Best MLB Players of 1897, Ranked by NUT
1897 seasonWillie Keeler (BAL) was the most productive hitter in MLB in 1897 by NUT at +4.6, and Kid Nichols (BSN) the most productive pitcher at +2.6.
2 of 171 qualified hitters and 0 of 76 qualified pitchers graded S for the season.
Baltimore Orioles (90-40) had the highest team NUT at +15.7; the best record belonged to Boston Beaneaters (93-39), #2 by team NUT.
19th century. Short schedules, rule changes nearly every year, pitchers throwing from 50 feet until 1893.
Best by league
League by the player's final club. By NUT, not award voting.
Top 10 hitters and pitchers
| # | Player | NUT | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Willie KeelerBAL · X | +4.6 | |
| 2 | Fred ClarkeLOU · X | +4.6 | |
| 3 | Ed DelahantyPHI · X | +4.1 | |
| 4 | Jesse BurkettCLE · X | +3.9 | |
| 5 | Joe KelleyBAL · X | +3.4 | |
| 6 | Billy HamiltonBSN · X | +3.3 | |
| 7 | Nap LajoiePHI · 1B | +3.2 | |
| 8 | Hughie JenningsBAL · SS | +3.1 | |
| 9 | George DavisNYG · SS | +2.7 | |
| 10 | Jake StenzelBAL · X | +2.4 |
| # | Player | NUT | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kid NicholsBSN · P | +2.6 | |
| 2 | Cy YoungCLE · P | +2.2 | |
| 3 | Frank KillenPIT · P | +2.0 | |
| 4 | Amos RusieNYG · P | +2.0 | |
| 5 | Clark GriffithCHC · P | +1.8 | |
| 6 | Ted BreitensteinCIN · P | +1.6 | |
| 7 | Joe CorbettBAL · P | +1.6 | |
| 8 | Jesse TannehillPIT · P | +1.0 | |
| 9 | Jack TaylorPHI · P | +1.0 | |
| 10 | Jerry NopsBAL · P | +1.0 |
All 12 teams by NUT
| # | Team | W-L | Hit | Pitch | NUT | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BAL | 90-40 | +12.7 | +3.0 | +15.7 | A |
| 2 | BSN | 93-39 | +9.7 | +0.2 | +9.9 | B |
| 3 | CLE | 69-62 | +0.2 | +2.1 | +2.3 | C |
| 4 | NYG | 83-48 | +1.5 | +0.7 | +2.2 | C |
| 5 | PHI | 55-77 | -0.2 | -0.3 | -0.5 | D |
| 6 | WAS | 61-71 | -1.0 | +0.4 | -0.6 | D |
| 7 | PIT | 60-71 | -4.4 | +3.5 | -1.0 | D |
| 8 | CHC | 59-73 | -1.6 | +0.3 | -1.3 | D |
| 9 | CIN | 76-56 | -4.4 | +2.8 | -1.6 | D |
| 10 | LOU | 52-78 | -4.0 | -4.5 | -8.5 | F |
| 11 | BRO | 61-71 | -8.8 | -1.2 | -10.0 | F |
| 12 | STL | 29-102 | -7.2 | -5.4 | -12.7 | F |
How the 1897 season is ranked
Season NUT is one number for production against that season's league average. 0.0 is league average; defense is left out. Players need 100 plate appearances or 25 innings to qualify. Team NUT is the sum of its qualified players. Seasons before 1901 ran 60 to 140 games, so values sit lower than in a 162-game season.