Time Warp Baseball (OOTP 25)

[jasontoddwhitt]

Welcome to Time Warp Baseball!

Step into the past and experience the evolution of America's pastime like never before. Time Warp Baseball is a historical replay league set to begin in 1901, where the storied history of Major League Baseball will unfold—or perhaps, be rewritten. Using the immersive tools of Out of the Park Baseball 25, I'll guide this league through the decades, starting with historical transactions to ensure a faithful recreation of early baseball history.

However, this isn't just a simple replay. Time Warp Baseball reserves the right to veer from the known timeline as events unfold. What if the Black Sox scandal of 1919 never occurred because the White Sox failed to reach—or triumphed in—the World Series? What if baseball's color barrier was broken in 1943 during the height of WWII, thanks to Bill Veeck's bold plan to buy the Phillies and fill the roster with Negro League All-Stars? What if a star player or team found a new path to glory? The potential for alternate baseball histories makes this project as unpredictable as it is exciting.

This dynasty report will document every twist, turn, and time warp. From the emergence of baseball's earliest legends to the rise of dynasties, scandals, and milestones, you'll witness history being made, re-made, and sometimes undone. Who will dominate the Dead Ball Era? Will Babe Ruth still become the Sultan of Swat? And what new heroes or storylines will emerge as we journey through the decades?

Stay tuned as we embark on this unique blend of history and possibility.

[jasontoddwhitt]

[jasontoddwhitt]

[johnstone1987]

fOLLOWING!

[jasontoddwhitt]

American League Report: Detroit Roars While Cleveland Plummets

As the inaugural American League season heads into June, the standings and leaderboards reveal an exciting yet uneven race. While the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Stockings battle for early supremacy, the Cleveland Blues are mired in a historic losing streak that has frustrated fans.
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Detroit Tigers Lead the Pack

The Detroit Tigers (22-10) sit atop the standings with a .688 winning percentage, thanks to a strong all-around performance. The Tigers rank third in the league in runs scored (203) and fourth in team ERA (3.83), showing they can win games with their bats and arms. Detroit's ability to dominate at home (15-6) has been a significant factor in their success, and they’ve also been consistent against both left-handed and right-handed pitching.

Key contributors include outfielder Jimmy Barrett, who leads the league in WAR (2.1), stolen bases (12), and is second in the league in runs scored (32) while maintaining a .333 batting average. Ed Siever has been a standout on the mound, posting a 5-3 record with a 3.24 ERA and two shutouts. Detroit’s speed, power, and pitching depth make them a serious contender for the inaugural pennant.
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Chicago White Stockings Keep Pace

Just 1.5 games behind Detroit are the Chicago White Stockings (21-12), boasting a .636 winning percentage. Chicago has leaned heavily on its offense, ranking in a tie for the league lead in runs scored (205) while having an outright lead in doubles (55) and on-base percentage (.392). The White Stockings get positive contributions up and down the regular lineup, with the lowest WAR being 0.5 among qualified players. The key cogs in the lineup so far have been outfielders Dummy Hoy (.287, 29 R) and Fielder Jones (.314, 26 R).

The pitching staff, led by rookie Roy Patterson, has also delivered, with Patterson leading the league in ERA (1.36) and wins (7). As evidenced by their 7-3 record in one-run contests, Chicago's ability to perform in close games keeps them in striking distance of the Tigers.
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Boston Americans and Baltimore Orioles Battle for Third

The Boston Americans (14-11) and Baltimore Orioles (14-11) are tied for third place, both 4.5 games back of Detroit. Boston has relied on its pitching, leading the league in runs allowed per game (4.6), third in ERA (3.77), and tied for second in complete games (19). Ace Cy Young (4-4, 4.46 ERA) got off to a very slow start but has won his last four decisions, including a nine-hit shutout of the Baltimore Orioles.

On the other hand, Baltimore is built on offense, leading the league in runs scored per game (7.2). Player/Manager John McGraw has been a revelation, leading the league in runs (33), runs created per 27 outs (15.4), and OPS (1.141). Baltimore’s challenge will be maintaining their offensive output, as while the pitching staff has a league-leading ERA (3.26), their defense ranks next to last in fielding percentage (.928).
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Philadelphia Athletics: Top Offense, Middle-of-the-Pack Pitching

The Philadelphia Athletics (15-15) sit at .500 and six games out of first. While they lead the league in runs scored (205) and third in batting average (.299), the Athletics have struggled to prevent runs, ranking fifth in ERA (4.57) and seventh in runs allowed per game (6.6). Nap Lajoie, the league leader in batting average (.438) and total bases (83), has been Philadelphia’s standout performer. Still, the team’s pitching inconsistencies have held them back from making a serious push toward the top.
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Washington Senators, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cleveland Blues: The Bottom Tier

The Washington Senators (12-15) and Milwaukee Brewers (13-18) are both underperforming, sitting well below .500. While the Senators have struggled to score runs (144), Milwaukee’s pitching staff has been one of the league’s weakest, with a team ERA of 4.88.

