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amead17 · 08-30-2025, 03:22 AM

WILLIS MAKES HISTORY WITH NO-HIT GAME IN ST. LOUIS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times, July 21, 1901

St. Louis, Mo. — The Boston Beaneaters, so long a power in the National League, were given cause for cheer yesterday when their young pitching ace, Vic Willis, performed one of the rarest feats in all of base ball: a no-hit game. Before a fair crowd at Robison Field, the tall right-hander silenced the St. Louis Cardinals completely, guiding Boston to a 3–0 victory.

Though destiny denied him perfection — two untimely fielding errors marring an otherwise spotless defense — Willis never wavered. He carried the perfect game deep into the sixth inning before the first mishap behind him put a Cardinal aboard. Yet he permitted no walks, struck out four, and stood as master of every inning. The Cardinals, for all their effort, never once could claim a clean blow.

The Beaneaters provided all the necessary support early, pushing across their three runs before the contest had settled into its final pattern. With the lead in hand, Willis worked swiftly and surely, mixing his deliveries and keeping the St. Louis batsmen guessing throughout the afternoon.

The victory lifts Boston to a mark of 40–41, a modest gain in a season that has often tested their resolve. For Willis, however, it is a personal triumph of the highest order. Now in his fourth year of professional ball, the 26-year-old hurler improves his season’s line to 11–10 with a 2.34 earned run average, and his career total stands at 73 victories against 48 defeats.

Speaking afterward, Willis was restrained in his celebration. “I am glad to have given the club this kind of win,” he said. “The defense has carried me many a time, so I cannot complain of an error or two. The important thing is we came away with the game. To pitch without a hit against you, that is something I shall long remember.”

Manager Frank Selee was fulsome in his praise. “Willis has matured into one of the finest pitchers in the league,” Selee declared. “He had command of every ball today, and the Cardinals never looked comfortable at the plate. He is a credit to this club and to the game.”

Remarkably, this is the second no-hitter of the 1901 season, and both have been claimed by men wearing the Beaneaters’ uniform. Only last month, Charles “Togie” Pittinger etched his own name into history with a gem against the Chicago Orphans. Now Willis joins him, and together they have given Boston two shining achievements in a year where victories have sometimes proved elusive.

For the faithful supporters of the Beaneaters, it was a day to recall that even amidst adversity, greatness may yet shine forth.

08-30-2025, 03:22 AM	#18
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,478	Willis No Hits Orphans WILLIS MAKES HISTORY WITH NO-HIT GAME IN ST. LOUIS By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times, July 21, 1901 St. Louis, Mo. — The Boston Beaneaters, so long a power in the National League, were given cause for cheer yesterday when their young pitching ace, Vic Willis, performed one of the rarest feats in all of base ball: a no-hit game. Before a fair crowd at Robison Field, the tall right-hander silenced the St. Louis Cardinals completely, guiding Boston to a 3–0 victory. Though destiny denied him perfection — two untimely fielding errors marring an otherwise spotless defense — Willis never wavered. He carried the perfect game deep into the sixth inning before the first mishap behind him put a Cardinal aboard. Yet he permitted no walks, struck out four, and stood as master of every inning. The Cardinals, for all their effort, never once could claim a clean blow. The Beaneaters provided all the necessary support early, pushing across their three runs before the contest had settled into its final pattern. With the lead in hand, Willis worked swiftly and surely, mixing his deliveries and keeping the St. Louis batsmen guessing throughout the afternoon. The victory lifts Boston to a mark of 40–41, a modest gain in a season that has often tested their resolve. For Willis, however, it is a personal triumph of the highest order. Now in his fourth year of professional ball, the 26-year-old hurler improves his season’s line to 11–10 with a 2.34 earned run average, and his career total stands at 73 victories against 48 defeats. Speaking afterward, Willis was restrained in his celebration. “I am glad to have given the club this kind of win,” he said. “The defense has carried me many a time, so I cannot complain of an error or two. The important thing is we came away with the game. To pitch without a hit against you, that is something I shall long remember.” Manager Frank Selee was fulsome in his praise. “Willis has matured into one of the finest pitchers in the league,” Selee declared. “He had command of every ball today, and the Cardinals never looked comfortable at the plate. He is a credit to this club and to the game.” Remarkably, this is the second no-hitter of the 1901 season, and both have been claimed by men wearing the Beaneaters’ uniform. Only last month, Charles “Togie” Pittinger etched his own name into history with a gem against the Chicago Orphans. Now Willis joins him, and together they have given Boston two shining achievements in a year where victories have sometimes proved elusive. For the faithful supporters of the Beaneaters, it was a day to recall that even amidst adversity, greatness may yet shine forth.