Notes from history

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BASEBALL’S BRIGHTEST HONORED: LEAGUE AWARDS CLOSE THE 1902 SEASON

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
October 28th, 1902

The 1902 campaign has passed into history, and as the autumn winds sweep through the ball grounds, the two leagues have turned their eyes to reward those men whose feats stood tallest across the summer. Both the American and National circuits have named their rookies, hurlers, and most valuable performers, and the roll of honor is a testament to the varied brilliance of the year gone by.

American League

The American League, still young but already proving a sturdy rival to its elder National cousin, gave pride of place to Harry Bemis of Cleveland. The catcher, though no youthful colt at twenty-eight, fashioned a remarkable debut with a .336 average, 148 base knocks, and sturdy work behind the plate. He carried off the Rookie of the Year vote unanimously.

On the pitching side, the venerable Cy Young of Boston showed that age has not dimmed his right arm. With 24 victories and a 2.39 earned run mark, he secured the Pitcher of the Year Award with all sixteen first-place ballots, a fitting crown for the grand master of the mound.

As for the greatest honor, the Most Valuable Player distinction went to Philadelphia’s peerless second sacker, Napoleon Lajoie. Batting .388 with 218 hits and sixteen circuit clouts, Lajoie’s bat rang like a hammer on an anvil all summer long. He gathered eleven first-place votes, outpacing Boston’s Jimmy Collins and Cleveland’s stalwart Bill Bradley.

National League

In the senior circuit, the laurels were no less well-earned. Jim St. Vrain of St. Louis surprised the base ball world with his command and durability, securing Rookie of the Year honors with twenty-one victories and a fine 2.65 earned run average.

On the hill, the Pitcher of the Year Award went to Pittsburgh’s workhorse Jack Chesbro, whose 20 wins and 1.70 mark made him the undisputed king of the mound. His steadiness underpinned the Pirates’ march to yet another pennant.

At the plate, no man shone brighter than Ed Delahanty of Philadelphia, who carried off the National League’s Most Valuable Player prize. With a .369 average, 199 base hits, and a blend of power and precision, “Big Ed” overwhelmed all challengers, gathering fifteen of sixteen first-place votes in a runaway decision.

Thus the curtain falls on 1902, a season of thrilling play and notable achievement. From Lajoie’s mighty swats to Chesbro’s calm command, from Bemis’ surprising emergence to Delahanty’s artistry at the stick, the year has bestowed upon the game fresh legends to remember.

As winter now approaches, the honors awarded serve not only to salute the past but to whet the appetite for the spring to come, when once again these diamond heroes will return to write new chapters in the grand story of base ball.

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WINTER TRADE WINDS SWEEP THROUGH BASE BALL—CLUBS BOLSTER RANKS AHEAD OF DRAFT

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
December 12th, 1902

With the championship series scarcely faded into memory, the wheels of base ball have already turned toward 1903. October saw the trading season open almost before the celebratory dust had settled in Pittsburgh, and the last two months have brought a flurry of player exchanges across both leagues as clubs endeavor to strengthen their chances ahead of the much-anticipated draft.

The first deal of note came on October 14th, when the St. Louis Cardinals dispatched young right-hander Jack Harper to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for seasoned twirler Al Orth. Harper, a relief specialist with two saves this past season, departs for Philadelphia, while Orth, despite a disappointing 10-24 record, showed promise with a 3.10 earned run average in 35 starts.

Just four days later, on October 18th, the Philadelphia Athletics dealt slick-fielding shortstop Bill Monroe to the Boston Beaneaters, who in turn surrendered the aging but celebrated outfielder Billy Hamilton. Monroe, at only 24, hit .247 over 139 contests, while Hamilton, once the game’s premier leadoff man, showed signs of decline with a .236 mark in an equal number of games.

The Cleveland Naps followed swiftly on October 19th, trading their youthful right-hander Jack Bracken (17–16, 3.51 ERA) to the Beaneaters for John Malarkey, a 30-year-old reliever who posted a 2.85 ERA in 20 appearances.

The pace did not slow in November. On the 8th, the Phillies struck again, sending catcher Ed McFarland (.217 across 120 games) and pitcher Happy Townsend to Boston for the versatile Shad Barry, a left fielder who batted .254 in 139 contests.

On the 16th, the Cincinnati Reds moved veteran third baseman Charlie Irwin (.252) to Brooklyn, receiving in return right-hander Doc McJames, who was 9–6 in 15 starts for the Superbas.

Three days later, on the 19th, a more complex transaction unfolded as the New York Giants parted with pitcher Dummy Taylor (14–21) and young catcher Larry McLean, sending them to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for southpaw John Skopec, who finished 7–9 in 16 starts.

The final trade before winter’s chill came on December 1st, when the Washington Senators shipped left-hander Case Patten (11–21, 4.64 ERA) to the White Sox for right fielder Joe Stanley, a promising 21-year-old who appeared in 19 games and hit .241.

The pattern is clear: while some clubs aim to shore up immediate weaknesses with seasoned hands, others are wagering on the promise of youth. With the draft looming, managers and magnates alike know their fortunes in 1903 may hinge upon whether these bold winter maneuvers bear fruit.

