THE SPORTING TIMES — October 7, 1909
“Cleveland and Pittsburgh Claim the Crowns: Naps Win First Pennant, Pirates Repeat as Champions”
By Charles H. Wentworth and Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
Cleveland, Ohio & Pittsburgh, Pa. — The curtain has fallen on the 1909 baseball season, and the final standings have delivered two worthy champions. The Cleveland Naps captured their first-ever American League pennant, while the Pittsburgh Pirates successfully defended their National League crown to claim a second straight title.
In the American League, Cleveland’s triumph marks a historic moment for the city and for manager Tom Laney, who in his first year at the helm guided a spirited, youthful club to an 87–67 record, finishing three games ahead of the determined Boston Red Sox.
The Naps’ success has been built on a blend of energy and promise, with 21-year-old Tris Speaker dazzling at the plate and in the field, while fellow youngster Harry Krause, also just 21, anchored the pitching staff with poise beyond his years. The Cleveland faithful, long starved for glory, have found a team that plays with heart and fire — and one that promises to contend for years to come.
Manager Tom Laney was visibly proud as he spoke after the clinching game. “These boys gave me everything they had from the first day of spring,” he said. “They never let up, even when the pressure came. For a young club to show this kind of fight — that’s something special. Cleveland can be proud of them.”
A smiling Tris Speaker, still dusted with infield dirt, added his own thoughts: “It feels mighty good to be part of this. We’ve played for each other all season. To bring a pennant to Cleveland — that’s something I’ll never forget.”
Meanwhile, in the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates proved once again that experience and grit win championships. Finishing with a 90–64 record, the Pirates held off a strong late push from the Philadelphia Phillies to take the flag by four games.
Under the steady hand of manager Zack Brown, Pittsburgh relied on its veteran leadership. Honus Wagner, still the club’s cornerstone both in spirit and in play, continued to dominate at the plate, while seasoned pitchers Mordecai Brown and Rube Waddell provided the strength from the mound that has become the team’s hallmark.
Manager Zack Brown was generous in his praise for his men. “It’s been a hard grind, no question about it,” he said. “But this club never backed down. They know what it takes to win, and they’ve shown it again. I couldn’t ask for a finer group of ballplayers.”
Wagner, ever modest despite another sterling campaign, spoke with quiet satisfaction. “We’ve had to fight for every inch this year,” he said. “But that’s what makes it worth it. We’re proud to keep the pennant in Pittsburgh — and we aim to finish the job in the World Series.”
Two cities, two champions — Cleveland, tasting triumph for the first time, and Pittsburgh, savoring another year atop the baseball world. The 1909 season closes with the promise of a thrilling World Series and a reminder that the game continues to grow — in skill, in spirit, and in the hearts of its fans.
