THE 1878 MILWAUKEE GRAYS

June 17, 1878

All sorts of stories are in circulation concerning the probable reorganization of the Milwaukee nine. It seems to be a fact that Bennett, the regular catcher, has been released on account of his badly lamed arm. [Note: Well, not quite a fact since Bennett would play in 49 of the 61 games in 1878.] During the club’s absence he was under medical treatment and it was supposed that his arm had fully recovered, but, on his attempting to play his regular position, he discovered that he was unable to throw to second or in fact use his arm well in any way. Manager Chapman is negotiating for a new catcher and meanwhile Holbert, well-known for his plucky playing, although suffering severely from a split hand will play the position. [Quick note on Bill Holbert; he would play 21 games at catcher for the Grays (45 overall) in just his second pro season – he played 12 games in 1876. He would later be regarded as one of the game’s finest fielding catchers, although he holds the major-league record for most at-bats without a home run! A Gray is in the books! By the way, that would be 2,335 at-bats (173 with Milwaukee)].

Weaver, the pitcher, is laid up and will be represented by Golden. During the Boston games Morgan was found to be something of a pitcher, he occupying the position for a couple of innings during Golden’s temporary disablement. [Note: none of the available stats resources, i.e. baseball-reference.com, has any record of Morgan pitching in 1878. I’m guessing if he did pitch, it was not noted in the box score of the time since it seems as though Golden returned to the box in that same game.] Goodman has taken the place of Peters, as captain of the nine. When he tells the boys to “go” they know business is meant. The boys appear in a happy frame of mind generally and say that their treatment while in the east was most hospitable. Holbert the catcher pro tem of the home club, it is said, has offered the directors $100 to cancel his engagement with the club, he having a better offer to play with the Chicagos. [Note: Since Holbert played 45 games for Milwaukee, I’m guessing this didn’t happen.]

Note: So … Milwaukee had an injured starting catcher, who might be released; another catcher who is injured and wants to buy out his own contract; an injured starting pitcher; and a change in captaincy. No, things were not going well for the Grays.