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SCOUTS SPLIT AS DRAFT COMBINE SHOWS PROMISE, BUT FEW READY STARS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
December 13th, 1902

With the off season deep upon us, all eyes now turn toward the forthcoming Major League Draft, set to take place in just a matter of days. Clubs have sent their sharpest scouts to the Draft Combine, where a large gathering of hopeful young men have taken the field, eager to demonstrate their talents before the watchful eyes of base ball’s judges.

The mood among observers has been cautious. While there is agreement that this year’s draft class contains talent, the prevailing sentiment is that few are immediately ready for the daily rigors of major league play.

On the pitching side, two men stand somewhat above the rest: Jake Weimer and Weldon Henley. Yet even they are seen by most scouts as candidates for the lower rungs of a club’s rotation, rather than instant aces. Beyond them, future promise lies with younger arms such as Jake Pfiester and Red Ames, though these names carry more of the label “prospect” than “present.”. The best pitcher to announce for the draft, Charles Bender, has decided not to attend the combine.

At the plate, the consensus is equally tempered. The only two bats widely considered capable of stepping directly into a major league lineup are right fielders John Titus and Walt McCredie. Beyond them lies a crop of intriguing but unproven prospects—among them Hans Lobert, Doc Gessler, and George Stone, each of whom could one day prove a valuable fixture if their development proceeds as hoped.

The intrigue surrounding this year’s draft is heightened by the fact that the New York Highlanders, freshly moved from Baltimore, hold the first overall selection. Their newly installed manager, John McGraw, was present at the combine and spoke candidly with reporters about the weight of responsibility upon his club.

“There is no standout man this year, no Lajoie or Delahanty waiting to be plucked,” McGraw remarked, his arms folded as he surveyed the hopefuls. “That means our task is all the more delicate. We must measure carefully and choose wisely, for a poor choice at the start could set this club back for years.”

The draft promises to be a turning point not only for the Highlanders, but for the shape of the game itself as young talent begins to filter into the professional ranks. With so much uncertainty and so little consensus, the drama of draft day looms larger than ever before.

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HIGHLANDERS OPEN SECOND MLB DRAFT BY SELECTING OUTFIELDER JOHN TITUS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional Reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
December 15th, 1902

The second Major League Base Ball Draft commenced today, marking another milestone in the young professional game. All eyes were upon New York, where the newly minted Highlanders held the privilege—and the burden—of the opening pick. With anticipation running high and many expecting the Highlanders to gamble on youthful promise, the club instead chose the safer course, selecting right fielder John Titus, age 26, as the first overall pick.

The announcement caused a stir among the gathered crowd of clubmen and pressmen, but it was met with warm applause for Titus himself, a well-regarded batsman who has earned the reputation of being steady, disciplined, and reliable with both bat and glove.

Titus, smiling broadly, expressed his delight to reporters immediately after his name was called:

“I cannot tell you how proud I am to have been chosen first,” he said. “To come to New York, to join the Highlanders, and to play for Mr. McGraw is an honor I had scarcely dared dream. I promise to give my utmost for this club and its faithful supporters.”

Highlanders manager John McGraw explained the reasoning behind the club’s choice, noting that while prospects abounded, he valued certainty above all.

“We looked at the field closely,” McGraw said. “There are promising youngsters here, but Titus gives us something we can rely upon right from the start. He has a sound eye at the plate, he can run the bases smartly, and he will steady our outfield. In a draft with so few sure things, we could not risk letting him pass.”

The remainder of the draft’s first three rounds saw clubs across both leagues make their selections, balancing immediate needs with long-term hopes.

