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amead17 · 11-09-2025, 01:39 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — May 11, 1909

“FIELDER JONES REACHES 2,000-HIT MILESTONE IN DOVES’ 7–1 LOSS TO REDS”
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times

Boston, May 11 — Baseball has always been a game of numbers, and today one of its most enduring figures added another to his ledger. Fielder Jones, the 37-year-old captain and outfielder of the Boston Doves, reached the 2,000-hit milestone of his illustrious career in front of a home crowd at the South End Grounds. Though the Doves fell 7–1 to the visiting Cincinnati Reds, the moment was one of quiet distinction for one of the game’s true professionals.

Jones’ historic hit came as he led off the bottom of the seventh inning, working a full 3–2 count before lining a clean single into left field. Ever the intelligent baserunner, Jones promptly stole both second and third base, showing that even at 37, his instinct and daring on the paths remain sharp. Unfortunately, the Doves’ bats fell silent behind him, leaving him stranded as the inning ended and Boston’s hopes dimmed.

For the afternoon, Jones went 1-for-2, and though his season average sits at .197, the veteran’s place in baseball’s storybook is secure. Since beginning his professional career in 1896, he has maintained a .296 lifetime average, marked by consistent play, leadership, and quiet resolve.

Jones, who came to Boston from the Chicago White Sox in a 1903 trade, has been a steadying presence both on the field and in the clubhouse ever since.

Speaking after the game, Jones downplayed his personal milestone in the face of his club’s defeat.

“I’d trade that hit for a win any day,” he said, a hint of a smile crossing his face. “Still, it’s a fine thing to look back on. You play long enough, keep your head down, and before you know it, you’ve reached a number like that. But I’m not done yet — there’s more baseball in me.”

Manager Kyle Jackson was quick to praise his veteran’s example.

“Fielder’s been the model of consistency since he set foot in this club,” Jackson remarked. “You don’t get to 2,000 hits by luck — it takes grit, patience, and love for the game. The boys could learn plenty just by watching how he goes about his work.”

Though the loss dropped the Doves to 14–11, the afternoon belonged to Fielder Jones — a reminder that in the long march of a baseball season, moments of personal triumph can shine even amid defeat.

11-09-2025, 01:39 AM	#352
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,850	Fielder Jones 2000 Hits THE SPORTING TIMES — May 11, 1909 “FIELDER JONES REACHES 2,000-HIT MILESTONE IN DOVES’ 7–1 LOSS TO REDS” By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times Boston, May 11 — Baseball has always been a game of numbers, and today one of its most enduring figures added another to his ledger. Fielder Jones, the 37-year-old captain and outfielder of the Boston Doves, reached the 2,000-hit milestone of his illustrious career in front of a home crowd at the South End Grounds. Though the Doves fell 7–1 to the visiting Cincinnati Reds, the moment was one of quiet distinction for one of the game’s true professionals. Jones’ historic hit came as he led off the bottom of the seventh inning, working a full 3–2 count before lining a clean single into left field. Ever the intelligent baserunner, Jones promptly stole both second and third base, showing that even at 37, his instinct and daring on the paths remain sharp. Unfortunately, the Doves’ bats fell silent behind him, leaving him stranded as the inning ended and Boston’s hopes dimmed. For the afternoon, Jones went 1-for-2, and though his season average sits at .197, the veteran’s place in baseball’s storybook is secure. Since beginning his professional career in 1896, he has maintained a .296 lifetime average, marked by consistent play, leadership, and quiet resolve. Jones, who came to Boston from the Chicago White Sox in a 1903 trade, has been a steadying presence both on the field and in the clubhouse ever since. Speaking after the game, Jones downplayed his personal milestone in the face of his club’s defeat. “I’d trade that hit for a win any day,” he said, a hint of a smile crossing his face. “Still, it’s a fine thing to look back on. You play long enough, keep your head down, and before you know it, you’ve reached a number like that. But I’m not done yet — there’s more baseball in me.” Manager Kyle Jackson was quick to praise his veteran’s example. “Fielder’s been the model of consistency since he set foot in this club,” Jackson remarked. “You don’t get to 2,000 hits by luck — it takes grit, patience, and love for the game. The boys could learn plenty just by watching how he goes about his work.” Though the loss dropped the Doves to 14–11, the afternoon belonged to Fielder Jones — a reminder that in the long march of a baseball season, moments of personal triumph can shine even amid defeat.