1920 Season Preview

 The inaugural season the Federal League has brought a great deal of anticipation to the clubs' home cities, no more so than to the actual players themselves.  These teams, assembled hastily over the off-season, only contain a few experienced players who were willing to jump ship, and a number youngsters and journeymen players trying to find a place in the league.  

Baltimore Canaries -  The Baltimore Nine have been built to rely on experienced, if mediocre, pitching by such barnstorming talents as Dick McBride, Pop Bender, and Wheeler Wyckoff, to let the youthful position players develop over the season.  Outfielder Rudy Haerle and starting third baseman Ed Renau hope to generate offense and lead the youngsters by example. 

Boston Clippers - It's a wonder why the Boston baseball club gave themselves the Clippers as a nickname, as the Boston Irish would be more fitting their roster.  The majority of the club was obtained from the Boston Irish semi-pro team, and they are true to their name, with McDoungh, McGuire, and McFarland taking the mound, and Flynns, McKeever, and McCarthys taking the field.  

New York Knights -  The Knights true strength is a plethora of youth, but their true weakness is that same youth.  Only journeymen David Bickel (30) and reliever and player-manager Ray Knepp (37) are over the age of 25.  The recently christened Knights Field will either be a scene of great pain and suffering, or a great dynasty lasting may years.  

Newark Bears -  The poorer cousins across the river to the Knights did fare better recruiting experience.  They're hoping the practical skills of veteran third basemen Bill McKechnie (who did a tour in Newark with the Peppers in 1915) and outfielder Eddie Rauch can mature a group that play like a young child playing sandlot for the first time against the bigger kids.  The battery of Cattanach, Hodnett, and Matteson will keep the mound occupied with quality innings.

Philadelphia Yellowjackets - Player-Manager Ted Sullivan recruited in a similar manner as Boston, although the results were rather untested.  Sullivan never left the Philadelphia area for talent, however the Philadelphia Irish, Italians, Welsh, and a host of other groups seem to be less keen at baseball than their New England mates.  

Pittsburgh Hornets - Of all the Federal League franchises, Pittsburgh travelled outside the territory the most, competing with entirely different leagues looking for talent.  Only four players are from Pennsylvania.  The Hornets line-up is led by veteran barnstormer Ben Taylor, who was quite cordial to take over second base so highly sough acquisition Bugs Raymond of the Mexican Leagues could stay at first.  It may be all in vain, as reports are that Raymond is having trouble with the authorities, and may not even make Opening Day!

Providence Commodores -  The Commodores acquired a number of pitchers from other leagues, especially since the outlawing of the spitball over the winter.   Willard Remaley and Denis Lamontagne have spent a number of years in B and C-class ball and look to transition into the pros without issue.  Look out for college standouts Lester Wentzell and William Dansbury to shine in the outfield.

Washington Statesmen -  Washington's outfield of Mulligan, Halpin, and Prince should make most pitchers quake, and both their starting rotation and their bullpen have experienced innings, but not enough to tire out their arms.

Preseason Prediction:

1. Washington Statesmen
2. Boston Clippers
3. New York Knights
4. Providence Commodores
5. Pittsburgh Hornets
6. Newark Eagles
7. Baltimore Canaries
8. Philadelphia Yellowjackets

-Luther Pond

New York Centennial