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Old 04-22-2025, 08:24 AM   #136
amead17
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Join Date: Dec 2013
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April 24th 1901

April 24th, 1902
Baltimore, Maryland


Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

This morning, Thomas and I boarded the Pennsylvania Railroad once again, making the three-hour journey from Philadelphia to Baltimore. Today marked a pair of firsts: our first American League game of the season, and our first look at the reigning World Series champions, the Philadelphia Athletics, as they paid a visit to the Baltimore Orioles. The series opener had gone Baltimore’s way, with the Athletics stumbling out of the gate.

On the mound for the Orioles was Chick Fraser, who posted an even 18–18 record last year over 35 starts with a 3.29 ERA. The Athletics countered with Jock Menefee. Menefee split his 1901 season between starting for the Chicago Orphans and relieving for the Athletics after a midseason trade. With a 13–13 record last year, he now begins a new chapter as a starter once again.

Both teams featured seasoned hitters. Baltimore’s lineup was anchored by veterans Jimmy Collins and Topsy Hartsel, while the Athletics leaned on the bats of Frank Chance and the veteran Jimmy Ryan. Ryan, now 39, is attempting a return to top form after spending much of last season in the minors.

Oriole Park welcomed us with clear skies, a comfortable 56 degrees, and a 10 mph breeze blowing in from center field. A modest crowd of 2,751 fans joined us for the afternoon's contest.

Drama struck early when Cy Seymour of the Athletics pulled up injured in the first inning after stretching a double into a triple. He left the game immediately, replaced by a pinch runner, though no runs came from the opportunity.

The scoring began in the 3rd inning, with the Athletics putting one on the board. Baltimore found its rhythm in the 5th, scoring twice to take the lead, and added another in the 6th to go up 3–1. But the champs were not to be denied. Philadelphia rallied with three runs in the 7th to reclaim the lead, 4–3, and tacked on two more in the 8th. Baltimore narrowed the gap with a run in the bottom half of that inning, but the Athletics responded with yet another in the top of the 9th, making it 7–4.

The bottom of the 9th brought tension and excitement, as the Orioles pushed across two runs and seemed on the verge of a dramatic comeback. However, the Athletics held firm and secured the 7–6 victory.

Danny Green delivered a standout performance for Philadelphia, going 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs and a run scored, earning him Player of the Game honors. It was a thrilling affair and a reminder of why these reigning champions are still a team to be reckoned with.
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