UBA (new dynasty started)

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UNITED BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
since 1912

1910: Roger Cooley, spokesman for an anonymous financier announces the formation of the United League, an eight team league that will begin play in 1912.

1910: Franchises awarded to owners in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, New York, Pittsburgh, Reading, Richmond, and Washington, D.C.

1912: First game held on April 6. President William H. Taft throws ceremonial first pitch.

1912: After 1912 season, Cincinnati Ruby Legs disenfranchised due to poor attendance. One week later, Pittsburgh Keystone owner expelled after league officials discovered he threw games to win bets placed against his own team. Pittsburgh retracted from league indefinitely.

1912: Harry F. Sinclair, Phil Ball, and George S. Ward announce formation of Columbia League on Christmas day. League planned to begin in 1914.

1913: One month after the end of the 1913 season, the United League and the Columbia League merged to create the United Baseball Association. The two leagues will remain separate entities (no inter-league play) and the winner of each will play in a best of nine contest, the Presidents Cup Series. Columbia League franchises located in Baltimore, Brooklyn, Buffalo, St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, Newark, and Pittsburgh.

1914: United League and Columbia League begin play as the United Baseball Association.

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CHAMPIONS HALL

The 1912 Chicago Orphans



The 1912 Presidents Cup was awarded to the Chicago Orphans. Chicago finished with a 89-65 record, winning a three game series against the Reading Reds in the final week of August that tied the two teams up in first place. The team went 12-5 in September and clinched the Presidents Cup when Reading lost to Pittsburgh on September 15, mathematically eliminating them from the race.

The team was anchored by pitchers Jordan Hauser, a 24-year-old Chicago native, and Sal Boyd. Hauser finished with a 19-13 record and a 2.11 ERA, and Boyd picked up 18 wins with a 2.90 ERA.

On offense, catcher and cleanup hitter Hezekiah Traver hit for a .313 average, drove in 101 runs, hit 33 doubles and hit 6 home runs.

The 1913 New York Gothams



On September 17, 1913, the New York Gothams defeated the Chicago Orphans in the deciding game of not just a three game series, but a game that would decide the winner of the 1913 Presidents Cup.

Going into September, the Orphans had a six game lead over New York and were in position to clinch the championship with just a few wins. However, a 6-10 record in Sepember, and a 12-4 record from New York led the two teams together for a final game that gave the Gothams the first place position in the standings and the Presidents Cup.

The 1914 Richmond Cardinals



Richmond finished the 1914 season by going 11-4 in September, which gave them an 84-70 record for the season. It was a close race with the New York Gothams, who finished two games behind them.

In the leagues first Presidents Cup Series, they took on the Newark Peppers who won the Columbia League with a 89-65 record. After Newark won game one, many questioned whether or not Richmond had what it took. After all, this was a team that had not finished above .500 in their first two seasons. However, Richmond went on to win the next four games. They lost game six, but came back in game seven to win in extra innings on a two-out base hit by 21-year-old short stop Snooks Gibbs.

[JetsIn06]

UNITED BASEBALL ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME

[JetsIn06]

FRANCHISE HISTORY

-Active Franchises-


Baltimore Terrapins

1914: Inaugural Season

Brooklyn Tip-Tops

1914: Inaugural Season

Buffalo Blues

1914: Inaugural Season

Chicago Orphans

1912: Inaugural Season
1912: Presidents Cup Champions

Chicago Whales

1914: Inaugural Season

Cleveland Maroons

1912: Inaugural Season

Kansas City Packers

1914: Inaugural Season

New York Gothams

1912: Inaugural Season
1913: Presidents Cup Champions

Newark Peppers

1914: Inaugural Season
1914: Columbia League Pennant Winners

Pittsburgh Rebels

1914: Inaugural Season

Reading Reds

1912: Inaugural Season

Richmond Cardinals

1912: Inaugural Season
1914: United League Pennant Winners
1914: Presidents Cup Champions

St. Louis Terriers

1914: Inaugural Season

Washington Statesmen

1912: Inaugural Season

-Defunct Franchises-

Cincinnati Ruby Legs

1912: Inaugural Season
1912: Disenfranchised after 1912 season

Pittsburgh Keystones

1912: Inaugural Season
1912: Retracted after 1912 season

[JetsIn06]

UNITED BASEBALL ASSOCIATION LEADERBOARD
as of Oct. 1914

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UNITED BASEBALL ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNERS

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Mysterious Financier Plans New Major Baseball League

April 6, 1910

"I am pleased to announce that plans are underway to bring a new major baseball league to fans from New York to Chicago," said Roger Cooley, a spokesman for the mysterious financier who remains unnamed.

