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First Professional Baseball League - 1871
Baseball's Start - Early Professional Baseball History brought fans into the ballpark

Since the pioneering National Association was organized in 1871, more than 20,000 players have played in the major leagues, and well over one billion fans have streamed to games at the ballparks. And indeed, the game's best assets have always been its players and fans.

As we go pass the year 2000, it's always interesting to peer back into the past.

Baseball History

In 1876 the still existing National League was founded to replace the poorly financed and organized National Association, which lasted just five seasons - 1871-1875.

The leading players of the day - Late 1800s:

By staff@baseballhistorian.com - Instant On-line Accesses to Baseball History

Bear in mind teams played 20-30 games in 1871 and 50-60 games per year during the years 1872-75

* Bill Craver, Catcher/IF - Baltimore Canaries & Philadelphia Phillies - a hustling, fleet-footed running catcher and second baseman, the 5-ft, 9-inch, 160-pounder hit .322 with the Troy (NY) Haymakers in the inaugural season of the National Association. He signed for a higher salary the next season with Lord Baltimore of Baltimore (Canaries) and batted in 55 runs in 35 games (1872). Playing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1874, William Craver hit a career-high 13 doubles, legged out 13 triples and scored 68 runs in 55 games... in 1875 he led the league with 13 triples in 68 games split between the Centennial of Philadelphia, who dropped out of the National Association in May (1875) and the Athletics of Philadelphia. Craver played the first two seasons of the new National League - hitting .224 in '76 and .265 in '87.

* Dick McBride, Pitcher/Manager Athletics of Philadelphia, RH - born in Philadelphia, he led the National Association in its first year with a .783 winning percentage - posting a 18-5 Win/Loss record - and also was the first-ever manager to win a major league pennant - Athletics, who played 28 games in 1871 and finished with a 21-7 record, .750 pct. When the A's expanded their schedule games to 44 in 1872 and to 68 by 1875, James Dickson McBride strung together W/L records of 30-14, 24-19, 33-22 and 44-14... he pitched one more year in the majors, with Boston of the new NL - going 0-4, 2.73 ERA - 1876.

* Lip Pike, 2nd Baseman & Outfielder Baltimore and Brown Stockings of St Louis - a left-handed power-hitter during baseball's Dead Ball ERA, he led the National Association in homers three straight years, 1871-1873 with 4, 6 and 4 and in 1874, he led the league with 24 doubles and led with a .496 slugging percentage. Lipman Pike played for several amateur teams before joining the Troy Haymakers at age 26. After hitting a robust .377 in his rookie year - 1871 with Troy - He signed with Lord Baltimore when they started paying Higher salaries to obtain star hitters... He drove in a career-best 50 runs with the St Louis Brown Stocking in 1876... Born in New York City, Pike played with various major league teams - 1871-78, 1881, 1887 and posted a .316 life-time batting average.

Salaries and Finances - 1870s

* Harry Wright, National Association - the chief innovator of the National Association - his annual $35,000 budget for the Boston Red Stockings (the team we know as the Atlanta Braves), was the highest in the majors until the 1880s. As manager, Wright was in charge of recruiting and training players and also handled the team's tasks of procuring advertisements, equipment design and keeping of on-field grounds in best-of-shape.

George Zettlein
Pitcher, Right-handed - Chicago Cubs 1871, 1874-75; Troy Haymakers (NY) 1872; Eckford of Brooklyn 1872; Philadelphia Athletics 1873, 1875-76

A well-traveled pitcher, the golden-armed George Zettlein led the National Association with a sterling 2.73 ERA, while compiling a 18-9 record for the Chicago team that finished the year with a 19-9 record in the league's first season - 1871. He jumped to the Troy Haymakers of New York in a salary dispute prior to the 1872 opener. With the Philadelphia Athletics, who finished 1873 with a 36-17 record, Zettlein had a 36-15 record, completing 49-of-51 starts with a 2.88 ERA... baseballhistorian.com - Archives

Early baseball team Troy Haymakers 1871
Troy Haymakers of New York - Interesting facts of Baseball History

One of original nine teams that formed baseball's first all-paid professional league - the National Association - the Union of Troy, NY, dropped out after just one and a half seasons. Nicknamed the Haymakers, the team was average at-best - finishing sixth in the NL at 13-15 under outfielder/manager Lipman Pike in 1871 and second baseman/manager Bill Craver.

After Pike and Craver and a few other of Troy's leading players signed with Baltimore for higher salaries prior to the up-coming 1872 season, attendance fell dramatically and the Haymakers disbanded early in the season.

Team Roster: - 1871 Troy Haymakers

Clipper Flynn, 1B... Bill Craver, 2B... Estenban Bellan, 3B... Charles Richard 'Dickie' Flowers, SS... Mike McGeary, C... Tom York, OF... Steve King, OF... Lipman Pike, OF... John Mullin, P...

