Brooklyn Tip Tops Inaugural 1914 Season Draws to a Close

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

SEASON FINALE

Brooklyn Tip Tops

vs.

Baltimore Terrapins

FROM

TERRAPIN PARK

GAME ONE VICTORY AT LEAST SECURES A .500 FINISH

• GAME ONE: Saturday, October 10, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn wins their penultimate game of the season.  The Tip Tops overcome a two run deficit with a six run outburst in the fifth en route to their 77th victory of the season.  Making his 42nd and final start of the season, Ed Lafitte improves to 18-15 with a representative 2.63 ERA.  Left fielder George Anderson, center fielder Al Shaw, and first baseman Solly Hofman each drive in two runs apiece.

THREE FINGER BROWN TAKES LOSS IN SEASON FINALE

• GAME TWO: Saturday, October 10, 1914 - BR

The Tip Tops are held scoreless in their season finale.  Baltimore starter Kaiser Wilhelm limits Brooklyn to just seven hits and no walks with seven strikeouts in a complete game shutout effort.  Mordecai Brown, the 37-year old former National League great, concludes a strong finish with Brooklyn.  He allows Baltimore just one earned run on eight hits and three walks with three strikeouts through eight innings.  The Miner finishes the season 14-13 with a 3.52 ERA.

1914 BROOKLYN TIP TOPS - BR

INAUGURAL SEASON
77-77 (.500)

WASHINGTON PARK

THE SEASON

After opening their inaugural season on the road, on Monday, May 11, Kings County gets its first glimpse of the borough's newest baseball enterprise.  The Tip Tops take the field in front of 15,000 fans at refurbished Washington Park where they are whitewashed by the visiting Pittsburgh Stogies on Opening Day.  Onlookers are left pondering what's so new and unique about that, after all, the nearby Superbas lose games all the time.  But Gowanas locals are soon treated to their first alternative circuit victory on Thursday, May 14, with a 4-1 decision over the St. Louis Terriers.

What follows is something as weird, wild, and wondrous, as any summer side show at Coney Island.  There are odd and curious times to be had at Washington Park, for sure.

The Tip Tops are under performers for much of the spring months.  And by the end of June they're in sixth place with a 25-32 record, nine games out of first place.  On Independence Day they win their third straight over Buffalo.  One week later upwards of 30,000 cranks packing Washington Park witness the home Feds sweep a twin bill from the Pittsburgh Stogies.  Brooklyn goes on to post a stellar 21-8 record in July.  Moreover, from July 16 through Aug. 20, the Tip Tops remain anchored no more than 4.5 games out of first place, at one point closing to within 1.5 games.  That is until they arrive at Indianapolis on Aug. 21, for a pivotal six game showdown against the first place Hoosiers.  Indianapolis rolls to a series sweep sending Brooklyn on their way one game under .500 and 8.5 games out of first place.  The Tip Tops exercise one last measure of resilience winning seven in a row.  On September 12, they again close to within three games of first place.  But they can not sustain, and begin a sure and methodical descent down the Federal League ranks.  As the calendar changes to October the Tips Tops are officially eliminated from title contention.

The Brooklyn Tip Tops finish the season at par with a 77-77 record.  However, they play .500 or better against all league opponents with the exception of two: Joe Tinker's second place Chicago ChiFeds, and the pennant winning Indianapolis Hoosiers, against whom they post a combined 12-32 (.272) record.  And therein lies the discrepancy in their final standing, as Brooklyn otherwise posts a 65-45 (.591) against all other competition.

THE MANAGER

Brooklyn secures well respected Bill Bradley as their player/manager.  Back in baseball after a three year absence the 36-year old former Cleveland Indians third baseman limits himself to just six pinch-hit appearances all season.  As a rookie in 1899 with the Chicago Cubs he bats .310 in 129 at-bats.  In 1901 he jumps to the Cleveland Indians of the upstart American League where he spends the next ten seasons.  In 1902 he bats .340 (the first of three straight .300 seasons) with 11 home runs and 77 runs batted in.

THE TEAM

A renown glove man as a player, manager Bill Bradley can only watch in dismay as the Tip Tops commit the league's second most errors and tie for worst fielding percentage.  This is made all the more ponderous by the pennant clinching Hoosiers whom lead the league in both categories.

