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amead17 · 11-10-2025, 01:39 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — June 9, 1909

“CLARKE REACHES MILESTONE AS PIRATES DOWN PHILLIES — VETERAN’S 2500TH HIT HIGHLIGHTS 8–4 WIN”
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

PITTSBURGH — Fred Clarke, the long-time pillar of the Pittsburgh Pirates outfield, carved his name even deeper into baseball’s ledger of greats this afternoon. Before a jubilant home crowd, the 36-year-old left fielder recorded the 2,500th hit of his illustrious career, helping propel the Pirates to an 8–4 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. The win moves Pittsburgh to 29–22 on the season.

The milestone strike came in the bottom of the third, with the Pirates already holding a 4–2 advantage. The bases were full when Clarke stepped to the plate. He delivered with authority, lacing a sharp single down the left line. Fred Tenney trotted home easily, while Ed Hahn, showing fine instincts, never hesitated as he rounded third and slid in ahead of the throw. The blow put Pittsburgh up 6–2, a lead they would carry comfortably the rest of the way.

Clarke was far from finished. He collected three hits in five trips, driving in two runs and continuing a season that has him batting a robust .305.

Now in his 16th major-league campaign, Clarke remains one of the central figures of the Pirates franchise. Since breaking into professional baseball in 1894 and joining Pittsburgh in 1900, he has amassed a .303 lifetime batting average along with 50 home runs — numbers that speak to both longevity and excellence.

After the game, Clarke accepted the ovation of the crowd with characteristic modesty.

“A man doesn’t reach a mark like this alone,” he said with a quiet smile. “I’ve been lucky to play this long, and luckier still to play with fellows who make coming to the ballpark a joy. I’m grateful to the fans here in Pittsburgh — they’ve treated me like family from the first day.”

Pirates manager Zack Brown praised both the milestone and the man who reached it.

“Fred Clarke is the heart of this club,” Brown declared. “He plays the game the right way — smart, steady, dependable. You can’t measure what he means to us in hits alone, but 2,500 is a mighty fine place to start.”

A milestone day, a Pirates victory, and further proof that Fred Clarke remains one of baseball’s enduring treasures.

11-10-2025, 01:39 AM	#357
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,854	Fred Clarke 2500 Hits THE SPORTING TIMES — June 9, 1909 “CLARKE REACHES MILESTONE AS PIRATES DOWN PHILLIES — VETERAN’S 2500TH HIT HIGHLIGHTS 8–4 WIN” By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times PITTSBURGH — Fred Clarke, the long-time pillar of the Pittsburgh Pirates outfield, carved his name even deeper into baseball’s ledger of greats this afternoon. Before a jubilant home crowd, the 36-year-old left fielder recorded the 2,500th hit of his illustrious career, helping propel the Pirates to an 8–4 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. The win moves Pittsburgh to 29–22 on the season. The milestone strike came in the bottom of the third, with the Pirates already holding a 4–2 advantage. The bases were full when Clarke stepped to the plate. He delivered with authority, lacing a sharp single down the left line. Fred Tenney trotted home easily, while Ed Hahn, showing fine instincts, never hesitated as he rounded third and slid in ahead of the throw. The blow put Pittsburgh up 6–2, a lead they would carry comfortably the rest of the way. Clarke was far from finished. He collected three hits in five trips, driving in two runs and continuing a season that has him batting a robust .305. Now in his 16th major-league campaign, Clarke remains one of the central figures of the Pirates franchise. Since breaking into professional baseball in 1894 and joining Pittsburgh in 1900, he has amassed a .303 lifetime batting average along with 50 home runs — numbers that speak to both longevity and excellence. After the game, Clarke accepted the ovation of the crowd with characteristic modesty. “A man doesn’t reach a mark like this alone,” he said with a quiet smile. “I’ve been lucky to play this long, and luckier still to play with fellows who make coming to the ballpark a joy. I’m grateful to the fans here in Pittsburgh — they’ve treated me like family from the first day.” Pirates manager Zack Brown praised both the milestone and the man who reached it. “Fred Clarke is the heart of this club,” Brown declared. “He plays the game the right way — smart, steady, dependable. You can’t measure what he means to us in hits alone, but 2,500 is a mighty fine place to start.” A milestone day, a Pirates victory, and further proof that Fred Clarke remains one of baseball’s enduring treasures.