Notes from history

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SPORTING TIMES — October 6th, 1913
By George F. Winthrop and Arthur H. Leland

Senators and Superbas Set Their Sights on the World Series

With the final out of the regular season now recorded, the stage is set for a grand autumn contest, as the Washington Senators and Brooklyn Superbas turn their full attention toward the approaching World Series.

For Washington, this marks their second appearance on the game’s greatest stage, having previously claimed the championship in 1910. The Senators arrive with confidence built largely upon the strength of their pitching staff. Willie Mitchell, Smokey Joe Williams, and Eddie Cicotte have formed a formidable rotation throughout the campaign, giving the club steady hands on the mound. Offensively, the Senators have relied less on individual brilliance and more on collective effort, though men such as Buck Herzog and Jim Doyle remain ever capable of delivering in the game’s most pressing moments.

Manager Chase Stone spoke with quiet confidence as preparations begin. “We’ve come this far by playing sound, honest baseball,” he said. “Our pitchers have carried us when needed, and our bats have answered in their turn. The club is ready for what lies ahead.”

For the Brooklyn Superbas, the coming series will mark their first appearance in a World Series, a notable achievement for a club that has leaned heavily on its powerful batting order. The lineup boasts dangerous sticks in Joe Jackson, Jack Meyers, Johnny Evers, and Ed Konetchy, giving Brooklyn one of the most feared offensive assemblies in the game. The pitching staff, while less heralded, will be led by rookie John Donaldson, alongside Grover Cleveland Alexander and Ray Keating.

Superbas manager Ned Hanlon expressed both pride and resolve. “These men have earned their place,” said Hanlon. “We know where our strength lies, and we’ll trust it. The World Series is no place for hesitation.”

Elsewhere, the close of the regular season brought a modest but notable milestone. Mike Cunningham of the Detroit Tigers finished the year with 19 saves, pushing his career total to 41, the highest mark ever recorded.

With league play now complete, all eyes now turn toward the championship ahead, where two worthy clubs will meet to decide the supremacy of the baseball world.

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SPORTING TIMES — October 16th, 1913
By Samuel T. Kingsley and Charles H. Wentworth

Brooklyn Crowned Champions as Superbas Capture First World’s Title

The World Series is now written into the record books, and the Brooklyn Superbas stand proudly as champions for the first time, having defeated the Washington Senators by four games to two in a hard-fought and memorable contest.

The series opened with promise for Washington, whose pitching carried them to victory on their home ground in the opening game. That early advantage, however, was swiftly erased as the Brooklyn bats came alive in Games Two, Three, and Four, giving the Superbas a commanding three-games-to-one hold on the series. The Senators rallied admirably in the fifth contest, clawing back a victory behind determined pitching, but Brooklyn would not be denied. The Superbas closed matters decisively in Game Six to claim the championship.

The hero of the series was undoubtedly Grover Cleveland Alexander, whose work from the mound proved decisive. Alexander finished the contest with a 1–1 record, including a masterful shutout in Game Two and a narrow 1–0 defeat in Game Five. Across his two appearances he posted a remarkable 0.50 earned run average, anchoring Brooklyn’s march to glory.

Offensively, the spotlight fell unexpectedly upon Charlie Irwin, the 44-year-old veteran who turned back the years with a splendid showing at the plate. Irwin batted .333, collecting seven hits in twenty-one trips, and drove in two runs, providing timely production when it mattered most. The remainder of the Brooklyn order also played its part, delivering contributions at key moments throughout the series. Closing duties were handled superbly by Larry Cheney, who claimed three victories by sealing tight contests late in games.

Manager Ned Hanlon, clearly moved by the achievement, said afterward, “These men earned every inch of this triumph. They played with heart, patience, and belief, and when the moment came, they answered it.”

For Washington, the disappointment was keenly felt. Their pitching staff battled bravely, but the bats could not provide the necessary support. Smokey Joe Williams did his utmost, finishing the series at 1–1 with a 1.50 ERA, yet he could not influence the contests in which he did not appear. Offensively, the Senators struggled to find rhythm, with only Luke Boone and Spottswood Poles managing to offer consistent resistance.

Williams reflected soberly after the final out, saying, “We gave what we had, but baseball can be a hard master. Some days it gives, some days it takes.”
Manager Chase Stone echoed the sentiment, remarking, “Our men fought to the end, but Brooklyn earned this crown. We’ll take the lessons and be stronger for it.”

Thus ends the 1913 campaign, with Brooklyn crowned champions and both clubs already casting their eyes toward the seasons yet to come.

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SPORTING TIMES — October 17th, 1913
By Arthur H. Leland

Brooklyn Turns the Page as Superbas, Become the Robins

Though the 1913 season has now passed into the record books, the game of base ball shows no sign of standing still. Fresh from their triumph atop the sporting world, the club of Brooklyn has already taken its next step forward, announcing a new identity to accompany its recent success.

In the wake of their World Series triumph, the organization has elected to change its name once more. Henceforth, the Brooklyn Superbas will be known as the Brooklyn Robins, a decision made with both ambition and opportunity in mind. The club’s owners, buoyed by the glory of a championship season, believe the new name will help carry the club into an even brighter future.

Whether the public will take to the new title with the same warmth shown to the champions themselves remains to be seen. Yet there is little doubt that the club presently sits atop the base ball world, and intends to use that lofty position to strengthen both its standing on the field and its fortunes beyond the gate.

Manager Ned Hanlon, speaking on the change, said, “This club has earned the right to look ahead with confidence. The name may be new, but the spirit that brought us a championship will remain the same.”

Thus, as the curtain falls on the 1913 campaign, Brooklyn turns the page once more—champions today, and now, the Robins of tomorrow.