But whereas Indianapolis posts a second best 3.06 ERA, Brooklyn posts a 3.33 team ERA which is sufficiently below league average.  This, despite yielding the second least home runs.  Otherwise it can be said Tip Top pitchers were out of control, surrendering a league high 559 base on balls, and  plunking a league high 52 batters, while striking out the third least batters.

Right-hander Tom Seaton is Brooklyn's ace.  In 1913 his 27 victories and 168 strikeouts lead the National League.  But after spending two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies he jumps to the Federal League nearly tripling his salary.  In his first season with the Tip Tops the 26-year old goes 25-14 with a 3.03 ERA, and 172 strikeouts through 302.2 innings pitched.  He ties for third most wins, and finishes fourth in strikeouts.

Before joining the Tip Tops, Ed Lafitte pitches parts of three seasons with the Detroit Tigers.  But it's the 1914 season which essentially marks his first full campaign as a big league starter.  The 28-year old goes 18-15 with a ninth best 2.63 ERA.  His 137 strikeouts through 290.2 innings are eleventh best.  He also owns the distinction of issuing a league high 127 walks.

After eleven seasons National League great Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown jumps to the St. Louis Terriers.  Prior to his arrival in the Federal League, Brown posts six straight 20-win seasons as a member of the Chicago Cubs.  In 1906 he leads the National league with a 1.04 ERA and nine shutouts.  In 1909 he leads the league with 27 victories and 342.2 innings pitched.  And from 1908 through 1911 he also leads the league with 32 saves.  At 37-years of age, the Miner posts a 12-6 record and 3.29 ERA in 26 appearances and 175 innings pitched for the Terriers.  In late August Brown is acquired by Brooklyn.  He makes his first appearance in a Sept. 2 loss at Buffalo.  The Tip Tops are 58-57 at the time, and 7.5 games back of first.  The team does well to close within three games of first by Sept. 12, however, Brown is largely ineffective when they need him most.  His stint with Brooklyn takes a turn towards the positive with the onset of October but only after they're eliminated from contention.  He posts a 2-5 record and 4.21 ERA with 32 strikeouts through nine appearances and 57.2 innings pitched as a member of the Tip Tops.

At the plate, Brooklyn makes one think what could have been, as they boast the second most potent lineup in the league.

• Runs: #2 (662)
• Hits: #2 (1,402)
• Home Runs: #2 (42)
• Total Bases: #2 (1,923)
• Team AVG: #2 (.269)
• Team SLG: #2 (.383)
• Stolen Bases: #3 (220)

After five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Steve Evans jumps to the BrookFeds where he becomes their leading hitter.  At 29-years of age the lefty swinging right fielder enjoys his finest season, finishing second in the batting race with a .348 average.  He posts a league leading 15 triples and .556 slugging percentage.  He is also second with 41 doubles, and second with 96 runs batted in, and his twelve home runs rank third.

Al Shaw has a brief three year career between 1907 and 1909 with the St. Louis Cardinals.  After a four year absence from the game, he returns to roam center field for the Tip Tops.  An early season injury keeps him out of action for more than three weeks.  But the now 33-year old returns to bat .324, with 27 doubles, five home runs, 49 runs batted in, a representative .473 slugging average, and 24 stolen bases.

First baseman Solly Hofman enjoys a career season in 1910 while with the Chicago Cubs, batting .325 with 43 extra-base hits and 86 runs batted in.  But after eleven seasons with the Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates, Hofman jumps leagues.  Now 31-years old, Solly plays in a career high 147 games for Brooklyn, batting .287 with 42 extra-base hits, 83 runs batted in, and 34 stolen bases.

THE LOCALS

The Tip Tops season slightly surpasses that of the neighboring Brooklyn Robins whom in their second season at new Ebbets Field and their first campaign under manager Wilbert Robinson finish the 1914 National League season with a 75-79 (.487) record.  In fact, the Tip Tops even outperform the nine year old New York Yankees who finish in sixth place of the American League with a 70-84 (.455) record.  Only John McGraw's New York Giants enjoy a better season, finishing in second place of the senior circuit with an 84-70 (.545) record.

THE PARK

WASHINGTON PARK IV

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE NOW!

OTD 10/2/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Eliminated From Federal League Contention

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops lead Terrapins; 2-1

I - BTT 8; BAL 3

II - BAL 3; BTT 0

III - BTT 3; BAL 1

Baltimore Terrapins

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Now Mordecai Brown Decides He Wants to Pitch ...

