OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 12-01-2025, 11:59 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — September 21, 1911
By Charles H. Wentworth

OLDLING LOST FOR THE SEASON AS PHILLIES FALL IN CHICAGO

Star Centre Fielder Suffers Serious Elbow Injury in Pinch-Hit Appearance

Chicago, Ill., Sept. 21 — It was a bitter afternoon for the Philadelphia Phillies and most of all for their 27-year-old centre fielder, Rube Oldring, whose campaign came to an abrupt and painful halt during today’s dispiriting 10–4 defeat at the hands of the lowly Chicago Cubs. The loss drops Philadelphia to a record of 76–64, but the greater blow may be the one dealt to Oldring’s future.

Called upon in the top of the seventh to bat in place of pitcher Chet Hoff, Oldring delivered the base hit asked of him. Yet as he reached first, something was visibly amiss. The usually sure-armed outfielder clutched at his elbow, grimacing, and before the inning could progress he was erased from the basepaths as Heinie Zimmerman rolled into a double play at second and first. Oldring departed the field quickly, offering no explanation at the time.

What followed after the game cast a long shadow over the Phillies’ clubhouse. Club officials confirmed that Oldring had suffered a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. Physicians advised prompt surgical repair, which the team intends to pursue within the next few days. The operation, though necessary, brings Oldring’s season to an unquestionable close — and with a projected recovery of eleven months, it threatens to erase much of next year as well.

Oldring’s 1911 performance, marked by 62 starts and 96 overall appearances for a .273 batting average, had been a steadying presence for a club seeking reliability from its outfield corps. His career, punctuated by fits of promise and unfortunate setbacks, now faces one of its sternest tests.

The young outfielder, his arm bound and resting in a sling, spoke briefly before boarding the team train.

“I felt something give the moment I swung,” Oldring said quietly. “I’ve fought hard to keep my place on this club, and this is a hard thing to swallow. But I’ll take the treatment, do the work, and come back as strong as a man can.”

Manager Emmanuel Saavedra, though visibly frustrated by the day’s events, offered his support.

“This is a cruel game sometimes,” Saavedra remarked. “Rube has worked himself into the backbone of this team, and losing him now hurts us deeply. But he’s a determined fellow. We’ll stand by him through the surgery and the long road back.”

For the Phillies, the loss to Chicago stings — but the loss of Oldring may echo far longer. The club now finishes out the season with a sizable hole in center field and a greater one in spirit.

12-01-2025, 11:59 AM	#483
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,275	THE SPORTING TIMES — September 21, 1911 By Charles H. Wentworth OLDLING LOST FOR THE SEASON AS PHILLIES FALL IN CHICAGO Star Centre Fielder Suffers Serious Elbow Injury in Pinch-Hit Appearance Chicago, Ill., Sept. 21 — It was a bitter afternoon for the Philadelphia Phillies and most of all for their 27-year-old centre fielder, Rube Oldring, whose campaign came to an abrupt and painful halt during today’s dispiriting 10–4 defeat at the hands of the lowly Chicago Cubs. The loss drops Philadelphia to a record of 76–64, but the greater blow may be the one dealt to Oldring’s future. Called upon in the top of the seventh to bat in place of pitcher Chet Hoff, Oldring delivered the base hit asked of him. Yet as he reached first, something was visibly amiss. The usually sure-armed outfielder clutched at his elbow, grimacing, and before the inning could progress he was erased from the basepaths as Heinie Zimmerman rolled into a double play at second and first. Oldring departed the field quickly, offering no explanation at the time. What followed after the game cast a long shadow over the Phillies’ clubhouse. Club officials confirmed that Oldring had suffered a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. Physicians advised prompt surgical repair, which the team intends to pursue within the next few days. The operation, though necessary, brings Oldring’s season to an unquestionable close — and with a projected recovery of eleven months, it threatens to erase much of next year as well. Oldring’s 1911 performance, marked by 62 starts and 96 overall appearances for a .273 batting average, had been a steadying presence for a club seeking reliability from its outfield corps. His career, punctuated by fits of promise and unfortunate setbacks, now faces one of its sternest tests. The young outfielder, his arm bound and resting in a sling, spoke briefly before boarding the team train. “I felt something give the moment I swung,” Oldring said quietly. “I’ve fought hard to keep my place on this club, and this is a hard thing to swallow. But I’ll take the treatment, do the work, and come back as strong as a man can.” Manager Emmanuel Saavedra, though visibly frustrated by the day’s events, offered his support. “This is a cruel game sometimes,” Saavedra remarked. “Rube has worked himself into the backbone of this team, and losing him now hurts us deeply. But he’s a determined fellow. We’ll stand by him through the surgery and the long road back.” For the Phillies, the loss to Chicago stings — but the loss of Oldring may echo far longer. The club now finishes out the season with a sizable hole in center field and a greater one in spirit.