Rumors are swirling after the surprise announcement made in New York City yesterday. No one knows who is backing the league, but it's got to be someone with a ton of money.

"Our current plans are to have eight franchises play in our 1912 inaugural season. The following cities currently have potential owners who are interested: Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, New York, Pittsburgh. Reading, Richmond, and Washington."

More details are expected to come soon.

[JetsIn06]

R. Cooley Named Commissioner of New Baseball League

May 3, 1910

Yesterday at a press conference in New York City's Hotel Imperial, Roger Cooley was named the Commissioner of the still-unnamed new major baseball league.

"If you remember our initial announcement, I had stated that eight franchises will play in our inaugural season. I am happy to announce that the franchises have been awarded to ownership groups in those eight cities. Construction plans have been in place for months now, and within two weeks, all eight parks will begin construction and be ready for April of 1912."

[JetsIn06]

"United League" Will Begin Play in 1912

May 9, 1910

"I am proud to say that the "United League" will begin play in April of 1912," said Roger Cooley in front of a packed room in New York's Imperial Hotel.

Many reporters asked about the mysterious financier who founded the league.

"I'm sorry, but the man who put this league together is seriously ill. His last dying wish was to create his own baseball league. In his younger days, he would be the one up here. However, due to his health, he would really like to keep this private."

[JetsIn06]

Cooley Reveals More Details on United League

May 11, 1910

Last night at the Imperial Hotel in New York City, Roger Cooley addressed reporters, giving them in depth details on inner workings of the United League and why baseball fans and players should jump on the bandwagon.

"Just under two years from now, when April of 1912 rolls around, eight cities will have a brand new team to root for. My job right now is to convince baseball fans to be United League fans, and to convince baseball players to be United League players," he started.

"To start, we are introducing 'free agency' to our league. In other major leagues, teams have the rights to players forever. In our league, after six years with the club, the player is free to re-sign with the team or sign with a new team. While fans might initially wonder if this is a good thing for them, imagine being a fan of a losing club. Without free agency, it would be very hard for the team to come back. We allow free agency to keep balance in the league, to promote healthy financials, and to keep players happy. All of these things are good for the United League and good for baseball."

"Also, after three years with the club, if a player has not signed an extension with the club, a player has the right to bring a case to court. Each side will present their case, and the court will decide on the fair value of the player."

"Finally, we are very excited to announce that not only will eight cities have a new team, but eight cities will have two new teams! We have decided to create a subsidiary league called "Class A." Class A allows teams to hold on to an extra 35 players. If a player is drafted out of school or college and is not ready for the major league, he will go to "Class A" and have a chance to play. Each team has a "Class A" affiliate in the same city."

[JetsIn06]

Financial Plan Revealed for United League

July 7, 1910

With eight ballparks currently under construction, Roger Cooley has been a very busy man. He took some time to give a few more details on the financial aspects of the United League and what it means for the future.

"Good morning, baseball fans. As you all know, ballparks are being constructed in eight cities as we speak. I've been traveling to each construction site to check up on progress and I'm happy to say that everything is on schedule."

"I wanted to take out some time on this fine day to not only discuss the future of the league, but discuss how we plan to get there. With an upstart league like ours, finances play a huge role and my goal is to be open with United League fans."

"In my last press conference, I told you about court's deciding on contracts after three years and free agency starting after six. Each player will have a "service clock." When that clock reaches three years, they can bring a contract case to court. After six years, they're free to sign with any team they can agree to a contract with. This really benefits our franchise owners and the health of the league in general. For three full years, players will be paid the minimum salary which will allow franchises to get a foothold in the market, save up their earnings, and be ready for court contracts and free agency."

"However, if a franchise cannot gain a foothold in their market, or just simply can't make enough money for any reason, their expulsion from the league is a definite possibility. When free agency rolls around, thousands of dollars will be spent on players. Payrolls will skyrocket, and if a franchise can not handle paying minimum salaries to it's players, they certainly will not be able to handle the chaos of free agency."

[JetsIn06]

Ballparks Starting to Take Shape

January 16, 1911

With snow covering the ground in five of the eight United League cities, it was hard to get a sense of what the finished ballparks would look like.

