History of Baseball (OOTP Historical Fictional as told by ChatGPT)

[dubb93]

I'm going to combine the two things that are most able to hold my attention right now which are OOTP and ChatGPT. I'm going to go all the way back to 1871 and delete all the players and replace them with fictional players and I'm going to tell ChatGPT to write about my league in the style of an 1800's sportswriter. This is probably going to move fairly slowly, you have been warned.

Just want to clarify that ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence created by OpenAI that you can chat with and ask to create….well whatever you want. In this instance I’m asking ChatGPT to be a sports writer set in whatever setting the league is in and to write newspaper articles. Sometimes it’s a smooth process and sometimes the AI seems to want to create facts out of thin air…but whatever the case it has all be enjoyable so far.

[dubb93]

1871 Major League Baseball Preview
--American Baseball Digest April 1, 1871

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I announce the formation of Major League Baseball, the premier league for America's favorite pastime.

For the 1871 season, the nine best teams in the nation will come together to compete in a league that stretches across the country. These teams represent the best of the best, and we are confident that they will provide us with thrilling and competitive baseball all season long.

The American League will consist of the Boston Red Stockings, Cleveland Forest Citys, Philadelphia Athletics, and Washington Olympics. These teams have proven themselves to be some of the strongest in the nation, and we can't wait to see them take the field against each other.

The National League will feature the Chicago White Stockings, Fort Wayne Kekiongas, New York Mutuals, Rockford Forest Citys, and Troy Haymakers. These teams have also proven their mettle on the diamond, and we are excited to see them compete against each other and against the American League.

At the end of the season, the winners of each league will meet in the World Series, a showdown that will determine the best team in the country. We are confident that this will be a spectacular event, and we can't wait to see who will come out on top.

This is a monumental moment for baseball, and we are hopeful that Major League Baseball will usher in a new era of competitive and exciting play. We encourage all fans of the sport to come out and support their favorite teams, and we look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.

American League

Predicted Finish Order and Official Team Previews:

1. Boston Red Stockings

Greetings sports fans! It's time for a rundown of the latest news from the diamond. The Boston Red Stockings are a formidable squad, boasting a roster of talented ballplayers that are sure to give their opponents a run for their money.

At the top of the lineup, we have Scott Baitinger, a 27 year old shortstop who is not only one of the best defenders in the league, but also a formidable hitter. His speed on the base paths makes him a favorite to lead the majors in stolen bases, and he is sure to give opposing pitchers fits with his ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities.

But Baitinger is not the only threat in this lineup. The trio of Mike Durbin, Danny Lowry, and Paul Turner are all under the age of 27 and provide a formidable middle of the lineup that can hold its own against any team in the league. Lowry, who plays centerfield, may not be an elite defender, but he more than makes up for it with his bat, which is considered one of the absolute best in baseball.

Rounding out the heart of the lineup is 32 year old Mike Akers, who brings a consistent source of extra base hits to the table.

On the mound, the team boasts 31 year old Gary Dimond, who is a league average pitcher. While he may not be the ace of the league, he is a reliable option who can provide solid innings and keep his team in the game.
While this team boasts five all-star level hitters, it does have its weaknesses. The bottom of the lineup, consisting of players six through eight, is considered a dead zone and perhaps the worst in the American League.
Despite this weakness, the team is solid defensively and should be a formidable contender for the American League title. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!

2. Philadelphia Athletics

The Philadelphia Athletics have certainly put together a formidable lineup of big bats, with solid offensive firepower across the field. However, what they lack is that one true superstar hitter who could carry the team to the next level. Their reliance on left-handed pitching could also prove to be a problem, and the team has a massive gaping hole at catcher, where the 29-year-old Shane Reilly has struggled to make an impact. Despite his ability to frame pitches well, Reilly has shown little else in terms of offensive or defensive skills, making him potentially the worst starting catcher in the majors.

Fortunately, the team does have some bright spots, including 28-year-old Jared Tunno, who hits leadoff and brings a solid bat and above average fielding to the table. Tunno is known for his speed and is considered the team's top position player. He will be a key contributor to the team's success this season, and his ability to get on base and set the table for the big bats behind him will be crucial.

Unfortunately, the team's defense as a whole leaves much to be desired, and it remains to be seen whether they will be able to compete with the top teams in the league. But there is hope for the Athletics in the form of Ross Polon, a left-hander who has been a dominant force in the bullpen. Many are speculating that Polon could potentially transition to a starting role as the season progresses, and it is not out of the question that he could take over as the team's ace. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and it is likely that Polon will continue to play a key role in the team's success.

The team's starting rotation will also be a key factor in their success, and 31-year-old Mike Mack will need to have a big year if he wants to hold off the surging Polon. Mack is playing for his job this season, and it will be up to him to prove that he can still be a reliable starter for the Athletics. If he can step up and have a strong performance, it could go a long way towards helping the team compete for a playoff spot. However, if he struggles, it could open the door for Polon to take over as the team's ace.

3. Washington Olympics

The Washington Olympics are gearing up for another season of baseball, and while the team may not be a strong contender for the pennant, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited.

On the mound, the team will be relying on Felix Sanchez and Brian Lacy to lead the charge. While Sanchez has experience on his side, Lacy may have the higher upside. However, it remains to be seen if he can deliver on that potential. The defense looks to be a bit of a weak point for the Olympics, so the pitchers will need to be on their game if they hope to keep runs off the board.

At the plate, the Olympics have a trio of talented players to keep an eye on. Nevin, just 23 years old, is already making a name for himself as a top-notch hitter. While his defensive skills at shortstop may leave something to be desired, his bat more than makes up for it. Arnett, at 30 years old, may be a bit older, but he still has plenty of power in his swing. And Zamora, also just 23 years old, is already one of the best catchers in the American League. He's a defensive stalwart and an elite contact hitter, making him the complete package behind the plate.

These three players, along with the rest of the youthful roster, have the potential to lead the Washington Olympics to great things in the future. While the team may struggle this season, it's clear that they have the talent and drive to turn things around in the years to come. Keep an eye on the Olympics, sports fans, because they could very well be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

4. Cleveland Forest Citys

As the season approaches, the Cleveland Forest Citys find themselves in a precarious position. Their pitching staff is led by 37 year old Mike Bowe, a veteran with a questionable track record. While Bowe may have some experience under his belt, his arm is not what it once was, and he may struggle to keep up with the competition.

The team does have a glimmer of hope in the form of Bryan Cook, a young pitcher with a live arm and a diverse pitch selection. At 26 years of age, Cook has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Forest Citys, provided he can stay healthy and perform to the best of his abilities.

Defensively, the Forest Citys appear to be in rough shape. Their lineup lacks depth and features few standout players, with 27 year old third baseman Pat McCain standing out as the team's only true power threat.

Given these factors, it seems likely that the Cleveland Forest Citys will find themselves near the bottom of the American League standings this season. It will be up to the team's management to make the necessary moves to improve the roster and give the team a chance at success in the future.

Projected American League Most Valuble Player: SS Scott Baitinger -- Boston Red Stockings

[OOC: Obviously this is a crap shoot here. I've narrowed it down to Boston's Baitinger and Lowry or Washington's Zamora. I think Lowry will put up the best numbers at the plate, but Baitinger and Zamora will probably rack up the WAR. Baitinger is the AL's most complete player while Zamora is SO MUCH better than every other catcher in MLB and I think that will reflect in WAR at the end of the year. Ultimately, I went with Baitinger due to Boston being so much better than Washington and I feel like Baitinger will put up a higher WAR than Lowry due to his intangibles.]

Projected American League Most Outstanding Pitcher: SP Mike Mack -- Philadelphia Athletics

[OOC: Oof, the AL does not have a single good starting pitcher. It's probably going to be either Boston's Dimond or Philly's Mack due to just having the most opportunity for wins and success. I'll go with Mack for some diversity in the awards, but I do feel like there is a good chance he gets replaced with his backup at some point during the season. If that does indeed happen Ross Polon would become the most talented starter in the AL.]


National League

Predicted Finish Order and Official Team Previews:

1. Chicago White Stockings

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Chicago White Stockings are set to take the diamond in the inaugural season of Major League Baseball, and they look like they will be a force to be reckoned with.

On the mound, the White Stockings have what may be the best 1-2 punch in the league. Tony Melendez, a 29-year-old righty, looks like he could be the best pitcher in the league, while Tom Gray, a 30-year-old reliever with only two pitches, could be the best relief pitcher in the league. Together, these two could be nearly unbeatable.

While the defense behind these pitchers may be average to below average, the White Stockings more than make up for it with their bats. In the middle of the order, they have a trio of big hitters in left fielder Allen Berent, first baseman Jason Lockhart, and right fielder Andrew Sparks. Berent, at 37 years old, is a liability in the field, but he has a big bat and can do some serious damage at the plate. Lockhart, at 35 years old, is an elite hitter with one of the most disciplined bats in the league. Sparks, at 24 years old, has the power to clear the bases with just one swing.

But the real jewel of the Chicago lineup is third baseman Adrian St. Dennis. St. Dennis is the front runner for National League MVP, and it's easy to see why. He has a golden arm at third base and a golden bat at the plate. If only he had more speed and better base running instincts, he would be a complete player.

Overall, the Chicago White Stockings look like the front runner in the National League this year, and unless someone else can improve dramatically, it does not appear to be very close. Be sure to catch them in action this season and see for yourself just how good they are.

2. Fort Wayne Kekiongas

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fort Wayne Kekiongas are ready to take the diamond in the inaugural season of Major League Baseball, and they are looking to make some noise.

On the mound, the Kekiongas are led by 29-year-old Greg Ajello, who throws five pitches and plays at an elite level. While the rest of the pitching staff may be average, Ajello gives the Kekiongas a chance to win every time he takes the mound.

Defensively, the Kekiongas are extremely strong up the middle, with 30-year-old second baseman Jon Benavides and 26-year-old shortstop Josh Clarence both providing plus defensive ability. However, they are surrounded by average to below average defenders, with the corner infielders in particular being pretty immobile.

At the plate, the Kekiongas are a little more of a question mark. They don't have any plus-plus bats on the roster, and it may be in their best interest to look for someone to occupy the middle of the lineup at the deadline in order to challenge the Chicago White Stockings for the pennant. If they can't find a way to score runs, it's going to be a real shame, as otherwise they are a very good team.

