The National League is nicknamed the "Senior Circuit" for good reason; its roots date back to its inception in 1876. Till now, it had outlasted other major leagues, including the American Association, the Union Association, and the Players League. But the league was in trouble; the game on the field had become increasingly violent, and the fans who had supported it were turning away.
        This year, the American League formed, and would not go away. Its brand of baseball was much cleaner, and some of the NL's best pitchers jumped to the new league, including Joe McGinnity, Clark Griffith and Cy Young. There were still some good pitchers in the NL, many of whom pitched for the league champions in Pittsburgh.

         Deacon Phillippe began his career with five outstanding seasons. This was his third, and the best of his career. Like Honus Wagner, Phillippe began his career with Louisville, then joined Pittsburgh after the Sluggers folded. Phillippe spent the rest of his thirteen-year career with the Pirates, usually pitching for some outstanding teams. After his great start, Phillippe bounced up and down from year to year, but he finished with 189 wins, and a great .634 career winning percentage. The secret to the Deacon's success was control; he was one of the greatest control pitchers in baseball history, and this year was no exception.
        Pittsburgh had two other outstanding pitchers, Jack Chesbro and Jesse Tannehill. This was Chesbro's first good year; three years later, he would win 41 games with New York, and he would eventually be elected to the Hall of Fame. Tannehill's career was similar to Phillippe's; he had five great years in a row, then struggled after that, but finished with 197 career wins, and an outstanding winning percentage.
        Another fine pitcher was Al Orth; he also had outstanding control this year, though for most of his career he was not a great control pitcher. Orth is probably best known for his years late in his career with the Highlanders, where (like Chesbro) he led the league in wins. Orth was a pretty good pitcher, winning 204 games in his career, but losing almost as many. He was nicknamed "The Curveless Wonder", so I guess he got the most out of what little stuff he had.
        I think Deacon Phillippe was the best pitcher in the league this year, though there is not much difference among the top four guys on the list. Also deserving of consideration are a young Christy Mathewson, who was in his first full year; Vic Willis, who had a very fine year for a Boston team that had a miserable offense; and Noodles Hahn, the workhorse in Cincinnati. But Phillippe had the best combination of wins, winning percentage, innings pitched, and ERA, and he pitched for the champions.