The United Baseball Association: The New York Chronicle (1918)

[JetsIn06]

Sydney Eddington Signs $42,540 Deal with Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. February 1, 1917 - A wave of jubilation swept over Indiana today as fans and team officials celebrated the signing of Sydney Eddington.

Despite the fact that the Indiana Blues will have to pay out $42,540 over 2 years, he will certainly draw fans to the park. Let's just hope they don't crank up ticket prices to over 35 cents!

In his career Eddington has totaled 60 victories and 57 defeats with a 2.91 ERA. The 32-year-old hurler also has struck out 387 batters in 1011.1 innings and surrendered 1007 hits.

[JetsIn06]

Marshall Henderson Sells Pittsburgh Franchise

PITTSBURGH, PA. February 2, 1917 - Pittsburgh owner Marshall Henderson announced the sale of the Pittsburgh Keystones franchise yesterday to a New York City based theater-owner, Gustav Amark.

Amark, a Swedish immigrant who has lived in the United States for the last ten years, openly admits that baseball is not his forte, but he will have other team officials running the baseball operations.

Amark has already announced that the team will move to New York. The move should form a great rivalry between the new team and the Gothams.

[JetsIn06]

Amark Names Franchise "Yonkers Knights"

YONKERS, NY. February 10, 1917 - Gustav Amark officially announced that his new team will be known as the Yonkers Knights.

The team will wear white uniforms with a slightly interlocking "Y" and "K" on the chest. There black cap has the same logo in yellow.

They will play at Amark Field in Yonkers.

[JetsIn06]

Opening Day Arrives!

NEW YORK, NY. April 1, 1917 - It's Opening Day tomorrow in the United Baseball Association!

The brand new 1917 pennant race begins tomorrow. The clubs are poised and primed for another new season of baseball filled with plenty of spills, chills, hits, runs, errors and homers. Another exciting season kicks off with these games:

Cleveland Maroons @ Detroit Wolverines
Boston Shipbuilders @ New York Gothams
Washington Grays @ Yonkers Knights
Chicago Orphans @ Reading Reds
Kansas City Packers @ Baltimore Terrapins
Newark Peppers @ Brooklyn Titans
Philadelphia Centennials @ Chicago Whales
St. Louis Terriers @ Indiana Blues

[BYU 14]

That sucks the Pittsburgh got sold, it will be strange to not have a team on the Alleghany.

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

That sucks the Pittsburgh got sold, it will be strange to not have a team on the Alleghany.

A team will be back there soon, don't worry!

[JetsIn06]

WAR!

WASHINGTON, DC. April 7, 1917 - War came to the United States at 1:18 yesterday afternoon - War by the Government and the people of this nation against the Imperial German Government.

President Wilson signed a Congressional resolution declaring that "The State of War," which has been thrust upon this nation, is hereby formally declared.

Washington Eagan, the UBA commissioner, declared that he was "unsure how the war would affect the 1917 season, but would continue playing until requested to stop."

[JetsIn06]

Pittsburgh Fans Outraged, Eagan Responds

PITTSBURGH, PA. April 11, 1917 - The Pittsburgh Keystones were one of the eight charter franchises of the United League. But in February, Marshall Henderson sold the club to Swedish immigrant Gustav Amark, owner of a Broadway theater. Amark wanted to bring the team closer to his office, so he moved them to Yonkers, NY.

After the move, Pittsburgh fans became outraged. "This is just terrible," said one Keystone fan. "It will be strange to not have a UBA team on the Allegheny."

The fan is correct. It certainly will be strange to not have a team in Pittsburgh, a city that holds many professional and independent baseball clubs.

Pittsburgh residents began writing Commissioner Eagan of the UBA, demanding that a team be placed there. Yesterday, he responded.

"The league is aware of the fans feelings on the move of the Keystones to Yonkers. However, we first must remind them that there is nothing we could have done. The organizations are their own legal businesses, and can do what they wish."

"However," he continued, "my main goal as commissioner is to keep the peace between each league and it's owners, and keep the UBA fans happy. And you fans are correct in that not having a team that represents Pittsburgh does go against baseball tradition. So with that being said, I promise you today, that in our next phase of expansion, whenever that may be, a new franchise will be placed in Pittsburgh."

[JetsIn06]

First Months Top Players

NEW YORK, NY. May 1, 1917 - Ed Gale left little doubt in the minds of United League officials that he should be named April's Player of the Month for his outstanding performance.

"I wasn't always confident at the start of a game," said Gale. "Sometimes it's hard to get into the flow -- the calls aren't going your way or you're trying to spot your pitches too much. You just have to relax and use what you've been taught all your life -- get back to basics -- good mechanics, control, location, keep the ball down."

The 31-year-old tossed 58.2 innings of quality baseball -- going 6-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 53 strikeouts.

--

When Fatty Knott stepped up to the plate in April, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Columbia League Player of the Month award.

The young Chicago first baseman posted a .368 batting average with no home runs, 15 RBIs and scored 14 runs. Knott also worked pitchers for 11 walks to post a .422 on-base percentage.

[JetsIn06]

Indiana's Eddington Sidelined for Season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. May 17, 1917 - The doctors have spoken and Sydney Eddington of the Indiana Blues didn't like what he heard. The 32-year-old starting pitcher is almost certainly gone for the rest of the year and depending on his progress could miss some of next season as well. Eddington sustained his season-ending injury during the Newark Peppers game yesterday at Hoosier Grounds. He had to leave the game because he hurt himself while throwing a pitch. Today the Indiana medical staff reported Eddington had a forearm strain and would be absent from the lineup for at least 7 months.

This year Eddington has gone 4-6 with an ERA of 2.34 and has 34 strikeouts in 92.1 innings.

[JetsIn06]

Packers Weatherly Sizzles with Cycle in 19-Inning Game

KANSAS CITY, MO. May 25, 1917 - Despite his best efforts, Ephraim Weatherly and Kansas City came out on the short end of the score today, dropping the game to St. Louis 10-9. The 29-year-old right fielder piled up 5 hits in 9 at-bats and hit for the cycle, but still failed to top the Terriers.

