7th UBA Season Comes to a Close

NEW YORK, NY. August 16, 1918 - The war in Europe was the backdrop to this interesting season. In the middle of July, Secretary of War Newton Baker ruled that baseball players were not exempt from the "work or fight" rule, and that the season would need to end September 1.

Commissioner Eagan decided to end the season on the 14th of August, in order to keep the Presidents Cup Series from being canceled. Tomorrow, the series will begin, pitting the Washington Grays against the Brooklyn Titans.

In 1918, we saw Twig Kidder of the Yonkers club pitch two no-hitters within a two month period. We saw Rip Boyce of Detroit hit his 999th hit, the most in UBA history and just one away from a milestone. We saw 24-year-old Michal Roy of Newark hit .365, breaking a record set in the league's first season by Wash Teal who hit .356.

We wish all of you well in these tough times. Here's hoping that the 1919 season will bring better times.

United League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
Washington		72	49		121
New York		73	51	0.5	124
Detroit		63	62	11	125
Reading		61	62	12	123
Cleveland		60	62	12.5	122
Yonkers		59	62	13	121
Chicago		56	66	16.5	122
Boston		46	76	26.5	122
Columbia League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
Brooklyn		89	35		124
Newark		69	50	17.5	119
Indiana		63	56	23.5	119
Kansas City		56	63	30.5	119
St. Louis		57	68	32.5	125
Philadelphia		52	70	36	122
Chicago		52	73	37.5	125
Baltimore		48	71	38.5	119
League Leaders
Batting Average		Michal Roy		0.364	NEW
Doubles		Orrin Seeley		29	KC
Triples		Snooks McKay		17	NY
Home Runs		Ezekiel Peel		9	CHI
Runs Batted In		Pierre Fisk		82	BRK
Stolen Bases		Bruce Magee		59	CLE
Earned Run Average		Ezra Pulljam		1.99	REA
Wins		Thomas Moyer		23	BRK
Strikeouts		Ed Gale		168	NY

Washington Wins United League Pennant!

WASHINGTON, DC. August 15, 1918 - In a 4-0 win over the Cleveland Maroons, the Washington Grays have clinched the United League Pennant and will play a best-of-nine game contest with the Columbia League's Brooklyn Titans.

Brooklyn Wins Columbia League Pennant, Tight Race in United League

BROOKLYN, NY. August 8, 1918 - It was a tight race throughout the season, but the Brooklyn club has really played well in the last few weeks and have clinched the Columbia League Pennant.

In the United League, New York has won eight of their last ten and now sit just 2.5 games behind the first-place Washington Grays.

Brooklyn's Gough to Miss Season, Titans Take Big Lead

BROOKLYN, NY. July 28, 1918 - "I'm frustrated right now," said Brooklyn second baseman Mat Gough. "I can't help this team by sitting on the bench or in the training room." Unfortunately for the Titans, that's where he will be spending the next 5-6 weeks. Gough suffered a torn ligament in his thumb in today's game against Newark while colliding with a player at a base. "Believe me," he said, "I won't be out a day longer than I have to be."

A look at his 1918 stats shows Gough with a .311 average, 2 home runs, 38 RBIs and 55 runs scored. He has played in 99 games.

The Titans will miss him, but have been playing extremely well. They have overtaken the Newark Peppers and now have a 10 game lead over the second place club. They've won eight of their last ten.

Baker Gives Baseball Until September 1 to Find Work

WASHINGTON, DC. July 27, 1918 - After a request was made to allow baseball leagues to finish their current seasons, Baker denied the request but did allow the leagues to stay open until September 1. At that time, players would need to fight or work in an essential occupation.

Commissioner Eagan, upon hearing the ruling, announced that the regular season will end on August 14, in order to allow the Presidents Cup Series to be played to completion.

Baseball Teams Must Go to Work

WASHINGTON, DC. July 20, 1918 - Organized baseball suffered a severe blow which will deprive it of the services of all it's "stars" when Secretary Baker ruled today that baseball was a non-essential occupation under the recently declared "work or fight rule."

The ruling was made in the case of Eddie Ainsmith, catcher for the American League's Washington club. Baker's ruling effects all draft-age baseball players from every league.

Commissioner Eagan announced that a press conference will be held in the next few days to discuss the future of the league.

Grays Calhoun Out of Action

WASHINGTON, DC. July 14, 1918 - Eli Calhoun of the Washington Grays was injured in today's game against Detroit and had to be helped off the field by the trainers. The initial diagnosis is a sprained ankle and he is expected to be out for up to 4 weeks. It happened while Calhoun was stealing a base. "It hurt a lot, to be honest. I just hope it heals soon and I can get back on the field."

So far in 1918 Calhoun is hitting .298 with 4 home runs, 39 RBIs and 63 runs scored. He has 98 hits and played in 91 games, helping Washington lead the United League with a 55-37 record.

Attendance Worrying UBA Officials

NEW YORK, NY. July 12, 1918 - Official attendance figures were sent to the league office yesterday, and Commissioner Eagan stated, "It worries me, but it's not something that surprises me."

The war in Europe has placed a large number of baseball fans in the service, and their families are too concerned about them to watch a baseball match.

Attendance is down almost 40%, and league owners and officials are very worried about the long-term impact of this year's revenue loss.

June's Best Players Recognized

NEW YORK, NY. July 1, 1918 - It was a tight race between Cleveland second-baseman Cap Cottrell and Reading pitcher Ezra Pulljam, but Pulljam had a great final week of June and has won the United League Player of the Month Award.

The left-hander went 6-1 in 7 starts. He threw 62 innings, striking out 20 and compiling a gorgeous 1.16 ERA.

This year Pulliam has compiled a 16-5 record with a 1.87 ERA in 21 starts.

