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amead17 · 09-12-2025, 11:05 AM

LAVE CROSS NOTCHES 2000TH HIT IN ATHLETICS’ VICTORY

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
August 29th, 1902

Chicago, Ill., Aug. 28 – The steady and unflinching bat of Lave Cross, veteran first baseman of the Philadelphia Athletics, was once more the story of the day. Before a fair crowd at South Side Park, the 36-year-old stalwart collected his 2000th career hit, a mark that places him among the most dependable hitters of the age. His exploits at the plate carried Philadelphia to a 6–4 triumph over the Chicago White Sox.

Cross was the difference-maker, going 3-for-5 with a double, a single, a run scored, and four runs batted in. The milestone came in the third inning, a sharp single to left after his ringing double in the first had already helped set the tone. Though stranded on base following the historic blow, his day’s work was instrumental in the Athletics’ victory.

With the win, the Athletics advanced their record to 67–44, keeping pressure upon the Boston Americans in the American League race. Cross continues to pace his club with an impressive .328 batting average on the season, a testament to his fitness and craft despite the advancing years.

Cross, who has plied his trade since his debut in 1887, reflected on the accomplishment in his usual modest manner. “I’ve never chased numbers,” he said with a quiet smile. “I’ve always tried to give my best for whichever club I wore the uniform of. Two thousand hits is fine, but what pleases me most is helping the boys secure a victory.”

Manager Connie Mack, ever the picture of calm pride, offered fulsome praise. “Lave is the very model of a ballplayer,” Mack declared. “He comes to the ground ready each day, he works without complaint, and he delivers in the moments that matter most. To see him reach 2000 hits is no surprise to me. He has been the backbone of this club, and we are fortunate indeed to have him.”

As the pennant race quickens, Cross’s milestone stands not only as a personal triumph but also as a rallying point for an Athletics club that continues to press toward October glory.

09-12-2025, 11:05 AM	#69
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,212	Cross 2000th Hit LAVE CROSS NOTCHES 2000TH HIT IN ATHLETICS’ VICTORY By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times August 29th, 1902 Chicago, Ill., Aug. 28 – The steady and unflinching bat of Lave Cross, veteran first baseman of the Philadelphia Athletics, was once more the story of the day. Before a fair crowd at South Side Park, the 36-year-old stalwart collected his 2000th career hit, a mark that places him among the most dependable hitters of the age. His exploits at the plate carried Philadelphia to a 6–4 triumph over the Chicago White Sox. Cross was the difference-maker, going 3-for-5 with a double, a single, a run scored, and four runs batted in. The milestone came in the third inning, a sharp single to left after his ringing double in the first had already helped set the tone. Though stranded on base following the historic blow, his day’s work was instrumental in the Athletics’ victory. With the win, the Athletics advanced their record to 67–44, keeping pressure upon the Boston Americans in the American League race. Cross continues to pace his club with an impressive .328 batting average on the season, a testament to his fitness and craft despite the advancing years. Cross, who has plied his trade since his debut in 1887, reflected on the accomplishment in his usual modest manner. “I’ve never chased numbers,” he said with a quiet smile. “I’ve always tried to give my best for whichever club I wore the uniform of. Two thousand hits is fine, but what pleases me most is helping the boys secure a victory.” Manager Connie Mack, ever the picture of calm pride, offered fulsome praise. “Lave is the very model of a ballplayer,” Mack declared. “He comes to the ground ready each day, he works without complaint, and he delivers in the moments that matter most. To see him reach 2000 hits is no surprise to me. He has been the backbone of this club, and we are fortunate indeed to have him.” As the pennant race quickens, Cross’s milestone stands not only as a personal triumph but also as a rallying point for an Athletics club that continues to press toward October glory.