The New York Stars entered the season with a storied history, having won a title in 1932 and securing a couple of third-place finishes thereafter. However, their previous season's record of 72-82 had ended a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive winning seasons. Nevertheless, their loyal fans held high hopes for a successful campaign. The Brooklyn Kings, on the other hand, had suffered the heartbreak of back-to-back second-place finishes by a mere game. Yet, their steadfast supporters embraced their unwavering spirit, and the Kings emerged as a formidable force in the '36 season. And let us not forget the New York Gothams, the wealthiest of the three New York City franchises, basking in the glory of their World Championship victory in '35, their first in four decades.
Oh, the expectations were high in the city that never sleeps! New York fans had grown accustomed to success, and all three clubs were regarded as top-tier organizations. The Gothams and Kings were particularly favored to dominate their respective leagues, ensuring that the baseball universe revolved around the grand city. But, my dear readers, fate had other plans in store.
Let us turn our attention to the Federal League, where the New York Gothams had a disappointing season. The Chicago Chiefs, however, thrived, securing a magnificent record of 101 wins and 53 losses, claiming the top spot in the standings. The Pittsburgh Miners, trailing by eight games, managed a respectable second-place finish. The Boston Minutemen and St. Louis Pioneers followed suit, taking the third and fourth spots, respectively. Meanwhile, the Gothams, plagued by unforeseen struggles, languished in sixth place, 32 games behind the Chiefs. The Philadelphia Keystones and Detroit Dynamos also had challenging seasons, while the Washington Eagles fought valiantly to secure a mid-table position.
In the Federal League, Philadelphia outfielder Bobby Barrell showcased his brilliance, clinching the prestigious Whitney Award as the league's top hitter. With a remarkable batting average of .353, he also claimed the Triple Crown, blasting an astonishing 53 home runs and tallying an incredible 162 runs batted in. And in the realm of pitching, Rabbit Day stole the spotlight. Splitting his season between New York and Chicago, he emerged victorious as the Allen Award winner, bestowed upon the league's top pitcher. With a remarkable 25-3 record and a sterling 2.41 ERA, Day's contributions played a pivotal role in Chicago's championship triumph.
Now, let us shift our focus to the Continental Association, where the Brooklyn Kings reigned supreme. With a stellar record of 98 wins and 56 losses, they soared to the top of the standings, leaving the competition in their wake. The Philadelphia Sailors trailed closely behind, securing a commendable second-place finish. The Cleveland Foresters, led by the talented Charlie Barry, clinched third place. The Toronto Wolves and Montreal Saints held their own in the middle of the table, while the Chicago Cougars, New York Stars, and Baltimore Cannons had a challenging season.
Brooklyn's own Al Wheeler dazzled the fans with his exceptional batting prowess, clinching the coveted Whitney Award as the Continental Association's top batter. With an impressive .359 average, 38 home runs, 140 runs scored, and 145 runs batted in, Wheeler's contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. On the pitching mound, the Kings boasted a formidable ace in Tom Barrell. With a stellar 21-6 record and a 3.41 ERA, Barrell was hailed as the recipient of the Allen Award, recognizing him as the league's premier hurler. Notably, Charlie Barry of the Cleveland Foresters secured the batting title with an impressive .368 average, while Dean Astle of Cleveland and Chuck Cole of Toronto joined Barrell in leading the league with 21 wins apiece.
As the season reached its climax, the World Championship Series took center stage. In a stunning turn of events, the Chicago Chiefs dominated the Brooklyn Kings, sweeping them in a four-game series. Chicago's triumphant journey to claim the championship showcased their sheer determination and skill.
Oh, what a season it has been in the grand city of New York! Though expectations were high, fate intervened, leaving the New York Stars, Brooklyn Kings, and New York Gothams with bittersweet tales to tell. But fear not, dear readers, for the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd shall echo once more, as the eternal spirit of the game awaits its next chapter. Until then, let us savor the memories and eagerly anticipate the return of baseball!