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amead17 · 09-07-2025, 01:42 AM

LAVE CROSS NOTCHES 1000TH RUN IN ATHLETICS VICTORY

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 10th, 1902

Veteran third baseman Lave Cross, the stalwart of Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics, reached a remarkable milestone yesterday as he crossed the plate for the 1,000th run of his professional career. The tally came during the Athletics’ stirring 7–4 triumph over the Washington Senators, a contest that turned in the seventh inning when Philadelphia strung together a decisive rally.

Trailing most of the afternoon, the Athletics surged ahead when three men came across in the seventh, with Cross himself one of the scorers. His dash to the plate marked not only the turning point in the match but also a crowning moment in a career that now stretches nearly sixteen seasons.

Cross, who entered the professional ranks as a 21-year-old in 1887, has since worn the uniforms of several clubs, including three different stints with Philadelphia outfits, making him a familiar and beloved figure to the city’s supporters. Yesterday he turned back the clock with a sparkling day at the dish, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored, raising his early-season average to a dazzling .455.

Reflecting on his achievement, Cross spoke with humility befitting his long service:

“I never gave much thought to numbers,” said Cross with a smile after the contest. “I’ve simply tried to do my part each day, and to cross that plate as often as I could for the good of the club. To reach a thousand runs—well, I suppose it means I’ve been around this game a fair while. But truth be told, I feel as strong and eager as ever.”

Athletics manager Connie Mack, ever the student of consistency and character, praised his veteran cornerstone:

“Lave is the sort of ball player every club desires but few are fortunate to have,” Mack remarked. “He brings steadiness, skill, and no small amount of wisdom to the field. At thirty-six, he is still showing the young men how the game ought to be played. That milestone is a credit to his perseverance, but to me, the greater value is what he provides to his mates day in and day out.”

With the Athletics vying for position in a tightly contested American League race, the presence of a seasoned campaigner like Cross may yet prove decisive. And for one afternoon in Philadelphia, the cheers rang not just for a victory over Washington, but for the enduring excellence of a man who has been scoring runs for nearly two decades.

09-07-2025, 01:42 AM	#44
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,491	Cross Gets Run 1000 LAVE CROSS NOTCHES 1000TH RUN IN ATHLETICS VICTORY By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times May 10th, 1902 Veteran third baseman Lave Cross, the stalwart of Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics, reached a remarkable milestone yesterday as he crossed the plate for the 1,000th run of his professional career. The tally came during the Athletics’ stirring 7–4 triumph over the Washington Senators, a contest that turned in the seventh inning when Philadelphia strung together a decisive rally. Trailing most of the afternoon, the Athletics surged ahead when three men came across in the seventh, with Cross himself one of the scorers. His dash to the plate marked not only the turning point in the match but also a crowning moment in a career that now stretches nearly sixteen seasons. Cross, who entered the professional ranks as a 21-year-old in 1887, has since worn the uniforms of several clubs, including three different stints with Philadelphia outfits, making him a familiar and beloved figure to the city’s supporters. Yesterday he turned back the clock with a sparkling day at the dish, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored, raising his early-season average to a dazzling .455. Reflecting on his achievement, Cross spoke with humility befitting his long service: “I never gave much thought to numbers,” said Cross with a smile after the contest. “I’ve simply tried to do my part each day, and to cross that plate as often as I could for the good of the club. To reach a thousand runs—well, I suppose it means I’ve been around this game a fair while. But truth be told, I feel as strong and eager as ever.” Athletics manager Connie Mack, ever the student of consistency and character, praised his veteran cornerstone: “Lave is the sort of ball player every club desires but few are fortunate to have,” Mack remarked. “He brings steadiness, skill, and no small amount of wisdom to the field. At thirty-six, he is still showing the young men how the game ought to be played. That milestone is a credit to his perseverance, but to me, the greater value is what he provides to his mates day in and day out.” With the Athletics vying for position in a tightly contested American League race, the presence of a seasoned campaigner like Cross may yet prove decisive. And for one afternoon in Philadelphia, the cheers rang not just for a victory over Washington, but for the enduring excellence of a man who has been scoring runs for nearly two decades.