PENNANT RACES TIGHTEN AS SEPTEMBER BEGINS
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
September 1st, 1903
With the long summer now behind us, the base ball season enters its final and most dramatic month, and both circuits promise battles of the fiercest kind.
In the American League, the Philadelphia Athletics still hold the upper hand, yet their once comfortable cushion has shrunk to a mere two games. The New York Highlanders and the Boston Americans lurk menacingly just behind, while the Detroit Tigers, only a half-game further adrift, remain well in the hunt. It is, by every measure, a four-club scramble for the flag. At the bottom, the Washington Senators, though spirited in their play, remain 21 games off the pace, their chances of contention long since extinguished.
Over in the National League, the mighty Pittsburgh Pirates no longer stride so far ahead as before. Their once seven-game lead has dwindled to three, thanks to the persistent charge of the Cincinnati Reds. The remainder of the league trails at a respectful distance, making this a pennant duel between two worthy adversaries. At the opposite end, the Brooklyn Superbas continue their unhappy campaign, two and a half games back of seventh place and a dispiriting 16 games behind the Pirates.
Monthly Honors
American League
Top Batter: Mike Donlin, New York Highlanders — .385, 2 home runs, 17 runs batted in, 23 runs scored
Top Pitcher: Earl Moore, Cleveland Naps — 6–1, 1.78 ERA
Rookie: Charles Bender, Chicago White Sox — 5–2, 1.81 ERA
National League
Top Batter: Harry Steinfeldt, Cincinnati Reds — .348, 1 home run, 15 runs batted in, 18 runs scored
Top Pitcher: Bill Dinneen, Boston Beaneaters — 5–1, 1.25 ERA
Rookie: Jake Weimer, Brooklyn Superbas — 3–4, 2.48 ERA
The stage is thus set for September’s drama, where every contest carries with it the weight of destiny. By month’s end, flags shall be raised and champions crowned, but for now, suspense reigns in both leagues.
