SUMMER APPROACHES AS PENNANT RACES TIGHTEN
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
June 1st 1911
With spring fading and the warm breath of summer beginning to sweep across the ballparks of the nation, the 1911 campaign is gathering both speed and intrigue. Standings in both leagues have taken on early shape, and several clubs have already declared themselves contenders—while others continue their search for firm footing.
In the American League, the Chicago White Sox have built a commanding four-game advantage over the resurgent Philadelphia Athletics. The New York Highlanders, playing steady but not spectacular baseball, trail Philadelphia by a game and a half to occupy third place. At the opposite end of the table, the Cleveland Naps remain unsettled and short of victories, sitting two and a half games adrift at the bottom.
Across the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies are proving their early-season success was no fluke. They now hold a one and a half game edge over the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the New York Giants a further two games behind in third. The Chicago Cubs, however, find themselves in stark contrast to their Windy City counterparts. While the White Sox flourish, the Cubs languish—four and a half games behind and owners of the poorest record in the major leagues.
Monthly Awards
American League
Top Batter: Red Murray, Boston Red Sox — .379, 17 runs batted in, 24 runs scored
Top Pitcher: Russ Ford, Detroit Tigers — 6–2, 1.87 ERA
Rookie: George Chalmers, Detroit Tigers — 6–2, 5.20 ERA
National League
Top Batter: Joe Jackson, Brooklyn Dodgers — .422, 1 home run, 20 runs batted in, 28 runs scored
Top Pitcher: Hooks Wiltse, Pittsburgh Pirates — 7–1, 2.35 ERA
Rookie: Gene Krapp, New York Giants — 5–1, 2.93 ERA
As June begins, both leagues promise fierce competition and shifting fortunes. The long season still stretches ahead, but already the contours of a spirited summer race are coming into view.