Keep in mind Troy played 29 scheduled games in 1871 and 25 games in 1872 -

Baseball's Dead Ball Era: 1870s

Players Bios:

* Tom York, Outfielder - one of early baseball's top stars, he played 15 major league seasons, including his rookie year of 1871 with Troy... an excellent all-around athlete, York batted over .295 five times, led the National League in triples with 10 in 1878... and lined over 12 doubles ten times - no small feat in baseball's 'dead ball era'... Tom York career stats; .271 BA, 216 doubles, 86 triples, 15 home runs in 963 games.

* William Flynn, First Baseman - born in Lansingburgh, NY - played two major league seasons - in 1871 Clipper Flynn batted .338, with 6 doubles, scored 43 runs and had 27 RBIs, collecting 48 hits in 142 at-bats... in 1872, he signed and played nine games with Olympic of Washington, who were successful their first year (1871) but after winning just two of its first nine games of 1872, the Washington, D.C. team folded.

* Estenban Bellan, Third Baseman - a native of Cuba, the 5-ft, 6-inch, 154-pounder was one of the fastest runners on the team... going under the name - Steve Bellan - he was a solid fielder at both the third and shortstop positions. With Troy in 1871, he batted .250 and hit .254 the next year... And, playing seven games with Mutual of New York in '73, he hit .206.

Tom York
Outfielder, LH Batter - Troy Haymakers 1871; Lord Baltimore 1872-73, 1884-85; Philadelphia 1874; Hartford 1875-77; Providence Grays 1878-82; Cleveland 1883

A renowned gentleman, on and off the field, Tom York was a first-class athlete during baseball's 'rough-and-tumble era'. A native of Brooklyn, he joined Troy in 1871,at age 19, when the first fully paid professional league was formed - the National Association.

York played for Hartford when the National League was formed in 1876, and signed with the Providence Grays in 1878 for a higher salary. In his five seasons with the Grays, he hit over .300 three times and led the NL with 10 triples in his first year there.

An old newspaper clipping of the New York Clipper from the 1880s acknowledged that the 5-ft, 9-inch, 165-pound York was: - 'hard working and reliable... an excellent batsman and star fielder'... and was: 'affable and courteous'. Tom York career: .271 BA, 174Ds, 57Ds, 10 HR, 467 Runs, 303 RBIs in 690 games.

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Early Baseball History

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National League (1969-1970) Rookie Prospects

In searching through our immense Archives-Database we note a list of hopeful rookies coming up in the NL's minor league system during the years 1969-1970. A few made the big leagues, most did not. Perhaps some fans can look for their uncle, a long lost cousin or maybe a long ago friend. Remember there were fewer teams during this era, surely some of the ballplayers listed would be big time players in 2000 - drawing big time money. Different time, different era that's all.

Here's the list of National League 'Rookie Prospects':

Lee Patrick Pitlock, Pitcher Left-handed, 6 ft, 3 inches, 188 pos. Born Chicago 11/6/47 - Throws a 4 Star fastball. In Fresno in 1969 - 73 strike outs in 57 innings ..... posted an 7-1 record - Appears ready to moved up to the San Francisco Giants in 1970.

Ken Singleton, OF -1B, Switch-hitter, Throws RH. 6 ft 4 inches, 212 pos. Born New York City 6/10/47 - Outstanding defensive outfielder, has strong arm, fast and excellent line drive hitter. Was at Memphis in '69 .... hit .309, 16 Ds, 6 Ts, 10 Hrs, 65 RBIs. All set to join the New York Mets for 1970.

Frank Beall Reberger, Pitcher RH, 6 ft, 5 inches, 208 pos. Born Caldwell, Idaho 6/7/44 - Rating: good fastball, nice change up, mixes pitches well. Has pitched in the NL the past two years ..... In '69 with San Diego Padres - pitched 67 games in relief with 1-2 record, 3.58 ERA, 65 Ks in 88 innings ... Traded to S.F. Giants in Dec. 1969 and is listed for starting and relief work. Rates 4-Stars.

Robert 'Bobby' Valentine, Shortstop RH, 5 ft 10 inches, 182 pos. Born Stamford, Connecticut 5/13/50 - Only 19 years-old - Dodgers' Farm System .... plays aggressive baseball, high speed on base paths, good fielder ..... was with Spokane in '69 - in 111 games, scored 61 runs, lined 19 Ds, 5 Ts, 3 HRs, batted .259.

Steve Garvey, 3B, 2B, 1B, RH, 5'10", 190 pos. Born: Tampa, Florida 12/22/48 First class hitter, decent 3rd baseman - only 21 years-old ..... in '69 at Albuquerque, Texas League hit .373 in 83 games, 18 doubles, 14 homers. Played with Los Angeles Dodgers in 1969 (3 games) Rates 4+ Stars, could be future big league star.

John Purdin, Pitcher RH, 6 ft 2 inches, 182 pos. Born Dayton, Ohio 7/16/42 - With Salisbury, West Carolinas League - was 14-3, 1.91 ERA, 182 Ks, only 27 walks in 137 innings (Wow!) Purdin's fastball rates as one of the best in baseball, has outstanding control. Pitched for L.A. Dodgers in '68-69, mainly in relief ... was outstanding in '68 - 35 games, 3.05 ERA ... faltered in '69, 16 games, 6.19 ERA and was sent down to Spokane. Awaiting outcome. Could be big Star.