Weatherly walked in the 1st, grounded out in the 2nd, hit a solo-shot off Newman in the 5th, flied out in the 7th, grounded out in the 9th, doubled in the 12th, singled in the 14th, grounded out in the 16th, tripled in the 18th and hit a three-run home run off Seibert in the 19th.

Weatherly is batting .392 this year with 4 home runs, 34 RBIs and 35 runs scored. He has 82 hits in 209 at-bats.

[JetsIn06]

May's Top Players

NEW YORK, NY. June 1, 1917 - Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Floyd Bennett still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in May. The 33-year-old starter for New York was named United League Player of the Month earlier today.

He collected 6 wins and 2 losses with 54 strikeouts in his 8 starts, putting up a fine 1.56 ERA in 75 innings of work.

So far this year Bennett has a 10-4 record with a 1.37 ERA.

--

Ephraim Weatherly got another reason to celebrate today as he followed up a great month of May at the plate by winning the Columbia League Player of the Month Award.

During the month, the Kansas City: right fielder hit .444 with 5 home runs, 24 RBIs and 34 runs scored.

Currently Weatherly has 5 home runs and a .402 batting average.

[JetsIn06]

New York Teams Top Standings

NEW YORK, NY. June 15, 1917 -

United League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
New York		42	24		66
Chicago		40	29	3.5	69
Detroit		38	30	5	68
Reading		34	34	9	68
Cleveland		32	36	11	68
Boston		30	36	12	66
Washington		29	36	12.5	65
Yonkers		22	42	19	64
Columbia League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
Brooklyn		39	27		66
Kansas City		37	28	1.5	65
St. Louis		37	31	3	68
Philadelphia		33	33	6	66
Newark		33	34	6.5	67
Indiana		32	38	9	70
Baltimore		28	37	10.5	65
Chicago		30	41	11.5	71

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by JetsIn06

Packers Weatherly Sizzles with Cycle in 19-Inning Game

KANSAS CITY, MO. May 25, 1917 - Despite his best efforts, Ephraim Weatherly and Kansas City came out on the short end of the score today, dropping the game to St. Louis 10-9. The 29-year-old right fielder piled up 5 hits in 9 at-bats and hit for the cycle, but still failed to top the Terriers.

Weatherly walked in the 1st, grounded out in the 2nd, hit a solo-shot off Newman in the 5th, flied out in the 7th, grounded out in the 9th, doubled in the 12th, singled in the 14th, grounded out in the 16th, tripled in the 18th and hit a three-run home run off Seibert in the 19th.

Weatherly is batting .392 this year with 4 home runs, 34 RBIs and 35 runs scored. He has 82 hits in 209 at-bats.

This sounds like an exciting game, how many runs were actually scored on extra innings and I take it St Louis scored 4 in the bottom of the 19th?

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

This sounds like an exciting game, how many runs were actually scored on extra innings and I take it St Louis scored 4 in the bottom of the 19th?

It was definitely a strange game. Here's a look at the box score.

[JetsIn06]

Ebert, Seeley, Best in June

NEW YORK, NY. July 1, 1917 - Earl Ebert's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 7-1 in June, the 29-year-old Chicago hurler has been named United League Player of the Month.

He fanned 58 in 71 innings, logged an ERA of 1.27 and allowed opponents to hit .201 against him.

In the 1917 season Ebert has 15 wins, 6 losses and a 1.73 ERA.

--

The #1 player in the Columbia League in June was Kansas City: center fielder Orrin Seeley. He was selected the Player of the Month.

Seeley starred with a .326 batting average, 3 home runs and 24 RBIs.

This season Seeley has delivered 87 hits in 295 at-bats for a .295 average with 5 home runs. He is getting on base at a .345 clip and his totals also include 53 RBIs and 48 runs scored. This year Seeley has played in 79 games.

[JetsIn06]

New York, Chicago Swap Players

NEW YORK, NY. July 8, 1917 - The Gothams and Whales confirmed this afternoon that a trade had been agreed upon. In the deal, New York will get 30-year old starting pitcher Whitey Upchurch, while Chicago will receive 21-year old starting pitcher Hutch Koons, 22-year old minor league closer Jones Keenan, 24-year old minor league center fielder Berry Whitford, 21-year old first baseman Hugh Lyle and 20-year old center fielder Elzie Mudd.

In 22 starts this season, Upchurch has recorded 7 wins and absorbed 11 losses. He has pitched 181.1 innings, allowed 154 hits, struck out 120 and has a 2.78 ERA. Chicago is 16.5 games back in the Columbia League and could afford to give up Upchurch in exchange for younger players.

[JetsIn06]

Newman Hits for the Cycle

NEW YORK, NY. July 13, 1917 - Today at Bronx Oval Grounds, New York shortstop Olaf Newman accomplished a true baseball rarity, knocking a single, double, triple and a home run to hit for the cycle and lead the Gothams to a 10-0 win over Detroit. In a standout performance Newman laced 5 hits in 5 trips to the plate and had 4 RBI.

Newman singled in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 4th, tripled in the 6th, hit an RBI single in the 7th and hit a two-run home run off S. Glover in the 9th.

Currently Newman is batting .228 with 65 hits and 3 home runs. He has knocked in 34 runs and scored 32 times.

[JetsIn06]

Thrice Is Nice: Mahoney Unloads 3 Homers

ST. LOUIS, MO. July 20, 1917 - Fire! St. Louis gunner Nelson Mahoney set his sights on the stands and blasted three balls over the fence in a 9-2 win over the Baltimore Terrapins. It was a powerful performance that should keep the fans at Handlan's Park buzzing for days.

He spoke to the writers in the postgame press room and said, "I guess you could say I was a good guesser today... especially on the last one... I was ahead in the count, so I got set for a certain pitch... and got it... all of it."

For the game the St. Louis right fielder had 3 hits in 4 at-bats, drove in 5 and scored 3 runs.

Mahoney hit a two-run home run off S. Woodward in the 1st, hit a solo-shot in the 3rd, hit a two-run home run in the 5th and grounded out in the 7th.

This was the first time a three-home-run game has occurred in the United Baseball Association.

This season Mahoney has banged out 105 hits in 382 at-bats for a .275 average with 7 home runs. He is getting on base at a .328 pace and his totals also include 56 RBIs and 41 runs scored.

[JetsIn06]

Sorry for the lack of updates lately....started a new job at night and have much less time on my hands.