SECOND YEAR PLAYER DRAFT – 1902

Round 1

New York Highlanders: RF John Titus, 26

Boston Beaneaters: LF George Stone, 26

Chicago White Sox: SP Charles Bender, 18

St. Louis Browns: 3B Hans Lobert, 21

New York Giants: C Jake Stahl, 23

Washington Senators: RF Doc Gessler, 21

Philadelphia Phillies: SP Red Ames, 20

Cincinnati Reds: SP Cy Falkenberg, 22

Cleveland Naps: LF Solly Hofman, 20

Chicago Cubs: SP Jack Pfiester, 24

Detroit Tigers: SP Mordecai Brown, 26

St. Louis Cardinals: SP Weldon Henley, 22

Brooklyn Superbas: SP Jake Weimer, 29

Philadelphia Athletics: SP Barney Wolfe, 26

Pittsburgh Pirates: RF Walt McCredie, 26

Boston Americans: SP Gus Thompson, 25

Round 2

New York Highlanders: SP Fred Burchell, 23

Boston Beaneaters: SP Jimmy Wiggs, 26

Chicago White Sox: SP Norwood Gibson, 25

St. Louis Browns: SP Barney Pelty, 22

New York Giants: SP Ambrose Puttmann, 22

Washington Senators: RP Bill Bartley, 17

Philadelphia Phillies: SP Doc Scanlan, 21

Cincinnati Reds: SP Cy Morgan, 24

Cleveland Naps: SP Lew Moren, 19

Chicago Cubs: SP Ed Killian, 26

Detroit Tigers: SP Oscar Jones, 23

St. Louis Cardinals: LF Danny Hoffman, 22

Brooklyn Superbas: SS Simon Nicholls, 20

Philadelphia Athletics: SP Kaiser Wilhelm, 25

Pittsburgh Pirates: SS Charlie Babb, 29

Boston Americans: 2B Rabbit Robinson, 20

Round 3

New York Highlanders: SP War Sanders, 25

Boston Beaneaters: SS Lee Tannehill, 22

Chicago White Sox: SP Jesse Stovall, 27

St. Louis Browns: LF Andrew Payne, 23

New York Giants: RF Jack Dunleavy, 23

Washington Senators: RP Bill Pounds, 24

Philadelphia Phillies: SP Henry Schmidt, 29

Cincinnati Reds: 3B George Moriarty, 17

Cleveland Naps: SP Grant Thatcher, 25

Chicago Cubs: SP John Deering, 24

Detroit Tigers: SP Walter Ball, 24

St. Louis Cardinals: C Frank Roth, 24

Brooklyn Superbas: RF Pinky Swander, 22

Philadelphia Athletics: DH Hugh Hill, 23

Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Bucky Veil, 21

Boston Americans: SS Charles Moran, 23

Negotiations and Next Steps

As with the inaugural draft a year ago, the league has decreed that the first five rounds of selections must enter direct negotiations with their new clubs. All drafted players, regardless of round, must have their contracts formally signed and registered no later than February 13th, 1903. Until pen is put to paper, speculation will abound as to which men will don new uniforms when the season begins.

With two drafts now concluded, it is evident that this system has already become a vital instrument in shaping the game’s future. The Highlanders’ choice of Titus underscores a growing trend: in uncertain waters, clubs are opting for the steady and the certain over untamed promise.

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WHITE SOX STUN BASE BALL WORLD BY SENDING JONES TO BOSTON

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 12th, 1903

Though clubs across the land are still preoccupied with the delicate business of signing their newly drafted men before the February deadline, the trade market has refused to rest. Indeed, it has delivered a thunderbolt to close observers of the game: the Chicago White Sox have parted ways with their star right fielder, Fielder Jones, shipping him eastward to the Boston Beaneaters.

The trade, consummated on January 25th, sees Chicago surrender one of the finest batsmen of the American League in return for youthful pitching promise, as 22-year-old right-hander Henry Thielman joins the White Sox ranks. Jones, who struck an admirable .331 in 137 games last season, was widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Chicago club, making his departure nothing short of astonishing.

“This game is full of surprises,” one clubman remarked when word of the deal broke. “But this one may echo for years.”

The Jones trade capped a series of moves stretching back to December, when other clubs sought to re-balance their ranks in anticipation of the new campaign.

On December 16th, 1902, the Philadelphia Phillies dealt second baseman Joe Dolan and catcher Red Dooin to the Cincinnati Reds, in exchange for Len Swormstedt (RHP, 24), Billy Maloney (C, 24), and Jack Thoney (CF, 23). Dolan, though ever present in the lineup last year, managed but a .191 average, and Philadelphia evidently sought fresh blood for the new season.

The wheeling and dealing continued into the new year, with the New York Highlanders sending pitcher Bob Ewing, a 15-17 hurler in 1902, to the Chicago Cubs. In return, the Highlanders secured infield reinforcements in Andy Oyler (3B, 22) and Larry Schlafly (2B, 24). That transaction, finalized on January 12th, was seen as a modest adjustment compared to the seismic shift that the Jones trade would later bring.

The parting of Chicago and Jones marks one of the boldest strokes yet seen in this young professional system. The Beaneaters, long admired for their offensive vigor, will only sharpen their blade with Jones in right field, while the White Sox, in turning to Thielman, place their faith in the promise of pitching youth.

Whether this gamble will elevate Chicago or haunt them in the years ahead, only time will tell. For now, the base ball fraternity can only marvel at the daring hand the White Sox have played.

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NAP DRAFTEE MORAN REFUSES TO SIGN; BENDER SECURES RICHES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting from Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 14th, 1903

The long-anticipated deadline for signing the new class of draftees has come and gone, and while nearly every club secured its men, the Cleveland Naps were left empty-handed in one unfortunate case.

Their second-round choice, pitcher Lew Moren, aged 19, has declined the terms laid before him. Cleveland’s offer, it seems, did not match the young man’s estimation of his own worth. Moren has instead elected to pursue a year of studies at Adrian College, biding his time until he may re-enter a future draft.

“I have faith in my arm and in my future,” Moren told the Sporting Times this morning. “For now, the classroom calls louder than the ball field, but I shall return when the time is right.”

Though the Naps are smarting at the loss, the league has softened the sting by granting them a compensatory second-round pick in the 1904 draft, a salve upon an otherwise disappointing outcome.

Elsewhere, all other draftees have been signed and sealed. The most eye-catching contract was struck by the Chicago White Sox, who rewarded Charles Bender, the 18-year-old pitcher, with a princely bonus of $1,210. This sum eclipsed all other offers and startled many in the fraternity, given that Bender had not even attended the Draft Combine and was selected only third overall.

A smiling Bender, when asked about the matter, remarked, “I am grateful to Chicago for their faith. I intend to prove upon the mound that their investment is sound.”

The next richest agreement belonged to John Titus, the right fielder chosen first by the New York Highlanders, who signed on for $791.

Thus the ledger is settled, save for young Moren, whose path now diverges from his class. Time will tell whether Cleveland lost a mere boy with promise or a future star who might have altered their fortunes.

