UBA (new dynasty started)

[JetsIn06]

Chicago Sweeps Reading, Teams Tied for 1st

August 31, 1912

In stunning fashion, the Chicago Orphans won all three games against the former first place Reading Reds and are now tied for the lead.

Chicago dominated the series, outscoring the Reds 27-13 over the three contests.

With one month left to play, New York still has a chance at four games out.

[JetsIn06]

August Awards

September 1, 1912

Here are our awards for the month of August:

Batter of the Month: RF Paul Lund, Cleveland.

When it came to hitting the baseball, Paul Lund had few United League peers in August. The right fielder for Cleveland mauled opposing pitchers for a .407 batting average and was voted the league's best batter for the month.

He finished with some strong stats: 20 RBIs, 25 runs scored, 13 walks and a .463 on-base percentage.

So far this year Lund is batting .318 with 1 home run, 65 RBIs and 92 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month: P Jordan Hauser, Chicago.

In August, Jordan Hauser tore through the United League like a seasoned veteran -- quite impressive for a player only 24 years old.

The young Chicago starter posted a 5-1 mark and an ERA of 1.66 to earn the Pitcher of the Month award. In 59.2 innings he collected 42 strikeouts while limiting the opposition to a .196 average.

His record this season is 16-12 in 34 starts and Hauser has a 2.18 ERA.

[JetsIn06]

With One Month to Go...

September 1, 1912

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
Chicago		77	60	-
Reading		76	61	1
New York		72	65	5
Cleveland		70	67	7
Richmond		70	67	7
Cincinnati		63	74	14
Pittsburgh		62	75	15
Washington		58	79	19

With just one month to go, we have a tight race between the Chicago Orphans and the Reading Reds. Interestingly enough, the teams will not play each other in September, so gaining ground will be tough.

Another thing to think about...Because this is the first year of the league, the league leaders at the end of the year will technically be the "all-time" leaders. While most of these records won't even last one year, every player who is in the lead will get to say, "I led the United League in ____." And who knows, maybe one of these records will stand for ten, fifty, or one hundred years?

[JetsIn06]

With 5 to Go, Reading Trails By 3 Games

September 15, 1912

As of last night, Chicago has a three game lead over Reading with five games to go for each team.

Chicago will finish up their series against Cincinnati and then Washington will be in town for the final three games of the season.

Reading has two more games in Pittsburgh, and will then travel to New York to play the Gothams in a three game series.

New York, ten games out of first place, has been eliminated.

[JetsIn06]

Chicago Wins Presidents Cup!

September 17, 1912

Yesterday, the Chicago Orphans franchise became the first champion of the United League. Reading fell to four games back with only three to play, clinching the championship for Chicago.

Interestingly enough, it came on a day that they lost 6-5 to Cincinnati. If Reading had won against Pittsburgh, they would have to win their next three games and have Chicago lose their last three games. If that happened, a one game playoff would determine the winner.

However, Reading lost 7-3 to the Keystones, and the Chicago Orphans are the United League's 1912 Champions!

All 25 players will visit the league office in New York City to receive the Presidents Cup on the 20th of September.

Congratulations, Chicago!

[JetsIn06]

Reading's Griffen Wins Batting Title

September 21, 1912

1912 was a very good year for Zeke Griffen of the Reading Reds. He ended the regular season with the number one batting average in the United League. The Reds right fielder took the title with a .340 average. In his award-winning season he banged out 162 hits, 5 home runs and 90 RBIs while playing in 139 games.

[JetsIn06]

Traver Wins United League MVP Award

September 23, 1912

Pretty much all season, Hezekiah Traver was in the zone and had his way with opposing pitchers. The Orphans catcher managed to stay there long enough to earn the United League MVP Award for 1912.

He assaulted UL pitchers for a .313 batting average, 165 hits, 6 home runs and 101 RBIs, while scoring 77 times.

[JetsIn06]

Ed Gale Awarded Pitcher of the Year Honor

September 24, 1912

The Pitcher of the Year Award for 1912 has been presented and the United League winner is Ed Gale of New York.