I'm also planning on moving this to OOTPX after the 1917 season, but in my testing, I've found that the financials have become deflated, probably because they're much more realistic in this game. Or maybe I messed something up in the old game.

My top paid player is making 120,000 per year, and the new 1918 settings have the top player making 19,000.

So, I'm going to come up with a way to make it work. World War I is going on, and 1918 was the year it impacted baseball. So, I have a starting ground.

Just wanted to let you guys know something a little strange might happen.

[Wolfpack]

Hmm...you could say that the season was disrupted in 1918 as the war demanded committing many players to the war and the owners to war production. Unfortunately, some owners lost money or even were ruined outright, some players died "over there", leaving the two leagues (who are already battling the real majors for share) foundering a bit, some teams fold, others merge. Then the Spanish flu hits in 1919 and again the season is disrupted as people try to stay home to avoid the pandemic. Again, there may be a wave of foldings, leaving the leagues perhaps with four or five teams apiece in just the major cities of the East (New York, Chicago, Boston, etc) where there is enough paying customers to keep those teams afloat against MLB, who will probably have turmoil of their own with the Black Sox Scandal on the way. So, it's very possible that war/epidemic problems could cause the economy of the UBA to collapse enough to make such a salary drop plausible.

Of course, I'm placing some emphasis on the idea that your UBA is more of a "USFL"-type challenger to the hegemony of MLB rather than being considered co-equals with MLB, thus the existence in your world of free agency and other ideas to differentiate your game from theirs. As always, it's harder for new leagues to gain traction against the established power.

Long term, are you planning on keeping the UBA in its own bubble with only passing references to MLB or are there plans to somehow mix the two worlds (if only perhaps in the form of seeing a real-life major leaguer make a surprise jump to the UBA for whatever reason and vice versa)?

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

Hmm...you could say that the season was disrupted in 1918 as the war demanded committing many players to the war and the owners to war production. Unfortunately, some owners lost money or even were ruined outright, some players died "over there", leaving the two leagues (who are already battling the real majors for share) foundering a bit, some teams fold, others merge. Then the Spanish flu hits in 1919 and again the season is disrupted as people try to stay home to avoid the pandemic. Again, there may be a wave of foldings, leaving the leagues perhaps with four or five teams apiece in just the major cities of the East (New York, Chicago, Boston, etc) where there is enough paying customers to keep those teams afloat against MLB, who will probably have turmoil of their own with the Black Sox Scandal on the way. So, it's very possible that war/epidemic problems could cause the economy of the UBA to collapse enough to make such a salary drop plausible.

Of course, I'm placing some emphasis on the idea that your UBA is more of a "USFL"-type challenger to the hegemony of MLB rather than being considered co-equals with MLB, thus the existence in your world of free agency and other ideas to differentiate your game from theirs. As always, it's harder for new leagues to gain traction against the established power.

Long term, are you planning on keeping the UBA in its own bubble with only passing references to MLB or are there plans to somehow mix the two worlds (if only perhaps in the form of seeing a real-life major leaguer make a surprise jump to the UBA for whatever reason and vice versa)?

Excellent ideas here that I'll definitely use.

To answer your question, the UBA and MLB won't ever cross paths. You won't see any MLB players come in.

Actually, I did have one idea where the Presidents Cup winner would face off against the World Series winner in an exhibition game, but I have to figure out how I could do that.

[JetsIn06]

War in Europe may Impact 1918 Season

WASHINGTON, DC. July 24, 1917 - On the second day of July Brigadier General Pershing, who had traveled from New York to France in May, requested 1,000,000 troops to travel overseas to fight in the War in Europe. Thirteen days ago, Brigadier General Pershing revised his request, asking for 3,000,000 men.

Commissioner Eagan has announced that fans should "be prepared for a shortened season, and possibly no season at all."

[JetsIn06]

July's Top Players

NEW YORK, NY. August 1, 1917 - Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 38-year-old Wash Teal put together a solid offensive month for Reading and was crowned July's topplayer in the United League.

He batted .354 with 1 home run, 12 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

This season in 107 games Teal is batting .291 with 3 home runs, 46 RBIs and has scored 71 times.

--

His solid numbers speak for themselves. That's why Dave Mulligan of the St. Louis Terriers was named the Columbia League's best player in July.

The St. Louis first baseman starred with a .388 batting average, 2 home runs and 14 RBIs.

Mulligan is swinging at a .321 pace on the year with 6 home runs, 54 RBIs and 56 runs scored. He has played in 108 games.

[JetsIn06]

New York, Brooklyn Top Standings

NEW YORK, NY. August 20, 1917 -

United League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
New York		78	45		123
Chicago		73	56	8	129
Detroit		67	60	13	127
Reading		67	60	13	127
Cleveland		64	64	16.5	128
Washington		52	70	25.5	122
Boston		50	73	28	123
Yonkers		49	72	28	121
Columbia League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
Brooklyn		75	48		123
St. Louis		67	57	8.5	124
Philadelphia		60	62	14.5	122
Kansas City		59	63	15.5	122
Baltimore		58	64	16.5	122
Newark		59	65	16.5	124
Indiana		59	68	18	127
Chicago		58	68	18.5	126
League Leaders
Batting Average		Elias Herrick		0.340	STL
Doubles		E. Weatherly		38	KC
Triples		Bob Mehan		23	CHI (CL)
Home Runs		Jiggs Moser		12	DET
Runs Batted In		Dummy Dell		77	BRK
Stolen Bases		R. Lawrence		51	KC
Earned Run Average		Ed Gale		1.58	NY
Wins		Earl Ebert		21	CHI (UL)
Strikeouts		Earl Ebert		213	CHI (UL)

[Wolfpack]

I probably should amend my earlier musings somewhat. I tried to read up on what impact the war and the flu had on American life and it seems like almost none of it had any big effect on baseball. Only a small handful of MLB players actually were KIA in the conflict and apparently the worst of the epidemic was mostly over by early 1919. Now, it could be argued that while MLB was relatively unaffected, perhaps the UBA players were more vulnerable (or more patriotically willing) to be called up for service since they weren't the well-known clubs and players that MLB were so there was no "national service" in maintaining the UBA's normalcy. As for 1919, while the epidemic largely played out by the start of baseball season, you could perhaps consider delaying the start or something like that, building on the fact that the UBA would be disorganized by the war followed by the epidemic (which did linger into 1920, but was nowhere near as bad as it was in 1918 and early 1919. Maybe the season doesn't start until June, in which case the UBA founders a bit like MLB did in 1994-95 with a lost season and a shortened season.

