[BYU 14]

The 1900 Baseball Season ended and with it brought the end of Baseball as the nation knew it. The National League game was frowned upon by many of regal upbringing as a lewd spectacle for the unwashed masses. Ban Johnson set out to change that renaming the Western League the American League and invading several National League strongholds, Johnson declared his new league on equal footing and promised a kinder, gentler brand of Baseball that women and children could attend without fear of physical violence or colorful language.

The Brooklyn Superbas had won the NL Pennant in 1900 behind the tireless arm of Joe McGinnity (24-12, 3.08) and the capable hitting of Wee Wille Keeler 356-4-114 and Joe Kelley .313-5-106. Other stars in the established league included League MVP Honus Wagner of Pittsburgh .369-6-100, rookie of the year Christy Matthewson of the Giants 18-5, 2.42 and the Phillies slugger Nap Lajoie .321-8-124.

The old guard was now about to be challenged and a war on the diamonds of America was set to begin, with superiority to be decided in a clash of League winners at seasons end. With these new developments came new opportunities and among those who sought to take advantage were 5 strapping lads with a talent and a dream.

Cy Crooks, a gangly pitcher of 19 who had so dominated his town league in Utah that scouts sometimes came 2 and 3 at a time to watch his work.

Mathurin Hawkins, a 20 year old Irish immigrant with a knack for stealing bases and a love of the tools of ignorance making him a sought after prospect at Catcher.

Path Twelve, a mysterious Centerfielder who at 21 years of age boasted a remarkable eye at the plate and the potential to develop into a dangerous batsman.

Finn O'Connell, another fiesty Irish lad by way of Five Points who at a mere 20years of age was reputed to have a wicked array of pitches that kept seasoned minor leaguers on their heels. Was he now ready for a shot at the big time?

Finally there was Stubs Corchoran, a 21 year old RF from Massachusetts, who earned his name for his lumbering gait and while not blessed with speed the youngster had a knack for putting the sphere in play and was thought by many to be a sure .300 hitter.

As the 1901 season approaches their journey begins.