• BOXSCORE: Friday, October 2, 1914 -BR

The Tip Tops avoid falling to par behind a strong effort from Mordecai Brown, but have otherwise ceased playing meaningful games as of Thursday's defeat.  Brooklyn improves to 74-72 with Friday's victory over the Baltimore Terrapins, ending the day nine games out of first with eight games left to play.  When it mattered least, Mordecai Brown offers Brooklyn his best.  In the penultimate home game of the season, Brown yields no earned runs on five hits and four walks with six strikeouts in a complete game winning effort at Washington Park.  Baltimore sours the shutout with an unearned run in the top of the ninth.  Otherwise Brown improves to 13-12 with a 3.57 ERA.  George Anderson lifts his average to .310 going 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs batted in.  Al Shaw accounts for the Tip Tops third run batted in.  Jim Delahanty goes 3 for 4 with a double and a run scored.

Commemorative Plaque Now!

OTD 9/28/1914: Tip Tops Ed Lafitte Turns Back First Place ChiFeds

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

ChiFeds lead Tip Tops; 3-1

I - CHI 4; BTT 1

II - CHI 7; BTT 6

III - CHI 5; BTT 3

IV - BTT 9; CHI 5

Chicago ChiFeds

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Brooklyn staves off par with their first victory of the series against first place Chicago.

• BOXSCORE: Monday, September 28, 1914 - BR

Leading 8-1 through six, starter Ed Lafitte withstands the ChiFeds four run outburst in the eighth to gain his 15 victory of the season with a 2.70 ERA.  He allows five earned runs on eight hits and six walks with eight strikeouts in a complete game effort.

Making only his fourth start behind the plate catcher Art Watson hits his first home run of the season off Chicago starter Claude Hendrix who is denied his 29th victory of the season.  A former 24-game winner for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 25-year old Hendrix' record remains at 28-10 with a 1.73 ERA.  Center fielder Al Shaw goes 3 for 5 with a double and two runs batted in.  Al Halt goes 2 for 4 with a triple and run batted in.  And Claude Cooper, Solly Hofman, and Tex Wisterzil, also drive in one run apiece.

The Brooklyn Tip Tops improve to 72-70 but remain a distant 8.5 games back of Chicago with twelve games left in the Federal League inaugural season.  Meanwhile the ChiFeds hold a precarious 1.5 game lead over the Indianapolis Hoosiers.

OTD 9/19/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Sweep Kansas City; Ed Lafitte Throws No-Hitter

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops lead Packers; 2-0

I - BTT 6; KCP 2

II - BTT 12; KCP 6

Kansas City Packers

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

With a change of opponent, so change the fortunes of Brooklyn.  The Tip Tops get back in the win column with a double-header sweep against the Kansas City Packers at Washington Park.

ED LAFITTE THROWS NO-HITTER

• BOXSCORE: Saturday, September 19, 1914 - BR

In one of the more imperfect gems hurled this season, Brooklyn Tip Tops starter Ed Lafitte allows two unearned runs on no hits and seven walks with one strikeout in a complete game performance.  Otherwise a pair of errors by third baseman Tex Wisterzil and second baseman Jim Delahanty mar Lefitte's shutout effort.  He evens his record at 14-14 with a fine 2.66 ERA.  Solly Hofman goes 1 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in.  Jim Delahanty is 3 for 4 with a double, triple, a run scored, and one run batted in.  Lafitte helps his own cause with a hit and run batted in en route to a 6-2 victory.

TIP TOPS COMPLETE SWEEP

• BOXSCORE: Saturday, September 19, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn rolls to a 12-6 victory in game two.  Right fielder Steve Evans goes 2 for 5 with a double and three runs batted in giving him 90 RBI for the season.  First baseman Solly Hofman is 2 for 5 with a triple and likewise drives in three runs.  Center fielder Al Shaw is 3 for 5 with two runs batted in, and shortstop Al Halt hits his third home run of the season.  Making only his fifth start of the season, Bill Chappelle goes the distance allowing four earned runs on nine hits and one walk with three strikeouts for his third consecutive complete game win.

Brooklyn snaps a five game losing streak, meanwhile the Hoosiers lose their series opener against Buffalo.  And just like that, the Tip Tops are back within 6.5 games of first place with twenty games left to play.

OTD 9/16/1914: Circuit Leading Hoosiers Hand Brooklyn Third Straight Defeat

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Hoosiers lead Tip Tops; 3-0

I - IND 10; BTT 0

II - IND 9; BTT 2

III - IND 2; BTT 0

Indianapolis Hoosiers

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

For a second time in this most critical series, first place Indianapolis whitewashes the Tip Tops at Washington Park.