But with grandstands growing at a rapid pace and outfield walls being erected, we got a good sense of what each park will be like.

Each day we will give a report on our thoughts of each stadium. Check back tomorrow for our first report.

[JetsIn06]

Chicago's Bronson Park

January 17, 1911

Bronson Park
Home to the Chicago Franchise

Distances:

Left Line: 316'
Left Field: 352'
Left-Center: 382'
Center Field: 427'
Right-Center: 395'
Right Field: 355'
Right Line: 316'

In general, it looks like this park will favor the pitcher, but right handed batters have a good chance of hitting a home run if they can pull the ball down the left field line.

The wall is very interesting. Down the left field line, the wall starts at 7' tall. However, as it moves towards center field it rises to 10'. In right center it's 14', and from right field into the corner the wall rises a whopping 18'. Lefties will have a tougher time hitting it out.

The park itself looks incredible, even though it was covered in snow. We're told that the stands hold 4,800 spectators. Fans will have a great view of the Chicago skyline, and a large scoreboard sits within the tall right field wall.

[JetsIn06]

Cincinnati's Hood Field

January 18, 1911

Hood Field
Home to the Cincinnati Franchise

Distances:

Left Line: 322'
Left Field: 353'
Left-Center: 394'
Center Field: 424'
Right-Center: 382'
Right Field: 353'
Right Line: 320'

Hood field is another park that looks like it should favor pitching a bit. Deep walls in left and right center, and a 424' center field wall will make home runs come less often. Hood Field is located right on the Ohio River, but 10' brick walls make it hard to view from the field.

The park should hold about 4,400 fans.

[JetsIn06]

Cleveland's Hugo C. Bracken Park

January 19, 1911

Hugo C. Bracken Park
Home to the Cleveland Franchise

Distances:

Left Line: 331'
Left Field: 360'
Left-Center: 404'
Center Field: 425'
Right-Center: 394'
Right Field: 360'
Right Line: 326'

Hugo C. Bracken park is located in Cleveland, OH right along the coast of Lake Erie. In fact, home runs hit over the left field wall will most likely end up in the lake!

Right handed hitters will have trouble getting balls over the 404' left-center wall. Left handed hitters have it easier with the wall ten feet closer in right-center and five feet closer down the right field line.

The stadium can hold up to 5000 spectators due to stands that are being built past the right field wall. Those stands are not connected to the 4,500 seats that wrap around from first base to third.

Right beyond the center field wall is home to a 20' tall scoreboard.

[JetsIn06]

New York's "The Citadel"

January 20, 1911

The Citadel
Home to the New York Franchise

Distances:

Left Line: 301'
Left Field: 331'
Left-Center: 360'
Center Field: 401'
Right-Center: 353'
Right Field: 324'
Right Line: 303'

With the United League based in New York City, we expected nothing less than a baseball fortress to be the home of the New York franchise.

Well, The Citadel lives up to it's name. Holding 8,000 people, The Citadel has a multiple levels of seating that wraps from left field to right. Beyond the center field wall is a beautiful view of Manhattan, with the 612' Singer Building viewable from behind home plate.

[JetsIn06]

Pittsburgh's Keystone Park

January 21, 1911

Keystone Park
Home to the Pittsburgh Franchise

Distances:

Left Line: 333'
Left Field: 367'
Left-Center: 406'
Center Field: 438'
Right-Center: 417'
Right Field: 385'
Right Line: 333'

The intersection of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers looks like it was made for a ballpark. A triangle shaped piece of land is the home of the brand new Keystone Park.

This ballpark was actually the furthest along in construction, perhaps because of the lack of travel time needed for steel and other materials.

This park will see a ton of doubles and triples with a 406' foot left center, a 417' right center, and a whopping 448' center field.

A 10' wall wraps around from the left field foul pole to left center, but in dead center field, a 20' high scoreboard sits in the wall. A short section of 10' wall goes from the scoreboard to right field, but rises again to 18' in right field to the foul pole.

One deck of seats wraps around from foul pole to foul pole, seating 6,500 people.

[JetsIn06]

Reading's Penn Grounds

January 22, 1911

Penn Grounds
Home to the Reading Franchise

Distances:

Left Line: 334'
Left Field: 378'
Left-Center: 423'
Center Field: 431'
Right-Center: 414'
Right Field: 374'
Right Line: 329'

Reading is home to the smallest United League stadium, Penn Grounds. This park holds just 3000 people, but even the furthest spectator has a stellar view.

