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amead17 · 02-02-2026, 11:19 AM

PLANK REACHES 2,500 STRIKEOUTS IN TOUGH LOSS TO PHILLIES

By George F. Winthrop
Sporting Times
July 23rd, 1916

Eddie Plank added another distinguished figure to his long and durable career this afternoon, even as the Cincinnati Reds were edged at home by the Philadelphia Phillies, 1–0. Called upon in relief, the veteran southpaw recorded the 2,500th strikeout of his professional life, a milestone achieved amid a contest that otherwise brought little cheer to the local nine.

Plank has been a familiar and steady figure on the Reds’ pitching staff throughout the season, shouldering a heavy load with 24 starts to his credit and no fewer than 21 appearances out of the bullpen. Sunday’s contest saw him summoned once more in relief, with Cincinnati trailing by a single run and the issue still very much in doubt.

Reds manager Alfonso Perez entrusted the seventh and eighth innings to Plank’s experienced arm, and the veteran answered in customary fashion. Over two innings of work, Plank allowed no hits and struck out one batter, the decisive pitch marking the 2,500th strikeout of his career. Yet despite his efforts, the Reds’ bats remained quiet, and the lone run scored by Philadelphia earlier in the game stood unchallenged to the final out. The defeat left Cincinnati with a record of 46–50 on the season.

For the year, Plank now stands at 11 victories against 12 defeats, carrying an earned run average of 3.03. His career ledger, begun in 1901 and continued in Cincinnati since 1907, reads an imposing 329 wins against 260 losses, with a lifetime ERA of 2.79.

After the game, Plank spoke calmly of the moment, saying, “It is a fine thing to reach a number like that, but I would have traded it gladly for a run or two from our bats today.” Manager Perez echoed both pride and disappointment in his remarks, noting, “Eddie gave us exactly what we needed when the game was on the line. You cannot ask more from a man than that. Unfortunately, we could not back him up at the plate.”

Thus, a notable personal achievement for one of the game’s most enduring pitchers came on a day when the scoreboard told a harsher story for the Reds, reminding all present how often baseball’s honors are won in silence as well as celebration.

02-02-2026, 11:19 AM	#718
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	PLANK REACHES 2,500 STRIKEOUTS IN TOUGH LOSS TO PHILLIES By George F. Winthrop Sporting Times July 23rd, 1916 Eddie Plank added another distinguished figure to his long and durable career this afternoon, even as the Cincinnati Reds were edged at home by the Philadelphia Phillies, 1–0. Called upon in relief, the veteran southpaw recorded the 2,500th strikeout of his professional life, a milestone achieved amid a contest that otherwise brought little cheer to the local nine. Plank has been a familiar and steady figure on the Reds’ pitching staff throughout the season, shouldering a heavy load with 24 starts to his credit and no fewer than 21 appearances out of the bullpen. Sunday’s contest saw him summoned once more in relief, with Cincinnati trailing by a single run and the issue still very much in doubt. Reds manager Alfonso Perez entrusted the seventh and eighth innings to Plank’s experienced arm, and the veteran answered in customary fashion. Over two innings of work, Plank allowed no hits and struck out one batter, the decisive pitch marking the 2,500th strikeout of his career. Yet despite his efforts, the Reds’ bats remained quiet, and the lone run scored by Philadelphia earlier in the game stood unchallenged to the final out. The defeat left Cincinnati with a record of 46–50 on the season. For the year, Plank now stands at 11 victories against 12 defeats, carrying an earned run average of 3.03. His career ledger, begun in 1901 and continued in Cincinnati since 1907, reads an imposing 329 wins against 260 losses, with a lifetime ERA of 2.79. After the game, Plank spoke calmly of the moment, saying, “It is a fine thing to reach a number like that, but I would have traded it gladly for a run or two from our bats today.” Manager Perez echoed both pride and disappointment in his remarks, noting, “Eddie gave us exactly what we needed when the game was on the line. You cannot ask more from a man than that. Unfortunately, we could not back him up at the plate.” Thus, a notable personal achievement for one of the game’s most enduring pitchers came on a day when the scoreboard told a harsher story for the Reds, reminding all present how often baseball’s honors are won in silence as well as celebration.