Ryczek: The 1867 Nationals of Albany, New York (part 2)
From SABR member Bill Ryczek at The National Pastime Museum on August 5, 2013:
Limited springtime activity was typical for most clubs of the 1860s, but the Nationals had an additional reason for delaying their important games until midsummer. Archibald “Archie” Bush, perhaps their best player, was not available until his classes at Phillips Academy were finished.
Bush was a talented catcher who would become one of the stars of the Harvard College nine, a powerhouse team capable of playing competitively with the best clubs in New England. Bush’s return greatly improved the Nationals’ prospects in their fight with the Knickerbockers for the championship of Albany.
“When do we have the first match for the Base Ball Championship?” inquired the Albany Evening Times on July 22. “Are not the college boys home?”
Bush was in the lineup at second base when the Nationals faced the strong Unions of Lansingburgh on July 29, and he played well in a lopsided 54-26 loss. Bush scored seven runs while not making a single out, registering what was known as a “clean score,” in a game marred by a dispute over the umpire. The Nationals brought a member of the Active Club of New York to serve in the position, but the Unions refused to accept him.
“Bush [who apparently acted as captain] would have been justified in insisting that he should act, even if the game was not played in consequence,” stated the Times.
Read the full article here: http://www.thenationalpastimemuseum.com/article/1867-nationals-albany-0
Originally published: August 8, 2013. Last Updated: August 8, 2013.