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amead17 · 09-07-2025, 01:43 AM

VAN HALTREN REACHES 1000 RBI AS GIANTS DOWN CARDINALS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 12th, 1902

For George Van Haltren, the veteran center fielder of the New York Giants, Sunday’s contest in St. Louis proved both a triumph for his club and a personal milestone of great distinction. The Giants, mired in an uneven start to the season, came alive with the bats to secure an 11–5 victory over the Cardinals. Along the way, Van Haltren drove in the 1,000th run of his career, a feat accomplished by only the steadiest and most accomplished of hitters.

The moment arrived in the sixth inning, with Regino Garcia aboard after reaching base and swiping second. Van Haltren stepped to the plate and lashed a clean single to the outfield, easily bringing Garcia home. The run was part of a seven-run eruption that carried the Giants to an imposing 11–1 lead, more than enough cushion to withstand a late St. Louis rally. Van Haltren himself would later cross the plate in the same inning, capping his day at 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

For the 36-year-old outfielder, now in his ninth season with New York, the achievement is tempered by the realities of a slow start to 1902. Entering the game, Van Haltren had managed only a .188 average, well below the lofty .316 career mark he has maintained since first appearing in the big leagues as a 21-year-old back in 1887.

Despite the struggles, Van Haltren greeted the milestone with measured pride.

“It has not been an easy spring for me,” the veteran admitted, “but this game has a way of rewarding patience. To bring home a thousand runs—it is something I shall cherish, though I would gladly trade it all for a few more victories for our club. I know I can still give the Giants my best, and I intend to prove it in the weeks ahead.”

Giants manager George Davis, himself no stranger to long service in the game, praised Van Haltren’s achievement and leadership.

“George has been the heart of this club for many years,” Davis declared. “Even when the hits are not falling for him, his steadiness in the field and his example in the clubhouse never waver. A thousand runs batted in speaks to a career of reliability and skill, and I am certain he has more left to contribute.”

For the Giants, now 8–13 on the campaign, the day’s victory was sorely needed. And for George Van Haltren, it was a reminder that, though the years may advance, greatness endures.

09-07-2025, 01:43 AM	#45
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,298	Van Haltren 1000th RBI VAN HALTREN REACHES 1000 RBI AS GIANTS DOWN CARDINALS By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times May 12th, 1902 For George Van Haltren, the veteran center fielder of the New York Giants, Sunday’s contest in St. Louis proved both a triumph for his club and a personal milestone of great distinction. The Giants, mired in an uneven start to the season, came alive with the bats to secure an 11–5 victory over the Cardinals. Along the way, Van Haltren drove in the 1,000th run of his career, a feat accomplished by only the steadiest and most accomplished of hitters. The moment arrived in the sixth inning, with Regino Garcia aboard after reaching base and swiping second. Van Haltren stepped to the plate and lashed a clean single to the outfield, easily bringing Garcia home. The run was part of a seven-run eruption that carried the Giants to an imposing 11–1 lead, more than enough cushion to withstand a late St. Louis rally. Van Haltren himself would later cross the plate in the same inning, capping his day at 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. For the 36-year-old outfielder, now in his ninth season with New York, the achievement is tempered by the realities of a slow start to 1902. Entering the game, Van Haltren had managed only a .188 average, well below the lofty .316 career mark he has maintained since first appearing in the big leagues as a 21-year-old back in 1887. Despite the struggles, Van Haltren greeted the milestone with measured pride. “It has not been an easy spring for me,” the veteran admitted, “but this game has a way of rewarding patience. To bring home a thousand runs—it is something I shall cherish, though I would gladly trade it all for a few more victories for our club. I know I can still give the Giants my best, and I intend to prove it in the weeks ahead.” Giants manager George Davis, himself no stranger to long service in the game, praised Van Haltren’s achievement and leadership. “George has been the heart of this club for many years,” Davis declared. “Even when the hits are not falling for him, his steadiness in the field and his example in the clubhouse never waver. A thousand runs batted in speaks to a career of reliability and skill, and I am certain he has more left to contribute.” For the Giants, now 8–13 on the campaign, the day’s victory was sorely needed. And for George Van Haltren, it was a reminder that, though the years may advance, greatness endures.