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

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Manager Haukins History; Gothams Start Search

NEW YORK, NY. August 21, 1913 - The New York Gothams have severed ties with their manager, Turk Haukins, firing him this afternoon at a hastily-called press conference.

The General Manager was quoted as saying the club needs a lot of things, beginning with a new skipper. "He did the best he could, but we just did not see the improvement needed to get our team in the upper echelon in this league. The time was right for us to part company."

No word on who will be the new New York manager, although club sources say the list is short.

"We are looking for a winner."

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Manager Stillman Gets Walking Papers in Washington

WASHINGTON, DC. August 21, 1913 - The Washington Grays finally pulled the trigger today, firing manager Chris Stillman. Stillman was rumored to be on the chopping block for some time and the team ownership had apparently had enough of the club lack of success.

The GM said, "We had a good relationship, but we just didn't make enough progress under his leadership. We thought we gave him everything he needed for success, but it just didn't happen."

No replacement has been named.

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Teal Named 1913 UL MVP Award Winner

READING, PA. August 23, 1913 - Wash Teal of the Reading Reds proved that you can step out of the shadows and onto the stage if you've got the talent and the drive to hone your skills. Hard work, long hours and a tireless resolve paid off for him today in the form of his second United League MVP Award.

Teal hit for a .321 average while collecting 144 hits, 18 doubles, 11 triples, 6 home runs, 64 RBIs and scoring 77 times.

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UL Presents Top Pitcher Trophy

PITTSBURGH, PA. August 24, 1913 - An old hand in this game, Denis Pendleton of the Pittsburgh Keystones silenced critics as well as he silenced the opposition this year by winning the United League Pitcher of the Year Award.

The 38-year-old starter threw 213.1 innings, notched 83 strikeouts and put up a 20-4 record to claim the coveted award.

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United League Picks Best Rookie

READING, PA. August 25, 1913 - The United League has presented its Rookie of the Year Award for 1913 and the honor went to Dilly Munger, the fine Reading catcher.

The 25-year-old Reds newcomer took the trophy by hitting .314 in 109 games and finished with 149 hits, 1 home run, 26 RBIs and 56 runs scored.

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Cleveland's Star Outfielder Retires at 26

CLEVELAND, OH. September 2, 1913 - Cleveland fans were shocked yesterday when they learned that their star right fielder Claude Shaffer would be leaving the game.

"This is an extremely hard thing to do. Baseball has been a part of my life for so many years. But I have to announce that I will be leaving the team, and baseball, indefinitely. My wife is currently eight months pregnant. I have responsibilities that I need to tend to and right now baseball is low on my priority list. I need something more stable."

He went on to thank Cleveland owner W.L. Murphy, manager Dozier Maddox, his teammates, and the fans. Perhaps we will see Shaffer again someday, but it won't be in 1914.

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New Outlaw Baseball League On the Way

NEW YORK, NY. October 13, 1913 - In a press conference from the luxurious five-year-old Plaza Hotel in New York City, James A. Gilmore announced the formation of a new major league that hopes to compete with the American, National, and United League.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for baseball fans everywhere. Imagine the winners of each league facing off every year to determine a true world champion."

"We currently plan on opening up our inaugural season with six teams, and then expand to eight for our second season. Currently, our plan is to start with franchises in Baltimore, Brooklyn, Chicago, Kansas City, Newark, and St. Louis."

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More Details on New Outlaw League

NEW YORK, NY. December 10, 1913 - After last months announcement of a new major league from James A. Gilmore, league officials have been quiet and many wondered if the league was still in development.

Last night, in a bulletin released by now President Gilmore, more details were revealed. The league will be known as the "Columbia League" and will open in April of 1914 with six franchises located in Baltimore, Brooklyn, Chicago, Kansas City, Newark, and St. Louis.

The three major financiers were also named in the bulletin. Oil baron Harry Sinclair, ice magnate Phil Ball, and Robert B. Ward of the Ward Baking Company have invested in the league.

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United, Columbia League Officials in NYC

NEW YORK, NY. January 5, 1914 - We have learned that United League officials and team owners have arrived in New York two days ago, but the more surprising news is that Columbia League officials and team owners are in New York as well.

Could the leagues be meeting to discuss their challenge of the American and National Leagues? Perhaps the leagues are discussing schedule issues to avoid conflicts as much as possible?

