22 Feb 2006, hatchersj wrote:

quoting himself Steve Hatcher in reply to J.P. Caillault,
>>> I don't think tie games counted for anything before 1885 JP.
>>> They weren't even sent to the Secretary as were the box scores of
>>> decided games.
>>> The determining factor for the pennant in those days was victories.

and again a few days later,
> My whole point was in response to whether tie games would've figured
> into the percentage. Are you saying that the AA did?

I don't know. Quoting myself, "I recall reading that a percentage rule
was first adopted by the AA in 1882, not to say for the 1882 season."
This recollection is vague. Consider it only an unreliable hint. But
Reach's 1884, looking back one year, lists the 1882 standings thus:

GW GL GP %W
55 25 80 68 Cincinnati
41 34 75 54 Athletic
42 38 80 52 Eclipse
39 39 79 50 Allegheny
37 43 80 46 St. Louis
19 54 74 26 Baltimore

Note that Athletic is listed above Eclipse by percentage (%W) despite
fewer wins (GW). And yes, for Allegheny and Baltimore, Games Played is
one greater than Won plus Lost (GP=1+GW+GL).

Paul Wendt