Overall, the Fort Wayne Kekiongas are a team to watch this season. They have a strong pitching staff, a solid defense, and a decent offense. With a little bit of luck and some timely hitting, they could surprise some people and make a run at the pennant. Be sure to catch them in action and see for yourself just how good they are.

3. Rockford Forest Citys

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you a season preview of the Rockford team. Led by the impressive young arm of Jake Bear, this squad is sure to be a formidable force on the diamond. At just 23 years of age, Bear has already proven to be a dominant pitcher, with a powerful arm and a fierce competitive spirit.

Despite their struggles at the plate, the Rockford team is a strong defensive unit. With solid fielding at every position and a pitching staff anchored by the promising Jake Bear, the Rockford team should be able to keep runs off the board. However, their offensive struggles may prove to be their downfall, as they will likely rely heavily on the bat of Sean Strange, a seasoned veteran and one of the league's elite hitters. But at 37 years of age, it remains to be seen how much longer Strange can carry the load for the Rockford offense.

It is with a heavy heart that I must report that the Rockford team may struggle to compete this season. Unless Strange can have a truly monstrous campaign and the rest of the lineup steps up to the plate, it seems likely that they will struggle to score runs and ultimately fall short of success. In the event that the Rockford team falls out of contention, it is likely that Strange will be moved at the trade deadline in an effort to build for the future. However, with a young and talented pitcher like Jake Bear leading the way, there is always a chance for redemption in the future. Stay tuned, gentlemen, as the Rockford team looks to make a name for themselves on the diamond.

4. New York Mutuals

Ladies and Gentlemen, the New York Mutals are set to take the field in the inaugural season of Major League Baseball, and they have a few questions to answer.

On the mound, the Mutals have 38-year-old Fred Grubaugh, who is an above average option, but at his age, can he hold up for the entire season? He will be relieved by 22-year-old Jose Davila, who is solid in relief, but doesn't appear to have the strength and endurance yet to pitch on an every day basis as a starter. A lot of their season will depend on Grubaugh's arm holding up, and it's a question mark whether he can do it.

Defensively, the Mutals are basically league average on the infield, but balls hit into the outfield may be problematic, as 37-year-old centerfielder Allen Bertolette simply doesn't have the range to track down balls in the gaps.
At the plate, the Mutals have the best bat on the roster in 28-year-old Kasey Slotnick, but one of their major issues will be the clogging of the basepaths, as they are not a particularly athletic team and won't be taking very many extra bases.

5. Troy Haymakers

Greetings sports fans! It's time to take a closer look at the Troy Haymakers, a team that is sure to make waves this season.

Starting things off on the mound for the Haymakers is Jaime Grime, a below average pitcher who may have a tough time keeping opposing teams at bay. However, Grime is a reliable option who can provide solid innings and keep his team in the game.

Defensively, the Haymakers seem to be a fairly average team, with no standout players or glaring weaknesses. That being said, they may be a little weak up the middle and in centerfield, so they will need to be on their toes to make up for it.

At the plate, the team is led by 29 year old first baseman Ted Cook, who occupies the middle of the order. While Cook may not be a superstar, he is a fine bat who can contribute to the team's offensive efforts. However, Cook is fairly immobile and is neither a good baserunner nor a particularly good fielder, so the Haymakers will need to rely on their other position players to make up for his weaknesses. Unfortunately, it seems that the Haymakers may not be up to the task of covering for Cook's weaknesses, as their talent level appears to be average at best.

Overall, it seems that the Haymakers may struggle this season and may find themselves dwelling in the cellar. However, with hard work and determination, they could surprise their opponents and make a run for the top. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!

Projected National League Most Valuble Player: 3B Adrian St. Dennis -- Chicago White Stockings

[OOC: Unless someone really comes out of nowhere his only competition comes from within his own team. Unfortunately, it looks like Chicago is slotting St. Dennis fifth to start the season which may hurt him a bit and could open the door for someone like his teammate Jason Lockhart who will start the season hitting 3rd to swoop in and steal the award.]

Projected National League Most Outstanding Pitcher: SP Tony Melendez -- Chicago White Stockings

[OOC: I am amazed how much better the pitching is in the NL than the AL. Almost any of these guys would be the front runner for Most Outstanding Pitcher in the AL. I'm serious, legitimately all of Ajello, Bear, Grubaugh, and Melendez are all more talented than projected AL MOP Mike Mack and the fifth starter in the league Jamie Grime is no worse than middle of the pack talent wise compared to American League pitchers. Going to be fun to see it play out with the AL being the league where bats will run wild and the NL being more of a pitcher's league.]

World Series Prediction:

Chicago White Stockings (2) over Boston Red Stockings (0)

[dubb93]

The predictions, formatting, and anything that says "OOC" is all my work. The rest of this was all written by the AI. That will basically continue to be the format going forward.

[dubb93]

Special Report
--American Baseball Digest April 18, 1871

Ladies and gentlemen, what a momentous occasion it was at Jefferson Street Grounds today, as the Philadelphia Athletics and Rockford Forest Citys took the field for Major League Baseball's first ever game!

The Athletics emerged victorious with a 12-11 win, thanks in large part to the heroics of shortstop Jared Tunno. Tunno went 3 for 5 with a triple, a double, and a walk, scoring 4 runs and driving in 3. The Forest Citys put up a valiant effort, but it was the Athletics who came out on top in the end.

Adam Jones provided the game-winning hit, a run-scoring single in the bottom of the ninth inning that sent the Athletics home as the victors. It was a historic day for Major League Baseball, and the excitement at the ballpark was palpable as these two teams kicked off the first season of professional baseball.

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Athletics on their win and a heartfelt thank you to both teams for taking part in this momentous event. Here's to a thrilling and successful season for Major League Baseball!

[dubb93]

Special Report
--American Baseball Digest May 11, 1871

On a sunny afternoon at Jefferson Street Grounds, the Philadelphia Athletics (3-2) faced off against the Fort Wayne Kekiongas (3-4) in a closely contested matchup. The Kekiongas got off to a hot start, scoring 1 run in the first inning and 2 in the third to take an early 3-0 lead.

But the Athletics responded in the bottom of the fourth, scoring 6 runs to take a 6-3 lead. The Kekiongas fought back, scoring 1 in the fifth and 4 in the sixth to regain the lead, 8-6. The Athletics narrowed the deficit with a single run in the sixth, but it wasn't until the bottom of the ninth that they truly made their comeback.

With two outs and the score 11-10 in favor of the Kekiongas, Philadelphia third baseman Bryan Bailey stepped up to the plate. On the first pitch, Bailey smacked a fastball from Gregg Ajello into the left field gap, driving in two runs and securing a thrilling 12-11 victory for the Athletics.

But one aspect of the game that caught the attention of fans and media alike was the surprising decision by Athletics' manager Dick McBride to start pitcher Ross Polon instead of Mike Mack. When asked about the decision, McBride stated, "We wanted to see what Ross' arm had to offer. I can't comment on whether this is a permanent change or not, but Mike knows he can play better than he has so far this season."

Polon pitched 5.1 innings, allowing 8 hits and 3 earned runs, and ultimately allowing the Athletics to pick up the victory. It remains to be seen whether this is a temporary move or a permanent change, but one thing is certain: the Philadelphia Athletics are a team to watch as they continue to battle for victory on the diamond.

[OOC: There goes my AL Most Outstanding Pitcher prediction. Go me.]

[dubb93]

Special Report
--American Baseball Digest June 9, 1871

In a stunning turn of events, the Cleveland Forest Citys have emerged as the surprise story of the 1871 MLB season. With a record of 8-4, they find themselves just a game and a half back from the Boston Red Stockings. This impressive feat can be attributed to the team's outstanding defensive play and the impressive hitting of 3B Pat McCain and 1B Kevin Hazelwood, who are both batting over .400 and have driven in a combined 27 runs in 12 games.

On today's match against the New York Mutuals, the Forest Citys shone bright with an 11-0 shutout victory. The credit for this win goes to the impressive pitching of Mike Bowe, who surrendered only 6 hits in a complete-game performance. Bowe's boisterous celebration after the last out seemed to irk Mutuals manager Bob Ferguson, who could be seen scolding the left-hander as the teams left the field. Cleveland manager Charlie Pabor intervened with some words for his counterpart, but no further comments were made on the exchange.

This season, Bowe has made 10 appearances, recording 6 wins and 2 losses. He has pitched 72.2 innings, yielding 80 hits, and has a 2.60 ERA with 3 strikeouts. It remains to be seen if the Forest Citys can keep up their impressive performance, but for now, they stand as a formidable force to be reckoned with.

[OOC: Note that 1871 is just a 32 game season.]

[dubb93]

American Baseball Digest's Annual Midseason Report
--American Baseball Digest July 4, 1871

National League

The first half of the 1871 American League season has been an exciting one, with several teams vying for the top spot. Currently, the Boston Red Stockings sit atop the league with a record of 10-3, followed closely by the Philadelphia Athletics with a record of 11-7. The Cleveland Forest Citys and Washington Olympics round out the top four, with records of 9-6 and 10-9 respectively.

One of the biggest reasons for the Red Stockings' success has been their potent offense, which is averaging over a full run more per game than any other team in the league. This has been powered by the strong performances of Paul Turner and Danny Lowry, who have been hitting the ball with authority all season long. Shortstop Scott Baitinger has also been setting the pace as a leadoff hitter, hitting a impressive .379 and ranking third in the entire American League in batting. He is also fifth in stolen bases, showing his speed and agility on the basepaths.

While the Red Stockings have been hitting well, the Philadelphia Athletics have been held back by their defense, committing significantly more errors than any other team in the league. The team has struggled to make routine plays, costing them valuable runs and games. However, their pitching has been solid, led by Mike Mack, who has regained his starting role after losing it earlier in the season. His replacement, Ross Polon, has struggled and the team will be hoping for a turnaround from him in the second half of the season.

On the other hand, the Washington Olympics have been led by their strong pitching, which has been a surprise to many in the league. Brian Lacy, the team's 27-year-old starter, has taken the league by storm, going 10-7 in 16 starts with a league-leading ERA of 2.31. This is over 60 points lower than his nearest competitor, making him the midseason AL MOP.

