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amead17 · 10-21-2025, 11:23 AM

LAJOIE REACHES 2,000 HITS AS ATHLETICS SHUT OUT BOSTON ON OPENING DAY

By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
April 11th, 1907

Philadelphia, Pa. — The 1907 season opened in grand fashion for the Philadelphia Athletics, who delighted a crowd of 9,758 at Columbia Park with a commanding 5–0 victory over the Boston Americans this afternoon. But beyond the win, it was Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie who stole the headlines, reaching the monumental 2,000-hit mark in his illustrious career.

Lajoie, the longtime Philadelphia favorite, turned in a fine performance at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a single in the fourth and a run-scoring double in the seventh that helped break the game open. That seventh inning saw the Athletics plate two runs, with Lajoie’s double driving home Ollie Pickering and then scoring himself moments later to make it 4–0.

The Philadelphia second baseman, who began his career with the Phillies in 1896 before joining the Athletics in 1901, has been one of the game’s premier hitters for more than a decade. His career average now stands at .350, with 1,072 runs scored — a testament to his consistency and craftsmanship with the bat.

After the game, Lajoie was warmly cheered by fans and teammates alike as word of his milestone spread through the stands.

“It’s been a long road, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Lajoie said with his familiar modest smile. “Reaching 2,000 hits means a great deal to me, but what matters most is helping the club win. The crowd today was wonderful — it’s good to start the season this way.”

Athletics manager Chris Smith praised his captain’s achievement and the team’s all-around effort.

“Nap shows the younger fellows what it means to be a ballplayer,” Smith remarked. “He’s as steady as they come, and he sets the tone for everyone in this clubhouse. If he keeps swinging like that, we’ll be a tough club to beat this year.”

For Philadelphia, the day was a perfect beginning — a fine win, a strong showing before a packed house, and a milestone for one of baseball’s greatest batsmen.

As for Nap Lajoie, the man of the hour simply tipped his cap to the crowd — and, true to form, went quietly about his work.

10-21-2025, 11:23 AM	#254
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,260	Nap Lajoie 2000 hits LAJOIE REACHES 2,000 HITS AS ATHLETICS SHUT OUT BOSTON ON OPENING DAY By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times April 11th, 1907 Philadelphia, Pa. — The 1907 season opened in grand fashion for the Philadelphia Athletics, who delighted a crowd of 9,758 at Columbia Park with a commanding 5–0 victory over the Boston Americans this afternoon. But beyond the win, it was Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie who stole the headlines, reaching the monumental 2,000-hit mark in his illustrious career. Lajoie, the longtime Philadelphia favorite, turned in a fine performance at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a single in the fourth and a run-scoring double in the seventh that helped break the game open. That seventh inning saw the Athletics plate two runs, with Lajoie’s double driving home Ollie Pickering and then scoring himself moments later to make it 4–0. The Philadelphia second baseman, who began his career with the Phillies in 1896 before joining the Athletics in 1901, has been one of the game’s premier hitters for more than a decade. His career average now stands at .350, with 1,072 runs scored — a testament to his consistency and craftsmanship with the bat. After the game, Lajoie was warmly cheered by fans and teammates alike as word of his milestone spread through the stands. “It’s been a long road, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Lajoie said with his familiar modest smile. “Reaching 2,000 hits means a great deal to me, but what matters most is helping the club win. The crowd today was wonderful — it’s good to start the season this way.” Athletics manager Chris Smith praised his captain’s achievement and the team’s all-around effort. “Nap shows the younger fellows what it means to be a ballplayer,” Smith remarked. “He’s as steady as they come, and he sets the tone for everyone in this clubhouse. If he keeps swinging like that, we’ll be a tough club to beat this year.” For Philadelphia, the day was a perfect beginning — a fine win, a strong showing before a packed house, and a milestone for one of baseball’s greatest batsmen. As for Nap Lajoie, the man of the hour simply tipped his cap to the crowd — and, true to form, went quietly about his work.