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SPORTING TIMES — October 17th, 1913
By George F. Winthrop

Changes at the Helm as Off-Season Brings New Faces to Lead Two Clubs

The close of the playing season has ushered in its usual air of change, and today the shifting winds have reached the managerial offices of the major leagues. Two well-known clubs will enter the winter months in search of new leadership, following the departures of respected and long-serving men from their posts.

In Philadelphia, the Athletics must now look ahead without D. J. Hiatt, who has elected to step away from the game at the age of 64. The decision was his own, bringing to a close a three-year tenure at the helm of the club. During that time, Hiatt guided the Athletics to finishes of third, fifth, and fifth place—results that, while short of championship glory, provided a steady foundation for those who will follow.

Hiatt departs the game with distinction, having also been part of championship success earlier in his career as a bench coach with the New York Giants during their World Series triumphs in 1906 and 1907. Speaking on his decision, Hiatt said, “Base ball has given me more than I could ever ask, but the time has come for me to enjoy the quieter things in life and spend time with my family. I leave with gratitude and good memories.”

Meanwhile, change also arrives in New York, where the Giants will be seeking a new manager after failing to reach terms with long-time skipper George Davis. Davis closes a remarkable 14-year chapter with the club, one marked by both trials and triumphs, most notably three World Series championships in 1906, 1907, and 1912. His final campaign saw the Giants finish in fourth place.

Reflecting on his departure, Davis expressed both disappointment and grace, saying, “I regret that I could not continue with the club, but I wish the Giants nothing but success in the years ahead.”

Thus, as the winter settles in, two proud organizations turn the page, their futures resting in the hands of new leadership yet to be named.

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SPORTING TIMES — October 17th, 1913
By Charles H. Wentworth

Delahanty Bids Farewell as a Generation Begins to Pass

With the arrival of the off-season, the familiar sound of farewell once again echoes through the grandstands of base ball. Each autumn brings its share of retirements, yet this year one name rises above all others and commands the full attention of the sporting world.

At 45 years of age, Ed Delahanty has announced his retirement, bringing to a close one of the longest and most distinguished careers the game has known. His departure marks the end of a remarkable 26-year journey that spanned 2,928 games and left an indelible mark upon the sport.

Delahanty first took the field with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1888, beginning a career that would soon see him move to the Cleveland Spiders in 1890. He returned to Philadelphia in 1891, remaining there until 1903 before crossing the city to join the Athletics at the start of the 1904 campaign. It was there that he would finish his playing days, remaining a central figure in the club’s fortunes for nearly a decade.

Across those many seasons, Delahanty compiled a towering record: a lifetime batting average of .325, 190 home runs, 1,865 runs batted in, and 1,954 runs scored. His excellence was matched by achievement, as he played a vital role in World Series triumphs in 1904 and 1905, and was further honored with the National League’s Most Valuable Player award in 1902.

While Delahanty’s retirement stands foremost, he is not alone in stepping away from the game this autumn. Also laying down their spikes are Bill Bradley, Joe Dolan, Charlie Irwin, Dan McGann, Danny Murphy, Elmer Smith, Earl Moore, George Mullin, Doc Newton, Roy Patterson, Jack Pfiester, and Frank Smith.

Together, their departures mark the close of an era, as the game turns once more toward the future, shaped by new hands but forever indebted to those who built its past.

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SPORTING TIMES — October 27th, 1913
By Samuel T. Kingsley

New Hands Take the Helm as Giants and Athletics Turn the Page

With the old guard now fading into the background, the game once more turns its gaze toward the future. For the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Athletics, that future begins with new leadership at the head of their clubs, as both organizations have formally announced new managers to guide them into the coming seasons.

The Giants were the first to make their move, unveiling General Stafford as the new steward of their club. Stafford last held a managerial post with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he served from 1908 through 1911. While his tenure there never yielded a finish higher than seventh place, the Giants’ faithful will be hoping that a change of scenery brings renewed fortune. The appointment has been met with mixed feelings among supporters, many of whom question the direction the club is now taking.

“I understand the doubts that some may carry,” Stafford said upon his introduction. “But I would not have accepted this position if I did not believe I could guide this club forward. The Giants have proud traditions, and I intend to prove that I am equal to the task before me.”

The Philadelphia Athletics, meanwhile, took a more deliberate path before naming their new leader. After what the club described as a thorough and careful search, they have turned to a familiar and experienced figure in Frank Selee. Selee brings with him a long managerial history, having guided the Boston Beaneaters from 1890 to 1904 and later the Detroit Tigers from 1907 through 1911.

His time in Boston was marked by notable success, though all of his championships came prior to the formation of the modern major leagues in 1901. His later years in Detroit were less fruitful, with the club never finishing higher than fourth place. Even so, Athletics supporters are hopeful that the wisdom gained from decades in the game will serve the club well.

“I have seen this game from many angles and in many eras,” Selee remarked. “What I bring is experience, patience, and a belief that sound base ball, played the right way, will always find success.”

As the winter months settle in, both clubs now look toward renewal, trusting that these new hands at the helm can steer them toward brighter days in the seasons to come.

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SPORTING TIMES — October 31st, 1913
By Arthur H. Leland

Baseball Honors Its Finest at Annual Awards Dinner

Last evening in New York, the baseball world gathered for its annual celebration of excellence, as the game’s finest performers of the 1913 season were formally recognized at the yearly players’ awards dinner. From dominant hurlers to tireless batsmen, the evening served as a fitting close to another memorable campaign.

American League Honors

The American League Most Valuable Player Award was claimed by Tris Speaker of the Cleveland Naps, whose brilliant season left opposing pitchers with little relief. Speaker collected 148 hits, including 30 doubles and 25 triples, while driving in 48 runs and crossing the plate 81 times. His efforts earned him 8 of the 16 first-place votes and a total of 181 points.

