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amead17 · 09-09-2025, 10:49 AM

JOE KELLEY REACHES 1000 RBI AS SUPERBAS TRIUMPH OVER PHILLIES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 23rd, 1902

Brooklyn, N.Y., July 22 — Joe Kelley, the seasoned third baseman of the Brooklyn Superbas, provided yet another shining moment in his illustrious career yesterday. Before a lively gathering at Washington Park, Kelley drove home the 1000th run batted in of his career, a blow that proved decisive in Brooklyn’s 3–1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The win lifted the Superbas to a record of 45–41, keeping them well in the chase.

The telling stroke came in the sixth inning, with the contest still finely balanced. Kelley, ever calm at the plate, struck a clean base hit to score the run that put Brooklyn ahead, 2–1. It was all the spark the club required, as the Superbas held their lead and added insurance in the eighth. Kelley’s final line was 1-for-4 with the crucial RBI, nudging his season’s average to a healthy .323.

Kelley’s career, which began in 1891 when he was but 19 years old, has spanned more than a decade across several clubs, each stop adding to his reputation as one of the game’s finest batsmen. His career average stands at .329, a figure that secures his place among the premier hitters of the age.

After the game, Kelley reflected on his milestone with characteristic modesty:

“A man never reaches such marks alone. I’ve had good teammates behind me and ahead of me, and I’ve merely tried to do my part. To think I’ve sent a thousand men across the plate—it’s a number that makes a fellow stop and smile. I hope there are many more yet to come.”

Superbas manager Ned Hanlon, no stranger to great ballplayers in his long career, lauded his veteran:

“Joe Kelley has been a steadying presence for this club. He is the sort of player who lifts those around him, both with his bat and his demeanor. That hit in the sixth was classic Kelley—timely, sure, and just what the club needed. To reach 1000 runs batted in is a great honor, and I am proud to have been here to see it.”

For the Brooklyn faithful, the day was not merely about another victory in the standings, but the celebration of a player whose bat has brought joy and success to ball grounds across the land.

09-09-2025, 10:49 AM	#58
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	Kelley Reaches 1000 RBI's JOE KELLEY REACHES 1000 RBI AS SUPERBAS TRIUMPH OVER PHILLIES By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times July 23rd, 1902 Brooklyn, N.Y., July 22 — Joe Kelley, the seasoned third baseman of the Brooklyn Superbas, provided yet another shining moment in his illustrious career yesterday. Before a lively gathering at Washington Park, Kelley drove home the 1000th run batted in of his career, a blow that proved decisive in Brooklyn’s 3–1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The win lifted the Superbas to a record of 45–41, keeping them well in the chase. The telling stroke came in the sixth inning, with the contest still finely balanced. Kelley, ever calm at the plate, struck a clean base hit to score the run that put Brooklyn ahead, 2–1. It was all the spark the club required, as the Superbas held their lead and added insurance in the eighth. Kelley’s final line was 1-for-4 with the crucial RBI, nudging his season’s average to a healthy .323. Kelley’s career, which began in 1891 when he was but 19 years old, has spanned more than a decade across several clubs, each stop adding to his reputation as one of the game’s finest batsmen. His career average stands at .329, a figure that secures his place among the premier hitters of the age. After the game, Kelley reflected on his milestone with characteristic modesty: “A man never reaches such marks alone. I’ve had good teammates behind me and ahead of me, and I’ve merely tried to do my part. To think I’ve sent a thousand men across the plate—it’s a number that makes a fellow stop and smile. I hope there are many more yet to come.” Superbas manager Ned Hanlon, no stranger to great ballplayers in his long career, lauded his veteran: “Joe Kelley has been a steadying presence for this club. He is the sort of player who lifts those around him, both with his bat and his demeanor. That hit in the sixth was classic Kelley—timely, sure, and just what the club needed. To reach 1000 runs batted in is a great honor, and I am proud to have been here to see it.” For the Brooklyn faithful, the day was not merely about another victory in the standings, but the celebration of a player whose bat has brought joy and success to ball grounds across the land.