Over in the Columbia League, Michal Roy was at the top of the hit parade in the Columbia League throughout June. For the outstanding month, the talented Newark second baseman was chosen the Player of the Month.

He compiled a .381 average with 40 hits, no home runs, 18 RBIs and 21 runs scored.

Roy on the season is leading the league with a .366 average. His stats include 49 RBIs and 61 runs scored.

Sanford Excelling with New Club

NEWARK, NJ. June 28, 1918 - Remember when we wrote that all Orson Sanford might need is a change of scenery?

We were right. The 26-year-old Peppers catcher has been on fire through his first twenty games. He's hitting .380 with 8 doubles, 3 triples, and 21 RBI since coming to Newark.

Top United League Clubs Lose Player to Injury

WASHINGTON, DC. June 27, 1918 - In one day, the top two teams battling for the United League Pennant lost key players to injury.

The Washington Grays lost Forest Goldsmith.

"I'm frustrated right now," said second baseman Forest Goldsmith. "I can't help this team by sitting on the bench or in the training room." Unfortunately for the Grays, that's where he will be spending the next 7 weeks. Goldsmith suffered a bruised kneecap inyesterday's game against New York while colliding with a player at a base. "Believe me," he said, "I won't be out a day longer than I have to be."

To date this season Goldsmith is hitting .276 with 1 home run.

The second-place Detroit Wolverines lost their 19-year-old phenom Dee Higgins. While Higgins wasn't expected to make an impact so quickly, he made the opening day roster and has been starting for the Detroit club.

But medical officials from Detroit reported that the club's center fielder suffered inflamed facet joints in yesterday's matchup against the Boston Shipbuilders while making a defensive play. Higgins is expected to miss 3 weeks of action.

Higgins is presently batting .243 with 1 home run, 45 runs scored and 29 RBIs. He leads the league with 30 triples.

Washington, Detroit, and New York Battle for UL Title; Brooklyn, Newark in CL

NEW YORK, NY. June 23, 1918 -

United League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
Washington		45	30	-	75
Detroit		45	32	1	77
New York		45	32	1	77
Reading		38	37	7	75
Cleveland		37	39	8.5	76
Chicago		33	43	12.5	76
Yonkers		32	42	12.5	74
Boston		28	48	17.5	76
Columbia League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
Brooklyn		49	26	-	75
Newark		48	25	-	73
Indiana		41	31	6.5	72
St. Louis		36	42	14.5	78
Baltimore		33	40	15	73
Kansas City		31	40	16	71
Chicago		30	46	19.5	76
Philadelphia		28	46	20.5	74
League Leaders
Batting Average		Michal Roy		0.372	NEW
Doubles		Gabby Elston		42	KC
Triples		Dee Higgins		30	DET
Home Runs		Ezekiel Peel		12	CHI
Runs Batted In		Pierre Fisk		103	BRK
Stolen Bases		Bruce Magee		69	CLE
Earned Run Average		Theo Murrell		1.94	BRK
Wins		Emile Gamble		27	WAS
Strikeouts		Ed Gale		270	NY

Kidder Hurls 2nd No-Hitter of Season

YONKERS, NY. June 22, 1918 - Twig Kidder has pitched his second no-hitter, just one and a half months after his first.

On his historic day at Amark Field, Twig Kidder of Yonkers made good pitches the entire game, fanned 5 and had 1 walk. When the Shipbuilders hit the ball hard, they hit it right at someone for an out.

But that's how you get a no-hitter -- a lot of skill mixed with a little luck.

So far through the seven UBA seasons, there have been four no-hitters. But this is the first time two have occured in this same season, and it could be a long while before we see two in the same season from the same pitcher!

This year Kidder has made 19 starts, thrown 153.2 innings, fanned 47 batters and walked 33. His won-lost record is 9-10 with a 2.05 ERA.

Philadelphia Have Lost Last 15 Games

PHILADELPHIA, PA. June 21, 1918 - In a stunning display of ineptitude, the Philadelphia Centennials have gone 2-22 in the last 24 games, and have lost their last 15 straight.

Before their last 24 games, the Centennials were in great shape with a 26-21 record. Now, they are 28-43.

Cherry Pitches Complete Game Shutout in First Game Back

BOSTON, MA. June 12, 1918 - On the 19th of last month, Clay "Graveyard" Cherry sprained his ankle while on the mound and has been out since.

But yesterday, he pitched a complete game shutout in his first game back.

Facing Washington, Cherry threw a 4-hit, 1-walk, 7-K game and led the Shipbuilders to a 3-0 victory. Unfortunately, the team is 25-40 and sitting in last place.

Sanford Shines in Debut

NEWARK, NJ. June 5, 1918 - In his first game with the Peppers, Orson Sanford impressed Newark fans by going one-for-two with 4 RBI. His hit came in the 4th inning with two on and no outs. He ripped one into the gap for a triple.

His other two RBI came on sacrifice flies. The first-place Peppers beat the second-place Brooklyn club 7-5.

Newark, Chicago Deal Made

NEWARK, NJ. June 5, 1918 - The Newark Peppers are in first place and want to stay there. Yesterday, they announced a deal that will upgrade their team significantly.

The Newark Peppers have sent 20-year old catcher Douglas Judd, 20-year old catcher Bruce Bridges, 21-year old closer Jerry Gass, 24-year old starting pitcher Soloman Eastman and 19-year old starting pitcher Tuck Hanks to the Chicago Whales for 26-year old catcher Orson Sanford.

So far this season Sanford is batting .213 with no home runs, but historically has been a much better player. The 26-year old is in his 5th UBA season. His first two were spent with the St. Louis club. After the 1915 season, he was traded to Chicago, and he broke out there.

In his first season with the Whales, he hit .295 with 40 doubles and 6 home runs. Last year, his power improved, hitting 10 home runs.

