1887 Detroit Wolverines season
Encyclopedia
The 1887 Detroit Wolverines
season was a season in American baseball
. The team won the 1887 National League
pennant, then defeated the St. Louis Browns
in the 1887 World Series
. The season was the team's 7th since it entered the National League
in 1881. It was the first World Series championship for the Detroit Wolverines
and the City of Detroit
.
‚ the Wolverines began a six-week exhibition tour through the South and Midwest.
Catchers: Charlie Ganzel
Catching duties were divided between Charlie Ganzel
(51 games at catcher
) and Charlie Bennett
(45 games at catcher
). Both were good defensive catchers, though neither hit particularly well. Bennett had a better fielding percentage
than Ganzel (.951 to .913), but Ganzel was stronger in range factor
(6.78 to 5.64) and fielding runs (9 to 2). Bennett's career in baseball ended when he lost both his legs in a train accident. When the Detroit Tigers
opened their new ballpark in 1896, they named it Bennett Park in his honor. It remained Bennett Park until 1912, when the newly built stadium on the same site was named Navin Field.
Infield: Brouthers
First baseman
Dan Brouthers
was the first of three future Hall of Famers to play for the 1887 Wolverines. Brouthers won five batting titles and seven slugging titles, and his career batting average
of .342 is the 9th highest in major league history. Brouthers was a key to the Wolverines offensive output in 1887 as he led the National League
in runs (153), doubles (36), extra base hits (68), on base percentage
(.426), times on base (246), and OPS (.988). He was also among the league leaders with a .338 batting average
(3rd in the NL), .562 slugging percentage (2nd in the NL), 20 triples, 12 home run
s (5th in the NL), 101 RBI
s (4th in the NL), 71 walks
(4th in the NL), and an at bat to strikeout ratio of 55.6 (2nd in NL).
The second baseman
duties were split between Fred Dunlap
and Hardy Richardson
. Dunlap played 65 games at second base but missed two months due to an injury. As a result, Richardson played 64 games at second base in addition to 58 games as the left fielder
. Richardson was a big contributor to the 1887 Wolverines, as he hit for a .327 average with 51 extra base hits, 131 runs scored, 178 hits and 94 RBIs. Richardson was also a good fielder both at second base and in left field.
Jack Rowe
played 124 games at shortstop
for the 1887 Wolverines. Rowe was part of “The Big Four” (along with Dan Brouthers
, Deacon White
, and Hardy Richardson
) that Detroit owner Fred Stearns purchased from the Buffalo Bisons for $7,000 before the 1886 season. The purchase of four of the best players in baseball all at one time drew wide attention. Rowe had a big year for the Wolverines, with a .318 batting average, 135 runs scored (2nd in the NL), 171 hits (4th in the NL), 96 RBIs (6th in the NL), 30 extra base hits (7th in the NL), and 239 total bases (9th in the NL). Rowe hit for the cycle for the Wolverines on August 21, 1886. Rowe later suffered a nervous breakdown
and died at age 54.
Third baseman
Deacon White
was also part of "The Big Four" acquired from Buffalo before the 1886 season. White won two batting crowns earlier in his career but was 39 years old in 1887. He still hit for a .303 batting average and had 11 triples, 75 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. White was a nonsmoking, Bible-toting, church-going deacon. According to Lee Allen
in The National League Story (1961), White was one of the last people to believe that the earth is flat.
Outfield: Thompson
Right fielder
Sam Thompson
, known as “Big Sam,” was the second future Hall of Famer on the 1887 Detroit team. Thompson was in his prime in 1887 and had a tremendous year. He was the National League batting champion with a .372 average, and he also led the league in slugging percentage (.571), hits (203), total bases (311), triples (23), RBIs (166), and runs created
(127). His 1887 total of 166 RBIs stood as a major league record for 40 years until Lou Gehrig
broke it in 1927. He was No. 2 on the all-time home run list at the time of his retirement.
Center fielder
Ned Hanlon was the third future Hall of Famer on the 1887 Detroit team. Though inducted into the Hall of Fame based on his later performance as a manager, Hanlon was a good fielding center fielder who had tremendous speed and range. In 1887, he stole 69 bases for the Wolverines. He also hit .291 with seven stolen bases and 4 RBIs in the 1887 World Series.
The left fielder
duties were split between second baseman/outfielder Hardy Richardson
, and pitcher/outfielder Larry Twitchell
. In addition to pitching 15 games for the Wolverines, Twitchell played 44 games in left field and 9 games in center field. Twitchell had a .333 batting average and collected 51 RBIs in just 264 at bats. In his 15 games as a pitcher, Twitchell had a record of 11-1.
Pitching: Getzien, Baldwin
The Wolverines’ #1 pitcher in 1887 was Charlie Getzien. Getzien had a record of 29-13 for the 1887 team. Getzien started 42 games, pitched 41 complete game
s, and had an ERA of 3.73. He was among the league leaders in wins, win percentage (.690), inning pitched (366.2), and strikeouts (135). He was also first in the league with 24 home runs allowed. In the 1887 World Series, Getzien had a record of 4-2 with a 2.48 ERA.
