In January, Cleveland’s Association Grounds collapses. A new park is quickly built on Kennard Street, with half of the capacity of the former yard. A dispute with City officials over the stability of a proposed grandstand that would overhang the sidewalk limits the seating. The City’s concerns proved well founded when a similarly designed park in New Haven collapses, killing 52—7 of the deaths were on the walk.
The Saint Louis Cobblers send shockwaves through the league by allowing beer and whiskey to be sold at Grand Avenue Park. Baltimore, owned by State Representative and Temperance Party member Horace Soleabea, announces they will refuse to make their trip to Saint Louis. A compromise is reached with the games played in Chicago, with Baltimore forfeiting their share of the visitors’ receipts. By the end of the season, Cincinnati and Cleveland will allow liquor sold at their games, with the Eastern clubs parks staying “dry”. Soleabea is told to either sell his interest or be expelled if he refused to play a league member. He will comply in the fall of 1873.
On opening day Richie Alaibilla ruptures a disc in his back. Alaibilla was the best of Boston’s pitchers over the first two seasons:
Code:
Year G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER BB K CG SHO
1871 10 10 8 2 0 2.01 89.2 86 24 20 5 19 10 1
1872 12 12 9 2 0 1.83 113.0 107 31 23 13 20 11 2
1873 1 1 0 1 0 6.75 1.1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0
Total 23 23 17 5 0 1.94 204.0 194 57 44 18 39 21 3
When he returns, Boston uses him only in a substitute role.
Norman Lent of Boston matches Alton Emch’s 30 game hit streak of 1871. Emch is criticized in the sporting press for trying to go for the long hits, watching his batting average drop from 1871’s .500 to .329 this season. Lent leads the league in hitting for the second straight year, an amazing feat for a catcher of this time. Overall, there are only two .400 hitters this season, which the hitters attribute to the “soft” ball used. League officials insist they have made no changes to the equipment.
Marquis Nicolet of Boston wins 12 decisions without a loss and is acclaimed Hurler of the year.
Washington is discovered mid-summer to have depressed attendance figures in order to share less of the gate receipts. They are fined $175.00, which paid to the League. Brooklyn, Cleveland and Cincinnati, the teams victimized by Washington’s ruse, object strenuously—the Ohio clubs citing their travel cost--and demand reimbursement. When Washington visits Cleveland for a 4 game set, the Eries charge no admission to the fans, instead selling scorecards at 52¢ instead of the normal 2¢. The Congressionals appeals to the League falls on deaf ears.
The pitchers Cincinnati transferred to Baltimore in 1872 have less than stellar seasons for the Terrapins. Johnnie Dolly fashions a 1-13 record, while Connie Pozar spends most of the season nursing a problem shoulder. Despite their lackluster outings, murmurings of allowing contract transfers during the season begin to build among the owners.
Boris Seekell of Cincinnati bests Saint Louis’ Chester Jackman in a 14-inning duel complete game.
At the League meeting Chicago announces their intention to play in the 1874 season. The League adds a tenth team, a former amateur nine from Hartford, over the objection of the Western clubs who felt Louisville or Indianapolis more deserving. The Eastern clubs push the Hartford squad to retain a 6-4 advantage in League matters. A rule is passed limiting clubs to no more than 4 hurlers on a squad to prevent stockpiling. The Eastern clubs also pass a resolution banning the sale of “intoxicating agents” at games.
Code:
Empire League Standings
Team W L PCT GB Home Away XInn 1Run
Boston 38 18 .679 - 20- 8 18-10 0-3 7-8
New York 36 20 .643 2.0 18-10 18-10 4-2 10-6
Brooklyn 32 24 .571 6.0 16-12 16-12 3-2 9-5
Cincinnati 32 24 .571 6.0 14-14 18-10 5-0 7-9
Baltimore 24 32 .429 14.0 11-17 13-15 1-2 4-6
Saint Louis 22 34 .393 16.0 12-16 10-18 0-4 9-9
Washington 22 34 .393 16.0 7-21 15-13 6-2 11-9
Cleveland 18 38 .321 20.0 8-20 10-18 0-4 4-9