A Peculiarity Of Clapp's Catching

John Clapp

We can almost safely say that the finest display of catching we have ever seen in a single game was that exhibited by Clapp of the St. Louis nine during the June contests in Brooklyn in 1876.  His play close behind the bat on these occasions was excellent.  A peculiarity of Clapp's catching the past season was his adoption of the rule of play behind the bat - mentioned in an article on catching published in 1866 - of a rapid return of the ball to the pitcher.  This is as important for effective play as is a rapid delivery by the pitcher; we don't mean as regards pace, but in sending in balls in rapid succession, by which the batsman is obliged to be on the alert all the time, with but little opportunity afforded for leisurely judging the balls.  Some catchers hold the ball, after receiving it from the pitcher, for some time, with a view of throwing it to a base, or being ready for that play.  But the best plan is to promptly return it to the pitcher, unless a base-runner has started to run on the actual delivery of the ball.  We have seen many a base stolen while the catcher has thus held the ball, apparently in readiness for a throw.  A prompt return bothers a base-runner, especially if the return throw is swift and accurate to the pitcher.  But the main value of it is that it enables the pitcher to play his strong point of catching the batsman napping by a rapid return of straight balls when the batsman is not ready to strike.  This point was played by Bradley last season almost as frequently as by Spalding, and its success was mainly due to Clapp's quick returns.  Clapp is another of those quiet players who are seldom heard of except in the way of fine play in their position. 

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume 4, 1856-1907


This is a great article because it's rare to get specific details about a player's idiosyncrasies like we're getting here with John Clapp and George Washington Bradley.  I knew that Clapp and Bradley were two of the best players in the NL in 1876 but, besides the numbers, I couldn't have given you a lot of details about what made them great players.  This little play, where Clapp quickly returns the ball back to Bradley who, in turn, quickly delivers it back, tells us something about why they were so successful in 1876.  It's a small but illuminating detail.    

Let A Club Be Started At Once.

The admirers of the game in St. Louis, Mo., are talking about getting up a reliable baseball ten to represent St. Louis in the contest for the professional pennant of 1874.  They do not relish the idea of Chicago having a club and getting a chance of winning the championship, while St. Louis has to look on without participating in the fight.  A well-managed professional ten in St. Louis would not only pas as a stock investment, but it would greatly add to the interest of the game in that section of the country.  We hope the St. Louis gentlemen will not allow Chicago to be the only representative in the arena from the West next season.  Ten fine players could be had at very moderate salaries now.  Let a club be started at once. 

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume 4, 1856-1907


This seems to come from the Clipper of January 3, 1874, and it's the first time I've ever heard of the idea of putting a St. Louis Club in the NA for the 1874 season.  It's significant that people in St. Louis were talking about putting together a professional St. Louis team in 1874 (and, most likely, going back to the late fall of 1873) prior to the events of the 1874 season.  Certainly, this doesn't change the fact that the loses St. Louis clubs suffered at the the hands of Chicago in 1874 was a motivating factor in the formation of the Brown Stockings but it's extremely interesting that there was talk about a professional club well prior to that.     

Stain And Disgrace

The solace that we find in the discomfiture of St. Louis over the sale of the great bridge, under mortgage to Chicago capitalists, makes it hardly admissible to indulge in words of self-congratulation within one week after the great game of base-ball.  The overpowering sense of shame that reference to that unfortunate game must always bring to any Chicago man is in some degree lightened by reflection upon the commercial triumphs we have often gained over St. Louis; but the stain and disgrace are by no means removed.  In mere matters of business we have had our own way; St. Louis did not care particularly to interfere, or at least interfered too late.  But all that is nothing beside this defeat at base-ball.  

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume 4, 1856-1907 


Another piece from the Chicago Times (May 9, 1875) lamenting the White Stockings loss to the Brown Stockings.  But lighten up, Francis.  It's just a game 

Yeah, here come the rooster.

Perspective

St. Louis, it seems, is wild with joy over the fact that she has at last got the best of Chicago.  She has been able to hire nine better ball players than Chicago, and by that means has been enabled to donate to Chicago nine very nice goose-eggs.  Chicago can afford to grant her neighbor that slight satisfaction; for while St. Louisans were shouting themselves hoarse over a game of ball, Chicago merchants were selling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of goods at St. Louis' door.

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume 4, 1856-1907


This originally appeared in the Chicago Times on May 8, 1875, and obviously was a reaction to the Brown Stockings victory over the White Stockings.  While it's all sour grapes, they make a valid point about Chicago's burgeoning economic dominance of the Midwest.  

The Appended Honorable Release

What do the St. Louis papers mean by announcing that Force, Blong, etc., have been or are to be expelled from the St. Louis Club, in the face of a fact like the one we give below, which has been sent to us by the Buffalo Club manager?  The fact we refer to is the appended "honorable release" from the St. Louis Club.  If no charges have been found true against Force, then the St. Louis journals and other Western papers have done him injustice.  Either the players who have been charged with crookedness are guilty or not guilty.  If they are guilty, put them out of the fraternity, as has been done in Louisville.  If not, then come out openly and say so, not through one member of the club, but over the signature of all of the directors.  The release in question is signed only by the club manager, who himself has been charged with crooked work by Devinney, and no satisfactory examination has been made of the case that we have heard of.  Will Messrs. Fowle and Bishop post us up on the facts?

