1881 Century League Season Recap
The 1881 season marked a turning point for the Century League — not just for the pennant race but for the league’s financial and operational stability. For the first time, all eight clubs turned a profit, prompting League President William Whitney to declare the season a "remarkable success" in its aftermath. And with all franchises returning for the 1882 campaign, the CL entered the offseason with something it hadn’t seen before: stability.
Final Standings
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Robins | 55 | 30 | .647 | - |
| Philadelphia Centennials | 54 | 30 | .643 | 0.5 |
| Chicago Chiefs | 45 | 38 | .542 | 9.0 |
| Wilmington White Caps | 41 | 42 | .494 | 13.0 |
| Cleveland Blue Caps | 40 | 43 | .482 | 14.0 |
| Louisville Grays | 36 | 48 | .429 | 18.5 |
| Milwaukee Creams | 33 | 52 | .388 | 22.0 |
| Providence Planters | 32 | 53 | .376 | 23.0 |
Season Highlights
The race for the pennant was a nail-biter, with the Rochester Robins edging out the Philadelphia Centennials by half a game to capture the top spot. Led by ace Oliver Dunn (24 wins) and the clutch hitting of Jim Jones, the Robins rode a late-season surge to glory.
Philadelphia wasn’t far behind, thanks to a breakout season from rookie pitcher Jake Darflinger (32 wins), who also contributed at the plate. The Centennials also featured league RBI and HR leader Daniel Fallow (10 HR, 61 RBI) and the consistent bat of Jake Darflinger, who also batted .332.
The Chicago Chiefs returned to form behind player-manager Zebulon Banks, who led the league in batting at .342. Despite the strong offensive showing, the Chiefs’ pitching faltered down the stretch, costing them a chance at the flag.
Pitching dominated once again in 1881. Steve Robertson of Louisville posted a league-best 2.24 ERA, while Jim Durr of Chicago fanned a CL-leading 170 batters.
League Leaders
Batting Average
- Zebulon Banks (CHI) – .342
- Jim Jones (ROC) – .338
- Jake Darflinger (PHI) – .332
- Ben Kessler (CHI) – .315
- Ben Milon (PHI) – .315
Home Runs
- Daniel Fallow (PHI) – 10
- Marble Manning (PRO) – 8
- Buster Brown (WIL) – 5
- Cornbread Collins (WIL) – 5
Runs Batted In
- Daniel Fallow (PHI) – 61
- Davy Koehler (LOU) – 60
- Sam Cooper (CHI) – 57
- Marble Manning (PRO) – 56
Wins
- Jake Darflinger (PHI) – 32
- Jim Durr (CHI) – 27
- Oliver Dunn (ROC) – 24
ERA
- Steve Robertson (LOU) – 2.24
- Freeman Rogers (WIL) – 2.25
- Oliver Dunn (ROC) – 2.33
Strikeouts
- Jim Durr (CHI) – 170
- Jake Darflinger (PHI) – 164
- Jem MacCannon (LOU) – 128
The Ziegler Affair
Leonard Ziegler, once considered a cornerstone of Century League talent, saw his career collapse under the weight of off-field troubles. The 32-year-old pitcher/outfielder/manager bounced between clubs due to persistent issues with alcohol, culminating in a ban from the Century League after a final stint with the Milwaukee Creams. Ziegler’s career trajectory was as remarkable as it was tragic — a cautionary tale for a league just beginning to find its footing.
Storm on the Horizon
As the 1881 season wrapped and Whitney toasted the financial security of the Century League, trouble was already brewing. With growing discontent over player treatment and outsiders eager for a piece of the action, whispers of a rival circuit were beginning to echo. The landscape of professional baseball was about to change — and the Century League wouldn't stand unchallenged for long.