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amead17 · 09-12-2025, 11:03 AM

DELAHANTY REACHES 2500 HITS, THOUGH PHILLIES FALL TO PIRATES

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
August 9th, 1902

Though the Philadelphia Phillies could not overcome the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates, dropping a 4–2 decision yesterday, the home crowd was nonetheless treated to a moment of lasting baseball history. Their stalwart slugger, Ed Delahanty, recorded the 2500th hit of his professional career, cementing his standing as one of the game’s premier batsmen.

The landmark blow came in the bottom of the eighth inning with the contest knotted at two apiece. Delahanty, leading off the frame, lashed a clean single to the outfield. Alas, his mates could not advance him, and he was left stranded—a portent of the Pirates’ late rally that secured the victory.

For the afternoon, Delahanty went 2-for-3 with an RBI, nudging his season’s batting mark to .368. In his 14th campaign, the big right-hander now owns a dazzling .344 career average since debuting in 1888. Save for a single season away in 1890, he has been the face and foundation of the Philadelphia nine.

Delahanty, always modest in the face of personal accomplishment, reflected on the milestone after the contest.

“A hit is a hit, whether it is the first or the two-thousand-five-hundredth,” he said with a smile. “I only wish it had led to a run and a victory. Still, to have done so much of my work here in Philadelphia, before these supporters, is something I’ll always treasure.”

Manager Bill Shettsline praised his veteran’s enduring excellence.

“Ed has been the backbone of this club for more than a decade,” Shettsline declared. “He never fails to give the crowd its money’s worth, and days like this remind us why he is one of the greatest hitters to ever step to the plate. The victory slipped away from us, but Ed’s feat is something no defeat can tarnish.”

Though the Phillies’ fortunes this year remain uneven at 41–55, the faithful could leave the grounds knowing they had witnessed a milestone that will stand proudly in the annals of baseball.

09-12-2025, 11:03 AM	#66
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,919	Delahanty 2500 Hits DELAHANTY REACHES 2500 HITS, THOUGH PHILLIES FALL TO PIRATES By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times August 9th, 1902 Though the Philadelphia Phillies could not overcome the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates, dropping a 4–2 decision yesterday, the home crowd was nonetheless treated to a moment of lasting baseball history. Their stalwart slugger, Ed Delahanty, recorded the 2500th hit of his professional career, cementing his standing as one of the game’s premier batsmen. The landmark blow came in the bottom of the eighth inning with the contest knotted at two apiece. Delahanty, leading off the frame, lashed a clean single to the outfield. Alas, his mates could not advance him, and he was left stranded—a portent of the Pirates’ late rally that secured the victory. For the afternoon, Delahanty went 2-for-3 with an RBI, nudging his season’s batting mark to .368. In his 14th campaign, the big right-hander now owns a dazzling .344 career average since debuting in 1888. Save for a single season away in 1890, he has been the face and foundation of the Philadelphia nine. Delahanty, always modest in the face of personal accomplishment, reflected on the milestone after the contest. “A hit is a hit, whether it is the first or the two-thousand-five-hundredth,” he said with a smile. “I only wish it had led to a run and a victory. Still, to have done so much of my work here in Philadelphia, before these supporters, is something I’ll always treasure.” Manager Bill Shettsline praised his veteran’s enduring excellence. “Ed has been the backbone of this club for more than a decade,” Shettsline declared. “He never fails to give the crowd its money’s worth, and days like this remind us why he is one of the greatest hitters to ever step to the plate. The victory slipped away from us, but Ed’s feat is something no defeat can tarnish.” Though the Phillies’ fortunes this year remain uneven at 41–55, the faithful could leave the grounds knowing they had witnessed a milestone that will stand proudly in the annals of baseball.