Copy Of Release

Headquarters Brown Stockings B.B. Club,

St. Louis, Nov. 21, 1877.

Mr. E.R. Spaulding, Buffalo B.B. Association. - I take the pleasure of notifying you that Mr. D.W. Force has been honorably released by the St. Louis B.B. Association.  G. McManus, Manager.

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, 1856-1907

I really don't want to get back into all of the culture of corruption stuff surrounding the Brown Stockings but this was too good to pass up.  My favorite part is when Chadwick (I assume) throws the whole McManus/Devinney thing back in their face.  That was a nice touch.   

The Boys Are Pretty Sanquine Of Success

A letter from John C. Chapman of the St. Louis Club, dated March 18 [1875], says:

"Our boys are all in fine trim now, they having been exercising in the gymnasium for the past six weeks, and I know from my own experience that it has greatly benefited us in every respect; as, besides improving our physical condition, it has given us confidence in our ability to do good work in the field.  When the weather is mild we go to the grounds for practice.  Last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the weather was delightful, and our team took advantage of it to do some very good field-training.  On the 14th we had a practice-game with the Empires.  Only four innings were played, as a thunder shower obliged a suspension of play in the fifth.  Though we gave them Bradley to pitch to Seward's fine catching, our score at the close of the fourth inning stood 8 to 1 in our favor.  There was a large crowd of people out to see the game, and the play of the 'regulars,' as you call us, pleased them exceedingly.  Seward caught very well from Bradley's swift delivery.  He has been engaged by our club as change catcher.  This will be the only local player in our nine.  We expect to visit Louisville about the 16th of April, to play matches with the gentlemenly Eagles of that city - a very strong team - and also with the Louisville Olympics.  These will be our first games out of town.  The boys are pretty sanguine of success in their matches with the Chicago nine and the Westerns of Keokuk.  It is well to feel confident, you know, but not so to be too sure.  There's no 'soft thing' in baseball matches now-a-days, as the uncertainties of the game prevent anything of that kind.  The rivalry between Chicago and St. Louis now in baseball matters surpasses even that of 1870 between the Chicago and Cincinnati clubs.  When they meet it is anticipated that over 10,000 people will be present.  We shall not visit the East until the latter part of June, by which time we shall be in a very good trim to give your crack clubs a tough tussle for victory.  Let me say to you officially that the St. Louis Club will play no match games on Sunday.    John C. Chapman."

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume 4, 1856-1907


Chapman was like some kind of 19th century media star in 1875 and his reports shed a lot of light on what was happening with the Brown Stockings as they prepared to open the season.  It's good stuff. 

Just Beat Chicago

A letter from Chapman announces the arrival at St. Louis of the Brooklyn contingent of the St. Louis professional club, and John, in his epistle to the Brooklynites dated from the Everett House, St. Louis, Jan. 22, says:

Pearce, Dehlman, Fleet, and myself arrived here last Sunday morning, after a tough ride of over three days and as many nights.  We are all well pleased with our new friends.  They are all gentlemen of high standing and as fine a set of men as I have ever met.  They are very anxious for us to beat Chicago.  If we only do that - which I know we will - they will be satisfied.  This will be the greatest city in the country for baseball the coming season.,  Everyone appears to be red-hot on it here.  We had a very pleasant time last evening at the new club-rooms of Manager Graffen, a large party being present.  The directors of the new club are determined to have their club rules observed and to make each and every player live up to his contract.

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume 4, 1856-1907


It's always interesting and reasonably rare to hear directly from the players with regards to what was going on in St. Louis in 1875 (and this most likely comes from the January 20, 1875 issue of the Clipper).  I was most interested in what Chapman said about beating Chicago.  It's reasonably well known that the reason the Brown Stockings were put together was because of the failures of the St. Louis clubs to beat the White Stockings of Chicago but I don't think that I've ever heard anybody connected with the club state that.  This is direct, contemporary testimony supporting the thesis that the Brown Stockings formed because of the success the Chicagos enjoyed in St. Louis in 1874.   

The New St. Louis Cops

The comments of The Clipper on baseball matters in St. Louis have had the effect of creating quite a little stir there in regard to the organization of nines to take part in the coming campaign of 1875.  One result is a proposition to organize another professional nine as a local rival to the St. Louis stock company club, the new club to be run on the co-operative principle.  Nothing better could be devised in the interest of the St. Louis Baseball Association than the organization of just such a rival team.  The advent of the Philadelphia nine in 1873 put thousands of dollars into the pockets of the Athletics, and the new Centennial nine of that city ought to help both the Philadelphia and Athletic nines this year, if it is properly managed.  There is nothing like rivalry to give interest to baseball contests.  Heretofore the West has had too little rivalry; but this coming season there will be plenty of it, ,what with the Chicago "Whites," the St. Louis, the Western Keokuks, and the new St. Louis "Cops," as the co-operatives are called.  The St. Louis stock company "regulars," it is proposed, shall be opposed by a co-operative nine composed of local players.  This will impart considerable interest to a series of matches between the eastern imported stock and the western native material.  The St. Louis club would by all means encourage the organization of the nine in question, and give them a chance to play upon their grounds.

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume Four, 1856-1907


This article raises a lot of questions.  Dating the articles in the Mears Collection can be a bit tricky and, to the best of my knowledge, this appeared in the Clipper in November of 1874, which throws a wrench into my thinking about when and why the Reds joined the NA.

