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amead17 · 04-16-2025, 11:18 AM

April 19th, 1902
New York, New York

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Thomas Grainger and I remained in New York for a third consecutive night, eager to catch a final look at the early-season series between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. The scheduling for this set has been rather unusual—game one was held here in New York, game two played yesterday in Philadelphia, and now the third and deciding contest returns to the Polo Grounds. The Phillies have claimed victory in the first two, and the Giants were hoping to salvage some pride today.

On the mound for New York stood Joe McGinnity. Last season was a difficult one for him—he posted a 5–14 record with a 4.35 ERA across 18 starts, while also picking up 4 saves in relief. For the Phillies, Earl Moore took the ball. He, too, had a trying season in 1901, finishing 14–19 despite a solid 2.51 ERA. Philadelphia once again looked to the hot bat of Jimmy Sheckard, who came in hitting .400. The Giants pinned their hopes on George Barclay, who’d started the year on a tear, hitting .444.

Conditions at the Polo Grounds were clear but chilly at 54 degrees, and a sharp wind blew through the ballpark at 18 mph, posing a challenge for both hitters and fielders alike. Alongside 3,977 other spectators, Thomas and I settled into our seats for what promised to be a closely contested affair.

As it turned out, the wind became the dominant force of the afternoon. Both lineups struggled to find their rhythm at the plate, as balls hung up in the air and routine plays became adventures. The game’s lone run came in the top of the third, when Burley Bayers of the Phillies ripped a triple into the gap. With Bayers in scoring position, pitcher Earl Moore helped his own cause by delivering a timely single to bring him home.

That single run proved to be enough, as Moore turned in a masterful performance. He held the Giants scoreless through nine innings, allowing just 7 hits while striking out three. Thanks to his efforts on both sides of the ball, Moore was rightfully named Player of the Game.

With that, the Phillies completed a clean sweep of the Giants—three wins to open their 1902 campaign. For us, it was another fine day of baseball, even if the wind made it a strange one.

04-16-2025, 11:18 AM	#133
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,395	April 19th 1902 April 19th, 1902 New York, New York Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry Thomas Grainger and I remained in New York for a third consecutive night, eager to catch a final look at the early-season series between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. The scheduling for this set has been rather unusual—game one was held here in New York, game two played yesterday in Philadelphia, and now the third and deciding contest returns to the Polo Grounds. The Phillies have claimed victory in the first two, and the Giants were hoping to salvage some pride today. On the mound for New York stood Joe McGinnity. Last season was a difficult one for him—he posted a 5–14 record with a 4.35 ERA across 18 starts, while also picking up 4 saves in relief. For the Phillies, Earl Moore took the ball. He, too, had a trying season in 1901, finishing 14–19 despite a solid 2.51 ERA. Philadelphia once again looked to the hot bat of Jimmy Sheckard, who came in hitting .400. The Giants pinned their hopes on George Barclay, who’d started the year on a tear, hitting .444. Conditions at the Polo Grounds were clear but chilly at 54 degrees, and a sharp wind blew through the ballpark at 18 mph, posing a challenge for both hitters and fielders alike. Alongside 3,977 other spectators, Thomas and I settled into our seats for what promised to be a closely contested affair. As it turned out, the wind became the dominant force of the afternoon. Both lineups struggled to find their rhythm at the plate, as balls hung up in the air and routine plays became adventures. The game’s lone run came in the top of the third, when Burley Bayers of the Phillies ripped a triple into the gap. With Bayers in scoring position, pitcher Earl Moore helped his own cause by delivering a timely single to bring him home. That single run proved to be enough, as Moore turned in a masterful performance. He held the Giants scoreless through nine innings, allowing just 7 hits while striking out three. Thanks to his efforts on both sides of the ball, Moore was rightfully named Player of the Game. With that, the Phillies completed a clean sweep of the Giants—three wins to open their 1902 campaign. For us, it was another fine day of baseball, even if the wind made it a strange one.