"It's always nice to receive an award like this," said Gale. "I just hope I can improve on my performance next year and be in the running again," the Gothams star told reporters.

Gale excelled with an impressive 19-15 record in 38 starts. In 317 innings he yielded 268 hits and 74 walks, while striking out 265 and compiling a fine 2.04 ERA.

[JetsIn06]

Defenseman of the Year Awards Given out by United League

September 25, 1912

On the defensive side of the game pitchers always get the glory, but the best pitchers know their success hinges on the gloves behind them. The defensive dream team in the United League for 1912 has been announced, and the Defenseman of the Year Award trophies will be presented to these outstanding fielders:


Pitcher: Vaughan Froelich (New York Gothams)
Catcher: Simon Slattery (Reading Reds)
First Baseman: Mark Norwood (Cincinnati Ruby Legs)
Second Baseman: Buster Meeks (Reading Reds)
Third Baseman: Varney Flanagan (Pittsburgh Keystones)
Shortstop: Dan Weston (Pittsburgh Keystones)
Left Fielder: Ding Petit (Washington Statesmen)
Center Fielder: Luther Richter (Chicago Orphans)
Right Fielder: Yank Bright(Chicago Orphans)

[JetsIn06]

United League's Cincinnati Franchise In Financial Trouble

September 25, 1912

Commissioner Roger Cooley called a press conference yesterday to discuss an important issue. Many speculated that it would involve the Cincinnati Ruby Legs team. Their attendance was extremely low, less than half of the 7th worst team. Both Washington and Pittsburgh, who had a lower record, drew better attendance.

"Today I'm here to discuss the business side of the sport. I love this game, I really do. And I know we have fantastic fans in Cincinnati as well as in the other seven cities."

"However, attendance in Cincinnati is not where we would like it to be. Currently, and it saddens me to say this, but currently that franchise is not healthy for the future of our league. Many leagues have started up and died after two or three seasons because of poor attendance. We don't want to be like them. We are here for the long term."

"As of right now, no decisions have been made, but we will have another announcement to make next week."

[JetsIn06]

Ruby Legs Disenfranchised; One More to Come

October 2, 1912

Commissioner Roger Cooley announced yesterday that the Cincinnati Ruby Legs have been disenfranchised and all players and staff will be free to sign with any team starting today at 4:00 PM.

Many fans saw this coming after the commissioners press conference last week. The Ruby Legs were not financially stable after performing dismally in the ticket sales department.

There was one extra surprise in the press release, however. Supposedly, another team is in jeopardy of being disenfranchised for non-financial reasons.

[JetsIn06]

Pittsburgh Owner Expelled From United League

October 5, 1912

Shocking news came today as United League commissioner Roger Cooley announced that George Congdon, owner of the Pittsburgh Keystones franchise, has been expelled for life from the United League.

League officials discovered that Congdon was purposely making poor management decisions to throw games so he could win bets that he placed against his own team.

"We will never tolerate any such behavior. That is all I have to say on this matter."

There has been no word on whether a new owner will be found for the 1913 season.

[JetsIn06]

Pittsburgh Team Retracted Indefinitely, Will Not Play 1913 Season

October 8, 1912

Last night league officials decided to remove Pittsburgh from the United League indefinitely.

"Rather than rush to find a new owner, we will play out the 1913 season as a six-team league. OUr job during the season will be to find two new owners for two brand new franchises. Whether or not those teams will go back to Cincinnati or Pittsburgh is unknown. One thing I would like to say is that I know we have fans in those two cities, and we truly want to bring United League baseball to you. We will do our best to bring a UL franchise to those two cities again sometime in the future."

[JetsIn06]

New York Beefs Up Roster with Six Former CIN/PIT Players

December 14, 1912

While other teams are being very conservative with their available money for free agents, New York is taking a risk.

Over the past month, the Gothams have signed six new players. The biggest signing came when center fielder Klu Cornelius, a 30-year-old speedster, signed a contract worth $22,290. For the 1913 season, Cornelius will make $14,870, about twelve times more money than he made with Pittsburgh last year.