The best available research shows that, in January of 1875, the Reds had still not made the decision to join the NA and that the decision wasn't made until February.  I believe that the reason the Reds eventually made the decision to join the professional ranks was that the Brown Stockings decided to play their home games at the Grand Avenue Grounds rather than the Compton Avenue Grounds, which was operated by Thomas McNeary.  McNeary, who also operated the Reds, was one of the early investors in the Brown Stockings and, I believe, had every intention of getting the new club to play at his ballpark.  In late November of 1874, the Brown Stockings had still not decided on a home ground.  Based on all of that information, my thinking has been that sometime in late 1874 or early 1875, the Brown Stockings decided to play their home games at the Grand Avenue ballpark and McNeary then began to consider the option of placing the Reds in the NA.  Even with the Brown Stockings playing on Grand, if McNeary entered the Reds into the NA, he would still have professional baseball, and the draw of the big professional clubs, at his ballpark.  The whole thing was about drawing fans to the Compton Avenue Grounds and making money.  McNeary's plan A, having the Brown Stockings play at his ballpark, fell through and he moved on to plan B, having the Reds play in the NA.

This article, however, brings all of that into question.  According to the Clipper, the idea of having another professional team in St. Louis, operating on the co-operative plan, dates to November of 1874, when the Browns had still not made up their minds about where to play.  The Clipper suggests that the whole scheme was about producing rivalries, building up interest in the game and, one would imagine, drawing more fans and making more money.  It's also insinuated that the idea for a second St. Louis team came from the Eastern baseball press (Henry Chadwick?) rather than being something that sprung up locally.  There is nothing here that suggests a fallout between the Brown Stockings and McNeary.

There is also nothing here that specifically mentions the Reds.  It's possible that the idea of a second club predated McNeary's decision to enter the Reds into the NA and he took up the idea after a previous attempt to organize a co-op club (the St. Louis Cops) failed.  It's possible but unknown.  The most likely explanation of all of this is that the Clipper is talking about the Reds but it's not it's not conclusive.

What we now know for a fact, however, is that the idea of a second St. Louis club competing in the NA in 1875 dates from November of 1874.   

A Movement Is On Foot

A Professional Team For St. Louis. - By a dispatch received Sept. 28 we are informed that a movement is on foot to organize a professional nine to represent St. Louis, Mo.  Our informant states that $20,000 has already been subscribed for the purpose.  The best players who can be secured are wanted, and professionals are requested to write to W.C. Steigers, secretary, Times office, St. Louis, Mo.

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume 4, 1876-1907


Obviously, this piece comes from 1874. 

An 1875 Interview With Jack Chapman

During the recent visit of the "Brown Stockings" to Louisville a number of the players were interviewed by the Courier-Journal relative to the base ball prospects for the season.  The last victim of reportorial pertinacity was Chapman, who is charged with having delivered himself as follows:

Reporter - How came so many Atlantic men to leave for St. Louis?

Mr. Chapman - St. Louis is bound to be the greatest place on the continent for base ball this season.  Her stock company offered big inducements, and we accepted.

R. - Who compose the St. Louis stock company, and why is it to be a great base ball place?

Mr. C. - Very rich and nice people form the company.  Its officers are mostly millionaires who desire their city ably represented in base ball.  The people "turn out" there in thousands, and are all agog with base ball excitement.  Five thousand people witnessed our practice game last week.

R. - What are base-ball players paid?

Mr. C. - Substitutes get from $900 to $1,200.  Regulars receive from $1,000 to $2,500.  Bob Ferguson, of our old club, gets $2,500 this year for captaining the Hartfords.

R. - What becomes of players during the winter?

Mr. C. - A good many loaf, and others work at different jobs.  Generally, whatever they hit upon that suits.

R. - From your observations, how do our Eagles compare with other clubs?

Mr. C. - They are a fine set, and compare favorably with any junior club in the land.  They are all gentlemen.

R. - In what respect are they deficient?

Mr. C. - Nerve.  All else they have, and only need more mixing with professionals and closer observance of the fine points of the game to become experts.

R. - Is Mr. Ellick a good player?

Mr. C. - He is very fine.

R. - Do you hope to beat the Boston Reds this season?

Mr. C. - We hope to do it, and I believe we shall.  The Reds are a good team, made excellent by having stuck together so long.  I consider the Athletics the stronger nine this year.  Harry Wright is the best captain in America.  The Mutuals were the best club of last season, and but for the bad feeling among members, would now be the champions.

R. - Do you think Louisville could support a professional club?

Mr. C. - I do, indeed, and am surprised she hasn't one.

-Mears Baseball Scrapbook, Volume 5


That's a cool interview and I have to dig around to see if I can find the rest of them. 

Brown Stocking Season Tickets

The price of season tickets to the Grand Avenue park has been fixed at $15, and they are now on sale at Graffen & Floyd's baseball headquarters, on Olive street, near Seventh.

-Missouri Republican, April 4, 1875


Graffen is Mase Graffen, Brown Stocking manager.  Not sure who Floyd is. 

Just Because It Comes Out Of Chicago Doesn't Mean It Isn't True

A report published in the Chicago Tribune, stating that three of the Brown Stockings were constantly inebriated, is, it almost needless to say, entirely without foundation.  The men are exceedingly temperate, and the utmost zeal and caution used to keep them in good trim.  Such charges emanate either from malice or love of sensation.