Nap Lajoie of the Philadelphia Athletics finished second in the voting, while Willie Mitchell of the Washington Senators placed third.

AL MVP Voting Results

Tris Speaker (Cleveland Naps) – 8 first-place votes, 181 points

Nap Lajoie (Philadelphia Athletics) – 1, 138

Willie Mitchell (Washington Senators) – 6, 133

Beals Becker (Detroit Tigers) – 1, 114

Burt Shotton (New York Yankees) – 108

Hans Lobert (St. Louis Browns) – 63

Buck Herzog (Washington Senators) – 61

Dode Paskert (Detroit Tigers) – 52

Stuffy McInnis (Philadelphia Athletics) – 24

Reb Russell (Washington Senators) – 19

Jake Daubert (Detroit Tigers) – 16

Sam Crawford (Chicago White Sox) – 13

Earl Yingling (Boston Red Sox) – 11

Eddie Cicotte (Washington Senators) – 6

Mike Mitchell (Washington Senators) – 2

Jeff Tesreau (Philadelphia Athletics) – 2

Zack Wheat (Detroit Tigers) – 1

The AL Pitcher of the Year award went unanimously to Willie Mitchell of the Washington Senators, who fashioned a superb 29–12 record with a sterling 1.73 earned run average across 349⅓ innings. Opposing batters managed only a .201 average against him.

Reb Russell of Washington finished second, followed by Earl Yingling of Boston.

AL Pitcher Voting

Willie Mitchell (Washington Senators) – 16 first-place votes, 112 points

Reb Russell (Washington Senators) – 56

Earl Yingling (Boston Red Sox) – 46

Eddie Cicotte (Washington Senators) – 25

Jeff Tesreau (Philadelphia Athletics) – 21

Charles Bender (Chicago White Sox) – 12

The American League Rookie of the Year was claimed by Earl Yingling of the Boston Red Sox, who enjoyed a remarkable debut season. Yingling posted a 22–19 record across 39 starts, throwing 357⅔ innings with a 2.44 ERA.

Reb Russell and Joe Connolly rounded out the voting.

AL Rookie Voting

Earl Yingling (Boston Red Sox) – 4 first-place votes, 54 points

Reb Russell (Washington Senators) – 7, 52

Joe Connolly (Cleveland Naps) – 5, 38

National League Honors

In the National League, Joe Jackson of the Brooklyn Robins stood head and shoulders above the rest, capturing the Most Valuable Player Award in unanimous fashion. The 26-year-old dazzled with a .411 batting average, a .478 on-base percentage, 239 hits, 51 doubles, 16 triples, 6 home runs, 126 runs batted in, and 112 runs scored.

“I didn’t expect to hit .411 this year, that’s for sure,” Jackson remarked modestly after the announcement.

NL MVP Voting

Joe Jackson (Brooklyn Robins) – 16 first-place votes, 224 points

Ty Cobb (Philadelphia Phillies) – 140

Jack Meyers (Brooklyn Robins) – 122

Frank Baker (St. Louis Cardinals) – 97

Honus Wagner (Pittsburgh Pirates) – 90

Buck Weaver (Boston Braves) – 77

Gavvy Cravath (Boston Braves) – 61

Heinie Zimmerman (Philadelphia Phillies) – 61

Ed Konetchy (Brooklyn Robins) – 21

Wally Schang (St. Louis Cardinals) – 21

Tommy Leach (Pittsburgh Pirates) – 15

Art Fletcher (Boston Braves) – 11

Hurley McNair (Brooklyn Robins) – 3

Dots Miller (New York Giants) – 1

The National League Pitcher of the Year award went to Hooks Wiltse of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who posted a remarkable 26–6 record with a 2.11 ERA across 37 starts. He earned 9 first-place votes. John Donaldson of Brooklyn finished second, with Babe Adams of Boston third.

NL Pitcher Voting

Hooks Wiltse (Pittsburgh Pirates) – 9 first-place votes, 80 points

John Donaldson (Brooklyn Robins) – 6, 79

Babe Adams (Boston Braves) – 1, 53

Lefty Tyler (Chicago Cubs) – 38

Grover Cleveland Alexander (Brooklyn Robins) – 12

Rube Marquard (Boston Braves) – 10

The National League Rookie of the Year honor went to Buck Weaver of the Boston Braves, whose fine first campaign included a .301 batting average, 6 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 113 runs scored.

NL Rookie Voting

Buck Weaver (Boston Braves) – 14 first-place votes, 76 points

Wally Schang (St. Louis Cardinals) – 2, 48

George Burns (New York Giants) – 20

With the awards now handed out, the 1913 season passes into history—one marked by brilliance on the diamond and the emergence of stars who will shape the game for years to come.

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SPORTING TIMES — December 12th, 1913
By George F. Winthrop

Quiet Winter Sees Few Deals as Clubs Move Cautiously

The winter months have settled in, and with them a notably restrained pace across the base-ball landscape. Unlike past off-seasons filled with wheeling and dealing, this year’s market has moved slowly, with only three trades completed as clubs weigh their options carefully ahead of the new campaign.

The first transaction came on November 5th, when the Boston Braves sent 25-year-old right-hander Bill Steen to the New York Giants in exchange for 24-year-old right-hander Hugh Bedient. Steen appeared in five starts last season, posting a 2–1 record with a 5.91 earned run average. Bedient, meanwhile, worked far more frequently, finishing the year at 15–18 with a 3.25 ERA.

On November 17th, the St. Louis Browns and Detroit Tigers completed a deal of their own. The Browns parted with 24-year-old right-hander Willie Jensen, receiving 31-year-old right-hander Mike Cunningham in return. Cunningham proved a steady arm last season, going 7–4 while recording 19 saves and a 3.35 ERA across 76 relief appearances.

