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amead17 · 10-05-2025, 10:53 AM

HIGHLANDERS DEFEAT BOSTON, BUT LOSE SHORTSTOP BATCH FOR THE SEASON

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

June 5, 1905 – New York – The New York Highlanders secured a hard-fought 4–2 triumph over the Boston Americans this afternoon at Hilltop Park, keeping pace in the lively chase for the American League pennant. Yet the victory was tinged with deep misfortune, as shortstop Emil Batch suffered a severe injury in the opening frame that will side line him for the remainder of the campaign.

In the bottom of the first, Batch reached base with a sharp single to left and immediately attempted to steal second. As he dashed toward the bag, he stumbled and fell headlong to the turf, landing hard upon his knees. His anguished cry brought silence over the grandstand, and he had to be carried from the field by attendants.

It was later revealed that the 25-year-old fractured his knee and will be lost to the club for five months, effectively ending his season. Batch, who raised his season’s mark to .238 with his lone hit today, has been a steadying influence in the Highlander infield and will be sorely missed.

From his hospital bed, Batch spoke with the quiet courage befitting a ball player:

“I knew the moment I went down that it was bad. A fellow never wants to leave his mates this way, but I’ll mend as best I can and hope to be back stronger when next spring comes.”

Highlanders manager Ismael Garcia, while pleased with the club’s victory, could not hide his concern for his injured shortstop:

“Emil has been a fine hand for us, and it pains me to see him stricken so early in the season. The lads will rally and play on, but we’ll surely miss his sure glove and steady bat. The only consolation is that his spirit remains strong.”

With the win, New York improves to 23–22, remaining within striking distance of the league-leading Athletics. Yet the loss of Batch casts a long shadow, as the Highlanders now look to reshuffle their infield in the heat of the pennant chase.

10-05-2025, 10:53 AM	#180
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,860	Emil Batch Injured HIGHLANDERS DEFEAT BOSTON, BUT LOSE SHORTSTOP BATCH FOR THE SEASON By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times June 5, 1905 – New York – The New York Highlanders secured a hard-fought 4–2 triumph over the Boston Americans this afternoon at Hilltop Park, keeping pace in the lively chase for the American League pennant. Yet the victory was tinged with deep misfortune, as shortstop Emil Batch suffered a severe injury in the opening frame that will side line him for the remainder of the campaign. In the bottom of the first, Batch reached base with a sharp single to left and immediately attempted to steal second. As he dashed toward the bag, he stumbled and fell headlong to the turf, landing hard upon his knees. His anguished cry brought silence over the grandstand, and he had to be carried from the field by attendants. It was later revealed that the 25-year-old fractured his knee and will be lost to the club for five months, effectively ending his season. Batch, who raised his season’s mark to .238 with his lone hit today, has been a steadying influence in the Highlander infield and will be sorely missed. From his hospital bed, Batch spoke with the quiet courage befitting a ball player: “I knew the moment I went down that it was bad. A fellow never wants to leave his mates this way, but I’ll mend as best I can and hope to be back stronger when next spring comes.” Highlanders manager Ismael Garcia, while pleased with the club’s victory, could not hide his concern for his injured shortstop: “Emil has been a fine hand for us, and it pains me to see him stricken so early in the season. The lads will rally and play on, but we’ll surely miss his sure glove and steady bat. The only consolation is that his spirit remains strong.” With the win, New York improves to 23–22, remaining within striking distance of the league-leading Athletics. Yet the loss of Batch casts a long shadow, as the Highlanders now look to reshuffle their infield in the heat of the pennant chase.