With the Keystones, Cornelius hit .312 with 53 RBI and 2 home runs.

[JetsIn06]

New Baseball League on the Horizon

December 26, 1912

Harry F. Sinclair, Phil Ball, and George S. Ward made news yesterday when they announced that plans for a new major league were well underway and is expected to start in April of 1914.

The news came early on Christmas morning yesterday, with the three founders reading off a list of eight cities that will hold teams.

"Merry Christmas, everyone. Today, the three of us stand here with great news to bring to you," said Harry Sinclair, known more for his stake in the White Oil Company than his baseball experience.

"Plans have been underway for more than a year now to bring a new major league to baseball fans around the country. We appreciate what the United League has done, but we strive to be better. As you may know, the UL just lost two franchises after it's first season. You will not see that in our league."

Phil Ball continued on. "In April of 1914, eight franchises located in Buffalo, Newark, Chicago, Brooklyn, St. Louis, Baltimore, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh will launch the Columbia League, a brand new baseball experience that will be better than anything you've ever witnessed."

[JetsIn06]

United League Begins 1913 Season Next Week

March 28, 1913

On Saturday, April 5 the United League will open it's 1913 season.

Many fans are wondering what it will be like with just six teams, but there is no doubt that a fun season awaits.

Cleveland will travel to Washington and those two teams will kick off the year at Capitol Park, the defending Presidents Cup Champion Chicago Orphans will make their way to the east coast to take on Richmond at Liberty Park, and the New York Gothams will travel west to Reading, Pennsylvania to take on the Reds at Penn Grounds.

[JetsIn06]

Washinton Prospect Israel Ashby Named Top UL Prospect

April 2, 1913

Israel Ashby, the 83rd overall pick in the inaugural draft two years ago has been voted the United League's top prospect by a group effort of newspapers across the country.

Ashby was selected by the Washington Statesmen, but at just 18-years-old was assigned to the Class A team. He went 11-12 with a 3.47 ERA and 167 strikeouts.

He will start the year at Class A again this year and will most likely stay there the entire season.

[JetsIn06]

Recently Sworn In President Wilson Celebrates Opening Day of United League

April 6, 1913

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	14		R	H	E
Cleveland		2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		2	8	2
Washington		0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	1		3	14	2

Last month, Woodrow Wilson was sworn in as the 28th President of the United States in Washington, D.C.

Yesterday, President Wilson helped celebrate the first game of the 1913 United League Season by visiting Capitol Park in his now hometown Washington, D.C. to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Washington pitcher Dirty Eiseman opened the game against Cleveland center fielder Isiah Rankin, and with a 1-2 count, Eiseman popped him up.

The game would end up going 14 innings, with both pitchers going the distance. In the bottom of the 14th, Cleveland's Guy Barton two singles to open the inning. After getting one out, another single by Washington second baseman Mortimer Easter drove in the winning run.

[JetsIn06]

April Awards

May 1, 1913

Like last year, at the end of every month, we will give out awards to the best hitter, best pitcher, and best rookie. Here are our awards for the month of April.

Batter of the Month: SS Dan Weston, Washington.

When Dan Weston stepped up to the plate in April, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the United League Batter of the Month award.

The young Washington third baseman posted a .367 batting average with 2 home runs, 13 RBIs and scored 15 runs. Weston also worked pitchers for 13 walks to post a .452 on-base percentage.

Pitcher of the Month: P Edwin Elwood, Reading.

Edwin Elwood hasn't been around the big leagues long enough to know that youngsters shouldn't be winning United League Pitcher of the Month. But when you put up numbers like his, you're going to get some notice.

In April the Reading starter earned a 4-3 mark in 7 starts. He threw 62 innings, struck out 39 and compiled a solid 1.89 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: CF Baldy Gilman, Reading.

Baldy Gilman earned April's Rookie of the Month honors in the United League for last month's performance. The boyish Reading center fielder might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level.

Gilman hit .273 with 1 home run, 5 RBIs and 11 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award.