-Missouri Republican, June 27, 1875

The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: # 1

Yeah Here Come The Rooster Yeah

1. May 6, 1875: Brown Stockings vs. White Stockings

Time was when Chicago had an excellent base ball club, the best in the West, but that was before St. Louis decided to make an appearance on the diamond field and there, as everywhere else, attest the supremacy of the Western city with the greatest population, the most flourishing trade, the biggest bridge and the prettiest women.  For the first time St. Louis has sent her nine men into the field and has pitted them against the club of her rival. There was a sharp and determined struggle, and the result is indicated in the score which appears below.

The Chicago nine, under one of the best and most experienced managers in the country, failed to score a single run.  The game was, for them, but a succession of depressing failures; for their opponents, a signal and remarkable victory.  Very rarely indeed have two professional clubs met with such an astonishing result.  That the Chicago men can play a better game there is no doubt; that the St. Louisans can do more is equally certain.  The latter have reason to be satisfied, however.  Chicago has ordered a thousand bales of sackcloth and seven hundred hogsheads of ashes.

The weather was all that a ball-tosser could ask for - the late rains making the turf bright and soft.  The Chicagos arrived early in the morning and took up quarters at the Southern, where they were called upon by a number of their friends.  Those not possessing such strolled through the city sight-seeing.  Towards two o'clock both armies were put in motion, dinner dispatched, uniforms inspected and repairs made where wanted.  The visitors donned their field-dress at their hotel and were conveyed to the ground in the gilded band-wagon drawn by four horses, the Browns repairing to the field of battle in squads of two and three, and changing their dress on the ground.  Towards four o'clock the spacious stands and pavillion were packed to repletion with an eager, anxious throng, all despondently hoping the Browns might win, but giving it up as an utter impossibility.  There were fully 8,000 persons in the enclosure, and 1,500 to 2,000 outside.

At five minutes of 4 o'clock the toss was made for choice of innings, which Capt. Pearce of the home club won and sent his opponents to the bat.  Mr. Adam Wirth of the Empires had been mutually selected as umpire, and filled the unpleasant position to the satisfaction of both parties.  Promptly at 4 o'clock he called play.

The Game.  

Higham, the stalwart picture of a Roman gladiator, toed the home plate amid an almost breathless silence and called for a high ball.  Getting one to suit him he drove it safely over short and took first base, the general impression being that it was but the beginning of a series of similar ones.  Miller let a ball bound out of his hand, and threw wild to second to catch Dick there, but only gave him an additional base.  A man on third and no one out, it looked very much like a run.  Hastings, the next striker, hit to Hague; Higham, with very poor judgment, attempted to run home; "Martha," apparently surprised at his temerity or impudence, hesitated a moment, then threw viciously to Miller and Red put the ball on him like a shot.  Warren followed with a hot one to Hague who passed it safely to Battin, and Hastings was thus forced out at second.  Warren then attempted to steal second but learned to his cost that Miller could throw, as the ball was there waiting for him.  Chicago took her first blank, and the people who had thought the Brown Stockings had no show began to pick up courage.

Cuthbert shouldered the "stick" for his side, and eyed the "charmer" carefully; they had often met before and it was "diamond cut diamond."  Ned could only get a little one to the left of Zet but sharp running saved him.  Capt. Dick, the next striker, tried hard for a fair foul, but the umpire refused to allow a very neat one, and he finally tipped out.  Pike was looked to for a three-baser, but went out on strikes, Zettlin tricking Lip nicely on the third one by pitching a good ball as soon as he received it from the catcher and before Pike was ready.  Chapman however came to the rescue by a magnificent drive over Hines' head at left field and Cuthy trotted over the home plate amid only half-hearted applause, while Chapman streamed onward to third.  Hague did not fail for by a splendid liner over second he sent Chap home and earned first for himself.  Brad spread himself for a hard one but only popped up an easy fly which Zettlin attended to and the side was out.  Score: Chicago 0; St. Louis 2.  A good big innings, the spectators feeling more comfortable with the possibility of the boys not being beat so bad after all.  Devlin was the first striker for Chicago in the

Second Innings,

And again, third base was tried, but only to find that "Martha" was "there," the ball being neatly picked up and carefully thrown; Bradley did the same for Hines, and Keerl found Hague good on foul flies.  Whitewash No. 2.

For the Browns - Battin sent a high one back of Peters, but Johnny couldn't get it; Dehlman sent a "daisy-cutter" past Warren at third, and reached first safely; Miller followed with a hot one over Warren's head and Battin was put at home plate by a splendid throw of Hines' to Higham; Cuthy hit hard to Zettlin, and Miller was forced out at second by a very close decision, Dehlman stealing home in the meantime.  Pearce tried to get one to right-field but sent the ball straight to Glenn, and retired one run.  Total score: 3 to 0; Chicago behind.

Mutual whitewashes were exchanged in the

Third Innings

Thusly:  Peters out at first base by Dehlman unassisted, Glen for striking wind three times and Zettlin favoring Bradley with a fly which the "old man" froze to like grim death.  The two pitchers thus exchanging courtesies Zett having disposed of Bradley in a similar manner.

Pike, Chapman and Bradley were the outs for the Browns, the first named on foul bounds by Higham; Chapman and Bradley by Keerl to Glenn, the same players having given Hague second base by an overthrow.  Score unchanged and a few bolder than the rest whispered about a possible victory.

