Steve Brodie 1000 runs
BRODIE CROSSES THOUSAND-RUN MARK IN SUPERBAS’ VICTORY
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 30, 1904
Veteran outfielder reaches milestone despite early-season struggles
Though the Brooklyn Superbas have endured a fitful start to their campaign, supporters at Washington Park were treated to a moment of cheer this afternoon as veteran center fielder Steve Brodie tallied the 1,000th run of his career. The achievement came in the second inning of Brooklyn’s 5–1 triumph over the Boston Beaneaters, a victory that lifted the Superbas to 19–22 on the year.
Brodie’s milestone score was unconventional. Reaching base on an error, he nonetheless pressed the advantage, bringing home a run and later crossing the plate himself to mark the thousandth of his distinguished career. Though he finished the day hitless at 0-for-3, he drove in a run and played his part in a much-needed win.
Now in his fifteenth season, Brodie has been slow to adjust to life in Brooklyn after his March trade from the Highlanders, and he presently holds a .199 batting average. Yet his career numbers speak volumes: a .300 lifetime hitter who first appeared in the majors in 1890 as a fresh-faced 21-year-old, Brodie remains a respected figure in the game.
The veteran was modest in reflecting on his achievement.
“I never kept count of such things,” Brodie remarked after the game. “I’ve always just tried to get on base and do my part for the club. If today’s run was the thousandth, then I’m glad it came in a Brooklyn uniform and in a winning effort.”
Superbas manager Jason Leach, in his first year at the helm, praised Brodie’s perseverance.
“Steve has had a rough go finding his form here, but no one doubts his pedigree,” Leach said. “A thousand runs is a marker of a great career. We know he’ll come around at the plate, and when he does, he’ll be a cornerstone for this ball club.”
With the milestone behind him, Brodie will now look to settle his bat and aid Brooklyn in climbing the National League standings.
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