Bobby couldn’t have been happy (1979)

When the Braves are in a funk, they are really bad. 1979 was about as bad as it could get. It was Bobby Cox second season as manager. They maintained their ability to stay in the cellar ending the year 66-94 and in sixth place in the West Division. A full 23 1/2 games behind.

As is many times the case, pitching was a challenge for the Braves in 1979. The Braves pitchers had a combine ERA of 4.18, the worst in the league. And to make things worse, the defense committed 20 more errors than any other team. Bad pitching and a worse defense. A combination for disaster. I am sure Bobby wasn't a happy man.

What is the ERA for this game? (1868)

This is amazing. Cal McVey is a pitcher. He looses a game 7-54. That is right, he gave up 54 runs. I don’t think I can even calculate the ERA on that. That is in 1868. The team he lost to is the Cincinnati Red Stockings. The next year they hire Cal McVey for $700. They did however move him to right field. No more pitching for Cal.

While playing for Cincinnati, they had an 84 game winning streak going in 1869 and 1870. So what would you do when the game was tied 17 to 17? Walk off the field during a bad call and forfeit the game? Well, that is what happened. Winning streak over!!

Oh well, when the team folds that year, you continue your career with the Boston Red Stockings. Cal McVey is one of the “four seceders” who broke up the Boston Red Stockings. Controversy seemed to be part of his claim to fame.

And so, baseball continues. The Braves continue on.