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FINAL TRADE CLOSES WINTER BUSINESS AS SPRING BEGINS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
March 24th, 1903

With the crack of bats and the thump of mitts ringing out across the training grounds, the clubs of the major leagues are shaking off the winter frost and sharpening their squads for the campaign ahead. Though most of the trading season had already been consigned to the ledger, there was still time for one final maneuver before the dust of spring truly settled.

On March 16th, the St. Louis Browns and Philadelphia Phillies concluded a late deal: RHP Pink Hawley, aged 30, was sent to Philadelphia in exchange for SS Jack Dunn, also 30.

Hawley, who bore the brunt of many a hard inning last season, finished the year with a 15–18 record, proving steady if not spectacular. His experience may prove a stabilizing presence for the Phillies’ staff, which has often leaned too heavily upon its younger arms.

Dunn, meanwhile, has long been valued for his fielding savvy and clever play around the bag. The Browns, who found themselves short in the infield throughout much of 1902, will welcome his reliability and leadership.

Though modest compared to earlier winter dealings, this swap has the look of one that may benefit both sides as they head into the new season. With the ink now dry, the trading books close, and the next chapter of professional base ball readies to unfold upon the diamond.

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OPENING DAY AWAITS — AMERICANS AND PIRATES STILL TEAMS TO BEAT

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

April 14th, 1903

The long winter is past, the chatter of trades and the business of drafts behind us, and at last the glorious season of base ball is upon us once more. Tomorrow the clubs of the American and National Leagues take the field for the first contests of 1903, and with it the hopes of eight cities in each circuit will be renewed.

The consensus among experts and scribes alike is that the balance of power remains much as it has been: in the American League, the Boston Americans, with their mighty staff of pitchers led by Cy Young and Ted Lewis, appear again the class of the field, while in the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates, champions in ’01 and ’02, look little diminished as they seek a third straight pennant.

The forecasters predict Boston to pace the American League with 87 victories, their bats led by Freddie Parent and Buck Freeman, and their arms once again the envy of the game. Close on their heels, however, are the newly christened New York Highlanders, who boast a powerful trio of batsmen in Mike Donlin, Cy Seymour, and Roger Bresnahan. Detroit, too, is expected to push, with Jimmy Barrett in the outfield and Jack Cronin promising steady work upon the slab.

In the National League, the Pirates’ strength is formidable. Honus Wagner remains the finest batsman in either league, while Fred Clarke and Ginger Beaumont give Pittsburgh a triumvirate of power and science at the plate. Their pitching, led by Rube Waddell and Jesse Tannehill, is deep and strong. Cincinnati and Brooklyn are thought to be the nearest challengers, with Boston and Chicago close behind.

Yet the season is never played on paper, and predictions, as every fan knows, are often torn to shreds before the summer heat.

From the players themselves came cautious words:

“They call us the favorites,” said Cy Young of Boston, “but a pennant is won one inning at a time. We shall need to prove it again from the first ball to the last.”

In Pittsburgh, Honus Wagner remarked, “We are proud of what we have done, but the third flag will not be handed to us. Every club will be gunning for the Pirates now.”

New York’s Mike Donlin, brimming with confidence, declared, “With the bats we have, the Highlanders can stand with any club. We aim to make a fight of it from the start.”

Jimmy Barrett of Detroit, for his part, offered, “The Tigers are not spoken of as champions, but we know what we have. If our pitchers hold, we will surprise many.”

Thus the stage is set. Tomorrow the nation’s pastime begins anew, and for six full months, fortunes will rise and fall with each crack of the bat and twist of the curve. The champions of October are unknown, but the promise of the season is now at hand.

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DONOVAN REACHES 2,000 HITS BUT CARDINALS STILL STRUGGLE

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
April 21st, 1903

PITTSBURGH — It was a day of mixed emotions for the faithful supporters of the St. Louis Cardinals. While the club dropped yet another contest to the Pittsburgh Pirates by a tally of 3 to 2, their veteran right fielder and skipper, Patsy Donovan, etched his name further into base ball history by securing the 2,000th hit of his distinguished career.

The milestone blow came in the ninth inning, Donovan lacing a clean single into the outfield for his second safety of the day. Though the clout stirred hopes of a rally, the Cardinals could not press the advantage, and Donovan was left stranded upon the bases as the game concluded in defeat.

For the afternoon, the 38-year-old went two for five, raising his young season’s mark to .240. More importantly, it pushed his career total to 2,000, built steadily since his debut in 1890. A player of admirable consistency and craft, Donovan has plied his trade with a host of clubs, but has remained one of the most reliable batsmen of his generation, his lifetime average now resting at .299.

After the game, Donovan was both reflective and resolute.

“Two thousand is a number that makes a man pause,” he said with a modest smile. “I have been fortunate to play this grand game for many years, and to collect so many hits is a blessing. But a player thinks more upon the hits he can give his club tomorrow than those of yesterday. I am proud of this day, yet I would trade the number for a victory for St. Louis.”

As field leader, Donovan also addressed the club’s woeful 1–5 start.

“We are not blind to our record,” he admitted. “The bats have not yet awakened, and our pitchers have been tested early. But this is a long season. I have faith these men will steady themselves and find their stride. Six games do not make a year, and we shall fight each day to show our true measure.”