Detroit’s #2 starter was Charles B. "Lady" Baldwin
. Baldwin played four seasons with the Wolverines. In 1886, Baldwin had a record of 42-13 (the most wins ever by a Detroit pitcher) with a 2.24 ERA
in 487 innings pitched, striking out 323 of 1936 batters faced. Baldwin also completed 55 of 56 games, seven of which were shutouts. In 1887, Baldwin’s appearances were reduced from 56 games to 24, and from 487 innings to 211. He won only 13 games in the regular season for the 1887 Wolverines, but in World Series play, Baldwin pitched 5 complete games for a 4-1 record and a 1.50 ERA.
The Wolverines’ #3 pitcher was George Edward “Stump” Wiedman
. Wiedman led the National League with a 1.80 ERA for Detroit in 1881. In 1887, Wiedman returned to the Wolverines, where he went 13-7. By late July, Wiedman fell out of favor with manager William Watkins
who considered Wiedman to be a malcontent. The Wolverines sold Wiedman to the New York Metropolitans
on August 5, 1887.
The Wolverines #4 pitcher was Pete Conway
. Despite his 8-9 record in 1887, Conway had the lowest ERA (2.90) among the Detroit starters.
The 1887 Wolverines finished the season with a record of 79-45. They outscored their opponents by more than 250 runs—969 to 714. They also led the National League
in team batting average
, runs scored and slugging. Wolverines batters dominated the National League leader board:
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Note: pitchers' batting statistics not included
Note: G = Games; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
The Detroit Wolverines defeated the St. Louis Browns in the 1887 World Series, 10 games to 5.
After the Wolverines won the National League pennant, owner Fred Stearns challenged the American Association
champion St. Louis Browns
. The Wolverines and the Browns would play "a series of contests for supremacy" of the baseball world. This early "world series" consisted of fifteen games - played in Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington
, Baltimore and Chicago, as well as Detroit and St. Louis. The Wolverines claimed their eighth victory - and thus the championship – in the eleventh game.
in 2001:
Detroit Wolverines
The Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise...
season was a season in American baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
. The team won the 1887 National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
pennant, then defeated the St. Louis Browns
1887 St. Louis Browns season
The St. Louis Browns season was the team's 6th season in St. Louis, Missouri and the 6th season in the American Association. The Browns went 95-40 during the season and finished first in the American Association, winning their third pennant in a row...
in the 1887 World Series
1887 World Series
The 1887 World Series was won by the Detroit Wolverines of the National League, over the St. Louis Browns of the American Association, 10 games to 5. It was played between October 10 and October 26, and played in numerous neutral cities, as well as in Detroit and St. Louis...
. The season was the team's 7th since it entered the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
in 1881. It was the first World Series championship for the Detroit Wolverines
Detroit Wolverines
The Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise...
and the City of Detroit
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
.
Offseason
On March 13, after training in Macon, GeorgiaMacon, Georgia
Macon is a city located in central Georgia, US. Founded at the fall line of the Ocmulgee River, it is part of the Macon metropolitan area, and the county seat of Bibb County. A small portion of the city extends into Jones County. Macon is the biggest city in central Georgia...
‚ the Wolverines began a six-week exhibition tour through the South and Midwest.
The players
Catchers: Charlie GanzelCharlie GanzelCharles William Ganzel was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Paul Saints , Philadelphia Quakers , Detroit Wolverines and Boston Beaneaters . He batted and threw right-handed.A native of Waterford, Wisconsin, Ganzel came from a baseball family...
and Charlie BennettCharlie BennettCharles Wesley Bennett was a catcher in Major League Baseball.-Career overview:Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Bennett played 15 seasons in the major leagues. He played in 1062 games, had a .340 on base percentage and collected 978 hits, 203 doubles, 67 triples, 55 home runs, and 533 RBIs...
Charlie Ganzel
Charles William Ganzel was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Paul Saints , Philadelphia Quakers , Detroit Wolverines and Boston Beaneaters . He batted and threw right-handed.A native of Waterford, Wisconsin, Ganzel came from a baseball family...
(51 games at catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
) and Charlie Bennett
Charlie Bennett
Charles Wesley Bennett was a catcher in Major League Baseball.-Career overview:Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Bennett played 15 seasons in the major leagues. He played in 1062 games, had a .340 on base percentage and collected 978 hits, 203 doubles, 67 triples, 55 home runs, and 533 RBIs...
(45 games at catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
). Both were good defensive catchers, though neither hit particularly well. Bennett had a better fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
than Ganzel (.951 to .913), but Ganzel was stronger in range factor
Range Factor
Range Factor is a baseball statistic developed by Bill James. It is calculated by dividing putouts and assists by number of innings or games played at a given defense position...
(6.78 to 5.64) and fielding runs (9 to 2). Bennett's career in baseball ended when he lost both his legs in a train accident. When the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
opened their new ballpark in 1896, they named it Bennett Park in his honor. It remained Bennett Park until 1912, when the newly built stadium on the same site was named Navin Field.
