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amead17 · 11-13-2025, 12:40 AM

THE SPORTING TIMES — September 22, 1909

“Nap Lajoie Reaches 2,500 Hits as Athletics Down Browns 7–1”
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

It was a fine afternoon of baseball at Columbia Park, where the Philadelphia Athletics turned in one of their more complete performances of the year, defeating the St. Louis Browns by a score of 7–1. The victory brought the Athletics’ record to 73–71, and for the home crowd, it came with an added measure of satisfaction as Nap Lajoie, the club’s veteran second baseman and captain, collected the 2,500th hit of his illustrious career.

The milestone came in the fifth inning, with the Athletics already holding a comfortable 5–1 advantage. Lajoie led off the frame and lashed a double to left center, a cleanly struck ball that drew a hearty round of applause from the Philadelphia faithful. He later came around to score, adding yet another run to a game that was well in hand.

For the afternoon, Lajoie went 2-for-5, scored two runs, and drove in one, lifting his season average to .295. It was the kind of steady, confident performance that has defined his remarkable career.

Since joining the Athletics in 1901 following his celebrated jump from the Philadelphia Phillies, Lajoie has been the heart and soul of the club. A professional in every sense, he now stands as one of the most accomplished hitters in the game, owning a career average of .332 since his debut in 1896.

After the game, Lajoie was typically modest when asked about his achievement.

“It’s just another day at the park,” he said with a smile. “I’m pleased to have reached that number, sure, but what pleases me most is seeing the club play good ball. The hits only matter if they help us win.”

Athletics manager Chris Smith was quick to praise his veteran leader.

“Nap is the kind of player who sets the tone for everyone else,” Smith remarked. “Two thousand five hundred hits — that’s a mark very few men will ever see. He’s a credit to the game and to this ball club.”

It was, all told, a satisfying day for the Athletics — a convincing win, a historic moment for their captain, and a timely reminder of the enduring excellence of one of baseball’s great craftsmen.

11-13-2025, 12:40 AM	#375
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	Nap Lajoie 2500 hits THE SPORTING TIMES — September 22, 1909 “Nap Lajoie Reaches 2,500 Hits as Athletics Down Browns 7–1” By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times It was a fine afternoon of baseball at Columbia Park, where the Philadelphia Athletics turned in one of their more complete performances of the year, defeating the St. Louis Browns by a score of 7–1. The victory brought the Athletics’ record to 73–71, and for the home crowd, it came with an added measure of satisfaction as Nap Lajoie, the club’s veteran second baseman and captain, collected the 2,500th hit of his illustrious career. The milestone came in the fifth inning, with the Athletics already holding a comfortable 5–1 advantage. Lajoie led off the frame and lashed a double to left center, a cleanly struck ball that drew a hearty round of applause from the Philadelphia faithful. He later came around to score, adding yet another run to a game that was well in hand. For the afternoon, Lajoie went 2-for-5, scored two runs, and drove in one, lifting his season average to .295. It was the kind of steady, confident performance that has defined his remarkable career. Since joining the Athletics in 1901 following his celebrated jump from the Philadelphia Phillies, Lajoie has been the heart and soul of the club. A professional in every sense, he now stands as one of the most accomplished hitters in the game, owning a career average of .332 since his debut in 1896. After the game, Lajoie was typically modest when asked about his achievement. “It’s just another day at the park,” he said with a smile. “I’m pleased to have reached that number, sure, but what pleases me most is seeing the club play good ball. The hits only matter if they help us win.” Athletics manager Chris Smith was quick to praise his veteran leader. “Nap is the kind of player who sets the tone for everyone else,” Smith remarked. “Two thousand five hundred hits — that’s a mark very few men will ever see. He’s a credit to the game and to this ball club.” It was, all told, a satisfying day for the Athletics — a convincing win, a historic moment for their captain, and a timely reminder of the enduring excellence of one of baseball’s great craftsmen.