Wichita, the Fielders' Choice

By KYLE KEOUGH
Double Day AP

With 74 Errors in 162 games, the Durham Tobacconists, who came within one game of reaching the World Series and won a league-record 119 games, hold the all-time single-season fielding record in Double Day at .988. Their sole Gold Glover was 3B Keith Lee, but they remain the gold standard for excellence in the field.

From day one, the Wichita White Stockings have sought to challenge the record set by Durham, and are thus far on pace to end up as the best fielding team in Double Day's short history. With only 4 errors in 28 games, the White Stockings are setting unparalleled precedents, and their .996 fielding percentage has earned them a 16-12 record and second place in the NL South behind Louisville.

The White Stockings boast some of the best fielders at multiple positions. In center field roams William Meng, who is seeking his first Gold Glove following a season-two effort in which he compiled an astounding 22 Assists and myriad "web gems."

Despite an error earlier in the season, Calvin Petkovsek (3B) has been pegged as a Gold Glove favorite at the corner-infield position. Petkovsek, who was converted from the outfield to third base this season, has shown shortstop-level range and an arm that is as strong and as accurate as just about any at 3B in DoubleDay.

Last year's Gold Glove LF Fonzie Puffer has converted to 2B, and, with Petkovsek and Jesus Trevino, makes up the league's most dangerous double-play combination. Puffer will look to earn his second Gold Glove at a new position this year.

SS Jesus Trevino has become one of the best defensive shortstops in DoubleDay, and through 28 games has yet to commit his first error. Needless to say, he currently ranks first amongst shortstops in errors and is seeking his first Gold Glove this year.

Also benefitting the White Stockings is a pitching staff that has posted a measely 3.68 ERA and, with a team-wide 1.29 WHIP, has simply refused to allow hitters to get on base all season long. Led by Mark Post (4-2, 2.60 ERA), the White Stockings have put on the mound high-volume strikeout pitchers who are making it seem more and more plausible with each passing game that these White Stockings might challenge the standard of excellence set by Durham in season two.

The White Stockings are on pace to commit 23 Errors this season.

12 DoubleDay teams (Detroit, St. Louis, Ottawa, Austin, Montreal, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, New York, Chicago, Monterrey, Louisville, and Jackson) have already reached the 23-Error plateau.