As we approach the midpoint of the season, it's worth noting that the midseason AL MVP is Paul Turner of the Boston Red Stockings. Turner is hitting an incredible .426, leading the AL in batting by almost 50 points. He has been a driving force behind the Red Stockings' strong start and will need to continue his outstanding play if they hope to maintain their lead in the second half of the season.

Overall, it has been a thrilling first half of the 1871 American League season, and with several teams in contention, it's anyone's guess who will come out on top. Stay tuned for more updates as the season continues.

[OOC: Brian Lacy replaced Felix Sanchez after a rough start and is pitching like he wants the trophy named after him so far.]

American League

The National League's first half of the 1871 season has been an exciting one, with several teams vying for the top spot. Currently, the Chicago White Stockings sit atop the league with a record of 10-5, followed by the Troy Haymakers with a record of 10-11. The Fort Wayne Kekiongas and New York Mutuals are in the middle of the pack with records of 7-10 and 5-10 respectively, while the Rockford Forest Citys bring up the rear with a record of 5-16.

One of the biggest reasons for the White Stockings' success has been their strong pitching. The team has been allowing over a full run less per game than any other team in the league, including the top two teams in the American League, the Boston Red Stockings and the Washington Olympics. However, the team will need to continue to pitch well in order to maintain their lead, as they are not getting much run support, averaging just 7 runs per game.

On the other hand, the Troy Haymakers have been scoring nearly 10 runs per game, ranking first or second in every offensive category in the NL. They have been particularly strong in baserunning and stealing bases, two areas where the White Stockings have struggled.

The Rockford Forest Citys have been a disappointment so far this season, with a record of 5-16. The team has struggled in every aspect of the game, ranking at or near the bottom of the league in hitting, pitching, and fielding. It's been a tough start for the Forest Citys, and they will need to make significant improvements in the second half of the season if they hope to turn things around.

As we approach the midpoint of the season, it's worth noting that the midseason MVP is a tie between Chicago's Adrian St. Dennis and Troy's Gene Lopez. St. Dennis has been the league's best bat by a wide margin, while Lopez has been a solid bat and the league's best defensive player. In fact, he has been the best defender in Major League Baseball this season. The midseason MOP is Tony Melendez, who is 9-4 with a 2.78 ERA in 15 starts for the Fort Wayne Kekiongas.

Overall, it has been a thrilling first half of the 1871 National League season, and with several teams in contention, it's anyone's guess who will come out on top. Stay tuned for more updates as the season continues.

Big Upcoming Matchup

Baseball fans in the National and American Leagues are excited for an upcoming game this month between the Chicago White Stockings and the Boston Red Stockings, which is being billed as a possible World Series preview.

The White Stockings, currently leading the National League with a record of 10-5, have been powered by the strong play of their pitching staff, which has been among the best in the league. The team has been allowing fewer runs per game than any other team in the league, setting the stage for a low-scoring showdown against the Red Stockings' potent offense.

The Red Stockings, currently leading the American League with a record of 10-3, have been led by the strong performances of their offense, particularly second baseman Paul Turner and center fielder Danny Lowry. Turner has been hitting the ball with authority, leading the league in batting by almost 50 points, while Lowry has been a steady contributor at the plate and in the field.

This will be the first time these two teams have faced off against each other, making this game all the more exciting. Baseball fans in both cities are already buzzing about the possibility of a World Series matchup between the White Stockings and Red Stockings, and this game will give us a taste of what that could look like.

The game will take place at the Red Stockings' home field on July 8. Don't miss this highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the league.

[OOC: It was pretty hard to get all this through the AI here as it kept on insisting on adding "facts" and information that were not true including making up random positions for the players and making up random players that don't exist in this world. I think it was probably because I didn't give it enough to work with at first and it was trying to figure out how to fill in holes but I did feel like its parent yelling at it multiple times to quit making up information and only work with the information available to it. As I went to send this live I noticed I missed an alternative fact about where the Chicago and Boston game will be played. So I just fixed it without asking the AI to retype it. ]

[dubb93]

Special Report
--American Baseball Digest July 8, 1871

It was a busy day in the world of sports, as major league baseball saw its first player movement as the Philadelphia Athletics agreed to send left fielder David Slaughter to the Rockford Forest Citys in exchange for Sean Strange. Strange, who has been having a standout season with a .352 batting average, 32 hits, and league leading 11 doubles, will be a valuable addition to the Athletics as they look to catch up to the Boston Red Stockings in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, the Rockford Forest Citys will be hoping that the 24-year-old Slaughter can continue to improve and become a valuable player for the team.

But the biggest event of the day was the matchup between the first place Boston Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings. With both teams boasting strong lineups, the game was highly anticipated as a possible preview of the World Series. The Red Stockings, who lead the league in scoring, faced off against the White Stockings, who have the best defense and the arm of Tony Melendez on the mound.

In the end, it was the White Stockings who came out on top, with a final score of 11-8. The White Stockings' offense was led by shortstop B. Stoltz, who had 3 runs, 2 hits, and a triple, and left fielder A. Berent, who had 2 hits and 2 RBIs, including a home run. The Red Stockings put up a fight, with a 6-run ninth inning, but it wasn't enough to overcome the White Stockings' lead.

It was a thrilling day of sports action, and fans can't wait to see what the rest of the season has in store.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest July 18, 1871

Chet Geept, sports writer for the American Baseball Digest, I was on hand at the Philadelphia Athletics game against the Boston Red Stockings on July 18th. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, as the crowd was buzzing with excitement about the debut of Sean Strange for the Athletics. It was Strange's first game in Philadelphia, and fans were eager to see what he could bring to the team. Strange had a solid outing in his debut, going 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored.

The Red Stockings got off to a strong start, with a 1-run lead in the first inning and 4 more runs in the second. But the Athletics refused to go down without a fight, and they clawed their way back with 2 runs in the sixth and 1 in the seventh and eighth innings. In the end, it wasn't enough, as the Red Stockings held on for the 8-5 victory.

One of the highlights of the game was the defensive play of Red Stockings shortstop Scott Baitinger, who turned an amazing double play to end the game. It was one of the plays of the year, and it helped secure the win for the Red Stockings.

Overall, it was a thrilling game, and the Red Stockings will be looking to build on this win as they continue their pursuit of the top spot in the American League. The Athletics, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back and make a push for the playoffs. It's sure to be an exciting second half of the season, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[dubb93]

Monthly
----American Baseball Digest August 1, 1871

As the summer sun beats down upon the diamond, the end-of-July standings for Major League Baseball are shaping up to be a tight race. In the American League, the Boston Red Stockings continue to hold the lead, with the Cleveland Forest Citys and Philadelphia Athletics hot on their heels, just 1.5 games back. The Forest Citys are being paced by the hitting of first sacker Kevin Hazelwood, who is currently topping the batting averages with a .434 mark. Meanwhile, the Athletics have been boosted by the acquisition of outfielder Sean Strange, who is making his mark in Philadelphia. The Washington Nationals are 4 games behind, but are being well-served by the twirling of Brian Lacy.

Over in the National League, the Chicago White Stockings hold a narrow 1.5 game advantage over the Fort Wayne Kekiongas. However, the Chicago nine has struggled to cross the plate, ranking last in the National League and ninth in Major League Baseball in runs scored. Pitcher Tony Melendez has done his best to keep the White Stockings in the hunt, and second baseman Kerry Brown has shone with his glove work. The Kekiongas, on the other hand, have been strong all around, with solid defense, solid pitching (currently second in the National League), and an offense that leads the NL in runs scored. The Fort Wayne club has also received a boost from the addition of hurler Mike Pringle, as well as the stickwork of first baseman Greg Tincher and right fielder Jared Hamilton. The Troy Haymakers, New York Mutuals, and Rockford Forest Citys are all sporting losing records and appear to be out of contention.

[OOC: There we go, I changed my instructions a bit and I seem to be getting more period authentic writing here. Also note that Mike Pringle replaced Greg Ajello as the starter for Fort Wayne for some strange reason, but it is 100% working out so I must be an idiot for not understanding the move. I also imagine it's probably easier to score runs when your pitcher, in this case Pringle, is leading the league in BA at .388]

[dubb93]

Monthly
----American Baseball Digest September 1, 1871

As the autumnal equinox approaches and the weather begins to chill, the race for the pennants in Major League Baseball is reaching a crescendo. September shall be a month to remember, as the Boston Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings shall meet twice, as shall the Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Forest Citys.

In the American League, the Red Stockings hold a slender half-game lead over the Athletics. Though Sean Strange has struggled since his arrival from Rockford, the Athletics have managed to close the gap due to the Red Stockings' bats going cold and the powerful hitting of right fielder Trey Hartman. Hartman has been in fine form of late, recording two doubles, a triple, and a home run over his last seven games, and hitting a scintillating .562 in July. The Forest Citys, meanwhile, sit 2.5 games back and will need a resurgence from Kevin Hazelwood, who hit a mere .167 in August.

The National League is a two-team contest, with the White Stockings leading the Kekiongas by half a game. As has been the case all season, the White Stockings continue to struggle at the plate, while the Kekiongas have excelled in all aspects of the game. The New York Mutuals, Rockford Forest Citys, Troy Haymakers, and Washington Nationals have all been eliminated from contention.

As a subscriber to American Baseball Digest, you shall be treated to three special reports from Chet Geept, who shall be attending and reporting on the Red Stockings and White Stockings games on September 5th and 29th, as well as the first Athletics-Forest Citys matchup on September 14th. Do not miss out on the excitement of September baseball!

[OOC: Bold move from the AI writing off 4 teams that aren't mathematically eliminated.]

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest September 5, 1871

Dear readers of American Baseball Digest,

I, Chet Geept, was on hand at Boston's Union Grounds today to witness what many are calling a potential World Series preview between the first place Boston Red Stockings of the American League and the first place Chicago White Stockings of the National League.

The atmosphere at the Union Grounds was electric as fans of both teams packed into the stands to see these two juggernauts face off. As has been the case all season long, Chicago struggled to score runs as they managed just 4 on the day. Meanwhile, Boston's bats were on fire as they scored 18 runs on 21 hits.

