walks - 41, Dick McBride, Milwaukee Grays
Strikeouts - 257, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
H/9IP - 9.36, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
HR/9IP - 0.00, Dory Dean, Cincinnati and NFN O'Rourke, Milwaukee
BB/9IP - 0.56, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
K/9IP - 6.21, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
K/BB Ratio - 6.76, Bobby Mitchell, Cincinnati Reds
Opp. Avg. - .246, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
WHIP - 1.10, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings
VORP (Pitching) - 84.4, J. O'Neill, Chicago White Stockings

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
1878 - Chicago White Stockings

Individual Awards coming soon....

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - CATCHER

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Charlie Bennett, Milwaukee Grays* (1-20-.280-0) - This young rookie was very promising for Milwaukee, and he very well could be the heir apparent to the current stars behind the plate.

John Clapp, Providence Grays* (1-25-.216-0) - He had by far the worst season of his seven-year career this year. As a result, he may have trouble finding a team that will hand him a starting job next season.

Dick Higham, Cincinnati Reds (1-29-.318-0) - In spite of Higham's long and solid career as a professional catcher, he still struggles for recognition. If Cincinnati does well in 1879, look for him to start getting the recognition he deserves.

Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (0-41-.355-9) - He had a typically spectacular year this season, although the year was ultimately disappointing due to the Team of Stars' failure to knock off the Chicagos. Next year will be his ninth in Boston.

"Orator Jim" O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings (0-43-.302-1) - This talented catcher has never been as celebrated as McVey, but they are nearly equals in ability. O'Rourke won his second pennant with Chicago, and the third overall of his career this season.

Deacon White, Indianapolis Blues* (0-21-.319-1) - Despite the fact that White is well-liked and an extremely good player, Indy is the seventh professional team he has played for, and whoever gets him next year will be his eighth. As a result, he's had some trouble making a name for himself.

And the award for best catcher of 1877 goes to... CAL McVEY OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. Once again, there were many good-hitting catchers, but McVey's batting title-winning performance with Boston stood out.

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)
1878 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (0-41-.355-9)

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION

FIRST BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Cap Anson, Boston Red Caps* (1-35-.343-8) - He is generally recognized as the best hitter in professional base ball, yet he has still never played on a championship team. Will test the free agent market, as he was unhappy with Boston's attempts to resign him.

Steve Brady, Indianapolis Blues* (2-25-.239-2) - An adequate hitter, but certainly nothing to celebrate. If he is a starter in 1879, he'll have the league's expansion to thank.

Clipper Flynn, Cincinnati Reds (0-27-.297-3) - He is a very respectable hitter, and was rewarded with a three-year contract extension with Cincinnati during the season. Possibly a little overpaid given the fact that he's a good, not a great, player.

Jim Foran, Milwaukee Grays* (0-35-.276-6) - His production declined again, and he hardly seems like the same player who was putting up MVH-type numbers in 1875. Could he be past his prime at age 29?

Tim Murnane, Providence Grays* (0-6-.209-1) - This was his chance to prove his .188-hitting season in 1876 was no fluke. Instead, he proved that he's not capable of being a starter on a regular basis. Providence will certainly be looking to upgrade this position.

Joe Start, Chicago White Stockings (0-30-.333-0) - Old Reliable had another excellent season for the pennant-winning White Stockings. Despite the fact that he is one of the league's oldest starters at nearly 36 years old, he continues to perform solidly.

And the best-hitting first baseman for 1878 is... CAP ANSON OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. This is five consecutive seasons for Anson, who will undoubtedly be the free agent prize this offseason.

First Base

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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - SECOND BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Bob "Magnet" Addy, Cincinnati Reds (0-22-.243-1) - A good fielder, and an adequate but not great hitter. He will be 34 when the next season begins, and some observers wonder how much he has left in the tank.

Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps (1-46-.338-7) - After a one-year absence, he returned to Boston and had another outstanding season. Simply put, he is a star in the prime of his career, and Boston signed him to an extension that will keep him in Beantown through 1885, when he will be 35 years old.

Tom Carey, Chicago White Stockings* (0-21-.283-0) - Had a decent year, but with his contract due to expire, he lost his starting job to rookie Bill McClellan (.287) midway through the campaign. Although he probably will not be back for a fourth year in Chicago, he seems likely to win a starting position somewhere.

Bill Harbidge, Providence Grays (0-7-.185-1) - This jack-of-all-trades truly was the master of none this season. Due to his near-total inability to hit the ball, he will probably be relegated to utility duty next season - assuming Providence wants to avoid the cellar.

Andy Leonard, Indianapolis Blues* (0-23-.260-2) - Although he did an adequate job for Indy, he showed that 1877's .374 average was probably a fluke. Still, this 32-year-old should have no trouble finding a team to hire him for 1879.

Lip Pike, Milwaukee Grays* (2-41-.335-8) - He continues to be one of the best hitters in professional base ball. Should be in the top five of MVH voting, and if his team was a little better he might have a shot at winning the award.

And the best-hitting second baseman of 1878 is... ROSS BARNES OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. Barnes returns to his old city, his old position, and his old award. This is his sixth award as a second baseman, and he also has one as a shortstop.

Second Base

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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - SHORTSTOP

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings* (0-24-.311-1) - An interesting situation. Many observers felt that bringing John Bass in to replace Barlow at short at the start of 1877 was a mistake. However, Bass was hitting .380 through the first two months of the season, before he suffered a season-ending and career-threatening injury, from which he is not expected back until late 1879 at the earliest. Barlow stepped right in and performed excellently. However, with so much money committed to Bass, Chicago is letting the talented Barlow walk away this offseason. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

Jim Holdsworth, Indianapolis Blues* (0-18-.277-2) - He has now proved that he is a solid starting shortstop. Now he just needs his teams to stop disbanding around him - this is the third consecutive year this has happened to him.

