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amead17 · 11-11-2025, 02:39 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — July 29, 1909

“HIGHLANDERS SNAP TEN-GAME SLIDE WITH LATE SURGE OVER TIGERS, 5–2”
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

New York, N.Y., July 29 — The New York Highlanders finally gave their weary supporters something to cheer about this afternoon, ending a long and painful ten-game losing streak with a spirited 5–2 victory over the Detroit Tigers at Hilltop Park. The win, their first in nearly two weeks, lifts the club to a 46–50 record and restores a measure of confidence to a team that began July atop the American League standings but has since fallen on hard times.

For much of the contest, it appeared the Highlanders’ misfortunes would continue. The Tigers struck twice early, building a 2–0 lead after four innings, while the home crowd sat in anxious silence. But the Highlanders stirred to life in the bottom of that same inning, knotting the score at two apiece and hinting that perhaps their fortunes were ready to turn.

The decisive blow came in the eighth inning, when Owen Wilson, the hard-swinging right fielder, stepped to the plate with two men aboard. On a 1–1 pitch, Wilson lashed a mighty drive to deep right-center that rolled to the wall for a triple, bringing home both runners and sending the stands into joyous uproar. A third run crossed before the inning ended, sealing the victory that had so long eluded the Highlanders.

On the mound, Bill Donovan was the day’s unsung hero. The sturdy right-hander went the distance, scattering seven hits and allowing only two runs over nine determined innings. His command never wavered, and his steady presence gave the Highlanders the anchor they so desperately needed.

After the game, Wilson was visibly relieved as he spoke with reporters:

“It feels like we can breathe again,” he said with a grin. “We’ve been pressing too hard, and it’s good to finally break through. I just wanted to put a good swing on the ball and give the fellows a chance to come home — it was high time we did something right.”

Manager Ismael Garcia, who has watched his club’s fortunes turn sharply in recent weeks, praised the grit his men showed in halting their slide:

“It’s been a rough month for the boys,” Garcia admitted, “but they never quit on themselves. Today they showed the fight and spirit that got us to the top earlier in the year. If we can build on this, there’s still plenty of baseball left to play.”

Whether this marks the turning point of the Highlanders’ season remains to be seen, but for one afternoon in July, the storm clouds parted, and New York baseball faithful could once again applaud their team with pride.

11-11-2025, 02:39 AM	#361
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,904	Highlanders snap 10 game losing streak THE SPORTING TIMES — July 29, 1909 “HIGHLANDERS SNAP TEN-GAME SLIDE WITH LATE SURGE OVER TIGERS, 5–2” By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times New York, N.Y., July 29 — The New York Highlanders finally gave their weary supporters something to cheer about this afternoon, ending a long and painful ten-game losing streak with a spirited 5–2 victory over the Detroit Tigers at Hilltop Park. The win, their first in nearly two weeks, lifts the club to a 46–50 record and restores a measure of confidence to a team that began July atop the American League standings but has since fallen on hard times. For much of the contest, it appeared the Highlanders’ misfortunes would continue. The Tigers struck twice early, building a 2–0 lead after four innings, while the home crowd sat in anxious silence. But the Highlanders stirred to life in the bottom of that same inning, knotting the score at two apiece and hinting that perhaps their fortunes were ready to turn. The decisive blow came in the eighth inning, when Owen Wilson, the hard-swinging right fielder, stepped to the plate with two men aboard. On a 1–1 pitch, Wilson lashed a mighty drive to deep right-center that rolled to the wall for a triple, bringing home both runners and sending the stands into joyous uproar. A third run crossed before the inning ended, sealing the victory that had so long eluded the Highlanders. On the mound, Bill Donovan was the day’s unsung hero. The sturdy right-hander went the distance, scattering seven hits and allowing only two runs over nine determined innings. His command never wavered, and his steady presence gave the Highlanders the anchor they so desperately needed. After the game, Wilson was visibly relieved as he spoke with reporters: “It feels like we can breathe again,” he said with a grin. “We’ve been pressing too hard, and it’s good to finally break through. I just wanted to put a good swing on the ball and give the fellows a chance to come home — it was high time we did something right.” Manager Ismael Garcia, who has watched his club’s fortunes turn sharply in recent weeks, praised the grit his men showed in halting their slide: “It’s been a rough month for the boys,” Garcia admitted, “but they never quit on themselves. Today they showed the fight and spirit that got us to the top earlier in the year. If we can build on this, there’s still plenty of baseball left to play.” Whether this marks the turning point of the Highlanders’ season remains to be seen, but for one afternoon in July, the storm clouds parted, and New York baseball faithful could once again applaud their team with pride.