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amead17 · 12-08-2025, 10:42 AM

SPORTING TIMES — May 6, 1912
By Arthur H. Leland

CUBS EDGE BRAVES 7–6, BUT VICTORY MARRED BY SERIOUS INJURY TO DUNBAR

Pinch-Hitter’s Heroics Cut Short by Collision at the Plate

Chicago supporters were given a mixture of triumph and sorrow this afternoon as their struggling Cubs pulled out a hard-fought 7–6 victory over the visiting Boston Braves—only to lose reserve center fielder Ashby Dunbar to a grave injury in the very inning he helped spark the rally. The win moved Chicago to 9–13 on the year, but the celebration was tempered by the grim news that followed.

Dunbar, summoned as a pinch hitter for Jack Fournier in the bottom of the seventh with the Cubs trailing 2–1, immediately proved his worth. After working the count to 2–3, he lashed an RBI double down the left field line to bring the contest level. Moments later, when Claude Hendrix followed with a sharp single, Dunbar rounded third aggressively and dashed for home.

What followed was a fearsome collision worthy of the sport’s roughest annals. The throw from right field, the catcher, and Dunbar all converged at the plate in a single thunderous instant. The umpire signaled Dunbar safe, giving Chicago the lead—but the runner did not rise. Players and fans alike sensed trouble as the center fielder remained prone on the dirt.

The medical staff arrived swiftly, but their concern was immediate and plain. Within moments they had summoned a stretcher, and Dunbar was taken from the field to a quiet hush from the stands.

Postgame examinations brought sobering news: Dunbar had suffered a broken kneecap, an injury that will sideline him for an estimated three to four months. The reserve outfielder, who has excelled in his limited opportunities this season with a .500 average in six pinch-hit appearances, now faces a long road back.

Despite his pain, Dunbar offered a few words, saying, “I was just trying to help the club any way I could. I’d make that run again without a second thought. I only wish I could stay out there with the boys.”

Cubs manager Zack Brown, while pleased with the win, spoke with evident concern: “Ashby gave us the spark we needed, and it’s a hard blow to see a good man hurt like that. He’s been dependable every time we’ve called on him. We’ll miss him dearly while he mends, but we’ll be pulling for his full and quick recovery.”

12-08-2025, 10:42 AM	#514
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	SPORTING TIMES — May 6, 1912 By Arthur H. Leland CUBS EDGE BRAVES 7–6, BUT VICTORY MARRED BY SERIOUS INJURY TO DUNBAR Pinch-Hitter’s Heroics Cut Short by Collision at the Plate Chicago supporters were given a mixture of triumph and sorrow this afternoon as their struggling Cubs pulled out a hard-fought 7–6 victory over the visiting Boston Braves—only to lose reserve center fielder Ashby Dunbar to a grave injury in the very inning he helped spark the rally. The win moved Chicago to 9–13 on the year, but the celebration was tempered by the grim news that followed. Dunbar, summoned as a pinch hitter for Jack Fournier in the bottom of the seventh with the Cubs trailing 2–1, immediately proved his worth. After working the count to 2–3, he lashed an RBI double down the left field line to bring the contest level. Moments later, when Claude Hendrix followed with a sharp single, Dunbar rounded third aggressively and dashed for home. What followed was a fearsome collision worthy of the sport’s roughest annals. The throw from right field, the catcher, and Dunbar all converged at the plate in a single thunderous instant. The umpire signaled Dunbar safe, giving Chicago the lead—but the runner did not rise. Players and fans alike sensed trouble as the center fielder remained prone on the dirt. The medical staff arrived swiftly, but their concern was immediate and plain. Within moments they had summoned a stretcher, and Dunbar was taken from the field to a quiet hush from the stands. Postgame examinations brought sobering news: Dunbar had suffered a broken kneecap, an injury that will sideline him for an estimated three to four months. The reserve outfielder, who has excelled in his limited opportunities this season with a .500 average in six pinch-hit appearances, now faces a long road back. Despite his pain, Dunbar offered a few words, saying, “I was just trying to help the club any way I could. I’d make that run again without a second thought. I only wish I could stay out there with the boys.” Cubs manager Zack Brown, while pleased with the win, spoke with evident concern: “Ashby gave us the spark we needed, and it’s a hard blow to see a good man hurt like that. He’s been dependable every time we’ve called on him. We’ll miss him dearly while he mends, but we’ll be pulling for his full and quick recovery.”