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United League and Columbia League to Play Nine-Game Series After Season

NEW YORK, NY. January 13, 1914 - After a week of meetings between officials of each league, the United League and Columbia League have announced a "merging" of sorts.

The two leagues will remain as two separate legal entities. W.A. Willman will remain the president of the United League, and James A. Gilmore will remain the president of the Columbia League. However, the two leagues will be known collectively as the United Baseball Association.

At the end of each season, the winner of the United League will play in the Presidents Cup Series, a nine-game series against the winner of the Columbia League.

The United Baseball Association will have it's own office and commissioner that will be a mediator between the two leagues. No commissioner has been named as of today.

The owners of the six Columbia League teams have also been named: Nat Waldren, Baltimore; Robert B. Ward, Brooklyn; Charles Weeghman, Chicago; C.B. Comstock, Kansas City; Harry Sinclair, Newark; and Phil Ball, St. Louis.

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Six New Stadiums Constructed for Columbia League Franchises

NEW YORK, NY. February 17, 1914 - Six of the original eight United League franchises began play on empty lots that turned into makeshift baseball diamonds. While seats and walls have been added making them much more professional, the Columbia League will start with fully operational parks.

The six Columbia League teams will play at:

Baltimore Terrapins - Terrapin Park (334', 434', 330')

Brooklyn Tip-Tops - Washington Park (300', 400', 275')

Chicago Whales - Weeghman Park (310', 440', 345')

Kansas City Packers - Gordon & Koppel Field (317, 419', 314')

Newark Peppers - Harrison Park (332', 420', 318')

St. Louis Terriers - Handlan's Park (308', 408', 304')


The six United League franchises will continue playing at:

Chicago Orphans - O'Connor Park (307', 409', 307')

Cleveland Maroons - Murphy Park (313', 407', 309')

New York Gothams - Bronx Oval Grounds (320', 422', 321')

Keystone Park - Keystone Park (322', 420', 318')

Reading Reds - Reading Grounds (307', 412', 301')

Washington Grays - Liberty Park (318', 426', 324')

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United Baseball Association Opens 1914 Season

NEW YORK, NY. April 11, 1914 - Today, six games open up the 1914 United Baseball Association season.

In the United League, it's Pittsburgh at Chicago, New York at Cleveland, and Washington and Reading.

In the Columbia League, it's Brooklyn at Chicago, Baltimore at Kansas City, and St. Louis at Newark.

The season will last 126 games, but there are rumblings that next year will see the schedule expanded to 140 games.

April's Top Players

NEW YORK, NY. May 2, 1914 - Capping off a whirlwind month in which he went 5-0 with a 1.40 ERA, Johny Beebe was selected as April's United League Player of the Month today. Reporters caught up with the elated New York starter as he left the clubhouse.

"I know it's difficult for pitchers -- when you have a bad start or two, people start wondering if you've lost it. Then you ride stretches like this one for all you can. You find it easier to come to the park every day because know you're contributing to the club, not just waiting for your turn in the rotation to make up for your last start."

Johny Beebe definitely contributed to the club. He had 5 starts, throwing 45 innings, striking out 21, and holding the opposition to a .210 average.

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Whales Win Ten in a Row

CHICAGO, IL. May 27, 1914 - The Chicago Whales of the Columbia League are one game ahead of the Baltimore Terrapins and sit in first place with a 27-15 record.

They've been on fire lately, winning ten straight games. Short stop Jiggs Bard has been the catalyst on offense. He's hitting .361 and leads the league with 16 doubles so far.

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Total Control: Newark No-Hit by Upchurch

CHICAGO, IL. May 29, 1914 - Whitey Upchurch was pretty calm about his no-hitter -- until the last three outs. "You really become conscious of every pitch then. The adrenaline level kicks up even higher. And everybody in the ballpark knows a no-hitter is on the line. The crowd is on its feet. One mistake and it's all over."

But on this day at Weeghman Park Upchurch of the Chicago Whales was in complete command, not allowing the Newark Peppers a single base hit in the 2-0 victory.

"Obviously, you never think this will happen," he said. "I don't know if it's really sunk in yet." Upchurch faced 31 batters, had 8 strikeouts and 3 walks in a dominating effort. "To do this you have to have a good defense behind you, too."

"He was on from the get-go," one of the Peppers said. "He throws quite a few pitches. He was hitting his spots and keeping us off balance. It was a great game by him."