This season, however, he was hitting just .213 and his team was in dead last at 19-39. Newark took a chance and certainly hope he gets back on track. Maybe all he needs is a change of scenery.

May's Top Players

NEW YORK, NY. June 1, 1918 - Each league announced their monthly awards yesterday, and here are May's recipients:

In the United League, the award was given to Hermann Howland, the first baseman of the New York Gothams. He hit .336 with 37 hits, 4 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 15 runs. Unfortunately, the third-year player tore an ankle ligament and will be out for the next 5-6 weeks.

The defending champion Gothams lead the United League with a 35-22 record.

In the Columbia League, the award went to 22-year-old pitcher Juan Longstreet. The Chicago native went 6-1 in May with a 1.48 ERA. He held his opponents to a .236 batting average.

Longstreet is 9-4 with a 1.99 ERA so far this season. His club, the Newark Peppers, are 1.5 games up on last years pennant winners. Newark has never finished higher than 5th place and Peppers fans are hoping they can keep the lead in the standings.

Whittington Names Chicago Ballpark

CHICAGO, IL. May 25, 1918 - The ballpark formerly known as O'Connor Park officially received a new name today.

The Orphans, now owned by popping corn magnate Pinch Whittington, will now play at the Windy City Grounds. Whittington stated that he wasn't looking to advertise his name or his popping corn business with the stadium moniker, but wanted to honor his "favorite city in the world."

New York, Newark Top Standings

NEW YORK, NY. May 24, 1918 -

United League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
New York		30	18		48
Washington		28	20	2	48
Detroit		27	22	3.5	49
Cleveland		23	24	6.5	47
Chicago		22	25	7.5	47
Yonkers		20	26	9	46
Reading		20	27	9.5	47
Boston		20	28	10	48
Columbia League Standings
		W	L	GB	G
Newark		28	18		46
Brooklyn		28	21	1.5	49
Indiana		24	22	4	46
Philadelphia		24	22	4	46
Baltimore		22	24	6	46
St. Louis		24	26	6	50
Kansas City		21	24	6.5	45
Chicago		17	31	12	48

Cherry Hurt, out 3 Weeks

BOSTON, MA. May 21, 1918 - Clay Cherry and the Boston Shipbuilders got a bad break in today's game against the Orphans as the team confirmed he will miss 3 weeks with a sprained ankle. The Shipbuilders starting pitcher suffered the injury throwing the ball. The team doctor is confident he'll make a full recovery.

Season-to-date Cherry has rung up 8 wins and 2 losses in 12 appearances. He has an ERA of 2.24 and has fanned 63 batters in 88.1 innings.

Three Players Called Into Service

NEW YORK, NY. May 16, 1918 - Three more UBA players got called into service yesterday. Pitcher Irwin Dunbar of Reading, catcher Tug Edward of New York, and center-fielder Adelbert Howland of Detroit have all gotten the assignment of heading to Europe to fight for their country.

Our thoughts and prayers will be with them, as well as the rest of our boys in Europe.

Bennett, New York Sign 3-Year Pact

NEW YORK, NY. May 9, 1918 - Gothams fans were divided today as New York confirmed that the front office has signed Floyd Bennett to a 3-year extension at a rate of $25,662 per year.

While many were enthusiastically behind the signing, others worried about Bennett's age. He'll turn 35 at the end of the season.

In 1918 Bennett has compiled a 7-2 mark with a 2.22 ERA.

Harman Putman Signs Extension with Detroit

DETROIT, MI. May 7, 1918 - A throng of media gathered as Harman Putman announced that he had come to terms with the Wolverines and that he would be sticking around town another 5 years. Putman is set to draw $79,545 in pay over that time.

His record in 1918 is 5-3 in 8 starts and Putman has a 2.74 ERA.

Kidder Twirls No-Hitter Against Wolverines!

YONKERS, NY. May 5, 1918 - In a seldom seen sight, Twig Kidder threw a no-hitter as the Yonkers Knights beat the Detroit Wolverines 4-0. In a dominating performance at Amark Field he struck out 6 and walked 1 while facing only 29 batters.

"He had great stuff out there," the Knights manager told BNN reporters. "Twig was a real gamer, a real competitor. He didn't give in to anybody out there."

This year Kidder has a 4-4 mark in 8 starts with a 1.41 ERA. He has given up 51 hits in 70 innings, struck out 21 and issued 13 walks. Opposing clubs have compiled a .203 batting average against him.

This is the third no-hitter that has taken place in UBA history.

St. Louis Signs RF Mahoney to 2-Year Extension

ST. LOUIS, MO. May 3, 918 - Happy times in St. Louis as the Terriers and star right fielder Nelson Mahoney put the finishing touches on a $35,406 contract extension that will keep the 27-year-old in town 2 years longer.

The signing is great news for St. Louis because players of this caliber are hard to come by.

This year Mahoney has hit at a .279 pace and produced 11 RBIs, no home runs and scored 16 runs.

He broke into the league in 1914 with the Terriers after playing in five games with the old Washington franchise.

Grays Gamble, Newark's Roy April's Top Players

NEW YORK, NY. May 1, 1918 - The United League Player of the Month honor has been given to Emile Gamble of Washington for a superlative month.

"I actually never wanted to be a pitcher," Gamble told reporters when asked who he credits for his pitching ability. "I was an outfielder until high school and on the third day of tryouts my coach came up and said, 'Son you couldn't hit a lick even if we put it on a tee for ya.' Well, that ticked me off, so I decided if I couldn't hit I wanted to make sure no one else could either and so here I am."

It all turned out for the best as the Washington starter notched a 5-1 record with a 1.57 ERA last month. He made 7 starts and struck out 22 in 63 innings.

When Michal Roy stepped up to the plate in April, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Columbia League Player of the Month award.