King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds (0-19-.245-4) - This 20-year-old rookie did a decent job, but did not live up to his hype as one of base ball's better young players. Also, shortstop is not his best position (he is better as a catcher or outfielder), but it filled a need.

"Honest John" Morrill, Boston Red Caps (0-26-.302-0) - This talented 23-year-old moved from third base to shortstop, and did a solid job. Not a particularly good fielder at short, although his bat makes up for some of the difference.

John Richmond, Providence Grays (0-22-.193-0) - After several years as a utility player, this was his first starting job. It looks like it could also be his last. Simply not enough of a hitter to merit this much playing time.

George Wright, Milwaukee Grays* (0-25-.221-6) - Harry Wright's little brother seems washed up as a hitter, although he is still a solid defensive shortstop so he will probably continue to get jobs around the league for a few more years.

And the award for best hitting shortstop of 1878 goes to... TOM BARLOW OF THE CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS. Chicago probably had the two best shortstops in the league, and it turned out to be necessary due to Bass' injury. This is Barlow's fourth award.

Shortstop

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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - THIRD BASE

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Steve Bellan, Cincinnati Reds (0-16-.247-6) - This solid veteran had a down year in 1878, but still signed a three-year contract extension with Cincinnati.

Jimmy Hallinan, Milwaukee Grays* (0-26-.250-2) - For most of his career, he's been a solid but unspectacular starting infielder, and this year was no exception. At age 29, he'll be a decent pickup for a team needing a cheap solution at third base.

Levi Meyerle, Chicago White Stockings (1-31-.323-5) - For three years he's been a star for the Chicago club, and for three years they've won the National League pennant. Coincidence? I think not. He signed a contract extension this year that will keep him in Chicago through 1882, when he will be 37 years old.

Ezra Sutton, Indianapolis Blues* (0-33-.232-0) - A good fielder, but he's a lifetime .233 hitter, so he may have some trouble finding a starting job in 1879.

Fred Warner, Providence Grays (0-18-.231-0) - He was basically an average player for Providence, which shows why Providence had so much trouble winning games this season.

Fred Waterman, Boston Red Caps* (0-27-.268-8) - Waterman was expected to be one of Boston's stars this year, but had a very disappointing season. As a result, they decided not to resign the 32-year-old for 1879.

And the award for best-hitting third baseman of 1878 goes to... LEVI MEYERLE OF THE CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS. This is Meyerle's third time winning the award, his second with Chicago.

Third Base

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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - LEFT FIELD

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Abner Dalrymple, Milwaukee Grays* (0-23-.303-1) - This hotshot rookie will certainly be sought after in the free agent market this offseason. If this year is any indication, this 21-year-old has a very bright future in base ball.

Mike Dorgan, Boston Red Caps (0-45-.243-8) - They had hoped for more from this young outfielder, but since he's only 24 there's still time for him to improve.

Ralph Ham, Indianapolis Blues* (0-17-.257-0) - The Blues needed an infielder/corner outfielder, so he came over to the team in an early season trade with Cincinnati for Art Allison. He generally performed capably in left field, and might be able to get a starting job for 1879 despite spending most of his career as a backup.

Charley Jones, Providence Grays (1-31-.291-0) - He was the best hitter on a truly terrible Providence club, and is hoping the team will get some help for him next season.

Steve King, Cincinnati Reds (0-32-.249-2) - He was hoping to bounce back from the injury that kept him out for most of 1877 with a big season, but it didn't quite work out. At age 36, it's starting to look like he doesn't have much left.

Al Thake, Chicago White Stockings* (0-29-.232-10) - He had the worst year of his career in this, the walk year of his contract, which probably caused Chicago not to renew him. He's now had two full seasons where he's hit over .340 and two full seasons where he couldn't manage .240, so what happens with him in 1879 is anyone's guess.

And the award for best left fielder of 1878 goes to... ABNER DALRYMPLE OF THE MILWAUKEE GRAYS. Close call between Dalrymple and Jones, but the nod goes to the heralded rookie.

Left Field

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

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

HITTERS BY POSITION - CENTER FIELD

(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)

Art Allison, Cincinnati Reds* (0-12-.231-0) - He came over from Indianapolis in the Ralph Ham trade and ended up being a big disappointment. They're letting him walk, so look for him to either be a utility outfielder for a contending team or a starter with a weak team in 1879.

Dave Eggler, Providence Grays* (1-12-.262-7) - Frank McCarton, Providence's planned starter, struggled with a series of minor injuries all year and never could get untracked. Eggler ended up being a very capable alternative.

Jack Farrell, Milwaukee Grays* (0-25-.255-2) - At age 22, "Hartford Jack" got his first chance to start with a big league team, and did moderately well. In a league that gives starting jobs to some pretty bad outfielders, he seems likely to catch on somewhere.

Tom Foley, Indianapolis Blues* (0-23-.237-0) - He was one of the worst everyday players of 1877, and inexplicably got a starting job again in 1878. Once again, he did little to justify it.

Paul Hines, Chicago White Stockings (0-40-.250-2) - He didn't do much at the plate, but at age 23 he already has a reputation as a solid, steady player and is a fan favorite in Chicago. As a result, they resigned him to a three-year deal.

Count Sensenderfer, Boston Red Caps* (0-18-.223-2) - Sensenderfer was signed to a huge three-year contract before the 1876 season, and since then has done basically nothing to justify it. Although he was a great player in the early 70s, it's starting to look like he may be washed up at 30. Boston is letting him walk, so his future is unclear.

And the award for best center fielder of 1878 goes to... PAUL HINES OF THE CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS. With no real standouts in the field, the award goes to the Chicago fan favorite.

Center Field

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