Idol of the Masses
For the first generation of Empire League fans, no man symbolized the League like Frank “Cappy” Richardson. There may have been better players, but he was the first true star of the League.
An amateur legend at the tender age of 16, he was signed off of his Iowa barnstorming club by the New Yorks and given the starting third base job as an 18 year old. A steady player, he first captured the attention of the press and public prior to the 1874 season with his denunciation of Darryl Weisenburger’s demand the league raise the mandated salary to match the increasing length of the season. Hailed as a “true American” for his stance against the “reds who would destroy this county and game.” His mystique grew when, as field captain, he lead the New Yorks to the League title that same season—the first won by a non-Boston club. He became know for his ability to motivate his teammates to reach beyond their abilities to achieve victory.
His defense of “native” rights over the influence of “European, Jewish and Negro” saboteurs won him a following spread beyond the limit of New York. Despite his young age, he is only 24 entering his 7th League season; he was in much demand as a speaker at functions across the Eastern and Southern half of the country. His style of play, always full out, always looking for the edge, made him the darling of the New York press.
His status for the 1877 season is up in the air, with William Temple’s franchise dissolved, the “Prairie Fire” is looking for employment, and has incited a bidding war for his services. The only thing for sure is he will not play for Chicago, who he holds responsible for forcing Temple to break up the New Yorks after 1874 and who signed the above mentioned Weisenburger. Many think he will sign with Brooklyn, but Hamilton’s relationship with McCormick may make that impossible.
Code:
Year G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS Teams
1871 38 153 40 9 3 0 19 22 8 4 2 2 .261 .298 .359 .658 NYN
1872 49 207 68 16 6 0 31 48 14 2 7 4 .329 .371 .464 .835 NYN
1873 52 218 76 26 4 0 44 37 17 3 3 2 .349 .396 .505 .900 NYN
1874 69 276 103 35 4 0 47 42 21 9 4 1 .373 .418 .529 .946 NYN
1875 74 293 92 37 3 0 43 37 18 9 8 2 .314 .354 .461 .814 NYN
1876 86 344 117 35 7 0 35 44 15 14 3 2 .340 .368 .483 .850 NYN
Total 368 1491 496 158 27 0 219 230 93 41 27 13 .333 .372 .475 .847