who won, and when? (answered)

[Arlo]

New York led the league in runs scored, but won two games less than Brooklyn, which had a wonderful team. The Pirates finished the season four games ahead of Philadelphia, but two behind the Giants. Boston won 81 games, enough for a 20 1/2 game lead over Pittsburgh and an eight game edge over New York. Chicago was 3 1/2 games behind Brooklyn.

Name the year this happened, and the team that wound up on top of the standings.

[dinocam]

1890 Players League with the 'Pirates' being in Chicago, 'Boston' being the 'Reds', Brooklyn the 'Ward's Wonders' and so on. The Boston Reds won the title with a 81-48 record behind the play of 'King' Kelly, Hardy Richardson (146 RBI!), Harry Stovey (97 SB!) and the pitching of Charley Radbourn (27 Ws) and Ad Gumbert (23 Ws). The team hit 54 HRs and stole 412 bases, my how the times have changed. A little tricky one, but I liked it....<br><br><span class=gensmall>Accepted as answer by Arlo on 09 May 2003 04:20 EST.</span>

[Arlo]

As if a tricky question could stop you guys...

Nice one! You're right, times have certainly changed. Imagine Boston stealing almost as many bases as their hitters strike out!