OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 10-01-2025, 11:39 AM

SIX VETERANS TAKE THEIR LEAVE AS BASEBALL BIDS FAREWELL TO FAMILIAR FACES

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional Reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
October 20, 1904

Jennings, Breitenstein, Weyhing among notable names to retire from the diamond

As the curtain falls upon the 1904 campaign, the game of base ball finds itself pausing to salute a half-dozen men whose playing days have now reached their conclusion. While each season brings fresh talent to the fore, it is in October that the departures weigh heaviest, and this year six well-known figures have declared they will take no further part as players.

Foremost among them is Hughie Jennings, the fiery left fielder whose steady bat and relentless style made him a fixture in the game for twelve seasons. Jennings departs with a career batting mark of .311, a tally of 17 home runs, and 1,016 runs scored—numbers that secure his place among the memorable men of his generation.

Another to hang up his spikes is Ted Breitenstein, the left-handed hurler whose career stretched a decade. His ledger of 160 victories against 168 defeats, and an earned run average of 4.03, may not place him among the immortals, but his heart and competitive spirit were never in question.

Gus Weyhing, known to many as one of the game’s most durable pitchers, also takes his leave. Over the years he compiled a record of 267 wins against 234 defeats, with an ERA of 3.88. Few could match his willingness to shoulder the burden of innings, and he exits the diamond with the respect of all who saw him toil.

Jimmy McAleer, meanwhile, steps aside as a player but remains very much in the sport, continuing in his role as manager of the Cleveland Naps. His leadership in the dugout ensures his influence upon the game will be felt for years to come.

The other two retirees are no less deserving of note. Frank Foreman, a dependable pitcher whose career ledger closes at 89–88 with a 3.93 ERA, proved a steady hand for numerous clubs. Morgan Murphy, who departs with a lifetime batting average of .220, was long admired for his service and perseverance across many seasons.

As these six men depart the playing field, their absence will be felt keenly by teammates, supporters, and rivals alike. Base ball endures through its new stars and its young hopefuls, but it is the veterans—the men who have given their best summers to the game—who remind us each autumn that no season lasts forever.

10-01-2025, 11:39 AM	#160
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,677	Player Retirements SIX VETERANS TAKE THEIR LEAVE AS BASEBALL BIDS FAREWELL TO FAMILIAR FACES By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times Additional Reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times October 20, 1904 Jennings, Breitenstein, Weyhing among notable names to retire from the diamond As the curtain falls upon the 1904 campaign, the game of base ball finds itself pausing to salute a half-dozen men whose playing days have now reached their conclusion. While each season brings fresh talent to the fore, it is in October that the departures weigh heaviest, and this year six well-known figures have declared they will take no further part as players. Foremost among them is Hughie Jennings, the fiery left fielder whose steady bat and relentless style made him a fixture in the game for twelve seasons. Jennings departs with a career batting mark of .311, a tally of 17 home runs, and 1,016 runs scored—numbers that secure his place among the memorable men of his generation. Another to hang up his spikes is Ted Breitenstein, the left-handed hurler whose career stretched a decade. His ledger of 160 victories against 168 defeats, and an earned run average of 4.03, may not place him among the immortals, but his heart and competitive spirit were never in question. Gus Weyhing, known to many as one of the game’s most durable pitchers, also takes his leave. Over the years he compiled a record of 267 wins against 234 defeats, with an ERA of 3.88. Few could match his willingness to shoulder the burden of innings, and he exits the diamond with the respect of all who saw him toil. Jimmy McAleer, meanwhile, steps aside as a player but remains very much in the sport, continuing in his role as manager of the Cleveland Naps. His leadership in the dugout ensures his influence upon the game will be felt for years to come. The other two retirees are no less deserving of note. Frank Foreman, a dependable pitcher whose career ledger closes at 89–88 with a 3.93 ERA, proved a steady hand for numerous clubs. Morgan Murphy, who departs with a lifetime batting average of .220, was long admired for his service and perseverance across many seasons. As these six men depart the playing field, their absence will be felt keenly by teammates, supporters, and rivals alike. Base ball endures through its new stars and its young hopefuls, but it is the veterans—the men who have given their best summers to the game—who remind us each autumn that no season lasts forever.