For the first time in thirteen seasons, Robbie Salmon will not suit up for a Liberty Division ballclub.
A man whose talents graced both the New York Bakers and Richmond Rifles since 1895, Salmon is one of the great LBL outfielders of the early era. He leads LBL Center Fielders in all-time RBIs and Hits, and his name is among the most memorable among the cadre of pre-deadball outfielders. Salmon came to Richmond in 1901 for a trade that sent a pair of young infielders and LF Eric Carter to the Bakers (Carter would find his way back in 1902).
With Salmon goes William Kynaston, who just finished his sixth season with Richmond. “Billy the Kid” Kynaston is a career 2.38 ERA pitcher once seen as the future of the organization. His loss will be an unpopular blow to Richmond fans. Kynaston fought his way down from an abysmal 1906 start that saw his ERA rise to over 5.00; despite his herculean climb back to a respectable stat line, this uncharacteristic collapse is exactly the sort of nod that gets you removed from Richmond–an institution that prides itself on consistency in pitchers.
For this fortune of talent, in addition to three picks in a broad draft class, Richmond received 32-year-old Tennessee Mears, whose standout rookie season and commendable glove make him a much-needed piece to the ballclub. Mears is known as a fan favorite and respected leader in the clubhouse. “Tennessee” is from Knoxville–the charming, scrappy outfielder claims his name is the result of an error on his birth certificate.
The acquisition of Tennessee Mears should bolster a powerful offensive lineup in Richmond, as the club looks to exploit weaknesses in an aging Philadelphia staff and growing threat from the Bakers.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will enjoy a significant bolster to their staff, with Johnny Oxenden coming into his own and Jewel Durtnell not far behind. The three extra picks will provide the Oilers with an edge in the growing minor league system; Salmon is still serviceable in the outfield and will draw plenty of fans to Oilers Ballpark.
