Notes from history

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HIGHLANDERS FALL TO NAPS, LOSE PITCHER KISINGER TO INJURY

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

June 8, 1905 – New York – Misfortune continues to stalk the New York Highlanders. On a gray afternoon at Hilltop Park, the club dropped an 8–2 decision to the Cleveland Naps, but the defeat itself may not sting as much as the loss of pitcher Rube Kisinger, who was forced to depart with an ailing arm. The setback leaves New York at 25–23 on the season, still in the thick of the American League race but increasingly battered by ill luck.

Kisinger, a 28-year-old right-hander, had battled gamely through six innings, though the Naps’ bats had begun to wear him down. In the seventh, with the score already against him, he visibly winced mid-delivery, clutching his elbow as though seized by sudden pain. After a brief attempt to loosen the arm proved futile, he summoned the medical staff, who promptly escorted him from the mound.

The outing left Kisinger with an 0–2 record and a 4.12 earned run average from just two starts this season. After the game, the grim news was delivered: the hurler has been diagnosed with elbow inflammation and will be sidelined for two months.

From the clubhouse, Kisinger expressed his disappointment:

“It’s a cruel blow. I’ve worked hard to be ready for this season, and to be stopped so soon is disheartening. Still, I’ll follow the doctors’ orders and do all I can to get back on the hill before the year is through.”

Manager Ismael Garcia voiced both sympathy and resolve:

“Rube is a strong fellow and a willing competitor. To see him come up lame so early is a tough loss for us. But this club has shown heart before, and we’ll find a way to keep pressing on. Injuries are part of the game, and it falls to the rest of the boys to step forward.”

The Highlanders, already coping with the season-ending loss of shortstop Emil Batch, now face the unenviable task of juggling their pitching staff to stay afloat in the pennant chase.

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BOSTON AMERICANS LOSE AGAIN – AND LOSE TED LEWIS TO GRAVE INJURY

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

June 10, 1905 – Boston – Misfortune continues to hound the Boston Americans, whose season has lurched from one setback to another. Yesterday’s contest at the Huntington Avenue Grounds brought yet more ill-tidings: a 5–3 defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Naps, and, far worse, the loss of pitcher Ted Lewis to a serious arm injury. The setback leaves Boston floundering at 19–32, mired at the wrong end of the American League table.

Lewis, the 32-year-old Welshman, was beginning his second inning of work in what had been a scoreless affair. But as he loosed a pitch, he abruptly seized his elbow, grimacing in visible pain. He needed no urging to leave, already walking toward the dugout even as the medical staff rushed to him.

Thus ends, for now, a hard campaign for Lewis, who had compiled a 4–9 record with a 4.33 earned run average. The news after the game was grim: doctors fear a torn ligament in the elbow (UCL), a rare and punishing ailment. Lewis is expected to miss at least a year, perhaps 13 months, though the club prays surgery will not be required.

From the infirmary, Lewis spoke with quiet resignation:

“I knew the moment it went that this was no ordinary pain. It’s cruel, but such is the life of a pitcher. I’ll rest, I’ll mend, and if Providence allows, I’ll take the ball again in time.”

Manager Jimmy Collins struck a somber but determined note:

“Ted is a valued part of this club, and to lose him in this fashion is a blow we scarcely can afford. But this game does not pause for one man. The rest of the staff must shoulder the burden. We’ve been in hard times before, and we’ll not give up now.”

For a club already struggling without their ace Cy Young, the loss of Lewis deepens the gloom. Boston’s faithful can only hope that brighter days lie ahead, though the summer promises to be a stern test.

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ATHLETICS AND CUBS LEAD THE WAY AS PENNANT RACES HEAT UP

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

July 1, 1905 – New York – With the summer sun now bearing down, the baseball campaign is pressing steadily toward its midpoint, and both leagues are beginning to show clear frontrunners in the chase for their respective pennants.

In the American League, the Philadelphia Athletics have distinguished themselves as the side to beat. At 41–26, they enjoy a four-game cushion over the New York Highlanders, with the Cleveland Naps and Chicago White Sox two games further adrift. At the foot of the table, the ever-embattled Washington Senators have sunk below the struggling Boston Americans, reclaiming their familiar spot in the cellar.

Over in the National League, the Chicago Cubs have surged forward, pushing past Pittsburgh to seize a slender lead. Their 42–27 mark puts them a game clear of the Pirates, with the Philadelphia Phillies two and a half games behind in third. At the opposite end, the Brooklyn Superbas appear in disarray, holding the worst record in all of baseball at 21–48, fully 21 games adrift of the front-running Cubs.

Monthly Honors – June

American League

Top Batter: Sam Crawford, Chicago White Sox – .398 average, 3 home runs, 22 runs batted in, 19 runs scored.

Top Pitcher: George Winter, Boston Americans – 5–1, 2.05 earned run average.

Top Rookie: Beany Jacobson, St. Louis Browns – 5–1, 2.51 ERA.

National League

Top Batter: George Browne, Philadelphia Phillies – .344 average, 1 home run, 22 RBIs, 20 runs scored.

Top Pitcher: Frank Smith, Chicago Cubs – 5–1, 1.00 ERA.

Top Rookie: Big Jeff Pfeffer, Chicago Cubs – 3–2, 1.74 ERA.

With half the summer yet to play, much can change. But for now, Philadelphia and Chicago stand tall, each club showing the consistency and strength that mark true contenders. The coming weeks promise to tell whether their challengers have the mettle to close the gap, or whether the pennant races will tilt ever further in favor of today’s leaders.