Just some thoughts on how to fill in the blanks.

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

I probably should amend my earlier musings somewhat. I tried to read up on what impact the war and the flu had on American life and it seems like almost none of it had any big effect on baseball. Only a small handful of MLB players actually were KIA in the conflict and apparently the worst of the epidemic was mostly over by early 1919. Now, it could be argued that while MLB was relatively unaffected, perhaps the UBA players were more vulnerable (or more patriotically willing) to be called up for service since they weren't the well-known clubs and players that MLB were so there was no "national service" in maintaining the UBA's normalcy. As for 1919, while the epidemic largely played out by the start of baseball season, you could perhaps consider delaying the start or something like that, building on the fact that the UBA would be disorganized by the war followed by the epidemic (which did linger into 1920, but was nowhere near as bad as it was in 1918 and early 1919. Maybe the season doesn't start until June, in which case the UBA founders a bit like MLB did in 1994-95 with a lost season and a shortened season.

Just some thoughts on how to fill in the blanks.

Very interesting. Thank you for looking into it!

I'm trying to figure out how the players and owners could agree to something as drastic as cutting their pay by almost 75%.

While something like this might work: UBA is floundering and unless pay is cut, the league will fold... the talent isn't that much less than the UBA in my imagination, so players would say, "fine," and join MLB teams.

I just got off work and my mind isn't clear enough to think this all through, I'm just thinking out loud.

The one thing keeping them in the UBA is the fact that they're getting paid (or, will be after five years of service) market value. They have free agency, and that draws players in and keeps them. So maybe they would accept a cut to still have that. I'd love to say that they just love the league and their teams, but that doesn't seem very human of them .

Also, I do know why they were able to be paid so much in the first place. If you remember back to the beginning, an anonymous financier funneled a ton of money into the league, allowing stadiums to be leased, players to be paid, etc., which in my mind, allowed them to get players this talented.

I think we can easily figure out a way to get the money stash down (war, flu, lack of attendance)...it can easily be attributed to a combination of things, but now I need to figure out WHY the players would stay after losing 75% of their pay.

[Wolfpack]

For the love of the game?

[JetsIn06]

August's Top Players

NEW YORK, NY. September 2, 1917 - There's something about a young rookie winning the United League Player of the Month trophy that sends shock waves through the league. Such is the case with Doggie Overton, a 24-year-old starter for the Yonkers Knights.

In August, he topped off the month with a 6-1 mark and 1.46 ERA in 7 starts, tossed 61.2 innings, fanned 27 and held opposing teams to a .179 average.

This season Overton has gone 11-13 with an ERA of 3.36, posting 91 strikeouts in 211.2 innings.

--

Dick Mcgovern battered Columbia League pitchers all August and wound up taking home the Player of the Month Award.

"I've been around the United Baseball Association long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 28-year-old Mcgovern told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I may not take the field and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month."

In 27 games, Mcgovern hit .374 with 1 home run, 19 RBIs and scored 21 runs.

This year Mcgovern is batting .282 with 148 hits and 2 home runs. He has scored 91 times and has batted in 66 runs.

[JetsIn06]

New York Fans Excited as Gothams and Titans Clinch

NEW YORK, NY. September 15, 1917 - Fans across all five boroughs of New York City celebrated yesterday as their two favorite teams, the New York Gothams of the United League, and the Brooklyn Titans of the Columbia League, clinched their spot in the 1917 Presidents Cup Series.

It is the first time that two teams from the same city will face off in the series.

[JetsIn06]

A Look at the 1918 Free Agent Class

NEW YORK, NY. September 20, 1917 - While nothing will ever really compare to last season, when players from the inaugural season hit five years of service time, free agency is still something to look forward to each season.

As this year winds down, let's take a look at some of the top players who are still without a contract for the 1918 season:

1. RF Snooks Mckay, 32-years-old.

Mckay, currently a member of the Detroit Wolverines, had a relatively disappointing season. It was his first season with an on-base-average of less than .300, and he hit just .244, a career low. His power did improve a bit, hitting 6 home runs, four more than his career best.

2. C Blondie Ledford, 29-years-old.

The left-handed hitting catcher, currently with the Chicago Orphans, is also having a down year. His walk numbers are way up, giving him a respectable .334 on-base-average, but his batting average is down to a career low .239.

3. SP Johny Beebe, 41-years-old.

Beebe, also a Chicago Orphan, is one of the older players in the league but is still doing excellent. His 19-15 record and 2.42 ERA make this season one of his best.

[JetsIn06]

1917 Regular Season Comes to a Close

NEW YORK, NY. September 25, 1917 - Every season gives us something to remember, and the 1917 campaign was no different. While the country began a war in Europe, baseball kept the United States running back home. It gave citizens a reminder of peaceful times. No one is really sure what will happen in the future, but baseball will always give us hope.

It was the second season of 154 games, and new records were established. You never know; One hundred years from now, our great grandsons may be discussing the amazing feats of Ephraim Weatherly and his 205 hits in the 1917 season. Or perhaps the 30 triples by Bob Mehan will stand the test of time. Maybe Mat Sterns' 34 shutouts will still be in the lead one hundred years from now. On the other hand, Lorenzo Dubois could go down as the pitcher who lost the most games in a single season (25).

While baseball as a whole brought us together in these tough times, it also created friendly rivalries. In a couple of days, the New York Gothams of Manhattan and the Titans of Brooklyn will face off ain a best-of-nine affair that could pit father against son or brother against brother as they watch the game at the park, wait to hear from friends about the game, or wait patiently for the New York Chronicle to arive at newstands.

