June 3, 1944: Detroit, MI:
From the Detroit Times Evening Edition
Barrell Makes Milestone Hit, But Dynamos Have Last Laugh
Bobby Barrell's 2500th career hit may have been the highlight of the game, but it was the Detroit Dynamos who came out on top, defeating the Philadelphia Keystones 5-4 at Thompson Field yesterday.
Barrell, the 33-year-old right fielder, recorded two hits in four at-bats on his milestone day, which included a home run in the first inning off Jimmy Long, registering his 11th home run of the season.
Despite his remarkable achievement, the Keystones couldn't keep up with the Dynamos, who led the game from the start. Frank Vance, the first baseman for the Dynamos, hit a double in the fifth inning off Jim Whiteley, putting the Dynamos ahead by two runs.
The Dynamos' Aart MacDonald hit a triple in the first inning off Whiteley, and with two outs, scored along with Vance. MacDonald later hit a single in the fourth inning to drive in a run for the Dynamos. Vance, who had a great day at the plate, hit a single in the second inning and later hit another in the eighth inning that led to a run.
The Keystones had their opportunities to score, leaving 11 men on base during the game, but could not capitalize on their chances. Barrell's three-run homer in the first inning was their biggest highlight. Chet McCormick also hit a double in the eighth inning, driving in two runs.
The Keystones' starting pitcher, Jim Whiteley, pitched for seven innings, giving up four runs, all earned, while the Dynamos' Jimmy Long pitched for six innings, giving up four runs, two earned. Willie Montgomery took over for the Dynamos in the seventh inning and secured the win, pitching for three innings and giving up no runs.
Barrell, who has a career batting average of .311 and a .362 on-base percentage, has hit 2500 career hits, including 458 doubles, 110 triples, and 354 home runs since he began playing in the league.
With this remarkable milestone under his belt, Barrell has cemented his place among the league's all-time greats. The front-running Keystones see their record drop to 28-17 on the season, but remain one game ahead of the Pittsburgh Miners who also fell 5-4 on the road in St. Louis. The Dynamos, at 24-23 are in third place as they try to chase down the Miners & Keystones.
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Bobby Barrell in the clubhouse after his 2500th hit