THE SPORTING TIMES — June 1, 1909
“PENNANT RACE WIDE OPEN AS SUMMER BEGINS — DOVES LEAD NL, HIGHLANDERS AND NAPS TIED IN AL”
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
As the calendar turns to June, the 1909 baseball season enters its first summer stretch with the pennant picture still anything but settled. In both leagues, the competition remains fierce, and no team has yet managed to break away from the pack.
In the American League, parity reigns supreme. The New York Highlanders and Cleveland Naps are deadlocked atop the standings, each with a record of 25–18. Both clubs have shown flashes of brilliance — the Highlanders with timely hitting, and the Naps behind a pitching corps that has carried them through the early months. Just behind them, the Chicago White Sox sit one game back, while last year’s champions, the Boston Red Sox, trail by only two and a half games.
Even at the lower reaches of the table, there is life yet. The Washington Senators, eight games behind, and the St. Louis Browns, eight and a half back, may yet mount a challenge should they find their stride as the summer heat sets in.
Across the field in the National League, the race has begun to take more shape — though not without intrigue. The Boston Doves, playing inspired baseball, hold a two and a half game lead at 27–16. Nipping at their heels are the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds, tied for second, both within striking distance. The defending champions, the Pittsburgh Pirates, sit four games off the pace, but their steady pitching has kept them in contention.
At the bottom, the St. Louis Cardinals have stumbled badly, enduring a rough close to May that leaves them thirteen games adrift and a full four and a half games behind seventh place. It has been a grim opening for the men from St. Louis, whose fortunes must soon turn if they are to avoid an early burial in the standings.
Monthly Awards
American League
Top Batter: Johnny Evers, Cleveland Naps — .298 average, 10 RBI, 25 runs scored
Top Pitcher: Harry Krause, Cleveland Naps — 7–2, 1.73 ERA
Rookie of the Month: Harry Krause, Cleveland Naps — 7–2, 1.73 ERA
The young Krause has been nothing short of a revelation for Cleveland, proving every bit the dependable ace his club hoped he would become. His command and poise have anchored the Naps’ early success, earning him the rare distinction of claiming both top pitching and rookie honors in the same month.
National League
Top Batter: Jake Stahl, New York Giants — .306 average, 2 home runs, 24 RBI, 15 runs scored
Top Pitcher: Heinie Berger, Pittsburgh Pirates — 6–2, 1.65 ERA
Rookie of the Month: Jack Quinn, New York Giants — 2–2, 0.82 ERA
Berger’s precision and endurance have kept Pittsburgh in the fight, while Quinn, the promising young Giant, has been a revelation in limited outings, showing an iron nerve beyond his years.
As June begins, every club knows the stakes. The grind of summer baseball awaits — and with it, the chance to define a season. One thing is certain: in 1909, no pennant will be won easily.