[JetsIn06]

May Awards

June 1, 1913

Batter of the Month: 3B Jap Springer, Reading.

The hard-hitting third baseman from Reading, Jap Springer, wielded a big bat in May and was hailed as the United League Batter of the Month.

He hit a healthy .340 with 2 home runs, 14 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

In 50 games Springer is hitting .339 this season for the Reds with 64 hits, 3 home runs, 26 RBIs, 26 walks, .423 OBP and has scored 39 runs.

Pitcher of the Month: P Coleman Upshur, Washington.

The Pitcher of the Month Award has been announced and the United League winner is Washington hurler, Coleman Upshur. For his standout performances in May he has been named the league's best pitcher.

During the month, Upshur excelled with a 1.55 ERA and 5 wins and 2 losses. In 64 innings he struck out 24 and gave up 54 hits and 13 walks.

This season Upshur has a 7-5 record with a 2.62 ERA in 13 starts.

Rookie of the Month: 2B Burt Bostater, Richmond.

Burt Bostater is still a bit shy, but then, who could blame the newest United League Rookie of the Month honoree? He hasn't been around the league long enough to fully know the ropes yet, despite the fact that he's putting up veteran-like numbers.

In May the Richmond hitter tagged opposing pitching for a .317 average with 13 hits, 1 home run and 5 RBIs.

So far in 1913, Bostater is hitting .317 with 1 home run, 5 RBIs and 4 runs scored. He has 13 hits and played in 17 games.

[JetsIn06]

After Two Months...

June 1, 1913

We're two months into the 1913 season. Here are the standings as of yesterday.

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
Chicago		29	24
Cleveland		29	24
Reading		28	25	1
New York		27	26	2
Washington		26	27	3
Richmond		20	33	9

Cleveland first baseman Zeke Heard leads the league with a .366 batting average after 53 games.

The Reading Reds have league leaders atop three important categories. Simon Slattery, the Reds catcher, leads the league with 13 doubles and third baseman Jap Springer leads the league with 11 triples. Springer also leads with 23 stolen bases.

Giles Purcell of the Gothams is dominating hitters, posting a 1.83 ERA thus far. Guy Barton of Cleveland, who finished with the most strikeouts in 1912 (317), leads yet again with 80 strikeouts through 119.2 innings.

While all six teams clearly have a chance, Richmond is falling behind quick. After going one stretch where they lost 9 of 10, the Cardinals have lost 7 of their last 10 and are now 9 games out of first. In May, the team went 19-9.

[JetsIn06]

Washington Selects RHP Mark Gibson with First Pick in Amateur Draft

June 16, 1913

The 1913 Amateur Draft was held yesterday in the league office, and Washington selected New York product Mark Gibson with the first pick.

Gibson is straight out of high school, and at 17-years-old, it could be quite a while before we see him wearing Washington's big league uniform.

[JetsIn06]

Four Teams Tied for First, New York Not Far Behind

June 16, 1913

You don't see this often, but we're halfway through June and four teams, Chicago, Cleveland, Reading, and Washington, are tied for first place with 35-31 records.

Washington has really turned it on lately, winning 8 of their last 10.

The Gothams are currently at .500 with a 33-33 record and sit two games back. Richmond is trailing behind at 25-41.

[JetsIn06]

June Awards

July 1, 1913

Batter of the Month: 3B Dan Weston, Washington.

June's outstanding offensive player in the United League has been picked and the honor goes to the Washington third baseman Dan Weston.

He won the award by batting .385, hitting no home runs, knocking in 11 runs and scoring 17 times.

This season Weston has banged out 99 hits in 287 at-bats for a .345 average with 2 home runs. He is getting on base at a .438 pace and his totals also include 35 RBIs and 52 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month: P Rudolph Marshall, Cleveland.

The Cleveland Maroons celebrated today after the news filtered through the clubhouse that Rudolph Marshall had been selected as June's United League Pitcher of the Month. Marshall's zest for the game has been a frequent topic on the sports pages and his numbers of late have made his fans even more enthusiastic.