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MONROE LAID LOW AS BEANEATERS SPLIT HOLIDAY DOUBLEHEADER

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

July 4, 1905 – Brooklyn, N.Y. – Independence Day brought little cheer for the Boston Beaneaters, who endured both defeat and triumph in a doubleheader against the Brooklyn Superbas, but saw shortstop Bill Monroe felled by injury. Brooklyn captured the opener, 6–2, before Boston rallied in the second contest for a narrow 3–2 victory. The split leaves the Beaneaters at 37–36 on the campaign, hovering just above the break-even mark.

The day’s darkest moment came in the nightcap when Monroe, stationed at second base, braced himself to tag out Charlie Irwin attempting to advance. In the ensuing collision, both men crashed to the ground. Irwin sprang up quickly, but Monroe rose slowly, clutching his bare hand in visible pain. Trainers rushed to his side and promptly removed him from the field of play.

Before the mishap, Monroe had fashioned a strong afternoon at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a run scored in the second game after a 1-for-3 showing in the opener. His efforts lifted his season average to .220 across 28 starts and 43 games.

After the contest, the club confirmed the grim news: Monroe had ruptured a tendon in his finger and will be sidelined for three months, effectively ending his summer.

Speaking from the clubhouse, a disappointed Monroe remarked:

“It’s a hard blow, especially on a day when the club battled to even the ledger. I’ll mend as quick as I can, but it pains me to know I’ll not be out there helping the boys for some time.”

Manager Kyle Jackson added his concern but vowed the team would press forward:

“Bill has been a steady hand in the infield and we’ll sorely miss him. Still, baseball offers no pause for misfortune. We’ll call on the next man to step up and carry his share until Monroe can return.”

Thus, what should have been a day of festive baseball proved bittersweet for Boston—a hard-earned victory paired with the loss of a key man in the infield.

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BARRY LAID LOW AS PHILLIES BLANK CARDINALS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

July 12, 1905 – Philadelphia, Pa. – The Philadelphia Phillies fashioned a stout showing before the home crowd this afternoon, shutting out the St. Louis Cardinals by a score of 4–0. All four tallies came in the latter stages, as the club’s bats came alive in the seventh and eighth. The victory lifted the Phillies to a healthy 45–34 record and kept them firm in the chase for the National League crown.

Yet the day was not without misfortune. Shortstop Shad Barry was forced to depart after a jarring collision at second base with Cardinals outfielder Jimmy Sheckard. Standing his ground for the tag, Barry absorbed the brunt of the impact and stayed down while Sheckard quickly regained his feet. Trainers hurried to Barry’s side, and after a brief examination, he was escorted from the field.

Barry’s line on the day showed 0-for-1 with a walk and a reach on error, though his greater loss will be felt in the weeks to come. The club later announced he had suffered a broken hamate bone in his throwing hand, an injury expected to keep him sidelined for two to three months. Barry has been batting .254 on the season.

From the clubhouse, a visibly frustrated Barry spoke to reporters:

“It’s a rotten stroke of luck. A ballplayer never wishes to leave his mates in the lurch, but right now all I can do is heal up and hope to be of use again before the year is done.”

Manager Brian Casto voiced both regret and resolve:

“Shad has been a steady contributor for us, both with the glove and the bat. We’ll surely miss him, but baseball doesn’t stop for injuries. The rest of the boys will have to carry on until he’s fit to return.”

Thus, while the Phillies enjoyed a clean sheet on the scoreboard, the day was marred by the loss of a reliable hand in the infield.

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BRODIE BELTS MILESTONE RBI AS SUPERBAS FALL IN EXTRA FRAMES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

July 14, 1905 – Brooklyn, N.Y. – The Brooklyn Superbas, long mired in the lower reaches of the National League table, at last played with spirit befitting a contender, though they ultimately bowed 8–7 to the mighty Pittsburgh Pirates in a thrilling ten-inning contest.

While the defeat will sting, the afternoon carried a moment of lasting note. Veteran outfielder Steve Brodie drove in the 1000th run of his career, a feat that places him among the steady run-producers of his generation. The milestone came in dramatic fashion, as Brodie launched a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth, his first of the season, knotting the score at seven apiece and sending the Brooklyn faithful into raptures.

Though the Pirates would push across the winning tally in the tenth, the crowd left with a memory of Brodie’s blow. For the day, he finished 1-for-4 with a walk, one run scored, and two runs batted in, raising his season’s ledger to a modest .204 average with one home run.

Brodie, who began his big-league career in 1890 as a 21-year-old and has worn the colors of several clubs, has fashioned a reliable career batting mark of .294. At 36, his durability and knack for timely hitting remain valued assets.

Reflecting on the moment, Brodie said:

“You don’t set out thinking of numbers like that. I’ve just tried to do my part each day. To bring a thousand mates across the plate, that gives me pride, and I only wish today’s hit could’ve carried us to the victory.”

Manager Jason Leach, though disappointed by the result, saluted his veteran:

“Steve’s been in this game a long while, and moments like that show his worth. The season hasn’t gone as we’d hoped, but the fight the boys showed today is the sort that can turn things around.”

The Superbas, even in defeat, offered a reminder that baseball’s long campaign can yet hold surprises.

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QUIET DEADLINE PASSES WITH ONLY MODEST DEALINGS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

July 31, 1905 – The close of July brought with it the customary deadline for trades, though this year the market proved subdued compared with past summers. Still, a handful of transactions were concluded that may yet alter the pennant chases in both circuits.

On July 19th, the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Americans struck an unusual swap of infielders. Philadelphia sent youthful shortstop Harry Aubrey, age 24, to Boston in exchange for seasoned second baseman Hobe Ferris. The 30-year-old Ferris is a hard-nosed player known for his fielding grit, though he has been hitting just .240 with 3 home runs this season. Aubrey, still raw, may yet develop into a steady man for the Americans’ infield.