It was a true team effort for the Red Stockings as every member of the starting lineup recorded at least one hit and scored at least one run. Scott Baitinger led the way going 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBIs. Matt Durbin and Paul Turner each added 3 hits and 2 RBIs of their own.

On the mound, George Dimond was dominant for Boston, tossing a complete game and allowing just 6 hits and 4 runs while striking out 3.

Chicago's Tony Melendez took the loss, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits in just 3 innings of work.

This was a statement win for Boston as they extend their lead in the American League to 1.5 games over the Philadelphia Athletics. Chicago's lead in the National League remains at 0.5 games over the Fort Wayne Kekiongas.

Be sure to keep an eye out for my next special report from the September 14th Cleveland Forest Citys at Philadelphia Athletics game.

Until then,
Chet Geept
Sports Writer, American Baseball Digest

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest September 14, 1871

Dear readers of American Baseball Digest,

It was a hot and humid afternoon at the Athletics Park in Philadelphia as the home team took on the Cleveland Forest Citys. The atmosphere was electric, as the crowd was buzzing with excitement for this pivotal matchup with both teams desperately trying to keep pace with the Boston Red Stockings in the American League.

The game got off to a rough start for the Athletics, as Cleveland scored 6 runs in the top of the first inning. Philadelphia responded with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning, but it was clear that they were in for a long day. The Forest Citys continued to pour it on, adding 5 runs in the second inning and 3 more in the third.

The Athletics fought back with 5 runs in the bottom of the fifth, but it was too little too late as Cleveland scored 8 more runs over the next three innings to put the game out of reach. The final score was 28-8 in favor of Cleveland.

One bright spot for Philadelphia was the performance of 2B Adam Jones, who went 2-4 with a double. However, it was not enough to overcome the big day from Cleveland's 3B P. McCain, who went 5-7 on the day.

The loss drops Philadelphia to 15-10 on the season, 2.5 games behind the first place Red Stockings. Cleveland improves to 13-11, but they remain 4 games back. With just about a month left in the season, time is running out for both teams to make a push for the pennant.

In other news, the Chicago White Stockings fell a game behind the Fort Wayne Kekiongas with a 6-5 loss to the Troy Haymakers in 10 innings. It was a tough day for the White Stockings, who have struggled to score runs all season long.

That's all for now, be sure to tune in for my next special report from the September 29th matchup between the Red Stockings and White Stockings in Boston.

Sincerely,
Chet Geept

[Young Drachma]

Maybe the most impressive use I've seen of it so-far, fun times.

[dubb93]

Originally Posted by Young Drachma

Maybe the most impressive use I've seen of it so-far, fun times.

Thanks, it's actually been fun and for the most part pretty easy so far. The one thing I have noticed is that the AI has a tendency to make up facts and even statistics sometimes so there has been quite a bit of "Rewrite and use only the information that I have provided, xxx did not happen."

That being said copy and pasting the box score and getting a writeup output by the AI is actually pretty simple.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest September 29, 1871

:Note that this report starts with a clarification that Chet Geept incorrectly reported that this game was to be played in Boston when in actuality it was played in Chicago:

Dear readers of American Baseball Digest,

It was a chilly autumn evening here in Chicago as the Red Stockings of Boston faced off against the White Stockings of Chicago in what was supposed to be a World Series preview just a month ago, but tonight there is a sense of desperation in the air for the home team. However, the White Stockings find themselves in a desperate position, a full game behind Fort Wayne heading into the matchup. Meanwhile, the Red Stockings remain 2.5 games ahead and seem poised to take the American League title.

The Red Stockings got off to a strong start in the first inning, with Danny Lowry driving in Scott Baitinger with a triple to right field. Chicago responded in the bottom of the inning, with Ben Stoltz scoring on an error by Boston third baseman Pat Patron. However, that would be the only run Chicago would score all game. Boston added two more runs in the sixth inning, with Mike Akers driving in a run with a double and Ernesto Robitaille scoring on a wild pitch. The Red Stockings added some insurance in the eighth and ninth innings, with Lowry driving in two more runs and Gary Dimond scoring on a wild pitch.

The White Stockings had their chances, but couldn't capitalize. They left six runners on base and committed four errors. The Red Stockings, on the other hand, were efficient, leaving just eight runners on base and committing only three errors.

The final score was 5-1 in favor of Boston. With the win, the Red Stockings move 3 games ahead of the Athletics, who now finds themselves on the verge of elimination from the pennant race. The White Stockings will need to turn things around quickly if they hope to keep pace with Fort Wayne, who looks poised to take the National League title.

As we approach the end of September, it's clear that October is where real baseball is played. Stay tuned for Chet's next special report as the pennant race comes down to the wire.

Sincerely,
Chet

[OOC: I accidently posted an old box score to the AI (from the first game they played this month, thus the original 18-4 score here) and got an incorrect writeup. This is the correct version.]

[dubb93]

Monthly
----American Baseball Digest October 1, 1871

Greetings, dear readers of American Baseball Digest! As October approaches, the anticipation for the inaugural World Series grows ever greater. With just 16 days left in the season, the race for the pennants is heating up.

In the American League, the Boston Red Stockings hold a commanding 3.5 game lead over the Philadelphia Athletics. While the Athletics possess a formidable lineup led by speedster shortstop Jared Tunno and power-hitting third baseman Bryan Bailey, who leads all of Major League Baseball in home runs, it may take a miraculous effort for them to close the gap in the remaining five games.

Over in the National League, the previously dominant Chicago White Stockings have hit a rough patch and now find themselves 1.5 games behind the Fort Wayne Kekiongas. The Kekiongas' success can be attributed in large part to the impressive play of starting pitcher Mike Pringle, who boasts a 16-7 record and a 3.96 ERA on the mound, as well as a league-leading .381 batting average at the plate, with 27 runs batted in.

As we announced previously, the World Series will be a best-of-three game series. We are pleased to report that due to the support of our devoted readers, we will be adding another special reporter to our team. Please join us in welcoming Arty Fickle, who will join Chet Geept as gameday correspondents.

October promises to be a busy month for American Baseball Digest, as we will publish an official World Series preview as soon as the matchup is determined. Chet will be in Chicago on the 1st to report on the Athletics and White Stockings, and on the 16th when the Red Stockings host the Athletics. Arty's first assignment will be on the 3rd when the Fort Wayne Kekiongas travel to Cleveland, and he will be in Chicago on the 15th when the White Stockings host the Red Stockings.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates and analysis as the race for the pennants comes to a thrilling conclusion.

[dubb93]

OOC: I’m a little torn on my award settings as originally I had it set that pitchers can’t win the MVP and then I play most of the season and a guy like Pringle pops along. Pringle probably won’t win pitcher of the year but the totality of his season deserves the MVP, he pitched well and hitting wise he was an absolute monster. He leads the league in BA and is 5th in RBIs (and in this particular time and era these are the two important hitting stats) so I think I’m going to allow them to win it and see what happens. I will save before awards and if something wonky happens on the other side I may disable it again.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest October 1, 1871

Greetings esteemed readers of American Baseball Digest,

It was a thrilling afternoon of baseball at the White Stockings' home field as the Philadelphia Athletics faced off against the Chicago White Stockings. The Athletics, needing a win to stay in the running for the American League title, were met with fierce competition from the White Stockings.

From the start, it was clear that the White Stockings were on their game, with two runs in the first inning and five in the second. The Athletics put up a fight, scoring two runs in the third and two more in the fourth, but they couldn't keep up with the White Stockings' offense. Chicago added four runs in the fifth and one in the sixth, while the Athletics managed to score six in the sixth. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit, and the White Stockings secured the win with three runs in the eighth and a final score of 19-11.

Despite the loss, the Athletics put up a strong fight and gave it their all on the field. But in the end, it was the White Stockings who came out on top, with a final score that reflected their dominant performance.

As the season nears its end, both teams were fighting for a win, but for the Athletics, this game was especially crucial. With their elimination on the line, they gave it their all, but ultimately fell short against a formidable opponent. The buzz in the air was hopeful, but it was clear that this game was not the same as earlier in the season, when the White Stockings were in command of the National League.

In the end, the White Stockings emerged victorious, with a final score of 19-11. It was a thrilling game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Sincerely,
Chet Geept

You notice that this particular special report has another letter behind Chet's report so you pull it out and read it.

To our esteemed readers,

We hope that this special report from Chet on the Chicago White Stockings hosting the Philadelphia Athletics has been to your liking. It was a thrilling game, with both teams desperately needing a win, but alas, it was not to be for the Athletics, as they were eliminated from contention with their defeat.

As we close out this special edition of American Baseball Digest, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Boston Red Stockings on claiming the 1871 American League Championship. It has been a pleasure to follow their impressive performance this season and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.

Sincerely,
The Staff of American Baseball Digest

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest October 3, 1871

Greetings readers of American Baseball Digest!

This is Arty Fickle reporting from Cleveland, where the Forest Citys faced off against the Fort Wayne Kekiongas in a crucial National League matchup. The Kekiongas entered the game with a 19-12 record, just a game ahead of the Chicago White Stockings, and needed a victory to keep their hopes of making it to the World Series alive. The Forest Citys, with a 13-15 record, had already been eliminated from playoff contention, but they were determined to play spoiler.

The weather was less than ideal, with cold rain falling throughout the game and a 75 minute rain delay in the 5th inning. Despite the difficult conditions, both teams put on a good show for the fans.

The Kekiongas struck first, scoring a run in the 2nd inning on a single by outfielder D. Smith. The Forest Citys responded with 3 runs in the 3rd inning, and added 2 more in the 5th to take the lead. The Kekiongas fought back with a home run from pitcher M. Pringle in the 5th inning, but the Forest Citys pulled away with 4 runs in the 7th to seal the victory, 9-4.

In the end, it was a tough loss for the Kekiongas, but they can still make it to the World Series if the White Stockings lose at least two of their remaining five games. If the White Stockings win 4 or more games, they will claim the National League championship, but if they lose more than two games, it will be the Kekiongas taking the pennant.

All eyes will now be on the White Stockings as they finish out their season, and the staff of American Baseball Digest will be sure to bring you all the latest updates.