Robert Lowell Heise, SS-IF, RH, 6 ft, 172 pos. Born San Antonio, Texas 5/12/47 - At Tidewater, International League in 1969 batted .278, stole 20 bases, 10 doubles .... played 4 games with New York Mets in late '69 ..... traded to San Francisco Giants, Dec 1969 .... tab for future date.

Hector Torres, Shortstop RH, 6 ft, 172 pos. - 4-Star Rating for speed, defense at SS, contact hitter. At 17 years of age in 1962, played at Decatur, Midwest League. Started '69 season for the Houston Astros, played 34 games - injured - after that -sent to Oklahoma City played 29 games, batted .238. Tab for future.

Robert Wilbur Barton, Catcher Right-handed, 6 ft, 180 pos. With the San Francisco Giants in '67-'69, plays 45 games per/year. Hit .261 in 49 games with Giants in 1969 ... rates - good defense, strong throwing arm.

Charles 'Charlie' Hough, Pitcher RH, 6 ft, 2 inches Born Honolulu, Hawaii - L. A. Dodges farm system- 3rd year at Albuquerque, Texas League .... was 10-9, 4.09 ERA .... throws junk - floater, knuckle ball, curve and nice change up. Last year (1969) walked only 42 batters in 163 innings, 113 Ks. 'Charlie' started pitching as a 18 year-old in 1966 with Ogden, Pioneer League. Rates - 3 Stars (fastball) 5 Stars (Junk) 4 Stars (Change up & Intelligence)

Harry Ronald Stone, 1B-OF LH, 6'2", 198 pos. Born Corning, CA 9/9/42 - Started in minor leagues with Stockton, Calif. League - keeps advancing up - 1965, Tri-City, NW League, hit 19 Ds, 16 HRs, 60 RBIs and stole 28 bases - 3 1/2 Star Rating - Played 109 games for Philadelphia Phillies in 1969..... great defensive, intelligent, fast base runner. Looks promising for the future.

Charles 'Boots' Day Outfielder, LH 5 ft 9 inches, 168 pos. Born: 8/31/47 - Excellent fielder - great range, (left-handed) Played at Tulsa in '69, hit .262, stole 16 bases in 93 games .... Brought up by St. Louis Cardinals in Sept. '69. Tab for future.

Jerry Reuss Pitcher LH, 6 ft, 5 inches, 200 pos. Born St. Louis 6/19/49 only 20 years-old and looks like a big leaguer already. Pitched at Tulsa ('69) led the American Association in wins (13), Ks (151), innings (186) finished with 13-11 record .... pitched one game late in '69 with Cardinals - picked up 1st big league win - threw 7 shutout innings - Rates - top pitcher in AA.

Albert Henry Severinsen, Pitcher LH, 6'3", 218 pos. Born: Brooklyn, 11/9/44 Reliever and starter- good control, nice curve, low ERA. At Rochester in 1968, 22 games, 1.42 ERA. In 1969 pitched with Baltimore, 20 games (1-1) 2.55 ERA .... returned to Rochester and was traded to the San Diego Padres in October 1970 - Rates high on all baseball scouts' lists.

Michael Wayne Strahler, Pitcher RH, 6'4", 182 pos. Born: Chicago 3/14/47 - Good fastball, average change up - Pitched for Spokane in '69, going 8-9, 4.31 ERA ... 1970 Spokane 15-5, 2.98 ERA....called up to L.A. Dodgers in late 1970 ... appeared in 6 games, 19 innings, was 1-1, 1.42 ERA - Bright big league future ahead.

Roger Metzger, Shortstop, Bats Left, Throws Right, 6 ft, 165 pos Born Fredericksburgh, Texas 10/10/47 1st year in Chicago Cubs in minor league system - has top speed, good pair of hands - could be shortstop of the future. Stole 19 bases at Tacoma, Pacific Coast League in '69, batted only .232, 3 doubles in 250 at bats. Aggressive base runner, intelligent team player.

Thomas Earl Dukes, Pitcher, 6'2", 192 pos. Born Knoxville, Tennessee 8/31/42 - Has been moving up through the minor Leagues - started in professional ball in 1960 with St. Petersburg. Pitched in relief two years with Houston Astros, 0-2 in 1967, 2-2 in '68. Drafted by San Diego in NL expansion draft ... was 1-0 Padres in '69, 7.36 ERA ... sent down to Elmira in mid-year ..... went 6-1, 2.87 ERA - Is listed on 1970 San Diego Padres opening day lineup card.

Darrell Evans, 3B, OF, Bats LH, T RH, 6'2", 200 pos. Rates - 4 Stars, left-handed hitter, average fielder .... hit .360 for Richmond, International League in '69 .... drafted by the Atlanta Braves from Oakland in Dec '68. At Richmond in 1970, hit .300, 20 Ds, 7 Ts, 20 Hrs, 83 RBIs .... called up to Braves late '70, hit .318 in 12 games.

baseballhistorian.com Archives Green Boxes - Minor Leagues

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