The Boston Americans remained busy, parting with veteran slugger Buck Freeman on July 24th. Freeman, 33, crossed town to the New York Giants, who will welcome his proven bat – he has been hitting .283 with 2 home runs and 27 runs batted in. In return, Boston received promising right-hander Howie Camnitz, age 23. The young pitcher has much to prove but could be a cornerstone for Boston’s rebuilding efforts.

That same day, the Detroit Tigers dealt their fiery shortstop Kid Elberfeld, 30, to Philadelphia. Elberfeld, hitting a robust .282, brings both batting punch and notorious competitiveness to the Phillies’ infield. Detroit acquired right-hander Doc Scanlan, just 24, who has endured a rough season at 8-16 in 22 starts, though his youth gives hope for improvement.

Finally, on July 30th, the Boston Beaneaters and Washington Senators made an exchange of depth. Boston sent shortstop Lee Tannehill, 24, a capable but light-hitting man with a .214 average, to Washington. In return, the Beaneaters gained two pieces – veteran pitcher Buttons Briggs (13-9, 3.20 ERA) and young outfielder Joe Stanley, 24, who may bolster the club’s depth.

Though the number of trades was few, each deal carries its own intrigue, as managers gamble on fresh talent or veteran steadiness. Whether these moves tilt the balance in the pennant races remains to be seen as August looms.

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ATHLETICS AND PIRATES HOLD LEAD AS JULY CLOSES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

August 1, 1905 – With the calendar now turned to August, the baseball season enters its crucial stretch. The month of July brought twists in both leagues, leaving some clubs ascendant while others struggle to keep pace.

In the American League, the Philadelphia Athletics continue to cling to the top perch with a record of 56–38. Their advantage, however, is a slim one, with the surging New York Highlanders just a single game behind. The Highlanders have shown grit and resolve under new leadership, and their pursuit of the pennant promises to remain a story deep into September. Beyond those two, no other club lies within shouting distance, with the next challenger a full six and a half games adrift. At the bottom, the Washington Senators remain in last place, though they have thus far avoided being wholly cast off from the race.

The National League, by contrast, has seen a more decisive hand. The Pittsburgh Pirates, after briefly ceding ground, reasserted their dominance during July and now command a five-game lead over the Chicago Cubs, with the Philadelphia Phillies lurking only a half-game further back in third. At the other end, the season of woe for the Brooklyn Superbas only deepens, the club now an astonishing 27 and a half games behind the leaders, with little sign of relief in sight.

Monthly Honors
The past month produced its share of standouts. In the American League, Sam Crawford of the Chicago White Sox led all batters, hitting .357 with 3 home runs, 20 runs driven in, and 19 tallies scored. On the mound, the Highlanders were doubly blessed, as Jay Hughes (7-1, 1.93 ERA) earned pitcher of the month, while rookie hurler Ed Ruelbach (4-2, 2.22 ERA) claimed the newcomer’s crown.

In the National League, George Stone of the Boston Beaneaters emerged as the top batsman, striking at a .345 clip with 2 home runs, 16 runs batted in, and 17 tallies. The indomitable Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants once again shone brightest among pitchers, going 6-2 with a 1.97 ERA, while young Irv Young of the Cincinnati Reds impressed all with a 6-1 mark and 2.61 ERA, securing rookie honors.

As the heat of August bears down, the battles for supremacy are far from settled. The Athletics and Highlanders remain locked in a duel, while in the senior circuit, all eyes will watch whether Pittsburgh’s cushion proves enough to carry them safely home.

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ATHLETICS AND PIRATES HOLD THEIR GROUND AS PENNANT RACES CONTINUE

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

September 1, 1905 – With the summer sun beginning to fade and the baseball campaign nearing its final turn, the pace of play in both major leagues slowed in August. Few major stories emerged from the month, yet the standings began to take on a more settled shape as two clubs in particular strengthened their grip on first place.

In the American League, the Philadelphia Athletics rediscovered their earlier form and pulled ahead once more, now holding a five-game lead over the New York Highlanders. The Highlanders continue to fight valiantly under their spirited leadership, but the gap may prove difficult to close as September unfolds. Beyond those two, the rest of the circuit has fallen well off the pace, with no other club within fifteen games of the leaders. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Browns, after a dreadful August, have slipped to the cellar of the standings.

Over in the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates continue to set the standard. Their play through August, though not dominant, was steady enough to maintain a six-game cushion over the chasing Chicago Cubs, while the New York Giants sit another six games adrift in third. For the Brooklyn Superbas, the season is effectively over. Their elimination from contention on August 24th confirmed what many had feared – a campaign gone awry. Now 41½ games behind, the Brooklyn club faces a long winter of rebuilding and reflection.

Monthly Honors
The month’s performances still yielded a few individual bright spots across the leagues.

In the American League, Cy Seymour of the New York Highlanders swung a steady bat, posting a .312 average with 2 home runs, 25 runs batted in, and 15 runs scored, earning him top batting honors. His young teammate Ed Reulbach continued to shine on the mound, claiming both Top Pitcher and Rookie of the Month distinctions with a 6–1 record and 2.73 earned run average.

In the National League, Dan McGann of the St. Louis Cardinals stood out at the plate, hitting .316 with 2 home runs, 14 runs driven in, and 23 tallies scored. His teammate Weldon Henley proved equally valuable from the rubber, winning seven games without a loss and posting a fine 1.57 ERA to earn Pitcher of the Month honors. For the third consecutive month, Irv Young of the Cincinnati Reds captured Rookie of the Month, finishing August 3–3 with a 2.72 ERA and showing promise as one of the league’s most reliable young arms.