Infield: BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
, DunlapFred DunlapFrederick C. "Sure Shot" Dunlap was a second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball from 1880 to 1891. He was the highest paid player in Major League Baseball from 1884 to 1889. He has also been rated by some contemporary and modern sources as the greatest overall second baseman of the...
, RoweJack RoweJohn Charles "Jack" Rowe was an American baseball player.Rowe was born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, in 1911. He first played baseball under Tom Loftus with the Peoria Reds in 1878. In 1879, Rowe and his brother, Dave Rowe, signed with the Rockford team in the newly formed Northwestern League...
, TwitchellLarry TwitchellLawrence Grant Twitchell was a Major League baseball outfielder. Twitchell was born in Cleveland, Ohio.On August 15, , he hit for the cycle, getting 6 hits in 6 at bats to lead the Cleveland Spiders over the Boston Beaneaters...
and WhiteDeacon WhiteJames Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
First basemanFirst baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Dan Brouthers
Dan Brouthers
Dennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
was the first of three future Hall of Famers to play for the 1887 Wolverines. Brouthers won five batting titles and seven slugging titles, and his career batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
of .342 is the 9th highest in major league history. Brouthers was a key to the Wolverines offensive output in 1887 as he led the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
in runs (153), doubles (36), extra base hits (68), on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
(.426), times on base (246), and OPS (.988). He was also among the league leaders with a .338 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
(3rd in the NL), .562 slugging percentage (2nd in the NL), 20 triples, 12 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s (5th in the NL), 101 RBI
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
s (4th in the NL), 71 walks
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
(4th in the NL), and an at bat to strikeout ratio of 55.6 (2nd in NL).
The second baseman
Second baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
duties were split between Fred Dunlap
Fred Dunlap
Frederick C. "Sure Shot" Dunlap was a second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball from 1880 to 1891. He was the highest paid player in Major League Baseball from 1884 to 1889. He has also been rated by some contemporary and modern sources as the greatest overall second baseman of the...
and Hardy Richardson
Hardy Richardson
Abram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons...
. Dunlap played 65 games at second base but missed two months due to an injury. As a result, Richardson played 64 games at second base in addition to 58 games as the left fielder
Left fielder
In baseball, a left fielder is an outfielder who plays defense in left field. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
. Richardson was a big contributor to the 1887 Wolverines, as he hit for a .327 average with 51 extra base hits, 131 runs scored, 178 hits and 94 RBIs. Richardson was also a good fielder both at second base and in left field.
Jack Rowe
Jack Rowe
John Charles "Jack" Rowe was an American baseball player.Rowe was born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, in 1911. He first played baseball under Tom Loftus with the Peoria Reds in 1878. In 1879, Rowe and his brother, Dave Rowe, signed with the Rockford team in the newly formed Northwestern League...
played 124 games at shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
for the 1887 Wolverines. Rowe was part of “The Big Four” (along with Dan Brouthers
Dan Brouthers
Dennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
, Deacon White
Deacon White
James Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
, and Hardy Richardson
Hardy Richardson
Abram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons...
) that Detroit owner Fred Stearns purchased from the Buffalo Bisons for $7,000 before the 1886 season. The purchase of four of the best players in baseball all at one time drew wide attention. Rowe had a big year for the Wolverines, with a .318 batting average, 135 runs scored (2nd in the NL), 171 hits (4th in the NL), 96 RBIs (6th in the NL), 30 extra base hits (7th in the NL), and 239 total bases (9th in the NL). Rowe hit for the cycle for the Wolverines on August 21, 1886. Rowe later suffered a nervous breakdown
Nervous breakdown
Mental breakdown is a non-medical term used to describe an acute, time-limited phase of a specific disorder that presents primarily with features of depression or anxiety.-Definition:...
and died at age 54.
Third baseman
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
Deacon White
Deacon White
James Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
was also part of "The Big Four" acquired from Buffalo before the 1886 season. White won two batting crowns earlier in his career but was 39 years old in 1887. He still hit for a .303 batting average and had 11 triples, 75 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. White was a nonsmoking, Bible-toting, church-going deacon. According to Lee Allen
Lee Allen (baseball)
Leland Gaither "Lee" Allen was an American sportswriter and historian on the subject of baseball. He was known for an accessible writing style that made history more interesting, typically focusing on the people in the stories as much as the events. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Allen was the son...
in The National League Story (1961), White was one of the last people to believe that the earth is flat.
Outfield: ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
, Hanlon, RichardsonHardy RichardsonAbram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons...
and TwitchellLarry TwitchellLawrence Grant Twitchell was a Major League baseball outfielder. Twitchell was born in Cleveland, Ohio.On August 15, , he hit for the cycle, getting 6 hits in 6 at bats to lead the Cleveland Spiders over the Boston Beaneaters...