"Our coaching staff really helps me prepare well," Marshall said, "and the fans feed off good pitching. Your pitches just seem to have that extra pop to them when the fans are behind you and you feel confident you can get outs."

Marshall tossed 73 innings last month, holding opponents to a .244 average while striking out 37 batters. In 8 starting assignments he came away with a 5-2 record, putting together an ERA of 1.85.

Checking out his stats for the season, Marshall has notched 13 wins and 7 losses in 21 starts, 2.40 ERA and struck out 101 batters in 191.1 innings.

Rookie of the Month: LF Buddle Jenkens, Washington.

For a man of advanced years in baseball terms, Buddles Jenkens is defying all logic by wading through his first United League season. Nonetheless, Jenkens is proving a formidable performer for Washington, at least as far as this past June is concerned. Today he was hailed as the United League Rookie of the Month.

He put up a .292 average with 2 home runs, 15 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

This season Jenkens is batting .284 with 38 hits, 2 home runs, 22 RBIs, .333 OBP and has scored 19 runs.

[JetsIn06]

Columbia League Announces Eight Franchises

July 4, 1913

"Baseball is the American sport. So what better day than the 4th of July to announce the eight teams that will open up play next April for the Columbia League," said Harry Sinclair in an outdoor press conference.

The following eight teams will begin play next April:

Baltimore Terrapins
Brooklyn Tip-Tops
Buffalo Blues
Chicago Whales
Kansas City Packers
Newark Peppers
Pittsburgh Rebels
St. Louis Terriers

[JetsIn06]

Cleveland Sends RHP Marshall to Chicago

July 28, 1913

Just three days before the trade deadline, Chicago made a major move yesterday when they sent three prospects to Cleveland for pitcher Rudolph Marshall.

Marshall, 36, has put together quite a solid year for Cleveland. He's 16-10 with a 2.45 ERA and 125 strikeouts.

Unfortunately, the rest of the team hasn't fared so well. At eight games back, the liklihood of them winning this years Presidents Cup was slim, so they sold off Marshall now and at least got something back for him.

[JetsIn06]

July Awards

August 1, 1913

Batter of the Month: LF Phillip Kimball, Richmond.

July's outstanding offensive player in the United League has been picked and the honor goes to the Richmond left fielder Phillip Kimball.

He won the award by batting .362, hitting 1 home run, knocking in 14 runs and scoring 13 times.

In his season totals Kimball has 1 home run and a .314 batting average.

Pitcher of the Month: P Jordan Hauser, Chicago.

Jordan Hauser dazzled opponents on his way to the United League Pitcher of the Month award for July.

Posting a 5-2 record and a 1.27 ERA, the Chicago Orphans starter held opposing hitters to a .249 batting average while striking out 37 in 63.2 innings and giving up 10 walks.

Hauser has started 28 times this year, pitched 241.1 innings, fanned 139 batters and walked 58. His current record is 17 wins and 11 losses with a 2.27 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: LF Phillip Kimble, Richmond.

Phillip Kimball was voted the best newcomer in the United League for his solid performance last month.

In July, the Richmond left fielder posted a .362 average while racking up 25 hits, 1 home run and 14 RBIs.

Batting .314 to date, Kimball has 1 home run and 19 RBIs.

[JetsIn06]

After Four Months...

August 1, 1913

We're four months into the 1913 season. Here are the standings as of yesterday.

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
New York		62	47	-
Chicago		58	51	4
Washington		55	54	7
Reading		54	55	8
Cleveland		53	56	9
Richmond		45	64	17

Ed Gale, Giles Purcell, Doggie Morrow, and Vaughan Froelich are leading the way for New York. The four starting pitchers has done extremely well and have actually made up for a slight lack of offense.

The Citadel hasn't been as kind to the Gothams this year. Only one starting position player, short stop Leonard Straw, is currently hitting over .300 and the players who aren't would need an outstanding August and September to reach the mark.

Angus Rogers, however, is definitely doing his part on offense. He leads the league with 8 home runs, and his right behind his teamate Straw with 51 RBI (Sraw has 52).