With the calendar turning to September, all eyes now rest on the Athletics and Pirates — both clubs within reach of glory but still wary of the dangers that lurk in the season’s final weeks. The pennant may not yet be won, but the road to it has never looked clearer.

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DELAHANTY REACHES 1,500 RBI AS ATHLETICS EDGE BOSTON IN TIGHT CONTEST

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

September 7, 1905 – The Philadelphia Athletics continued their determined march toward a second consecutive American League pennant this afternoon, defeating the Boston Americans 2–1 in a taut and well-fought game at Huntington Avenue Grounds. While the victory kept the Athletics firmly atop the standings at 76–51, the day’s chief story belonged to veteran slugger Ed Delahanty, who reached the 1,500 RBI milestone in his storied career.

Delahanty, who has seen limited playing time this season owing to lingering ailments, made the most of his opportunity in left field. His single in the fourth inning proved decisive — a sharp drive into right-center that sent both Bobby Wallace and Nap Lajoie racing home to score. Those two runs held up as the difference, and Delahanty’s tally placed him among the rare company of baseball’s greatest run-producers.

For the day, Delahanty finished 1-for-3 with two runs batted in, raising his season’s average to .256 through 79 starts and 87 total appearances. The 37-year-old veteran, whose career began in 1888, has long been recognized as one of the game’s purest hitters, entering today’s contest with a lifetime mark of .340. Since joining the Athletics in December 1903, he has continued to lend both skill and leadership to a club intent on repeating its championship triumph.

After the game, Delahanty reflected on the achievement with quiet pride.

“I’ve seen a lot of summers come and go in this game,” he said with a smile. “It’s not the numbers that matter most — it’s being out there helping the club win. Still, I’ll admit it feels good to know I’ve driven home that many for my teammates.”

Athletics manager Chris Smith was quick to praise his veteran outfielder.

“Eddie’s one of those fellows who doesn’t just swing the bat — he understands what a team needs in the moment,” Smith remarked. “That hit today was vintage Delahanty. When we needed a man to come through, he did exactly that.”

With the pennant race entering its final stretch, the Athletics appear to be peaking at the right time. And with Delahanty showing flashes of his old brilliance, Philadelphia’s opponents may find the road ahead a difficult one indeed.

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WILLIE KEELER REACHES 2,500 HITS AS BEANEATERS EDGE SUPERBAS IN LATE RALLY

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

September 20, 1905 – The Boston Beaneaters gave their supporters something to cheer this afternoon at the South End Grounds, rallying late to claim a 3–2 victory over the Brooklyn Superbas. The triumph lifted Boston to 63–77 on the season, but the day’s spotlight belonged to the ever-reliable Willie Keeler, who notched the 2,500th hit of his illustrious career.

The milestone came in fitting fashion during the bottom of the eighth inning, with the score tied and tension high. Keeler, ever the master of precision hitting, lined a clean double into the gap in right-center field. The drive sent George Stone sprinting home from first base with what proved to be the winning run. The crowd rose in applause as Keeler, standing at second, tipped his cap in quiet acknowledgment of both the moment and the fans’ ovation.

For the day, Keeler went 1-for-2, drawing two walks and adding both an RBI and a run scored. His consistent form this season has him batting .293, a mark that speaks to his enduring class at the plate.

Now in his 14th major league season, the 33-year-old Keeler has built a career average of .355 since debuting as a 20-year-old in 1892. Known for his sharp eye, deft bat control, and gentlemanly conduct, Keeler has been a cornerstone of every club he’s joined, and since his December 1903 trade to Boston, he has continued to show why he remains one of the most respected hitters in the game.

After the contest, Keeler spoke modestly about the achievement.

“You stay long enough in this game, and the hits add up,” he said with a grin. “But each one still feels as good as the first — especially when it helps win a ballgame.”

Beaneaters manager Kyle Jackson was equally quick to praise his veteran outfielder.

“Willie’s the kind of player every manager dreams of having,” Jackson remarked. “He’s smart, dependable, and still one of the hardest men in the league to pitch to. That hit tonight — that’s why he’s one of the greats.”

As the season winds down, the Beaneaters may not be in the thick of the pennant chase, but with players like Keeler delivering history along the way, Boston fans have every reason to stay proud of their club.

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BILL DAHLEN SWIPES 500TH BASE AS SUPERBAS FALL AGAIN TO CHICAGO

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

September 27, 1905 – It has been a long, punishing summer for the Brooklyn Superbas, and today brought more of the same as they suffered a 7–0 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. The loss dropped Brooklyn to a dismal 42–103 on the season — a campaign that can only be described as one to forget.

Yet amid the gloom, there was one bright moment for veteran shortstop Bill Dahlen, who etched another line in baseball’s record books by stealing the 500th base of his fine career.

The milestone came quietly in the top of the sixth inning, with Brooklyn already trailing 4–0. After reaching first on a walk, Dahlen broke for second on a sharp pitch and slid in safely ahead of the throw — the latest testament to his enduring instincts and guile on the basepaths. Though the Superbas could not capitalize on the effort, it was a moment that drew appreciative applause even from the Chicago crowd.

Dahlen finished the afternoon 1-for-2 with a walk, raising his season average to .225. While the current year has been a trying one both for him and his club, the 35-year-old veteran remains one of the most respected figures in the game. Over a career that began in 1891 and has spanned fifteen seasons — the last six with Brooklyn — Dahlen has maintained a lifetime batting mark of .280 and built a reputation as a fierce competitor and steady leader.

After the game, Dahlen reflected modestly on his achievement.