The Reading franchise will share the field with the Albright College baseball team. Unfortunately, with no true landmarks, this was our least favorite United League park.

[JetsIn06]

Richmond's Liberty Park

January 23, 1911

Liberty Park
Home to the Richmond Franchise

Distances:

Left Line: 313'
Left Field: 331'
Left-Center: 359'
Center Field: 408'
Right-Center: 355'
Right Field: 322'
Right Line: 304'

Richmond, Virginia will be home to Liberty Park. With no snow on the ground, we finally got to see the actual baseball diamond, and it was an amazing sight.

Liberty Park holds 3,500 people, has a short 309' wall down the right field line and a tough but reachable center field. However, a 13' foot wall in center means you'll have to hit it extra hard to score a homerun.

The field is located in the former town of Manchester, which two years became a part of Richmond.

One other interesting landmark is the flag pole, which sits at the deepest point in center field within the field of play.

[JetsIn06]

D.C.'s Capitol Park

January 24, 1911

Capitol Park
Home to the Washington, D.C. Franchise

Distances:

Left Line: 328'
Left Field: 363'
Left-Center: 404'
Center Field: 430'
Right-Center: 396'
Right Field: 396'
Right Line: 396'

Capitol Park is our final park to cover, and this one is very, very odd.

The field was built adjacent to a long stretch of road, so the entire right field wall is the same length, 396'.

However, baseballs hit over the fence could be dangerous, so a 12' foot wall goes from the right field corner to right-center. It's possible to hit home runs, but left handed batters will have a tough time putting the ball over that fence.

[JetsIn06]

United League Inaugural Draft to Take Place In June

February 14, 1911

Today, United League commissioner Roger Cooley announced that the leagues inaugural draft will take place this coming June. This will allow teams to practice for a few months before winter hits and be ready to start in April of 1912.

United League officials have been traveling around the country to high schools, colleges, small towns, and big cities to spread the word.

Individual franchises will hold camps in April and May to get a look at players young and old who declare for the inaugural draft, and league will sponsor camps in big cities across the northeast and in United League cities.

Here is a schedule of league-sponsored camps.

Boston: March 1
New York: March 3
Philadelphia: March 5
Reading: March 6
Pittsburgh: March 8
Cleveland: March 10
Cincinnati: March 11
Chicago: March 14
Baltimore: March 21
Washington: March 23
Richmond: March 25

[JetsIn06]

Ed Gale Blows Away Scouts at Boston Camp

March 2, 1911

"This guy, Gale...he's goin' to be the best pitcher in the United League, guaranteed," said one scout.

"I've never seen a pitch move so much. He's crazy," said another.

Ed Gale, a 24-year-old pitcher from a small town in Massachusetts hopped on a train to Boston a few days ago to show his stuff to United League scouts.

"I pitched in college, but never tried out for major league clubs," said Gale. When asked about how he prepared for the camp, he responded, "I just went out and threw, sir."

Some great players are sure to turn up over the next few weeks as United League scouts and team officials travel by train to various cities across the country in search of baseball talent, but Gale has something special about him, and we wouldn't be surprised to see his name taken early in June.

[JetsIn06]

Talent Search Over for United League, Teams Continue On

March 26, 1911

Yesterday was the final camp held by the United League to find talent that will be drafted to the eight franchises in June.

Some of top players discovered along the way were:

P Ed Gale
SS Snooks Gibbs
SS Nelson Crop
CF Ruben Mueller
P Bryant Terry
1B Percy Crabtree
LF Trick Speer
P Israel Ashby
P Tater Fogle

400 players will be drafted in June's inaugural draft, and over 1000 players visited the camps. Individual franchises are moving on to different towns, trying to find the diamond in the rough.

[JetsIn06]

Franchise Nicknames Announced

May 2, 1911

Many thought that teams would not reveal their names until after the inaugural draft. However, yesterday all eight franchise owners along with Roger Cooley made a surprise appearance with the President of the United States, William Taft!

Crowds gathered around as Taft wished the league well. Then, with hundreds of onlookers, the eight franchises of the United League unveiled their team names and uniform.

The Chicago Orphans will wear white uniforms with royal blue socks, and a royal blue cap with a gray "C" embroidered on it.

The Cincinnati Ruby Legs will wear black uniforms with ruby red socks, and a black cap with no decoration.

