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 10/8/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Tom Seaton Wins 25th of Season

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Last Series of the Season

GAME ONE

Tip Tops    5

Terrapins  3

FINAL

Tom Seaton Gains 25th Victory of Season

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, October 8, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn wins their series opener versus Baltimore, as Tom Seaton earns his 25 victory of the season.  He allows three runs on 15 hits and two walks with three strikeouts through nine full innings.  Brooklyn turns just one double-play, yet the Terrapins leave 13 runners on base.  Seaton ends the season with a 25-13 record and 3.03 ERA.  Getting the start in center, Felix Chouinard goes 2 for 3 with a triple and three runs batted in.  Seaton helps his own cause with a hit and two runs scored.  In his bid to capture the batting title, Steve Evans strikes out four times in four at-bats.  The fifth place Tip Tops get back above .500 with a 76-75 record with three left to play.

OTD 10/7/1914: Modecai Brown Lifts Brooklyn Tip Tops Over Buffalo

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

BufFeds/Tip Tops Draw; 2-2

I - BUF 4; BTT 3

II - BUF 3; BTT 1

III - BTT 10; BUF 4

IV- BTT 10; BUF 4

Brooklyn Tip Tops

vs.

Buffalo BufFeds

If nothing else Mordecai Brown's effort against Buffalo opponent Harry Moran helps lift Brooklyn back to .500 and snaps their three game skid.

• BOXSCORE: Wednesday, October 7, 1914 - BR

The Tip Tops score early, often, and late, in a commanding 10-4 victory at Buffalo's International Fair Association Grounds.  Catcher Yip Owens leads the charge going 3 for 3 with a double, home run, and three runs batted in.  Brown helps his own cause with a hit in four plate appearances and a run batted in.  George Anderson, Al Halt, and Steve Evans, each drive in a run apiece.  Making his seventh start for the Tip Tops, the 37-year old Mordecai Brown yields four earned runs on eight hits and three walks with five strikeouts over eight innings for his 14th victory of the season against 12 losses with a 3.61 ERA.  Manager Bradley's bunch improve to 75-75 with four games remaining on Brooklyn's schedule.  Their sole mission now is to avoid slipping into the sub-par second division.

INDIANAPOLIS HOOSIERS CLINCH PENNANT

Otherwise the inaugural Federal League season is drawing to its conclusion.  With their seventh straight victory the Indianapolis Hoosiers clinch the league's first ever pennant by a 1.5 game margin ahead of the Chicago ChiFeds.  The Hoosiers improve to a league best 87-65 with Wednesday's defeat of the St. Louis Terriers, while the ChiFeds sat idle after losing both games of a double-header against the Packers on Tuesday.  The season comes to an end on Thursday, but there's nothing more Chicago can do.

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE NOW!

OTD 10/6/1914: Sinking Brooklyn Tip Tops Lose Third Straight

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Buffeds lead Tip Tops; 2-0

I - BUF 4; BTT 3

II - BUF 3; BTT 1

Brooklyn Tip Tops (74-75)

vs.

Buffalo Buffeds (78-68)

Watch in dismay is all manager Bill Bradley could do as his docile Tip Tops drop their third straight to slip one game under par.  Starter Ed Lafitte pitches well, I guess just not well enough.  He yields three runs, two earned, on ten hits and three walks with five strikeouts through eight innings en route to his 16th loss of the season against 15 wins.  A 2.62 ERA apparently doesn't seem to stretch as far as it once did.  Meanwhile Buffalo Buffeds starter AL Schultz allows Brooklyn just one run on seven hits and one walk with seven strikeouts through nine complete innings pitched.  Steve Evans goes 2 for 4 and drives home Ed Lafitte in the third with Brooklyn's lone run of the game.  Lafitte also collects two hits in three at-bats, which for what its worth is a better day at the plate than Buffalo first baseman Hal Chase.

The Kansas City Packers sweep a double-header against the ChiFeds at Wrigley Field.  And so with a victory over the St. Louis Terriers, the Indianapolis Hoosiers retake first place by a full game with two left to play.

