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amead17 · 09-13-2025, 03:55 AM

PIRATES STRICKEN IN DEFEAT; PHILLIPPE AND COAKLEY LOST FOR THE YEAR

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
September 21st, 1902

Pittsburgh, Pa.—It was a day of bitter fortune for the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose march toward the World’s Series has been the story of the summer. Yesterday at Exposition Park, the National League champions fell to the St. Louis Cardinals, 6–3, but the score was of small consequence compared to the grievous loss of two hurlers in the same contest.

In the third inning, dependable ace Deacon Phillippe, already a 20-game winner this season, delivered a pitch and immediately clutched at his throwing arm. For a moment he tried to rotate the elbow, but the pain was plain upon his face. Manager Fred Clarke and the club physician hurried to his side, and Phillippe was withdrawn forthwith, his day—and his season—finished.

Young Andy Coakley, a mere 19 years of age and making his first appearance in the major ranks, was called upon to stem the tide. He finished the frame but met cruel fate himself when he took the mound in the fourth. After a few deliveries, the rookie halted abruptly, grasping at his back before being escorted slowly to the clubhouse by the medical men.

Manager Clarke, speaking with reporters afterward, wore a heavy countenance:

“To lose one pitcher in such fashion is misfortune; to lose two in the same afternoon is a calamity. Phillippe has been our steadiest arm all season, and the doctors now tell me his ligaments are torn badly. As for young Coakley, his muscle is torn in the back and he is finished for the year. We must gather ourselves quickly, for the world’s eyes will be upon us come October.”

The gravity of the news was underscored by the players themselves. Phillippe, his arm bound, spoke quietly but resolutely:

“This is the hardest blow I have ever taken in my years of base ball. I have tried to give my best to Pittsburgh, and to be halted now, when so much lies ahead, pains me more than words can tell. If surgery is needed, I shall endure it, and I promise to fight my way back to the diamond.”

For Coakley, his debut ended in sorrow:

“I had dreamt of this day since I was a boy, yet it lasted but an inning. To be struck down so quickly is cruel, but I will mend. At nineteen, God willing, I have many years ahead, and I hope to repay the Pirates’ faith in me.”

The Pirates, now at 86–48, have already clinched the pennant, but yesterday’s injuries have cast a pall over their preparations for the championship clash with Boston. What was to be a crowning campaign has now been beset with shadows, and the city waits anxiously to see whether Clarke’s men can weather the storm.

09-13-2025, 03:55 AM	#75
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,094	Tough Day for Pirates PIRATES STRICKEN IN DEFEAT; PHILLIPPE AND COAKLEY LOST FOR THE YEAR By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times September 21st, 1902 Pittsburgh, Pa.—It was a day of bitter fortune for the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose march toward the World’s Series has been the story of the summer. Yesterday at Exposition Park, the National League champions fell to the St. Louis Cardinals, 6–3, but the score was of small consequence compared to the grievous loss of two hurlers in the same contest. In the third inning, dependable ace Deacon Phillippe, already a 20-game winner this season, delivered a pitch and immediately clutched at his throwing arm. For a moment he tried to rotate the elbow, but the pain was plain upon his face. Manager Fred Clarke and the club physician hurried to his side, and Phillippe was withdrawn forthwith, his day—and his season—finished. Young Andy Coakley, a mere 19 years of age and making his first appearance in the major ranks, was called upon to stem the tide. He finished the frame but met cruel fate himself when he took the mound in the fourth. After a few deliveries, the rookie halted abruptly, grasping at his back before being escorted slowly to the clubhouse by the medical men. Manager Clarke, speaking with reporters afterward, wore a heavy countenance: “To lose one pitcher in such fashion is misfortune; to lose two in the same afternoon is a calamity. Phillippe has been our steadiest arm all season, and the doctors now tell me his ligaments are torn badly. As for young Coakley, his muscle is torn in the back and he is finished for the year. We must gather ourselves quickly, for the world’s eyes will be upon us come October.” The gravity of the news was underscored by the players themselves. Phillippe, his arm bound, spoke quietly but resolutely: “This is the hardest blow I have ever taken in my years of base ball. I have tried to give my best to Pittsburgh, and to be halted now, when so much lies ahead, pains me more than words can tell. If surgery is needed, I shall endure it, and I promise to fight my way back to the diamond.” For Coakley, his debut ended in sorrow: “I had dreamt of this day since I was a boy, yet it lasted but an inning. To be struck down so quickly is cruel, but I will mend. At nineteen, God willing, I have many years ahead, and I hope to repay the Pirates’ faith in me.” The Pirates, now at 86–48, have already clinched the pennant, but yesterday’s injuries have cast a pall over their preparations for the championship clash with Boston. What was to be a crowning campaign has now been beset with shadows, and the city waits anxiously to see whether Clarke’s men can weather the storm.