OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 09-18-2025, 11:39 AM

PATSY DONOVAN SWIPES 500TH BASE IN CARDINALS’ 4–2 VICTORY OVER GIANTS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
June 30th, 1903

Veteran Outfielder-Managers Adds Another Milestone to Storied Career

NEW YORK — Though his bat was silent, Patsy Donovan once again proved his worth with his legs, swiping the 500th base of his career in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 4–2 triumph over the New York Giants yesterday. The win moves the Cardinals to 31–35 on the year, keeping them within striking distance as the season nears its midpoint.

Donovan’s milestone came in the very first inning. Reaching on an error to open the contest, the 38-year-old wasted no time in taking second, stealing cleanly as Dan McGann stood at the plate. When McGann himself reached on an error, Donovan rounded third and crossed home to give St. Louis an early 1–0 lead.

While Donovan finished the afternoon hitless at 0-for-5, he still contributed a run scored and the historic theft. For the season, he maintains a solid .314 average with 15 stolen bases, a testament to both his skill and durability.

After the contest, Donovan reflected with a smile upon his achievement. “Five hundred steals — it sounds like a great many, doesn’t it?” he said. “I have always prided myself on finding a way to help the club, whether my bat is sharp or not. Today it was my legs, and that’s been true often enough through the years.”

As manager of the Cardinals since 1901, Donovan also spoke on the importance of the win for his club. “We’ve been scratching to get ourselves back on course, and victories like this are the kind we must seize,” he remarked. “The Giants are never easy here in New York, but our fellows showed grit today. If we keep that spirit, we’ll be climbing yet.”

For a man who has spent 13 years in the big leagues and worn many uniforms since his debut in 1890, Donovan’s dual role as player and manager continues to mark him as one of the game’s most enduring figures — and now one of its most prolific base thieves.

09-18-2025, 11:39 AM	#103
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,257	Donovan 500 Steals PATSY DONOVAN SWIPES 500TH BASE IN CARDINALS’ 4–2 VICTORY OVER GIANTS By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times June 30th, 1903 Veteran Outfielder-Managers Adds Another Milestone to Storied Career NEW YORK — Though his bat was silent, Patsy Donovan once again proved his worth with his legs, swiping the 500th base of his career in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 4–2 triumph over the New York Giants yesterday. The win moves the Cardinals to 31–35 on the year, keeping them within striking distance as the season nears its midpoint. Donovan’s milestone came in the very first inning. Reaching on an error to open the contest, the 38-year-old wasted no time in taking second, stealing cleanly as Dan McGann stood at the plate. When McGann himself reached on an error, Donovan rounded third and crossed home to give St. Louis an early 1–0 lead. While Donovan finished the afternoon hitless at 0-for-5, he still contributed a run scored and the historic theft. For the season, he maintains a solid .314 average with 15 stolen bases, a testament to both his skill and durability. After the contest, Donovan reflected with a smile upon his achievement. “Five hundred steals — it sounds like a great many, doesn’t it?” he said. “I have always prided myself on finding a way to help the club, whether my bat is sharp or not. Today it was my legs, and that’s been true often enough through the years.” As manager of the Cardinals since 1901, Donovan also spoke on the importance of the win for his club. “We’ve been scratching to get ourselves back on course, and victories like this are the kind we must seize,” he remarked. “The Giants are never easy here in New York, but our fellows showed grit today. If we keep that spirit, we’ll be climbing yet.” For a man who has spent 13 years in the big leagues and worn many uniforms since his debut in 1890, Donovan’s dual role as player and manager continues to mark him as one of the game’s most enduring figures — and now one of its most prolific base thieves.