Right fielderRight fielder
A right fielder, abbreviated RF, is the outfielder in baseball or softball who plays defense in right field. Right field is the area of the outfield to the right of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
Sam Thompson
Sam Thompson
Samuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
, known as “Big Sam,” was the second future Hall of Famer on the 1887 Detroit team. Thompson was in his prime in 1887 and had a tremendous year. He was the National League batting champion with a .372 average, and he also led the league in slugging percentage (.571), hits (203), total bases (311), triples (23), RBIs (166), and runs created
Runs created
Runs created is a baseball statistic invented by Bill James to estimate the number of runs a hitter contributes to his team.-Purpose:James explains in his book, The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, why he believes runs created is an essential thing to measure:With regard to an offensive...
(127). His 1887 total of 166 RBIs stood as a major league record for 40 years until Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig
Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig , nicknamed "The Iron Horse" for his durability, was an American Major League Baseball first baseman. He played his entire 17-year baseball career for the New York Yankees . Gehrig set several major league records. He holds the record for most career grand slams...
broke it in 1927. He was No. 2 on the all-time home run list at the time of his retirement.
Center fielder
Center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
Ned Hanlon was the third future Hall of Famer on the 1887 Detroit team. Though inducted into the Hall of Fame based on his later performance as a manager, Hanlon was a good fielding center fielder who had tremendous speed and range. In 1887, he stole 69 bases for the Wolverines. He also hit .291 with seven stolen bases and 4 RBIs in the 1887 World Series.
The left fielder
Left fielder
In baseball, a left fielder is an outfielder who plays defense in left field. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
duties were split between second baseman/outfielder Hardy Richardson
Hardy Richardson
Abram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons...
, and pitcher/outfielder Larry Twitchell
Larry Twitchell
Lawrence Grant Twitchell was a Major League baseball outfielder. Twitchell was born in Cleveland, Ohio.On August 15, , he hit for the cycle, getting 6 hits in 6 at bats to lead the Cleveland Spiders over the Boston Beaneaters...
. In addition to pitching 15 games for the Wolverines, Twitchell played 44 games in left field and 9 games in center field. Twitchell had a .333 batting average and collected 51 RBIs in just 264 at bats. In his 15 games as a pitcher, Twitchell had a record of 11-1.
Pitching: Getzien, BaldwinLady BaldwinCharles B. "Lady" Baldwin was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played six seasons in the Union Association, National League, and Players' League with the Milwaukee Brewers , Detroit Wolverines , Brooklyn Bridegrooms , and Buffalo Bisons...
, WeidmanStump WiedmanGeorge Edward "Stump" Wiedman was a Major League Baseball pitcher and outfielder for 9 years from 1880-1888.Born in Rochester, New York, Stump appeared in 279 games as a right-handed pitcher but also appeared in 122 games as an outfielder. He began his Major League career in 1881 with the Buffalo...
, ConwayPete ConwayPeter J. Conway was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for five seasons with the Buffalo Bisons , Kansas City Cowboys , Detroit Wolverines , and Pittsburg Alleghenys . He won two games for Detroit in the 1887 World Series and followed in 1888 with a season record of 30 wins and 14...
and TwitchellLarry TwitchellLawrence Grant Twitchell was a Major League baseball outfielder. Twitchell was born in Cleveland, Ohio.On August 15, , he hit for the cycle, getting 6 hits in 6 at bats to lead the Cleveland Spiders over the Boston Beaneaters...
The Wolverines’ #1 pitcher in 1887 was Charlie Getzien. Getzien had a record of 29-13 for the 1887 team. Getzien started 42 games, pitched 41 complete gameComplete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
s, and had an ERA of 3.73. He was among the league leaders in wins, win percentage (.690), inning pitched (366.2), and strikeouts (135). He was also first in the league with 24 home runs allowed. In the 1887 World Series, Getzien had a record of 4-2 with a 2.48 ERA.
Detroit’s #2 starter was Charles B. "Lady" Baldwin
Lady Baldwin
Charles B. "Lady" Baldwin was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played six seasons in the Union Association, National League, and Players' League with the Milwaukee Brewers , Detroit Wolverines , Brooklyn Bridegrooms , and Buffalo Bisons...
. Baldwin played four seasons with the Wolverines. In 1886, Baldwin had a record of 42-13 (the most wins ever by a Detroit pitcher) with a 2.24 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
in 487 innings pitched, striking out 323 of 1936 batters faced. Baldwin also completed 55 of 56 games, seven of which were shutouts. In 1887, Baldwin’s appearances were reduced from 56 games to 24, and from 487 innings to 211. He won only 13 games in the regular season for the 1887 Wolverines, but in World Series play, Baldwin pitched 5 complete games for a 4-1 record and a 1.50 ERA.
The Wolverines’ #3 pitcher was George Edward “Stump” Wiedman
Stump Wiedman
George Edward "Stump" Wiedman was a Major League Baseball pitcher and outfielder for 9 years from 1880-1888.Born in Rochester, New York, Stump appeared in 279 games as a right-handed pitcher but also appeared in 122 games as an outfielder. He began his Major League career in 1881 with the Buffalo...