The most recent movement came on November 23rd, when the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies reached an agreement. Chicago sent 24-year-old third baseman Alex McCarthy and 24-year-old left-hander Buck Stanley to Philadelphia in exchange for 33-year-old third baseman Jimmy Austin. Austin enjoyed a productive campaign, batting .331 over 30 starts and 78 games in total, while McCarthy appeared in 151 contests and finished the year with a .232 average.

With winter now firmly set in, clubs appear content to wait and weigh their options. Whether this quiet spell holds or gives way to late movement remains to be seen as the baseball world prepares for the coming spring.

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SPORTING TIMES — December 13th, 1913
By Charles H. Wentworth

Draft Approaches as Clubs Weigh Promise and Promise Alone

With the annual draft now close at hand, the game’s future once more takes centre stage as prospects from across the land gather for the yearly Draft Combine. Club executives and scouts have assembled in earnest, notebooks in hand, studying which young men may soon be ready to wear big-league flannels.

This year’s class presents an intriguing mix, particularly on the mound. Several pitchers are regarded as ready to step directly into major league service, most notably Rube Bressler, Ben Tincup, Guy Morton, and Mellie Wolfgang. Each is viewed as capable of immediate contribution. Also drawing interest is Larry Gilbert, a relief pitcher whose skill set may suit clubs seeking late-inning stability.

Among the position players, only one is widely considered prepared to start at once. George Burns, a 20-year-old first baseman, is viewed as the most polished bat in the group and could strengthen any club fortunate enough to secure his services.

Beyond the immediate contributors, several longer-term prospects have caught the trained eye. Centre fielders Harry Heilmann and Elmer Smith are both seen as players of considerable potential, provided patience is afforded their development. Another name drawing quiet interest is first baseman Joe Harris, who many believe could one day blossom into a fine ballplayer.

Yet the greatest curiosity of all belongs to an 18-year-old from Baltimore by the name of Babe Ruth. Listed as a pitcher, Ruth has left scouts divided. Some see him as a middle-round arm with modest expectations, while others whisper of something more. Though raw at the plate, a few observers believe his swing carries unusual power, and that with proper guidance he could one day become a formidable hitter. Others remain unconvinced, viewing him strictly as a pitcher of limited ceiling.

Into this uncertainty steps Cincinnati Reds manager Patrick Pinnow, whose club holds the first selection in the upcoming draft. With several distinct paths before him—immediate help, long-term promise, or a gamble on raw talent—the decision looms large.

“We’ve got a great deal to think about,” Pinnow said. “There’s talent here in many forms, and our task is to decide which path best serves the club’s future. Whether that means a man ready to help us now or one who needs time to grow, we’ll weigh it carefully.”

As the draft draws nearer, speculation will only grow, and the choices made in the coming days may shape the fortunes of clubs for years to come.

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SPORTING TIMES — December 15th, 1913
By Samuel T. Kingsley

Reds Lead the Way as Draft Day Shapes the Game’s Future

The long-awaited draft has at last been completed, and with it the next generation of professional base ball players has begun its journey toward the grand stage. Clubs across both leagues made their selections with care, hoping to secure talent that may shape fortunes for years to come.

The honour of the first selection fell to the Cincinnati Reds, and they did not hesitate in making their choice. With the opening pick, the Reds selected Harry Heilmann, the highly regarded young centre fielder. Widely viewed as one of the finest prospects in the class, Heilmann is expected to bring immediate strength to the Reds’ outfield and provide a cornerstone for the club’s future.

Reds manager Patrick Pinnow spoke confidently of the selection, saying, “We believe Harry has the tools and the temperament to help this club right away. He plays the game the right way, and we’re pleased to welcome him into the organisation.”

For his part, Heilmann expressed both gratitude and resolve. “I’m thankful for the opportunity the Reds have given me,” he said. “I aim to work hard and prove I belong at this level.”

With selections now made, attention turns to the weeks ahead, as clubs must secure signed contracts before mid-February to ensure their new men take the field in the coming season.

First Three Rounds of the 1913 Draft

Round 1
Round 1, Pick 1 – Cincinnati Reds: CF Harry Heilmann, age 19
Round 1, Pick 2 – Cleveland Naps: CF Elmer Smith, age 21
Round 1, Pick 3 – St. Louis Cardinals: 1B Joe Harris, age 22
Round 1, Pick 4 – New York Yankees: SP Guy Morton, age 20
Round 1, Pick 5 – Philadelphia Phillies: 1B George Burns, age 20
Round 1, Pick 6 – Boston Red Sox: LF Irish Meusel, age 20
Round 1, Pick 7 – Chicago Cubs: SP Ben Tincup, age 20
Round 1, Pick 8 – Philadelphia Athletics: RF Braggo Roth, age 21
Round 1, Pick 9 – Chicago White Sox: SP Babe Ruth, age 18
Round 1, Pick 10 – St. Louis Browns: LF Walton Cruise, age 23
Round 1, Pick 11 – St. Louis Browns: SP Red Faber, age 25
Round 1, Pick 12 – New York Giants: 2B Marty Kavanagh, age 22
Round 1, Pick 13 – Boston Braves: SP Rube Bressler, age 19
Round 1, Pick 14 – Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Dolf Luque, age 23
Round 1, Pick 15 – Detroit Tigers: SP Mellie Wolfgang, age 23
Round 1, Pick 16 – Washington Senators: 1B Wally Pipp, age 20 (Minnesota State University, Mankato)
Round 1, Pick 17 – Brooklyn Robins: RF Larry Gilbert, age 22

