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amead17 · 11-08-2025, 08:18 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — April 27, 1909

“SUPERBAS’ GENE McCANN LOST FOR SEASON AFTER ELBOW INJURY”
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

The early fortunes of the Brooklyn Superbas have wavered between promise and disappointment, and Tuesday afternoon in Philadelphia brought a heavy dose of the latter. The Superbas fell 6–2 to the Phillies, dropping their record to 5–7, but the defeat itself paled in significance next to the grim news that followed: pitcher Gene McCann has been lost for the season.

McCann’s outing lasted scarcely two pitches. In the very first inning, as he delivered to the plate, he suddenly clutched his elbow and winced in visible pain, halting play at once. The club’s trainers and medical staff hurried to his aid, but it was clear almost immediately that his afternoon—and, as it turns out, his season—was over.
Later examination confirmed the worst fears: a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, an injury that will require eight months of recovery. The setback ends McCann’s campaign before it had truly begun.

It is an especially cruel blow for the 27-year-old right-hander, who entered the day with an 0–3 record but a commendable 2.45 earned run average over his three starts. Though the victories had eluded him, his steady arm and control suggested that better days were ahead—until fate intervened.
In the clubhouse afterward, a subdued McCann faced reporters with quiet resolve.

“You never think it’ll happen to you,” he said. “I felt something tighten when I came over the top, then a sharp pain. I knew right away I couldn’t go on. It’s a hard thing, but I’ll take the time to heal and come back stronger. That’s all a man can do.”

Superbas manager Ned Hanlon was visibly disappointed, yet full of praise for his stricken pitcher.

“It’s a tough loss for us,” Hanlon said. “Gene’s been giving us good work every time out, even if the results haven’t shown it. The lad’s got heart, and he’s been battling through what I now reckon was discomfort all along. We’ll miss his courage on that mound.”

For Brooklyn, the loss of McCann leaves a sizeable gap in their rotation and a shadow over what had been an improving staff. For McCann himself, the long road back begins now—one paved with determination, patience, and the hope of a healthy return come next spring.

11-08-2025, 08:18 AM	#348
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,860	Gene McCann Injured THE SPORTING TIMES — April 27, 1909 “SUPERBAS’ GENE McCANN LOST FOR SEASON AFTER ELBOW INJURY” By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times The early fortunes of the Brooklyn Superbas have wavered between promise and disappointment, and Tuesday afternoon in Philadelphia brought a heavy dose of the latter. The Superbas fell 6–2 to the Phillies, dropping their record to 5–7, but the defeat itself paled in significance next to the grim news that followed: pitcher Gene McCann has been lost for the season. McCann’s outing lasted scarcely two pitches. In the very first inning, as he delivered to the plate, he suddenly clutched his elbow and winced in visible pain, halting play at once. The club’s trainers and medical staff hurried to his aid, but it was clear almost immediately that his afternoon—and, as it turns out, his season—was over. Later examination confirmed the worst fears: a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, an injury that will require eight months of recovery. The setback ends McCann’s campaign before it had truly begun. It is an especially cruel blow for the 27-year-old right-hander, who entered the day with an 0–3 record but a commendable 2.45 earned run average over his three starts. Though the victories had eluded him, his steady arm and control suggested that better days were ahead—until fate intervened. In the clubhouse afterward, a subdued McCann faced reporters with quiet resolve. “You never think it’ll happen to you,” he said. “I felt something tighten when I came over the top, then a sharp pain. I knew right away I couldn’t go on. It’s a hard thing, but I’ll take the time to heal and come back stronger. That’s all a man can do.” Superbas manager Ned Hanlon was visibly disappointed, yet full of praise for his stricken pitcher. “It’s a tough loss for us,” Hanlon said. “Gene’s been giving us good work every time out, even if the results haven’t shown it. The lad’s got heart, and he’s been battling through what I now reckon was discomfort all along. We’ll miss his courage on that mound.” For Brooklyn, the loss of McCann leaves a sizeable gap in their rotation and a shadow over what had been an improving staff. For McCann himself, the long road back begins now—one paved with determination, patience, and the hope of a healthy return come next spring.