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amead17 · 10-13-2025, 11:53 AM

FRED CLARKE REACHES 2,000-HIT MILESTONE AS PIRATES TRIUMPH IN 14-INNING BATTLE

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 24, 1906

For Fred Clarke, Thursday proved to be a memorable day both as player and manager. His Pittsburgh Pirates pulled out a hard-fought 6–5 victory over the Boston Beaneaters in 14 innings, and Clarke himself reached a major personal milestone — the 2,000th hit of his distinguished career.

The contest was a tense affair throughout, with both clubs locked in a struggle that stretched deep into extra innings. Up to the seventh frame, Clarke had found little success at the plate. Yet when he stepped in that inning, he delivered at just the right time — a clean single past second base to bring home Branch Rickey as part of a three-run rally for Pittsburgh. That stroke not only helped turn the tide of the game but also marked Clarke’s 2,000th career hit.

Clarke finished the day 1-for-5, with a run scored, one run batted in, and two walks late in the contest as the Pirates outlasted Boston. The victory lifts Pittsburgh to a 17–19 record on the season.

Now in his thirteenth season, Clarke continues to perform admirably as both player and skipper. The 33-year-old outfielder, who began his major league career in 1894, is hitting .290 this year and holds a fine .311 career average.

Speaking after the game, Clarke reflected on both the personal and team achievements.

“It feels mighty fine to reach that mark,” he said with a modest smile. “You don’t set out chasing numbers, but to know I’ve done it while helping the club win makes it all the more worthwhile.”

On the Pirates’ effort, the player-manager added,

“It was a hard game, no doubt, but the boys stayed after it. We showed good spirit to pull through in the fourteenth — that’s the kind of fight we’ll need all season.”

It was, indeed, a day that Fred Clarke — and the Pittsburgh faithful — will long remember.

10-13-2025, 11:53 AM	#210
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,263	Fred Clarke 2000 hits FRED CLARKE REACHES 2,000-HIT MILESTONE AS PIRATES TRIUMPH IN 14-INNING BATTLE By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times May 24, 1906 For Fred Clarke, Thursday proved to be a memorable day both as player and manager. His Pittsburgh Pirates pulled out a hard-fought 6–5 victory over the Boston Beaneaters in 14 innings, and Clarke himself reached a major personal milestone — the 2,000th hit of his distinguished career. The contest was a tense affair throughout, with both clubs locked in a struggle that stretched deep into extra innings. Up to the seventh frame, Clarke had found little success at the plate. Yet when he stepped in that inning, he delivered at just the right time — a clean single past second base to bring home Branch Rickey as part of a three-run rally for Pittsburgh. That stroke not only helped turn the tide of the game but also marked Clarke’s 2,000th career hit. Clarke finished the day 1-for-5, with a run scored, one run batted in, and two walks late in the contest as the Pirates outlasted Boston. The victory lifts Pittsburgh to a 17–19 record on the season. Now in his thirteenth season, Clarke continues to perform admirably as both player and skipper. The 33-year-old outfielder, who began his major league career in 1894, is hitting .290 this year and holds a fine .311 career average. Speaking after the game, Clarke reflected on both the personal and team achievements. “It feels mighty fine to reach that mark,” he said with a modest smile. “You don’t set out chasing numbers, but to know I’ve done it while helping the club win makes it all the more worthwhile.” On the Pirates’ effort, the player-manager added, “It was a hard game, no doubt, but the boys stayed after it. We showed good spirit to pull through in the fourteenth — that’s the kind of fight we’ll need all season.” It was, indeed, a day that Fred Clarke — and the Pittsburgh faithful — will long remember.