Evidently Bradley was on his "pitch."  Three innings not a run; only one base hit and nine men retired.  In the

Fourth Innings

The three choice batsmen of the White Stockings came up for their second trial, and the friends of the "Browns" trembled as Higham straightened himself for the effort.  It came, the sphere went from his bat like a ball from a cannon towards centre field, long and low, gradually descending towards the ground.  "Safe hit," every one cried, as their eyes followed the dark object shooting through the air.  But there was Pike coming like a deer, and springing forward with a bound he snatched it an inch from the ground, and over he rolled on the ground, the first discernible object being "that left paw" shooting up with the ball tightly grasped in it.  Eight thousand people shouted like madmen, and Lip felt that Louisvile was avenged.  This kind of support to the terrible engine that faced them took the heart out of the next two strikers, Hastings going out on foul-bound and Bradley fielding Warren out at first - fourth consecutive whitewash for the Lake City champions and plenty of talk about St. Louis winning.  The Browns went to the bat confidently, and after Battin had retired at first, by the aid of Peters, Dehl opened the muscle with a fair foul for one bag, Miler putting up a high one between centre and left that fell harmless between Hines and Devlin, the misplay sending Dehlman to third, Miller stealing second on the throw in to the pitcher instead of second baseman.  Cuthbert hit hard to third and Dehl came home.  Capt. Dickey, "who is getting old," cleared the bases by a slashing drive to right field, earning two bases for himself, Cuthbert making an old-time slide, which within fifteen feet of the home plate under Higham, who had the ball to put on him.  Dick scored his run on Chapman's hit to Peters, and Chap having a life by the error of Glenn.  Hague closed the innings by going out to first.  Keerl prettily assisting.  Four runs; totals 7 to 0 and Browns owning the "long end."  Still the doubting Thomases refused to believe it possible.

The "Whites" were considerably rattled, not to say surprised, and a desperate rally was made in the

Fifth Innings,

Delvin opening with a safe one to centre field, Hines following with a slow bounder to Battin and reached first safely as Dehlman failed to hold the rather high throw.  "Now they are off," was the universal belief, but Keerl, Peters and Glenn couldn't "keep it up," Chapman disposing of the "Kanuck" while Peters and Glenn couldn't press canvas once, Miller and Battin assisting.  Fifth goose egg and two men left on bases.

Battin was the only one to reach first base on his side, a safe hit to right-field taking him there.  Bradley tipped out, and Hines made two handsome catches that quieted Dehlman and Miller.

One, two three was the order in which the "great batters" retired in the

Sixth Innings,

Bradley again getting quits with the Charmer and "the weak spot" at second, taking in two good catches fro Higham and Hastings.  Cuthy, who was feeling better than he knew how to show, drove a liner between short and second and consoled Glenn while dancing round first base.  Pearce went out by a neat piece of fielding on the part of Keerl, Pike tipped out, and Chapman with another terrific drive over left centre stopped only at third base amid the wildest kind of enthusiasm, the thousands of eager, excited spectators apparently for the first time realizing that our boys were in terrible earnest and bound  to win.  Hague drove a hot one through Peters at short stop and Chapman scored, but Bradley failed again, this time striking out.  The "old man" seemed to have concentrated all his energies on pitching, and that only, but the boys were well satisfied.

Warren opened the

Seventh Innings

By a sharp line hit between short and second, which Dickey ran for, caught, held a moment, and then in stopping suddenly, dropped it.

Battin distinguished himself by making a magnificent running catch on the right foul line back of first base, that disposed of Devlin, and fielding out Hines at first, Warren going to second only to be left there, as Hague made a beautiful running foul bound catch that sickened Keerl.

Battin hit the first ball, "the Charmer" pitched right "on the nose" and sent it sailing towards the fence at centre field, easily reaching third; Dehlman bringing him home on a short hit to left field.  Miller, Pearce and Cuthbert being retired, closed the innings for this one run which was earned.

Eighth Innings.

Zettlin earned his base in this inning after Peters had been retired by another brilliant catch of Pike and Hague had taken in a foul fly from Glenn.  The Charmer was not easy on the canvas as on a foul tip by Higham,   Miller fielded the ball to Brad and he to Dehlman so quickly that he was caught and the usual circle was made for his side's score.

A change of tactics was noticed in that Whites' positions when Pike came up to bat; Devlin the terrible fence-breaker was in Zettlin's place, Scott Hastings in Higham's, Glenn went to centre and the Charmer was smiling on first, Higham taking right.  The change worked well in this innings though 'twas of no use save keeping their opponents' score down.  The trouble was not so much with Zettlin as their own weak batting.  Pike, Chapman and Hague went out in one, two, three order - Pike on foul bound and the other two by the assistance of Peters and Devlin.  No runs.  Score 10 to 0.

The jig was up and a more surprised, delighted, happy throng of St. Louisans never cheered and shouted themselves hoarse.  With the Whites it was desperation.  Now or never.

