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amead17 · 11-03-2025, 11:36 AM

RUBE VICKERS LOST FOR SEASON WITH ELBOW INJURY

Browns Pitcher Tears Flexor Tendon as St. Louis Tops Chicago 4–2

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
August 7th, 1908

What began as an ordinary afternoon of baseball in St. Louis turned quickly to misfortune for Rube Vickers, the hard-working pitcher of the St. Louis Browns. The 29-year-old right-hander, who took the mound with a 13–17 record and an earned run average of 3.63, was forced from the game in the first inning after suffering a severe injury to his pitching arm.

Vickers had thrown only a handful of pitches when he suddenly clutched at his elbow and grimaced in pain. Club medics rushed to his aid, and after a brief examination on the field, he was led from the mound and did not return. The crowd, understanding the gravity of the moment, offered polite applause as the stricken pitcher made his way to the dugout.

Despite the early setback, the Browns rallied to a 4–2 victory, improving their record to 45–56 on the season. Yet the post-game news cast a shadow over the win: team doctors confirmed that Vickers has torn a flexor tendon in his right elbow, an injury expected to sideline him for at least nine months. The diagnosis ends his season and raises uncertainty about his readiness for the 1909 campaign.

A somber Vickers spoke briefly after the game, saying, “It’s a hard blow. You work all season to help the club, and to have it end like this—well, it hurts more than the arm. All I can do now is rest and hope to come back stronger.”

Manager Bob Lozano expressed both concern and confidence in his pitcher’s resolve. “Rube’s been a fighter since the day he joined this club,” Lozano said. “He’s pitched through tough games and tougher luck, and I’ve no doubt he’ll do the same with this. It’s a cruel turn, but he’s the kind of man who’ll find his way back.”

Though the Browns claimed victory on the scoreboard, the day’s true story was one of loss—a reminder of how quickly fortune can shift on the diamond.

11-03-2025, 11:36 AM	#321
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,854	Rube Vickers Injured RUBE VICKERS LOST FOR SEASON WITH ELBOW INJURY Browns Pitcher Tears Flexor Tendon as St. Louis Tops Chicago 4–2 By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times August 7th, 1908 What began as an ordinary afternoon of baseball in St. Louis turned quickly to misfortune for Rube Vickers, the hard-working pitcher of the St. Louis Browns. The 29-year-old right-hander, who took the mound with a 13–17 record and an earned run average of 3.63, was forced from the game in the first inning after suffering a severe injury to his pitching arm. Vickers had thrown only a handful of pitches when he suddenly clutched at his elbow and grimaced in pain. Club medics rushed to his aid, and after a brief examination on the field, he was led from the mound and did not return. The crowd, understanding the gravity of the moment, offered polite applause as the stricken pitcher made his way to the dugout. Despite the early setback, the Browns rallied to a 4–2 victory, improving their record to 45–56 on the season. Yet the post-game news cast a shadow over the win: team doctors confirmed that Vickers has torn a flexor tendon in his right elbow, an injury expected to sideline him for at least nine months. The diagnosis ends his season and raises uncertainty about his readiness for the 1909 campaign. A somber Vickers spoke briefly after the game, saying, “It’s a hard blow. You work all season to help the club, and to have it end like this—well, it hurts more than the arm. All I can do now is rest and hope to come back stronger.” Manager Bob Lozano expressed both concern and confidence in his pitcher’s resolve. “Rube’s been a fighter since the day he joined this club,” Lozano said. “He’s pitched through tough games and tougher luck, and I’ve no doubt he’ll do the same with this. It’s a cruel turn, but he’s the kind of man who’ll find his way back.” Though the Browns claimed victory on the scoreboard, the day’s true story was one of loss—a reminder of how quickly fortune can shift on the diamond.