• BOXSCORE: Wednesday, September 16, 1914 - BR

Unlike their rather noncompetitive defeats suffered in games one and two, starter Ed LaFitte legitimizes Brooklyn's efforts with a more representative performance in game three.  However Tip Tops batters remain hexed under the spell of Hoosiers pitching who've now limited the BrookFeds to just two runs through three games.  Al Shaw and Steve Evans in particular have joined on just 4 for 20 (.200) at the plate.  Misplays in the field additionally come back to haunt Brooklyn in game three on Wednesday.  Solly Hofman accounts for two errors, and George Anderson one.  Indianapolis scores single runs in the first and second innings.  But neither team scores again.  Ed Lafitte allows the two runs, but only one is earned, on ten hits and one walk with four strikeouts through nine complete.  Hoosiers starter Earl Moseley, whom last year pitched with the Boston Red Sox, yields no runs on just four hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in a complete game shutout performance at Washington Park.

After winning seven in a row, manager Bradley has since witnessed his team lose five of their last six, and three straight against the Hoosiers.  The Tip Tops drop to 67-63 for the season and fall a problematic 6.0 games back of first with 24 games left in the Federal League season.

OTD 9/11/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Hand Game to St. Louis Terriers

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Terriers lead Tip Tops; 2-1

I - BTT 2; STL 1

II - STL 1; BTT 0

III - STL 6; BTT 5

St. Louis Terriers

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

MORDECAI BROWN EFFORT GONE FOR NOT

• BOXSCORE: Friday, September 11, 1814 - BR

There will surely be extra infield practice to be had in the morning.  In a game manager Bradley would rather soon forget, Mordecai Brown pitches well but can not overcome seven Brooklyn misplays in the field.  After yielding a run in the top of the first, the Tip Tops respond with three runs in the bottom of the frame.  But their lead is short lived when St. Louis strikes back for three runs in the third.  Resilient Brooklyn takes a 5-4 lead in the sixth, but again hand back two runs in the Terriers very next at bat.  Mordecai Brown surrenders six runs but only two are earned.  He otherwise allows just five hits and no walks with four strikeouts through seven innings for the loss.  Solly Hofman goes 1 for 3 with two runs batted but is responsible for two errors.  Al Halt is 2 for 4 with two runs batted in and is likewise responsible for a pair of misplays at short.  Not one to be left out, Steve Evans scores twice but also commits two errors at first base.  Right fielder Al Shaw is 3 for 4 with a triple, two runs scored, and records two putouts - thank you very much.

Brooklyn loses their second straight and fall behind in the series two games versus one.  The Tip Tops can still draw even with a victory in Saturday's series finale.  Indianapolis is idle on this day and so Brooklyn loses one half game in the standings.  With a 66-60 record the Tip Tops remain in third place 2.5 games back of the second place ChiFeds, and now 4.5 games back of the Hoosiers, with 27 games left to play.

OTD 9/8/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Complete Sweep of Pittsburgh Rebels

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops defeat Rebels; 6-0

I - BTT 7; PIT 6

II - BTT 7; PIT 1

III - BTT 3; PIT 2*

IV - BTT 4; PIT 3

V - BTT 12; PIT 11

VI - BTT 12; PIT 4

*10 innings

BROOKLYN ONE WIN CLOSER TO REMATCH WITH INDIANAPOLIS.

With their sixth straight victory and seventh in their last eight games the Tip Tops climb back to within four games of first place.  Having completed a sweep of the Pittsburgh Rebels, Brooklyn now hosts the seventh place St. Louis Terriers.  With any measure of success the Tip Tops will get a second crack at the Indianapolis Hoosiers in one last showdown for first place at Washington Park.