So far this season Upchurch has a 7-2 record, 9 starts, 74 innings, 50 strikeouts and a 2.19 ERA.

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Sperry, Upchurch Win May Awards

NEW YORK, NY. June 2, 1914 - In May, Tomas Sperry swung a sweet bat and put together a solid month to win the United League Batter of the Month.

The New York left fielder batted .371 with 2 home runs, 11 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

So far in 1914 Sperry is hitting .311 with 3 home runs, 14 RBIs and 31 runs scored. He has 51 hits and played in 46 games.


Even though he is a newcomer to United Baseball Association, Windy Bailey put up some good numbers in May and brought home the CL Batter of the Month trophy.

He was one of Baltimore's offensive leaders with a .405 average in 27 games. He also racked up no home runs, 14 RBIs and 23 runs scored.

In the 1914 season Bailey has hit .406 with 4 home runs, 25 RBIs and scored 36 runs.


Baby-doll Hurst left little doubt in the minds of United League officials that he should be named May's Pitcher of the Month for his outstanding performance.

"I wasn't always confident at the start of a game," said Hurst. "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 33-year-old tossed 65.1 innings of quality baseball -- going 5-2 with a 2.20 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

This season in 12 starts Baby-doll Hurst has a record of 7-5 with 34 strikeouts in 101 innings and a 2.58 ERA.


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

In May the Chicago starter earned a 6-1 mark in 7 starts. He threw 59 innings, struck out 43 and compiled a solid 1.22 ERA.

In the current season in 12 starts, Whitey Upchurch has a record of 10-2 with 72 strikeouts in 101 innings and a 1.87 ERA.

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Kansas City Sends Eddington to Reading

READING, PA. June 16, 1914 - Several Packers and Reds players soon will have to start shopping for a new home. It was announced today that the two teams came to agreement on a trade. Kansas City will get 20-year old starting pitcher Sam Holder and Reading will pick up 30-year old starting pitcher Sydney Eddington, 22-year old minor league starting pitcher Georgie Ennis and 20-year old minor league third baseman Ice Lemons in return. "I'm not surprised by the news," one of the players told reporters, "It's part of the business and I understand that. I am looking forward to playing for the Packers."

This season Eddington has compiled a 7-7 mark with a 3.43 ERA in 15 starts.

Since joining the league, Holder has compiled an ERA of 4.42 with a career record of 4-5. He has 40 strikeouts in 77.1 innings and has held opponents to a .266 batting average.

With Kansas City sitting 21 games behind the first place Whales, they did a good job selling an older player to Reading for three younger ballplayers.

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United League's Best Player in June is Peel

CHICAGO, IL. July 2, 1914 - When Ezekiel Peel stepped up to the plate in June, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the United League Player of the Month award.

The young Chicago right fielder posted a .388 batting average with a whopping 7 home runs, 19 RBIs and scored 16 runs. Peel also worked pitchers for 5 walks to post a .435 on-base percentage.

Peel is presently hitting at a .323 pace with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs and has scored 34 times.

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Chicago's Upchurch Top CL Player in June

CHICAGO, IL. July 3, 1914 - There's something about a young rookie winning the Columbia League Player of the Month trophy that sends shock waves through the league. Such is the case with Whitey Upchurch, a 27-year-old starter for the Chicago Whales.

In June, he topped off the month with a 5-1 mark and 2.17 ERA in 7 starts, tossed 54 innings, fanned 38 and held opposing teams to a .199 average.

This year Upchurch has registered 15 wins and 3 losses in 19 starts with a 1.97 ERA while registering 110 strikeouts and 43 walks in 155 innings.

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Through 84 Games, UL Race is Close, CL is Dominated by Chicago

NEW YORK, NY. July 11, 1914 - Through 84 games, the United League race is still mighty close. The Cleveland Maroons are the only team that don't have much of a chance. In the Columbia League, on the other hand, is being dominated by the Chicago Whales.

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
Washington		48	36	-
New York		46	38	2
Reading		44	40	4
Chicago		42	42	6
Pittsburgh		39	45	9
Cleveland		33	51	15
Columbia League Standings
		W	L	GB
Chicago		61	23	-
Baltimore		44	40	17
Brooklyn		42	42	19
St. Louis		38	46	23
Newark		37	47	24
Kansas City		30	54	31

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Chaney Spins 15-K Game

READING, PA. July 13, 1914 - Owen Chaney of the Reading Reds struck out an amazing 15 batters today at Reading Grounds and whipped the Chicago Orphans 5-1. Chaney allowed 3 hits and gave up 3 walks in a sensational mound performance.

