SEPTEMBER DAWN FINDS PENNANTS STILL UNDECIDED
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
September 1, 1904
Athletics and Americans in dead heat, Cubs keep Pirates at bay
As the season enters its final month, the battle lines are sharply drawn in both leagues, and the contests for the pennant promise a stirring conclusion.
In the American League, the Philadelphia Athletics cling to a slender advantage, their record putting them just one game clear of the Boston Americans. Through the dog days of August the lead has changed hands, and no follower of the game dares predict who shall prevail in October. Beyond these two rivals, no other club has kept within striking distance, leaving the stage set for a duel certain to thrill the faithful. At the other end of the ledger, the Washington Senators have stumbled to a mark of 50–69, a full 21 games adrift, and once again consigned to the league’s cellar.
In the National League, the Chicago Cubs continue to hold sway, standing 5˝ games to the good over the fast-closing Pittsburgh Pirates, with the New York Giants still lurking, though 10 games removed from first. The Cubs have shown the steadiness of champions, but September is long, and the pennant is not yet secure. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies have endured a season of misery, already eliminated from contention and burdened with the worst mark in the league. Now 36 games back, the club faces the sobering prospect of a winter devoted to rebuilding.
Monthly Honors
American League
Top Batter: Harry Davis, Philadelphia Athletics — .371, 5 home runs, 22 runs batted in, 21 runs scored.
Top Pitcher: Jay Hughes, New York Highlanders — 5–1, 2.35 earned run average.
Top Rookie: Frank Corridon, St. Louis Browns — 3–4, 2.38 earned run average.
National League
Top Batter: Willie Keeler, Boston Beaneaters — .410, 17 runs batted in, 10 runs scored.
Top Pitcher: Jack Chesbro, Pittsburgh Pirates — 6–1, 1.25 earned run average.
Top Rookie: Frank Smith, Chicago Cubs — 5–2, 1.32 earned run average.
With autumn at hand, the races are finely balanced, and September promises to test the mettle of players and managers alike. By month’s end, the names etched atop the standings will have earned their laurels through fire and perseverance.