• BOXSCORE: Tuesday, September 8, 1914 - BR

On Tuesday Brooklyn wins their series finale against Pittsburgh to complete a six game sweep of the Rebels.  Happy Finneran, who pitched briefly in game five, toes the rubber for Brooklyn and is opposed by Pittsburgh's Walt Dickson.  The Rebels open the scoring straightaway with two runs in the first.  But Brooklyn doubles up in the bottom half of the frame for an early 4-2 lead.  The Tip Tops add two runs in the fourth and another in the fifth for a 7-2 advantage.  When Pittsburgh recovers one run in the top of the eighth, Brooklyn answers in the bottom half of the frame with a five run outburst.  The Rebels scrap together one more run in the ninth en route to a 12-4 loss at Washington Park.  Finneran is very effective, allowing three runs, but only one earned, on just three hits and one walk through 7.2 innings pitched for his 12th victory of the season against seven losses with a 2.43 ERA.  Jim Bluejacket takes care of the final 1.1 innings, yielding an unearned run on three hits with a strikeout.  Al Shaw leads the charge with a triple, a home run, and three runs batted in.  Steve Evans also drives in tree runs.  Tex Wisterzil goes 2 for 3 with two runs batted in.

NEXT

St. Louis Terriers @ Brooklyn Tip Tops

WASHINGTON PARK

• Tip Tops Record: 65-58
• Federal League: 3rd; 4 GB

OTD 9/7/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Climb Back Into Federal League Pennant Race

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Brooklyn leads series 5-0

I - BTT 7; PIT 6

II - BTT 7; PIT 1

III - BTT 3; PIT 2*

IV - BTT 4; PIT 3

V - BTT 12; PIT 11

* 10 innings

GAME SIX

Pittsburgh Rebels

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tips

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Don't look now but with 32 games left in the season the Brooklyn Tip Tops are right back in the Federal League pennant race and gaining steam.  Monday's double-header sweep of the Pittsburgh Rebels results in Brooklyn's fourth and fifth straight win.  Since slamming the breaks on their nine game losing streak they've gone 10-3 to bypass both Buffalo and Baltimore in the standings.  The Tip Tops close Monday's action 3.5 games back of Joe Tinker's ChiFeds, and 4.5 back of the first place Indianapolis Hoosiers.

• GAME ONE BOXSCORE: Monday, September 7, 1914 - BR

Pittsburgh opens the scoring in the first, but the Tip Tops promptly tie in the second and take a 2-1 lead in the fourth.  However the Rebels answer with a run in the sixth, then pull ahead 3-2 in the top of the seventh.  The Washington Park crowd is delighted when their Tip Tops score twice in the bottom half of the frame for a 4-3 lead and game one victory.  Steve Evans is 2 for 4 with a double and connects off Rebels starter Cy Barger on his 11th home run of the season.  Solly Hofman is 2 for 2 and connects on his fourth home run of the season.  Al Shaw and Grover Land each drive in a run apiece.  Making his 13th appearance but only his third start, Bill Chappelle limits the Rebels to three runs on seven hits and four walks with two strikeouts through nine innings pitched for first victory of the season.

• GAME TWO BOXSCORE: Monday, September 7, 1914 - BR

Mordecai Brown's first start as a member of the Tip Tips goes terribly.  He allows five runs, four earned, on five hits and a walk in just 1.1 innings pitched.  Rudy Sommers goes on to yield another six runs, four earned, on nine hits and three walks with three strikeouts over the next six-plus innings in relief of Brown.  Brooklyn treats Pittsburgh starter Mysterious Walker no differently, roughing him up for seven runs, six earned, on 13 hits and one walk through 6.2 innings pitched.  Pittsburgh knocks Sommers out of the box and takes an 11-7 lead with two more runs in the top of the eighth; Jim Bluejacket closes out the frame in relief of Sommers.  Brooklyn then mounts a five run assault against relievers George LeClair and Howie Camnitz, however, only two runs are earned.  Manager Bradley hands off to Happy Finneran who throws a scoreless ninth for the Tip Tops, as Brooklyn walks off with a 12-11 comeback victory and a sweep of Monday's double-header at Washington Park.  Bluejacket is credited with the win.  Tex Wisterzil leads the charge going 3 for 5 with a triple and four runs batted in.  Steve Evans lifts his season average to .361 after going 3 for 5 with a triple, three runs scored, and three runs batted in.  Solly Hofman is 3 for 5 with a double, three runs scored, and three runs batted in.  Claude Cooper is 2 for 4 with a triple and a run batted in.

Brooklyn improves to 64-58 for the season.  They'll attempt the series sweep Tuesday afternoon.

OTD 9/4/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Open Home Stand With 9th Inning Thriller Over Pittsburgh Rebels

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops lead Rebels 1-0

I - BTT 7; PITT 6

Pittsburgh Rebels

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Back home in Brooklyn, the Tip Tops overcome a six run deficit against the Pittsburgh Rebels with single runs in the sixth and eighth innings, followed by a game ending five run flurry in the ninth for a thrilling series opening 7-6 victory Friday afternoon at Washington Park.

