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amead17 · 09-10-2025, 10:49 AM

VAN HALTREN REACHES 2500 HITS AS GIANTS EDGE SUPERBAS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
July 26th, 1902

At the Polo Grounds yesterday, the faithful of New York had reason to cheer as their Giants eked out a narrow 2–1 triumph over the Brooklyn Superbas. The victory lifted the Giants’ record to 35–50, but the day’s greatest applause was reserved for veteran center fielder George Van Haltren, who registered the 2,500th hit of his long and storied career.

The 36-year-old struck his milestone blow in the bottom of the fifth inning, a sharp single that added another chapter to his ledger of accomplishments, though it did not lead to a run on this occasion. Van Haltren finished the contest 1-for-4, nudging his season average to .194.

Though his present campaign has been marked by struggles at the plate, the achievement stands as a testament to his consistency over sixteen major league seasons. Since debuting in 1887, Van Haltren has fashioned a .313 lifetime average, along with 69 home runs, and for the past eight years has been a stalwart of the Giants’ outfield.

Speaking afterward, Van Haltren was visibly moved by the moment:

“It means a great deal to me,” he said. “The season has not been kind with the bat, but milestones such as these remind a man of the years he has given to the game. To know I stand among the few with 2,500 hits is a comfort, and I still believe I can help this club win ballgames.”

Manager George Davis, himself a long-serving figure of the game, praised his veteran’s perseverance.

“George has been the backbone of this team for many years,” Davis remarked. “Even when the averages are not in his favor, his presence, leadership, and knowledge of the game are beyond measure. Reaching 2,500 hits is no small feat, and I am proud to have witnessed it in a Giants uniform.”

The day belonged to the Giants in the ledger, but for Van Haltren, it was a day when the past and present stood together in triumph.

09-10-2025, 10:49 AM	#60
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,478	Van Haltren reaches 2500 hits VAN HALTREN REACHES 2500 HITS AS GIANTS EDGE SUPERBAS By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times July 26th, 1902 At the Polo Grounds yesterday, the faithful of New York had reason to cheer as their Giants eked out a narrow 2–1 triumph over the Brooklyn Superbas. The victory lifted the Giants’ record to 35–50, but the day’s greatest applause was reserved for veteran center fielder George Van Haltren, who registered the 2,500th hit of his long and storied career. The 36-year-old struck his milestone blow in the bottom of the fifth inning, a sharp single that added another chapter to his ledger of accomplishments, though it did not lead to a run on this occasion. Van Haltren finished the contest 1-for-4, nudging his season average to .194. Though his present campaign has been marked by struggles at the plate, the achievement stands as a testament to his consistency over sixteen major league seasons. Since debuting in 1887, Van Haltren has fashioned a .313 lifetime average, along with 69 home runs, and for the past eight years has been a stalwart of the Giants’ outfield. Speaking afterward, Van Haltren was visibly moved by the moment: “It means a great deal to me,” he said. “The season has not been kind with the bat, but milestones such as these remind a man of the years he has given to the game. To know I stand among the few with 2,500 hits is a comfort, and I still believe I can help this club win ballgames.” Manager George Davis, himself a long-serving figure of the game, praised his veteran’s perseverance. “George has been the backbone of this team for many years,” Davis remarked. “Even when the averages are not in his favor, his presence, leadership, and knowledge of the game are beyond measure. Reaching 2,500 hits is no small feat, and I am proud to have witnessed it in a Giants uniform.” The day belonged to the Giants in the ledger, but for Van Haltren, it was a day when the past and present stood together in triumph.