Here are the final standings for the year, as well as the league leaders:

United League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
New York		100	54		154
Chicago		89	65	11	154
Detroit		80	74	20	154
Reading		79	75	21	154
Cleveland		73	81	27	154
Washington		72	82	28	154
Yonkers		67	87	33	154
Boston		56	98	44	154
Columbia League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
Brooklyn		97	57		154
St. Louis		86	68	11	154
Baltimore		75	79	22	154
Philadelphia		74	80	23	154
Newark		73	81	24	154
Chicago		72	82	25	154
Kansas City		70	84	27	154
Indiana		69	85	28	154

League Leaders
Batting Average		Dave Mulligan		0.331	STL
Doubles		E. Weatherly		42	KC
Triples		Bob Mehan		30	CHI (CL)
Home Runs		Hermann Howland		12	NY
Runs Batted In		Dummy Dell		103	BRK
Stolen Bases		R. Lawrence		69	KC
Earned Run Average		Ed Gale		1.67	NY
Wins		Jim Cornell		27	BRK
Strikeouts		Clay Cherry		270	BOS

[JetsIn06]

The 1917 Presidents Cup Series Preview: New York Gothams

NEW YORK, NY. September 26, 1917 - New York will host the first of nine possible games today, as the 4th Presidents Cup Series begins today. It will pit the United League's New York Gothams against the Columbia League's Brooklyn Titans.

The Gothams have struggled in recent years, but made the most of their financial advantage last off-season. They added pitcher Floyd Bennett (25-12, 2.08), second baseman Boots Groat (.294, 58 RBI), and Freeman Willis (.292, 59 RBI) and others, who really helped them reach 100 wins this season. In addition, they added veteran pitcher Whiter Upchurch through a trade in the middle of the season, and he helped out by going 10-5 with a 1.97 ERA in New York.

The New York club is owned by 57-year-old Charles White, founder of White Shipbuilders, Inc., and managed by baseball veteran Eli Gallaher, a 60-year-old who started his UBA career as the skipper of the Class B Grays of Washington. He's been with New York since the 1914 campaign.

Gallaher's lineup will look something like this:

1. 3B Jeremiah Mooney (.246, 8 Doubles, 5 Triples, 20 RBI, 41 SB)
2. C Tug Edward (.274, 25 Doubles, 59 RBI)
3. 2B Boots Groat (.294, 10 Doubles, 9 Triples, 58 RBI, 36 SB)
4. CF Max Clark (.266, 19 Doubles, 7 Triples, 60 RBI)
5. Hermann Howland (.246, 23 Doubles, 12 Home Runs, 69 RBI)
6. Olaf Newman (.243, 23 Doubles, 4 Home Runs, 59 RBI)
7. Freeman Willis (.292, 19 Doubles, 5 Home Runs, 59 RBI)
8. Alonzo Bird (.255, 7 Doubles)

The pitchers who will head out to the mound for the Gothams are:

1. LHP Ed Gale (23-11, .167 ERA, 262 K)
2. RHP Floyd Bennett (25-12, 2.08 ERA, 223 K)
3. RHP Perry Birch (24-13, 2.69 ERA, 151 K)
4. RHP Whitey Upchurch (17-16, 2.43 ERA, 207 K)

The first, second, fifth, six, and ninth games will be played in the Gothams home park, the Bronx Oval Grounds. The park will seat 12,300, but many thousands more are expected to arrive.

LF: 320'
CF: 422'
RF: 321'



The Gothams will be wearing gray knickers and shirts with black sleeves and black socks. The socks have two orange stripes going around the calf, and an interlocking orange "N" and "Y" adorn the left side of the shirt. The same "NY" is on their cap.

[JetsIn06]

The 1917 Presidents Cup Series Preview: Brooklyn Titans

NEW YORK, NY. September 26, 1917 - With their team's away games now just a few miles away, Brooklyn fans are expected to fill about half of the seats here at the Bronx Oval Grounds today.

The Titans, who were known as the Tip-Tops during the 1914 and 1915 seasons, won just 73 games last year and finished in 7th place. This year, they crushed their competition, going 97-57 and finishing 11 games ahead of the second place Terriers.

The key to their success on offense? Getting on base. While the team average was .248, just one point above the league average, their on base average was .330, a whopping 29 points above the league average.

When it came to pitching, it was the same concept, just reversed. The team gave up just 260 walks over the entire season. The next best? Newark's 335. They held opposing team's to a .230 batting average, which was by far the best in the Columbia League.

The team is owned by Gus Duke, a 36-year-old real estate mogul, and is managed by Fletcher Rowley, a first-year manager in the UBA.

Mr. Rowley will likely send out these eight men to fight for the championship:

1. LF Tomas 'Jaybird' Sperry (.258, 21 Doubles, 7 Home Runs, 41 RBI, 49 SB)
2. 2B Mat Gough (.264, 21 Doubles, 8 Triples, 56 RBI, 31 SB)
3. RF Dick McGovern (.282, 31 Doubles, 9 Triples, 82 RBI, 36 SB)
4. SS Dummy Dell (.277, 26 Doubles, 15 Triples, 9 Home Runs, 103 RBI, 23 SB)
5. CF Pierre Fisk (.265, 19 Doubles, 13 Triples, 69 RBI, 28 SB)
6. C Bimm Sheffield (.237, 13 Doubles, 64 RBI)
7. 1B Oscar Spencer (.237, 5 Doubles, 6 Home Runs, 37 RBI, 19 SB)
8. 3B Swanee Bemis (.257, 7 Doubles, 45 RBI)

The following pitchers will start for Brooklyn on the mound:

1. RHP Thomas Moyer (21-13, 2.42 ERA, 161 K)
2. RHP Theo Murrell (24-13, 2.46 ERA, 199 K)
3. RHP Elijah McNaughton (23-15, 2.74 ERA, 80 K)
4. LHP Mather Edgar (17-10, 1.55 ERA, 188 K in Class A)

Games three, four, seven, and eight will be played at Washington Park in Brooklyn. The ballpark holds around 13,000 people.

LF: 300'
CF: 450'
RF: 335'



The Titans wear light gray uniforms with black socks and a black cap. A blue "B" adorns the chest, and a white "B" is located on the cap.

[JetsIn06]

Brooklyn's Dummy Dell Leads Titans to Victory

NEW YORK, NY. September 27, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Brooklyn		0	1	1	0	0	3	0	4	2			11	12	4
New York		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0			4	11	2

The first game of the 4th Presidents Cup Series took place yesterday at the Bronx Oval Grounds in New York. It was a beautiful September afternoon, a cool 59 degrees and a slight breeze blowing in from center, but it certainly wasn't a good day for the home team.