At 7 games back, Washington is definitely struglling a bit, but their third baseman certainly isn't. Dan Weston is leading the league with a .349 batting average. Unfortunately, his teammate Alonzo Harter is leading the league in strikeouts.

Reading third baseman Jap Springer is putting together another excellent season. He's hitting .324 and has 14 doubles, 4 home runs, and is leading the league with 43 stolen bases.

On the mound, New York's Giles Purcell is simply dominating Unite League hitters. His 1.81 ERA leads the league by a wide margin, he leads the league in shutouts, and also in innings pitched.

Cleveland's Guy Barton, last years strikeout king, leads the league once again with 154 strikeouts.

[JetsIn06]

Fogle Twirls No-Hitter Against Gothams

August 3, 1913

Is it better to be good -- or lucky? After his 2-0 no-hitter over the New York Gothams, Cleveland's Tater Fogle responded, "I don't know," with a grin. "To do what I did, I guess it takes both."

On his historic day at Hugo C. Bracken Park, Fogle made good pitches the entire game, fanned 7 and had 5 walks. When the Gothams hit the ball hard, they hit it right at someone for an out.

But that's how you get a no-hitter -- a lot of skill mixed with a little luck.

This year Fogle has compiled a 13-13 mark with a 3.12 ERA.

This was the first no-hitter thrown in the United League that ended in a win for the pitcher. On April 15 of last season, Hermon Durant threw a no-hitter while playing for Washington and ended up the losing pitcher.

[JetsIn06]

Orphans Win 8 of 10 to Catch Up to NY

August 10, 1913

The New York Gothams have dropped five of eight to start off the month of August, and Chicago has gone 7-1, putting the two teams in a tie for first place.

Chicago finishes up their series with Cleveland today and will then head to Richmond to face off in a three game series against the Cardinals. They then head to New York, where first place will likely be on the line.

The Gothams play one more with Washington and then will travel to Reading.

[JetsIn06]

Chicago Takes Lead, Head to The Citadel to Take on Gothams

August 14, 1913

With a 9-3 record this month, Chicago is turning it on when it counts. They've won all four series they have played in and now hold a one game lead over New York.

The Gothams, who had a four game lead coming into the month, have dropped eight of their last twelve games. They desperately need a couple wins in their upcoming series with Chicago at The Citadel.

Today's game will feature Chicago's new pitcher Rudolph Marshall against New York's top hurler Giles Purcell. Marshall was traded to Chicago from Cleveland at the end of July and has pitched very well for the Orphans, going 2-1 with a 1.33 ERA in his three starts with the club.

[JetsIn06]

Chicago Wins 2 of 3

August 17, 1913

After a fabulous pitching battle between Marshall and Purcell that ended in a New York win, the Orphans won the following two contests to take the three game series and now hold a two game lead over New York in the United League standings.

[JetsIn06]

August Awards

September 2, 1913

Batter of the Month: 1B Anson Fort, Chicago.

When Anson Fort stepped up to the plate in August, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the United League Batter of the Month award.

The young Chicago first baseman posted a .400 batting average with 2 home runs, 15 RBIs and scored 13 runs. Fort also worked pitchers for 5 walks to post a .427 on-base percentage.

Looking at his season stats, Fort has compiled a .263 batting average and a .305 on-base percentage, while hitting 6 home runs and driving in 59 runs.

Pitcher of the Month: P Jordan Hauser, Chicago.

Jordan Hauser hasn't been around the big leagues long enough to know that youngsters shouldn't be winning United League Pitcher of the Month. But when you put up numbers like his, you're going to get some notice.

In August the Chicago starter earned a 5-1 mark in 7 starts. He threw 58 innings, struck out 40 and compiled a solid 1.86 ERA.

This year Hauser has compiled a 22-12 record with a 2.19 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: 3B Tomas Celler, Chicago.

A boyish Tomas Celler emerged as the latest United League Rookie of the Month today. The young man from Chicago deserved the honor, batting .257 with 1 home run and 17 RBI. Is the month of August a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Celler enjoy the limelight.