At the bottom of the standings, the Cleveland Blues (6-25) are enduring a historically bad start, highlighted by a 19-game losing streak that has left the team reeling. With a -90 run differential and the league’s worst ERA (5.29), Cleveland is overpowered in every facet of the game. Offensively, the Blues rank seventh in batting average (.280) and last in runs scored (139), further compounding their struggles. Second baseman Erve Beck is one of the few bright spots on the team, ranking second in the league in home runs (5).

With fans growing restless, the Blues face an uphill battle to restore any semblance of respectability. In response, just as we were going to press, the Blues purchased the rights to pitcher Pete Dowling from the Milwaukee Brewers. Dowling has a record of 1-3 in four starts for the Brewers but did have a respectable 3.15 ERA. Rumors are coming out of Milwaukee that Dowling has developed a significant drinking problem, but those must be unfounded if the Blues are willing to bring him over, or they are just that desperate for pitching.
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As June begins, the American League features clear front-runners in Detroit and Chicago, with Boston and Baltimore looking to remain in contention. Offensively, Philadelphia’s hitters are setting the pace, but their pitching struggles may keep them from climbing higher in the standings. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s woes are the talk of the league as the Blues search for answers in a season already slipping away.

Awards and Milestones

Players of the Week

Week of 4/29: 1B Candy LaChance (Cleveland) - .474 BA, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 8 R
Week of 5/6: 2B Jimmy Williams (Baltimore) - .517 BA, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 10 R
Week of 5/13: 1B Buck Freeman (Boston) - .542 BA, 8 RBI, 4 R
Week of 5/20: 2B Nap Lajoie (Philadelphia) - .500 BA, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 9 R
Week of 5/27: 3B Jimmy Collins (Boston) - .500 BA, 2 RBI, 7 R

Batter of the Month


2B Nap Lajoie (Philadelphia)
26 G, .434 BA, 2 HR, 29 RBI, 28 R, 3 SB, .445 OBP, .646 SLG

Pitcher of the Month
Rookie of the Month


P Roy Patterson (Chicago)
8 G, 5 GS, 5-0, 2 SV, 0.91 ERA, 49.2 IP, 5 CG, 1 SHO, 7 BB, 19 K

Accomplishments

May 3rd - 3B John McGraw (Baltimore) - 6 hits in 7 AB, 3 RBI versus Philadelphia.
May 6th - CF Hugh Duffy (Milwaukee) - 1500 career runs scored.
May 9th - 1B Buck Freeman (Boston) - 6 hits in 7 AB, 6 RBI versus Philadelphia.
May 25th - 1B Frank Isbell (Chicago) - 25-game hitting streak
May 27th - RF Ducky Holmes (Detroit) - 20-game hitting streak
May 30th - 1B John Anderson (Milwaukee) - 24-game hitting streak

[jasontoddwhitt]

National League Report: Pirates Lead Tight Race, Cardinals and Beaneaters in Hot Pursuit

As we head into the summer, the National League is proving to be a highly competitive battlefield. The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed the top spot, but their grip on the league is far from secure as the Boston Beaneaters and St. Louis Cardinals loom just behind. While some teams thrive, others, like the New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds, struggle to find their footing.
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Pittsburgh Pirates: A Balanced Contender

The Pirates (19-11) sit atop the standings with a .633 winning percentage, propelled by excellent pitching and timely hitting. Their team ERA of 2.57 is the best in the league, with ace Deacon Phillippe leading the charge. Phillippe boasts a stellar 1.16 ERA, the lowest in the league, and has been virtually untouchable, holding opponents to a .206 batting average.

Offensively, Pittsburgh is led by shortstop Honus Wagner, who is having another remarkable season. Wagner ranks second in the league in batting average (.358) and slugging percentage (.575). His combination of speed and power, including a league-leading 15 doubles, makes him one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.
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Boston Beaneaters: Pitching Excellence Keeps Them in the Hunt

The Boston Beaneaters (15-10) are just 1.5 games back of Pittsburgh, thanks mainly to giving up the fewest runs in the league (102). Boston’s pitching staff has been dominant, with starters like Vic Willis (1.72 ERA) and Bill Dinneen (2.21 ERA) setting the tone. The Beaneaters’ ability to keep runs off the board has helped them compensate for an offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in runs scored (97).

While the offense has struggled, Fred Tenney (.333 BA) has been a key contributor, providing clutch hitting and leadership. Boston’s formula of pitching and defense may not be flashy, but it keeps them firmly in the race for the pennant.
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St. Louis Cardinals: Offense Driving Success

The Cardinals (18-13) are just 1.5 games back of the Pirates, making their case as the league’s most potent offensive team. St. Louis leads the National League in runs scored (174) and boasts multiple stars in their lineup.

Outfielder Jesse Burkett has been exceptional, ranking fourth in batting average (.343) and first in hits (48). Centerfielder Emmet Heidrick has also been a force at the plate, driving in 28 runs while providing steady defense.

