Baseball Chunks Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1876

The National League began with eight teams in 1876. The teams were, and in order of finish in the inaugural season: Chicago White Stockings (later Cubs), St. Louis Brown Stockings (folded in 1877), Hartford Dark Blues (folded in 1877), Boston Red Caps (later Atlanta Braves), Louisville Grays (folded in 1877), New York Mutals (folded after the 1876 season), Philadelphia Athletics (folded after the 1876 season), and the Cincinnati Reds (folded in 1880).

Answer: Ned Williamson

The others listed had not started their MLB careers yet. In 1884, Williamson pitched and played third base for the Chicago White Stockings (NL), and hit 27 home runs. Prior to 1884, the highest home run total was 10 in a season. Ironically, the White Stockings had four players who hit over 20 home runs in the season, a major milestone for pre-1900 baseball, but still finished in fifth place.

Answer: Deacon Phillippe

The others had not begun their Major League careers yet. Phillippe came to the Pirates from the Louisville Colonels when the team folded after the 1899 season. Deacon went head to head against the great Cy Young and the Boston Pilgrims in the 1903 Series. Phillippe gave up three runs on six hit in his complete game, and won it 7-3. Boston would however win the Series.

Answer: Walter Johnson

The others were all MVP winners, but all were National Leaguers. Johnson won his first in 1913, the second in 1924, and won the Triple Crown in both those seasons, in addition to winning the triple in 1918 also. Johnson played his entire career with the Washington Senators from 1907-1927.

Answer: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodger franchise changed their name like wet socks before becoming the Dodgers (Brooklyn), then the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958. The Superbas and Robins were managed by Bill Dahlen and Wilbert Robinson.

Answer: Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh began their National League franchise in 1882. They were a so-so team until the Louisville Colonels folded their franchise after the 1899 season, and many Colonel players signed with the Pirates. Some of those included Honus Wagner, Fred Clarke, Dummy Hoy, Deacon Phillippe, and Rube Waddell.

The Pirates won the National League Crown in 1901, 1902, and 1903, and lost the first World Series to the Boston Pilgrims, five games to three.

Answer: John Coleman

In his rookie season with the Philadelphia Quakers (later Phillies) in 1883, Coleman had 10 more wins than any other Quaker in the season with 12. Unfortunately, Coleman lost 48 to help lead his team to a last place finish in the National League, with a team record of 17-81.

Answer: 1947

The Hall of Fame began in 1936, the Rolaids Relief Award in 1976, and the Manager of the Year Award was first given out in 1983. Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers was the first recepient of the rookie award in 1947. Alvin Dark of the Boston Braves won the second Rookie of the Year Award in 1948.

Answer: Ted Williams

All these greats hit over .400 in a season, but it was the 'Splendid Splinter' who was the last in 1941 for the Red Sox. Williams also hit 37 home runs along with 185 hits. For his efforts, Ted was runner-up season MVP to Joe DiMaggio of the Yankees.

Answer: Toronto Blue Jays

Although the Braves went to five World Series in 1990s, they could only pull off one win in 1995 against the Indians. It was the Toronto Blue Jays who defeated the Braves and Phillies in 1992 and 1993, winning both Series four games to two respectively.