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Young reaches 350
CY YOUNG NOTCHES 350TH CAREER VICTORY IN AMERICANS’ 7–6 WIN
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
July 14th, 1903
Boston Legend Adds Another Jewel to His Crowning Career
On this warm July afternoon at the Huntington Avenue Grounds, the faithful were treated to a sight that few pitchers in the history of the game may ever hope to match. Denton “Cy” Young, the venerable right-hander of the Boston Americans, secured career victory number 350, guiding his club to a thrilling 7–6 triumph over the Cleveland Naps. A timely run in the bottom of the ninth proved decisive, lifting the Bostonians to a 43–34 record on the year.
Young’s outing, though uneven at moments, displayed the resilience that has made him the sport’s most enduring hurler. He surrendered 10 hits, 4 earned runs, and a walk, while fanning three. But as he has done countless times before, Young bent without breaking, his composure allowing his club’s bats to answer when called upon.
For the season, the veteran now stands at 13–5 with a 2.55 ERA. His astonishing career ledger swells further: 350 victories against 193 defeats, and a lifetime earned run average of 2.94, numbers that seem destined to endure in the chronicles of base ball for generations.
A smiling yet modest Young spoke afterward with the calm assurance of a man who has seen much in his 13 seasons:
“It is a fine thing to reach this number, but truth be told, I do not dwell on such totals. Each contest is but another day’s work, and I go out to do my part. I’ve been blessed with good health, fine clubs behind me, and a game that I dearly love. That is all a pitcher can ask.”
Americans skipper Jimmy Collins, himself a steady hand in the Boston cause, was effusive in his praise:
“Cy is the anchor of this ball club, plain and simple. When he takes the mound, every man in the field believes we can win. To see him reach 350 is to witness history in the making. There is no finer pitcher in either league, nor perhaps ever to take the ball.”
As the Americans chase the Athletics and Tigers in the pennant race, Cy Young’s steady arm continues to be their surest weapon, and his remarkable career shows no signs of dimming.
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