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Old 10-28-2025, 11:20 AM   #292
amead17
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Annual Awards

BASEBALL’S BEST HONORED AT 1907 AWARDS DINNER — COBB AND MAGEE CLAIM MVP CROWNS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional Reporting by George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
October 30th, 1907

The 1907 baseball season may be in the books, but last night the game’s greatest gathered to celebrate a year of triumphs, milestones, and memorable performances. At the annual Players’ Awards Dinner, the top men in both leagues were honored before a lively crowd of players, writers, and dignitaries from across the sport.

American League Honors

Sherry Magee of St. Louis Crowned MVP
When it came to handling a bat in 1907, few men did it better than Sherry Magee. The St. Louis Browns’ right fielder was the clear choice for American League Most Valuable Player, earning 13 of 16 first-place votes. Magee batted .292 with 176 hits, 30 doubles, and 85 runs batted in — numbers that helped keep St. Louis competitive through a difficult campaign.

“It’s a fine honor,” Magee said modestly as he accepted the award. “You play this game to win ballgames, not prizes, but it surely feels good to be recognized by your peers.”

Elmer Flick of the Boston Red Sox finished second, while Cy Seymour of the New York Highlanders took third.

Louis LeRoy Named Top Pitcher
Cleveland’s Louis LeRoy was recognized as Pitcher of the Year, a fitting reward for a stellar season on the mound. The right-hander went 24-13 with a 2.01 ERA over 309 innings, striking out 152 batters.

“Every win came from the whole team,” LeRoy told reporters. “You can’t pitch well without good men behind you.”

Boston’s Win Kellum and Philadelphia’s Harry Howell rounded out the top three.

Smokey Joe Williams Shines as Rookie of the Year
Washington’s Smokey Joe Williams emerged as the league’s most promising newcomer, unanimously selected as Rookie of the Year. The young pitcher went 18-22 but impressed everyone with his electric arm and 2.19 ERA across 357 innings.

“I just tried to give everything I had each time out,” said the soft-spoken Williams. “This league’s full of great hitters — I just hope I showed I can stand among them.”

National League Honors

Ty Cobb, Philadelphia’s Young Phenom, Wins MVP
At only 20 years old, Ty Cobb of the Philadelphia Phillies has already made his mark on the game. The fiery right fielder captured the National League Most Valuable Player award after hitting .355 with 228 hits, 25 doubles, and 84 runs scored.

“I didn’t expect to hit that well this year,” Cobb admitted with a grin. “But when you love the game like I do, you can’t help but give it everything every day.”

Cobb edged out Pittsburgh’s Honus Wagner by a single point in one of the closest votes in memory, with New York’s Danny Murphy finishing third.

Christy Mathewson Named Top Pitcher
For the second year running, Christy Mathewson proved why many call him the finest pitcher alive. The New York Giants ace was voted Pitcher of the Year after going 23-10 with a 2.40 ERA and 174 strikeouts over 319 innings.

“It’s all about command and confidence,” Mathewson remarked. “You keep the ball low, trust your defense, and stay calm when the pressure comes.”

Teammates Ed Karger and Addie Joss also placed high, sweeping the top three for the Giants’ powerful pitching staff.

Mike Mitchell Wins Rookie Honors
In Boston, Mike Mitchell of the Doves made an immediate impact, earning the Rookie of the Year award unanimously. The 27-year-old outfielder hit .313 with 181 hits and 89 runs scored.

“It’s never too late to make your mark,” Mitchell told reporters with a smile. “Boston gave me a chance, and I aimed to make good on it.”

As the applause echoed through the banquet hall and the awards were gathered up, there was a sense that baseball’s future had never looked brighter. With stars like Cobb, Magee, Williams, and Mathewson lighting the way, the 1908 season promises another thrilling chapter in the story of America’s game.
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