"I really felt like I had complete command of all my pitches during the game," said a smiling Chaney when asked about his stellar outing. "These types of games don't happen all the time, so I'm going to savor this one for a while."

To date this year in 22 starts, Chaney has crafted a 13-8 mark with a 1.82 ERA.

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Chaney Named UL's Best Player in July

READING, PA. August 1, 1914 - Owen Chaney hasn't been around the big leagues long enough to know that youngsters shouldn't be winning United League Player of the Month. But when you put up numbers like his, you're going to get some notice.

In July the Reading starter earned a 6-1 mark in 7 starts. He threw 63 innings, struck out 63 and compiled a solid 1.86 ERA.

This season Chaney has fanned 203 in 234.1 innings and collected a 16-9 record with a 1.92 ERA.

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St. Louis 2B Named CL's Best Player in July

ST. LOUIS, MO. August 2, 1914 - His solid numbers speak for themselves. That's why Warley Kephart of the St. Louis Terriers was named the Columbia League's best player in July.

The St. Louis second baseman starred with a .370 batting average, 1 home run and 18 RBIs.

Kephart has a .303 average and a .430 on-base percentage for the year. He has picked up 89 hits, 3 home runs and driven in 51 runs.

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Chicago Whales Win Columbia League Pennant

CHICAGO, IL. August 9, 1914 - Yesterday, in a contest between the Chicago Whales and the Newark Peppers at Harrison Park in New Jersey, the Chicago Whales made it mathematically impossible for any other team to win the Columbia League by winning 4-2.

The Whales will play in the first ever Presidents Cup Series against the winner of the United League. As of today, the Reading Reds are in first place with sixteen games to go. The Washington Grays are four games behind the Reds.

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Reading Two Games Ahead of Washington with Two Games Left to Play

READING, PA. August 23, 1914 - The Reading Reds have cut it close. Four games ahead going into the month, they started off strong. But in a three game series with the Cleveland Maroons, they lost all three, cutting their lead to just one.

Washington couldn't take advantage of Reading's losses by losing two of three to the Reds themselves.

With two games left, Washington needs to win both and Reading needs to lose both to force a tie. Washington will face off against Pittsburgh at Keystone Park, and Reading will take on against the Gothams at the Bronx Oval Grounds.

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Ramon Starke Wins 1914 UL Batting Title

CLEVELAND, OH. August 26, 1914 - This season Cleveland left fielder Ramon Starke won the United League batting crown. His .321 average led everyone in 1914. Starke's season stats included 142 hits, 3 home runs, 65 runs scored and 59 RBIs.

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Baltimore Star Captures CL Bat Crown

BALTIMORE, MD. August 26, 1914 - When it came to hitting in the Columbia League this season, none did it better than Windy Bailey of the Baltimore Terrapins. He surpassed all his peers with a .318 average to take the 1914 batting crown. The 28-year-old center fielder had 149 hits, including 14 doubles, 6 triples and 4 home runs. Bailey participated in 121 games and also chipped in 52 RBIs and scored 63 times.

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1914 Presidents Cup Series Preview: Reading Reds

CHICAGO, IL. August 26, 1914 - Today, the Reading Reds, winners of the United League Pennant, will play against the Chicago Whales, winners of the Columbia League Pennant, at Weeghman Park.

The Reading Reds, winners of the 1912 Presidents Cup, will try for their second championship. But this year is different. For the first time, these two leagues will face off to determine the winner.