The young Newark second baseman posted a .406 batting average with no home runs, 17 RBIs and scored 19 runs. Roy also worked pitchers for 13 walks to post a .463 on-base percentage.

Titans Lose SS Dell

BROOKLYN, NY. April 18, 1918 - Brooklyn fans held their breath as Dummy Dell left yesterday's Terriers-Titans contest with an injury. After the game, the team's medical staff said that the 24-year-old shortstop had suffered a sports hernia while running the bases. It's estimated that he will be out 8 weeks.

Thus far this year Dell has hit .346 with no home runs and 7 RBIs.

Chicago Re-Signs Peel to Extension

CHICAGO, IL. April 13, 1918 - Chicago fans celebrated as word of a signing became reality. Ezekiel Peel won't be pulling up stakes anytime soon, as he has signed a 5-year extension at a pay rate of $34,275 per annum.

Since he is widely seen as an integral part of the club, Chicago officials had to keep Peel from jumping ship.

Peel, who is the career home run leader with 52, has been with Chicago since the league's inaugural season.

President Wilson Opens Up 1918 Season

BOSTON, MA. April 2, 1918 - President Woodrow Wilson officially opened up the 1918 season yesterday by throwing out the first pitch in the game between the Yonkers Knights and the Boston Shipbuilders.

"Good afternoon, baseball fans. As we are about to begin this magnificent game, please remember the young men fighting over in Europe. Thank you."

It was short, but it got the message across to players and fans. This was just a game, and more important things were going on around the world.

Graveyard Cherry opened up the season for Boston with a six-hit shutout. He struck out ten, walked one, and kicked off his 1918 season with a bang.

Opening Day Schedule Announced

NEW YORK, NY. March 15, 1917 - The 1918 schedule has been released, and while no one knows if the entirety of it will actually be played, opening day should encounter no problems. The two games slated to take place on April the 1st are:

Washington at Reading
Yonkers at Boston

The two match-ups should do a fantastic job of kicking off the new season.

Minor League Teams and Locations Announced

NEW YORK, NY. February 11, 1918 - The league office issued a press release yesterday with the locations of each new minor league team:

Class A (AAA)
Northern League	Aff.
Columbus Dukes	CLE
Rockford Rockfords	CHO
Allentown Rubes	REA
Kalamazoo Kazoos	DET
Fort Wayne White Sox	IND
O'Fallon Celery Pickers	STL
Topeka Kings	KC
Milwaukee Lookouts	CHW
Atlantic League	Aff.
Hartford Americans	NYG
White Plains Boosters	BRK
Edison Ponies	NEW
Reston Grays	BAL
Trenton Sailors	PHI
Lowell Browns	BOS
Albany Bisons	YNK
Richmond Blue Sox	WAS

Class B (AA)
Pacific League	Aff.
San Diego A's	CLE
Los Angeles Angels	CHO
San Francisco Seals	REA
Fresno Tigers	DET
Riverside Oaks	IND
Portland Reliance	STL
Seattle Seals	KC
Eugene Beavers	CHW
Mesa League	Aff.
Albuquerque Bisons	NYG
Phoenix Devils	BRK
Flagstaff Canyons	NEW
Prescott Coyotes	BAL
Santa Fe Packers	PHI
Las Vegas Foxes	BOS
Salt Lake City Sox	YNK
St. George Braves	WAS

Class C (A)
Texas State League	Aff.
Wichita Falls Giants	CLE
Midland Indians	CHO
Corpus Christi Bronchos	REA
Houston Buffaloes	DET
San Antonio Bears	IND
Waco Navigators	STL
Austin Hams	KC
Amarillo Exporters	CHW
Carolina League	Aff.
Greensboro Cardinals	NYG
Raleigh Bees	BRK
Jacksonville Bulls	NEW
Concord Tobs	BAL
High Point Rangers	PHI
Rocky Mount Pirates	BOS
Fayetteville Eagles	YNK
Asheville Leafs	WAS

RF Mckay Settles on New York

NEW YORK, NY. February 4, 1917 - New York fans are justifiably excited today as the team unveiled their latest acquisition in Snooks Mckay. The 33-year-old is a big money player and will certainly have an immediate impact on the organization.

Some estimates have him making $46,626 over 3 years, though media representatives haven't been able to confirm the exact figure.

In his career Mckay has gotten 792 hits with a .292 batting average, scored 381 runs, hit 12 home runs and driven in 329. The veteran spent his first five seasons in Reading, then spent last year in Detroit.

Chicago Orphans Sold by O'Connor Family to Popcorn Magnate

CHICAGO, IL. February 2, 1917 - Apparently the O'Connor family is scared off by the uncertainty of the upcoming season. When the Orphans won the series in 1917, many believed Mr. O'Connor would officially hand the team over to his son.

However, it has been reported that the family has sold the team to the owner of Whittington Popping Corn, Mr. Pinch Whittington. The 52-year-old is known to be a rather eccentric fellow, and may be just what the league needs during these tough times.

Chicago fans need not worry, however, as Whittington is from Ridgway, IL and is a big fan of the Orphans. There is virtually no chance that he will move the team away from Chicago.

Commissioner Eagan Reveals New Minor League Structure

NEW YORK, NY. February 2, 1917 - At the player-owner meetings back in November, it was revealed that a vast re-organization of the minor leagues would take place as a way to increase revenue and also give UBA fans around the country a chance to watch the league.

For the past six seasons, each club's minor league affiliate was places in the home city. So, Boston's three teams were each in Boston. While it certainly made it convenient for the players, fans had no interest in watching those games because they had the big league team right there.

The new structure will place eight teams in two leagues for each class of minor league ball.

Class A will feature the Northern League and the Atlantic League. Because this is the class closest to the big leagues, the cities will be placed relatively close to the parent club. A train ride from the mid-west to New York takes time and money, and with injuries, parent clubs want to get the youngsters to the team as fast as possible. Therefore, each Class A team will be located very close to the parent squad.