Round 2
Round 2, Pick 1 – Cincinnati Reds: SP Eric Erickson, age 21
Round 2, Pick 2 – Cleveland Naps: SP Pete Schneider, age 18
Round 2, Pick 3 – St. Louis Cardinals: RP Lefty Williams, age 20 (University of Utah)
Round 2, Pick 4 – New York Yankees: SP Dave Davenport, age 23
Round 2, Pick 5 – Philadelphia Phillies: SS Bill Wambsganss, age 19
Round 2, Pick 6 – Boston Red Sox: SP Fritz Coumbe, age 24
Round 2, Pick 7 – Chicago White Sox: SP Red Oldham, age 20
Round 2, Pick 8 – Chicago Cubs: SP Alex Main, age 29
Round 2, Pick 9 – Philadelphia Athletics: SP Joe Oeschger, age 21
Round 2, Pick 10 – Chicago White Sox: RP Eddie Matteson, age 29
Round 2, Pick 11 – St. Louis Browns: RP Johnny Enzmann, age 23
Round 2, Pick 12 – New York Giants: SP Dick Whitworth, age 18
Round 2, Pick 13 – Boston Braves: SP Elmer Jacobs, age 21
Round 2, Pick 14 – Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Gerardo Ballesteros, age 18
Round 2, Pick 15 – Detroit Tigers: SS Wally Gerber, age 22
Round 2, Pick 16 – Washington Senators: SS Everett Scott, age 21
Round 2, Pick 17 – Brooklyn Robins: SP Rankin Johnson, age 25

Round 3
Round 3, Pick 1 – Cincinnati Reds: SP Charlie Schmutz, age 22
Round 3, Pick 2 – Cleveland Naps: SP Paul Carter, age 19
Round 3, Pick 3 – St. Louis Cardinals: RF Jim Kelly, age 29
Round 3, Pick 4 – New York Yankees: RP Allen Sothoron, age 20
Round 3, Pick 5 – Philadelphia Phillies: 3B Ivan Howard, age 31
Round 3, Pick 6 – Boston Red Sox: SP Paul Fittery, age 26
Round 3, Pick 7 – Chicago Cubs: RP Erv Kantlehner, age 21
Round 3, Pick 8 – Philadelphia Athletics: SS Fred McMullin, age 22
Round 3, Pick 9 – Chicago White Sox: SP Dick Crutcher, age 24
Round 3, Pick 10 – St. Louis Browns: RP Sam Jones, age 21
Round 3, Pick 11 – New York Giants: 2B Hal Irelan, age 23
Round 3, Pick 12 – Boston Braves: 1B Walter Holke, age 20
Round 3, Pick 13 – Pittsburgh Pirates: RP Stan Baumgartner, age 19
Round 3, Pick 14 – Detroit Tigers: SP Ross Reynolds, age 26
Round 3, Pick 15 – Washington Senators: 3B Johnny Rawlings, age 21
Round 3, Pick 16 – Brooklyn Robins: SP Abe Bowman, age 20

With selections complete, attention now turns to the negotiating table, where clubs will seek to secure their chosen men before the winter gives way to another spring of base ball.

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SPORTING TIMES — January 31st, 1914
By Arthur H. Leland

Trade Market Awakens After Draft as Clubs Shift Their Pieces

With the draft safely entered into the record books, the base ball trade market, long quiet through the early winter, burst suddenly into activity. Clubs across the leagues moved with purpose, seeking by trade what the draft board could not provide, and positioning themselves for the coming campaign.

The first movement came on December 16th, 1913, when the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Browns exchanged reserve material yet to see service at the top level. Detroit sent 23-year-old centre fielder Leo Callahan and 20-year-old left-handed pitcher Charlie Boardman to St. Louis, receiving 31-year-old right-hander Ad Lankford in return.

Five days later, on December 21st, the Browns were again involved, this time dealing 30-year-old right-hander Pat Ragan to the Chicago Cubs. In exchange, St. Louis acquired 23-year-old third baseman Ray Bates and 19-year-old first baseman Sam Covington. Ragan carried with him a heavy workload from last season, posting a 10–25 record with a 4.63 earned run average across 37 starts and 47 appearances.

Christmas Eve saw another notable exchange, as the Cubs sent 23-year-old left fielder Elmer Miller to the Tigers. Chicago received veteran right-hander Russ Ford, aged 30, along with 17-year-old left fielder Merito Acosta. Ford had been steady a year ago, finishing with a 12–10 mark, a 3.54 earned run average, and 31 total appearances.

As the year closed, the Philadelphia Athletics entered the market. On December 28th, they dealt 23-year-old right fielder Ernie Walker to the Cincinnati Reds, bringing back 30-year-old centre fielder Rebel Oakes, who appeared in 117 games last season and batted .273.

The new year brought further movement between the same clubs. On January 1st, 1914, Philadelphia sent 23-year-old first baseman Harry Williams to Cincinnati in exchange for 35-year-old catcher Charlie Graham. Williams struggled at the plate last season, hitting .198 over limited starts, while Graham appeared in 21 games and finished with a .235 average.

Mid-January again saw the St. Louis Browns active, as on January 12th they traded 28-year-old third baseman Todd Allen and 22-year-old catcher Hank Severeid to the Brooklyn Robins. In return, St. Louis received 28-year-old centre fielder Shano Collins, who batted .229 across 92 games last year. Allen had been productive in limited duty, hitting .333 in 48 games.

The most recent transaction came on January 14th, when the Cincinnati Reds sent 30-year-old right fielder Johnny Bates to Brooklyn. The Reds received 23-year-old catcher Ernie Krueger and 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Dizzy Dismukes. Bates had been an everyday man a season ago, appearing in 151 games and posting a .278 batting average.

Thus, as January draws to a close, the calm of the early winter has given way to steady maneuvering, and clubs now turn their attention toward spring, hopeful that these exchanges will bear fruit when the new season begins.

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SPORTING TIMES — February 13th, 1914
By George F. Winthrop

Draft Signing Deadline Passes With Costly Bonuses and Notable Holdouts

The deadline for clubs to secure the signatures of their newly drafted prospects has come and gone, and with it has arrived both satisfaction and surprise throughout the base ball world.

