INDIANS SEIZE COMMAND IN AMERICAN LEAGUE AS NATIONAL RACE TIGHTENS
Pennant Chases Grow Lively as Summer Approaches
By Arthur H. Leland
Sporting Times
June 1st 1919
As May gives way to June, the present base ball season is at last striking its full stride, and in both major circuits the outlines of the pennant races are beginning to take shape, though with much intrigue yet to unfold.
In the American League the Cleveland Indians have forged ahead with authority, stretching their advantage to four and one-half games over the course of the past month. The Washington Senators presently occupy second position as Cleveland’s nearest pursuers, while the Boston Red Sox stand six games to the rear and the Philadelphia Athletics trail by seven.
The strong showing of the Indians has stirred discussion among followers of the game, many recalling the manner in which Cleveland swept to the pennant in 1917. Whether the present club will again run clear of the field, or if the remaining contenders can draw closer as the summer advances, remains the question of the hour.
At the opposite end of the circuit the Chicago White Sox find themselves lodged in the cellar. The Chicago nine stands eleven games off the pace, though with a long season still ahead they remain within striking distance should their fortunes improve.
In the National League the chief interest lies in the remarkable closeness of the race. The Philadelphia Phillies currently hold the leading position, though their place atop the table is aided by having played two fewer games than the Pittsburgh Pirates, who show no games behind despite occupying second position. Hard upon their heels come the New York Giants and the Chicago Cubs, each but a single game off the pace in what promises to be a spirited struggle for supremacy.
At the foot of the National standings the St. Louis Cardinals reside in last place. Even so, the Cardinals stand only nine games behind the leaders and could yet figure in the contest should they discover improved form in the weeks ahead.
Monthly Honors
With May now concluded, several notable individual performances have drawn recognition across both circuits.
American League
Top batting honors go to Bobby Veach of the Cleveland Indians, who fashioned a brilliant .388 average during the month while collecting 15 runs batted in and scoring 20 times.
Pitching distinction belongs to Elmer Steele of the Washington Senators, whose record of five victories against a single defeat was accompanied by a sterling 0.88 earned run average.
Among the newcomers, Jimmy Ring of the St. Louis Browns distinguished himself with a perfect 3–0 record and a 1.83 earned run average.
National League
The month’s foremost batsman was Rogers Hornsby of the Cincinnati Reds, who struck at a .377 clip while adding three home runs, ten runs batted in, and crossing the plate 25 times.
On the mound, Allen Russell of the Chicago Cubs led the way with a 5–2 mark and a 1.64 earned run average.
Rookie honors fall to Red Ryan of the Cubs, who compiled a 4–1 record with a 3.38 earned run average.
Thus the stage is set for the long summer ahead, with Cleveland pressing its advantage in the American League while the National League race promises to remain a close and spirited affair.
