OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 12-05-2025, 10:51 AM

SPORTING TIMES — April 20, 1912
By George F. Winthrop

DODGERS DEFEAT GIANTS IN EXTRA FRAMES BUT LOSE JOHNSON FOR THE YEAR

Brooklyn Ace Suffers Serious Shoulder Injury in Hard-Fought 7–4 Victory

The fortunes of the Brooklyn Dodgers took a grievous blow this afternoon, their 7–4, ten-inning triumph over the New York Giants overshadowed by the loss of their brilliant young pitcher, Walter Johnson. The victory lifts Brooklyn to a 4–5 mark on the season, but the club’s spirits were undeniably shaken as word of Johnson’s condition spread.

Johnson, only twenty-four and already the unquestioned ace of the staff, was turning in another masterful performance when calamity struck. Through 7⅔ innings he had held the Giants to eight hits and two runs, fanning four and keeping his club in close pursuit while trailing 1–2. But on a seemingly routine delivery he halted abruptly, grimacing in pain as his right hand fell from his shoulder. The Dodgers’ medical men rushed onto the diamond, and after a brief examination he was escorted off the field, unable to continue.

The Dodgers rallied in his absence and ultimately secured the win in the tenth, but the good cheer of victory evaporated swiftly when the diagnosis arrived. Johnson has torn a rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder, a grave injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Doctors estimate a recovery of thirteen to fourteen months, casting doubt even upon his readiness for the opening of next year.

For the year, Johnson departs with a sterling 1.75 earned-run average and a spotless 2–0 record—figures that speak to the magnitude of Brooklyn’s loss.

Johnson, his arm in a sling, spoke quietly in the clubhouse:
“It pains me something awful to know I cannot help the fellows anymore this season,” he said. “I felt strong today until that one pitch. All I can do now is mend and hope I return as good as ever.”

Manager Ned Hanlon, though heartened by the victory, was visibly shaken by the news.
“Walter is the backbone of our pitching corps,” Hanlon stated. “You don’t replace a man like him. We’ll carry on, of course, but this is a heavy blow to the club and to the game. Our only wish now is for the boy’s full recovery.”

Brooklyn leaves the Polo Grounds with a win in the ledger, but a far heavier loss weighs upon them tonight.

12-05-2025, 10:51 AM	#511
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,292	SPORTING TIMES — April 20, 1912 By George F. Winthrop DODGERS DEFEAT GIANTS IN EXTRA FRAMES BUT LOSE JOHNSON FOR THE YEAR Brooklyn Ace Suffers Serious Shoulder Injury in Hard-Fought 7–4 Victory The fortunes of the Brooklyn Dodgers took a grievous blow this afternoon, their 7–4, ten-inning triumph over the New York Giants overshadowed by the loss of their brilliant young pitcher, Walter Johnson. The victory lifts Brooklyn to a 4–5 mark on the season, but the club’s spirits were undeniably shaken as word of Johnson’s condition spread. Johnson, only twenty-four and already the unquestioned ace of the staff, was turning in another masterful performance when calamity struck. Through 7⅔ innings he had held the Giants to eight hits and two runs, fanning four and keeping his club in close pursuit while trailing 1–2. But on a seemingly routine delivery he halted abruptly, grimacing in pain as his right hand fell from his shoulder. The Dodgers’ medical men rushed onto the diamond, and after a brief examination he was escorted off the field, unable to continue. The Dodgers rallied in his absence and ultimately secured the win in the tenth, but the good cheer of victory evaporated swiftly when the diagnosis arrived. Johnson has torn a rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder, a grave injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Doctors estimate a recovery of thirteen to fourteen months, casting doubt even upon his readiness for the opening of next year. For the year, Johnson departs with a sterling 1.75 earned-run average and a spotless 2–0 record—figures that speak to the magnitude of Brooklyn’s loss. Johnson, his arm in a sling, spoke quietly in the clubhouse: “It pains me something awful to know I cannot help the fellows anymore this season,” he said. “I felt strong today until that one pitch. All I can do now is mend and hope I return as good as ever.” Manager Ned Hanlon, though heartened by the victory, was visibly shaken by the news. “Walter is the backbone of our pitching corps,” Hanlon stated. “You don’t replace a man like him. We’ll carry on, of course, but this is a heavy blow to the club and to the game. Our only wish now is for the boy’s full recovery.” Brooklyn leaves the Polo Grounds with a win in the ledger, but a far heavier loss weighs upon them tonight.