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amead17 · 08-27-2025, 12:03 PM

APRIL’S LEDGER: EARLY SURPRISES AND STUMBLES AS THE SEASON TAKES SHAPE

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times, May 1, 1901

With April now consigned to the record books, baseball’s young season has already offered fans a taste of triumph, turmoil, and tantalizing promise. Though the year is still in its infancy and the standings far from settled, partisans in every city have seized upon early signs—whether of glory to come or trouble already brewing.

AMERICAN LEAGUE: A CROWDED FRONT
The fledgling American League is still finding its footing, with no clear frontrunner as five clubs presently sit deadlocked at 4–2. The Baltimore Orioles and Boston Americans have stood out in particular, their lineups showing both polish at the plate and steadiness in the field. The Chicago White Sox, too, appear well-equipped to press the issue, flashing both speed and spirit in their opening contests.

At the opposite end lies the unhappy lot of the Washington Senators, who have stumbled badly out of the gate with six defeats and no victories to their name. Their bats have been silent, their hurlers battered, and the faithful in the capital city are already restless. While the season is long, an 0–6 beginning is a burden heavy to bear.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: PIRATES LEAD THE CHARGE
The National League has pressed further into its campaign, and the Pittsburgh Pirates stand atop the heap with an 8–3 mark. Their formula is plain but powerful: sharp pitching paired with the sterling bat of Honus Wagner, whose all-around brilliance has made him the talk of the league.

Nipping at their heels are the New York Giants and Philadelphia Phillies, each at 7–3, proving that the race for the pennant may be as fierce as any seen in years. Both clubs boast stout pitching staffs and balanced batting orders that have kept them in the thick of every contest.

In stark contrast, the Brooklyn Superbas have stumbled mightily, closing April with a lamentable 2–9 record. Outside of Joe Kelley’s milestone 1,000th run, there has been precious little for Brooklyn’s supporters to celebrate. Errors afield, erratic pitching, and an anemic attack at the plate have left the reigning champions of seasons past groping for answers.

LOOKING AHEAD
It is, of course, too soon to cast verdicts. The long season stretches far ahead, and May will no doubt bring new heroes and new disappointments. Yet already the pattern begins to emerge: promise in Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago; a warning bell in Washington; power and poise in Pittsburgh, New York, and Philadelphia; and dismay across Brooklyn.

As one wag in the grandstand was heard to say: “April may not decide a pennant, but it surely tells you which clubs are awake and which are still asleep.”

For now, the fans can only look forward, eager to see whether their heroes will rise with the spring or falter in the lengthening days of summer.

08-27-2025, 12:03 PM	#8
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,257	April Summary APRIL’S LEDGER: EARLY SURPRISES AND STUMBLES AS THE SEASON TAKES SHAPE By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times, May 1, 1901 With April now consigned to the record books, baseball’s young season has already offered fans a taste of triumph, turmoil, and tantalizing promise. Though the year is still in its infancy and the standings far from settled, partisans in every city have seized upon early signs—whether of glory to come or trouble already brewing. AMERICAN LEAGUE: A CROWDED FRONT The fledgling American League is still finding its footing, with no clear frontrunner as five clubs presently sit deadlocked at 4–2. The Baltimore Orioles and Boston Americans have stood out in particular, their lineups showing both polish at the plate and steadiness in the field. The Chicago White Sox, too, appear well-equipped to press the issue, flashing both speed and spirit in their opening contests. At the opposite end lies the unhappy lot of the Washington Senators, who have stumbled badly out of the gate with six defeats and no victories to their name. Their bats have been silent, their hurlers battered, and the faithful in the capital city are already restless. While the season is long, an 0–6 beginning is a burden heavy to bear. NATIONAL LEAGUE: PIRATES LEAD THE CHARGE The National League has pressed further into its campaign, and the Pittsburgh Pirates stand atop the heap with an 8–3 mark. Their formula is plain but powerful: sharp pitching paired with the sterling bat of Honus Wagner, whose all-around brilliance has made him the talk of the league. Nipping at their heels are the New York Giants and Philadelphia Phillies, each at 7–3, proving that the race for the pennant may be as fierce as any seen in years. Both clubs boast stout pitching staffs and balanced batting orders that have kept them in the thick of every contest. In stark contrast, the Brooklyn Superbas have stumbled mightily, closing April with a lamentable 2–9 record. Outside of Joe Kelley’s milestone 1,000th run, there has been precious little for Brooklyn’s supporters to celebrate. Errors afield, erratic pitching, and an anemic attack at the plate have left the reigning champions of seasons past groping for answers. LOOKING AHEAD It is, of course, too soon to cast verdicts. The long season stretches far ahead, and May will no doubt bring new heroes and new disappointments. Yet already the pattern begins to emerge: promise in Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago; a warning bell in Washington; power and poise in Pittsburgh, New York, and Philadelphia; and dismay across Brooklyn. As one wag in the grandstand was heard to say: “April may not decide a pennant, but it surely tells you which clubs are awake and which are still asleep.” For now, the fans can only look forward, eager to see whether their heroes will rise with the spring or falter in the lengthening days of summer.