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amead17 · 10-13-2025, 11:53 AM

NAP LAJOIE REACHES 1,000 RBI AS ATHLETICS DEFEAT BROWNS, 8–5

By Samuel T. Kingsley and Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 26, 1906

Philadelphia fans had reason to cheer on Saturday as their beloved Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie reached yet another milestone in his illustrious career. The Philadelphia Athletics triumphed 8–5 over the St. Louis Browns, and in doing so, their celebrated second baseman collected the 1,000th run batted in of his remarkable tenure in the game.

The milestone came in the fourth inning, when the Athletics broke open the contest. With Dave Fultz on base and the home side already holding a slim lead, Lajoie stepped to the plate as the fifth batter of the frame. He tapped a soft infield hit that allowed Fultz to cross the plate, stretching Philadelphia’s advantage from 1–0 to 4–0. Lajoie later came around to score himself, capping a productive inning that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

For the day, Lajoie went 2-for-3, driving in one and scoring another to help his club secure the victory. The win improved the Athletics’ record to 22–15 on the season, keeping them firmly in the early American League race.

Lajoie, now 31 years of age, is batting .288 on the year and remains a cornerstone of the Athletics’ attack. Since beginning his career in 1896 with the Philadelphia Phillies, the masterful hitter has compiled a splendid .351 career average — a mark that cements his standing among the game’s greats.

Speaking after the game, Lajoie was typically humble in reflecting on his latest achievement.

“It’s a fine thing to have, but I’d trade any number of those runs if it meant keeping our club winning,” Lajoie said with a grin. “I’ve been fortunate to play with good men who get on base and do their part. I just try to do mine.”

Manager Chris Smith was quick to praise his star infielder.

“Nap’s been the backbone of this club since the day he joined us,” Smith remarked. “He plays the game the right way — steady, smart, and always for the team. A thousand runs batted in says all you need to know about his worth to the Athletics.”

For Philadelphia’s faithful, it was another shining afternoon at Columbia Park — a victory on the field and a milestone for one of the finest players ever to wear an Athletics uniform.

10-13-2025, 11:53 AM	#211
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,854	Nap Lajoie 1000 RBI's NAP LAJOIE REACHES 1,000 RBI AS ATHLETICS DEFEAT BROWNS, 8–5 By Samuel T. Kingsley and Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times May 26, 1906 Philadelphia fans had reason to cheer on Saturday as their beloved Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie reached yet another milestone in his illustrious career. The Philadelphia Athletics triumphed 8–5 over the St. Louis Browns, and in doing so, their celebrated second baseman collected the 1,000th run batted in of his remarkable tenure in the game. The milestone came in the fourth inning, when the Athletics broke open the contest. With Dave Fultz on base and the home side already holding a slim lead, Lajoie stepped to the plate as the fifth batter of the frame. He tapped a soft infield hit that allowed Fultz to cross the plate, stretching Philadelphia’s advantage from 1–0 to 4–0. Lajoie later came around to score himself, capping a productive inning that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. For the day, Lajoie went 2-for-3, driving in one and scoring another to help his club secure the victory. The win improved the Athletics’ record to 22–15 on the season, keeping them firmly in the early American League race. Lajoie, now 31 years of age, is batting .288 on the year and remains a cornerstone of the Athletics’ attack. Since beginning his career in 1896 with the Philadelphia Phillies, the masterful hitter has compiled a splendid .351 career average — a mark that cements his standing among the game’s greats. Speaking after the game, Lajoie was typically humble in reflecting on his latest achievement. “It’s a fine thing to have, but I’d trade any number of those runs if it meant keeping our club winning,” Lajoie said with a grin. “I’ve been fortunate to play with good men who get on base and do their part. I just try to do mine.” Manager Chris Smith was quick to praise his star infielder. “Nap’s been the backbone of this club since the day he joined us,” Smith remarked. “He plays the game the right way — steady, smart, and always for the team. A thousand runs batted in says all you need to know about his worth to the Athletics.” For Philadelphia’s faithful, it was another shining afternoon at Columbia Park — a victory on the field and a milestone for one of the finest players ever to wear an Athletics uniform.