OTD 9/24/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Welcome Joe Tinker's Chicago ChiFeds to Washington Park

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops defeat Packers; 4-2

I - BTT 6; KCP 2

II - BTT 12; KCP 6

III - KCP 11; BTT 3

IV - KCP 9; BTT 8

V - BTT 3; KCP 2

Chicago ChiFeds

vs

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Brooklyn rebounds from Wednesday's disheartening 9-8 loss with a much needed victory in Thursday's series finale against the Packers.  The Tips Tops take the series against Kansas City four games against two, and creep 6.5 games back of the Hoosiers.

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, September 24, 1914 - BR

Kansas City opens the scoring on shortstop Johnny Rawlings hit in the fourth.  But the Tip Tops respond with singles runs in the bottom half of the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.  Al Halt is 2 for 3 with a double and run batted in.  Steve Evans lifts his average to .357 on 2 for 4 with his 92nd run batted in of the season.  Jim Delahanty accounts for the Tip Tops third run batted in.  Starter Bill Chappelle allows the one earned run on on just four hits and three walks with two strikeouts through 5.1 innings pitched for the victory.  However, an increasingly desperate Bill Bradley summons usual starter Ed Lafitte from the bullpen.  Lafitte obliges his manager allowing one unearned run on just one hit and no walks with four strikeouts through the games final 3.2 innings.

Now it's onward to Chicago where Joe Tinker's ChiFeds have moved within one game of first place Indianapolis.  There's yet hope for these Tip Tops.

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE NOW!

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 9/15/1914: Indianapolis Hoosiers Again Turn Back Brooklyn Tip Tops

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Hoosiers lead Tip Tops; 2-0

I - IND 10; BTT 0

II - IND 9; BTT 2

Indianapolis Hoosiers

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM 

WASHINGTON PARK

To the great dismay of manager Bradley, and fans, Brooklyn loses their second straight to the Hoosiers causing them to fall five games out of first place.

Cycle back to late August: the Hoosiers complete a six game sweep of the Tip Tops at Indianapolis from which many here back home believe there is no recovery.  Brooklyn leaves town tattered and torn upon conclusion of a ruinous 19-game road trip that sees them fall under .500 and 8.5 games out of first place.  But once home they appear reinvigorated and with great resilience post a 13-5 record since the last Indianapolis series to close within three games of first entering this week's rematch against the Hoosiers at Washington Park.  But it turns out yesterday's series opening loss is indeed the omen they initially feared it to be.  If nothing else Tuesday serves as confirmation.  Despite a commendable climb back into legitimate contention for the Federal League pennant, the underlying reality of the situation is that Brooklyn has now lost 16 of their last 19 meetings against Indianapolis.  And no one recognizes this better than manager Bradley.

• BOXSCORE: Tuesday, September 15, 1914 - BR

The Hoosiers score early and often en route to a second straight commanding victory at Washington Park.  They jump out to a 3-0 lead in the first, and go ahead 7-1 by the fifth.  Brooklyn scrapes together a second run in the sixth, which the Hoosiers negate with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings.  Four Tip Tops batters register multiple hits including a double by Charlie Cooper and Steve Evans' 12th home run of the season.  Brooklyn totals eleven hits in all but leave ten runners on base.  Hoosiers starter George Kaiserling limits Brooklyn to two earned runs and three walks with three strikeouts in a complete game performance for his 15th victory of the season.  Happy Finneran takes the loss after yielding six earned runs on seven hits in only 3.1 innings pitched.  Dan Marion and Rudy Sommers allow three unearned runs on four hits in 5.2 innings in relief of Finneran.

OTD 9/12/1914: Tip Tops Set Stage For First Place Rematch Versus Indianapolis

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops tie Terriers; 2-2

I - BTT 2; STL 1

II - STL 1; BTT 0

III - STL 6; BTT 5

IV - BTT 5; STL 3

FEDERAL LEAGUE 

SHOWDOWN

Indianapolis Hoosiers

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Brooklyn's come from behind victory on Saturday salvages series split with St. Louis Terriers at Washington Park.

• BOXSCORE: Saturday, September 12, 1914 - BR

Making only his fourth start in 14 appearances for the Tip Tops, Bill Chappelle comes through with a needed clutch performance, allowing St. Louis just two earned runs on five hits and one walk with six strikeouts through nine innings complete.