Celler is batting at a .272 pace in 1913, picking up 73 hits in 268 at-bats with 2 home runs, 47 RBIs and 30 runs scored.

[JetsIn06]

With One Month to Go...

September 2, 1913

We're fourteen games away from officially crowning the 1913 Presidents Cup Champions! Here are where standings are at as of yesterday.

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
Chicago		81	60	-
New York		75	66	6
Reading		72	69	9
Cleveland		68	73	13
Washington		66	75	15
Richmond		61	80	20

In just one month, Chicago has gained 10 games on New York and now sits in the lead by six games. New York will really need a miracle to make a comeback at this point in the season.

[JetsIn06]

New York Star Leonard Straw Out for Remainder of Season

September 4, 1913

New York shortstop Leonard Straw could miss the remainder of the season because of a fractured hand. He exited yesterday's Cleveland game after injuring himself while colliding with a player at a base. The original diagnosis said Straw would be out 2 weeks. Later on his doctors said he could be out even longer.

"He's done," his manager commented at the BNN press conference. "It's a season-ending injury, but it could have been worse. It's not the worst-case scenario, so we're happy about that."

Presently Straw is batting .325 and has collected no home runs, 62 RBIs, .377 OBP and scored 64 runs.

This will seriously hamper the ability for New York to gain ground on Chicago in the standings.

[JetsIn06]

Chicago, New York Tied at 83-68, Teams to Play Three Game Series

September 16, 1913

New York needed a miracle to get back into 1st place, and despite losing their best position player, the team has gone 8-2 in their last ten games. Amazingly, the Chicago Orphans have gone 2-8 in their last ten games, and now the two teams are tied at 83-68 with three games to go, and those three games happen to be against each other.

Whoever wins this series will win the 1913 Presidents Cup.

[JetsIn06]

Chicago Wins Game One, Needs One More

September 17, 1913

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	11		R	H	E
Chicago		0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1		2	7	3
New York		1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		1	8	2

Yesterday, Chicago won in the top of the 11th inning with a final score of 2-1.

Today, Chicago and New York will face off in a potential clinching game for Chicago. Jordan Hauser will throw for Chicago, and Ed Gale will be on the mound for New York.

[JetsIn06]

New York Keeps Season Alive

September 18, 1913

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9			R	H	E
Chicago		0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0			2	7	2
New York		0	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	0			4	8	0

New York extended their season yesterday by beating Chicago 4-2 at The Citadel. Ed Gale threw nine innings, allowing 2 runs and striking out 5.

After scoring a run in the 4th, New York scored three more with two outs. Chicago scored one run in the 5th and 6th but couldn't string together any rallies against Gale.

Today, the two teams will face off in the deciding game. The winner will win the 1913 Presidents Cup.

[JetsIn06]

New York Wins Presidents Cup!

September 19, 1913

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9			R	H	E
Chicago		2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0			2	9	2
New York		1	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	-			5	13	1

After Chicago jumped out to an early 2-1 league, both offenses were stifled until the 7th, when New York tied up the game on back to back doubles.

But in the bottom of the 8th, New York string together a few hits and took the lead, 5-2.

Giles Purcell won his team the Presidents Cup by closing out Chicago in the top of the 9th in a 1-2-3 inning.

Congratulations to New York!

[JetsIn06]

1913 Final Standings

September 20, 1913

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
New York		85	69	-
Chicago		84	70	1
Reading		76	78	9
Cleveland		74	80	11
Washington		74	80	11
Richmond		69	85	16

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Weston is United League Batting Champ

September 22, 1913

Dan Weston of the Washington Statesmen was named United League batting champion yesterday. The 25-year-old third baseman hit .339 with 2 home runs and 52 RBIs during the 1913 campaign, collecting 164 hits in 484 at-bats, while playing in 131 games.

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Chicago's Bright Takes 1913 MVP Award

September 23, 1913

Pretty much all season Yank Bright was "in the zone" and had his way with opposing pitchers. The Orphans left fielder managed to stay there long enough to earn the United League MVP Award for 1913.

