The Baseball Times
September 10th, 1897
Cincinnati Wildcats' Charlie Comiskey to Retire
Sources close to the Cincinnati Wildcats report that first baseman Charlie Comiskey will retire at the end of the season. Throughout his impressive career, spanning 1,831 games, Comiskey has compiled a .300 batting average, 1,931 hits, 214 doubles, 110 triples, and 31 home runs. He has scored 1,010 runs and driven in 815.
Comiskey began his career in 1882 with the St. Louis Sox. He later moved to Kansas City when the Sox became the Blue Hens. In 1889, the Blue Hens traded him to the Detroit Lakers, and he has remained with the team through their transition to the Cincinnati Wildcats.
Charlie Dexter Hits for the Cycle
Charlie Dexter had a standout day at Hitmen Ballpark, hitting for the cycle during the Philadelphia Thunder's 9-6 victory over the Brooklyn Hitmen. Dexter achieved the rare feat by hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game.
"I never even thought about hitting for the cycle, and what do you know, I did it," Dexter said at the postgame press conference. "The cycle really doesn't matter to me, it's the win that's important."
Dexter’s performance included going 4-for-5 at the plate with 2 runs batted in and 2 runs scored. He doubled in the 2nd inning, tripled in the 3rd, hit a two-run home run in the 5th, struck out in the 6th, and singled in the 8th. This season, Dexter boasts a .352 batting average, 192 hits, 2 home runs, and 111 RBIs.
Brooklyn Hitmen Eliminated from Playoff Contention
The Brooklyn Hitmen's playoff hopes were officially dashed today. Their last postseason appearance dates back to 1877, making this their 20th consecutive year without advancing to the playoffs. In total, the Hitmen have failed to reach the postseason in 26 of their 27-year history.
“We really hoped for improvement this year, but sadly that did not happen,” said manager Harry Wright. “We will need to look at every aspect of the club over the winter to see how we can change things.”
Baltimore Barons Miss Playoffs Once More
The Baltimore Barons have once again fallen short of postseason play, marking their 16th consecutive year without a playoff berth.
“We are trying hard to bring a championship to the club, but things just don’t seem to be going our way,” manager Andy Leonard told the press. “We will regroup over the offseason and try to come back stronger next year.”
Pittsburgh Pirates' Postseason Drought Continues
The Pittsburgh Pirates will not see postseason play this year, extending their streak to 16 years since their formation without making the playoffs.
“This year has been disappointing with the fall back from where we were,” said manager Norm Brooks. “We will need to look at the club to see how we can move forward again next year.”