“It’s nice to reach a round number like that,” he said. “But truth be told, I’d trade every one of those bags for a few more wins this season. The game’s about the team, not the tally.”

Superbas manager Jason Leach was quick to praise his veteran shortstop, even amid the club’s struggles.

“Bill’s been the backbone of this ballclub all year,” Leach remarked. “He plays hard no matter the score or the standings. If more of our fellows took the field with his spirit, we’d be in a different spot right now.”

As the Superbas limp toward the end of a difficult season, Dahlen’s milestone stands as a reminder of professionalism and perseverance — two traits Brooklyn will need in abundance as they look ahead to rebuilding for 1906.

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ATHLETICS HOLD SLIM EDGE AS SEASON ENTERS FINAL WEEK — PIRATES CLINCH NATIONAL LEAGUE FLAG

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

October 1, 1905 – The 1905 base ball season is now upon its final turn, and the races in both leagues have taken distinct shapes — one still alive with tension, the other already settled in triumph.

In the American League, the Philadelphia Athletics continue to stand at the summit, clinging to a four–game lead over the determined New York Highlanders with only six contests remaining. The mathematics are simple enough: four victories for the Athletics would all but assure them of retaining their pennant, while the Highlanders must win out and pray for a Philadelphia collapse if they are to seize the flag. The coming week promises to be one of great excitement in the City of Brotherly Love and in Manhattan alike.

At the foot of the table, the Boston Americans have endured another disappointing campaign. After briefly showing signs of life in midsummer, the club slumped badly through September and once again occupies the cellar.

Over in the National League, the picture is far clearer. The mighty Pittsburgh Pirates have officially secured the pennant, their third in recent years, and now hold an imposing eight–game advantage over the Chicago Cubs. The Philadelphia Phillies follow close behind, while at the other end of the ledger, the unfortunate Brooklyn Superbas continue to flounder, buried beneath the standings and already turning their gaze toward 1906.

As the curtain falls on September, the final monthly honors have been awarded, celebrating the game’s brightest stars and promising newcomers.

Monthly Awards

American League
Top Batter: Cy Seymour, New York Highlanders – .345 average, 3 home runs, 15 runs batted in, 17 runs scored.
Top Pitcher: Clark Griffith, Chicago White Sox – 5 wins, 2 losses, and a sterling 1.33 earned run average.
Top Rookie: Ed Reulbach, New York Highlanders – 3 wins, 3 losses, 2.67 ERA.

National League
Top Batter: Frank Chance, Chicago Cubs – .382 average, 1 home run, 18 RBIs, 15 runs scored.
Top Pitcher: Red Donahue, Philadelphia Phillies – 6 wins, 1 loss, 1.80 ERA.
Top Rookie: Jim Buchanan, New York Giants – 3 wins, 2 losses, 2.73 ERA.

As October dawns, the grand drama of the season reaches its crescendo. Will the Athletics once more claim the American League crown, or can the Highlanders conjure one final surge? In Pittsburgh, meanwhile, the celebration has already begun — a just reward for a club that proved itself the class of the senior circuit from start to finish.

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JOE McGINNITY SIDELINED AS REDS FALL HARD TO GIANTS, 8–0

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

Cincinnati, Oct. 2, 1905 – It was a dismal afternoon for the faithful at League Park, as the Cincinnati Reds were shut out by the New York Giants, 8 to 0, before a thin but hopeful crowd. The defeat, though heavy enough on the scoreboard, was made worse by the sight of pitcher Joe McGinnity leaving the field with a shoulder ailment that may keep him idle for the remainder of the year.

McGinnity, who has carried much of the Reds’ pitching burden this season, was in the seventh inning of work when he suddenly winced in visible discomfort after delivering a fast ball. The club’s medical staff was quickly upon the scene, and after a brief examination, signaled that the veteran’s afternoon was at an end. He departed to a polite round of applause from the Cincinnati crowd, who seemed to sense the seriousness of the matter.

Up to that point, McGinnity had yielded seven hits and four runs, and was tagged with the loss — his 23rd of the campaign — bringing his season mark to 15–23 with a 3.49 earned run average. The Reds now sit at 69–79, playing merely for standing and pride as the season’s close approaches.

Following the contest, the club announced that McGinnity had suffered inflammation of the shoulder, an injury that will require two to three months of rest and rehabilitation. The good news, if any can be drawn, is that the “Iron Man” is expected to recover in time for the opening of next season.

“I felt a sharp tug after that last pitch,” McGinnity told reporters afterward, his arm bound in a sling. “It’s disappointing, surely, but I’ll mend and be ready to pitch come spring. A fellow can’t let one setback keep him down.”

Manager Bid McPhee, visibly concerned but resolute, offered his perspective: “Joe’s given us everything he’s got this year — more than any man could rightly ask. It’s a hard blow, but he’s a tough one. He’ll come back strong, and we’ll be counting on him again when the new season begins.”

Though the Reds’ year has not gone to plan, McGinnity’s grit and consistency have been bright spots in an otherwise uneven campaign. For now, both pitcher and club will look to the winter for healing and renewal, hoping that 1906 brings fairer fortunes to Cincinnati.

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CY SEYMOUR’S SIX-HIT MASTERPIECE KEEPS HIGHLANDERS’ PENNANT HOPES ALIVE

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

New York, Oct. 2, 1905 – The New York Highlanders, fighting tooth and nail to keep their pennant dreams alive, produced one of their most thrilling triumphs of the season this afternoon, edging out the Detroit Tigers, 7 to 6, in ten hard-fought innings at Hilltop Park. The hero of the day — and perhaps of the season — was none other than Cy Seymour, whose bat blazed like a July firecracker as he struck safely in all six of his trips to the plate, including the game-winning single in the bottom of the tenth.

