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SPORTING TIMES — August 31st, 1913
By Samuel T. Kingsley
Sheckard Reaches Rare Mark as Cardinals Fall in Cincinnati
The St. Louis Cardinals endured another difficult afternoon on the road today, falling 9–7 to the Cincinnati Reds, a defeat that leaves the club at 59–70 for the season. Yet amid the disappointment, there came a moment of quiet distinction for veteran outfielder Jimmy Sheckard, who recorded the 500th stolen base of his long career.
The milestone came in the midst of a trying contest for both club and player. Sheckard went 0-for-2 at the plate but drew a walk and made the most of it. After reaching first, he promptly stole second base before coming home on a triple by Frank LaPorte, accounting for one of the Cardinals’ seven tallies.
Though the season has been a trying one for the seasoned right fielder, the achievement stands as a testament to his long service and enduring instincts on the base paths. Sheckard is batting .193 on the year across 121 starts, well below his career mark of .271, which he has compiled since beginning his major league journey in 1897. He has worn a St. Louis uniform since 1904.
“I’ve never measured my days by the hard ones alone,” Sheckard said quietly after the game. “To reach a mark like this reminds a man why he’s stayed in the game so long.”
Cardinals manager David Stevens offered praise despite the defeat. “Jimmy’s been through more seasons than most men can count,” he said. “That stolen base is a fine achievement, and it shows the heart he still brings to this club, no matter how the year has gone.”
Though the Cardinals continue to labor in the standings, the afternoon offered a small but worthy chapter in the long and steady career of one of the game’s most enduring figures.
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