Class B will host the Pacific League and the Mesa League. The Pacific League, as you may have guessed, will feature teams on the west coast along the coast. The Mesa League will mainly feature teams in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah.

Finally, Class C will host the Texas State League and the Carolina League.

New York Signs Kutz...No McKay for Gothams?

NEW YORK, NY. February 1, 1918 - In a very shocking move, the Gothams have signed injured right fielder Baptist Kutz, a 32-year-old who spent his last four seasons with the Chicago Whales.

Kutz has put together a solid career thus far, but has been injured often. Many teams were scared to sign him this off-season because of an injured finger. He should be ready by opening day, but his history shows that he won't be the same because of it.

The bigger story, however, is the fact that the Gothams were favorites to land Snooks McKay, the best free agent available, who is also a right-fielder. Has New York given up on him? Perhaps Kutz is insurance and they still want McKay?

It has been a back and forth battle between New York and Brooklyn to land McKay, but the last we've heard was that the Gothams were in the lead.

Truman Hashes out 4-Year Contract

BALTIMORE, MD. January 30, 1918 - Team officials triumphantly announced that the Terrapins and superstar catcher Reuben Truman have closed a deal that keeps the 32-year-old in a Baltimore uniform for another 4 years.

Truman will earn $120,816 as part of the settlement.

Over his career Truman is batting .256 with 99 doubles, 36 triples, 30 home runs, 332 RBIs and scored 343 runs in 693 games. He started his career with New York, but left for Baltimore last season and will now be there for a good while.

Peppers Sign Kephart to Four-Year Extension

NEWARK, NJ. December 20, 1917 - Happy times in Newark as the Peppers and star third baseman Warley Kephart put the finishing touches on a $131,016 contract extension that will keep the 32-year-old in town 4 years longer.

The signing is great news for Newark because players of this caliber are hard to come by.

In 729 games, Kephart has a career .277 batting average and a .420 on-base percentage. He has hit 12 home runs with 258 RBIs and 311 runs scored in his six UBA seasons. He spent two years with Chicago Orphans, three with St. Louis, and now he'll finally be able to call a place home for a good amount of time in New Jersey.

Snooks McKay Still Available

NEW YORK, NY. December 11, 1917 - Apparently, Snooks McKay isn't happy with the offers he is getting from UBA teams this off-season.

He's the only high profile free agent still available, but he did struggle a bit last season, hitting .244, and perhaps that is worrying ballclubs.

Emil Herr of Indiana Joins Military

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. December 9, 1917 - Emil Herr, right-fielder for the Indiana Blues, has left the team and will be heading to war for the U.S. Military.

He is the second player to leave his team to join the service.

Star SP Signs Extension with Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. December 10, 1917 - Carlos Burrell might be greedy, but there's no disputing his talent. The hotshot starting pitcher will pocket $52,416 after re-signing with the Blues earlier today, and will hang around another 4 years.

Some more financially prudent fans worried that the signing would burden the club down the road and might prevent it from being competitive, though many others were simply thankful that Burrell didn't bolt.

A look at his career stats shows Burrell has a record of 78 wins and 62 losses and a 2.70 ERA.

Squire Willey Becomes First UBA Player to be Sent to Europe

PHILADELPHIA, PA. December 3, 1917 - The first UBA player was sent to Europe yesterday to fight in the war.

Squire Willey, the first baseman of the Centennials, enlisted in the Navy and was called into service yesterday. More players are expected to be called into service soon.

Star SP Signs Pact with Orphans

CHICAGO, IL. November 21, 1917 - Chicago fans celebrated as word of a signing became reality. Earl Ebert won't be pulling up stakes anytime soon, as he has signed a 4-year extension at a pay rate of $25,674 per annum.

Since he is widely seen as an integral part of the club, Chicago officials had to keep Ebert from jumping ship.

In his career the 30-year-old Ebert has put up a 2.45 ERA and a 110-79 mark and is widely considered to be one of the best pitchers in the game.

Brooklyn Re-Signs Mcgovern to Extension

BROOKLYN, NY. November 17, 1917 - The Brooklyn Titans have finalized a deal with All Star-caliber right fielder Dick McGovern that will extend his stay in Brooklyn at least 4 years and will pay out $150,312.

McGovern has a career .286 average with 695 hits, including 121 doubles, 74 triples and 19 homers, collected 310 RBIs, scored 375 runs and compiled a .367 OBP.

Peters Signs for 2 years

NEW YORK, NY. November 11, 1917 - Media analysts hailed New York's signing of Babe Peters, one of United Baseball Association's brightest stars, as a pivotal move.

While the deal is certain to raise a few eyebrows, Peters is expected to earn every bit of the $18,198 promised him over 2 years.

Peters has put up these career stats: 16 wins, 14 losses, 139 appearances, 23 saves, 257.2 IP, 165 strikeouts, .223 OBA and a 2.10 ERA.

Player-Owner Meeting is a Success

NEW YORK, NY. November 9, 1917 - In a round-table negotiation yesterday behind closed doors, sixteen team owners and sixteen of the top-paid players from the United Baseball Association discussed and agreed upon a new salary structure that will help the UBA stay afloat through the war.

Surprisingly, the players not only were looking out for themselves, but were looking out for their younger, less-paid teammates. When the owners proposed a 80% salary cut, the players balked at the idea.

The owners had the leverage, knowing that free agency was such an advantage to the players, they essentially could ask for whatever they wanted and threaten to add the reserve clause to player contracts in the future.

While the players could just not agree, it was clear that they wanted to play baseball.

