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THE SPORTING TIMES — October 25, 1909

“Pirates and Highlanders Announce New Managers; Fans Voice Unease Over Unproven Choices”
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Charles H. Wentworth, George F. Winthrop & Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times

Pittsburgh and New York, two of baseball’s proudest cities, awoke this morning to managerial news that has stirred no small amount of discussion—and, in some corners, outright concern.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, fresh off a bitter World Series defeat and the sudden dismissal of manager Zack Brown, have appointed Jason Leach as their new field general. Leach brings four years of managerial experience, all spent guiding the Brooklyn Superbas, a club that has struggled mightily and never once crested the .500 mark during his tenure.

With the Pirates considered a championship-caliber club, many fans have openly questioned the wisdom of selecting a man whose résumé reflects hardship rather than triumph.

Leach, however, met reporters with quiet confidence.
“I understand the doubts,” he admitted. “But a man learns a great deal managing a team that has to claw for every run and every win. I intend to bring that fight to Pittsburgh. This club has talent enough to win it all, and I’m ready to prove I can guide them there.”

Meanwhile, the New York Highlanders, coming off a disappointing slide to sixth place, have taken an altogether different path. In a bold and unprecedented move, the club has hired Alfonso Perez, a Mexican baseball man who has spent the last six seasons as bench coach of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Though Perez is respected within the game, Highlanders supporters have reacted cautiously, noting that the Cardinals’ record during his tenure offers little reassurance.

Perez, however, spoke with energy and vision when introduced.
“New York wants a spark, and I aim to provide it,” he declared. “I have ideas for how we can play faster, smarter baseball. This club has pieces to build something special, and I’m eager to shake things up and shape its future.”

Two teams, two new leaders, and two fan bases waiting anxiously to see whether these daring appointments will bring fresh life—or fresh frustration—as baseball marches toward 1910.