While the majority of prized selections were successfully brought under contract, the process did not conclude without incident. A number of clubs failed to come to terms with drafted men, and the cost of securing young talent continued its steady climb. This year saw a marked increase in signing bonuses, with several players surpassing the $1,000 mark. The largest of all was awarded to Harry Heilmann of the Cincinnati Reds, who secured a bonus of $2,830, setting the high-water mark for this class.

Reds manager Patrick Pinnow, speaking on the club’s investment, said, “We believe Heilmann is a player worth every dollar, and we are pleased to have him committed to the Reds as we look to the future.”

Heilmann, for his part, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am grateful for the confidence the Reds have shown in me and eager to prove myself worthy of it on the field.”

Elsewhere around the leagues, notable signings included Elmer Smith with the Cleveland Naps for $2,460, Guy Morton with the New York Yankees for $1,960, and Irish Meusel joining the Boston Red Sox on a $1,790 agreement. The St. Louis Browns secured both Walton Cruise at $1,770 and Red Faber at $1,650, while the Chicago Cubs reached terms with Ben Tincup for $1,730. Additional signings saw Joe Harris with the St. Louis Cardinals at $1,720, Braggo Roth with the Philadelphia Athletics at $1,710, George Burns with the Philadelphia Phillies at $1,550, Marty Kavanagh with the New York Giants at $1,370, and Dolf Luque with the Pittsburgh Pirates at $1,290.

The most startling development of the signing period came from Chicago, where ninth overall selection Babe Ruth declined to sign with the White Sox. The young prospect has elected instead to return to the draft next year, a decision that caught many observers by surprise.

Ruth was not alone in remaining unsigned. Also failing to come to terms were Rube Bressler of the Boston Braves (Round 1), Peter Schneider of the Cleveland Naps (Round 2), Gerardo Ballesteros of the Pittsburgh Pirates (Round 2), Bill Wagner of the Pirates (Round 5), Billy Martin of the New York Yankees (Round 9), and Ferdie Moore of the St. Louis Cardinals (Round 9).

With the deadline now passed, clubs must move forward with the men they have secured, while those left unsigned become a lingering question for the seasons yet to come.

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SPORTING TIMES — March 31st, 1914
By Charles H. Wentworth

Late Spring Trades See Clubs Make Final Adjustments

With the opening of the new base ball season drawing near and spring training camps now well underway, several clubs have made last-minute adjustments in an effort to complete their playing lists. Two late trades, concluded in March, stand as the final notable movements before attention turns fully to the field of play.

The first of these exchanges was completed on March 12th, when the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox came to terms on a multi-player deal. The Yankees sent 30-year-old left-hander Ralph Caldwell, along with 23-year-old left fielder Johnny Johnston and 24-year-old center fielder Hi Myers, to Boston. In return, New York received 26-year-old shortstop Red Corriden.

Caldwell’s recent record shows limited success, as he posted a 1–5 mark across 33 relief appearances last season, accompanied by an earned run average of 5.06. The transaction suggests a desire on both sides to address roster needs before the final bell of the exhibition season.

A second trade followed on March 26th, involving the Cleveland Naps and the Cincinnati Reds. Cleveland parted with 21-year-old second baseman Hal Janvrin, receiving in exchange 34-year-old first baseman Newt Hunter and 24-year-old left fielder Ted Cather. Hunter’s contributions a year ago came largely off the bench, where he recorded a .233 average in 59 pinch-hitting appearances.

As the calendar turns toward Opening Day, these late maneuvers reflect the final calculations of clubs seeking balance and depth. With rosters now largely set, the remaining questions will soon be answered not in the offices, but on the diamond itself.

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SPORTING TIMES — April 13th, 1914
By Samuel T. Kingsley

Sporting Times Forecasts a Season of Change in Both Leagues

As with every new campaign, the Sporting Times again ventures into the uncertain business of prediction, casting an eye over the clubs and players as the 1914 season stands upon the threshold. This year’s outlook suggests a shifting of fortunes in both leagues, with movement up and down the tables that promises a lively summer of base ball.

Our forecast points toward a St. Louis Browns versus New York Giants World Series, a pairing that would mark a notable turn in the balance of power. Whether such a meeting proves prophetic or merely smoke in the wind can only be decided by the long grind of the schedule.

American League Outlook

In the American League, the St. Louis Browns are tipped to finish atop the standings with a predicted record of 90 victories against 64 defeats, driven by sound pitching and steady production throughout the order. Close behind are the Cleveland Naps, followed by a tightly bunched group including the Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators, both forecast to post identical records.

The Browns’ strength is expected to rest heavily upon the arm of José Méndez, who is projected for a commanding season marked by a sub-2.00 earned run average and heavy innings. He is joined among the league’s leading hurlers by Smokey Joe Williams and Willie Mitchell of Washington, Dutch Leonard of Chicago, and Frank Wickware of Boston.

At the plate, Tris Speaker of Cleveland is forecast once more as the league’s most dangerous batsman, combining average, speed, and on-base skill. Support is expected from Sherry Magee in St. Louis, Sam Crawford and Grant Johnson in Chicago, and a deep collection of contributors across the circuit.

Lower in the table, the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Athletics are predicted to face stiffer sledding, with rebuilding efforts reflected in their projected totals.

National League Outlook

Over in the National League, the New York Giants are given a narrow edge, projected to lead the circuit with 87 wins, though the Boston Braves are forecast to press them closely throughout the season. The Brooklyn Robins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals form a strong middle class, each capable of challenging if fortune breaks their way.

The Giants’ anticipated success rests on a powerful offense, with George Burns projected to combine speed and consistency at the top of the order. Across the league, bats such as Ty Cobb in Philadelphia, Eddie Collins and Joe Jackson in Brooklyn, and Gavvy Cravath in Boston are forecast to dominate the hitting columns.