However Chappelle's day starts ominously upon surrendering two runs in the first inning.  St. Louis then takes a 3-0 lead in the sixth.  Light hitting shortstop Al Bridwell is 1 for 2 against Cheppelle, connecting for his first home run of the season.  An error by Tip Tops left fielder George Anderson accounts for another St. Louis run.  Otherwise the Terriers muster little else.  Brooklyn bunches together four runs in the seventh and one more in the eighth en route to a 5-3 final score.  Catcher Grover Land is big man on campus going 3 for 3 with two runs batted in.  Steve Evans is 3 for 4 with a run batted in.  Getting the start at third base, Ed Gragnier, and shortstop Al Halt each drive in one run apiece.

Manager Bradley could not have asked for a better scenario considering a mere eight days ago his Tip Tops lay eight games out of first place.  They're now winners of eight of their last ten games, while improving to 9-4 in the month of September and 67-60 overall.  Brooklyn thus opens their upcoming five game series versus Indianapolis just three games out of first place.  The Hoosiers are 6-7 over the same 13 game stretch.  They're coming off a six game series loss against Baltimore and in the midst of a three game skid.  These teams last met during Brooklyn's final leg of a four city 19-game road trip.  Brooklyn similarly entered that series 4.5 games out of first place but proceed to lose six straight at Indianapolis.  They leave town 8.5 games back, but have since posted a 13-5 record in the games leading up to this week's rematch against the Hoosiers at Washington Park.

With just 27 games left in the regular season, perhaps the inaugural Federal League pennant lay in the balance.  Lest we forget that with Chicago's victory against the BufFeds, Joe Tinker's ChiFeds are now tied for first place with Indianapolis.

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 9/9/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Win Seventh Straight

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops lead Terriers; 1-0

I - BTT 2; SLT 1

St. Louis Terriers

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Brooklyn wins their seventh in a row and the Indianapolis Hoosiers split a twin bill against the Terrapins at Baltimore.  The Tip Tops are now 12-3 over their last 15 games and pull within 3.5 games of first place.

• BOXSCORE: Wednesday, September 9, 1914 - BR

TOM SEATON EARNS 22nd VICTORY OF SEASON

On Tuesday Brooklyn opens a four game series against the St. Louis Terriers.  Tip Tops right-hander Tom Seaton is opposed by former 20-game winner for the Washington Senators, Bob Groom.  After trading runs in the first inning, the BrookFeds take a 2-1 lead in the fifth.  Neither team scores again.  Groom takes the hard luck loss, yielding two runs on six hits and two walks with six strikeouts through seven innings pitched.  Henry Keupper allows one hit in the eighth in relief of Groom.  Making his 37th start of the season Tom Seaton allows one run on seven hits and five walks with eight strikeouts over nine innings for his 22nd victory of the season against ten losses with a 2.99 ERA.  Steve Evans lifts his average to .363 with a single and double in three times at bat.  Solly Hofman drives in his 61st run of the season, and George Anderson goes 3 for 4 with his second home run of the season.

The Tip Tops improve to 66-58 with exactly 30 games remaining in the season.

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 9/5/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Win Third Straight Against Rebels

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops lead Rebels 3-0

I - BTT 7; PIT 6

II - BTT 7; PIT 1

III - BTT 3; PIT 2*

Pittsburgh Rebels

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Both on the mound and at the plate Brooklyn hurlers win the day.  Tom Seaton notches his 21st victory of the season, and Ed Lafitte goes ten innings and drives in the winning run in game two.  At the plate they join for two hits, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.  Brooklyn wins their third in a row and fourth in their last five.  The Tip Tops (62-58) gain one-half game on Indianapolis to close within 6.5 games of the first place Hoosiers.