The Cleveland Maroons have white pants with a maroon shirt, maroon socks, and a black cap with no decoration.

The New York Gothams will wear a gray uniform with orange and black striped socks and a black cap with an interlocking NY in orange.

The Pittsburgh Keystones will wear dark blue uniforms with white socks, and a dark blue cap with an embroidered "P" on it.

The Reading Reds will wear white uniforms with red pinstripes and wear red socks. Their cap will be red with an embroidered "R".

The Richmond Cardinals will wear a black shirt with white pants. They will wear red and black striped socks and wear a black cap with an embroidered "R"

The Washington Statesmen will wear gray uniforms with navy blue and white striped socks. Their cap will be dark blue with a simple "W" embroidered onto it.

The United League also announced that each season, the champion of the league will receive the Presidents Cup in honor of whoever the current president may be, as well as William Taft who so graciously wished the league well.

[JetsIn06]

Inaugural Draft Order Revealed

May 28, 1911

Last night, league officials and franchise owners gathered at the league office to determine the order teams will pick in the inaugural draft.

We've learned that the order is:

1. New York Gothams
2. Chicago Orpans
3. Washington Statesmen
4. Pittsburgh Keystones
5. Richmond Cardinals
6. Reading Reds
7. Cleveland Maroons
8. Cincinnati Ruby Legs

[JetsIn06]

Draft Set to Start Tomorrow

May 31, 1911

We're one day away from the United League Inaugural Draft and we couldn't be more ready to see what the Gothams will do with the first pick.

[JetsIn06]

New York Selects Pitcher Ed Gale with First Pick

June 2, 1911

Ed Gale, a 24-year-old from Massachusetts became the first United League player yesterday when the New York Gothams selected the pitcher with the first pick of the Inaugural Draft around 10:00 AM yesterday.

For ten hours, team officials took turns stocking their rosters with talent. 200 players were taken yesterday over 25 rounds. The remaining 25 rounds will take place today.

Jordan Hauser, a 23-year-old pitcher from Chicago was taken by the Chicago Orphans with the second overall pick.

Four more teams followed by selecting pitchers. Cincinnati selected Tomas Celler with the 7th pick, a 19-year-old second basemen that will probably start on the Class A team.

[JetsIn06]

Draft Complete, Teams Set to Begin Practice

June 3, 1911

Last night, Vaclav Leavitt, a 28-year-old first basemen was selected with the 400th and final pick in the Inaugural Draft.

The teams are set and are expected to begin practices this summer to prepare for the inaugural season of the United League, set top open in April of next year.

[JetsIn06]

Top Five United League Future Stars

September 18, 1911

With no real news coming out of the United League for a while, we decided to take a look at the top five future stars of the league.

These guys may not make the big league club for opening day, but within a few seasons these guys will be the stars of the United League.

1. P Israel Ashby - Washington Statesmen. 18 years old

Ashby was taken in the 11th round of the inaugural draft by the Statesmen. He has a lot of work to do and needs experience but he has great movement on his pitches already, but needs to work on his control

2. SS Snooks Gibbs - Richmond Cardinals. 19 years old

Snooks isn't nearly as fast as other players, but he sure can hit. He seems to make contact with the ball every time during practice, and we've never seen him strike out. Once he gains some experience, Snooks will be one of the top hitters in the league.

3. P Bryant Terry - Reading Reds. 22 years old

Terry will supposedly start the season in the big league, and we think he is ready. He has incredible movement on his pitches, pretty good control that should get better, and a work ethic that is second to none. We're very excited to see what Terry can do for the Reds.

4. SS Tomas Celler - Cincinnati Ruby Legs. 19 years old

Celler was the first pick of the 2nd round last June, and we think he was worth the high selection. He has great speed, never strikes out, will walk a ton because of great discipline, and will pick up plenty of doubles and triples.

5. P Jordan Hauser - Chicago Orphans. 23 years old

Hauser will start on the big league team and is definitely ready for it. Hauser was the 2nd selection in the inaugural draft, ending up on his hometown team of Chicago. We can't wait to see what Hauser can do for the Orphans.

[JetsIn06]

United League Opening Day One Week Away

March 30, 1912

Just under two years ago, Roger Cooley, on behalf of a still unnamed financier, announced the formation of the United League, a brand new major league that would have franchises in eight cities from New York to Chicago and down to Richmond.