In the end, the players would agree to take a 70% salary cut, but sought a few more changes to compromise. Rather than just becoming a free agent after five years, the players looked out for their younger teammates by proposing that after the fourth year, a neutral arbitrator would decide your salary. They also asked for minor league players to eventually have a chance to get out of their deal. Currently, a reserve clause allows a team to control the player until he is released or retires. The players asked for an eight-year limit.

Finally, they asked for something they termed "Option years." Essentially, it limits the amount of times a player can be sent to the minor leagues.

The owners agreed, and also stated that when the war ended, player salaries would quickly go back to normal.

One other change that came out of the meetings was a new plan for the organization of the minor leagues. Currently, all three minor league teams for each club play in the same city, making it tough for many fans to show up. The new plan will create three new leagues, placing eight minor league teams in each of the six total leagues. The teams will be spread out into new markets, so teams without a UBA club will be able to go to games. This will also add to the revenue stream of the owners.

Owners Discuss Wartime Policy at Annual Meeting

NEW YORK, NY. November 1, 1917 - There was a big question in the minds of UBA owners; will the 1918 season go on? But they certainly realize, even if they do play, they cannot go about business the same way when the minds of the public are focused on the thousands of men fighting overseas.

It is also very probable that players of draft age will be called into service, forcing younger players to fill their shoes. The thousands of men who attend ball games regularly are in or will be in Europe, which will cause attendance revenue to drop.

The owners met over the past three days, one month earlier than their usual meetings, to discuss the upcoming season. In the end, they decided that they will in fact play, but have agreed on a few policy changes.

First, they agreed to not preemptively cut the schedule down, but to fit in as many games as possible before the war makes it impossible to go on.

Secondly, and perhaps most controversial discussion, was that on player salaries. Owners stated that with a shortened season, a war tax being placed on customers, and a simple lack of knowledge about how long the war will go on, player salaries must be lowered for the UBA to survive.

The Owners have scheduled a meeting for next week, inviting the top paid player from each team in order to negotiate a deal with them.

White Sox Rout Gothams 7-1

NEW YORK, NY. October 27, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
New York		1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0			1	8	3
Chicago		1	0	0	0	0	2	0	4	x			7	6	1

In front of a sold out crowd of 42,000, the Chicago White Sox pleased baseball's National Committee by winning an exhibition game against the United Baseball Association's champion, the New York Gothams.

New York didn't go down with a fight, however, and they certainly had a shot to win. Amazingly, Floyd Bennett, who was pitching for New York, gave up seven runs in the game. But only one was earned. Three errors came at very bad times for the Gothams.

Clark, Edward, and Willis each had two hits for New York, and Murphy and Jackson had two hits for Chicago. The real standout on offense was Joe Jackson, who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI.

Exhibition Match Will Take Place

NEW YORK, NY. October 22, 1917 - On October 26, the Presidents Cup Champion New York Gothams will take on the World Series champions, the Chicago White Sox in a one-game exhibition match. The only thing on the line is bragging rights, but a Gothams win would certainly sting for the American League.

When the United League was first forming, the American and National Leagues called it an "outlaw league." The UL fought back, claiming itself to be a "major league." On the 26th, we'll find out just how well the UBA matches up against the major leagues.

American League, National League, and United Baseball Association representatives met about one week ago and drew up a proposal that will pit the champions of each series (Presidents Cup Series and World Series) against each other in a one game match. The leagues will split gate receipts 50/50, and the home team will rotate each year.

On the 26th, the teams will play at Chicago's home ballpark, Comiskey Park.

UL and CL Host Awards Dinner

NEW YORK, NY. October 19, 1917 - Last night was the annual United League Awards Dinner, where William A. Willman announced the winner of three 1917 season awards.

Things are coming up roses for Johnathan Smoot of the Cleveland Maroons. This blossoming star finished his first year in the United League by taking the 1917 Rookie of the Year Award.

The 22-year-old left fielder fashioned a .297 batting average with a .359 on-base percentage, solid numbers to go with his 10 home runs, 56 RBIs and 63 runs scored.

New York ace Floyd Bennett put up some sensational stats for the 1917 season and has been voted the United League W.A. Willman Pitcher of the Year Award winner.

The 34-year-old Gothams star made 39 starts and racked up a 25-12 record. He pitched 337 innings, collected 223 strikeouts, gave up 70 walks and 277 hits in holding the opposition to a .223 batting average.

Chicago's Ezekiel Peel put the wraps on a fine campaign today by winning the 1917 United League James A. Gilmore MVP Award.

He scorched the opposition with a .311 average, picking up 142 hits, 17 doubles, 2 triples, 11 home runs and 74 RBIs, while scoring 65 runs, in what many would say has been one of the better seasons of the veteran's career.

Across town, the Columbia League announced their awards.

Juan Longstreet's age didn't show very often in his first year. He performed more like a veteran on the hill for the Newark Peppers and today he walked away with the 1917 Columbia League Rookie of the Year Award.

The 21-year-old starter registered a 13-14 record this season in 28 starts. Over 246 innings he gave up 240 hits, struck out 99 and issued 48 walks as he held the opposition to a .250 batting average and fashioned a 3.11 ERA.

With speculation about his retirement gaining steam last offseason, Terriers ace Mat Sterns had something to prove. He proved it in award-winning style as he accepted the Columbia League W.A. Willman Pitcher of the Year Award today.

The veteran St. Louis hurler posted a record of 24 wins and 13 losses this year with a 1.96 ERA. In 39 starts he struck out 138 and walked 75 in 348.2 innings.

When it came to hitting the baseball, Dave Mulligan had few peers in the Columbia League this year. The gifted first baseman for St. Louis tagged opposing pitchers for a .331 average and was voted the James A. Gilmore MVP Award for 1917. Included in his season stats were 169 hits, 35 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs, 69 runs scored and 72 RBIs.

Rumors of UBA-MLB Exhibition

NEW YORK, NY.