While the Cardinals find themselves mired in the cellar in the season’s opening fortnight, Donovan’s achievement offers a shining moment amid the gloom, and a reminder of the enduring excellence of one of the game’s most seasoned craftsmen.

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EARLY RETURNS SHOW TIGERS, SENATORS AND BEANEATERS SETTING THE PACE

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 1st, 1903

The young base ball season is only just finding its rhythm, yet already patterns are beginning to emerge in both major circuits.

In the National League, the clubs have had a fuller slate of contests, and the Boston Beaneaters presently stand atop the heap with a record of 10 wins against 5 defeats. Their advantage is a narrow one, however, with the Cincinnati Reds lurking but a single game back, and the Chicago Cubs close behind at a game and a half. At the other end of the table, the Brooklyn Superbas and the St. Louis Cardinals have stumbled badly from the start, but with the summer still stretching long before us, both retain opportunity to recover their footing.

The American League, meanwhile, remains too tight to draw firm conclusions, with but a week’s worth of games completed. The Detroit Tigers and the Washington Senators have shown the briskest pace, each carrying a mark of five victories and three defeats. Whether this is but the flourish of early form or a signal of genuine strength remains to be seen. The Cleveland Naps, however, will need to stir themselves quickly, having managed but two wins in their opening seven contests.

Though the season has scarcely opened, the leagues have nevertheless moved to issue their first monthly honors, providing fans with the early standouts.

American League Honors

Top Batter: Hobe Ferris, Boston Americans — .409 batting, 3 home runs, 18 runs batted in, and 13 runs scored.

Top Pitcher: Ned Garvin, St. Louis Browns — unbeaten at 3–0, and remarkably yet to allow an earned run.

Top Rookie: Mordecai Brown, Detroit Tigers — 2–0 record, 3.50 ERA, already showing the makings of a future ace.

National League Honors

Top Batter: Charlie Hickman, New York Giants — .315 at the plate, with 5 home runs, 13 runs driven in, and 14 tallies scored.

Top Pitcher: Doc White, Philadelphia Phillies — off to a sterling start at 3–1 with a stingy 1.25 ERA.

Top Rookie: Chappie McFarland, Philadelphia Phillies — 2–2, 3.09 ERA, a promising young hurler holding his own against seasoned batsmen.

It is still early days, yet with clubs and players already setting marks of note, the campaign of 1903 promises much in the way of intrigue and contest as the weeks advance.

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“WEE WILLIE” KEELER REACHES 2000 HITS AS SUPERBAS DOWN PHILLIES

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 5th, 1903

Philadelphia, Pa. — The Brooklyn Superbas had cause for both triumph and celebration this afternoon, as their 7–4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies was gilded by a personal milestone for their veteran batsman, “Wee Willie” Keeler.

The 31-year-old outfielder collected the 2,000th hit of his professional career, a resounding single struck in the top of the third inning that plated Charlie Irwin with Brooklyn’s first tally. While Keeler himself was stranded, the blow set the tone for the inning, and the Superbas emerged from the frame holding a 2–1 advantage.

Keeler’s final line on the day read a commendable 2 for 4 with a walk, one run scored, and two runs batted in, nudging his season’s average upward to .260.

For the left-handed batsman, who entered the big leagues as a fresh-faced youth of twenty with the New York Giants in 1892, the achievement was a fitting testament to his remarkable consistency. Following his time with the famed Baltimore Orioles of old, Keeler has been a fixture in the Superbas’ lineup since 1897, dazzling opponents and delighting crowds with his famous knack for “hitting ’em where they ain’t.”

After the contest, the modest Keeler said, “Two thousand is a grand figure, but to my mind each base knock is worth no more than the next if it helps my club to victory. I’ve been blessed with good fortune and stout companions on the field, and I count myself lucky to still be doing my part for Brooklyn.”

Brooklyn skipper Ned Hanlon was equally effusive in his praise, remarking, “There are few men in the game as reliable with the stick as Willie Keeler. He has been a pillar for this club and for the sport at large. Milestones such as these are but the natural result of his craft and diligence.”

With the win, the Superbas moved their record to 7–10 on the year, and while the early going has been difficult, Keeler’s milestone served as a reminder that steadiness and experience remain invaluable assets over the long course of a campaign.

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CUBS LOSE HUGHES TO SEVERE KNEE INJURY

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 6th, 1903

Promising Pitcher Sidelined for Months Following Mishap in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pa. — Misfortune befell the Chicago Cubs yesterday afternoon, as pitcher Tom Hughes, who had already endured a trying beginning to the season, was forced to leave the game against the Pirates with what has now been confirmed as a grave injury to his knee.

The Cubs dropped the contest by a narrow margin, 4–3, evening their mark at 9–9 on the year. Yet the true blow came in the seventh frame, when Hughes, in the midst of his follow-through, collapsed awkwardly as his right knee gave way. Play was halted at once as trainers and club officials hurried to his aid. He was assisted from the diamond, unable to bear his weight, and immediately sent for medical assessment.

Later word confirmed the worst fears: Hughes has suffered a torn meniscus, an injury expected to keep him from active duty for three to four months, and thus rob the Cubs of one of their most trusted arms for the greater part of the campaign.

Hughes, who owns a 1–4 record with a respectable 2.87 earned run average, offered brave words despite his obvious disappointment:
“It pains me sorely to be set aside when I’ve been working to turn the tide. I shall do all I can to mend quickly, but sometimes the game tests a man in ways beyond the diamond. I will be back, and I mean to return stronger.”

