OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 11-13-2025, 01:37 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — September 8, 1909

“Wiltse Fans the Phillies — Boston’s Southpaw Spins Near-Perfect No-Hitter”
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

For the faithful gathered at the South End Grounds this afternoon, it was a day to remember — a day when Hooks Wiltse delivered a masterpiece of pitching that will live long in the baseball annals. The Boston Doves blanked the Philadelphia Phillies 5–0, but it was Wiltse’s brilliance on the mound that turned an ordinary late-season contest into something truly historic.

The left-hander retired 27 Philadelphia batters, yielding no hits and allowing just a single baserunner — not by his own doing, but on a fielding error in the seventh inning. Up to that moment, the Boston crowd was hushed with anticipation, aware they might be witnessing the first perfect game in the history of the major leagues. The dream slipped away when first baseman John Hummell, normally sure-handed, fumbled a routine play that allowed Ty Cobb to reach safely. Still, the no-hitter stood, and the fans rose in thunderous applause as Wiltse completed the final out.

The Doves’ bats gave their hurler ample support. Three runs in the second inning provided an early cushion, and two more in the eighth sealed the triumph. With the victory, Boston improved to 68–63 on the season, keeping their hopes of a late climb in the National League standings alive.

For Wiltse, the performance capped a stellar campaign. The victory lifted his record to 19–13 with a sparkling 1.81 earned run average, cementing his reputation as one of the most dependable pitchers in the league.

A smiling but modest Wiltse spoke after the game.

“I had good command and the boys played sharp behind me,” he said. “That one error? It don’t bother me none. You can’t ask for perfection every day in this game — I’m just glad we got the win.”

Manager Kyle Jackson was effusive in his praise for his pitcher.

“Hooks was magnificent,” Jackson declared. “Every pitch had purpose, and every inning he seemed to grow stronger. The crowd knew they were seeing something special today. It’s a day Boston baseball will remember for a long time.”

Though denied perfection by the narrowest of margins, Hooks Wiltse’s performance at the South End Grounds will stand as one of the shining achievements of the 1909 season — a game of near flawlessness that reminded all present why baseball remains the grandest of contests.

11-13-2025, 01:37 AM	#370
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,846	Hooks Wiltse No Hitter THE SPORTING TIMES — September 8, 1909 “Wiltse Fans the Phillies — Boston’s Southpaw Spins Near-Perfect No-Hitter” By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times For the faithful gathered at the South End Grounds this afternoon, it was a day to remember — a day when Hooks Wiltse delivered a masterpiece of pitching that will live long in the baseball annals. The Boston Doves blanked the Philadelphia Phillies 5–0, but it was Wiltse’s brilliance on the mound that turned an ordinary late-season contest into something truly historic. The left-hander retired 27 Philadelphia batters, yielding no hits and allowing just a single baserunner — not by his own doing, but on a fielding error in the seventh inning. Up to that moment, the Boston crowd was hushed with anticipation, aware they might be witnessing the first perfect game in the history of the major leagues. The dream slipped away when first baseman John Hummell, normally sure-handed, fumbled a routine play that allowed Ty Cobb to reach safely. Still, the no-hitter stood, and the fans rose in thunderous applause as Wiltse completed the final out. The Doves’ bats gave their hurler ample support. Three runs in the second inning provided an early cushion, and two more in the eighth sealed the triumph. With the victory, Boston improved to 68–63 on the season, keeping their hopes of a late climb in the National League standings alive. For Wiltse, the performance capped a stellar campaign. The victory lifted his record to 19–13 with a sparkling 1.81 earned run average, cementing his reputation as one of the most dependable pitchers in the league. A smiling but modest Wiltse spoke after the game. “I had good command and the boys played sharp behind me,” he said. “That one error? It don’t bother me none. You can’t ask for perfection every day in this game — I’m just glad we got the win.” Manager Kyle Jackson was effusive in his praise for his pitcher. “Hooks was magnificent,” Jackson declared. “Every pitch had purpose, and every inning he seemed to grow stronger. The crowd knew they were seeing something special today. It’s a day Boston baseball will remember for a long time.” Though denied perfection by the narrowest of margins, Hooks Wiltse’s performance at the South End Grounds will stand as one of the shining achievements of the 1909 season — a game of near flawlessness that reminded all present why baseball remains the grandest of contests.