It was a close one until the 6th, but two singles, a walk, a sacrifice fly and a 2-out, 2-run triple made it 5-0. A 4-run 8th put it out of reach, and two more in the 9th made it embarrassing.

There was no doubt about the player of the game. Dummy Dell, Brooklyn's short stop, hit a home run in the 8th, and then got up again in the 9th and hit another! However, we can't forget about McNaughton, the Titans pitcher who allowed just one earned run and one walk. He kept the Gothams offense at bay and picked up the win.

[JetsIn06]

Gothams Tie Up Series at 1-1

NEW YORK, NY. September 28, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Brooklyn		0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0			2	5	1
New York		0	0	2	1	0	2	0	0	0			5	9	3

On a partly cloudy afternoon in front of 12,223 seated fans and many more who watched from rooftops or lined the outfield wall, the New York Gothams tied the 4th Presidents Cup Series one game to one yesterday with a 5-2 win.

The two hour and thirty-nine minute affair was kicked off when Brooklyn scored in the third without getting a hit. An error, two walks, and then another error scored pitcher Mathew Edgar. But New York answered back in the bottom of the inning, when Whitey Upchurch led off with a single and then later scored on an error. They scored another in the inning, and then scored a third time in the 4th, making it 3-1.

In the bottom of the 6th, Curtis Caton drove in a run on a triple into the right-center field gap, then scored himself on a groundout. Brooklyn answered back with one in the 7th, but that was it, and the game ended 5-2.

Our player of the game award goes to Whitey Upchurch, the starting pitcher for the Gothams. He went all nine innings, giving up just five hits, no earned runs, and struck out seven.

The series is tied at 1-1, and the team will have off today and then pick it up again tomorrow at Washington Park in Brooklyn.

[JetsIn06]

Titans Win 4-3, Take 2-1 Series Lead

BROOKLYN, NY. September 28, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
New York		0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0			3	10	2
Brooklyn		1	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	x			4	10	2

"I don't know how we lost that one," Gothams short stop Olaf Newman said after the game. "We hit well, and Gale pitched a heck of a game."

Newman was right, and he didn't even mention his own performance (3 for 4, 1 R, 2 RBI). Gale pitched a solid game, going the distance and striking out seven while walking just two. He had a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the 5th at Washington Park, and even got two straight outs to open the inning. But his own error on a dribbler towards the mound allowed Fisk to get on base, and then Gough stepped up to the plate and ripped a line drive into right center that rolled all the way to the wall and allowed him to go into third base uncontested.

That hit tied the game, but when the Gothams came to bat, Clark gave them a triple of their own, and two batters later, Olaf Newman drove in the go ahead run, making it a 3-2 game.

But the lead wouldn't stay for long. In the bottom half of the 6th, two straight singles put men on first and third. Gale struck out Sheffield to get the first out, but Spencer was able to make contact and hit a fly ball deep enough to score Dell from third.

With the game now tied, Gale needed just one more out. But after a called strike, Ferdinand Bonaparte laced a line drive over the left fielder's head. The runner on first headed to third and Bonaparte slid into second base with a double. Gale could still get out of the inning with the game tied by getting Moyer out.

Moyer would have none of it. He softly placed a flyball in between the right fielder and the second basemen who was running out to get it, and a runner came in making it 4-3.

The Gothams would only get one more runner on base the rest of the game, and the contest ended with the Titans in the lead.

The two teams will play again today, with Bennett pitching for New York, and Murrell pitching for the Titans.

[JetsIn06]

Freeman Willis Hits Gothams to Victory

BROOKLYN, NY. October 1, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
New York		0	2	0	1	1	0	0	1	0			5	10	0
Brooklyn		0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0			2	8	2

The Titans couldn't pull of the win yesterday in front of their home crowd of 12,863. Theo Murrell pitched all nine innings, but gave up ten hits and four earned runs.

The big man on offense for New York was right-fielder Freeman Willis, who went 4-for-4 with a run scored.

Floyd Bennett, the starter for the Gothams, hurled a complete game giving up eight hits and three walks. He struck out four and gave up two earned runs over 138 pitches.

The series is now tied at 2-2. Today is an off-day, and tomorrow the teams will head to the Bronx Oval Grounds to play games five and six.

[JetsIn06]

New York Needs Two More

NEW YORK, NY. October 3, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Brooklyn		0	1	1	2	1	0	0	2	0			7	11	0
New York		3	0	0	0	4	1	0	1	x			9	14	1

The New York Gothams, who were underdogs coming into the series, have come back from losing the series 2-1 and are now two games away from winning the 1917 Presidents Cup, up 3-2 over their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Titans.

New York got out to an early lead after a triple from center-fielder Max Clark. Clark belted the first pitch he saw yesterday over the right fielders head and dove headfirst into third safely. He came in to score as the next hitter, Howland, smashed a single into center field, making it 3-0.

But Brooklyn steadily came back to take the lead in the top of the 5th. One run in the 2nd, one in the 3rd, and two in the 4th made it 4-3, and a triple and RBI groundout brought the lead to 5-3.

However, the lead didn't last long. It started with two straight singles for New York by Groat and Clark. Then, with Howland up to bat, McNaughton just missed low on a full-count pitch, loading the bases for Olaf Newman. Newman walked to the plate, took a breath to calm his senses, and stepped into the box.

"I knew I just needed to make contact," Newman said. "We were going to score a run if I could get the ball on the ground since they were playing for the double play."

"He got himself into that 2-2 count," said Gothams manager Eli Gallaher. "But that didn't bother him, from the look of it. He watched that third ball go by, then fouled one back. Then, he delivered."

He sure did deliver. On a full count pitch, Newman belted a line drive over the first base bag. It sliced and landed right on the line, bouncing around in the corner. Howland, who was on first, huffed and buffed his way around the bases. Newman trotted into third uncontested. The three RBI hit gave them a 6-5 lead. The Gothams added another in the 5th and 6th, making it 8-5.

In the top of the 8th, the Titans made it a ballgame again. With one out, Brooklyn's Person lined a single into center. Starke was up next, and hit a nubber in between the pitcher and catcher. Peters, the pitcher, ran in to field in and agressively tried to get the out at second, but the ball got there a half-second late, putting men on 1st and 2nd with one out.