. Wiedman led the National League with a 1.80 ERA for Detroit in 1881. In 1887, Wiedman returned to the Wolverines, where he went 13-7. By late July, Wiedman fell out of favor with manager William Watkins
Bill Watkins
William Henry "Wattie" Watkins was a Canadian baseball player and manager. In 1887, he led the Detroit Wolverines to the first professional sports championship for Detroit, Michigan. The Wolverines won the 1887 National League championship and went on to defeat the St. Louis Browns in a 15-game...
who considered Wiedman to be a malcontent. The Wolverines sold Wiedman to the New York Metropolitans
New York Metropolitans
The Metropolitan Club was a 19th-century professional baseball team that played in New York City from 1880 to 1887...
on August 5, 1887.
The Wolverines #4 pitcher was Pete Conway
Pete Conway
Peter J. Conway was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for five seasons with the Buffalo Bisons , Kansas City Cowboys , Detroit Wolverines , and Pittsburg Alleghenys . He won two games for Detroit in the 1887 World Series and followed in 1888 with a season record of 30 wins and 14...
. Despite his 8-9 record in 1887, Conway had the lowest ERA (2.90) among the Detroit starters.
Roster
| 1887 Detroit Wolverines | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| valign="top" | Pitchers |
valign="top" | Catchers Infielders |
valign="top" | Outfielders |
valign="top" | Manager |
||||||
Season summary
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
in team batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
, runs scored and slugging. Wolverines batters dominated the National League leader board:
- Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
, Jack RoweJack RoweJohn Charles "Jack" Rowe was an American baseball player.Rowe was born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, in 1911. He first played baseball under Tom Loftus with the Peoria Reds in 1878. In 1879, Rowe and his brother, Dave Rowe, signed with the Rockford team in the newly formed Northwestern League...
, and Hardy RichardsonHardy RichardsonAbram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons...
were first, second and third in runs scored, with Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
fifth. - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
, Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
and Hardy RichardsonHardy RichardsonAbram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons...
were first, second and third in total bases. The same three were Nos. 1, 3, and 6 in batting average. - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
and Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
were first and second in slugging percentage and OPS.
Season highlights
- May 4: Detroit defeated Pittsburg1887 Pittsburg Alleghenys season- Roster :- Starters by position :Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in- Other batters :Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg...
in 11 innings. Pittsburg scored 4 runs in the first inning off Stump WiedmanStump WiedmanGeorge Edward "Stump" Wiedman was a Major League Baseball pitcher and outfielder for 9 years from 1880-1888.Born in Rochester, New York, Stump appeared in 279 games as a right-handed pitcher but also appeared in 122 games as an outfielder. He began his Major League career in 1881 with the Buffalo...
, but the Tigers came back. - May 7, 1887: Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
became the first major league player to hit two bases-loaded triples in one game as the Wolverines (8-1) beat the Indianapolis Hoosiers1887 Indianapolis Hoosiers seasonThe 1887 Indianapolis Hoosiers finished with a 37-89 record in the National League, finishing in last place in their first season in Indianapolis. They had played the previous three seasons in St. Louis, Missouri as the Maroons.- Offseason :...
‚ 18-2. - May 13, 1887: Fred DunlapFred DunlapFrederick C. "Sure Shot" Dunlap was a second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball from 1880 to 1891. He was the highest paid player in Major League Baseball from 1884 to 1889. He has also been rated by some contemporary and modern sources as the greatest overall second baseman of the...
had his second six-hit game in a week (walks were counted as hits in 1887) to help Detroit beat Chicago1887 Chicago White Stockings season- Roster :- Starters by position :Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in- Other batters :Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg...
‚ 17-7. Sam Thompson had three triples. - May 17, 1887: Detroit's Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
hit a bases-loaded triple and a bases-loaded home run as the Wolverines defeated the Quakers1887 Philadelphia Quakers season- Notable transactions :* April, 1887: Tom Gunning was purchased by the Quakers from the Boston Beaneaters.- Roster :- Starters by position :Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in- Other batters :Note: G = Games...
, 19-10. - May 21, 1887: Sam Thompson hit a three-run home run to lead the Wolverines to a 4-2 victory over Washington1887 Washington Nationals seasonThe Washington Nationals finished with a 46-76 record in the National League, finishing in seventh place.- Roster :- Starters by position :...
. - June 9, 1887: Detroit batters drew 13 walks from Hoosiers pitcher John KirbyJohn Kirby (baseball)John F. Kirby , was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors, from -, for the Kansas City Cowboys of the Union Association, St. Louis Maroons, Indianapolis Hoosiers, Cleveland Blues and Kansas City Cowboys of the American Association.-External links:...
. - June 11, 1887: Detroit's Fred Dunlap established a National League record by starting four double playDouble playIn baseball, a double play for a team or a fielder is the act of making two outs during the same continuous playing action. In baseball slang, making a double play is referred to as "turning two"....
s at second base. He participated in five double plays in all to tie the existing major league mark and helps the Wolverines edge the Hoosiers‚ 7-6. - July 1, 1887: The Quakers and Wolverines set an all-time record by scoring in 15 of the 18 half-innings played.
