When Real Life Lineups Go Wrong

The 1902 Reds and a Mockery of the Game

When Real Life Lineups Go Wrong

Most of us think that “realism” in replays means using real life lineups and transactions.

It makes sense, right? After all, using the exact same lineups that were used in real life helps ensure that players aren’t overused in your replay. You get guys playing at the right position, and you’ve basically got a replica of the way things were.

But sometimes it makes little sense.

The Cincinnati Reds didn’t want to play in Pittsburgh on October 4, 1902. The field was soaking wet, and the Pirates only wanted to play the game for a shot at setting the National League record for most wins in a season. One more win would give them a whopping 103 wins; the existing record was 102.

The Pirates ordered the Reds to the park. I’m not quite sure how that worked, but that’s what the papers said.

In protest, this is the lineup the Reds put out:

A few points to note here:

• Jake Beckley, the first baseman, was pitching.

• Cy Seymour, an outfielder, played third base.

• The regular third baseman, Harry Steinfeldt, played in right field.

• Jack Morrissey, the regular second baseman, was in left field.

• Rube Vickers and Noodles Hahn were pitchers playing way out of position.

So, yeah, this was an unusual lineup to say the least.

It’s a little bit hard to read, but here’s some coverage from The Cincinnati Post:

From The Cincinnati Post, October 6, 1902, page 2

And, for another, more readable perspective, there’s this from The Pittsburgh Press:

From The Pittsburgh Press, October 5, 1902, page 18

I guess only 600 people saw the game live. Those who were there certainly saw a spectacle.

So what?

Well, if you’re playing a 1902 replay (a season that most people skip over), and the Pirates wind up in an actual pennant race, this lineup is going to cause you problems.

Is it right to give the Pirates an advantage just because the Reds essentially decided to forfeit in real life?

If you’re going to create a different lineup for this one, shouldn’t you use different lineups for the other games as well for the sake of being fair and equitable?

This isn’t the only case where real life lineups cause problems. More to come.