Until next time,
Arty Fickle

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest October 9, 1871

Ah, dear readers of the American Baseball Digest, it is with great pleasure that we report to you the news that the Chicago White Stockings have clinched the 1871 National League Championship! With their commanding 8-2 victory over the Cleveland Forest Citys, the White Stockings have secured their place in the World Series against the Boston Red Stockings.

One cannot help but note the success of teams with "Stockings" in their name, as both the Red Stockings and White Stockings have proven to be formidable foes on the diamond. The White Stockings, led by the surging hitting of third baseman Adrian St. Dennis, who has been smashing the ball in October with a .417 batting average, four doubles, a home run, and 10 RBIs, have been a force to be reckoned with down the stretch.

This news, however, must be heart-breaking for the Fort Wayne Kekiongas, who had been leading the National League for much of the latter half of the season.

We at the American Baseball Digest will be sure to keep you updated on all the action as it unfolds. Until next time, dear readers.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest October 15, 1871

Dear readers of American Baseball Digest,

I have the pleasure of bringing you a report on a thrilling matchup between the Boston Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings. These two teams, champions of the American and National Leagues respectively, are set to face off later this month in the World Series. The crowd at today's game was abuzz with excitement, as children fought to get a good look at the best baseball clubs in the country.

The Red Stockings got off to a strong start, with two runs in the first inning and one in the second. The White Stockings were unable to score until the seventh inning, when they finally put one run on the board. However, it was too little too late, as the Red Stockings added three more runs in the eighth and one in the ninth to secure their victory with a final score of 12-1.

S. Baitinger led the way for the Red Stockings, going 4 for 4 at the plate with two doubles. P. Turner also had a strong outing, hitting a home run and driving in three runs. The White Stockings were led by players T. Melendez and T. Gray, who struggled on the mound, giving up 10 and 2 runs respectively.

Overall, the Red Stockings had a solid performance, with 18 hits and a strong outing from G. Dimond on the mound. The White Stockings will need to regroup and bring their best game to the World Series if they hope to come out on top against the formidable Red Stockings.

As for the Chicago White Stockings' season as a whole, they had a record of 20 wins and 12 losses. They pitched well and played good defense but were held back by an offense with room for improvement. Led by players P Tony Melendez and 3B Adrian St. Dennis, they will look to improve on this record in the World Series and come out as champions.

Yours truly,
Arty Fickle

[OOC: In the few days I was away they updated something with the AI and now it simply wants to retype my box scores back to me rather than do a writeup on the games in words.]

[dubb93]

If you are anything like me then sometimes you actually need to see the black and white of a team to get a feeling for how they actually play. Here are the player statistics for the 1871 Chicago White Stockings:




As you can see the bat for Adrian St. Dennis was obscene. Maybe the best bat in all of baseball. Defensively speaking, the major standout is 2B Kerry Brown who led the entire Major League with 12 ZR. Baseball only had 8 people with a ZR above 5 and 3 above 7 so the range he showed at 2B was extraordinary to say the least.



Also on those batting stats, if anyone has trouble knowing what advance stats to use one of my favorites is OPS+, it takes OPS (Onbase+slugging) and normalizes it for the league that season. OPS of 100 is the exact league average and each point up or down is 1% better or worse than league average. Thus you can see that defensive ace Kerry Brown’s bat was 20% worse than a league average bat this season while a guy like St. Dennis’ bat was 76% better than league average. It’s a fun stat that readjusts itself each season and gives you a quick at a glance comparison.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest October 16, 1871

Good evening, sports fans! It is I, Chet Geept, reporting live from Boston to bring you the latest in Major League Baseball action. Today, we have the Philadelphia Athletics facing off against the Boston Red Stockings in a highly anticipated matchup. Though neither team is fighting for a position in the league at this point in the season, you can be sure that both clubs would love nothing more than to secure a victory over their bitter rival.

As the game gets underway, it becomes clear that the Red Stockings are the dominant force on the diamond. In the third inning, D. Lowry smacks a triple to center field, bringing in S. Baitinger for the first run of the game. The Athletics manage to answer back in the bottom of the inning, with B. Bailey hitting a solo home run to tie the score at 1-1.

The Red Stockings take the lead once again in the fourth inning, with M. Akers hitting a solo shot of his own. However, the Athletics refuse to go down easily and even the score once again in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a double by J. Tunno and an RBI single by B. Cayler.

From there, the Red Stockings take control of the game. In the fifth inning, S. Baitinger hits an RBI single, and in the seventh, M. Durbin knocks in a run with a double. The Red Stockings add two more insurance runs in the eighth inning, and that's all she wrote. The final score is 6-2 in favor of the Boston Red Stockings.

It was a hard-fought battle, but in the end, the Red Stockings were just too much for the Athletics to handle. S. Baitinger and D. Lowry led the way for Boston with three hits each, while B. Bailey had a standout performance for Philadelphia with a solo home run and an RBI single.

I am excited to announce that the Boston Red Stockings, American League Champions, will be taking on the Chicago White Stockings, National League Champions, in the World Series starting on October 19th in Boston. The Red Stockings will host the first two games of the series, with Game 1 taking place on the 19th and Game 2 on the 20th. If a Game 3 is necessary, the series will move to Chicago on the 22nd, where our own Arty Fickle will be on the ground to bring you all the action.

As for myself, I will be staying in Boston to provide coverage for our loyal readers. The Red Stockings have had an impressive season, finishing with a 24-8 record and leading the American League in nearly every statistic. With the formidable pitching of Gary Dimond and a lineup full of elite hitters, the Red Stockings are sure to be a tough opponent for the White Stockings.

Stay tuned for updates as the World Series gets underway. It's going to be a thrilling matchup, and I can't wait to bring you all the action. This is Chet Geept signing off.

[dubb93]

Here are the raw numbers for the 1871 American League Champions Boston Red Stockings.




You can see that while they didn't quite have someone get to the level of St. Dennis for Chicago they had 5 everyday players with an OPS over 130 and 4 of them were 160 or over. Chicago has 1 starter over 130, St. Dennis. You simply can't make it through this lineup as a pitcher without giving up runs. 1B Mike Durbin set the pace hitting .412 on the season.

Defensively there wasn't really a standout in the way Chicago had, but most of the lineup had plus defensive numbers on the season. The one exception, and it's a big one, Paul Turner at 2B was awful defensively. He has a huge bat, but he really is going to need moved somewhere they can hide his glove. His -7.0 ZR made him the second worst defender in the American League. Atleast they have Baitinger at SS on the other side playing plus plus defense to sort of cover for Turner. If they have a weakness, it has to be up the middle in the infield.

Speaking of Baitinger, I have to think he wins American League MVP. He's one of the team's best hitters, leads the team in stolen bases, and is the team's best defender. He is the most complete player in baseball.

[dubb93]

Here is the last post OOC before the World Series and it's just a data dump on the season of the Standings and statistical leaders. Leagues are set to combined so the statistics leaders are for the entire league.








We also have an answer to a possible future trivia question. Who won the first Triple Crown in MLB history? Adrian St. Dennis in 1871.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest October 19, 1871

Greetings baseball enthusiasts! Your humble reporter, Chet Geept, is here to bring you all the details from game one of the World Series between the American League Champion Boston Red Stockings and the National League Champion Chicago White Stockings.

A throng of 1,845 fans filled the South End Grounds to see the Red Stockings take on the White Stockings in this best of three series. The White Stockings got off to a strong start, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. The Red Stockings answered back with one run of their own in the bottom of the inning, but the White Stockings added another run in the second to take a 3-1 lead.

The Red Stockings fought back in the third, putting up four runs to take the lead. The White Stockings responded with one run in the fourth, but the Red Stockings added three more in the bottom of the inning to extend their lead. The White Stockings added another run in the fifth, but the Red Stockings scored two in the bottom of the inning to maintain their lead.

The White Stockings made a push in the seventh, scoring two runs to bring the score to 10-8 in favor of the Red Stockings. However, the Red Stockings answered with three runs in the bottom of the eighth to extend their lead. The White Stockings were unable to score in the ninth, and the Red Stockings took game one of the World Series with a final score of 14-9.

The White Stockings were led by shortstop Ben Stoltz, who had three hits and one RBI in the game. First baseman Jason Lockhart and centerfielder Ken McCarty each had two hits and two RBIs. Third baseman Adrian St. Dennis was hit by a pitch in the forth inning, causing a tense moment on the field. The Red Stockings were led by shortstop Scott Baitinger, who had three hits and one RBI. Second baseman Paul Turner had a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs, and first baseman Mike Durbin had three hits and three RBIs.

It is worth noting that the Red Stockings can win the series with a victory in game two. Fans will have to await their next newsletter to find out the result of the next match between these two esteemed clubs. Until then, this is Chet Geept signing off for the American Baseball Digest.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest October 20, 1871

Greetings baseball fans! Your trusty sports reporter, Chet Geept, is here to bring you all the action from game two of the World Series between the American League Champion Boston Red Stockings and the National League Champion Chicago White Stockings.

On this blustery day, a crowd of 1,860 filled the South End Grounds to see the Red Stockings take on the White Stockings in this best of three series. The strong wind blowing out to left seemed to cool the bats of the Red Stockings and confused left fielder Ernesto Robitaille, whose three errors allowed five Chicago runs to cross the plate.

The Red Stockings got off to a strong start, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. The White Stockings responded with three runs of their own in the top of the second, but the Red Stockings added one more in the bottom of the fourth to take a 4-3 lead.

The White Stockings scored one run in the top of the fifth to tie the game at 4-4, and then added three more in the seventh to take a 7-4 lead. The Red Stockings were unable to score in the bottom of the seventh, and the White Stockings added three more runs in the top of the eighth to extend their lead to 10-4. The Red Stockings scored one run in the bottom of the ninth, but it was not enough as the White Stockings took game two of the World Series with a final score of 10-5.

The White Stockings were led by first baseman Jason Lockhart, who had two hits and one RBI in the game. Second baseman Kerry Brown had two hits and two RBIs, and shortstop Ben Stoltz had one hit and one RBI. The Red Stockings were led by shortstop Scott Baitinger, who had two hits and one RBI. Right fielder Mike Akers had one hit and one RBI, and first baseman Mike Durbin had one hit and three RBIs.