Seymour’s remarkable performance was the talk of the grandstand. He opened his day with a clean single in the first inning, followed by an RBI double in the third, another double in the fifth, and singles in the seventh and ninth. When he strode to the plate once more in the tenth, the crowd was already on its feet. With two men aboard and the score tied, Seymour lashed a clean base hit into right field, sending the winning run home and securing a 7–6 walk-off victory that kept New York’s slim pennant hopes alive.

For the day, Seymour finished 6-for-6, with two runs batted in and one run scored, a feat that lifted his season average to an astonishing .356 — tops among all American League hitters. His consistency and command at the plate have made him the scourge of pitchers across the circuit and the centerpiece of New York’s spirited late-season surge.

After the game, Seymour was typically modest about his record-setting afternoon. “I wasn’t trying for anything fancy,” he said with a grin. “I just wanted to put the bat on the ball and help the club win. The hits came my way today, and I’m thankful for that — but it’s the victory that matters most.”

Highlanders manager Ismael Garcia could hardly contain his admiration for his star outfielder. “Cy’s been nothing short of magnificent all year,” Garcia declared. “You can’t teach the kind of focus and poise he showed out there today. When the game’s on the line, there’s no one I’d rather see walking up to that plate.”

With the victory, the Highlanders improved to 86–63, keeping the heat on the Philadelphia Athletics as the season winds toward its dramatic conclusion. If the club’s fortunes continue to rest in Seymour’s capable hands — and bat — New York’s hopes of claiming the pennant may yet endure to the final week.

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ATHLETICS AND PIRATES TO CLASH FOR BASEBALL’S CROWN — SEYMOUR TAKES TRIPLE HONORS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Charles H. Wentworth

October 9, 1905 — The curtain has fallen on the 1905 regular season, and with it comes clarity to a summer’s worth of suspense. The Philadelphia Athletics and the Pittsburgh Pirates now stand alone as the champions of their respective leagues, ready to battle for the greatest honor in baseball — the World Championship Series.

The American League race was a tense affair that ran almost to the wire. The New York Highlanders pressed hard, but in the final week the Athletics steadied their nerves and their bats, clinching the pennant by four games and finishing their campaign in fine style. Across the diamond divide, the National League saw the Pittsburgh Pirates maintain a firm grip on first place, ending the year seven games clear of the Chicago Cubs and stamping themselves as worthy champions once more.

This year’s World Championship Series promises to be a clash of titans — a meeting of dynasties, even. The defending champions from Philadelphia, victors of 1904, will face the formidable Pirates, who claimed the crown in 1901 and 1902. The contest sets up a duel between two proud clubs rich in talent, discipline, and history — one that should make for a thrilling close to the season.

Meanwhile, individual brilliance shone as brightly as team success. Cy Seymour of the New York Highlanders capped a magnificent season by achieving the rarest of feats — the Batting Triple Crown. Seymour led all American League hitters with a .355 average, 16 home runs, and 111 runs batted in, while also crossing the plate 108 times himself. His all-around dominance made him the league’s most feared hitter from start to finish.

Speaking on his accomplishment, Seymour remained humble. “It’s a fine thing, no doubt,” he said. “But baseball’s never just one man’s game. I’ve had good fellows around me all year, and without them I wouldn’t be standing here. The hits and numbers are nice, but what I wanted most was a pennant for New York. We came close, and we’ll be back next year stronger than ever.”

Athletics manager Chris Smith expressed quiet confidence as his club prepared to defend its title. “Our lads have worked hard for this,” Smith said. “We know what it takes to win at this level. Pittsburgh’s a strong side with fine players, but we’ll be ready for them. The men are rested, focused, and eager to take the field.”

Pirates skipper Fred Clarke, himself a veteran of championship glory, was equally measured but resolute. “Philadelphia’s no easy opponent — they’ve got talent all through the lineup,” Clarke noted. “But our club knows how to win. We’ve done it before, and we intend to do it again. The boys are hungry, and the city’s behind us. It ought to be a grand series.”

With the stage now set, the baseball world awaits the meeting of the two great powers — the defending champions from Philadelphia and the two-time titlists from Pittsburgh. When the first pitch is thrown, it will mark not just the beginning of another championship, but the culmination of a season rich in drama, achievement, and the enduring spirit of the national game.

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ATHLETICS CROWNED WORLD CHAMPIONS — PHILADELPHIA OUTLASTS PITTSBURGH IN SIX-GAME CLASSIC

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

October 19, 1905 — Philadelphia, PA — The Philadelphia Athletics have cemented their place atop the baseball world once again, claiming the World Championship Series by defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates four games to two in a thrilling, hard-fought encounter that delivered both drama and fireworks from start to finish.

The two pennant winners traded early blows, splitting the opening pair of games, before the Athletics’ bats ignited to seize the next two contests. Pittsburgh briefly staved off elimination with a spirited victory in Game 5, but the Athletics proved too strong, capturing Game 6 in decisive fashion before a jubilant Philadelphia crowd.

In total, the series produced an astonishing 67 runs, a testament to the ferocity of both offenses and the unrelenting determination of both sides to leave everything on the diamond.

Philadelphia’s Socks Seybold was the undisputed Player of the Series, leading the way with a .407 batting average, six runs batted in, and a towering home run in Game 3 that set the tone for the Athletics’ championship push. Fellow outfielder Kip Selbach also played a vital role, swatting two home runs across the six games and providing a spark whenever the team needed it most.

On the mound, Eddie Plank and Barney Wolfe proved the backbone of Philadelphia’s triumph, each securing two victories and demonstrating poise under pressure.