• BOXSCORE: Friday, September 4, 1914 - BR  

The Rebels score early and often against Brooklyn starter Happy Finneran, roughing him up for five earned runs on five hits and a walk in just 1.2 innings pitched.  Pittsburgh right fielder Jimmie Savage and center fielder Rebel Oakes each stroke home runs accounting for five runs.  Pittsburgh starter Howie Camnitz helps his own cause with a hit and a run scored in three times at the plate.  But the game begins changing when Jim Bluejacket enters the fray in relief of Finneran allowing just one run on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts through 5.1 solid innings of work.  Manager Bradley then hands off to Rudy Sommers in the eighth whom obliges with two scoreless innings of one-hit ball with no walks and a strikeout in what would be his fourth victory of the season.  The Tip Tops are beneficiaries of three unearned runs on three errors.  Otherwise first baseman Steve Evans is 3 for 5 with two doubles, a home run, and two runs batted in.  While Claude Cooper, Al Shaw, and Solly Hofman, all drive in one run apiece.  Brooklyn inflicts all their damage against Howie Camnitz who allows seven runs, five earned, on nine hits and four walks with two strikeouts while pitching into the ninth.

Brooklyn's victory (60-58) coupled with the Indianapolis Hoosiers extra-inning loss to the Chi-Feds at Weegham Park draws the Tip Tops back to within seven games of first place.

Commemorative Plaque Now!

OTD 8/31/194: Brooklyn Tip Tops Open Road Series With Victory at Buffalo

From the desk of:  THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops lead Buf-Feds 1-0

I - BTT 4; BUF 1

II - TUESDAY

HOME/HOME SERIES

Brooklyn Tip Tops

vs.

Brooklyn Buf-Feds

FROM

International Fair Grounds

Brooklyn wins Monday's series opener in 4-1 final at Buffalo

After trading runs in the fourth, Brooklyn pulls away with three late inning runs to win their fourth game in their last five.  Lead-off batter and left fielder George Anderson goes 3 for 5 with a run scored.  Center fielder Al Shaw is 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored.  Second baseman Solly Hofman is 2 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in.  And Steve Evans and Grover Land also drive in a run each.  Buffalo second baseman Tex McDonald is 2 for 4 and drives in the Buf-Feds lone run of the day.  Tip Tops starter Happy Finneran yields the lone unearned run on seven hits and four walks with two strikeouts for his 11th win of the season against seven losses and a representative 2.23 ERA.  Buffalo's Fred Anderson earns his 13th loss upon yielding four runs on nine hits through nine full innings.

• BOXSCORE: Monday, August 31, 194 - BR

The Tip Tops were off on Sunday.  But when factored in with Indianapolis' three straight losses including Monday's double-header sweep by Kansas City, Brooklyn creeps back to within six games of first place with 41 regular season games left to play.  Meanwhile Buffalo's latest loss levels them at par with a 57-57 record.

After posting a stellar 21-8 record in July, the Top Tops close out the month of August with a 12-16 record which includes a debilitating nine game losing streak.  Playing just nine home games and 18 on the road could have partly been to blame .  The good news is all but four of their upcoming 27 September games are scheduled to be played at Brooklyn's Washington Park; advantage Tip Tops.

• Tip Tops Record: 58-56 (.509)
• Federal League: 4th; 6 GB

OTD 8/27/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Win Second Straight Over Buffalo

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Brooklyn leads series 2-0

I - BTT 6; BUF 2

II - BTT 7; BUF 5

Buffalo Buf-Feds

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

It's good to be home.  Just ask manager Bradley.  The Tip Tops win their second straight over the Buffalo Buf-Feds, and climb a game back over the .500 mark.

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, August 27, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn holds a 7-3 lead through seven but need to stave off a late Buf-Fed rally.  Brooklyn starter Jim Bluejacket earns his third career victory allowing five runs (four earned) on eleven hits and two walks with one strikeout through nine innings full.  Al Shaw goes 3 for 3 with a walk, double, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.  First baseman Steve Evans lifts his average to .353 with two hits and a run batted in.  Claude Cooper picks up where he leaves off with a triple, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.  Buffalo first baseman and former New York Yankee Hal Chase goes 2 for 4 with a double, and two runs batted in.  The Federal League leading Indianapolis Hoosiers were idle, and so the 56-55 Top Tops gain one-half game in the standings.  They remain in fourth place, eight games back of first.

