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amead17 · 12-14-2025, 02:08 AM

SPORTING TIMES — October 19th, 1912
By Charles H. Wentworth

VETERAN STARS TAKE THEIR LEAVE AS SEASON CLOSES

As another base ball season passes into the record books, the familiar and sobering procession of farewells has begun, with a number of well-known figures electing to lay aside their spikes and bring distinguished careers to a close.

Foremost among those retiring is Frank Chance, the stalwart first baseman of the Chicago Cubs. Chance concludes a long and faithful career spent entirely in a Cubs uniform, having first taken the field for Chicago in 1898. In 1,794 games he fashioned a solid batting average of .280, while crossing the plate 878 times and driving in 741 runs. His steady presence at first base has been a fixture of the National League for well over a decade.

Also bidding farewell is Bobby Wallace of the Philadelphia Athletics, whose career stretches back to 1894. Wallace broke into the game with the Cleveland Spiders, later made his mark with the St. Louis Cardinals, and joined the Athletics in 1905. Across 18 seasons he appeared in 2,327 games, compiled a .264 batting average, scored 1,147 runs, and accounted for 983 runs batted in, leaving behind a body of work that speaks to remarkable durability.

From the pitcher’s box comes the retirement of Mordecai Brown of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Though his career spanned just nine seasons, it was one of uncommon success. Brown claimed Pitcher of the Year honors in both 1908 and 1909, and finishes with a record of 176 victories against 125 defeats, an earned run average of 2.36, and 1,150 strikeouts. Injuries and a decline in form in recent seasons have brought his time in the game to an end.

The list of those departing the diamond this year does not end there. Also stepping away are Ed Abbaticchio, Harry Davis, Hobe Ferris, Danny Green, Harry Steinfeldt, Sammy Strang, Lee Tannehill, Jimmy Williams, Harry Wolverton, Nixey Callahan, Joe Corbett, Jack Cronin, Roger Denzer, Bill Donovan, Win Kellum, Ted Lewis, Chappie McFarland, Togie Pittinger, Ed Siever, Jim St. Vrain, and Bob Wicker.

Together, these men leave behind careers that have helped shape the game as it is known today, and their absence will be keenly felt as a new season approaches.

12-14-2025, 02:08 AM	#551
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,245	SPORTING TIMES — October 19th, 1912 By Charles H. Wentworth VETERAN STARS TAKE THEIR LEAVE AS SEASON CLOSES As another base ball season passes into the record books, the familiar and sobering procession of farewells has begun, with a number of well-known figures electing to lay aside their spikes and bring distinguished careers to a close. Foremost among those retiring is Frank Chance, the stalwart first baseman of the Chicago Cubs. Chance concludes a long and faithful career spent entirely in a Cubs uniform, having first taken the field for Chicago in 1898. In 1,794 games he fashioned a solid batting average of .280, while crossing the plate 878 times and driving in 741 runs. His steady presence at first base has been a fixture of the National League for well over a decade. Also bidding farewell is Bobby Wallace of the Philadelphia Athletics, whose career stretches back to 1894. Wallace broke into the game with the Cleveland Spiders, later made his mark with the St. Louis Cardinals, and joined the Athletics in 1905. Across 18 seasons he appeared in 2,327 games, compiled a .264 batting average, scored 1,147 runs, and accounted for 983 runs batted in, leaving behind a body of work that speaks to remarkable durability. From the pitcher’s box comes the retirement of Mordecai Brown of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Though his career spanned just nine seasons, it was one of uncommon success. Brown claimed Pitcher of the Year honors in both 1908 and 1909, and finishes with a record of 176 victories against 125 defeats, an earned run average of 2.36, and 1,150 strikeouts. Injuries and a decline in form in recent seasons have brought his time in the game to an end. The list of those departing the diamond this year does not end there. Also stepping away are Ed Abbaticchio, Harry Davis, Hobe Ferris, Danny Green, Harry Steinfeldt, Sammy Strang, Lee Tannehill, Jimmy Williams, Harry Wolverton, Nixey Callahan, Joe Corbett, Jack Cronin, Roger Denzer, Bill Donovan, Win Kellum, Ted Lewis, Chappie McFarland, Togie Pittinger, Ed Siever, Jim St. Vrain, and Bob Wicker. Together, these men leave behind careers that have helped shape the game as it is known today, and their absence will be keenly felt as a new season approaches.