The Ninth Innings

Was the only chance left them and Higham, their giant, again led off.  As he stood at the home plate it was a splendid sight, with head erect, chest out, shoulders thrown back, and left foot lightly resting on the ground, ready to assist those powerful arms in dashing forward with a mighty effort to drive that ball out of reach.  Bradley, cool and cunning, deafed him.  Dick finally let out, but only to drive it straight to his captained namesake and retire at first.  Hastings fared no better; his fair foul was splendidly fielded and thrown by Hague to Dehl, and Warren was now their only hope.  He secured the coveted base by a safe one over second only to be forced out there on Devlin's hit to Pearce.  Rarely has such a scene been witnessed as Joe Battin clutched the ball, putting out the twenty-seventh man.  A might roar and cheer rent the air and hats, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, canes, and anything within reach, went up to express the satisfaction felt in the great achievement.  The great Chicago nine that, according to all the winter's brag and bluster, was to wipe us out, the brown-hosed boys had sent to the bat nine times without scoring a run.  The game had to be finished, but who cared to see Bradley, Battin and Dehlman get out, or cared how they got out.  The game was won and Chicago "Chicagoed" and by St. Louis; that was enough for one day.  The immense crowd gradually dispersed in a joyful jolly congratulating mood.

-St. Louis Republican, May 7, 1875


Almost four years ago, I wrote this:

I honestly never get tired of reading about this game. It's significance really can not be overstated. The Brown Stockings victory over Chicago on May 6, 1875 did several things that helped lay the foundation for St. Louis as a "baseball city."

Firstly, it united the city in a way that it had never have been united previously. Between the heavy influx of German and Irish immigrants, the political divisions brought about by the Civil War, and the natural conflict between the Creole founders of the city and the Americans who moved to the city after the Louisiana Purchase, St. Louis was a city divided along economic, political, and racial lines. The Brown Stockings' victory on May 6, however, was embraced by almost the entire populace of the city. No other event and certainly no other baseball club had ever seen the fervent outpouring of support that the Brown Stockings received in 1875. While it's now common to see the city united by its love for her baseball team, this was the first time it had happened.

Secondly, this game cemented the St. Louis/Chicago baseball rivalry and placed the two cities, baseball-wise, on an equal footing. One of the reasons for the joyous celebrations that erupted following the game was because of the overwhelming dominance of the Chicago professionals over the St. Louis amateurs in years leading up to 1875. This game proved that St. Louis would no longer be a push-over for its northern neighbors and chief economic rival.

Finally, the game marked the end of the pioneer, amateur era of baseball in St. Louis and it's successful debut in national, professional competition. No longer would clubs such as the Empires or the Union hold a place of prominence on the St. Louis baseball scene. The new focus would be on the professional clubs who would attempt to bring in the best players they could afford. There would certainly be struggles in the years ahead but after May 6, 1875 there was no turning back.

Since I'm knee deep in the Scotch ale and game two of the Cards-Nats series is about to start, I think I'll just leave it at that.

This was fun.  I don't really think that this a true, comprehensive list of the top twenty games in 19th century St. Louis baseball history but it's pretty close.  And it's a pretty good list considering I spent all of fifteen minutes putting it together.  Hope you enjoyed it.           

The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: # 4

4. August 24, 1877: Brown Stockings vs. White Stockings

Chicago snatched a victory out of the jaws of defeat in fine style here to-day.  A two-base hit by Clapp and a single by Croft gave St. Louis an earned run in the fourth inning.  In the fifth, after two hands were out, Clapp and Dorgan scored on errors by Anson and McVey and two hits, which were all the runs St. Louis could squeeze in.  In the sixth inning an overthrow by Force gave McVey second, and he tallied on Anson's two-base hit.  In the seventh Eggler earned first, and was sent home by Bradley with an earned run, with two men out.  Battin made a miserable muff of Eden's bounder, and Brad got in with the tieing run.  In the eighth inning, with two men out, Anson stole second on Battin's muff of Clapp's fine throw, which reached him in plenty of time to catch the striker, and Hines then brought in the winning run by a solid hit to left.  Clapp's catching, Peter's fielding, Dorgan's throwing, and Croft's first-base play were the features of the game.

-Chicago Tribune, August 25, 1877

This is the game that almost destroyed professional baseball in St. Louis.

In Before They Were Cardinals, Jon David Cash explains what happened: "(William) Spink alleged that two Brown Stockings had conspired with Chicago gambler Mike McDonald to fix the St. Louis-Chicago game of August 24...it seems clear that (Spink) intended to target pitcher Joe Blong and third baseman Joe Battin as the dishonest Brown Stockings...Evaluating the player performances of August 24, Spink complained, "The game was lost, after it had been won, by Battin, who has been the weakest spot in the St. Louis nine all season.  In the early part of the contest, Blong pitched well, but towards the end went to pieces, his wild pitching and lack of headwork...proving very costly."  Spink went on to write a devastating piece on the scandal for the Globe.  Combined with the clubs financial difficulties in 1877, Spink's indictment of some of the Brown Stockings' players brought down the club.

The game fixing in this game was not an isolated incident.  From 1875 through 1877, a culture of corruption surrounded the Brown Stockings and there are numerous incidents, rumors and accusations from the 1875, 1876 and 1877 season regarding various players, managers and umpires associated with the club.  Every season there was an accusation of game-fixing.  There's a long list of people affiliated with the Brown Stockings who were accused of crookedness.  But this game was the final straw.  Blong and Battin were caught red-handed and William Spink, a supporter of the club, called them out in the newspaper.

With the collapse of the Brown Stockings, the popularity of baseball in St. Louis suffered a serious decline and the city would not see another major league team until 1882.  The Interregnum - the period from 1878 through 1881 when St. Louis did not have major league baseball - was a difficult time for baseball in St. Louis as men such as William and Al Spink, Augustus Solari and Chris Von der Ahe fought to keep the game alive in the city.     