Manager Tom Loftus, when reached after the game, acknowledged the severity of the loss:
“It is a cruel turn, both for Hughes and for the club. He has pitched well enough to deserve better fortune, and his steadiness will be missed every fourth day. But the season is long, and we must find a way to shoulder on until he returns. We will rely on the rest of the staff, and we trust Hughes to make his recovery in due course.”

For the Cubs, the path ahead grows more difficult, yet the spirit of the team remains unbowed, even as one of its stout-hearted pitchers must watch from the sidelines.

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SUPERBAS LOSE KENNEDY FOR SEASON

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 13th, 1903

Veteran Hurler Sidelined With Serious Elbow Malady

Brooklyn, N.Y. — Ill fortune has struck the Brooklyn Superbas once more, as Brickyard Kennedy, the 35-year-old pitcher whose long career has seen both triumph and trial, is now lost for the season. The setback came yesterday in the club’s 15–5 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs, a result which pushed the Superbas further down the standings at 8–15.

Kennedy, appearing in only his second relief outing of the year, took the mound in the fourth inning. After facing a single batsman without issue, he delivered a pitch to the second when he suddenly halted, clutching his elbow in visible distress. The trainers were quickly summoned, and after a brief inspection it was determined he could not continue.

Subsequent examination revealed bone chips in the elbow joint, a most serious affliction. The recommendation is immediate surgery to remove the fragments, an operation which will keep the veteran sidelined for eight months, thus ending his campaign before it truly began.

Kennedy, who has worked but five innings this season without allowing an earned run, spoke with quiet resignation after receiving the news:
“I’ve given much of my life to this game, and while a pitcher expects a sore arm now and again, one never thinks the season might be taken in a single inning. If surgery is the road back, I shall walk it, for I am not ready to quit just yet.”

Manager Ned Hanlon, clearly disheartened by the loss, praised the pitcher’s grit and lamented the cruel twist of fate:
“Brickyard has been a loyal servant to every club he’s worn colors for, and here in Brooklyn he has answered the call whenever asked. To lose him so early and in such fashion is a hard blow. We must look to the younger men now, but Kennedy’s presence in the clubhouse will still mean much.”

For Kennedy, who has pitched in the majors since 1892, this may yet prove a pause rather than an ending. But for the Superbas, struggling to find their footing in the early going, the loss of a seasoned arm further complicates their already difficult task.

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MATHEWSON FANS 15 IN GIANT VICTORY

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 15th, 1903

Young Right-Hander Dominates Reds in 11-Inning Masterpiece

New York, N.Y. — The faithful at the Polo Grounds were treated yesterday to one of the finest exhibitions of pitching yet seen this season. In a grueling contest that stretched 11 innings, the New York Giants at last emerged triumphant, edging the Cincinnati Reds by the slender score of 1–0. The star of the affair was without doubt Christy Mathewson, the 22-year-old colossus of the mound, who baffled the Reds with his speed and command to the tune of 15 strikeouts.

Mathewson’s work was nothing short of masterly. Across the full distance, he permitted but seven hits and one walk, and not a single Red ever crossed the plate. His deceptive fastball and curve left Cincinnati batters flailing time and again, and by the late innings the crowd roared with every strike delivered by the young pitcher.

With the victory, Mathewson raised his record on the year to 5–4, his earned run average now a trim 2.76. It marked the second occasion of his brief career in which he has struck out 15 or more men in a single game, a feat that speaks volumes of his prodigious talent. The Giants as a club now stand at 13–12, looking to build momentum after a slow start.

Speaking modestly afterward, Mathewson credited his success to steadiness rather than brilliance:
“I tried to keep the ball where they couldn’t make solid contact and let my catcher do the guiding. The Reds fought hard, but I was able to keep them guessing. To go 11 innings and still finish strong is as much about patience as power.”

Manager George Davis, clearly proud of his young hurler, offered high praise:
“Christy is already one of the finest pitchers in the league, and yet he is still learning. To strike out fifteen men in such a tight contest shows not only his arm but his courage. If he keeps on this path, he’ll be a Giant in more ways than one.”

The Giants’ lone run, scratched out in the bottom of the eleventh, secured the day’s triumph. Yet long after the final tally is forgotten, it is Mathewson’s commanding performance that will be remembered — a reminder that the New York club may yet have in their possession the greatest treasure of them all: a true ace of the modern game.

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SENATORS LOSE AGAIN — IBURG SIDELINED WITH ELBOW STRAIN

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 16th, 1903

Washington Hurler to Miss Months as Club Falters in Early Season

Chicago, Ill. — The fortunes of the Washington Senators have taken a sharp turn for the worse. Once hopeful after a promising start, the club has now stumbled to eight wins against thirteen defeats, yesterday’s 6–4 setback to the Chicago White Sox only compounding their miseries. To make matters worse, pitcher Ham Iburg, counted on to provide steadiness in the rotation, was forced from the contest in the fifth inning with an injury to his elbow.

The afternoon had already turned sour for the 29-year-old right-hander. Staked to a 3–0 lead entering the frame, Iburg was touched for several sharp blows as the White Sox sent five men across the plate to seize command of the game. In mid-delivery, Iburg recoiled, clutching his pitching arm, and trainers hurried forth to his side. After brief examination, he was withdrawn from the mound, his day and perhaps his summer at an end.

