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amead17 · 09-23-2025, 10:43 AM

PENNANT RACES FORETOLD AS NEW SEASON BEGINS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Charles H. Wentworth
April 14th, 1904

Sporting Times offers predictions on the American and National races — experts weigh in, players respond

With the first shouts of spring already echoing from the diamonds, the 1904 base ball season opens today with every club harboring hope, and every fan eager for the drama to unfold. The Sporting Times has spoken with experts, studied the winter’s trades and the spring’s exhibitions, and now offers its predictions for the months to come.

American League Forecast

The consensus finds the Boston Americans once again the class of the circuit, tabbed to capture 92 victories and another flag. Behind the great Cy Young, now paired with fellow ace Jake Weimer, Boston’s arms look too formidable for the competition. Manager Jimmy Collins’ side is expected to allow fewer than 500 runs, a staggering number in modern play.

The Philadelphia Athletics and New York Highlanders are forecast to press closest, both boasting strong bats and deepening pitching staffs. Nap Lajoie, Philadelphia’s sterling second baseman, is predicted to lead all hitters with a gaudy .348 average, while New York’s Mike Donlin (.324) is expected to anchor the Highlander order.

“We’re not coming to play second fiddle,” Lajoie told the Times. “The Athletics will fight Boston to the finish. They’ll have to beat us every day if they want the pennant.”

The Highlanders’ Jay Hughes, recently acquired from Brooklyn, offered quiet confidence:
“They say Boston’s arms will win it for them, but we’ve got stout fellows of our own. Give us a few good bounces and the Highlanders can surprise.”

National League Forecast

Across the way, the Chicago Cubs are tipped to lead the pack with 93 wins, their pitching staff anchored by the steady Kid Nichols and aided by the aggressive bats of Frank Chance (.302) and outfielders Jimmy Slagle and Danny Green.

The Pittsburgh Pirates loom close behind, powered by the mighty Honus Wagner (.330, 51 stolen bases predicted) and a pitching corps led by Jack Chesbro, projected for 27 wins. The St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are also forecast to remain in the thick of the race.

“The Pirates are hungry,” Wagner remarked. “We gave up too many games late last year. This season, we aim to set things right.”

Meanwhile, Chance, the Cubs’ fiery first baseman, kept his words short:
“It’s pennant or nothing for Chicago. We have the club to do it.”

Looking Ahead

If predictions hold, Boston and Chicago may meet in October to decide baseball’s supremacy, though with so many clubs strengthened over the winter, no team may rest on forecasts alone.

As the season dawns, one thing is certain: the coming campaign promises to be fiercely contested, rich with feats, failures, and the familiar suspense that draws throngs to the grounds each spring.

09-23-2025, 10:43 AM	#132
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,595	Preseason Preview PENNANT RACES FORETOLD AS NEW SEASON BEGINS By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times Additional reporting by Charles H. Wentworth April 14th, 1904 Sporting Times offers predictions on the American and National races — experts weigh in, players respond With the first shouts of spring already echoing from the diamonds, the 1904 base ball season opens today with every club harboring hope, and every fan eager for the drama to unfold. The Sporting Times has spoken with experts, studied the winter’s trades and the spring’s exhibitions, and now offers its predictions for the months to come. American League Forecast The consensus finds the Boston Americans once again the class of the circuit, tabbed to capture 92 victories and another flag. Behind the great Cy Young, now paired with fellow ace Jake Weimer, Boston’s arms look too formidable for the competition. Manager Jimmy Collins’ side is expected to allow fewer than 500 runs, a staggering number in modern play. The Philadelphia Athletics and New York Highlanders are forecast to press closest, both boasting strong bats and deepening pitching staffs. Nap Lajoie, Philadelphia’s sterling second baseman, is predicted to lead all hitters with a gaudy .348 average, while New York’s Mike Donlin (.324) is expected to anchor the Highlander order. “We’re not coming to play second fiddle,” Lajoie told the Times. “The Athletics will fight Boston to the finish. They’ll have to beat us every day if they want the pennant.” The Highlanders’ Jay Hughes, recently acquired from Brooklyn, offered quiet confidence: “They say Boston’s arms will win it for them, but we’ve got stout fellows of our own. Give us a few good bounces and the Highlanders can surprise.” National League Forecast Across the way, the Chicago Cubs are tipped to lead the pack with 93 wins, their pitching staff anchored by the steady Kid Nichols and aided by the aggressive bats of Frank Chance (.302) and outfielders Jimmy Slagle and Danny Green. The Pittsburgh Pirates loom close behind, powered by the mighty Honus Wagner (.330, 51 stolen bases predicted) and a pitching corps led by Jack Chesbro, projected for 27 wins. The St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are also forecast to remain in the thick of the race. “The Pirates are hungry,” Wagner remarked. “We gave up too many games late last year. This season, we aim to set things right.” Meanwhile, Chance, the Cubs’ fiery first baseman, kept his words short: “It’s pennant or nothing for Chicago. We have the club to do it.” Looking Ahead If predictions hold, Boston and Chicago may meet in October to decide baseball’s supremacy, though with so many clubs strengthened over the winter, no team may rest on forecasts alone. As the season dawns, one thing is certain: the coming campaign promises to be fiercely contested, rich with feats, failures, and the familiar suspense that draws throngs to the grounds each spring.