Since that time, league details have trickled in, team names have been chosen, and 400 players were drafted to the eight teams in the inaugural draft.

And finally, in one week, on the two-year anniversary of the United League's announcement, opening day will be here.

Over the last week, we've received the final details on how the league will operate.

The commissioners office has released a 154 game schedule for each team. At the end of those 154 games, the team with the best record will win the Presidents Cup.

The first day will feature the following contests:

New York at Cincinnati
Chicago at Cleveland
Richmond at Pittsburgh
Reading at Washington

[JetsIn06]

Open Day Ceremony at Hood Field in Cincinnati Welcomes United League to Baseball World

April 7, 1912

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
New York		1	0	0	0	4	0	0	2	2		9	16	0
Cincinnati		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	3	3

Yesterday, four contests opened up the inaugural United League season, but the real show was at Hood Field in Cincinnati.

President Taft was on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, something he did at National Park in 1910 for the American League's Washington team.

10,400 were in attendance to watch the festivities, although only 4,400 had a seat to watch the game.

At exactly 1:00 PM, the game, the season, and the United League officially began as Cincinnati pitcher Crab Newby hurled a fast one at New York center fielder Francisco Gale. The leadoff hitter took a big hack and missed the first United League pitch.

New York went on to dominate the game. Pitcher Ed Gale, thought by many to be the best young pitcher in the league went nine scoreless innings, holding the Ruby Legs to three hits. Gale struck out eight and walked one.

In the top of the 8th inning, first baseman Coco Oliver hit a 336' home run over the left field wall down the line. It was one of four home runs that happened yesterday throughout the league.

New York's offense picked up sixteen hits, scoring nine runs to win the game 9-0.

[BYU 14]

I have to say, I like this. The updates remind me of Newspaper updates of the time period, cool format.

[JetsIn06]

Durant Throws No-Hitter in Losing Effort

April 16, 1912

It's hard to believe, but the unbelievable happened today. Hermon Durant of the Washington Statesmen was certainly the King of the Hill today. He really did a number on the Richmond Cardinals -- and that number was zero -- the number of hits he gave up in his game at Capitol Park. But the unbelievable happened -- he lost the game 1-0. He didn't allow the Cardinals a single base hit, yet lost the game.

"I can't believe I got a no-hitter and lost the game!" said a very disappointed Durant after the game. "Pitching a no-hitter is the last thing you think about when you go out to the mound to start a game. You just want to win the game. Well, I got my no-hitter, but we lost the game. Go figure that out. What are the odds of this happening? We just couldn't score enough runs."

Durant recorded 7 strikeouts and 4 walks in his sensational performance, but sadly will go into the league record books as the losing pitcher.

The run scored in the top of the 2nd inning, when Durant walked the first two batters. With no outs, Richmond center fielder Antony Munson hit a ground ball to the Washington second baseman. He tossed the ball to the shortstop to get one out.

With runners on first and third, Richmond short stop Antoine Mccracy lined one to right field on an 0-1 count. The runner at third base tagged up and just made it home safely.

Washington picked up six hits but could not score a run.

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

I have to say, I like this. The updates remind me of Newspaper updates of the time period, cool format.

Thanks! That's kind of what I'm going for...my updates are "supposed" to be newspaper articles. Unfortunately, I don't know how to write like 1912 reporters.

[JetsIn06]

April Awards

May 1, 1912

At the end of every month, we will give out awards to the best hitter and best hitter (and best rookie, next season). Here are our awards for the month of April.

Batter of the Month: SS Dan Weston, Pittsburgh.

The 24-year-old shortstop for the Pittsburgh Keystones hit .398 with 1 home run, 13 RBIs and 21 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month: P Coleman Upshur, Pittsburgh.

In April, the 28-year-old right hander topped off the month with a 5-1 mark and 2.01 ERA in 6 starts, tossed 53.2 innings, fanned 29 and held opposing teams to a .251 average.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by JetsIn06

Thanks! That's kind of what I'm going for...my updates are "supposed" to be newspaper articles. Unfortunately, I don't know how to write like 1912 reporters.

Just throw in a few Victorian phrases here and there

[JetsIn06]

May Awards

June 1, 1912

Here are our awards for the month of May:

Batter of the Month: RF Tarlton Suter, Reading.

In 20 games last month, this outstanding right fielder batted .420 with no home runs, 12 RBIs and 23 runs scored.

