OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 11-08-2025, 08:19 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — April 28, 1909

“WHITE SOX STAY HOT, BUT LOSE ABBATICCHIO FOR THE SEASON”
By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times

The Chicago White Sox continued their blistering start to the 1909 campaign with a 13–1 rout of the St. Louis Browns at South Side Park this afternoon, improving their record to 10–5. But what should have been another day of triumph for Clark Griffith’s men ended with a cloud of misfortune hanging over it.

Veteran infielder Ed Abbaticchio suffered a serious knee injury in the very first inning, likely ending his season before it had truly begun.

Leading off the bottom of the first, Abbaticchio legged out an infield single, racing down the line and narrowly beating the throw to first. As his foot struck the bag, however, he appeared to stumble awkwardly and fell hard to the ground. He attempted to rise but was clearly unable to put any weight on his left leg. The team’s medical staff rushed to his aid and helped him from the field as the crowd fell silent.

Moments later, he was replaced by a pinch runner, and his afternoon—and perhaps his season—was done.

After the game, club officials confirmed the grim news: a torn posterior cruciate ligament in Abbaticchio’s left knee. The injury will sideline him for at least six months, with the possibility of a seven-month recovery. For the 32-year-old, who had only just begun to find his rhythm this spring, the setback is a cruel blow.

Abbaticchio had been off to a promising start, hitting .293 through 14 games with six runs batted in and six runs scored, anchoring the top of Chicago’s lineup with his steady bat and experienced play.

Speaking to reporters afterward while leaning on a pair of crutches, the usually stoic infielder offered a few quiet words.

“It’s a hard one to take,” Abbaticchio admitted. “You work all winter to be ready, and then something like this happens in a heartbeat. The boys are playing great ball, though, and I’ll be cheering them on every day until I can get back.”

Manager Clark Griffith praised his injured player and lamented the loss.

“Ed’s the kind of fellow every club needs,” Griffith said. “Dependable, disciplined, and smart in the field. You can’t easily replace that kind of man. We’ll adjust as best we can, but it’s a real shame to lose him this early. He’s been a spark for us.”

While the White Sox continue their strong early push for the pennant, Abbaticchio’s absence will surely be felt in both the clubhouse and on the diamond. For now, Chicago marches on—but with one of its trusted veterans watching from the sidelines.

11-08-2025, 08:19 AM	#349
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,255	Ed Abbaticchio Injured THE SPORTING TIMES — April 28, 1909 “WHITE SOX STAY HOT, BUT LOSE ABBATICCHIO FOR THE SEASON” By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times The Chicago White Sox continued their blistering start to the 1909 campaign with a 13–1 rout of the St. Louis Browns at South Side Park this afternoon, improving their record to 10–5. But what should have been another day of triumph for Clark Griffith’s men ended with a cloud of misfortune hanging over it. Veteran infielder Ed Abbaticchio suffered a serious knee injury in the very first inning, likely ending his season before it had truly begun. Leading off the bottom of the first, Abbaticchio legged out an infield single, racing down the line and narrowly beating the throw to first. As his foot struck the bag, however, he appeared to stumble awkwardly and fell hard to the ground. He attempted to rise but was clearly unable to put any weight on his left leg. The team’s medical staff rushed to his aid and helped him from the field as the crowd fell silent. Moments later, he was replaced by a pinch runner, and his afternoon—and perhaps his season—was done. After the game, club officials confirmed the grim news: a torn posterior cruciate ligament in Abbaticchio’s left knee. The injury will sideline him for at least six months, with the possibility of a seven-month recovery. For the 32-year-old, who had only just begun to find his rhythm this spring, the setback is a cruel blow. Abbaticchio had been off to a promising start, hitting .293 through 14 games with six runs batted in and six runs scored, anchoring the top of Chicago’s lineup with his steady bat and experienced play. Speaking to reporters afterward while leaning on a pair of crutches, the usually stoic infielder offered a few quiet words. “It’s a hard one to take,” Abbaticchio admitted. “You work all winter to be ready, and then something like this happens in a heartbeat. The boys are playing great ball, though, and I’ll be cheering them on every day until I can get back.” Manager Clark Griffith praised his injured player and lamented the loss. “Ed’s the kind of fellow every club needs,” Griffith said. “Dependable, disciplined, and smart in the field. You can’t easily replace that kind of man. We’ll adjust as best we can, but it’s a real shame to lose him this early. He’s been a spark for us.” While the White Sox continue their strong early push for the pennant, Abbaticchio’s absence will surely be felt in both the clubhouse and on the diamond. For now, Chicago marches on—but with one of its trusted veterans watching from the sidelines.