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Weimer Injured
WEIMER LOST FOR SEASON AS AMERICANS FALL TO DETROIT
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 13, 1904
Boston hurler suffers torn tendon in crushing blow to staff
The fortunes of the Boston Americans suffered a grievous blow on Friday as pitcher Jake Weimer was forced from the mound in the club’s 6–1 defeat to the Detroit Tigers. The setback leaves Boston standing at an even 13 wins and 13 losses, but the greater loss may be that of Weimer, who is now ruled out for the season—and beyond.
Weimer was in his fourth inning of work when disaster struck. Having yielded a pair of runs, the left-hander suddenly clutched at his throwing elbow in visible pain. The trainer hurried forth, but it was plain to all present that the hurler could go no further.
After the contest, Boston’s clubhouse delivered the harsh verdict: a torn flexor tendon in the elbow. Doctors estimate a thirteen-month recovery, meaning Weimer is lost not only for the remainder of this campaign but likely the opening months of 1905 as well.
The injury comes as a cruel twist of fate for the 30-year-old southpaw, who had only recently arrived in Boston after an off-season trade. He had quickly made himself valuable, compiling a 4–2 record with a 3.29 earned run average in his early outings.
A subdued Weimer spoke briefly to reporters following the announcement.
“This is about the hardest thing a ballplayer can hear,” he admitted. “I came here to help Boston chase another pennant, and instead I’m laid up. I’ll do everything I can to mend right, but it’s a bitter pill.”
Manager Jimmy Collins lamented the loss of his new arm but struck a tone of resolve.
“Jake was just beginning to show what he could do for us,” Collins said. “He’s a tough competitor, and I know he’ll fight to come back. As for us, we can’t dwell on misfortune—we’ll need the rest of this staff to pick up the slack if we’re to stay in the race.”
For Boston, who now must soldier on without their prized off-season acquisition, the road to contention has grown considerably steeper.
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