For the defeated Pirates, Ginger Beaumont stood tall in defeat, hitting .400 with six RBI, but the Pittsburgh pitching simply could not contain Philadelphia’s relentless offense.

After the final out, emotions ran high on both sides.

Socks Seybold, still grinning amid the champagne spray, said:

“This club never stops fighting. Every man here played his heart out. I’m proud to be part of a team that refuses to quit, no matter the inning or the score.”

Kip Selbach added:

“We knew Pittsburgh wouldn’t go quietly — they’re too good for that. But we believed in our bats, and in the end, that belief carried us through.”

Across the diamond, a gracious Ginger Beaumont tipped his cap to the victors:

“You’ve got to hand it to them. The Athletics earned this one. We gave them all we had, but sometimes the breaks just don’t go your way. We’ll be back.”

Philadelphia manager Chris Smith, who guided the club with calm assurance all season, praised his players’ resilience:

“It’s easy to manage a team like this — they play for each other. Every setback just made them hungrier. This championship belongs to every man in that clubhouse.”

Pittsburgh’s skipper Fred Clarke offered no excuses for the defeat but plenty of resolve for the future:

“We fell short this time, but you can be sure we’ll come back stronger. This club has too much pride not to.”

With their second consecutive world title, the Athletics have confirmed themselves as baseball’s preeminent force — a team of balance, belief, and boundless determination.

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HERMAN LONG CALLS TIME ON STORIED CAREER — BEANEATERS’ LEGEND BIDS FAREWELL TO THE GAME

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

October 20, 1905 — Boston, MA — With the dust settled on another long baseball season, players and clubs across the country are already looking toward the future. For some, that future lies beyond the diamond. Among those stepping away this autumn is one of the game’s most respected veterans — Herman Long, the stalwart shortstop of the Boston Beaneaters.

At 39 years of age, Long announced his retirement before gathered reporters and family members, with representatives from the Beaneaters’ management present to honor his service. The decision marks the close of a remarkable career that spanned 17 major league seasons and saw him rise to become one of the most dependable and admired figures in the sport.

Long’s professional journey began in 1889 with the Kansas City Cowboys, but it was in Boston, beginning the following year, that he made his mark. Over the course of 1,898 games, he compiled a .280 career batting average, 90 home runs, 1,019 runs batted in, and 1,435 runs scored. In his prime, Long was known not only for his reliable bat but also for his sure hands and quick thinking at shortstop — a true cornerstone of Boston’s success during the 1890s.

Though his playing time had diminished in recent seasons as he moved into a reserve role, his leadership and experience continued to guide the younger players on the roster.

Speaking to the press, Long reflected on his career and his decision to retire:

“Baseball has given me everything a man could ask for — friendship, purpose, and a lifetime of memories. My body tells me it’s time to step aside, but my heart will always be on that field with the boys. I’ll forever be proud to have worn the Boston colors.”

Beaneaters fans, who have watched Long man the infield with grace for over a decade, will surely miss his presence next spring.

In addition to Long, several other notable players have chosen to hang up their spikes, including Frank Scheibeck, Doc Powers, Duke Farrell, Chick Pedroes, and Rudy Kling. Each departs having left their own distinct mark upon the national game.

As the curtain falls on the 1905 season, baseball bids farewell to one of its most enduring figures — a man whose name will long be remembered among the finest to have ever taken the field.

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BASEBALL’S BEST OF 1905 — SEYMOUR, WAGNER, PLANK, AND WADDELL HEADLINE SEASON HONORS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
November 3, 1905

The curtain has long since fallen on the 1905 baseball season, but the echoes of a grand summer still ring through the halls of the game as Major League Baseball today announced its annual awards. From batting titans to pitching marvels, the season’s finest were duly recognized — and the names at the top come as no surprise.

American League Honors

Cy Seymour — Highlanders’ Hero Takes MVP Unanimously
No player in the American League struck fear into opposing pitchers quite like Cy Seymour of the New York Highlanders. With a season for the ages, the talented center fielder captured the 1905 American League Most Valuable Player Award in unanimous fashion, collecting all 16 first-place votes.

Seymour batted .355, amassing 225 hits, 38 doubles, 25 triples, and 16 home runs — a rare mix of power and precision. He also drove in 111 runs and scored 108 himself, leading nearly every offensive category.

When reached for comment, the soft-spoken Seymour expressed humility at the honor:

“It’s been a blessed year for me, and I owe much to the fellows around me,” he said. “Baseball’s a team game — I just tried to do my part each day.”

Behind him in the voting were Sam Crawford of Chicago and Pete Hill of Washington, both fine ballplayers in their own right, but none could match Seymour’s dominance at the plate.

Eddie Plank — Philadelphia’s Steady Ace Earns Top Pitcher Honors
From the hill, Eddie Plank of the world champion Philadelphia Athletics stood tallest among the league’s hurlers. With a 25-16 record, 2.34 ERA, and 217 strikeouts across 350 innings, the left-hander earned the unanimous nod as the AL Pitcher of the Year.

Plank credited his success to discipline and the guiding hand of his club:

“Mr. Smith and the Athletics have given me every chance to grow,” said Plank, referring to Philadelphia manager Chris Smith. “I try to give my best each time I take the mound, and to know that work is appreciated means the world.”

Teammate Harry Howell and New York’s Jay Hughes rounded out the top three, but it was Plank’s quiet mastery that carried the day.

Ed Reulbach — Highlanders’ Young Sensation Captures Rookie Honors
It was a season to remember for Ed Reulbach, the 22-year-old Highlander who took the AL Rookie of the Year Award after posting a 25-13 record with a 2.39 ERA. Reulbach’s composure and stamina stood out on a Highlanders club that came within reach of the pennant.