Reading is owned by W.A. Willman, owner of the Willman Railroad Company and president of the United League. Their manager, Rube Coffee, has been there from the beginning and was the manager during their 1912 championship season. Here is the Reading lineup that we expect to see in the series:

1. RF Hunkey Howel (.284, 5 Doubles, 13 RBIs)
2. C Dilly Munger (.251, 8 Doubles, 39 RBIs)
3. CF Wash Teal (.252, 14 Triples, 72 RBIs)
4. LF Mansfield Covington (.277, 20 Doubles, 21 RBIs)
5. 1B Angus Mulkey (.290, 17 Doubles, 66 RBIs)
6. SS Yank Burk (.256, 16 Doubles, 51 RBIs)
7. 3B Chester Shane (.266, 8 Doubles, 32 RBIs)
8. 2B Fritz Schweitzer (.226, 8 Doubles, 25 RBIs)

Their pitching rotation is as follows:

1. RHP Owen Chaney (21-10, 1.90 ERA, 252 K)
2. RHP Joel Sperry (15-12, 2.18 ERA, 62 K)
3. RHP Sydney Eddington (15-12, 2.84 ERA, 83 K)
4. RHP Solomon Maurer (13-13, 3.42 ERA, 64 K)

Game Three and Four, and Seven and Eight if necessary, will be playing in Reading at the team's Reading Grounds. The ballpark holds 12,100 spectators and is a good park to hit home runs in. The short distance from home plate to the walls cut down doubles and triples, however. The dimensions are:

LF: 307'
CF: 412'
RF: 301'

The Reds wear a red cap and red stockings. They wear white knickers and a white vest with a red undershirt. Their cap has an embroidered white "R", and their vest has a red "R" in the same type as their cap over the left side of the chest.

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1914 Presidents Cup Series Preview: Chicago Whales

CHICAGO, IL. August 26, 1914 - The Chicago Whales will open up the series today at Weeghman Park against the Reading Reds.

The Whales, in their first season, have won more games than any team in the three years of UBA history.

Chicago is owned by Charles Weeghman, a diner magnate from the Chicago area. The Whales are managed by Judson Smoot, a first time manager. The following is the lineup we expect to see the Whales use in the upcoming series:

1. LF Smiley Zaring (.268, 16 Triples, 40 RBIs)
2. SS Fatty Knott (.270, 20 Doubles, 48 RBIs)
3. RF Baptist Kutz (.297, 19 Doubles, 52 RBIs)
4. 1B Dutch Mcdaniel (.298, 5 Homeruns, 54 RBIs)
5. 3B Connie Hayward (.272, 24 Doubles, 19 Triples, 59 RBIs)
6. 2B Duck Butcher (.250, 28 Doubles, 55 RBIs)
7. CF Enos Teal (.242, 17 Doubles, 39 RBIs)
8. C Spider Snider (.196, 7 Homeruns, 47 RBIs)

Their pitching rotation is as follows:

1. RHP Whitey Upchurch (23-8, 2.01 ERA, 199 K)
2. LHP Erwin Monson (16-14, 3.49 ERA, 74 K)
3. RHP Emile Zimmerman (3-1, 3.13 ERA, 21 K)
4. RHP Charlie O'Donnell (4-4, 4.16 ERA, 27 K)

Games One and Two, and Five and Six, and Game Nine if necessary, will be played in Chicago at the team's Weeghman Park. The ballpark holds 18,500 spectators and is a fairly big park. With such a deep centerfield, many doubles and triples are hit here. The dimensions are:

LF: 310'
CF: 440'
RF: 345'

The Whales wear white uniforms and wear a royal blue cap. A white "C" is stiched onto the cap, and blue pinstripes adorn the shirt and knickers. The team wears white stockings with blue stripes.

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Chicago Takes Game One, 13-3

CHICAGO, IL. August 27, 1914 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Reading		0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	1			3	9	1
Chicago		0	1	6	0	0	0	2	4	x			13	13	2

The United Baseball Association's first ever Presidents Cup Series began yesterday in Chicago at Weeghman Park. The Reading Reds, winners of the United League, faced the Chicago Whales, winners of the Columbia League.

The festivities began a parade through downtown Chicago, with players, coaches, and even owner Charles Weeghman sitting atop floats headed toward Weeghman Park.

When game time arrived, President Woodrow Wilson met at the mound with United League president W.A. Willman and Columbia League president James A. Gilmore. After posing for pictures, President Wilson threw out the first pitch, which was caught by Whales catcher Spider Snider.

Finally, at 1:32 PM, the first Presidents Cup Series began with a ball from Chicago pitcher Emile Zimmerman.

In the bottom of the 2nd inning, the first run of the game was scored on a triple from Enos Teal of Chicago, a deep shot hit to right-center field.

A six-run inning in the bottom of the 3rd gave Chicago a 7-0 lead. While Reading did cut it to 7-2 in the top of the 5th, Chicago didn't let up, scoring six more runs and ended up winning the game 13-3.