Commemorative Plaque Now!

OTD 8/20/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Tripped Up at Kansas City

From the desk of:  THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Packed Up And Shipped Out of Kansas City

Packers defeat Tip Tops 3-1-1

I - BTT 4; KCP 1

II - KCP 4; BTT 1

III - KCP 5; BTT 0

IV - KCP 8; BTT 4

V - KCP 1; BTT 1

The Tip Tops and Packers were forced into playing their second double-header in three days at Kansas City's Koppel Field due to Wednesday's postponement.

• GAME ONE; Thursday, August 20, 1914 - BR

Following Monday's series opening victory the Tip Tops lose their third straight to the Packers.  Brooklyn takes an early 2-0 lead in the first but gives it right back in the bottom of the frame, then fall behind 5-2 after two.  Kansas City adds a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth for an 8-4 final margin of victory.  Brooklyn center fielder Al Shaw is 2 for 5 with a double, triple, and two RBI.  Left fielder George Anderson and replacement shortstop Al Halt each drive in a run.  Starter Jim Bluejacket does not make it out of the second.  He yields four earned runs on five hits in just 1.1 innings for his second loss of the season.  Byron Houck in relief of Bluejacket allows another four runs, two earned, on nine hits and one walk through 6.2 innings pitched.  Kansas City's Chief Johnson goes the distance yielding four runs, three earned, on twelve hits, with three strikeouts en route to his third victory.  Packers third baseman George Perring goes 3 for 4 with three runs batted in.

• GAME TWO; Thursday, August 20, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn and Kansas City duel to a one all tie through eight innings when the game is called on account of darkness.  The Packers open the scoring on second baseman Duke Kenworthy's RBI in the third.  Brooklyn ties in the sixth when George Anderson triples then scores (unearned) in the sixth.  Tip Top starter Dan Marion allows the one run on five hits and no walks with four strikeouts.  Kansas City's Dwight Stone surrenders one run on four hits and no walks with five strikeouts.  The game officially goes down as a tie.  But the damage is done.  Brooklyn falls to 4-8-1 on this trip, and slips another 1.5 games in the standings.  They were within two games of first as recently as Monday but have since fallen four full games back of circuit leading Chicago.  The final leg of their odyssey next takes them through Indianapolis where they take on the second place Hoosiers in a crucial five game set.

Commemorative Plaque Now!

OTD 8/17/1914: Tip Tops Ed Lafitte Outlasts Kansas City Packers

From the desk of:  THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

GAME #100

GAME ONE

Brooklyn Tip Tops      3

Kansas City Packers  0

FINAL

TIP TOPS REACH 100 GAME MARK JUST TWO GAMES OUT OF FIRST PLACE.

Brooklyn rebounds from Saturday's loss at St. Louis with a much needed series opening victory over the Packers at Kansas City's Koppel Field on Monday.

• BOXSCORE; Monday, August 17, 1914 - BR

Tip Top starter Ed Lafitte and the Packers Dan Adams duel to a one all tie through the game's first seven innings.  Kansas City jumps out to a 1-0 lead in the first, and Brooklyn ties the game in their very next at-bat.  Brooklyn finally breaks the stalemate with three runs against Dan Adams in the eighth.  Ed Lafitte continues through for the complete game victory.  He yields a mere run on three hits and four walks with six strikeouts en route to his eleventh win of the season against ten losses with a 2.82 ERA.  Lafitte is also hit by a Dan Adams pitch for good luck.  Otherwise Adams likewise pitches nine innings, but suffers his sixth loss upon surrendering four runs, three earned, on ten hits and two walks with four strikeouts.  Center fielder Al Shaw drives in a pair of runs for Brooklyn.  Left fielder George Anderson and third baseman Tex Wisterzil each drive in a run apiece.  Right fielder Steve Evans goes 2 for 3 with a walk, a run scored, and the Tip Tops only extra-base hit of the game.  Grover Land goes 2 for 2 after replacing Yip Owens behind the plate.

The Brooklyn Tip Tops improve to 54-46 (.540) at the 100-game mark of the season.  They are 29-14 since the start of July.  But dare I say they improve to 4-7 during this potentially season defining 19-game road trip.  The good news however is they again close to within two games of the first place Chicago Chi-Feds.

