BOSTON AND PITTSBURGH CONTINUE TO RULE AS JULY ENDS
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingston
August 1st, 1902
With July consigned to the record books, the 1902 season marches into its decisive months. The story of the year, thus far, has been the clear dominance of two clubs: the Boston Americans in the fledgling American League and the Pittsburgh Pirates in the established National League.
In the American League, the race is beginning to resemble little more than a procession. Boston continues its relentless pace, stretching their lead to 14 full games with a dazzling record of 65-22. The nearest challengers, Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics, sit at 51-36, a respectable mark but one that leaves them chasing shadows. At the bottom, the St. Louis Browns, so lively in the early going, are now firmly anchored in last place with a dismal 31-56 mark.
In the National League, the Pirates of Pittsburgh march forward with the same air of inevitability. Their 60-31 record has put them 10 games clear of the rising St. Louis Cardinals, who cling to second at 50-41. The lower reaches of the table, however, tell a grim tale for the Boston Beaneaters, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Giants, who share the indignity of the cellar.
The season’s rhythms are reflected in the latest monthly awards, which brought distinction to some familiar names and a few fresh ones:
American League Honors
Top Batter: Nap Lajoie, Philadelphia Athletics — The mighty second baseman was unstoppable in July, batting .461 with *4 home runs, 26 runs driven in, and 21 runs scored.
Top Pitcher: Chick Fraser, Philadelphia Athletics — Fraser carried the Mackmen with a 6-1 record and a sharp *2.18 ERA.
Rookie of the Month: Clarence Currie, Detroit Tigers — The young hurler impressed with a 5-2 mark and a 3.12 ERA, hinting at a bright future in the Motor City.
National League Honors
Top Batter: Bill Keister, Brooklyn Superbas — Newly arrived to the club, Keister proved his worth with a solid .333 average, adding *2 home runs, 27 RBI’s, and 20 runs scored.
Top Pitcher: Doc Newton, Cincinnati Reds — The Reds’ ace was near unhittable, posting a 6-1 record with a sterling *1.50 ERA.
Rookie of the Month: Jim St. Vrain, St. Louis Cardinals — For the third straight month, the young left-hander earns recognition, going 5-1 with a 2.90 ERA in July.
With August now upon us, the question grows louder: can anyone catch Boston or Pittsburgh? For now, both juggernauts look destined to meet in October, but in this great game of baseball, fortunes can change in the blink of an eye.