Later reports confirmed the fears of the Senators’ faithful. The diagnosis: a strained elbow that will sideline the hurler for as long as three months. It is a cruel blow to both player and club, for though Iburg’s record stands at 1–5 with a swollen 7.04 earned run average, his presence in the rotation was considered vital in a campaign already short of reliable arms.

Iburg, clearly crestfallen, spoke with candor after the defeat:
“It’s a hard thing to be taken from the game when your club needs you most. My arm gave out on me, and there was no use in trying to go on. I can only hope the rest and the treatment will bring me back before the season is through.”

Manager Jim Manning, his own frustration evident, offered words both sympathetic and sober:
“Ham has fought through some tough outings, and though the results have not gone his way, he has worked hard for this club. Losing him now leaves a real gap in our pitching staff. We’ll have to dig deep, shuffle our men, and hope others rise to the occasion. The season is young, but injuries such as this can test any ball club.”

With the Senators now searching for answers and Iburg facing months of enforced idleness, Washington’s early optimism has given way to grim reality. Unless reinforcements emerge swiftly, the Senators may find themselves struggling to escape the cellar of the American League.

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SOL WHITE PERFECT AT THE PLATE AS PHILLIES OUTLAST SUPERBAS IN ELEVEN

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 30th, 1903

Veteran Second Sacker Collects Six Hits in Marathon Victory

Brooklyn, N.Y. — It was a banner afternoon for both the Philadelphia Phillies and their stalwart second baseman Sol White, as the club outlasted the Brooklyn Superbas in an 11–8, eleven-inning triumph that left the visitors with a winning mark of 21–19 on the young campaign.

The day belonged to White, who turned in a performance for the ages. In six trips to the plate, the 34-year-old struck safely each and every time, amassing five singles and a ringing double, while driving home four runs and scoring once himself. By the close of the contest, his average had risen to a lofty .371, with 23 runs batted in already to his credit.

The hits fell in steady succession: a single in the second, another in the third, one more in the fifth, yet another in the seventh, a timely double in the ninth, and a final single in the tenth to round out a day that Brooklyn pitchers will long wish to forget.

A modest man by reputation, White spoke humbly despite his heroics:
“The ball looked big to me today, and fortune smiled on every swing. I only wanted to put the bat on it clean and give the boys a chance to score. To go six-for-six is more than I ever dared to hope.”

Manager Bill Shettsline praised his second baseman with unreserved admiration:
“Sol is the very picture of steadiness. He plays the game as it ought to be played, with patience at the plate and judgment in the field. What he did today was remarkable, and it lifted the whole club. If we are to keep ourselves in the thick of the race, we shall need his bat and his spirit all summer long.”

On a day when the Phillies and Superbas traded blows into extra innings, it was White’s unwavering bat that ultimately made the difference. His place in the lore of Philadelphia baseball grows larger with every stroke, and yesterday’s feat may stand as one of the finest individual performances of this 1903 season.

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LEAGUE RACES BEGIN TO TAKE SHAPE AS MAY CLOSES

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
June 1st, 1903

Tigers Prowl Ahead in the American; Pirates Hold Slim Edge in the National

With the month of May consigned to the record books, the contests in both major leagues are beginning to assume definite form.

In the National League, the clubs remain tightly bunched, with the entire circuit separated by but six and a half games. The Pittsburgh Pirates, at present, enjoy the narrowest of margins, holding a half-game advantage over the spirited Boston Beaneaters. The New York Giants follow close behind, just another game adrift. At the other end of the table, the St. Louis Cardinals and Brooklyn Superbas find themselves in the lower reaches, though their deficit is by no means insurmountable should a change of fortune arrive.

The American League, by contrast, shows a clearer division. The Detroit Tigers, roaring into form, stand at 25–14, their strong showing granting them a two-and-a-half game lead over the Philadelphia Athletics, with the Boston Americans a game further back. At the other extreme, the Washington Senators are already ten and a half games behind, staring down what may prove to be a grueling summer’s work.

Monthly Honors Bestowed

The leagues, in their wisdom, have announced their customary awards for the month just passed:

American League

Top Batter: Napoleon Lajoie, Philadelphia Athletics — .409 average, 3 home runs, 17 runs batted in, and 24 runs scored.

Top Pitcher: Mordecai “Three-Finger” Brown, Detroit Tigers — a rookie sensation, unbeaten at 6–0 with a 2.91 earned run average.

Rookie of the Month: Mordecai Brown, Detroit Tigers — the honors doubly his, a testament to his brilliance in his inaugural campaign.

National League

Top Batter: Sam Crawford, Cincinnati Reds — a blistering .412 at the plate, with 1 home run, 9 runs batted in, and 27 runs tallied.

Top Pitcher: Rube Waddell, Pittsburgh Pirates — 6 victories without a blemish and a 2.76 earned run average, the mainstay of the Pirate staff.

Rookie of the Month: Chappie McFarland, Philadelphia Phillies — 3–2 with a 2.96 earned run average, showing promise as a dependable hand.

As the season stretches into summer, the pennant chases promise to grow fiercer by the day. In the National League, every club remains alive with hope, while in the American, the Tigers look to defend their lead against the surging Athletics and Americans.