Dickerson, who was up next, flew out to right but moved the runner up to 3rd.

With two outs, Tomas Sperry ripped a triple down the left field line, scoring two runs and bringing the score to 8-7 with a man on 3rd. But Peters struck out Gough on three pitches, ending the inning. The Gothams scored an insurance run in the bottom half of the inning, and then retired the Titans in the 9th to clinch the victory.

Today's game will pit Brooklyn's Edgar against New York's Upchurch.

[JetsIn06]

Gothams Take Game Six 5-4

NEW YORK, NY. October 4, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Brooklyn		0	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	0			4	13	0
New York		3	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	x			5	9	0

Despite out-hitting the Gothams 13-9, the Brooklyn Titans are one loss away from losing the 4th Presidents Cup Series to the New York baseball club.

The Gothams, who jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning on a walk and three singles, gave up the lead in the top of the 4th.

The Titans scored four runs on five hits and a walk. They tried for a fifth run, but Sheffield was thrown out as he attempted to take home on a bloop single to center.

That run that was defended against eventually won the game for New York, as they took the lead in the 6th inning with a run scored on a fielders choice. The score remained 5-4, even though there was a walk or hit every inning thereafter.

The Gothams need one more win to clinch their victory. The Titans will need to win three in a row to win the series. Today the teams will head back to Brooklyn, and tomorrow Ed Gale will face Thomas Moyer in the seventh game of the series.

[JetsIn06]

Gothams Win 1917 Presidents Cup!

BROOKLYN, NY. October 6, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
New York		0	0	0	3	3	1	0	1	0			8	12	1
Brooklyn		0	0	1	2	2	0	2	0	0			7	8	3

With thunderous applause even away from their home park, the New York Gothams defeated the Brooklyn Titans yesterday in the seventh game of the 4th Presidents Cup Series. This is the 6th Presidents Cup that has been awarded.

It was a back and forth affair, but New York edged out one more run in the top of the 8th inning after a single and error put a man on third base. He was driven in by Howland, who hit a ground ball to second base.

Babe Peters took the mound for the final inning, as Brooklyn tried to score one more to tie and keep their season alive. The 9th started well for them, with McGovern getting a walk on four pitches. But Two straight fly outs put them down to their last out.

On a 1-2 count, Peters threw a high and inside fastball that Dickerson wildly swung at. He missed, and the strikeout recorded the final out of the 1917 season.

The Gothams earned their 1st Presidents Cup Series title and now get to spend all winter basking in glory, while the beaten Titans will have plenty of time to wonder what went wrong.

"Both clubs are talented. We just made fewer mistakes than they did," winning manager Eli Gallaher said to the press corps at the post-game press conference. "We made the crucial plays and got the timely hits."

Brooklyn skipper Fletcher Rowley agreed with that assessment and added, "We were a little weak on fundamentals at crucial times. I have a sneaky suspicion we will be working on fundamentals a lot next spring."

On the way to the Presidents Cup Series championship, the Gothams ended up in first place in the United League and compiled a 100-54 record during the regular season.

[JetsIn06]

Batting Titles Awarded

NEW YORK, NY. October 7, 1918 - In what's become an annual tradition, the Ford Motor Company has delivered two brand new automobiles to the United League and Columbia League batting title winners.

The United League batting race ended with Cleveland's Cap Cottrell on top with a .321 average. The Maroons second baseman was officially named the winner today. For the season he totaled 185 hits, 9 home runs with 86 RBIs and 58 runs scored. At the award ceremony Cottrell told reporters the key to his hitting success this season. "I stayed focused and tried to get a hit in every at-bat."

The 1917 Columbia League batting race was won by St. Louis first baseman Dave Mulligan. Mulligan topped the batting chart with a .331 average. For the season, he cranked out 169 hits, 8 home runs, scored 69 times and batted in 72.

[JetsIn06]

Reading Gets Rid of Manager Coffee

READING, PA. October 9, 1917 - Despite bringing the Reds two Presidents Cup Championships, Rube Coffee was let go as Reading's skipper yesterday.

At the press conference, the Reading general manager said, "Letting somebody go is never a happy experience, but in this business, you have to do it, when you see your club is not headed in the right direction. If hard work and dedication were all it took to build a winning team, Coffee would have done it. But it takes more than that. I think the world of him personally, but it was time for a change."

This past season, Reading finished with a 79-75 record and twenty-one games back of first place. Club sources were not sure who the new skipper might be and would not speculate as to the successor.

[JetsIn06]

Rumors of UBA-MLB Exhibition

NEW YORK, NY. October 18, 1917

We heard rumblings about this when the United League first formed, but it's seemingly out of nowhere now becoming a reality.

Yesterday, league sources reported to us that UBA Commissioner Washington Eagan met with American League President Ban Johnson and National League President John K. Tener to discuss an exhibition game between the two championship teams.

The Chicago White Sox defeated the New York Giants four games to two, clinching the victory on the 15th of October at the Polo Grounds in New York.

Actually, an interesting coincidence is that if this does indeed happen, the White Sox will take on the New York Gothams. The Giants, who Chicago just defeated in the World Series, were known as the Gothams in 1883 and 1884.

[JetsIn06]

UL and CL Host Awards Dinner

NEW YORK, NY. October 19, 1917 - Last night was the annual United League Awards Dinner, where William A. Willman announced the winner of three 1917 season awards.

Things are coming up roses for Johnathan Smoot of the Cleveland Maroons. This blossoming star finished his first year in the United League by taking the 1917 Rookie of the Year Award.

The 22-year-old left fielder fashioned a .297 batting average with a .359 on-base percentage, solid numbers to go with his 10 home runs, 56 RBIs and 63 runs scored.

New York ace Floyd Bennett put up some sensational stats for the 1917 season and has been voted the United League W.A. Willman Pitcher of the Year Award winner.

The 34-year-old Gothams star made 39 starts and racked up a 25-12 record. He pitched 337 innings, collected 223 strikeouts, gave up 70 walks and 277 hits in holding the opposition to a .223 batting average.

