OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 09-20-2025, 08:17 AM

VETERAN JIMMY RYAN REACHES 2,500 HITS IN NAPS’ EXTRA-INNING DEFEAT

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
August 4th, 1903

Cleveland fans had reason to cheer even in defeat yesterday, as Jimmy Ryan, the Naps’ ageless outfielder, secured the 2,500th base hit of his long and distinguished career. Though the day ended with an 11-inning, 4–2 loss to the Detroit Tigers, Ryan’s milestone stood out as a shining achievement amid a difficult campaign.

The telling blow came in the bottom of the eighth, with Detroit clinging to a 2–1 advantage. Ryan lined a clean base knock to center, sparking a rally that drew the contest level at two apiece. The veteran reached base twice on the afternoon, going 1-for-4 with a hit by pitch in the second frame, and lifted his season’s batting mark to .297.

The Naps could not sustain the momentum, however, and faltered in the eleventh. The defeat dropped Cleveland to 39–52, their struggles mounting as summer wears on.

Ryan, now 40 years of age, has been a fixture of base ball since his debut with Chicago in 1885. For sixteen years he patrolled the outfield for the Colts, Orphans, and later Cubs, before bringing his talents to Cleveland in 1901. Across that long journey, Ryan has fashioned a fine .308 lifetime average, a testament to his steady bat and iron will.

“At this stage of my life in the game, I take nothing for granted,” Ryan told reporters afterward. “To reach twenty-five hundred hits is a joy I could scarcely have imagined when I first took the field in Chicago nearly two decades ago. My body still feels strong, my bat is lively, and I hope to help this club in whatever way I can as long as they’ll have me.”

Manager Jimmy McAleer, though disappointed in the day’s result, was effusive in his praise of his veteran:

“Jimmy Ryan is the kind of man every manager wishes for,” McAleer remarked. “Even as our fortunes dip, he gives this club stability, professionalism, and a fighting spirit. His achievement today is not merely a personal milestone but an example to every young player in this game of what persistence and consistency can achieve.”

Though Cleveland continues to labor at the foot of the standings, Ryan’s milestone brought dignity to a season otherwise laden with hardship, and the veteran remains a beacon of experience for a club in need of steady hands.

09-20-2025, 08:17 AM	#110
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,850	Ryan 2500 Hits VETERAN JIMMY RYAN REACHES 2,500 HITS IN NAPS’ EXTRA-INNING DEFEAT By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times August 4th, 1903 Cleveland fans had reason to cheer even in defeat yesterday, as Jimmy Ryan, the Naps’ ageless outfielder, secured the 2,500th base hit of his long and distinguished career. Though the day ended with an 11-inning, 4–2 loss to the Detroit Tigers, Ryan’s milestone stood out as a shining achievement amid a difficult campaign. The telling blow came in the bottom of the eighth, with Detroit clinging to a 2–1 advantage. Ryan lined a clean base knock to center, sparking a rally that drew the contest level at two apiece. The veteran reached base twice on the afternoon, going 1-for-4 with a hit by pitch in the second frame, and lifted his season’s batting mark to .297. The Naps could not sustain the momentum, however, and faltered in the eleventh. The defeat dropped Cleveland to 39–52, their struggles mounting as summer wears on. Ryan, now 40 years of age, has been a fixture of base ball since his debut with Chicago in 1885. For sixteen years he patrolled the outfield for the Colts, Orphans, and later Cubs, before bringing his talents to Cleveland in 1901. Across that long journey, Ryan has fashioned a fine .308 lifetime average, a testament to his steady bat and iron will. “At this stage of my life in the game, I take nothing for granted,” Ryan told reporters afterward. “To reach twenty-five hundred hits is a joy I could scarcely have imagined when I first took the field in Chicago nearly two decades ago. My body still feels strong, my bat is lively, and I hope to help this club in whatever way I can as long as they’ll have me.” Manager Jimmy McAleer, though disappointed in the day’s result, was effusive in his praise of his veteran: “Jimmy Ryan is the kind of man every manager wishes for,” McAleer remarked. “Even as our fortunes dip, he gives this club stability, professionalism, and a fighting spirit. His achievement today is not merely a personal milestone but an example to every young player in this game of what persistence and consistency can achieve.” Though Cleveland continues to labor at the foot of the standings, Ryan’s milestone brought dignity to a season otherwise laden with hardship, and the veteran remains a beacon of experience for a club in need of steady hands.