OTD 8/14/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Take Bite Out of St. Louis Terriers

From the desk of:  THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Bradley's Bread Men Close To Within Two Games of First Place

FRIDAY

Brooklyn Tip Tops   5

St. Louis Terriers     3

FINAL

Friday's victory over the Terriers give the Tip Tops a 2-1 series lead in their four game set at St. Louis.  It's their second straight defeat of the Terriers after losing Wednesday's opener at Handlan's Park.

• BOXSCORE; Friday, August 14, 1914 - BR

Making his third career start Brooklyn's Jim Bluejacket is opposed by former Cincinnati Red right-hander Dave Davenport.  The Tip Tops strike with haste in taking a 2-0 first inning lead.  But the Terriers quickly tie with two runs in the second.  They remain stalemated at two through the seventh.  St. Louis finally breaks through with a run off Bluejacket in the eighth.  Undeterred Brooklyn answers with three runs in the top of the ninth.  With one out in the bottom half of the frame Tip Tops manager Bill Bradley summons from the bullpen starting pitcher (20-game winner last year with the Phillies) Tom Seaton whom closes out the Terriers for only his second save of the season.  Jim Bluejacket limits St. Louis to three runs on seven hits and just one walk with two strikeouts through 8.1 innings for his second career victory.  Terriers starter Dave Davenport yields five runs on seven hits and eight walks with seven strikeouts through 8.2 innings en route to his seventh loss of the season.  St. Louis player/manager and National League great Mordecai Brown records one out in the ninth in relief of Davenport.  Tip Tops center fielder Al Shaw (.344) goes 1 for 3 with a double, two walks, a run scored, and two RBI.  Catcher Grover Land goes 2 for 4 with one RBI, and second baseman Solly Hofman drives in his 42nd run of the season.

With Friday afternoon's victory the Tip Tops improve to 53-45 (.541) and forge a third place tie with the Indianapolis Hoosiers, just two games back of Joe Tinker's first place Chicago Chi-Feds.  The Baltimore Terrapins are second 1.5 games back.

Commemorative Plaque Now!

OTD July 4, 1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Split Twin Bill With Buffalo at Washington Park

FEDERAL LEAGUE
Buffalo Buffeds

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

BROOKLYN

A little over one century ago, the Federal League Brooklyn Tip Tops host the Buffalo Buffeds for an Independence Day double-header at Washington Park.

GAME ONE

• Federal League: Buffalo @ Brooklyn; July 4, 1914 - Baseball Reference

Making his seventh start of the season Brooklyn starter Happy Finneran goes the distance, limiting the Buffalo Feds to just one earned run on six hits and three walks with three strikeouts.  He improves his record to 4-1 while lowering his ERA to a stingy 1.90 mark.  Brooklyn scores straightaway in the first inning off Buffalo starter and inevitable loser Earl Moore whom incurs his tenth loss of the season upon yielding three runs overall on seven hits and five walks with six strikeouts through seven innings pitched.  Tip Top right fielder Steve Evans and catcher Yip Owens each go 2 for 4 at the plate and drive in a pair of runs apiece.  First baseman Hap Meyers and third sacker Tex Wisterzil also drive in one run each.  Brooklyn gets extra base hits from Al Shaw and a double and triple from second baseman Solly Hoffman en route to a 6-1 final margin of victory.


GAME TWO

• Federal League: Buffalo @ Brooklyn; July 4, 1914 - Baseball Reference

Buffalo turns the tables on Brooklyn with a 6-2 victory in game two at Washington Park.  Trailing 6-0 after eight innings, the Tip Tops rally for a pair but it's too little too late.  Russ Ford, the former 20-game winner for the New York Yankees goes the distance, limiting the Tip Tops to a pair of runs on six hits and no walks with eight strikeouts.  He improves his record to a stellar 11-2 mark with a 1.87 ERA.  Brooklyn starter Ed LaFitte takes one for the team, yielding six runs, four earned, on seven hits and five walks with five strikeouts.  His record falls to 6-8 with a 3.30 ERA.  Center fielder Al Shaw drives in Brooklyn only two runs.


With a 29-33 record, the fifth place Tip Tops trail the first place Chicago Whales by eight games in the standings, and remain 3.5 games back of fourth place Buffalo.  An announced crowd of 3,000 attend Saturday's Fourth of July twin bill at Washington Park, Brooklyn.

THE WALL

1st Street @ 3rd Avenue