1894 by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview
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Page 88
Anson played on a number of competitive baseball clubs in his youth and began to play professionally in the National Association at the age of 19, playing primarily third base for the Rockford Forest Citys, one of the original teams of the Association. He was a large and powerful man, standing 6 ft. 2
in. tall and weighing about 220 pounds.
After being traded to Philadelphia Athletics, in 1872 and 1873, Anson finished in the NA's top five in batting, on base percentage, and on base plus slugging. He led the NA in OBP in 1872. His numbers declined slightly in 1874 and 1875, but he was still good enough that Chicago White Stockings secretary turned president William Hulbert sought him to improve his club for the 1876 season. Hulbert broke league rules by negotiating with Anson and several other stars while the 1875 season was still in progress and ultimately founded the new National League to forestall any disciplinary action. Anson, who had become engaged to a Philadelphia native in the meantime, had second thoughts about going west, but Hulbert held Anson to his contract and he eventually warmed to the Windy City.
The White Stockings won the first league title, but fell off the pace the following two seasons. During this time, Anson was a solid hitter, but not quite a superstar. Both his fortunes and