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Hoy 600 Steals
HOY STEALS HIS WAY TO 600TH AS WHITE SOX TRIUMPH
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
September 14th, 1902
Detroit—In a season marked by trials and tribulations for the Chicago White Sox, veteran Dummy Hoy gave the faithful something to cheer yesterday, swiping the 600th stolen base of his illustrious career as Chicago bested the Tigers 7–2. The victory raised the Sox to 54–75 on the year.
The milestone theft came in the sixth inning, with Hoy perched at first and teammate Fielder Jones on second. As Herm McFarland watched a delivery go wide, both men broke with perfect timing. Jones reached third without contest, and Hoy—ever the master of judgment on the basepaths—slid cleanly into second. Both later crossed the plate, widening Chicago’s advantage to 6–2 and sealing the day’s fortunes.
Hoy, now 40 years of age, has plied his trade since 1888, wearing the colors of several clubs before finding a home in Chicago. For the season, he is batting .282, with 23 stolen bases to his credit, and maintains a career average of .285. His continued daring on the basepaths is a testament to his endurance and guile.
Hoy himself reflected on the achievement with his customary modesty.
“I’ve never thought much of numbers, only of helping the club win,” Hoy signed through his interpreter. “But 600 steals—it pleases me to know I’ve still got the legs and the judgment to take the extra base. I intend to keep running so long as I am able.”
Manager Clark Griffith lauded his elder statesman’s contributions.
“Dummy has been the spark for this club more times than I can count,” Griffith said. “Even at forty, he runs with the daring of a young man. His 600th is not just a mark of longevity, but of the cleverest base running this game has seen. I’m proud to have him in white stockings.”
Though the White Sox remain out of contention, the milestone offers a reminder that in Hoy they possess one of the game’s craftiest and most enduring outfielders—an athlete still carving history in the twilight of his career.
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