[MrNFL_FanIQ]

There would not be a repeat World Series champion in 1902 as Tampa fell to an 84-78 record, despite George Cull grabbing MVP honors. They and Charlotte both hovered around .500 as the Southern League reshuffled. Jacksonville, who won 82 in 1901, took the league title at 97-65. Miami came away with the #2 spot in a congested field with an 88-74 mark.


The Western League didn’t see much change at the top despite Calgary losing Pitcher of the Year Jeremy Diedrich in the offseason to Toronto. The Cheetahs saw 23-year old Ruben Toscano of Nicaragua fill that void as top pitcher, pushing Calgary to a league title at 101-61 with an MLB-best 10.1 WAR. Vancouver, who lost the tiebreaker for second in 1901, grabbed it outright in 1902 at 96-66, edging out Denver (94-68). Albuquerque limped to a 78-84 mark, dropping from second to seventh. Statistically, John Alcala of Phoenix became the first player to hit 50 home runs in a season.


In the AA postseason, Calgary bested Miami 3-1 and Jacksonville survived for a 3-2 series win versus Vancouver. The two league champs met for the American Association Championship, won 4-1 ultimately by the Cheetahs.


In the Eastern League, Toronto boasted the MVP in left fielder Chris Mason and the Pitcher of the Year in the newly acquired Diedrich. Despite that, the Timberwolves still took only second in the EL at 96-66. Philadelphia claimed the top spot at 98-64, jumping big from a .500 mark in 1901. Depending NA champ Montreal came up third at 90-72.


Detroit again snagged the Midwest League’s title, going 100-62. After getting 76 wins the year prior, Milwaukee grabbed second at 97-65 with the fewest runs allowed in baseball. Cincinnati had a solid year but fell short with a third-place mark of 94-68. Last year’s second-place Louisville dropped to fifth at 85-77.


The League Champs both advanced at Detroit won 3-1 against Toronto and Philadelphia bested Milwaukee 3-2. The Tigers controlled the National Association championship though, winning the series over the Phillies in five.


It was the best record from each Association in the second World Series. 1901 NA MVP Davis Zaitsoff would be the World Series MVP as Detroit defeated Calgary 4-2.


Full statistics and leaders from 1902 here.