So far in 1912, Suter is batting .407 with 1 home run and 24 RBIs.

Pitcher of the Month: P Guy Barton, Cleveland.

The Cleveland starter shined on the hill time and again last month and finished May with a sparkling 6-1 record. In 7 starts he tossed 64 innings, posted 57 strikeouts, and put up a 1.97 ERA.

This season Barton has a 10-2 record with a 2.00 ERA in 12 starts.

[JetsIn06]

After Two Months...

June 1, 1912

Two months are officially in the record books. It's been a fascinating season so far, and with the way the standings look as of right now, it looks like we're in for an exciting pennant race.

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
Richmond		29	23	-
Chicago		28	24	1
Cleveland		28	24	1
Reading		27	25	2
New York		26	26	3
Pittsburgh		25	27	4
Washington		25	27	4
Cincinnati		20	32	9

After two months, Reading's RF Tarlton Suter leads the league in the majority of statistics. His .407 batting average, 13 triples, 43 RBI, and 40 runs are heavily contributing to the success of the Reds, who find themselves 2 games back behind Richmond.

With 4 home runs, Ruby Legs second baseman Claude Suggs leads the league. Unfortunately, he finds his team 9 games back and in last place with a 20-32 record.

First overall pick Ed Gale has certainly lived up to his expectations. So far, Gale is 6-5 with a 1.95 ERA. His low ERA leads the league, and he is also leading the league with three shutout games. His 87 strikeout's are good for second best. Cleveland's Guy Barton leads the league with 99.

[JetsIn06]

Gothams' Straw Hits in 25 Straight Games

June 5, 1912

Richmond could care less about Leonard Straw's hitting streak. All they care about is who won the game. The Cardinals manager told a reporter, "Not to belittle his streak, but at the end of the day, the important thing is winning the game, not stopping a hitting streak."

Well, the Cardinals didn't stop Leonard Straw today, but they won the game 7-6 over the Gothams. The New York shortstop was 2-for-5 in the loss and extended his hitting streak to 25 games.

Straw grounded out in the 1st, grounded out in the 4th, hit an RBI single in the 6th, flied out in the 8th and hit an RBI triple in the 9th.

This season Straw is hitting at a .399 pace with no home runs, 31 RBIs and has scored 26 times.

[JetsIn06]

1912 Amateur Draft

June 14, 1912

Tomorrow, team representatives will meet in New York City to complete the 1912 Amateur Draft.

The Amateur Draft is a five-round process that allows teams to stock their Class A teams with fresh talent right out of high school or college.

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Cincinnati Selects Antoine Branch with First Pick

June 16, 1912

Yesterday, United League teams completed the Amateur Draft, each team bringing in five young players.

With the first pick, the Cincinnati Ruby Legs selected center fielder Antoine Branch from Massachusetts.

Branch is an excellent hitter, but lacks the speed you'd like to see in a center field prospect.

[JetsIn06]

June Awards

July 1, 1912

Here are our awards for the month of June:

Batter of the Month: 2B Anson Fort, Chicago.

Fort was one of Chicago's offensive leaders with a .339 average in 27 games. He also racked up 21 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

In the 1912 campaign Fort has hit at a .286 clip with 56 RBIs, no home runs and 45 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month: P Doggie Morrow, Washington.

In June, Morrow chalked up 38 strikeouts in 57.1 innings and compiled a 2.04 ERA.

Currently Morrow has an 11-3 won-lost record in 17 starts with a 3.06 ERA. He also has 87 strikeouts in 138.1 innings.

[JetsIn06]

After Three Months...

July 1, 1912

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
Reading		45	35	-
Chicago		44	36	1
New York		41	39	4
Cleveland		40	40	5
Richmond		40	40	5
Pittsburgh		38	42	7
Washington		38	42	7
Cincinnati		34	46	11

After three months of great baseball, Reading and Chicago are in a heated battle for the Presidents Cup.

Reading has relied on their best pitcher, Willy Cambell, for the majority of the season. Through three months, Cambell has a 10-4 record with a 2.72 ERA. Clinton Garner, the teams second starting pitcher has the same record but has a 4.10 ERA.

However, the offense is what has won them 45 games. With five players with more than 100 at bats hitting over .300, opposing team's simply can't score enough runs to win. Tarlton Suter, Reading's center fielder, is two points behind the league leader with a .367 average. He leads the league with 15 triples as well.