The series is now tied at one game each, with the deciding game set to be played tomorrow. Fans will have to wait for the next newsletter to find out which team will emerge as the World Series Champion. Until then, this is Chet Geept signing off.

[OOC: This was a major blunder for Boston who now have to win in Chicago or blow the World Series. There is a major difference between these two teams defensively and offensively so far this series with Boston more able to get on base....but Chicago finding a way to get baserunners home due to Boston's unbelievably sloppy play. In two games Boston has racked up 15 errors, 9 passed balls, and 3 wild pitches. Compare that to Chicago who has less than half that many errors and passed balls and no wild pitches. Boston is beating themselves.

Boston has out hit Chicago 30-19 so far this series]

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest October 22, 1871

Greetings readers of the American Baseball Digest! Arty Fickle here, reporting live from the Union Base-Ball Grounds in Chicago, where the third and final game of the World Series has just taken place between the Boston Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings.

As you recall, the series was tied at one game a piece, so this winner-takes-all matchup was sure to be a nailbiter. And nailbiting it was, as the Red Stockings and White Stockings put on a show for the 1982 captivated fans in attendance.

In the end, it was the White Stockings who came out on top, securing a 14-7 victory and winning the World Series. Let's take a closer look at the action.

The Red Stockings got off to a slow start, failing to score in the first two innings. However, they managed to get on the board in the third with a run courtesy of a double from Scott Baitinger. Chicago responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth to take a 3-1 lead.

Boston fought back with three runs of their own in the top of the fifth, knotting the score at 3-3. But the White Stockings weren't about to let the Red Stockings take the lead, and they exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the seventh to take a commanding 10-3 lead.

The Red Stockings refused to go down quietly, scoring two runs in the top of the eighth and two more in the ninth, but it wasn't enough as Chicago held on for the 14-7 victory.

In the end, it was a hard-fought battle between two talented teams. The White Stockings can now lay claim to being the World Series champions for the 1871 season.

In other news, Chicago White Stockings catcher Mike Lucas has been named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series. Lucas hit an impressive .385 for the series, driving in three runs and adding two doubles to his stat line. His contributions were instrumental in the White Stockings' victory over the Boston Red Stockings. Congratulations to Mike Lucas on a job well done!

That's all for now, folks. Don't forget to stay subscribed for all the latest offseason news and updates as we gear up for the start of the 1872 Major League Baseball season.

Baseball be with you, friends.
Yours truly, Arty Fickle.

[dubb93]

World Series Results plus one last look at the 1871 champions before we move on to the offseason.




[OOC: Note, I am not acting as a single team I'm more playing as the Commissioner, however I will take temporary control of a club if I feel like they need to make a move. I've done so once so far and that was to get Strange in Philly so they could make a run at Boston in the pennant and to get Rockford a younger prospect for the 38 year old. I will never force a trade though. If the team that I am not temporarily acting as rejects the trade then it will never happen.]

[dubb93]

--October 24, 1871

Press Release: Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball

October 24, 1871

To all Major League Baseball clubs and fans:

It is with great regret that we announce the insolvency of the Rockford Forest Citys club of the National League. Effective immediately, the team will be disbanded for the 1872 Major League Baseball season. All players formally affiliated with the Forest Citys are now free to sign with any other club in the league.

In other news, the American League is excited to announce the expansion of two new teams for the 1872 season. The cities of Brooklyn and St. Louis will be home to these new clubs, and we welcome them to the league.

Additionally, the Cleveland Forest Citys have officially notified the league that they will be known as the Cleveland Anchors going forward. We wish them continued success under their new name.

Sincerely,

Agustus Messersmith
Commissioner of Major League Baseball

[OOC: Not to go off on a tangent here, but considering all I've ever heard from the vocal minority of the fanbase the seems to have the devs ear and consistently holds this game back is the CUSTOMIZATION, I'm extraordinarily disappointed in how this had to go down. I did not want to contract Rockford but I was given no choice. I wanted to add a single expansion team to the AL, however, OOTP will not allow you to expand by an odd number of teams nor will it allow an odd number of teams to be in a sub league after expansion. And just like that my hand was forced here by the most customizable game on the planet. Atleast I can have beer tents and cornfields in my fictional stadiums though, right?]

[dubb93]

If anyone cares the original question, I asked the AI was how did people receive their sports news in 1871(I picked this year because it is the first year OOTP can simulate) and it gave me the following answer.

In 1871, people who wanted to stay up to date on sports news had a few different options. Some of the ways that people might have gotten sports news in 1871 include:

Newspapers: Newspapers were a popular source of news in the 19th century, and many newspapers included coverage of sports events.

Word of mouth: People often heard about sports events and results through conversations with friends, family, and other members of their community.

Public announcements: Sports events and results might also be announced in public places, such as on street corners or in town squares.

Sports clubs and organizations: Some sports clubs and organizations, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP), may have published newsletters or other materials to keep members informed about sports news.

I hope this information helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

The last answer it gave me about newsletters was the inspiration for this dynasty report and thus the American Baseball Digest was born.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest November 7, 1871

The American Baseball Digest is pleased to announce that it is now time to honor the best performers of the recently concluded 1871 season. We are proud to present the awards for the most valuable players, most outstanding pitchers, platinum sticks, and gold gloves in Major League Baseball. Without further ado, let us delve into the list of esteemed winners.

American League Award Recipients

Most Valuable Player: SS Scott Baitinger -- Boston Red Stockings

Most Outstanding Pitcher: SP Gary Dimond -- Boston Red Stockings

Platinum Sticks:
P Gary Dimond -- Boston Red Stockings
C Tristan Moore -- Cleveland Forest Citys
1B Mike Durbin -- Boston Red Stockings
2B Paul Turner -- Boston Red Stockings
3B Pat McCain -- Cleveland Forest Citys
SS Scott Baitinger -- Boston Red Stockings
LF Larry Coombs -- Cleveland Forest Citys
CF Danny Lowry -- Boston Red Stockings
RF Mike Akers -- Boston Red Stockings

Gold Gloves
P Bryan Cook -- Cleveland Forest Citys
C Tristan Moore -- Cleveland Forest Citys
1B Kevin Hazlewood -- Cleveland Forest Citys
2B Tyler Jarman -- Washington Olympics
3B Matt Arnett -- Washington Olympics
SS Scott Baitinger -- Boston Red Stockings
LF Ernesto Robitaille -- Boston Red Stockings
CF Bob Cayler -- Philadelphia Athletics
RF Mike Akers -- Boston Red Stockings

National League Award Recipients

Most Valuable Player: 3B Adrian St. Dennis -- Chicago White Stockings

Most Outstanding Pitcher: SP Tony Melendez -- Chicago White Stockings

Platinum Sticks:
P Mike Pringle -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas
C Matt DiPietro -- Troy Haymakers
1B Greg Tincher -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas
2B Aaron Seastrom -- Troy Haymakers
3B Adrian St. Dennis -- Chicago White Stockings
SS Chris Kridner -- New York Mutuals
LF Joel Lahti -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas
CF Nick Huffman -- Troy Haymakers
RF Jared Hamilton -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas

Gold Gloves:
P Jose Davila -- New York Mutuals
C Matt Williams -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas
1B Greg Tincher -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas
2B Kerry Brown -- Chicago White Stockings
3B Gene Lopez -- Troy Haymakers
SS Chris Kridner -- New York Mutuals
LF Joel Lahti -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas
CF Allen Bertolette -- New York Mutuals
RF Jared Hamilton -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas

We trust that our esteemed readers have found pleasure in perusing the list of winners of Major League Baseball's awards for the recently concluded season. As the off-season approaches, be vigilant for our next report in late November or early December, when the league shall hold its expansion draft and the start of free agency. Until then, let us raise a glass to another thrilling season of baseball and anticipate with eagerness the future triumphs of our beloved teams.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest December 27, 1871

Greetings, esteemed readers of The American Baseball Digest!

Apologies for the delay in bringing you the latest news from the off season. However, we wanted to be sure to have some movement in the market to report before sending this update.

The success of Major League Baseball's inaugural season has not gone unnoticed by top players from independent leagues across the United States. We are seeing a surge of talented athletes flocking to the league, and we expect to see quite a few new faces in the coming season. This influx of talent is sure to make for an exciting and competitive year of baseball. We can't wait to see what the future holds for Major League Baseball.

One of the most notable departures from the former Rockford Forest Citys club has found a new home. 29 year old catcher Nate Ables has joined the ranks of the Troy Haymakers, where it is expected he will take on the role of everyday catcher from Matt Dipietro.

Unfortunately, pitcher Jake Bear has yet to secure a new team. We will continue to keep you informed of any developments in his situation.

We are pleased to announce that the baseball clubs located in Brooklyn and St. Louis have settled on their names. The Brooklyn club will be referred to as the Atlantics, in honor of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, the St. Louis club will be named the Pacifics, in recognition of the railroad that has brought prosperity to the city. We look forward to seeing these newly-christened clubs take the field in the upcoming season.

Major League Baseball recently held their first ever draft for young players. The draft followed a week of intense tryouts in New York City. The St. Louis Pacifics had the first pick and selected 18 year old starting pitcher J.D. Davidson. The Brooklyn Atlantics, who lost a pre-draft coin toss, picked second and chose 18 year old starting pitcher Hector Hernandez. It will be exciting to see how these young players develop and contribute to their respective teams in the coming years.

In a surprising move, the Chicago White Stockings have traded 24 year old right fielder Jesse Shamblin to the New York Mutuals in exchange for 39 year old starting pitcher Fred Grubaugh. This trade comes amid speculation that baseball clubs may be better suited with two pitchers splitting starts going forward, and it seems that Chicago is poised to test out this new strategy. Grubaugh, who started all 32 games for the Mutuals last season, finished with a record of 11-17 and a 3.95 ERA. It remains to be seen how Grubaugh will fit into the White Stockings rotation, but it is clear that the team is looking to bolster their pitching staff heading into the upcoming season.

We hope this news finds you well and that the upcoming new year brings you health and happiness.

[dubb93]

Special Report
----American Baseball Digest January 15, 1872

Happy New Year, dear readers of The American Baseball Digest!

