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amead17 · 10-01-2025, 10:40 AM

DIAMOND GREATS HONORED: 1904 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
November 3, 1904

Harry Davis, Bill Dahlen, Cy Young, and Frank Smith headline season’s laurels

Award season has once more arrived, that special time when the year’s brightest stars are recognized for their labors upon the diamond. For the players it is the reward of endless summer toil, and for the faithful supporters it is a chance to see their heroes immortalized in print. The 1904 campaign produced no shortage of worthy candidates, but a select few have carried off the coveted trophies.

American League

Harry Davis Most Valuable Player
Philadelphia’s Harry Davis, at 31 years of age, stands tall as the American League’s Most Valuable Player. His campaign was one of thunderous hitting and consistent production: a .348 average, 222 hits, 40 doubles, 15 triples, and 25 home runs. Davis crossed the plate 103 times and drove in 146 runs, making him the very backbone of the Athletics’ pennant-winning lineup. His victory was emphatic, receiving all 16 first-place votes, with teammate Nap Lajoie finishing a distant second.

Cy Young Pitcher of the Year
The incomparable Cy Young, though 37 years old, once again proved that age is no barrier to greatness. The Boston veteran hurled 346 innings with a sterling 1.82 ERA, collecting 21 victories along the way. His control was masterful, issuing but 31 walks all season. Like Davis, Young was the unanimous choice of the voters, capturing his latest laurel as the league’s preeminent pitcher.

Pete Hill Rookie of the Year
Few stories warmed the hearts of base ball followers more than that of Pete Hill. Just 22 years old, and beginning the spring merely grateful to see his name penciled onto Washington’s roster, the fleet-footed center fielder blossomed into a star. Hill struck .345, gathering 197 hits and driving in 96 runs, all while patrolling the outfield with distinction. His unanimous selection marks him as one of the brightest young talents the game has seen in years.

National League

Bill Dahlen Most Valuable Player
Brooklyn’s wily veteran Bill Dahlen secured the National League’s Most Valuable Player honors. The 34-year-old shortstop may not have posted gaudy numbers, but his leadership and steady bat carried the Superbas throughout the year. With a .273 average, 165 hits, 37 doubles, and 80 runs scored, Dahlen claimed 12 of 16 first-place votes, edging out New York’s Danny Murphy and Chicago’s Grant Johnson.

Frank Smith Pitcher of the Year
The National League’s pitching crown goes to a man who combined youth with brilliance: Frank Smith of the Chicago Cubs. In his first campaign, Smith compiled a remarkable 24–14 record, striking out 151 men across 339 innings while holding opposing batsmen to a paltry .215 average. His earned run average of 1.75 speaks volumes, and he carried away 12 of the 16 first-place votes.

Frank Smith Rookie of the Year
As if one honor were not enough, Smith added the Rookie of the Year Award to his résumé, sweeping all 16 votes. Rarely has a player burst upon the major league stage with such authority. Brooklyn’s Ed Walsh and Boston’s Hooks Wiltse trailed far behind, underscoring the utter dominance of the Chicago right-hander.

The 1904 season is now etched into history, its pennants decided and its champions crowned. Yet long after the standings fade from memory, the names of Davis, Dahlen, Young, Hill, and Smith will remain, enshrined as the men who defined this year upon the field of play.

10-01-2025, 10:40 AM	#161
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	Annual Awards DIAMOND GREATS HONORED: 1904 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times November 3, 1904 Harry Davis, Bill Dahlen, Cy Young, and Frank Smith headline season’s laurels Award season has once more arrived, that special time when the year’s brightest stars are recognized for their labors upon the diamond. For the players it is the reward of endless summer toil, and for the faithful supporters it is a chance to see their heroes immortalized in print. The 1904 campaign produced no shortage of worthy candidates, but a select few have carried off the coveted trophies. American League Harry Davis Most Valuable Player Philadelphia’s Harry Davis, at 31 years of age, stands tall as the American League’s Most Valuable Player. His campaign was one of thunderous hitting and consistent production: a .348 average, 222 hits, 40 doubles, 15 triples, and 25 home runs. Davis crossed the plate 103 times and drove in 146 runs, making him the very backbone of the Athletics’ pennant-winning lineup. His victory was emphatic, receiving all 16 first-place votes, with teammate Nap Lajoie finishing a distant second. Cy Young Pitcher of the Year The incomparable Cy Young, though 37 years old, once again proved that age is no barrier to greatness. The Boston veteran hurled 346 innings with a sterling 1.82 ERA, collecting 21 victories along the way. His control was masterful, issuing but 31 walks all season. Like Davis, Young was the unanimous choice of the voters, capturing his latest laurel as the league’s preeminent pitcher. Pete Hill Rookie of the Year Few stories warmed the hearts of base ball followers more than that of Pete Hill. Just 22 years old, and beginning the spring merely grateful to see his name penciled onto Washington’s roster, the fleet-footed center fielder blossomed into a star. Hill struck .345, gathering 197 hits and driving in 96 runs, all while patrolling the outfield with distinction. His unanimous selection marks him as one of the brightest young talents the game has seen in years. National League Bill Dahlen Most Valuable Player Brooklyn’s wily veteran Bill Dahlen secured the National League’s Most Valuable Player honors. The 34-year-old shortstop may not have posted gaudy numbers, but his leadership and steady bat carried the Superbas throughout the year. With a .273 average, 165 hits, 37 doubles, and 80 runs scored, Dahlen claimed 12 of 16 first-place votes, edging out New York’s Danny Murphy and Chicago’s Grant Johnson. Frank Smith Pitcher of the Year The National League’s pitching crown goes to a man who combined youth with brilliance: Frank Smith of the Chicago Cubs. In his first campaign, Smith compiled a remarkable 24–14 record, striking out 151 men across 339 innings while holding opposing batsmen to a paltry .215 average. His earned run average of 1.75 speaks volumes, and he carried away 12 of the 16 first-place votes. Frank Smith Rookie of the Year As if one honor were not enough, Smith added the Rookie of the Year Award to his résumé, sweeping all 16 votes. Rarely has a player burst upon the major league stage with such authority. Brooklyn’s Ed Walsh and Boston’s Hooks Wiltse trailed far behind, underscoring the utter dominance of the Chicago right-hander. The 1904 season is now etched into history, its pennants decided and its champions crowned. Yet long after the standings fade from memory, the names of Davis, Dahlen, Young, Hill, and Smith will remain, enshrined as the men who defined this year upon the field of play.