“It’s an honor beyond words,” Reulbach said. “To be counted among the best in my first year only makes me want to work harder.”

National League Honors

Honus Wagner — The Peerless Dutchman Dominates Again
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ incomparable Honus Wagner has once more shown why he is regarded as the finest batsman in the National League. The 31-year-old shortstop captured the 1905 NL MVP Award unanimously after a superb campaign in which he batted .337 with 201 hits, 32 doubles, and 86 RBI.

When asked about the honor, Wagner smiled modestly:

“Awards are fine, but it’s winning ballgames that matter most. Still, I’m proud to have done my part for Pittsburgh — and I hope there’s more good baseball ahead.”

Behind Wagner came Grant Johnson of the Cubs and George Stone of the Beaneaters, both of whom turned in worthy efforts.

Rube Waddell — Pittsburgh’s Whirlwind Wins Pitcher of the Year
No hurler baffled batters like Rube Waddell, whose combination of speed, spin, and spirit made him the toast of Pittsburgh. His 27-11 record, 2.31 ERA, and 301 strikeouts left no doubt as to his place atop the league’s pitching ranks.

The mercurial lefty was elated but reflective when told of his honor:

“The arm’s been good to me this year,” said Waddell with a grin. “I just tried to throw it past anyone who dared stand in.”

Christy Mathewson of the Giants and Bob Wicker of the Cubs followed in the voting.

George Stone — Boston’s New Star Claims Rookie Title
In Boston, the Beaneaters found a shining light in George Stone, who claimed the NL Rookie of the Year Award after a sterling debut season. Stone batted .312 with 188 hits, 9 home runs, and 80 RBI, proving himself a natural fit in the big leagues.

“I only hoped to prove I belonged,” said Stone. “To win an award like this… well, it’s something I’ll never forget.”

A Year to Remember

As the trophies are handed out and the players disperse for the winter, the 1905 season stands as one of baseball’s finest chapters. From Seymour’s bat to Waddell’s arm, the game has once again produced heroes worthy of its grand tradition.

The next spring may be months away, but with stars like these, the promise of 1906 already gleams bright on the horizon.

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OFFSEASON TRADE MARKET STIRS AS CLUBS PREPARE FOR 1906 CAMPAIGN

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
December 12, 1905

With the autumn leaves long fallen and the ballfields resting silent, baseball’s clubs have turned their attention to reshaping their rosters ahead of the 1906 season. Though the First-Year Player Draft looms on the horizon, several front offices have already been busy in the trade market, with a handful of notable names finding new homes over the past several weeks.

Cardinals and Tigers Start Early Shuffle

The first move of the offseason came on October 25th, when the St. Louis Cardinals sent veteran left-hander Cowboy Jones and young infielder Rabbit Nill to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for 23-year-old catcher Gabby Street.

Jones, who went 10-17 with a 4.02 ERA last season, expressed understanding at the move:

“Baseball’s a business,” he remarked from his Missouri home. “Detroit’s got a fine club, and I’m ready to do my part to help them rise.”

Street, a promising young backstop, said he looks forward to making his mark in St. Louis:

“I’ve learned a lot already, but I think I can grow even more with the Cardinals,” he said.

Phillies and Senators Swap Experience for Youth

On November 1st, the Philadelphia Phillies shipped veteran second baseman Sol White and young catcher Pete Noonan to the Washington Senators in exchange for Pop Foster, a 27-year-old outfielder known for his hustle and strong arm.

White, at 37, acknowledged that time is no longer on his side but remains eager to contribute:

“I’ve still got a few good swings left in me,” he said with a grin. “Washington’s getting a man who knows how to play the game the right way.”

Foster, who batted .212 last season in limited duty, called the trade “a fresh opportunity.”

Highlanders Move on from Robinson

One of the most surprising transactions came on November 5th, as the New York Highlanders traded veteran catcher Wilbert Robinson—a stalwart of the game at age 41—to the Boston Americans in exchange for right-hander George Winter.

Robinson, who hit .299 in 65 pinch-hit appearances, took the move in stride:

“I’ve been around this game a long time,” he said. “If Boston thinks I can help, that’s good enough for me.”

Winter, meanwhile, brings proven durability to New York’s pitching corps after an 18-18 record and 2.38 ERA last season.

Cardinals and White Sox Swap Pitching for Youth

The Chicago White Sox continued their pattern of building for the future on November 9th, sending 22-year-old catcher Jimmy Archer to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for 34-year-old southpaw Jim St. Vrain, who notched an 18-13 record with a 3.09 ERA in 1905.

Archer, who has drawn praise for his strong throwing arm, said,

“It’s tough to leave Chicago, but I’m excited for the chance to play every day in St. Louis.”

Cubs and Tigers Trade Outfielders

The most recent move came on November 24th, as the Detroit Tigers traded right fielder Emil Frisk to the Chicago Cubs for Charlie Dexter, a seasoned center fielder. Frisk hit .253 across 143 games last season, while Dexter impressed in a pinch-hitting role with a .298 average.

Frisk, known for his powerful bat, spoke optimistically about his new club:

“The Cubs have big ambitions for next season,” he said. “I hope to help make those real.”

Dexter, meanwhile, said he was eager for a fresh start in Detroit:

“It’s a good ball city,” he said. “If I can bring some energy to that lineup, I’ll be happy.”

Winter Rest, December Decisions

Though the fields may be quiet, the business of baseball is far from over. With the First-Year Player Draft set for later this month, clubs are making their final assessments and positioning themselves for the next influx of young talent. By Christmas, the landscape of both leagues could look very different — and every manager in America hopes December’s decisions will bear fruit come springtime.