Best MLB Players of 1898, Ranked by NUT
1898 seasonJohn McGraw (BAL) was the most productive hitter in MLB in 1898 by NUT at +4.6, and Cy Young (CLE) the most productive pitcher at +3.0.
2 of 175 qualified hitters and 1 of 79 qualified pitchers graded S for the season.
Baltimore Orioles (96-53) had the highest team NUT at +16.6; the best record belonged to Boston Beaneaters (102-47), #3 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 | John McGrawBAL · 3B | +4.6 | |
| 2 | Hughie JenningsBAL · SS | +4.5 | |
| 3 | Billy HamiltonBSN · X | +4.4 | |
| 4 | Ed DelahantyPHI · X | +4.1 | |
| 5 | Elmer FlickPHI · X | +3.4 | |
| 6 | Jimmy RyanCHC · X | +3.4 | |
| 7 | Jesse BurkettCLE · X | +3.2 | |
| 8 | Elmer SmithCIN · X | +3.2 | |
| 9 | Jimmy CollinsBSN · 3B | +3.0 | |
| 10 | Willie KeelerBAL · X | +2.8 |
| # | Player | NUT | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cy YoungCLE · P | +3.0 | |
| 2 | James McJamesBAL · P | +2.3 | |
| 3 | Kid NicholsBSN · P | +2.2 | |
| 4 | Jesse TannehillPIT · P | +2.1 | |
| 5 | Clark GriffithCHC · P | +2.1 | |
| 6 | Wiley PiattPHI · P | +1.3 | |
| 7 | Jim HugheySTL · P | +1.2 | |
| 8 | Jimmy CallahanCHC · LF | +1.1 | |
| 9 | Al OrthPHI · P | +1.1 | |
| 10 | Frank KillenPIT · P | +1.0 |
All 12 teams by NUT
| # | Team | W-L | Hit | Pitch | NUT | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BAL | 96-53 | +12.9 | +3.7 | +16.6 | A |
| 2 | PHI | 78-71 | +7.5 | +0.0 | +7.5 | B |
| 3 | BSN | 102-47 | +4.8 | -0.5 | +4.3 | C |
| 4 | CHC | 85-65 | +0.2 | +2.3 | +2.5 | C |
| 5 | CLE | 81-68 | -1.9 | +3.5 | +1.6 | C |
| 6 | WAS | 51-101 | +2.4 | -1.6 | +0.9 | C |
| 7 | CIN | 92-60 | +0.0 | -0.3 | -0.3 | D |
| 8 | NYG | 77-73 | -0.3 | -0.6 | -0.9 | D |
| 9 | PIT | 72-76 | -10.7 | +4.0 | -6.7 | F |
| 10 | LOU | 70-81 | -4.7 | -4.6 | -9.3 | F |
| 11 | STL | 39-111 | -13.9 | -0.6 | -14.5 | F |
| 12 | BRO | 54-91 | -12.0 | -3.5 | -15.4 | F |
How the 1898 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.