• GAME ONE BOXSCORE: Saturday, September 5, 1914 - BR

On the strength of Tom Seaton's right arm, the Tip Tops cruise to a 7-1 victory in the first of Saturday's two games at Washington Park.  Seaton, who last year led the National League with 27 victories, yields a lone unearned run on seven hits and four walks with five strikeouts through nine innings to win his 21st decision of the season against ten losses with a 3.06 ERA.  Rebels first baseman Cy Rheam scores Pittsburgh's lone run in the fifth.  Rebels starter Walt Dickson is betrayed by his defenders who commit seven errors behind him.  Dickson yields seven runs but only four are earned.  He nonetheless surrenders 14 hits and one walk with three strikeouts.  Steve Evans is 3 for 4 with a double, and two runs batted in.  Tex Wisterzil and Al Halt each drive in a run apiece.  At the top of the line-up George Anderson and Claude Cooper join for five hits with three runs scored.  Tom Seaton helps his own cause with a triple and two runs scored.

• GAME TWO BOXSCORE: Saturday, September 5, 1914- BR

Brooklyn and Pittsburgh remain stalemated at two through nine.  With two outs in the first, Rebels shortstop Steve Yerks triples to score center fielder Rebel Oakes and third baseman Ed Lennox for an early 2-0 lead.  Like Walt Dickerson in game one, Rebels starter Mysterious Walker is victimized by poor play in the field as Brooklyn ties the game with unearned runs in the fourth and sixth innings.  Brooklyn starter Ed Lafitte retires Pittsburgh in the top of the tenth.  Catcher Yip Owens strokes a double in the bottom half of the frame, and is replaced with pinch-runner Hap Meyers.  After which Ed Lafitte's base hit plates the winning run.  Brooklyn sweeps the day and take a 3-0 lead in the series.  Mysterious Walker loses his 14th decision upon yielding three runs, one earned, on ten hits and seven walks with five strikeouts into the tenth.  The game marks Lafitte's second extra-inning effort this season.  He pitched eleven innings back in April against the Packers.

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 9/3/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Returning Home After Series Split at Buffalo

From the desk of:  THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Brooklyn @ Buffalo Split Series

I - BTT 4; BUF 1

II - BUF 3; BTT 1

III - BUF 5; BTT 5*

IV - BTT 10; BUF 2

V - BUF 5; BTT 1

The Tip Tops and Buf-Feds split Thursday's scheduled double-header at Buffalo's International Fair Grounds.  The five game series itself is split down the middle with each gaining two victories and one game suspended in a tie.

GAME ONE

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, September 3, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn scores early and often, then piles on again in the later frames en route to a 10-2 thrashing of the Buf-Feds.  Tip Top starter Bert Maxwell limits Buffalo to a pair of runs on nine hits and two walks with two strikeouts through nine innings for his third victory with a 2.94 ERA.  Buf-fed shortstop Baldy Louden goes 2 for 4, and drives in Buffalo's only earned run against Maxwell.  Brooklyn on the other hand is 12 for 39 (.307) as a team with four extra-base hits.  Solly Hofman is big man on campus going 3 for 4 with a double, home run, four runs scored, and two runs batted in.  Jim Delahanty is 4 for 5 with four runs scored.  Steve Evans triples and drives in his 73rd run of the season.  Tex Wisterzil is 2 for 4 with two runs batted in, and shortstop Al Halt drives in a team leading three runs.

GAME TWO

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, September 3, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn scores an unearned run in the fourth, but would threaten no more.  Buffalo starter Fred Anderson allows no earned runs on just five scattered hits and four walks with six strikeouts for his tenth victory of the season with a 3.03 ERA.  Brooklyn commits five costly errors in the game. Starter Bill Chappelle yields five runs, but only two earned, on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts over eight innings pitched.  Buffalo left fielder Joe Agler is 3 for 4 with a run scored.  Center fielder Charlie Hanford is 2 for 4 with two runs scored, and third baseman Fred Smith drives in two runs in three at-bats.  Brooklyn's Steve Evans is 1 for 4 with a walk, and scores the Tip Tops lone run.