Chicago's Ezekiel Peel put the wraps on a fine campaign today by winning the 1917 United League James A. Gilmore MVP Award.

He scorched the opposition with a .311 average, picking up 142 hits, 17 doubles, 2 triples, 11 home runs and 74 RBIs, while scoring 65 runs, in what many would say has been one of the better seasons of the veteran's career.

Across town, the Columbia League announced their awards.

Juan Longstreet's age didn't show very often in his first year. He performed more like a veteran on the hill for the Newark Peppers and today he walked away with the 1917 Columbia League Rookie of the Year Award.

The 21-year-old starter registered a 13-14 record this season in 28 starts. Over 246 innings he gave up 240 hits, struck out 99 and issued 48 walks as he held the opposition to a .250 batting average and fashioned a 3.11 ERA.

With speculation about his retirement gaining steam last offseason, Terriers ace Mat Sterns had something to prove. He proved it in award-winning style as he accepted the Columbia League W.A. Willman Pitcher of the Year Award today.

The veteran St. Louis hurler posted a record of 24 wins and 13 losses this year with a 1.96 ERA. In 39 starts he struck out 138 and walked 75 in 348.2 innings.

When it came to hitting the baseball, Dave Mulligan had few peers in the Columbia League this year. The gifted first baseman for St. Louis tagged opposing pitchers for a .331 average and was voted the James A. Gilmore MVP Award for 1917. Included in his season stats were 169 hits, 35 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs, 69 runs scored and 72 RBIs.

[JetsIn06]

Exhibition Match Will Take Place

NEW YORK, NY. October 22, 1917 - On October 26, the Presidents Cup Champion New York Gothams will take on the World Series champions, the Chicago White Sox in a one-game exhibition match. The only thing on the line is bragging rights, but a Gothams win would certainly sting for the American League.

When the United League was first forming, the American and National Leagues called it an "outlaw league." The UL fought back, claiming itself to be a "major league." On the 26th, we'll find out just how well the UBA matches up against the major leagues.

American League, National League, and United Baseball Association representatives met about one week ago and drew up a proposal that will pit the champions of each series (Presidents Cup Series and World Series) against each other in a one game match. The leagues will split gate receipts 50/50, and the home team will rotate each year.

On the 26th, the teams will play at Chicago's home ballpark, Comiskey Park.

[JetsIn06]

White Sox Rout Gothams 7-1

NEW YORK, NY. October 27, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
New York		1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0			1	8	3
Chicago		1	0	0	0	0	2	0	4	x			7	6	1

In front of a sold out crowd of 42,000, the Chicago White Sox pleased baseball's National Committee by winning an exhibition game against the United Baseball Association's champion, the New York Gothams.

New York didn't go down with a fight, however, and they certainly had a shot to win. Amazingly, Floyd Bennett, who was pitching for New York, gave up seven runs in the game. But only one was earned. Three errors came at very bad times for the Gothams.

Clark, Edward, and Willis each had two hits for New York, and Murphy and Jackson had two hits for Chicago. The real standout on offense was Joe Jackson, who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI.

[JetsIn06]

Owners Discuss Wartime Policy at Annual Meeting

NEW YORK, NY. November 1, 1917 - There was a big question in the minds of UBA owners; will the 1918 season go on? But they certainly realize, even if they do play, they cannot go about business the same way when the minds of the public are focused on the thousands of men fighting overseas.

It is also very probable that players of draft age will be called into service, forcing younger players to fill their shoes. The thousands of men who attend ball games regularly are in or will be in Europe, which will cause attendance revenue to drop.

The owners met over the past three days, one month earlier than their usual meetings, to discuss the upcoming season. In the end, they decided that they will in fact play, but have agreed on a few policy changes.

First, they agreed to not preemptively cut the schedule down, but to fit in as many games as possible before the war makes it impossible to go on.

Secondly, and perhaps most controversial discussion, was that on player salaries. Owners stated that with a shortened season, a war tax being placed on customers, and a simple lack of knowledge about how long the war will go on, player salaries must be lowered for the UBA to survive.

The Owners have scheduled a meeting for next week, inviting the top paid player from each team in order to negotiate a deal with them.

[JetsIn06]

Player-Owner Meeting is a Success

NEW YORK, NY. November 9, 1917 - In a round-table negotiation yesterday behind closed doors, sixteen team owners and sixteen of the top-paid players from the United Baseball Association discussed and agreed upon a new salary structure that will help the UBA stay afloat through the war.

Surprisingly, the players not only were looking out for themselves, but were looking out for their younger, less-paid teammates. When the owners proposed a 80% salary cut, the players balked at the idea.

The owners had the leverage, knowing that free agency was such an advantage to the players, they essentially could ask for whatever they wanted and threaten to add the reserve clause to player contracts in the future.

While the players could just not agree to the offer and force the owners to find new players, it was clear that they wanted to play baseball.

In the end, the players would agree to take a 70% salary cut, but sought a few more changes to compromise. Rather than just becoming a free agent after five years, the players looked out for their younger teammates by proposing that after the fourth year, a neutral arbitrator would decide your salary. They also asked for minor league players to eventually have a chance to get out of their deal. Currently, a reserve clause allows a team to control the player until he is released or retires. The players asked for an eight-year limit.

Finally, they asked for something they termed "Option years." Essentially, it limits the amount of times a player can be sent to the minor leagues.

The owners agreed, and also stated that when the war ended, player salaries would quickly go back to normal.

One other change that came out of the meetings was a new plan for the organization of the minor leagues. Currently, all three minor league teams for each club play in the same city, making it tough for many fans to show up. The new plan will create three new leagues, placing eight minor league teams in each of the six total leagues. The teams will be spread out into new markets, so teams without a UBA club will be able to go to games. This will also add to the revenue stream of the owners.

[JetsIn06]

Peters Re-Signs for 2 years

NEW YORK, NY. November 11, 1917 - Media analysts hailed New York's signing of Babe Peters, one of United Baseball Association's brightest stars, as a pivotal move.

While the deal is certain to raise a few eyebrows, Peters is expected to earn every bit of the $18,198 promised him over 2 years.

Peters has put up these career stats: 16 wins, 14 losses, 139 appearances, 23 saves, 257.2 IP, 165 strikeouts, .223 OBA and a 2.10 ERA.