Atlanta Braves History - Fred Tenney (1894-1907, 1911)

Fred Tenney played for the Braves when they were know as the Beaneaters, Doves and Rustlers (1894-1907, 1911). He was a first baseman, outfielder, catcher and pitcher. Clearly very versatile. He was born in Georgetown, Massachusetts on November 26, 1871 and passed away on July 3, 1952. He batted and threw as a lefty.

He was truly one of the pioneers in the early years of the game. He was also an amazing first baseman. The Beaneaters great manager, Frank Selee had already won 3 pennants when he spotted Fred. In that day, he was a pretty rare prospect as a left handed catcher. But Selee could spot talent and Tenney would help him win two more pennants and a place in history as the greatest team in the 1890's.

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.

The class of the league (1892)

Frank Selee moved into his third season in 1892. Great things were ahead for him. The Beaneaters (now the Atlanta Braves) had an amazing 102-48 record, finishing first, 8 1/2 games ahead. This may have been the greatest season in franchise history.

The National League expanded to 12 teams that year. They also adopted a split-season 154 game format. This played to the Beaneaters formidable strengths. The team was so good, it could release the pitching great, John Clarkson, at mid season.

With Kid Nichols, Harry Stanly, and a newcomer, Jack Stivvetts (picked up from the defunct American Association), the pitching staff rocked the league. They combined for 92 victories, 35 apiece for Stivetts and Nichols.