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amead17 · 11-26-2025, 11:51 AM

SPORTING TIMES — April 14th, 1911
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

HIGHLANDERS FALL TO 0–3 AS PIATT INJURED IN RELIEF DEBUT

New York Pitcher Out Several Months After Painful Bicep Tear

Philadelphia, Pa. — The grim opening to the New York Highlanders’ season worsened this afternoon as the club dropped its third straight contest, falling 6–2 to the Philadelphia Athletics, while suffering a worrying injury to relief pitcher Wiley Piatt.

The Highlanders were forced into emergency measures almost from the outset. Jim Scott, the scheduled starter, exited in the first inning with a minor ailment, and though Rube Kisinger carried the burden into the sixth, he yielded five hits and five runs, leaving New York mired in trouble.

Into this difficult circumstance stepped Piatt, making his first appearance of the year—and notably, his first from the bullpen after losing his starting role during spring training. He recorded two quick outs, poised to halt the Athletics’ rally, when misfortune struck.

While delivering a pitch to his third batter, Piatt abruptly straightened, clutching his arm. His expression alone told the tale. Club medics rushed to him, and after brief examination, determined his afternoon was finished. He was helped slowly from the field as the Philadelphia crowd murmured in sympathy.

Piatt’s official line—0.2 innings, 1 hit, 1 run (scored after his departure)—tells little of the personal disappointment of the day.

Post-game examination brought some relief: the injury, diagnosed as a torn bicep, though serious, will not end his season. Recovery is projected at two to three months, meaning Piatt should return before the campaign closes.

Speaking quietly in the clubhouse, Piatt reflected on the unusual circumstances of his role:

“I’m not accustomed to coming out of the bullpen,” he admitted. “I’ve been a starter my whole life, and perhaps trying to hurry myself into the rhythm of relief pitching is what did me in. I felt that pull the moment the ball left my hand. I’m grateful it’s not worse, and I’ll do everything I can to get back.”

Highlanders manager Alfonso Perez, though frustrated by the club’s early misfortunes, urged patience and resolve:

“This is a hard blow for Wiley and for the club,” Perez said. “But we will steady ourselves. Injuries come to every team, and ours have come early. When Wiley returns, he’ll help us again. Until then, we’ll keep fighting our way back into this season.”

For New York, the road has started rough and steep. But in April, even the most troubled beginnings still hold room for recovery.

11-26-2025, 11:51 AM	#451
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,275	Wiley Piatt injured SPORTING TIMES — April 14th, 1911 By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times HIGHLANDERS FALL TO 0–3 AS PIATT INJURED IN RELIEF DEBUT New York Pitcher Out Several Months After Painful Bicep Tear Philadelphia, Pa. — The grim opening to the New York Highlanders’ season worsened this afternoon as the club dropped its third straight contest, falling 6–2 to the Philadelphia Athletics, while suffering a worrying injury to relief pitcher Wiley Piatt. The Highlanders were forced into emergency measures almost from the outset. Jim Scott, the scheduled starter, exited in the first inning with a minor ailment, and though Rube Kisinger carried the burden into the sixth, he yielded five hits and five runs, leaving New York mired in trouble. Into this difficult circumstance stepped Piatt, making his first appearance of the year—and notably, his first from the bullpen after losing his starting role during spring training. He recorded two quick outs, poised to halt the Athletics’ rally, when misfortune struck. While delivering a pitch to his third batter, Piatt abruptly straightened, clutching his arm. His expression alone told the tale. Club medics rushed to him, and after brief examination, determined his afternoon was finished. He was helped slowly from the field as the Philadelphia crowd murmured in sympathy. Piatt’s official line—0.2 innings, 1 hit, 1 run (scored after his departure)—tells little of the personal disappointment of the day. Post-game examination brought some relief: the injury, diagnosed as a torn bicep, though serious, will not end his season. Recovery is projected at two to three months, meaning Piatt should return before the campaign closes. Speaking quietly in the clubhouse, Piatt reflected on the unusual circumstances of his role: “I’m not accustomed to coming out of the bullpen,” he admitted. “I’ve been a starter my whole life, and perhaps trying to hurry myself into the rhythm of relief pitching is what did me in. I felt that pull the moment the ball left my hand. I’m grateful it’s not worse, and I’ll do everything I can to get back.” Highlanders manager Alfonso Perez, though frustrated by the club’s early misfortunes, urged patience and resolve: “This is a hard blow for Wiley and for the club,” Perez said. “But we will steady ourselves. Injuries come to every team, and ours have come early. When Wiley returns, he’ll help us again. Until then, we’ll keep fighting our way back into this season.” For New York, the road has started rough and steep. But in April, even the most troubled beginnings still hold room for recovery.