We hope this message finds you well and that the new year brings you much success.

We have some exciting news to share with you: 24 year old pitcher Jake Bear has agreed to pitch for the Boston Red Stockings. Jake is considered to be one of the best up-and-coming arms in the league and will likely provide Boston with a formidable 1-2 punch, should they decide to roll with two pitchers. Last season, Jake had a record of 9-20 for the Rockford Forest Citys, but he boasted a very respectable 3.15 ERA. It is likely that Jake will not replace Gary Dimond as the starter in Boston, but he will certainly be a valuable addition to the team.

This move by the Red Stockings is likely a response to the Chicago White Stockings' acquisition of pitcher Fred Grubaugh last month. It will be interesting to see how these moves play out for both teams in the upcoming season.

Stay tuned for more updates from the off season.

Sincerely,
The American Baseball Digest

[dubb93]

Official Press Release
January 27, 1872

Greetings to all Major League Baseball clubs and fans,

In light of the financial struggles faced by the former Rockford club, the office of the Commissioner has made alterations to the rules in an effort to increase profitability for the forthcoming season. Firstly, the length of the season shall be doubled to 64 games, with teams playing an average of two games per scheduled travel. To accommodate this, rosters have been expanded from 15 players to 18 players.

Additionally, we have taken into consideration the common grievance among club executives regarding the lengthy and widespread nature of the season. The final regular season baseball game of this season shall be played in June, rather than October, with the World Series to follow shortly thereafter.

It is also our pleasure to announce that, starting this season, teams from the American League shall no longer play teams from the National League during the regular season. This shall result in a truly memorable World Series.

We trust that these changes will prove advantageous for all clubs and provide an enjoyable season for our loyal fans.

Sincerely,

Agustus Messersmith
Commissioner of Major League Baseball

[dubb93]

1872 Major League Baseball Preview
--American Baseball Digest March 25, 1872

Dear readers,

The much-anticipated 1872 Major League Baseball season is set to commence in just one week's time, and this year's schedule promises to be more exciting than ever before. For the first time, the season will be extended to 64 games and condensed into a mere three months, with the World Series, now a best-of-five series instead of three, expected to conclude before Independence Day.

As in previous years, the team with the best regular season record will enjoy homefield advantage during the World Series, even though the American League will not play the National League during the regular season. This means that the teams will meet for the first time all season during the World Series, making for a thrilling and unpredictable contest.

Given the condensed schedule, it is believed that it would be impossible for a single pitcher to start every game. Therefore, most teams are expected to utilize a two-man rotation, with pitchers alternating starts. This emphasizes the importance of having two reliable pitchers, and both the Chicago White Stockings and the Boston Red Stockings have acquired additional pitchers in anticipation of the challenging schedule.

The Chicago White Stockings, last year's champions, will seek to defend their title after defeating the Boston Red Stockings in a shocking three-game series due to the Red Stockings' poor play. It remains to be seen whether the Red Stockings will be able to overcome these mistakes in the new season and how the White Stockings will handle increased media attention and high expectations as defending champions.

In addition to the returning teams, the American League will also welcome two new expansion teams this year: the Brooklyn Atlantics and the St. Louis Pacifics. Both teams will debut with youthful rosters and high hopes, but it remains to be seen how far hope alone can carry them.

Please read on for the official American Baseball Digest 1872 Major League Baseball preview.

American League

Predicted Finish Order and Official Team Previews:

1. Boston Red Stockings

The 1872 season is upon us, and the Boston Red Stockings are the team to beat. This club boasts a rotation that is sure to give opposing batters fits, with young Jake Bear joining Gary Dimond and relief pitcher Joe Eberle to form a formidable trio. All three pitchers are under the age of 32 and have the potential to dominate the league for years to come.

But the Red Stockings' strength doesn't end with their pitching. They have a lineup filled with some of the finest bats in all of Major League Baseball, earning them the nickname of the "Red-Hot Hitters." Leading the charge is shortstop Scott Baitinger, a 28-year-old with a well-rounded skillset. He hit an impressive .393 last season, stole 17 bases, and won a Gold Glove for his defensive prowess. Center fielder Danny Lowry is another standout, a 28-year-old with a reputation as one of the elite hitters in the game. He hit a solid .365 last season, and many expect him to be even better this year. First baseman Mike Durbin rounds out the top of the lineup, a 25-year-old with a 210-pound frame and a big bat to match. He is generally considered the power hitter of the Red Stockings and is expected to compete for the American League home run crown this season.

Overall, the Boston Red Stockings have a roster that is tough to match. They have a top-notch rotation and an offense that is the envy of the league. It will take a truly skilled team to prevent the Red-Hot Hitters from being crowned champions, but with their talent and depth, Boston looks poised for a successful season. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell. Let's play ball!

[OOC: The Red-Hot Hitter!?!?!? That is what this thing came up with? LOL]

2. Philadelphia Athletics

The Philadelphia Athletics enter the 1872 season with high hopes, having finished in second place in the American League last year. However, they will have a formidable task ahead of them in trying to catch up to the dominant Boston Red Stockings.

The key to Philadelphia's success this year will likely be the performance of their starting pitchers, Ross Polon and Mike Mack. Mack started the season as the team's primary starter, but was eventually replaced by Polon, who struggled in his increased role and finished the season with a 5.01 ERA. This season, Mack will look to reclaim his spot as the team's top pitcher, while Polon will need to improve upon his performance from last year in order to contribute to the team's success.

The good news for Philadelphia is that they have a strong lineup at the plate, led by home run champion Bryan Bailey and versatile shortstop Jared Tunno. The trade deadline addition of veteran outfielder Sean Strange, who led the league in doubles last season, should also provide a boost to the offense.

However, the Athletics will need to score runs in bunches, as their pitching and defense remain question marks heading into the new season. It will be up to Polon, Mack, and the rest of the team to rise to the challenge and give the Red Stockings a run for their money in the American League.

3. Washington Olympics

Greetings, dear reader!

It is with great pleasure that I offer you a preview of the Washington team.

On paper, Washington boasts the finest catcher in the league in the form of young Willie Zamora. Though his 1871 season was somewhat disappointing, with a batting average of only .266, I am confident that we will see a marked improvement from Zamora this season. His swing is a thing of beauty, and it is only a matter of time before he starts finding his way to first base with regularity.

Defensively, the team is solid, with gold glove caliber infielders Matt Arnett and Tyler Jarman returning to their positions at third and second base, respectively. Jarman, in particular, is a player to watch, as his swing looks far better than the .225 batting average he posted last season would suggest.

On the mound, Washington will rely on two pitchers: 23-year-old Ryan Kardatzke, a rookie, and 28-year-old Brian Lacy, who had a solid season in 1871 with a 13-16 record and a 3.26 ERA.

While the hitting may be somewhat weak, there is no reason why this team cannot finish ahead of Philadelphia in the standings. Whether they have what it takes to challenge Boston for the pennant remains to be seen, but with some improvement from the hitters and strong performances from Zamora and the pitching staff, anything is possible.

So mark your calendars, dear reader, for a season of excitement and drama as the Washington team takes to the diamond!

4. Cleveland Anchors

As the new baseball season approaches, it is my pleasure to provide you with a preview of the Cleveland Anchors. This team boasts a formidable lineup, featuring three esteemed Platinum Sticks in the form of Larry Coombs, Pat McCain, and Tristan Moore. Coombs, at just 23 years of age, appears to be a player who could garner a multitude of accolades before his career is through, while McCain could be a candidate for Most Valuable Player if the team exceeds expectations.

On the mound, Cleveland will rely upon two pitchers, Alfredo Palomares, a highly regarded rookie, and Mike Bowe. While Bowe had a satisfactory season last year, his earned run average of 4.78 was somewhat of a hindrance to the team. It is hoped that Palomares will be able to bolster the rotation.

Defensively, the anchors may not be as strong as they are offensively, but with a powerful lineup and dependable pitching, they could potentially secure a second place finish in the conference. However, they will have to contend with formidable opponents in the form of the Philadelphia and Washington teams, as there is little to differentiate the three.

Let us hope that the anchors will not be held back in the standings this season, and that we shall have the opportunity to witness exciting baseball from Cleveland.

5. Brooklyn Atlantics

My esteemed readers, it is with great excitement that I, a humble scribe, bring to you the season preview of the Brooklyn Atlantics, a brand new expansion team.

Firstly, allow me to address the elephant in the room. As an expansion team, it is expected that the Brooklyn Atlantics may struggle in their inaugural season. However, there is a glimmer of hope for our beloved Brooklynites.

Manager Miguel Gonzales and pitching coach Steve Parry have been tasked with the development of two young, promising pitchers: Hector Hernandez and Jimmy Goodman. Both men are but 18 years of age, and it is of the utmost importance that they be handled correctly by their superiors. If they can live up to their potential, there may yet be hope for the Brooklyn Atlantics.

But beyond these two bright spots, the team is likely to struggle. Chris Herr and Mike Sigala, both seasoned veterans on the wrong side of 30, will anchor the middle of the lineup. While their experience will no doubt be valuable, it is unlikely that they will carry the team on their own.

In conclusion, it is with a mix of optimism and trepidation that I look towards the coming season for the Brooklyn Atlantics. The development of Hernandez and Goodman is of the utmost importance, and one can only hope that they will be able to lift the team out of its current woes. Until then, we can only sit and wait, dear reader, and hope for the best.

6. St. Louis Pacifics

Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great anticipation that we approach the new season of baseball, and the Pacifics are no exception. This year, we will look to a pair of young pitchers to lead us to victory - J.D. Davison, a 19 year old from McDaniel, Georgia, and Aaron Spoto, a mere 17 years of age. Davison was the top draft pick in the amateur draft and has high expectations placed upon him. He will need to be at the top of his game, for it does not appear that he will have much in the way of run support.

Our hopes for offensive success rest largely on the shoulders of 29 year old first baseman Dusty Estes, who hit a mere .254 for Washington last season. While this is not a particularly impressive average, we are hopeful that he can improve upon it and provide a much-needed spark for our offense.

It promises to be a tough season for the Pacifics, but with a mix of youth and experience on the roster, we remain optimistic that we can emerge victorious. Let the games begin!