On the mound, Ted Breitenstein had been a standout with a 1.93 ERA and a league-best winning percentage of 1.000, going 3-0 in his three starts. Unfortunately, he suffered an arm injury in his last start on May 9th and hasn't been seen since. The rest of the staff has not been good, supported by the fact the Cardinals have the second-worst ERA in the league (3.40). The Cardinals need somebody to help this pitching staff support an excellent offense.
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Brooklyn Superbas: Defending Champs Struggle for Consistency

The Brooklyn Superbas (14-15) have yet to regain the form that earned them back-to-back NL pennants. Their pitching has been solid, with Bill Donovan posting a 3.16 ERA and striking out 53 batters, but their offense has been inconsistent.

Brooklyn’s lineup is led by Joe Kelley, a bright spot with a league-leading .390 batting average and an OPS of 1.046. Despite Kelley’s heroics, the team sits 4.5 games back of first and will need more production from the rest of the lineup to stay competitive.
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Philadelphia Phillies: Middle of the Road in Everything

The Phillies (14-16) are fifth in the standings, five games back of the Pirates. While the offense has shown flashes of brilliance, led by Ed Delahanty (.339 average, 42 hits), the pitching staff has also struggled to show sustained success outside of Al Orth (6-1, 1.86 ERA). Philadelphia needs someone else to step up, as their other starters have a combined record of 5-15.
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Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants: Fighting to Stay Afloat

The Reds (12-17) and Giants (10-14) occupy the lower tier of the standings, struggling to find consistency. Cincinnati has shown glimpses of potential, particularly with Noodles Hahn on the mound. Hahn has been a workhorse, leading the league in innings pitched (82.0) while posting a respectable 2.74 ERA.

New York’s pitching staff has been a relative bright spot, with Christy Mathewson emerging as a star in the making. Mathewson has a 2.29 ERA and 53 strikeouts, showing poise beyond his 20 years on this Earth. However, the Giants’ league-worst offense (84 runs scored) has left their pitching staff with little support.
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Chicago Orphans: A Team in Turmoil, But Waddell Shines

The Chicago Orphans (13-19) are struggling to stay competitive, with a league-worst ERA of 3.88 and a -42 run differential. Despite their challenges, the team has found a rare bright spot in Rube Waddell. Waddell started the season in Pittsburgh, but after a start against the Orphans in Chicago on May 1st, there was an incident involving a very inebriated Waddell and his manager, Fred Clarke. After the latest in a series of incidents dating back to last season, the Pirates had finally had enough of the talented 24-year-old hurler and quickly sold him to the Orphans since they were already in town.

Waddell has been nothing short of brilliant since arriving in Chicago. He leads the league in strikeouts with 56 and boasts a remarkable 1.67 ERA. His ability to miss bats has made him a standout performer on an otherwise beleaguered roster. Waddell’s dominance on the mound includes holding opponents to a .226 batting average, pitching back-to-back shutouts, two 10-strikeout performances, and his league-best WAR of 2.2 underscores just how valuable he has been to the Orphans.

While Waddell’s success has given the Orphans a glimmer of hope, the rest of the team has struggled to provide consistent support. Outfielder Danny Green continues to impress offensively, hitting .351 and leading the league with eight triples. Still, Chicago’s inability to perform in games not pitched by Waddell has left them seven games out of first place.

If Waddell can continue his dominance and the team’s bats come alive, the Orphans might have an outside chance to climb the standings. For now, however, the team remains mired in turmoil despite the flashes of brilliance from their star pitcher.
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As June begins, the National League pennant race will be an exciting contest. The Pirates remain the favorites thanks to their pitching dominance, but the Beaneaters’ elite staff and the Cardinals’ explosive offense make them serious contenders.

Awards and Milestones

Players of the Week

Week of 4/29: 1B Kitty Bransfield (Pittsburgh) - .643 BA, 6 RBI, 3 R
Week of 5/6: RF Honus Wagner (Pittsburgh) - .500 BA, 4 RBI, 7 R
Week of 5/13: SS Bobby Wallace (St. Louis) - .452 BA, 4 RBI, 5 R
Week of 5/20: CF Jimmy Slagle (Philadelphia) - .393 BA, 6 RBI, 3 R
Week of 5/27: CF Tom McCreery (Brooklyn) - .550 BA, 6 RBI, 8 R

Batter of the Month


CF Emmet Heidrick (St. Louis)
22 G, .305 BA, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 22 R, 8 SB, .333 OBP, .476 SLG

Pitcher of the Month


P Rube Waddell (Chicago)
9 G, 8 GS, 6-2, 1.13 ERA, 71.2 IP, 7 CG, 2 SHO, 20 BB, 53 K

Rookie of the Month


P Gene McCann (Brooklyn)
4 G, 3 GS, 2-1, 1.53 ERA, 29.1 IP, 3 CG, 9 BB, 11 K

Accomplishments

April 19th - 1B Joe Kelley (Brooklyn) 1000 career runs scored.
May 15th - SS George Davis (New York) 1000 career runs batted in.