Cal McVey

Cal McVey (Montrose, Iowa; August 30, 1850 – August 20, 1926) was a professional baseball player during the 1860s and 1870s. McVey's importance to the game stems from having played on two of the initial professional baseball teams - the original Cincinnati Red Stockings and the National Association Boston Red Stockings. He also played on the first National League pennant winning team during its inaugural season of 1876.

McVey was directly in the middle of the most controversial game during Cincinnati's reported 84 game win streak of 1869 and 1870. Playing the Troy Haymakers and with the game tied 17 to 17, McVey fouled off a pitch which the catcher claimed to have caught on the first bounce. This would have been an out but the umpire disagreed. In the ensuing argument, Troy left the field and the game was awarded to Cincinnati on forfeit.

During his four years with the Boston Red Stockings, McVey batted .362 and led the league in RBIs. Four other members of the original Cincinnati Red Stockings joined McVey in Boston following the formation of the National Association, as they dominated the league winning four straight pennants. The domination of the Boston team however partially led to the formation of a more 'professional' league - the National League, in 1876.

McVey played for the Chicago White Stockings for two years. The 1876 team included Cap Anson and Al Spalding as they ran away with the initial National League pennant. McVey then rejoined the club from Cincinnati in 1878 to close out his playing career. This time, though, the team was called the Reds, played in the newly formed National League and was at the bottom of the standings.

After his playing days were over McVey was involved with the 'outlaw' Pacific Coast League for many years.

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