WestEddy

One of the Hall-of-Famers, King Kelly, caught cold on a ferry ride during the off-season of 1893, developed pneumonia and died. He had a song written about him, Slide, Kelly, Slide.

Looking at the 1882 Cubs, now, I find a couple of things interesting. 1) None of the players were born in the South. There was probably a period where Southerners entered the game. Does anyone know of a culture shock when this happened? 2) The team played 84 games, and used 12 players between fielders and pitchers. They only used 2 pitchers. One position player (Ed Williamson) threw 3 innings in one game. 3) They played at Lakefront Park 1, which was located at the corner of Michigan Ave and Randolph. The area is part of Grant Park, now. 4) Catcher Silver Flint led the team with 4 HRs. 5) Best record that season (55-29), only two HOFers, Cap Anson and King Kelly. 6) 5 of the players died before the age of 45.

1882 Cubs, for instance. 10 of the top 12 in WAR had moustaches. This was a replacement level 'stache.

Okay, they earned that one. No perfecto.

Looking at the top 12 in WAR for each white sox team, only George Davis had a moustache in the first couple decades. I think the golden age of facial hair was probably the 1880s, so the Sox missed out on obvious contenders. By the 40s, the red scare kept everyone clean shaven except Tugboat captains and Lumberjacks.

Gossage was clean shaven here...

Michael A. Taylor single.

Smith ain't exactly getting that ball 3" off the plate.

they probably should have paid the White Sox' price for Houser and Robert.

He always had moderate power. I'm surprised he could never get the hit tool firing here.

That was a whole debate during 2024 spring training. Chicago White Sox dude argued that Fletcher had 10-15 HR power.

They don't want to give the bullpen a chance to blow this one.

Vini, vedi, Dominici

Brooks Baldwin!!!

I had an uncle who was a Packers' fan, because after the Cardinals left, there was no way he was going to root for the Bears.

"This season isn't over yet, my friends!!"

Yikes. I gotta lay off the Bailey's.

Vini, Vedi, Vargas!!

Yeah, a three baserunner shut down would be a sad end.

J'Taime, White Sox fans. Thanks for tolerating my foray into 60's French pop. The two main lines translate into "I love you", "Yeah, me neither".

I think Colson's floor is early Paul DeJong. Not one of the game's superstars, but an All-Star, and certainly above average. Dude has elite bat speed, and defends the hardest position very well. Deer could barely play RF.

From the MLBTR blurb: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/09/michael-a-taylor-announces-retirement.html

Dude's a consummate professional, and had a bunch of clutch hits. I'm sure he set a good example for the youngsters. I wish him well in his retirement.

Detroit went through 37 pitchers this year.

Winning trades is the area where Getz really has to pick it up. While most of what he did wasn't as catastrophic as some here bemoaned, being able to plug in Fletcher and get replacement production would have been a Godsend on last year's team. I do like that he didn't just dump players to make trades this year. When you take the best bad offer, you're still taking the garbage the other team wants to foist on you.