Pitching honors in the senior circuit are expected to be fiercely contested. Grover Cleveland Alexander and John Donaldson of Brooklyn headline a formidable group, alongside Ray Caldwell in Pittsburgh, Babe Adams in Boston, and the Giants’ own staff, with depth and durability standing as decisive factors.

A Season Yet to Be Written

These figures, it must be said, are no more than educated guesses, compiled before a single meaningful pitch has been thrown. Injuries, sudden slumps, and unexpected brilliance have a way of humbling even the most careful prognosticator. Still, if these predictions hold true, the summer of 1914 promises keen races in both leagues and, perhaps, a World Series pairing few would have confidently named a year ago.

As always, the diamond will have the final word.

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SPORTING TIMES — April 14th, 1914
By Arthur H. Leland

Hughes Reaches 300 as Yankees Open Season With Shutout Victory

The New York Yankees could scarcely have asked for a finer opening to their 1914 campaign, as they blanked the Philadelphia Athletics by a score of 2–0 at home today. The victory not only places the Yankees atop the standings at 1–0, but also marked a moment of rare distinction, as veteran right-hander Jay Hughes secured the 300th win of his long and distinguished career.

Before a pleased home crowd, Hughes, long a favorite among the New York faithful, delivered a performance of complete command. From the opening pitch until he departed late in the contest, the 40-year-old scattered just five hits and two walks over 8⅔ innings, yielding no runs and keeping the Athletics’ bats in check throughout. At this earliest juncture of the season, his earned run average naturally stands at 0.00.

The Yankees’ attack provided just enough support for their ace. A run in the opening inning set the tone, and another tally in the seventh proved ample backing for Hughes’ sterling effort on the mound.

Hughes’ milestone victory further burnishes a career that began in 1898 and has seen him wear Yankee colors since 1904. With today’s triumph, his record now stands at 300 wins against 201 losses, accompanied by a career earned run average of 2.75, figures that speak to remarkable longevity and consistency.

“I wasn’t thinking about the number when I took the ball,” Hughes said afterward. “I just wanted to give the club a good start to the season, and I’m glad the arm held up well enough to do that.”

Yankees manager Chris Smith was quick to praise his veteran hurler. “Jay showed today why he’s been such a cornerstone of this club for so many years,” Smith remarked. “Three hundred wins is a tremendous achievement, and there was no better way for him to reach it than by setting the tone for our season on Opening Day.”

With one game in the books and a historic victory secured, the Yankees could hardly have hoped for a more encouraging beginning to the year.

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SPORTING TIMES — April 22nd, 1914
By George F. Winthrop

Naps Take Win From White Sox, but Doak Injury Casts Long Shadow

The Cleveland Naps found the brighter side of their uneven early campaign this afternoon, turning back the Chicago White Sox by a score of 6–1 at home to improve their record to 5–4. Yet the victory was tempered by grave concern, as promising young relief pitcher Bill Doak was lost to injury in the closing stages of the contest.

The game was halted for nearly ninety minutes by rain, with the score knotted at 1–1, before play resumed. Upon the return, Doak was summoned from the bullpen in the sixth inning and promptly steadied matters. The 23-year-old rookie delivered three strong innings, yielding just one hit, and appeared firmly in control until misfortune struck in the ninth.

After delivering a pitch, Doak pulled up sharply and immediately clutched at his shoulder. The club’s trainers rushed to his aid and, after a brief examination, escorted him from the field for further evaluation.

The news after the game was discouraging. Club officials announced that Doak is suffering from shoulder inflammation that will require seven months of recovery, effectively ending his season.

“I felt something go that I knew wasn’t right,” Doak said quietly afterward. “It’s hard to take, especially when things were just starting to come together.”

The setback is a cruel one for the young pitcher, who had only just begun his first full season on the Naps’ roster. Doak had made five appearances, including two starts, compiling a 3–1 record and a fine 1.90 earned run average before the injury halted his progress.

Naps manager Jose Ramirez expressed both disappointment and resolve. “Bill was giving us excellent work, and losing him hurts,” Ramirez said. “But his health comes first, and we’ll make sure he takes the time he needs to come back strong.”

Thus, a solid home victory for Cleveland is accompanied by the sobering reality that one of its brightest young arms will not be heard from again this season.

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SPORTING TIMES — April 28th, 1914
By Charles H. Wentworth

Senators Claim Road Victory, but Moeller Lost to Grave Injury

The Washington Senators, last season’s pennant winners, continued their uneven opening to the new campaign today with a 4–2 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics on the road. While the win nudged Washington to a 7–6 record, the triumph was darkened by a serious injury to right fielder Danny Moeller, whose season has been brought to a sudden halt.

The mishap occurred with Moeller attempting to stretch a hit off the bat of Buck Herzog into a stolen base. As he charged hard for second, the Athletics’ keystone man and the ball arrived at precisely the same moment. What followed was a tangled heap of bodies, limbs, bag, and ball, from which the umpire emerged to signal Moeller out. The out call, however, was of little consequence, for Moeller remained prone on the ground.

Concern spread quickly across the diamond as Moeller failed to rise. Trainers hurried to his side, and after a brief but anxious examination, he was carried from the field, the gravity of the injury immediately apparent.

Moeller had been one of Washington’s brighter bats on the day, finishing 2-for-5, and lifting his early-season average to .214.

The grim confirmation came after the game, when it was announced that Moeller had fractured his kneecap. The injury will require eight to nine months of recovery, ending his season before it had truly begun.

“I was running as hard as I could and then everything just stopped,” Moeller said afterward. “It’s a bitter way for it to end.”

