INDIANS HOLD FIRM IN AMERICAN LEAGUE AS GIANTS CLING TO NATIONAL LEAD
July Passes Without Great Upheaval but Pennant Races Remain Close
By George F. Winthrop
Sporting Times
August 1st 1919
The passing of July brought few singular headlines across the major circuits, yet the steady march of the schedule has done nothing to lessen the keen interest in both pennant races. Each league continues to offer a spirited contest as the clubs push deeper into the summer campaign.
In the American League the Cleveland Indians have succeeded in maintaining their place at the summit while adding modestly to their advantage. Cleveland now holds a margin of four and one-half games over the pursuing Philadelphia Athletics, with the Washington Senators following closely behind at five games off the pace.
At the opposite end of the table, the Chicago White Sox continue to occupy the cellar position. Chicago’s difficulties have left them nineteen and one-half games behind the leaders, and the club remains tasked with the challenge of reversing its fortunes before the season draws toward its close.
The National League once again proved the scene of shifting fortunes throughout July. As the month concluded, the New York Giants held a slender advantage of one and one-half games over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Brooklyn Robins remain very much in the contest at two and one-half games behind, while the Philadelphia Phillies trail by only three games as the struggle among the leaders continues to promise a lively finish.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds have found the climb more difficult. Both clubs now stand fifteen games behind the leading Giants and must look to improved play if they hope to close the distance before the season’s end.
Monthly Honors
American League
Batting distinction for the month falls to Ben Hauser of the Cleveland Indians, who compiled a .301 average while striking five home runs, driving in twenty-seven runs, and crossing the plate nineteen times.
Pitching honors go to Charles Bender of the Chicago White Sox, whose eight victories against two defeats were accompanied by a sharp 1.78 earned run average.
Rookie recognition again belongs to Jimmy Ring of the St. Louis Browns, who posted a record of three victories against two defeats with a 2.50 earned run average.
National League
The leading batsman of July was George Sisler of the Cincinnati Reds, who struck at a .396 pace while adding one home run, twenty-four runs batted in, and seventeen runs scored.
On the mound, Bob Shawkey of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivered a strong performance with a 5–3 record and a 1.62 earned run average.
Rookie distinction goes to Grover Lowdermilk of the Pirates, who fashioned an impressive 6–1 record alongside a 1.91 earned run average.
Thus July closes with the races in both leagues still very much alive, and the coming weeks promise to determine whether the present leaders can maintain their hold or if another challenger may yet rise to claim the pennant.
