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amead17 · 09-19-2025, 12:05 PM

HIGHLANDERS’ WAR SANDERS LOST FOR SEASON WITH SHOULDER AILMENT

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 14th, 1903

Young Hurler Felled After Two Batters Against Tigers

The New York Highlanders suffered another grievous blow yesterday in their 9–1 drubbing at the hands of the Detroit Tigers. Just as the contest had scarcely begun, rookie pitcher War Sanders pulled up sharply in mid-delivery, clutching at his shoulder after facing but two batters. The Highlander medics hurried to the mound and, after a brief examination, signaled that his day — and as it turns out, his season — was over.

The official word after the game confirmed the worst fears: Sanders is stricken with serious shoulder inflammation, an ailment that will shelve him for at least five months. For the 25-year-old, in his maiden campaign, it is a cruel twist of fortune. Sanders departs the season with a ledger showing 0–4 in two starts and eight appearances, and a hard-earned 11.20 ERA.

Sanders, visibly disappointed yet stoic in the clubhouse, said:

“It’s a bitter thing to come so far only to be undone by one pitch. I felt a sharp pang and knew at once something was wrong. I’ll take the time to heal proper, and I vow I’ll be back next year stronger and wiser for the trial.”

Highlanders manager John McGraw, who has already seen his staff thinned by misfortune, spoke with characteristic bluntness:

“It is a hard loss, no doubt. The boy had the makings of a steady hand, but fate has a way of testing young pitchers. We’ll have to carry on with the arms we’ve got. This club cannot afford to look back.”

Despite the setback, the Highlanders remain firmly in the thick of the American League race, their mark standing at 41–31 on the season. But with Sanders now consigned to recovery, the club must once again adjust its rotation and seek steadiness in a campaign already marked by injuries and uneven fortune.

09-19-2025, 12:05 PM	#105
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,235	Sanders Injured HIGHLANDERS’ WAR SANDERS LOST FOR SEASON WITH SHOULDER AILMENT By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times July 14th, 1903 Young Hurler Felled After Two Batters Against Tigers The New York Highlanders suffered another grievous blow yesterday in their 9–1 drubbing at the hands of the Detroit Tigers. Just as the contest had scarcely begun, rookie pitcher War Sanders pulled up sharply in mid-delivery, clutching at his shoulder after facing but two batters. The Highlander medics hurried to the mound and, after a brief examination, signaled that his day — and as it turns out, his season — was over. The official word after the game confirmed the worst fears: Sanders is stricken with serious shoulder inflammation, an ailment that will shelve him for at least five months. For the 25-year-old, in his maiden campaign, it is a cruel twist of fortune. Sanders departs the season with a ledger showing 0–4 in two starts and eight appearances, and a hard-earned 11.20 ERA. Sanders, visibly disappointed yet stoic in the clubhouse, said: “It’s a bitter thing to come so far only to be undone by one pitch. I felt a sharp pang and knew at once something was wrong. I’ll take the time to heal proper, and I vow I’ll be back next year stronger and wiser for the trial.” Highlanders manager John McGraw, who has already seen his staff thinned by misfortune, spoke with characteristic bluntness: “It is a hard loss, no doubt. The boy had the makings of a steady hand, but fate has a way of testing young pitchers. We’ll have to carry on with the arms we’ve got. This club cannot afford to look back.” Despite the setback, the Highlanders remain firmly in the thick of the American League race, their mark standing at 41–31 on the season. But with Sanders now consigned to recovery, the club must once again adjust its rotation and seek steadiness in a campaign already marked by injuries and uneven fortune.