- July 5, 1887: Second baseman Fred Dunlap suffered a serious leg injury that kept him out of the lineup for two months. Detroit beat Boston1887 Boston Beaneaters season- Notable transactions :* April, 1887: Tom Gunning was purchased from the Beaneaters by the Philadelphia Quakers.- Roster :- Starters by position :...
‚ 16-8‚ to push the Beaneaters into third place. - July 18, 1887: Paced by George Wood's two home runs‚ the Quakers beat the Wolverines 12-2‚ as Detroit suffered its first three-game sweep.
- July 21, 1887: Detroit manager William WatkinsBill WatkinsWilliam Henry "Wattie" Watkins was a Canadian baseball player and manager. In 1887, he led the Detroit Wolverines to the first professional sports championship for Detroit, Michigan. The Wolverines won the 1887 National League championship and went on to defeat the St. Louis Browns in a 15-game...
fined his third string battery of Fatty BriodyFatty BriodyCharles F. "Fatty" Briody , nicknamed "Alderman," was a Major League Baseball catcher who played eight seasons in the early days of baseball. Briody was born in Lansingburgh, New York, 4 miles outside of Troy, New York, where the Troy Haymakers began playing in in the first professional baseball...
and Stump Wiedman. Dissension was rife throughout the team‚ but Watkins did not fine the more prominent malcontents. - August 5, 1887: The Wolverines sold third string pitcher Stump Wiedman to the New York MetropolitansNew York MetropolitansThe Metropolitan Club was a 19th-century professional baseball team that played in New York City from 1880 to 1887...
. - August 13, 1887: The White Stockings beat the Wolverines‚ 8-2‚ with John ClarksonJohn ClarksonJohn Gibson Clarkson was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played from 1882 to 1894. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Clarkson played for the Worcester Ruby Legs , Chicago White Stockings , Boston Beaneaters , and Cleveland Spiders .He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in...
pitching and hitting a home run. Detroit's lead narrowed to 1½ games. - August 15, 1887: John Clarkson of the Chicago White Stockings beat Detroit again‚ 6-4. The National League also threw out a protested game previously awarded to the Wolverines‚ leaving Chicago and Detroit tied for first place.
- August 16, 1887: Detroit beat John Clarkson and Chicago 5-3 with five runs in the fourth inning to regain sole possession of first place.
- September 1, 1887: After the Wolverines beat the Boston Beaneaters in three straight games, Boston removed King KellyKing KellyMichael Joseph "King" Kelly was an American right fielder, catcher, and manager in various professional American baseball leagues including the National League, International Association, Players' League, and the American Association. He spent the majority of his 16-season playing career with the...
as captain and gave the job to John MorrillJohn MorrillJohn Francis Morrill , nicknamed "Honest John," was an American first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball who played from 1876-1890. Over the years he played all positions. Although he pitched a couple of games each season, he was primarily an infielder, and had a career batting average of...
. - September 5, 1887: Chicago won the opening game of their final series against league-leading Detroit 11-7. John Clarkson picked up his ninth victory over the Wolverines‚ the most ever by a pitcher over a pennant-winning team.
- September 7, 1887: Detroit defeated John Clarkson and the White Stockings‚ beating them twice‚ 8-2 and 8-4‚ with 34 hits in the two games. The defeat pushed second-place Chicago seven games behind.
- October 8, 1887: Detroit lost its last regular season game to Indianapolis, 11-9.
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
| Pos | Player | G | AB | R | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 57 | 227 | 40 | 59 | .260 | 0 | 20 | |
| 1B | 123 | 500 | 153 | 169 | .338 | 12 | 101 | |
| 2B | 65 | 272 | 60 | 72 | .265 | 5 | 45 | |
| 3B | 111 | 449 | 71 | 136 | .303 | 3 | 75 | |
| SS | 124 | 537 | 135 | 171 | .318 | 6 | 96 | |
| OF | 127 | 545 | 118 | 203 | .372 | 11 | 166 | |
| OF | 118 | 471 | 79 | 129 | .274 | 4 | 69 | |
| OF | 120 | 543 | 131 | 178 | .328 | 8 | 94 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
| Player | G | AB | R | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 264 | 44 | 88 | .333 | 0 | 51 | |
| 46 | 160 | 26 | 39 | .244 | 3 | 20 | |
| 33 | 128 | 24 | 29 | .227 | 1 | 26 | |
| 26 | 84 | 17 | 24 | .286 | 0 | 12 | |
| 13 | 52 | 5 | 10 | .192 | 0 | 3 |
Note: pitchers' batting statistics not included
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 366.7 | 29 | 13 | 3.73 | 135 | |
| 24 | 211 | 13 | 10 | 3.84 | 60 | |
| 21 | 183 | 13 | 7 | 5.36 | 56 | |
| 17 | 146 | 8 | 9 | 2.90 | 40 | |
| 15 | 112.3 | 11 | 1 | 4.33 | 24 | |
| 7 | 62.3 | 4 | 3 | 2.74 | 12 | |
| 2 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 4.00 | 6 | |
| 2 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 6.00 | 3 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.50 | 1 |
World Series summary
After the Wolverines won the National League pennant, owner Fred Stearns challenged the American Association
American Association (19th century)
The American Association was a Major League Baseball league that existed for 10 seasons from to . During that time, it challenged the National League for dominance of professional baseball...