He assaulted UL pitchers for a .318 batting average, 169 hits, 3 home runs and 52 RBIs, while scoring 75 times.

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United League Presents Pitcher of the Year Award

September 24, 1913

Giles Purcell of the New York Gothams had a fine 24-15 season in 1913 and today claimed the United League Pitcher of the Year Award.

He started 39 times, threw 345.2 innings while collecting 142 strikeouts and fashioned a 1.95 ERA. Purcell allowed only 310 hits, 40 walks and a .236 opponents' batting average.

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United League Names Best Rookie

September 25, 1913

He was a "talented and gifted ballplayer." That's the way one writer described the rookie left fielder for Washington in the article announcing him as the United League Rookie of the Year Award recipient. Arch Hennessy came on the scene this year and quickly established himself as player to be reckoned with.

The 27-year-old Statesmen newcomer took the trophy by hitting .327 in 92 games this season and finished with 65 hits, 2 home runs, 29 RBIs and 26 runs scored.

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Top Defenders Awarded for 1913

September 26, 1913

Good defense can be the difference between taking the championship and coming in second. The United League announced its top defenders at each position today. Here are the Defenseman of the Year Award winners for 1913:


Pitcher: Ruben Ham (Richmond Cardinals)
Catcher: Jake Jean (New York Gothams
First Baseman: Zeke Heard (Cleveland Maroons)
Second Baseman: Mark Norwood (Richmond Cardinals)
Third Baseman: Alva Bledsoe (New York Gothams)
Shortstop: Harmon Granger (Cleveland Maroons)
Left Fielder: Zeke Griffen (Reading Reds)
Center Fielder: Baldy Gilman (Reading Reds)
Right Fielder: Karl Carlson (Richmond Cardinals)

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Breaking News: Columbia League to Join United League

October 10, 1913

In a surprise announcement, Harry Sinclair, Phil Ball, and George Ward from the Columbia League, joined by Roger Cooley, the commissioner of the United League, announced a joint venture between the two leagues.

Each league will still continue to play as normal with no games between the two in the regular season, however the winners of each league will play each in a best of nine series to determine the winner of the Presidents Cup.

The two leagues will remain separate entities, but will be known collectively as the United Baseball Association.

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Expansion Draft Rules

February 3, 1914

With eight new teams entering the United Baseball Association, an expansion draft has been scheduled to stock the rosters.

Each of the six existing teams are allowed to protect fifteen players that are under contract. Any unprotected players are eligible to be drafted by the new teams.

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Columbia League Ballparks Overview

February 4, 1914

With the eight-team expansion draft occurring over the next week, this is a great time to give some details on the ballparks those teams will be playing in. Over the next eight days, you'll get information on parks new and old that will be used by the eight Columbia League teams.

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Baltimore's Terrapin Park

February 5, 1914

Terapin Park
Home to the Baltimore Terrapins

Distances:

Left Line: 300'
Left Field: 353'
Left-Center: 394'
Center Field: 450'
Right-Center: 402'
Right Field: 372'
Right Line: 335'

Capacity: 9,129

Terrapin Park's 450 foot center field will create ample opportunities for doubles and triples, but not many balls will make it out past that part of the wall.

However, left field is a short 300' and will definitely give right handed hitters a good shot at a home run.

Right on the harbor, Terrapin Park is a beautiful ballpark that looks like a terrific place to watch a baseball game.

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Brooklyn's Washington Park

February 6, 1914

Washington Park
Home to the Brooklyn Tip-Tops

Distances:

Left Line: 310'
Left Field: 335'
Left-Center: 370'
Center Field: 440'
Right-Center: 381'
Right Field: 352'
Right Line: 345'

Capacity: 17,976

Washington Park is located in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn on 4th Avenue and 1st Street. The ballpark was actually constructed in 1898 for the Brooklyn Suberbas of the National League.

The Ward Brothers, who own the Tip-Tops, renovated the ballpark for use in the Columbia League by using cement and steel.