The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: # 10

10. May 4, 1875: Brown Stockings vs. Red Stockings

About one thousand spectators were present yesterday afternoon at the Compton avenue park to witness the first professional game ever played in St. Louis, the contestants being both St. Louis clubs, namely, the "Brown" and "Red Stockings."  The weather, which had prevented the games on Saturday and Monday, cleared off about noon and a more beautiful afternoon could not have been wished for.  Had the sun made an earlier appearance and the certainty of the game coming off been more generally known a much larger attendance would no doubt have been the result.

-St. Louis Republican, May 5, 1875


This was the first major league baseball game in St. Louis history and the first game involving openly professional St. Louis baseball clubs.  I posted the game account from the Republican last month, so I'll spare you the whole thing.  I'll just say that it speaks to the extraordinary nature of 19th century St. Louis baseball history that the first major league game barely cracks my top ten list.  In most cities in the United States, a game like this would have been number one on the list.  But, according to the Republican, this wasn't even the game of the season.  It's kind of odd to be so casual about a game as important as this but, in all honesty, it was only the second most significant game of the 1875.  Still, this is where St. Louis major league history started and, as such, it's a worthy number ten.          

The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: # 12

12. October 17, 1874: Empire Club vs. Chicago White Stockings

Yesterday afternoon at the Grand Avenue park the Chicago Whites blanked the Empires, the first time they ever were complimented in that manner.  The game was witnessed by about four hundred spectators, and was enjoyed greatly up to the fifth inning, the score at that stage of the game standing 1 to 0 in favor of Chicago.  After this the Empire boys had a streak of bad luck, especially Billy Gorman at 2d, and the Whites managed to tally in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings twelve runs, which put a damper on the interest of the game.  The boys tried hard to squeeze in a run, but as the Whites played their game without an error, it was impossible for them to tally.

-St. Louis Republican, October 18, 1874


Sure, in losing 13-0, this was the first time in the proud history of the Empire Club that they had ever been shutout but that, specifically, is not what makes this game significant.  This game really just represents the entire series of games that the White Stockings played against St. Louis clubs in 1874 and how those games changed the history of St. Louis baseball. 

The Chicagos played eight games in St. Louis between April 21 and May 2, 1875 - four against the Empires, three against the Reds and one against the Turners.  They won all eight of those games and outscored the St. Louis clubs 171-53.  They also stole John Peters from the Reds and Dan Collins from the Empires.  On May 6, the Reds went to Chicago and lost by seven runs.

In October, the White Stockings came back for more.  On the 15th, they beat the Reds 17-3 and two days later they shutout the Empires.

In total, the Chicagos went 11-0 against St. Louis clubs in 1875 and they outscored them 215-63.   

This dismal performance against the Chicago professionals was one of the major factors in the organization of the Brown Stockings.  Tired of getting beaten on the diamond and unable to accept the idea of losing to Chicago in anything, the St. Louis baseball fraternity, led by former members of the old Union Club, put together the first openly professional baseball team in the history of St. Louis and brought in the finest Eastern talent they could sign.  While there is no doubt that St. Louis would have had professional, major league baseball eventually, the unmitigated beating that the Chicagos put on the best "amateur" clubs in St. Louis forced the St. Louis baseball fraternity into action.  After the Chicago professionals roared through St. Louis in 1874 and humiliated the pride of St. Louis baseball, things changed.

These games also had a significant impact on a game that would be played in May of 1875.  But we're getting ahead of ourselves.     

The Top Twenty Games In 19th Century St. Louis Baseball History: # 18

18. April 25, 1876: St. Louis Brown Stockings vs. Cincinnati Reds

Were it not for the "glorious uncertainty" of base ball, that pastime would never have been chosen as the National game of America. There was not an enthusiast in this city yesterday who would not have bet dollars to cents that the Brown Stockings would win the first game of their championship series with the Cincinnati Reds. That game was played yesterday, and the result was: Cincinnati, 2; St. Louis, 1-a result which reflects almost as much credit on the losers as on the winners. That it was a brilliant struggle there can be no doubt, and Cincinnati is to be congratulated on the possession of a nine, hitherto looked upon as the weakest in the field, capable of lowering the standard of one of the two clubs which is conceded to be the strongest.

Great excitement prevailed in the vicinity of this office throughout the afternoon, the result of each inning being bulletined pro bono publico. The opening inning was announced-a tie at one each-Brown Stocking admirers breathed freer. In the next three innings, no runs being added on either side, ominous looks were exchanged, and such remarks as "Those Cincinnatis are holding them down nicely," and "What's got into the boys?" might have been heard muttered. With the result of the eighth inning-Cincinnati 1, St. Louis 0-fears were, for the first time expressed that the St. Louis favorites might possibly lose, and the probability became a certainty when it was announced that both sides had been presented with goose eggs in the ninth inning. Though disappointed at the result, the friends of the home club took the defeat of their favorites with a good grace, attributing it to the fickleness of fortune. As stated before, to lose finely contested a game reflects as much credit on the vanquished as on the victors...