Projected American League Most Valuble Player: CF Danny Lowry -- Boston Red Stockings

[OOC: It's extremely difficult to repeat as MVP even if Baitenger is the most complete player in the game currently he doesn't have the best bat. That belongs to Lowry who even though he hit .363 last season underperformed. I expect his bat to be better while Baitinger's is probably a little worse. I just can't see Baitinger flirting with .400 two years in a row.]

Projected American League Most Outstanding Pitcher: SP Jake Bear -- Boston Red Stockings

[OOC: He's young, he's in a better situation this year, and quite frankly I believe he has a better arm than Dimond.]


National League

Predicted Finish Order and Official Team Previews:

1. Chicago White Stockings

Greetings, dear readers! As the new baseball season approaches, all eyes are upon the defending champions, the Chicago White Stockings. Upon review of their roster, it appears that they have remained largely unchanged from their successful campaign last year. However, it must be remembered that they did not dominate the National League, and in fact found themselves trailing for much of the season before making a strong push in October.

The Chicago White Stockings have made a noteworthy acquisition in the offseason, securing the services of Fred Grubaugh from the New York Mutuals to bolster their pitching staff. While Grubaugh is a skilled player, it must be noted that he will be turning 40 by the end of the season, which may raise concerns about the longevity of his arm. That being said, the team also boasts last year's National League Most Outstanding Pitcher, Tony Melendez, who recorded a 19-11 record with a 3.33 ERA.

Defensively, the Chicago White Stockings may not be the strongest team in the league, but they do have a standout performer in the middle of the field. Second baseman Kerry Brown is widely regarded as the best defender in the National League, and also hit a respectable .275 at the plate last season. However, the true standout for the Chicago White Stockings is undoubtedly third baseman Adrian St. Dennis, who won the Triple Crown last year by leading the National League in batting average, homeruns, and RBIs.

While the Chicago White Stockings are certainly the favorites in the National League, they are not the overwhelmingly dominant force that the Boston club is in the American League. There are several other teams in the National League that could give the Chicago White Stockings a run for their money this season. It promises to be an exciting and closely contested campaign.

2. Fort Wayne Kekiongas

As the Fort Wayne club prepares for the upcoming season, there is a sense of excitement and optimism in the air. Last year, the team was left heartbroken as they watched the Chicago club secure victory in the World Series from afar. However, the offseason has brought about some changes that could potentially propel Fort Wayne to the top.

One major acquisition for the team is Jeff Rodriguez, a 33-year-old pitcher from an independent league team. Reports from the club suggest that Rodriguez is a formidable addition to the roster and could be the difference-maker for Fort Wayne this season.

There is also some question about who will join Rodriguez in the rotation, as manager Bill Lennon must decide between Most Valuable Player runner-up Mike Pringle and Greg Ajello, who was the opening day starter for Fort Wayne last year. Pringle, a two-way player, had a standout season in 1871 with a .379 batting average and a 16-8 record with a 3.92 ERA. If Pringle can replicate that performance, it could give Fort Wayne a strong chance of catching up to and defeating Chicago.

Defensively, Fort Wayne was one of the best teams in the National League last year, with four Platinum Sticks and four Glove Glovers returning for the upcoming season. These include Mike Pringle, Greg Tincher, Joel Lahti, Jared Hamilton, and Matt Williams.

Overall, the staff at American Baseball Digest are divided on who will come out as the National League champion this season, with roughly half predicting Chicago and half predicting Fort Wayne. It promises to be a thrilling season, and Fort Wayne fans can take comfort in knowing that they have a talented and capable team that could make a World Series appearance.

[OOC: It would be a REAL shame if they decide to bring Pringle out of the bullpen. He's a better pitcher (ratings aren't even really that close TBH) than Ajello and that isn't even taking into account that Ajello is a sub .200 hitter and Ajello flirted with .400 last season. It would be a major mistake for this Fort Wayne team to not start Pringle.]

3. Troy Haymakers

It is with great pleasure that I bring to you a preview of the forthcoming season for the Troy ball club. As many of you know, the lads from Troy have been busy this offseason, making a number of key acquisitions to bolster their ranks.

First and foremost, the acquisition of Mr. Nate Ables cannot be understated. His .319 batting average and 22 runs batted in last season speak for themselves, and he will no doubt be a valuable addition to the middle of the lineup.

Additionally, the addition of Mr. Brian Davis should not be overlooked. Though his batting average may not have been as high as some would have liked last season, his speed and defense are without question elite. With a bit more luck at the plate, there is no doubt that Mr. Davis will be a major contributor for the Troy nine.

But the acquisitions do not stop there! The club has also added the services of Mr. Mike Crum, a starting pitcher hailing from the independent leagues. With his addition, the Troy rotation should see a marked improvement and Mr. Crum should immediately become their best pitcher.

Of course, the club will also have the steady bat of Mr. Ted Cook in the middle of the lineup, making them a formidable force offensively.

That being said, there is still room for improvement. Jamie Grime struggled last season, and if the club hopes to challenge the likes of Fort Wayne and Chicago, they will need to address their rotation.

All in all, it is clear that the Troy club has made significant strides this offseason, and there is no doubt that they will be a much improved squad. Whether they have done enough to challenge the top teams in the National League remains to be seen, but it is certain that it will be a most interesting season in Troy.

4. New York Mutuals

It is with great enthusiasm that we preview the upcoming season for the New York Mutuals. Though they may not be expected to compete with the likes of the other three teams in the National League, there is still some hope to be found in their pitching staff.

The Mutuals have acquired the services of Nick Brooks, a 31 year old former independent leaguer known for his impressive sinker. Additionally, Jose Davila, last season's NL Reliever of the Year, will step into the starting role left vacant by the departure of Fred Grubaugh. It remains to be seen if Davila can perform as well in this new position, but if he can, perhaps the Mutuals can surprise us all and climb out of the cellar.

As for the esteemed American Baseball Digest, we have the Mutuals pegged at the bottom of the National League standings. However, as we all know, the beauty of baseball is in its ability to surprise us. Let us hope that the Mutuals can do just that and have a successful season.

Projected National League Most Valuble Player: 3B Adrian St. Dennis -- Chicago White Stockings

Projected National League Most Outstanding Pitcher: SP Jeff Rodriguez -- Fort Wayne Kekiongas

[OOC: Half spreading the award predictions out and half me wanting to get across that Jeff Rodriguez looks REALLY REALLY good on paper. If they pair him with Pringle they will be fun to watch play out]

World Series Prediction:

Boston Red Stockings (3) over Chicago White Stockings (1)

[dubb93]

And with that I'm at a stopping point for the night. If you have any questions about specific players or really questions about anything, rooting interests, or just general comments and haven't wanted to interrupt the flow of the dynasty now is the perfect time for those as the regular season will start tomorrow.

[dubb93]

The AI is "at capacity" and has been for the last hour or so when I have checked so likely no updates tonight unless it comes back online fairly soon.

EDIT: 1/11

Bot is down again when I'd like to have it writing out articles so another day without updates here is likely.

[dubb93]

Monthly
----American Baseball Digest April 1, 1872

Gentlemen of the American Baseball Digest,

The time is upon us, once more, when the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd shall fill the air. The opening day of the 1872 season is upon us, and we here at the Digest would like to extend our warmest wishes to all teams for a healthy and successful season.

We hope that our subscribers have already received their official preview of the season, and that they are as excited as we are for the games to begin. We are pleased to announce that our newsletter format will be twice a month this upcoming season, with issues being sent out on the first and 16th of each month. In addition, we will be issuing special reports throughout the season, including a midseason report on May 1st, and an official pennant race edition on June 1st.

We are also pleased to announce that we have two game-day correspondents who will be sending special reports throughout the season. Chet Geept will be following the Chicago White Stockings for the entire season, relocating to Chicago and traveling with the team around the nation. You should receive his first report shortly, as he will be covering the opening day matchup between the Chicago White Stockings and the Fort Wayne Kekiongas in Chicago. Our other correspondent, Arty Fickle, will also be in Chicago for this massive game. Arty has made it his goal to visit all 10 Major League Baseball stadiums this season and send you a report from each stadium!

Make sure you stay subscribed all season so you don't miss a single newsletter or report and can stay up to date on all the Major League Baseball news all season long!

Arty's schedule of games he will be covering:
April 1 in Chicago
April 9 in St. Louis
April 20 in Fort Wayne
May 3 in Philly
May 6 in Cleveland
May 11 in Washington
May 20 double header in Brooklyn and New York
May 23 in Troy
May 29 in Boston

We here at the Digest look forward to bringing you the best coverage of the 1872 baseball season. Play ball!

Yours truly,
Journalists of the American Baseball Digest

[OOC: As this AI has become more popular it has become much more difficult to access it and actually use it due to bandwidth issues from the company. I will do my best to keep this moving, however at some point I may have to swap to reports that are done by me rather than the AI in order to keep this moving.]

[dubb93]

Special Report
----April 2nd, 1872

Opening Day in Chicago saw the defending Major League Baseball Champions, the Chicago White Stockings, take on the Fort Wayne Kekiongas in a game that ended with a 4-3 victory for the Kekiongas.

The crowd was ecstatic as the White Stockings celebrated their championship before the game, but the Kekiongas quickly dampened the mood with a strong performance on the field.

The Kekiongas' offense was led by second baseman Jon Benavides, who had three RBIs, and first baseman Greg Tincher, who had two hits. The White Stockings' offense was led by Adrian St. Dennis, who had three hits.

The Kekiongas' defense was also strong, with catcher Matt Williams catching two runners stealing and J. Hamilton making an assist from the outfield. The Kekiongas' defense had one error from Josh Clarence.

In the end, the Kekiongas' solid performance on both offense and defense proved to be too much for the White Stockings to handle. The Kekiongas' win brings their record to 1-0, while the White Stockings fall to 0-1.

Baseball be with you, friends.
Yours truly, Arty Fickle.

Sincerely,
Chet Geept

[OOC: Hilariously they added a disclaimer:

Note: The above boxscore is not accurate as it is not possible to have a game in 1872 as the first professional league, National Association of Professional Base Ball Players was established in 1871, and it was dissolved in 1875. So the game and the teams mentioned in the question are not accurate historically.]