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HIGHLANDERS LOSE IN MARATHON AND SEE NOPS FALL TO GRAVE INJURY

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
June 7th, 1903

Veteran Pitcher’s Season Ended; Future in Doubt

The fortunes of base ball can turn cruel in a moment, and nowhere was this more evident than yesterday at Hilltop Park. The New York Highlanders, after 14 weary innings, succumbed to the Cleveland Naps, 6–5. Yet the loss on the field was overshadowed by the graver loss upon the mound, as Jerry Nops, the Highlanders’ dependable left-hander, was struck down by a severe injury.

It came in the fourth inning, with the Highlanders trailing 4–2 but still in the contest. Nops, in the midst of his delivery, recoiled sharply, clutching his elbow with a grimace of unmistakable pain. The medical attendants hurried forth, but it was at once apparent that his labors were finished for the day. He departed to a respectful hush from the crowd, his teammates’ expressions betraying a heavy foreboding.

After the match, a visibly downcast Manager John McGraw addressed the scribes. “Nops is done for the year and we think it could be longer than that,” McGraw confessed soberly. “He is having a second opinion, but the thinking is he will need elbow reconstruction surgery, which is a twelve-month recovery according to our medical staff.”

The man himself, Jerry Nops, spoke in tones both resolute and mournful. “This is a bitter blow,” he admitted. “I felt my arm give in a way no pitcher wishes to feel. If the doctors say a long road lies ahead, then I shall walk it, for I have no desire to let this be the end of my base ball days.”

For the year, Nops had compiled a record of 5 victories against 4 defeats, with an earned run average of 4.52, his steady work helping to keep the Highlanders afloat.

The Highlanders, now 21–19 on the season, must soldier on without their veteran left-hander, hoping that brighter days may yet return to the Hilltop.

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McFARLAND HURLS NO-HIT MASTERPIECE AGAINST REDS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
June 7th, 1903

Phillies Rookie Stymies Cincinnati in 2–0 Triumph

CINCINNATI, O. — The great game of base ball is never without its marvels, and yesterday it was the turn of Chappie McFarland, the 28-year-old freshman pitcher of the Philadelphia Phillies, to etch his name into the annals of diamond lore.

Before a restless Queen City crowd, McFarland accomplished what few ever dream: nine innings of hitless ball, securing a 2–0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Not a single base knock was permitted by the young right-hander, who mixed his offerings with guile and precision.

The lone blemishes upon his glorious ledger were a free pass issued in the fourth inning and two errors from his mates in the field, which momentarily threatened to mar the occasion. Yet McFarland stood firm, bearing down with unshakable resolve to preserve his gem.

The Phillies, behind timely hitting, pushed across a pair of tallies that proved sufficient, lifting their record to 24–23 on the season.

For the year, McFarland now boasts a mark of 7 victories against 5 defeats, and a sterling 2.56 earned run average.

After the contest, the modest hurler reflected upon his achievement. “It is the sort of day a man scarcely dares to dream of,” said McFarland with quiet pride. “My arm felt true from the first pitch, and though the walk disappointed me, I knew I must not let it shake my purpose. I owe much to the fellows behind me for standing fast when the pressure mounted.”

Manager Bill Shettsline was effusive in his praise of the rookie. “Chappie pitched with the poise of a veteran,” declared the skipper. “To baffle a strong Cincinnati nine in their own park is no small feat. This club has found itself a stout arm, and I believe there are many more fine days ahead for young McFarland.”

Thus, a red-letter day for the Philadelphia club, and perhaps the dawning of a new star in McFarland.

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VAN HALTREN SWIPES 600TH BASE IN GIANTS’ DEFEAT

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
June 16th, 1903

Veteran Outfielder Reaches Milestone Despite 8–2 Loss in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Though the New York Giants endured a rough afternoon yesterday, bowing to the Philadelphia Phillies by the count of 8 to 2, there was still cause for cheer amongst the faithful.

In the top of the sixth inning, George Van Haltren, the club’s seasoned centre fielder of 37 years, etched his name into the record books by pilfering the 600th base of his long career. The theft came with Irv Waldren at the plate, as Van Haltren timed a perfect dash for third, sliding in safely under the tag. Unfortunately, the Giants failed to capitalize, leaving him marooned on the sack as the inning fizzled.

For the day, Van Haltren acquitted himself ably, going 2-for-3 at the plate to lift his season average to .289. Across his lengthy career, which commenced in 1887 when he was but 21 years of age, Van Haltren has compiled a respectable .285 lifetime average, plying his trade with several clubs before donning the Giants’ uniform in 1894.

After the contest, Van Haltren expressed quiet satisfaction at his milestone. “Six hundred steals is a number I could scarce have imagined when I first stepped onto a diamond as a lad,” he remarked. “It is a small comfort on a day when the club faltered, but I hope I’ve shown the younger fellows the value of steady effort and daring on the base paths.”

Manager George Davis lauded his veteran’s achievement even in defeat. “George has been the heart and legs of this club for many years,” said Davis. “While today’s result was not to our liking, milestones such as his remind us of the enduring value of experience. We shall need that same example as we look to steady our play in the coming weeks.”

Though the Giants’ bats were quiet and the Phillies claimed the day, the steal by Van Haltren shone as a rare bright spot — a testament to both skill and longevity.