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amead17 · 11-15-2025, 03:23 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — October 20, 1909

“Diamond Veterans Lay Down Their Arms: Rusie and Orth Lead This Year’s Retiring Class”
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

As the curtain falls on another season, the great wheel of baseball turns once more. Age catches even the strongest arms, and today the game bids farewell to several notable veterans whose names have long echoed through grandstands across the nation.

Foremost among them are two pitchers whose careers have helped shape the modern sport: Amos Rusie and Al Orth, each officially announcing his retirement.

Amos Rusie, now 38, steps away from baseball after a remarkable career that began in 1889. Known to admirers as “The Hoosier Thunderbolt,” Rusie compiled a 247–178 record with a 3.09 ERA over 18 seasons. Though his dominance came largely before the birth of the present Major Leagues in 1901, he remained a beloved figure during his lengthy tenure with the Cincinnati Reds.

Since 1901, however, Rusie has appeared only sparingly, posting a 2–5 record over nine seasons as a reserve arm. Still, he leaves the game with a 1903 World Series championship medal, a treasure envied by many.

Rusie spoke with fondness and humility about concluding his storied career. “I gave the game everything I had when my arm was young and strong,” he said. “Even when my time on the field grew short, I was grateful just to wear a uniform. I’ll remember the cheers long after the aches fade.”

Al Orth, 37, likewise brings an admirable career to a close. Debuting in 1895, Orth became one of baseball’s most durable pitchers, amassing 179 victories against 204 defeats, with a 3.35 ERA over 15 seasons. His win–loss record bears the scars of years spent battling for struggling clubs, particularly during his later tenure.

After beginning with the Philadelphia Phillies, Orth moved to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1903, where he remained a steadying presence despite difficult campaigns.

Orth, always known for his good humor and workmanlike approach, reflected simply on his retirement. “I’ve thrown my last pitch, and I leave with no regrets,” he remarked. “I did my best every time they handed me the ball. Now it’s time for younger men to take their turn.”

These two stalwarts headline a list of notable retirements that signals the end of an era. Also departing the game are: Harry Bemis, Ed McFarland, Deacon McGuire, Al Shaw, Bill Bernhard, Jack Chesbro, Chick Fraser, Otto Hess, John McGinnity, Win Mercer, Jack Taylor, and Jake Weimer.

Their names, once shouted from bleachers and printed in bold across sporting pages, now take their place in the game’s growing history. A new generation stands ready to seize the diamond—but the contributions of these men will be remembered for years to come.

11-15-2025, 03:23 AM	#385
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,854	Player Retirements THE SPORTING TIMES — October 20, 1909 “Diamond Veterans Lay Down Their Arms: Rusie and Orth Lead This Year’s Retiring Class” By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times As the curtain falls on another season, the great wheel of baseball turns once more. Age catches even the strongest arms, and today the game bids farewell to several notable veterans whose names have long echoed through grandstands across the nation. Foremost among them are two pitchers whose careers have helped shape the modern sport: Amos Rusie and Al Orth, each officially announcing his retirement. Amos Rusie, now 38, steps away from baseball after a remarkable career that began in 1889. Known to admirers as “The Hoosier Thunderbolt,” Rusie compiled a 247–178 record with a 3.09 ERA over 18 seasons. Though his dominance came largely before the birth of the present Major Leagues in 1901, he remained a beloved figure during his lengthy tenure with the Cincinnati Reds. Since 1901, however, Rusie has appeared only sparingly, posting a 2–5 record over nine seasons as a reserve arm. Still, he leaves the game with a 1903 World Series championship medal, a treasure envied by many. Rusie spoke with fondness and humility about concluding his storied career. “I gave the game everything I had when my arm was young and strong,” he said. “Even when my time on the field grew short, I was grateful just to wear a uniform. I’ll remember the cheers long after the aches fade.” Al Orth, 37, likewise brings an admirable career to a close. Debuting in 1895, Orth became one of baseball’s most durable pitchers, amassing 179 victories against 204 defeats, with a 3.35 ERA over 15 seasons. His win–loss record bears the scars of years spent battling for struggling clubs, particularly during his later tenure. After beginning with the Philadelphia Phillies, Orth moved to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1903, where he remained a steadying presence despite difficult campaigns. Orth, always known for his good humor and workmanlike approach, reflected simply on his retirement. “I’ve thrown my last pitch, and I leave with no regrets,” he remarked. “I did my best every time they handed me the ball. Now it’s time for younger men to take their turn.” These two stalwarts headline a list of notable retirements that signals the end of an era. Also departing the game are: Harry Bemis, Ed McFarland, Deacon McGuire, Al Shaw, Bill Bernhard, Jack Chesbro, Chick Fraser, Otto Hess, John McGinnity, Win Mercer, Jack Taylor, and Jake Weimer. Their names, once shouted from bleachers and printed in bold across sporting pages, now take their place in the game’s growing history. A new generation stands ready to seize the diamond—but the contributions of these men will be remembered for years to come.