Emile Zimmerman actually pitched a rather poor game for the Whales. Through 9 innings, he gave up 9 hits and 9 walks and only struck out three.

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Reading Ties Up Series with 3-2 Comeback Win

CHICAGO, IL. August 28, 1914 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Reading		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3			3	5	0
Chicago		0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0			2	7	1

It was a defensive battle through 5 1/2 innings. In the bottom of the 6th, Chicago put two runs on the board with a home run from Dutch Mcdaniel over the left field wall.

The Whales cruised through the next two innings, and in the top of the 9th sent out Charlie O'Donnell to finish the complete game shutout. But things didn't go according to plan.

Reading hit two straight doubles, scoring a run. A walk put runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Then, pinch hitter Mose Drew came to the plate and hit a double off of the wall. The man on second came home easily, but the runner on first, Angus Mulkey, ran faster than we've ever seen him run. He darted home as the ball came in, and with the umpire giving the "safe" sign, the Reds had come back and taken the lead.

Solomon Maurer went back out onto the mound for the 9th inning. A quick groundout gave him confidence, but a single put a man on with 1 out.

Then, one of the greatest plays we've ever seen occured. With Duck Bucher up for the Whales, he hit a towering flyball to right center field. It looked like a clear double, maybe even a triple, but there was absolutely no doubt that the run would score. But right fielder Hunkey Howel would have none of it. He darted toward the wall and in a magnificent lunging motion, he put his glove on the ball but couldn't squeeze it. Tumbling over himself, Chicago fans cheered. But the ball wouldn't find the ground. As Howel tumbled over, he caught sight of the ball, stuck out his glove, and watched the ball fall into it.

But, it wasn't over yet. Another single put runners on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs. Maurer put the hitter in a 1-2 count, but missed with two straight pitches, making it a full count. After a hard foul ball down the left field line, Layman hit a weak ground ball to 1st base. The defender picked it up, tagged first base himself, and Reading took game two tying the series at 1-1.

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Reading Takes Game Three with 9-1 Win

READING, PA. August 30, 1914 -

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

Reading jumped out to an early 4-1 lead at the Reading Grounds today and won easily, 9-1.

The player of the game was Owen Chaney, who pitched a complete game allowing 9 hits, 1 walk, and one run. He struck out 6. Chaney also drove in two runs while batting.

Upchurch, the pitcher for Chicago, didn't have good command today, allowing 7 walks in 7.2 innings.

[JetsIn06]

Reading Goes up 3-1 in Victory

READING, PA. September 1, 1914 -

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

Once again, the Reading Reds jumped out to an early lead and never let up. But you can really give it up to Reds hurler Joel Sperry. He threw nine innings of three hit ball, giving up no earned runs and striking out four.

On offense, Yank Burk hit the games only double, and Sperry hit the only triple of the contest. Tomorrow is a travel day. The team's will take a bus trip to Chicago to play out games five and six in Weeghman Park. Reading needs two more wins to clinch the series.

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Reading Beats Chicago 4-1 at Weeghman Park, Need One More Win

CHICAGO, IL. September 2, 1914 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Reading		0	1	0	0	1	0	1	1	0			4	10	2
Chicago		0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0			1	6	0

In another one run game from Chicago, Reading has taken a four games to one lead over the Whales and need one more to win the 1914 Presidents Cup Series.

Eddington of Reading pitched brilliantly, going nine innings and allowing six hits, one walk, and no earned runs, but he did only strike out one. The offense was led by Hunkey Howel, the Reds right fielder. He went two for four with two doubles, one RBI, and also scored a run.

Tomorrow's game will pit Solomon Maurer of Reading against Charlie O'Donnell of the Whales.

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Reading Wins 1914 Presidents Cup Series!

CHICAGO, IL. September 3, 1914 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Reading		2	0	1	0	0	0	0	5	1			9	11	1
Chicago		0	0	1	0	3	0	0	0	0			4	11	3

Reading has defeated the Chicago Whales in the first annual Presidents Cup Series!

In front of 18, 292 paid fans, the Reading Reds, in their away gray uniforms, got out to a quick 3-0 lead. After the last four games, it looked like Reading was at it again and would cruise to an easy win. But not so far, Chicago scored one in the bottom of the 3rd and then three in the bottom of the 5th, taking a 4-3 lead. When the Whales kept the score there for two more innings, it looked like they had a shot to keep their season alive.