We heard rumblings about this when the United League first formed, but it's seemingly out of nowhere now becoming a reality.

Yesterday, league sources reported to us that UBA Commissioner Washington Eagan met with American League President Ban Johnson and National League President John K. Tener to discuss an exhibition game between the two championship teams.

The Chicago White Sox defeated the New York Giants four games to two, clinching the victory on the 15th of October at the Polo Grounds in New York.

Actually, an interesting coincidence is that if this does indeed happen, the White Sox will take on the New York Gothams. The Giants, who Chicago just defeated in the World Series, were known as the Gothams in 1883 and 1884.

Reading Gets Rid of Manager Coffee

READING, PA. October 9, 1917 - Despite bringing the Reds two Presidents Cup Championships, Rube Coffee was let go as Reading's skipper yesterday.

At the press conference, the Reading general manager said, "Letting somebody go is never a happy experience, but in this business, you have to do it, when you see your club is not headed in the right direction. If hard work and dedication were all it took to build a winning team, Coffee would have done it. But it takes more than that. I think the world of him personally, but it was time for a change."

This past season, Reading finished with a 79-75 record and twenty-one games back of first place. Club sources were not sure who the new skipper might be and would not speculate as to the successor.

Batting Titles Awarded

NEW YORK, NY. October 7, 1918 - In what's become an annual tradition, the Ford Motor Company has delivered two brand new automobiles to the United League and Columbia League batting title winners.

The United League batting race ended with Cleveland's Cap Cottrell on top with a .321 average. The Maroons second baseman was officially named the winner today. For the season he totaled 185 hits, 9 home runs with 86 RBIs and 58 runs scored. At the award ceremony Cottrell told reporters the key to his hitting success this season. "I stayed focused and tried to get a hit in every at-bat."

The 1917 Columbia League batting race was won by St. Louis first baseman Dave Mulligan. Mulligan topped the batting chart with a .331 average. For the season, he cranked out 169 hits, 8 home runs, scored 69 times and batted in 72.

Gothams Win 1917 Presidents Cup!

BROOKLYN, NY. October 6, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
New York		0	0	0	3	3	1	0	1	0			8	12	1
Brooklyn		0	0	1	2	2	0	2	0	0			7	8	3

With thunderous applause even away from their home park, the New York Gothams defeated the Brooklyn Titans yesterday in the seventh game of the 4th Presidents Cup Series. This is the 6th Presidents Cup that has been awarded.

It was a back and forth affair, but New York edged out one more run in the top of the 8th inning after a single and error put a man on third base. He was driven in by Howland, who hit a ground ball to second base.

Babe Peters took the mound for the final inning, as Brooklyn tried to score one more to tie and keep their season alive. The 9th started well for them, with McGovern getting a walk on four pitches. But Two straight fly outs put them down to their last out.

On a 1-2 count, Peters threw a high and inside fastball that Dickerson wildly swung at. He missed, and the strikeout recorded the final out of the 1917 season.

The Gothams earned their 1st Presidents Cup Series title and now get to spend all winter basking in glory, while the beaten Titans will have plenty of time to wonder what went wrong.

"Both clubs are talented. We just made fewer mistakes than they did," winning manager Eli Gallaher said to the press corps at the post-game press conference. "We made the crucial plays and got the timely hits."

Brooklyn skipper Fletcher Rowley agreed with that assessment and added, "We were a little weak on fundamentals at crucial times. I have a sneaky suspicion we will be working on fundamentals a lot next spring."

On the way to the Presidents Cup Series championship, the Gothams ended up in first place in the United League and compiled a 100-54 record during the regular season.

Gothams Take Game Six 5-4

NEW YORK, NY. October 4, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Brooklyn		0	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	0			4	13	0
New York		3	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	x			5	9	0

Despite out-hitting the Gothams 13-9, the Brooklyn Titans are one loss away from losing the 4th Presidents Cup Series to the New York baseball club.

The Gothams, who jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning on a walk and three singles, gave up the lead in the top of the 4th.

The Titans scored four runs on five hits and a walk. They tried for a fifth run, but Sheffield was thrown out as he attempted to take home on a bloop single to center.

That run that was defended against eventually won the game for New York, as they took the lead in the 6th inning with a run scored on a fielders choice. The score remained 5-4, even though there was a walk or hit every inning thereafter.

The Gothams need one more win to clinch their victory. The Titans will need to win three in a row to win the series. Today the teams will head back to Brooklyn, and tomorrow Ed Gale will face Thomas Moyer in the seventh game of the series.

New York Needs Two More

NEW YORK, NY. August 3, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Brooklyn		0	1	1	2	1	0	0	2	0			7	11	0
New York		3	0	0	0	4	1	0	1	x			9	14	1

The New York Gothams, who were underdogs coming into the series, have come back from losing the series 2-1 and are now two games away from winning the 1917 Presidents Cup, up 3-2 over their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Titans.

New York got out to an early lead after a triple from center-fielder Max Clark. Clark belted the first pitch he saw yesterday over the right fielders head and dove headfirst into third safely. He came in to score as the next hitter, Howland, smashed a single into center field, making it 3-0.

But Brooklyn steadily came back to take the lead in the top of the 5th. One run in the 2nd, one in the 3rd, and two in the 4th made it 4-3, and a triple and RBI groundout brought the lead to 5-3.

However, the lead didn't last long. It started with two straight singles for New York by Groat and Clark. Then, with Howland up to bat, McNaughton just missed low on a full-count pitch, loading the bases for Olaf Newman. Newman walked to the plate, took a breath to calm his senses, and stepped into the box.

"I knew I just needed to make contact," Newman said. "We were going to score a run if I could get the ball on the ground since they were playing for the double play."