champion St. Louis Browns
1887 St. Louis Browns season
The St. Louis Browns season was the team's 6th season in St. Louis, Missouri and the 6th season in the American Association. The Browns went 95-40 during the season and finished first in the American Association, winning their third pennant in a row...
. The Wolverines and the Browns would play "a series of contests for supremacy" of the baseball world. This early "world series" consisted of fifteen games - played in Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, Baltimore and Chicago, as well as Detroit and St. Louis. The Wolverines claimed their eighth victory - and thus the championship – in the eleventh game.
- October 9: The Browns ended their season with a 95-40 record‚ a win total that was not exceeded until the adoption of the 154-game schedule.
- October 10: The World Series opened in St. Louis with the Browns beating Detroit 6-1. St. Louis pitcher Bob CaruthersBob CaruthersRobert Lee Caruthers , nicknamed "Parisian Bob," was an American right-handed pitcher and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played primarily for the St. Louis Browns and Brooklyn Bridegrooms...
held the Wolverines to five hits and had three hits himself. - October 11: In Game 2, the Wolverines scored five unearned runs to defeat the Browns, 5-3.
- October 12: In Game 3, Detroit won at home, 2-1, in 13 innings. St. Louis batters had 13 hits against Charlie Getzien‚ but scored only once. Bob Caruthers held the Wolverines to six hits, but the Wolverines scored twice.
- October 13: In Game 4, the World Series began its tour of other cities with a game in Pittsburgh. Detroit won, 8-0, behind the two-hit pitching of Lady BaldwinLady BaldwinCharles B. "Lady" Baldwin was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played six seasons in the Union Association, National League, and Players' League with the Milwaukee Brewers , Detroit Wolverines , Brooklyn Bridegrooms , and Buffalo Bisons...
. - October 15: In Game 5, the Browns beat the Wolverines in Brooklyn, 5-2.
- October 16: In Game 6, played in New York, Detroit beat St. Louis, 9-0. Charlie Getzien took a no-hitter (not counting walks) into the ninth inning but settled for a three-hit game. Charlie GanzelCharlie GanzelCharles William Ganzel was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Paul Saints , Philadelphia Quakers , Detroit Wolverines and Boston Beaneaters . He batted and threw right-handed.A native of Waterford, Wisconsin, Ganzel came from a baseball family...
‚ playing first base in place of the injured Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
‚ led Detroit with four hits. Brouthers was out for the series with a sprained ankleSprained ankleA sprained ankle, also known as an ankle sprain, twisted ankle, rolled ankle, ankle injury or ankle ligament injury, is a common medical condition where one or more of the ligaments of the ankle is torn or partially torn.-Cause:...
. - October 17: Detroit won Game 7, by a score of 3-1, in Phillies’ Park.
- October 18: In Game 8, Detroit beat the Browns, 9-2, at old Dartmouth Street Grounds in Boston, as Big Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
hit two home runs. - October 19: Detroit won Game 9 by a score of 4-2 at Athletics’ Park and extended its lead in the World Series to seven games to two.
- October 21: After a rainout the day before, Detroit and St. Louis played two games in two cities on the same day. In the morning game in Washington, the Browns pull off a triple play in an 11-4 victory over Detroit. In Game 11, played in the afternoon at Baltimore, Detroit clinched the championship with its eighth victory, 13-3.
- October 26: The World Series ended with a final game back in St. Louis. St. Louis won the final game but lost the series‚ 10 games to 5. Sam Thompson led all hitters in the series with a .362 average.