The special correspondent of the Globe-Democrat at Cincinnati sends the following particular of the struggle by telegraph:

About two thousand spectators, many of whom were ladies, witnessed the game between the Cincinnati and St. Louis Clubs to-day. It was by all odds the best game ever played in this city. The batting on both sides was heavy, but the Reds got in the safest licks, being credited with eight base hits to the Browns four. Battin secured two of the four, and Pike and Clapp one each. Battin's three-bag hit in the fourth inning brought home Pike, who was the only Brown Stocking to cross the home plate. Bradley and Dehlman went out on flies, leaving Battin on third twice. On two occasions the Reds had three men on bases, but could not succeed in getting in a run. The last time was in the ninth inning, when Blong captured Pearson's fly to right field, and, by an excellent throw, headed Jones off at the home plate, thereby accomplishing a magnificent double play...

The Browns erred as follows: Clapp, 2; Batten, 1; Bradley, 2; Dehlman, 1. The Reds made but three errors, Fisher being charged with two and Kessler with one. For the Cincinnatis Jones secured two safe hits, and Kessler, Booth, Gould, Clack, Snyder and Sweazy one each. The Reds got four base hits off Bradley in the first inning, scoring in that and the eighth. Fourteen of the Browns were disposed of on flies to the outfield, Snyder at left gathering eight of them. Mack and McGeary did the most effective work in the field for St. Louis, while Booth, the new third baseman, and Pearson, the youthful catcher, did the lion's share of the work for Cincinnati. The best of good feeling prevailed throughout. The Browns are in tip-top condition, and say they will get even on Thursday. They claim that the game was won by a scratch. Houtz, formerly of the St. Louis Reds, umpired...

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, April 26, 1876


This list is off to a pretty good start I think.  Three games, three different clubs, three different decades.  We've had a win, a forfeit and now we have a loss.  Also, this is the first road game to appear on the list.

What we have here is opening day 1876, when the Brown Stockings lost to the Reds, 2-1, in Cincinnati.  It is the first National League game in St. Louis baseball history.  We have a proud tradition of NL baseball in St. Louis and no city has more NL championship than we do.  St. Louis is a National League city and we support National League baseball.  That all began in April of 1876.

The game is also significant because it kicked off the Brown Stockings' 1876 campaign, which was the first season that a St. Louis club seriously challenged for the national championship.  They would fall short but I don't think that there is any doubt that the 1876 Brown Stockings were the best baseball team to represent St. Louis up to that point.  They were a damn good baseball team.  And it's possible that they could have won the pennant if they hadn't been throwing games.  But we'll get to that soon enough.   

The Great Game Of The Season

The Great Game

Of the season, that is, to the people of St. Louis, will come off, weather permitting, next Thursday afternoon, when the nine that Chicago has been boasting of all the winter will play our Brown Stockings on the Grand Avenue park.

We can tell after the game is over as well as any one else which side wins the game, but predictions as to the probable result would be idle.  We can only express our confidence in the nine selected to represent us in the contest.  Their splendid physical condition, steady earnest play and mutual reliance one upon the other are qualities that if persevered in, will prove triumphant over stronger nines than our sister city has got together.

Persons desiring to avoid the rustle at the gates can purchase tickets at the base ball headquarters for any of the championship games the coming week.

-St. Louis Republican, May 2, 1875

Remember that this piece appeared in the Republican prior to the game between the Brown Stockings and the Reds.  I understand the build-up that went on in the off-season and the back and forth that was going on between the St. Louis and Chicago papers, as well as everyone's desire to see a St. Louis club beat the Chicagos.  But, come on.  You had the first league game in St. Louis history coming up in a couple of days and it pitted two St. Louis clubs against each other.  That wasn't the great game of the season (to date)?

Now obviously it wasn't and there really wasn't a comparison between the Reds and Brown Stockings.  But I didn't think that was recognized in St. Louis prior to May 4, 1875.  I might be wrong about that and it what is obvious in retrospect may have been obvious to the baseball fraternity of St. Louis at the beginning of the 1875 season.

In the end, the Republican is absolutely correct in saying that the first Brown Stocking/Chicago game was the game of the season.  Not only that, it's one of the most significant games in St. Louis baseball history.  As far as 19th century St. Louis baseball games are concerned, it might be the important game ever played by a St. Louis club.  If not, it ranks right up there with the $15,000 slide game and a couple of the games that the Empire Club played in 1865.

And now I have a new idea for a series of posts.  The only question is should I limit the list of the most significant 19th century baseball games to ten or go all out and put together a top twenty-five?  I can do ten off the top of my head so I'm thinking I'll have to do a top twenty-five.

But I digress.  The point here is that with the Reds/Brown Stockings tilt just a couple of days away, they're looking past that to the Brown Stocking/Chicago game.  And that's kind of fascinating.   

    

Just Your Run-Of-The-Mill Baseball Ad

Oh, but wait...

This is an advertisement for the first big league game in St. Louis baseball history.  Of course, the game as advertised didn't come off because of rain and the first big league game wasn't played until a few days later.  But still. 

Dear Sirs: Stop Making Stuff Up

To the Editor of the Missouri Republican:  At a meeting of the Empire base ball club held last evening the secretary was instructed to answer a card that appeared in your paper last Sunday, and signed by one of the twelve professional players of the St. Louis team.  As no arrangement had been made by the officers of the Empire club for a game with the St. Louis professionals it was therefore impossible for the base ball reporter of the Democrat or any one else to have broken up the game that never was arranged.

Respectfully, Chas. H. Stevens, Secretary Empire Base Ball Club.

-St. Louis Republican, April 8, 1875