*

The Indianapolis Hoosiers defeat Chicago at Weegham Park, and so the Tip Tops lose another half game in the standings.  They now head back home to Brooklyn where they'll remain throughout the balance of September.  Three series down the line awaits another potentially crucial showdown against the Hoosiers.  The last time they met at Indianapolis the Hoosiers swept them in five.  Before Brooklyn can set about turning the tables at home they have ten games ahead of them with which to first close the gap.  The Pittsburgh Rebels and the St. Louis Terriers may indeed prove convenient and conducive opponents in the days leading up to their encounter with Indianapolis.  Brooklyn enters this weekend's series against the last place Rebels at Washington Park three games back of third place Baltimore, and five games back of second place Chicago.

OTD 9/2/1914: Sun Sets on Bad Day for Tip Tops at Buffalo

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Brooklyn @ Buffalo Tied 1-1-1

I - BTT 4; BUF 1

II - BUF 3; BTT 1

III - BUF 5; BTT 5*

BROOKLYN TIP TOPS ACQUIRE MORDECAI BROWN

• Nine Seasons w/ Chicago Cubs (1904-1912).
• 188-86 record with 1.80 ERA.
• Six-time 20-game winner.
• 1906: 1.04 ERA leads National League.
• 1909: 27 victories, 32 complete games leads National League.
• October 1912 released by Cubs.
• December 1913 jumps from Cincinnati Reds to Federal League (St. Louis Terriers).
• Mordecai Brown - BR

Rain forces a postponement of Tuesday's game necessitating Wednesday's double-header.  Buffalo outlasts Brooklyn in the opener.  Game two is suspended in the 12th inning with the game tied at five.

GAME ONE

• BOXSCORE: Wednesday, September 2, 1914 - BR

Making his eighth career start Jim Bluejacket is opposed by Buffalo's Earl Moore.  The Buf-Feds score single runs in the first, second, and third innings.  Brooklyn manages an unearned run in the seventh but little else.  Moore yields one unearned run on four scattered hits and seven walks with four strikeouts through nine innings for his ninth victory of the season.  Jim Bluejacket pitches well enough, allowing three earned runs on six hits and no walks with one strikeout through six innings for the hard luck loss.  First baseman Steve Evans is 2 for 2 with two walks and accounts for half of Brooklyn's hits.  The former St. Louis Cardinal lifts his average back up to a .353 mark.  Right fielder Claude Cooper drives in his 20th run of the season but the Tip Tops leave ten runners on base. Buffalo shortstop Baldy Louden is 2 for 3 with a walk, stolen base, and a home run.

GAME TWO

• BOXSCORE: Wednesday, September 2, 1914 - BR

Wednesday's second game is a back and forth affair until sunlight calls it a day.  Buffalo jumps out to an early 3-0 lead until Brooklyn finally posts a run in the fifth.  The Buf-Feds tack on another run in the sixth.  But the Tip Tops storm back with four runs in the eighth for a 5-4 lead.  However their lead is short lived.  Buffalo rallies for a run in the home ninth sending the game into extra-innings.  After three scoreless frames, the game is called after nearly two and one-half hours of late afternoon play.  Ed Lafitte makes the start and is opposed by Buf-Fed Al Schultz.  Lafitte yields three earned runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts through four innings.  Bill Chappelle allows an unearned run through three innings pitched in relief of Lafitte.  The great Mordecai Brown, recently acquired from the St. Louis Terriers, makes his first appearance as a member of the Brooklyn Tip Tops.  He surrenders just one earned run on three hits and no walks with six strikeouts through five innings pitched in relief of Chappelle.  In 26 appearances with St. Louis, the 37-year old posted a nifty 12-6 record and 3.29 ERA with 81 strikeouts through 175 innings pitched.  Manager Bill Bradley, making his sixth game appearance of the season, helps the team cause with a pinch hit and run batted in.  Otherwise the Tip Tops get runs batted in from Solly Hofman, Grover Land, Jim Delehanty, and Tex Wisterzil.  Buffalo starting pitcher Al Schultz likewise helps his own cause going 2 for 2 at the plate with two runs batted in.

First place Indianapolis defeat the ChiFeds at Weegham Park and now lead Chicago by two games.  Fourth place Brooklyn (58-57) now falls 7.5 games back of the Hoosiers with 39 games left to play.

No rest for the weary.  There's another scheduled twin bill to be played on Thursday before the Tip Tops return home to Brooklyn.

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 8/17/1914: 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.