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Bennett Charlie Bennett Charles Wesley Bennett was a catcher in Major League Baseball.-Career overview:Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Bennett played 15 seasons in the major leagues. He played in 1062 games, had a .340 on base percentage and collected 978 hits, 203 doubles, 67 triples, 55 home runs, and 533 RBIs... |
5 | 17 | 4 | .262 | 0 | 9 |
| Dan Brouthers Dan Brouthers Dennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in... |
1 | 3 | 2 | .667 | 0 | 0 |
| Fred Dunlap Fred Dunlap Frederick C. "Sure Shot" Dunlap was a second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball from 1880 to 1891. He was the highest paid player in Major League Baseball from 1884 to 1889. He has also been rated by some contemporary and modern sources as the greatest overall second baseman of the... |
11 | 40 | 6 | .150 | 0 | 1 |
| Charlie Ganzel Charlie Ganzel Charles William Ganzel was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Paul Saints , Philadelphia Quakers , Detroit Wolverines and Boston Beaneaters . He batted and threw right-handed.A native of Waterford, Wisconsin, Ganzel came from a baseball family... |
14 | 58 | 13 | .224 | 0 | 2 |
| Charlie Getzien | 6 | 20 | 6 | .300 | 0 | 2 |
| Ned Hanlon | 15 | 50 | 11 | .220 | 0 | 4 |
| Hardy Richardson Hardy Richardson Abram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons... |
15 | 66 | 13 | .197 | 1 | 4 |
| Jack Rowe Jack Rowe John Charles "Jack" Rowe was an American baseball player.Rowe was born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, in 1911. He first played baseball under Tom Loftus with the Peoria Reds in 1878. In 1879, Rowe and his brother, Dave Rowe, signed with the Rockford team in the newly formed Northwestern League... |
15 | 63 | 21 | .333 | 0 | 7 |
| Sam Thompson Sam Thompson Samuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement... |
15 | 58 | 21 | .362 | 2 | 7 |
| Larry Twitchell Larry Twitchell Lawrence Grant Twitchell was a Major League baseball outfielder. Twitchell was born in Cleveland, Ohio.On August 15, , he hit for the cycle, getting 6 hits in 6 at bats to lead the Cleveland Spiders over the Boston Beaneaters... |
6 | 20 | 5 | .250 | 1 | 3 |
| Deacon White Deacon White James Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era... |
15 | 58 | 12 | .207 | 0 | 3 |
Pitching
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Getzien | 6 | 58 | 4 | 2 | 2.48 | 17 |
| Lady Baldwin Lady Baldwin Charles B. "Lady" Baldwin was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played six seasons in the Union Association, National League, and Players' League with the Milwaukee Brewers , Detroit Wolverines , Brooklyn Bridegrooms , and Buffalo Bisons... |
5 | 42 | 4 | 1 | 1.50 | 4 |
| Pete Conway Pete Conway Peter J. Conway was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for five seasons with the Buffalo Bisons , Kansas City Cowboys , Detroit Wolverines , and Pittsburg Alleghenys . He won two games for Detroit in the 1887 World Series and followed in 1888 with a season record of 30 wins and 14... |
4 | 33 | 2 | 2 | 3.00 | 10 |
League leaders
- Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
: National League on base percentage leader (.426) - Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
: National League runs leader (153) - Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
: National League doubles leader (36) - Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
: National League extra base hits leader (68) - Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
: National League times on base leader (246) - Charlie Getzien: National League leader in home runs allowed (24)
- Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
: National League batting champion (.372) - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
: National League slugging percentage leader (.571) - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
: National League hits leader (203) - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
: National League RBI leader (166) - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
: National League total bases leader (311) - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
: National League at bats leader (545) - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
: National League triples leader (23) - Larry TwitchellLarry TwitchellLawrence Grant Twitchell was a Major League baseball outfielder. Twitchell was born in Cleveland, Ohio.On August 15, , he hit for the cycle, getting 6 hits in 6 at bats to lead the Cleveland Spiders over the Boston Beaneaters...
: National League win percentage leader (.917) - Deacon WhiteDeacon WhiteJames Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
: Oldest player in National League (39)
Players ranking among top 100 of all time at position
The following members of the 1887 Detroit Wolverines are among the Top 100 of all time at their positions, as ranked by The New Bill James Historical Baseball AbstractThe Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract is a reference-type book written by Bill James featuring an overview of baseball decade by decade, along with rankings of the top 100 players at each position. The original edition was published in 1985 by Villard Books, followed by The New Bill James...
in 2001:
- Charlie BennettCharlie BennettCharles Wesley Bennett was a catcher in Major League Baseball.-Career overview:Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Bennett played 15 seasons in the major leagues. He played in 1062 games, had a .340 on base percentage and collected 978 hits, 203 doubles, 67 triples, 55 home runs, and 533 RBIs...
: 49th best catcher of all time - Dan BrouthersDan BrouthersDennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
: 18th best first baseman of all time - Fred DunlapFred DunlapFrederick C. "Sure Shot" Dunlap was a second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball from 1880 to 1891. He was the highest paid player in Major League Baseball from 1884 to 1889. He has also been rated by some contemporary and modern sources as the greatest overall second baseman of the...
: 89th best second baseman of all time - Hardy RichardsonHardy RichardsonAbram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons...
: 39th best second baseman of all time - Deacon WhiteDeacon WhiteJames Laurie "Deacon" White was an American baseball player who was one of the principal stars during the first two decades of the sport's professional era...
: 76th best third baseman of all time - Billy ShindleBilly ShindleWilliam D. "Billy" Shindle was a third baseman in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Detroit Wolverines , Baltimore Orioles , Philadelphia Athletics , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Brooklyn Grooms & Bridegrooms . Shindle batted and threw right-handed...
: 95th best third baseman of all time (played only 21 games at third base for the 1887 Wolverines) - Sam ThompsonSam ThompsonSamuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
: 37th best right fielder of all time