Senators manager Chase Stone spoke with visible disappointment. “Danny’s loss is a heavy one for us,” Stone remarked. “He plays the game the right way, and it pains us all to see him go down like that.”

Thus, a valuable road win for Washington is overshadowed by the sobering loss of a key outfielder, leaving the Senators to press on without him as the long season continues.

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SPORTING TIMES — May 1st, 1914
By Samuel T. Kingsley

Early Pennant Races Bunched Tightly as April Gives Way to May

With the season’s opening contests now behind them and the calendar turning from April to May, the two major leagues find themselves in a state of remarkable congestion, offering early promise of hard-fought pennant races.

The American League presents the most striking picture of parity. Every club is separated by the narrowest of margins, with the entire circuit covered by just one game. The Washington Senators and Chicago White Sox currently share the top rung at 8–7, yet even the New York Yankees, resting at 7–8, remain very much within reach. At so early a stage, no club can be dismissed from contention.

Conditions in the National League are only marginally less compressed. The Pittsburgh Pirates hold a slim one-and-a-half game lead over a closely packed group of four pursuers, an advantage that could vanish in the span of a single series. At the foot of the table, the St. Louis Cardinals have stumbled out of the gate and find themselves four games adrift in last place.

As April closed, individual excellence has already begun to assert itself, with the month’s honors duly awarded.

In the American League, Owen Wilson of the New York Yankees claimed top batting honors by striking for a .368 average, along with three home runs, ten runs batted in, and ten runs scored. On the mound, Fritz Coumbe of the Boston Red Sox was untouchable, posting a 4–1 record and a sparkling 0.88 earned run average, a performance that earned him both Top Pitcher and Rookie distinctions.

The National League saw Jack Fournier of the Chicago Cubs lead all batsmen with a .338 average, four home runs, twelve RBIs, and fourteen runs scored. Pitching honors went to Eddie Plank of the Cincinnati Reds, whose 4–2 record and 1.66 ERA anchored his club, while fellow Red Charlie Schmutz captured Rookie of the Month honors with a 2–1 mark and a 1.19 ERA.

With the standings crowded and form still unsettled, the opening weeks of May promise to bring clarity—or further confusion—to races that have begun in the tightest of fashions.

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SPORTING TIMES — May 18th, 1914
By Arthur H. Leland

Wood’s No-Hit Masterpiece and Crawford Milestone Lift White Sox

The Chicago White Sox, whose season to date has been marked by inconsistency, delivered their most emphatic performance of the campaign this afternoon, blanking the Philadelphia Athletics by a score of 5–0 on the road. The victory squares Chicago’s ledger at 15–15, but the final tally tells only part of a memorable day marked by two notable achievements.

Foremost among them was a pitching exhibition of the highest order from Smokey Joe Wood. The 24-year-old right-hander was in full command from first pitch to last, turning aside every Athletics batter to fashion a no-hit game. Mixing his fastball, curveball, and change with calm assurance, Wood kept Philadelphia’s bats guessing throughout. Only two walks interrupted his otherwise spotless control, while eight strikeouts punctuated a complete-game triumph. With the performance, Wood improves his season mark to 7–1, and his earned run average now stands at a sterling 1.36.

“I felt in rhythm from the very start,” Wood said afterward. “The fellows behind me played sharp ball, and when that happens a pitcher can work with confidence.”

At the plate, the White Sox also found reason to celebrate through Sam Crawford, who reached a significant personal milestone by collecting the 2,500th hit of his career. Crawford finished the day 1 for 5, driving in a run to aid the Chicago cause. His season batting average now rests at .298, while his career mark climbs to .306.

“It’s a number I never thought much about,” Crawford remarked modestly. “I’m glad the hit came in a win and helped the club.”

Manager Clark Griffith was quick to praise both men following the contest. “Wood gave us one of the finest pitching performances you’ll ever see,” Griffith said. “And Crawford has been a steady contributor for a long time. Days like this can steady a club and show what we’re capable of.”

For the White Sox, this decisive victory and its accompanying highlights may yet serve as a turning point in a season that has so far wavered between promise and frustration.

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SPORTING TIMES — May 19th, 1914
By George F. Winthrop

Piatt Reaches 250 Wins as Yankees Claim Extra-Inning Victory

Though no longer a regular fixture in the starting rotation, Wiley Piatt continues to render valuable service to the New York Yankees, and this afternoon his steady hand in relief brought with it a notable personal milestone. The 39-year-old veteran secured the 250th victory of his long career as New York edged the St. Louis Browns, 5–4, in ten innings at home. The triumph moves the Yankees to 14–17 on the season.

Piatt, who began the year with four starts before being used chiefly out of the bullpen, was summoned in the top of the tenth inning with the game still in the balance. Tasked with keeping the Browns at bay and preserving New York’s chance, he worked with the calm efficiency that has long defined his craft. Over just ten pitches, Piatt retired all three batters, inducing harmless grounders and fly balls and setting the stage for the Yankees’ winning rally in the bottom of the frame.

“It was simply a matter of doing my part and trusting the men behind me,” Piatt said afterward. “When you’ve been around this game as long as I have, you learn the value of getting quick outs.”

For the season, Piatt now stands at 1–5, having made four starts and fifteen relief appearances, with an earned run average of 3.75. His career record, spanning many years of faithful service, shows 250 victories against 235 defeats, with a lifetime ERA of 3.40. Since joining the Yankees in 1910, he has been shifted back and forth between rotation and bullpen as the club’s needs have dictated.

Manager Chris Smith spoke warmly of the veteran’s achievement. “Wiley has never complained about his role,” Smith said. “Whether we ask him to start or to come in late, he gives us the same honest effort. Reaching 250 wins is a fine reward for that kind of professionalism.”

On a season still searching for firm footing, the Yankees could take heart from both the victory and the enduring reliability of one of their most seasoned arms.