"He got himself into that 2-2 count," said Gothams manager Eli Gallaher. "But that didn't bother him, from the look of it. He watched that third ball go by, then fouled one back. Then, he delivered."

He sure did deliver. On a full count pitch, Newman belted a line drive over the first base bag. It sliced and landed right on the line, bouncing around in the corner. Howland, who was on first, huffed and buffed his way around the bases. Newman trotted into third uncontested. The three RBI hit gave them a 6-5 lead. The Gothams added another in the 5th and 6th, making it 8-5.

In the top of the 8th, the Titans made it a ballgame again. With one out, Brooklyn's Person lined a single into center. Starke was up next, and hit a nubber in between the pitcher and catcher. Peters, the pitcher, ran in to field in and agressively tried to get the out at second, but the ball got there a half-second late, putting men on 1st and 2nd with one out.

Dickerson, who was up next, flew out to right but moved the runner up to 3rd.

With two outs, Tomas Sperry ripped a triple down the left field line, scoring two runs and bringing the score to 8-7 with a man on 3rd. But Peters struck out Gough on three pitches, ending the inning. The Gothams scored an insurance run in the bottom half of the inning, and then retired the Titans in the 9th to clinch the victory.

Today's game will pit Brooklyn's Edgar against New York's Upchurch.

Freeman Willis Hits Gothams to Victory

BROOKLYN, NY. August 1, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
New York		0	2	0	1	1	0	0	1	0			5	10	0
Brooklyn		0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0			2	8	2

The Titans couldn't pull of the win yesterday in front of their home crowd of 12,863. Theo Murrell pitched all nine innings, but gave up ten hits and four earned runs.

The big man on offense for New York was right-fielder Freeman Willis, who went 4-for-4 with a run scored.

Floyd Bennett, the starter for the Gothams, hurled a complete game giving up eight hits and three walks. He struck out four and gave up two earned runs over 138 pitches.

The series is now tied at 2-2. Today is an off-day, and tomorrow the teams will head to the Bronx Oval Grounds to play games five and six.

Titans Win 4-3, Take 2-1 Series Lead

NEW YORK, NY. September 30, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
New York		0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0			3	10	2
Brooklyn		1	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	x			4	10	2

"I don't know how we lost that one," Gothams short stop Olaf Newman said after the game. "We hit well, and Gale pitched a heck of a game."

Newman was right, and he didn't even mention his own performance (3 for 4, 1 R, 2 RBI). Gale pitched a solid game, going the distance and striking out seven while walking just two. He had a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the 5th at Washington Park, and even got two straight outs to open the inning. But his own error on a dribbler towards the mound allowed Fisk to get on base, and then Gough stepped up to the plate and ripped a line drive into right center that rolled all the way to the wall and allowed him to go into third base uncontested.

That hit tied the game, but when the Gothams came to bat, Clark gave them a triple of their own, and two batters later, Olaf Newman drove in the go ahead run, making it a 3-2 game.

But the lead wouldn't stay for long. In the bottom half of the 6th, two straight singles put men on first and third. Gale struck out Sheffield to get the first out, but Spencer was able to make contact and hit a fly ball deep enough to score Dell from third.

With the game now tied, Gale needed just one more out. But after a called strike, Ferdinand Bonaparte laced a line drive over the left fielder's head. The runner on first headed to third and Bonaparte slid into second base with a double. Gale could still get out of the inning with the game tied by getting Moyer out.

Moyer would have none of it. He softly placed a flyball in between the right fielder and the second basemen who was running out to get it, and a runner came in making it 4-3.

The Gothams would only get one more runner on base the rest of the game, and the contest ended with the Titans in the lead.

The two teams will play again today, with Bennett pitching for New York, and Murrell pitching for the Titans.

Gothams Tie Up Series at 1-1

NEW YORK, NY. September 28, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Brooklyn		0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0			2	5	1
New York		0	0	2	1	0	2	0	0	0			5	9	3

On a partly cloudy afternoon in front of 12,223 seated fans and many more who watched from rooftops or lined the outfield wall, the New York Gothams tied the 4th Presidents Cup Series one game to one yesterday with a 5-2 win.

The two hour and thirty-nine minute affair was kicked off when Brooklyn scored in the third without getting a hit. An error, two walks, and then another error scored pitcher Mathew Edgar. But New York answered back in the bottom of the inning, when Whitey Upchurch led off with a single and then later scored on an error. They scored another in the inning, and then scored a third time in the 4th, making it 3-1.

In the bottom of the 6th, Curtis Caton drove in a run on a triple into the right-center field gap, then scored himself on a groundout. Brooklyn answered back with one in the 7th, but that was it, and the game ended 5-2.

Our player of the game award goes to Whitey Upchurch, the starting pitcher for the Gothams. He went all nine innings, giving up just five hits, no earned runs, and struck out seven.

The series is tied at 1-1, and the team will have off today and then pick it up again tomorrow at Washington Park in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn's Dummy Dell Leads Titans to Victory

NEW YORK, NY. September 27, 1917 -

		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10		R	H	E
Brooklyn		0	1	1	0	0	3	0	4	2			11	12	4
New York		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0			4	11	2

The first game of the 4th Presidents Cup Series took place yesterday at the Bronx Oval Grounds in New York. It was a beautiful September afternoon, a cool 59 degrees and a slight breeze blowing in front center, but it certainly wasn't a good day for the home team.

It was a close one until the 6th, but two singles, a walk, a sacrifice fly and a 2-out, 2-run triple made it 5-0. A 4-run 8th put it out of reach, and two more in the 9th made it embarrassing.

There was no doubt about the player of the game. Dummy Dell, Brooklyn's short stop, hit a home run in the 8th, and then got up again in the 9th and hit another! However, we can't forget about McNaughton, the Titans pitcher who allowed just one earned run and one walk. He kept the Gothams offense at bay and picked up the win.