Chicago does not have the superstar like Reading does, but they have players that can do the little things. While the team does have catcher Hezekiah Traver and short stop Flash Mohr who are tied for 5th in the league with a .332 average, Traver leads the league with 60 RBIs. He gets the job done with runners on base.

The team's right fielder, Yank Bright, is only hitting .282 but leads the league with 56 walks and also has 20 stolen bases.

Chicago's top two pitchers, Jordan Hauser and Sal Boyd, each have a 2.51 ERA.

Outside of the top two teams, Ed Gale is keeping New York close by pitching brilliantly. Chicago's Hauser and Boyd are 2nd and 3rd in the league with a 2.51 ERA, but Gale leads the league with an amazing 2.17 ERA as well as allowing a league best .216 batting average against him.

[JetsIn06]

Commissioner Cooley Wishes U.S. Luck in Olympic Games

July 7, 1912

Yesterday, the 1912 Summer Olympics opened in Stockholm, Sweden. United League commissioner Roger Cooley released a statement today that wished the United States luck and safety in their quest for the gold.

We'd like to join Mr. Cooley in saying good luck to the athletes competing in Stockholm.

[JetsIn06]

Reading's Top Player Suter Out for 2 Weeks

July 14, 1912

Reading center fielder Tarlton Suter has a strained muscle, suffered while running the bases. He's expected to be out for 2 weeks.

Presently Suter is batting .362 and has collected 2 home runs, 53 RBIs, .416 OBP and scored 66 runs.

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Gale Cracks 2.00 ERA Mark

July 22, 1912

After a brilliant shutout performance against Chicago, New York pitcher Ed Gale now has a 1.99 ERA.

Throwing 111 pitches, Gale allowed 7 hits, walked no one, and struck out 7.

He is now 13-8 on the year.

[JetsIn06]

Washington Sends 38-year-old Boon to NY

July 31, 1912

Seeing themselves in last place, Washington made a move today sending their best relief pitcher, 38-year-old Alonzo Boon, to New York for four prospects.

In 43 appearances with Washington, Boon posted a 3.86 ERA and 66 strikeouts. New York, desperate for relief help after falling to six games back, was willing to deal future players for help right now.

[JetsIn06]

July Awards

August 1, 1912

Here are our awards for the month of July:

Batter of the Month: C Simon Slattery, Reading.

In 26 games the Reading catcher hit .356 with 1 home run, 26 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

In the 1912 season Slattery is hitting .326 with 6 home runs.

Pitcher of the Month: P Ed Gale, New York.

In July the New York starter earned a 7-1 mark in 8 starts. He threw 69 innings, struck out 60 and compiled a solid 1.04 ERA.

This season to date Gale has a record of 16 wins and 8 losses with a 1.83 ERA, has appeared in 27 games and struck out 188 in 226.1 innings.

[JetsIn06]

After Four Months...

August 1, 1912

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
Reading		65	44	-
New York		59	36	6
Cleveland		58	51	7
Chicago		57	52	8
Richmond		52	57	13
Pittsburgh		50	59	15
Cincinnati		48	61	17
Washington		47	62	18

Four months are officially in the book, and the once tight race for the Presidents Cup is slowly becoming a one-man show.

Reading is up six games on New York, and despite the injury to their star right fielder who just resumed play a few days ago, they did not slow down one bit in July.

One player we haven't talked enough about is New York short stop Leonard Straw. He leads the league with a .362 batting average and has really kept New York in games offensively.

Reading catcher Simon Slattery, who won July's batter of the month award, has really come on strong lately. He now leads the league in RBI, runs scored, and total bases. His six home runs are good for second in the league. On top of his great offensive statistics, Slattery has also done extremely well behind the plate, throwing out 55.4% of runners that attempted to steal which leads the league.

You may be sick of hearing about him, but Ed Gale continues to absolutely crush United League hitting. He now has a league leading (by a FAR margin) 1.83 ERA. His 16 wins are good for the lead, and his six shutouts are more than twice the amount the next best pitcher has, and opponents are hitting a measly .208 when Gale is on the mound. He is currently projected to finish with 23 wins and 266 strikeouts.

[JetsIn06]

Chicago Within 3 of Reading, Teams to Play 3 Game Series

August 27, 1912

Today, the first place Reading Reds will travel to Chicago to take on the second place Orphans. Chicago is currently three games back.

Reading has lost 6 of their last 10, and Chicago is on fire, winning 8 of their last 10.