Beaneaters (1883)

1883 was an amazing season for the Boston Beaneaters (now the Atlanta Braves). First, they changed their name from the Red Stockings to the Beaneaters. Second, in mid season the changed managers from "Honest" John Morrill to Jack Burdock. Third, they had a second half rally when they came from dead last on July 18 to win the National League pennant and the World Series.

They had a 63-35 record ending up 4 games ahead.

Beaneaters indeed.

Bothering the pitcher (1893)

Maybe this has happened more than once but I have never heard of it. Billy Nash must have been a character. The Braves (then known as the Boston Beaneaters) had a great season in 1893. They won the pennant.

In a game with Brooklyn on May 19, the score was tied after 8 innings. It looked like Brooklyn would win the game. They scored 3 runs in the top of the ninth. Not good for the home team for sure. It is the bottom of the ninth. How many times have home team fans been in this situation?

Third baseman Billy Nash comes up to the plate. He is first up in the inning. So .... he whacks one over the left field fence. Here we go!!! But he didn't run home as expected (even then). He stopped at third base. He settled for a triple. Why? WHY? So he could "bother the pitcher". And boy did he. The Braves got three runs to tie the game.

In to the 10th we go. Both teams scored a run. Nash got his due. He hit another to tie it and this time took the homer. The Braves finally won in the 12th. 5-4 was the final.

I can't imagine a player not taking a homer today. But, Billy Nash no longer plays.

Good enough (1898)

Being good enough in baseball is what it is about some days. The 1898 Braves (then known as the Boston Beaneaters) weren't as good as they were in the previous season percentage wise. They ended up 6 games ahead to win the pennant. Frank Selee continuted to be a mastermind as the manager. Their record was 102-47. So, they were good enough. They won 9 more games than the year before. Their winning percentage was .685 and a little lower than the year before.

Part of this is about statistics. This was the year that the National League expanded to the 154 game schedule. 102 wins was VERY good. It tied the 1892 pennant winners for a record. It stood until Bobbie Cox and the Braves won 104 (of 162) in 1993.

Frank in his second year (1891)

In 1891 during Frank Selee's second year as manager, the Braves (then known as the Boston Beaneaters) won the pennant. They finished first with a record of 87-51 and 3 1/2 games ahead. This would begin a decade of amazing achievements for them. It was unequaled by very few teams over the years.

It began with one of the most hotly disputed pennants in baseball history in 1871. It wasn't formally decided until Thanksgiving. In September and October, the Beaneaters won 23 of 30 games. This included 18 in a row. This allowed them to take the pennant from Chicago.

Frank Selee clearly had a command on how to win.