But in the top of the 8th, Reading exploded. A walk, triple, intentional walk, another triple, and then an RBI groundout put four runs on the board. Then a double, groundout, and single drove in another run, giving them a four run lead. They padded it in the top of the 9th with another run.

In the bottom of the 9th, a 1-out single kept Chicago alive, but then two flyball outs clinched the win for Reading.

Congratulations to the Reading Reds!

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1914 Final Standings

NEW YORK, NY. September 4, 1914 -

United League Standings
		W	L	GB
Reading		71	55
Washington		69	57	2
New York		63	63	8
Chicago		61	65	10
Pittsburgh		58	68	13
Cleveland		56	70	15
Columbia League Standings
		W	L	GB
Chicago		81	45
Baltimore		64	62	17
Brooklyn		61	65	20
St. Louis		60	66	21
Newark		59	67	22
Kansas City		53	73	28

[JetsIn06]

Chaney Scoops up UL Top Hurler Award

NEW YORK, NY. September 17, 1914 - The W.A. Willman Pitcher of the Year Award for 1914 has been presented and the United League winner is Owen Chaney of Reading.

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

Chaney excelled with an impressive 21-10 record in 32 starts. In 288.1 innings he yielded 196 hits and 113 walks, while striking out 252 and compiling a fine 1.90 ERA.

[JetsIn06]

Upchurch Wins Columbia League Pitching Crown

NEW YORK, NY. September 17, 1914 - Whitey Upchurch was really special this season. You could feel the electricity in the air every time he took the mound for the Chicago Whales. Today he was honored by his selection as the 1914 Columbia League W.A. Willman Pitcher of the Year Award recipient.

He started 32 games, logging 264 innings, 23 wins, 8 losses, 199 strikeouts and a 2.01 ERA. Upchurch gave up 209 hits, while walking 73 and holding opponents to a .215 average.

[JetsIn06]

Eli Calhoun Wins Best Bat Trophy

NEW YORK, NY. September 18, 1914 - Eli Calhoun really stood out with the bat in the United League this year as he put together a .305 batting average. Today he was named the winner of the coveted 1914 James A. Gilmore MVP Award.

He hit his way to an award-winning season with these stats: 138 hits, 5 home runs, 66 RBIs and 85 runs scored.

[JetsIn06]

Kephart Tops Best Hitter List

NEW YORK, NY. September 18, 1986 - Warley Kephart had an impressive 1914 season against Columbia League pitchers and was acclaimed the league's James A. Gilmore MVP Award winner today.

The St. Louis second baseman hit .302 and collected 107 hits, 3 home runs, 58 RBIs and scored 58 times to win the coveted trophy.

[JetsIn06]

Washington Eagan Named UBA Commisioner

NEW YORK, NY. October 10, 1914 - After one full season of the United Baseball Association, the league has officially named their first commissioner.

Washington Eagan, a lawyer from Brooklyn, NY, will preside over the United and Columbia League. W.A. Willman and James A. Gilmore will continue to be the representatives of the United and Columbia Leagues, respectively.

[JetsIn06]

UBA Owners Meetings This Week

NEW YORK, NY. October 14, 1914 - This week, team owners, league officials, league presidents, and Commissioner Eagan will meet at the Plaza Hotel in New York City to discuss the future of the United Baseball Association.

One main item that the league officials will discuss is a slight change to the free agency rules. Currently, players need eight years of major league service time to become free agents. According to sources, W.A. Willman and James A. Gilmore, along with Commissioner Eagan, would like to move the required number of years to four, making free agency a possibility after this season.

However, owners are unlikely to agree. Eight years allows them to hold on to younger talent through their prime. The problem, however, is players may be tempted to desert the UBA and move to the American or National League's if they feel that they're getting the same deal they would with the reserve clause. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[JetsIn06]

United League, Columbia League Will Expand to Eight

NEW YORK, NY. October 20, 1914 - The owners meetings are over, and there are a few very interesting changes that are being instituted by Commissioner Eagan.

First of all, the most drastic news is that each league will expand by two teams. Locations have not been named yet.

Secondly, the amount of service time needed to reach free agency has been changed from eight years to five years. While we had thought the owners would never agree, Commissioner Eagan must have been able to convince them.

