[Dukie98]

The 1905 season got off to a rocky start for the Cleveland Naps, who struggled out of the gate offensively on their way to a 6-9 start, ending the month tied for sixth place, 5 games back of the surprising Philadelphia Athletics. Nap Lajoie suffered a groin injury just four games into the year, and missed the rest of the month, although he is expected to return soon. However, offseason acquisition shortstop Freddy Parent, after a slow start, sprained his ankle late in the month and is expected to miss four weeks.

The Naps were led offensively by third baseman Bill Bradley, who led the way with a .356 average, two homers, and a 14 runs scored. No other regular, however, hit over .261 for the month. Right fielder Elmer Flick had a particularly disappointing month, hitting an empty .261 with just 2 RBI's in 14 games, and was thrown out on all four of his stolen base attempts. The Naps, who were second in the league in runs scored in 1904, were seventh in both runs and OPS through the first month of April.

On the mound, the Naps were led by Carl Lundgren, who had a team-best 2.10 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. But Barney Pelty had a disappointing month, going 0-3 with a 4.31 ERA. Addie Joss had a slow return from his season-ending elbow injury, going 1-2 with a 4.25 ERA and a disappointing 1.42 WHIP.

The Naps were cautiously optimistic, however, heading into May, as Lajoie was set to return, and the schedule became softer. Heading into May, the Naps' first seven games were against the White Sox - the one team in the league with a weaker offense in April-- before moving to a series against the league-worst pitching staff of the last place Senators.