OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 09-12-2025, 10:03 AM

DUFFY SWIPES 600TH BASE AS REDS BLANK BEANEATERS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
August 8th, 1902

The Cincinnati Reds’ recent acquisition, Hugh Duffy, wasted little time in showing precisely why the club was so eager to bring him aboard. Yesterday in Boston, before a crowd that had so often cheered him in years past, the 35-year-old center fielder reached another lofty milestone in his storied career—his 600th stolen base.

The Reds, behind sterling pitching and sharp play afield, shut out the Boston Beaneaters 3–0, improving to 49–45 on the season.

Duffy’s notable theft came in the third inning. After singling his way aboard, he wasted no time in dashing for second, beating the throw with the cunning and swiftness that have been his hallmarks. He was then ushered around the bases thanks to productive outs from Jake Beckley and Heinie Peitz, crossing the plate for the day’s third run—a tally that proved more than enough for victory.

The Boston faithful, though disheartened by the scoreline, could not help but acknowledge the achievement of their former hero, who once patrolled their outfield with distinction.

For the day, Duffy was 3-for-4 with two runs scored, an RBI, and the stolen base, further lifting his already dazzling .358 batting mark on the year. Over a career that began in 1888, the veteran has now worn the colors of the Chicago Orphans, Boston Beaneaters, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Browns, and now the Cincinnati Reds. A .325 career hitter, Duffy continues to prove that age has not dulled his sharp instincts nor his lively bat.

After the game, Duffy spoke with the humility that has long endeared him to admirers of the game.

“Six hundred is a grand number, but each base means the same to me—the chance to help the side win,” he said. “Boston was good to me for many years, and it is a queer feeling to pass a mark like this here. Still, I am proud to wear the Reds’ colors now and give them what I have left.”

Reds manager Bid McPhee praised both his veteran’s talent and his example.

“That’s why we wanted Hugh,” McPhee remarked. “He’s not just a fine hitter but a clever ballplayer in every sense—always thinking, always fighting. Six hundred stolen bases is the measure of a career of smart, aggressive play. Our young fellows can learn plenty just by watching him.”

With Duffy adding both fire and wisdom to the Reds’ lineup, Cincinnati’s faithful may yet dare to hope their club climbs higher before the summer gives way to autumn.

09-12-2025, 10:03 AM	#65
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	Duffy 600 Stolen Bases DUFFY SWIPES 600TH BASE AS REDS BLANK BEANEATERS By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times August 8th, 1902 The Cincinnati Reds’ recent acquisition, Hugh Duffy, wasted little time in showing precisely why the club was so eager to bring him aboard. Yesterday in Boston, before a crowd that had so often cheered him in years past, the 35-year-old center fielder reached another lofty milestone in his storied career—his 600th stolen base. The Reds, behind sterling pitching and sharp play afield, shut out the Boston Beaneaters 3–0, improving to 49–45 on the season. Duffy’s notable theft came in the third inning. After singling his way aboard, he wasted no time in dashing for second, beating the throw with the cunning and swiftness that have been his hallmarks. He was then ushered around the bases thanks to productive outs from Jake Beckley and Heinie Peitz, crossing the plate for the day’s third run—a tally that proved more than enough for victory. The Boston faithful, though disheartened by the scoreline, could not help but acknowledge the achievement of their former hero, who once patrolled their outfield with distinction. For the day, Duffy was 3-for-4 with two runs scored, an RBI, and the stolen base, further lifting his already dazzling .358 batting mark on the year. Over a career that began in 1888, the veteran has now worn the colors of the Chicago Orphans, Boston Beaneaters, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Browns, and now the Cincinnati Reds. A .325 career hitter, Duffy continues to prove that age has not dulled his sharp instincts nor his lively bat. After the game, Duffy spoke with the humility that has long endeared him to admirers of the game. “Six hundred is a grand number, but each base means the same to me—the chance to help the side win,” he said. “Boston was good to me for many years, and it is a queer feeling to pass a mark like this here. Still, I am proud to wear the Reds’ colors now and give them what I have left.” Reds manager Bid McPhee praised both his veteran’s talent and his example. “That’s why we wanted Hugh,” McPhee remarked. “He’s not just a fine hitter but a clever ballplayer in every sense—always thinking, always fighting. Six hundred stolen bases is the measure of a career of smart, aggressive play. Our young fellows can learn plenty just by watching him.” With Duffy adding both fire and wisdom to the Reds’ lineup, Cincinnati’s faithful may yet dare to hope their club climbs higher before the summer gives way to autumn.