[JetsIn06]

Boston, Detroit Join United League

NEW YORK, NY. January 14, 1915 - "I would like to announce two brand new franchises that will be coming to the United League this coming season," said league president W.A. Willman. "First off, we have the Boston Shipbuilders who will be owned by Matthew Willard of the M.A.W. Shipping Company. And second, we'll be joined by the Detroit Wolverines. Detroit is owned by Virgil Compton, an oil magnate who co-owns Isaac & Compton Oil, Inc."

The two franchises that are joining the Columbia League will be announced at a press conference tomorrow by league president James A. Gilmore.

[JetsIn06]

Philadelphia, St. Paul Join Columbia League

NEW YORK, NY. January 15, 1915 - "Today we're here to announce two new teams that will be joining the Columbia League for the 1915 season. We are happy to announce that the Philadelphia Centennials and the St. Paul Saints will be joining us for the upcoming pennant chase."

"The Centennials of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are owned by Harman Day, a renownedrestaurantier. The St. Paul Saints are owned by Goose McCormick, a filmmaker. We are happy to have the two teams aboard."

The four expansion teams will choose their players through an expansion draft. Each team of the twelve existing teams will be able to protect twenty players. Any players left unprotected are eligible to be taken in the expansion draft. The draft will last thirty-five rounds.

[JetsIn06]

United Baseball Association Expands Schedule to 140 Games

NEW YORK, NY. March 7, 1914 - In a bulletin released by the league office today, the UBA has announced an expansion of the schedule, moving from a 126 game schedule to a 140 game schedule. This week, the league office is putting together the new schedule for the 1915 season.

[JetsIn06]

Chicago Home to Two Opening Day Events

CHICAGO, IL. April 9, 1915 - Yesterday, the Chicago Whales and the Chicago Orphans opened up the 1915 season. Both teams began yesterday morning in between Weeghman Park and O'Connor Park. The teams left at the same time, with fans lining up along the sides of street all the way to the park. It was an incredible parade for both teams that kicked off the 1915 season with a bang.

The Orphans beat up on the expansion Detroit franchise, winning 11-0, and the Whales beat the expansion St. Paul Saints in a close 3-2 game.

[JetsIn06]

United League Announces April's Top Player

CHICAGO, IL. May 1, 1915 - Earl Ebert took a much-deserved turn in the spotlight earlier today as he accepted the United League Pitcher of the Month award for April.

The 27-year-old Orphans starter is a relative newcomer to the league, but nonetheless racked up an impressive 6-0 won-lost record in 6 starts. He has fanned 52 batters in 54 innings and sports a 1.00 ERA.

[JetsIn06]

April's #1 CL Player Announced - Sterns Winner

ST. LOUIS, MO. May 2, 1915 - Mat Sterns of St. Louis excelled on the mound in April with a 5-1 record and was named the Pitcher of the Month in the Columbia League.

Sterns restricted opposing batters to 34 base hits and a .178 batting average. He rang up 17 strikeouts in 54 innings of work, surrendered 13 walks, and fashioned a 1.00 ERA.

[JetsIn06]

Putman No-Hits Boston

CHICAGO, IL. May 4, 1915 - Chicago's Harman Putman came up big today at O'Connor Park with an exceptional 4-0 outing against the Boston Shipbuilders. Not only did he whip them, but Putman held them hitless, too. He brought his "A stuff" to the ballpark, finishing with 7 strikeouts and 2 walks -- a day good enough to get his name in the league record book.

"My arm was a bit sore in warmups," confessed Putman. "Sometimes you go out there and you're not feeling all that hot. You get into the game... and all of a sudden in the seventh inning you look up and see the scoreboard and think to yourself, 'Oh, my goodness, I have a no-hitter!' You're so focused on what you're doing, it just happens."

Then he added, "Nobody goes out to pitch a no-hitter. We just go out and try to get a win. A 10-9 win is better than a 1-0 loss. At least the batters are happy with that kind of win. My pitching buddies might not be too happy giving up 9 runs, though. But hey, a win is a win. The key to it today was I mixed my pitches well. This kept the Shipbuilders off balance and guessing the whole game."

[BYU 14]

Really like the flavor you have created here. The names of the players are very appropriate to the time period as well, I have never experienced this running an OOTP fictional league. Are you using a modified file of some sort?