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amead17 · 03-08-2026, 12:46 AM

BUCHANAN LOST FOR SEASON AS YANKEES EDGE ATHLETICS IN ELEVEN
Veteran Hurler Injures Shoulder in 5–4 Defeat at New York

By George F. Winthrop
Sporting Times

June 23rd 1919

A hard afternoon befell the Philadelphia Athletics today, as they were narrowly defeated 5–4 by the New York Yankees after eleven closely contested innings. The setback leaves the Athletics, who have been enjoying a strong campaign, with a record of 33 victories against 23 defeats. Yet the loss itself was overshadowed by the misfortune that struck veteran pitcher Jim Buchanan.

Buchanan, making only his fifth start of the season after reclaiming a place in the rotation earlier this month, had battled his way through four and two-thirds innings before the injury occurred. During that stretch he surrendered nine hits and four runs in a contest that remained tightly balanced.

The mishap came with the score even at four runs apiece. As Buchanan delivered a pitch in the fifth inning, he suddenly felt something give in his shoulder. Trainers were quickly summoned from the bench, and after a brief examination the decision was made to remove the veteran from the contest. He was led from the field while the game hung delicately in the balance.

The Athletics’ bullpen endeavored to keep matters close after Buchanan’s departure, but the Yankees at last secured the winning run in the eleventh inning to claim the decision.

For Buchanan the season had already been something of a mixed affair. The veteran had appeared in seven games out of the bullpen in addition to his five starts, compiling a record of two victories against two defeats and maintaining a respectable earned run average of 2.86.

The gravest news, however, arrived after the game had concluded. Physicians determined that the 43-year-old hurler had suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder, an injury expected to require nine months of recovery. The diagnosis effectively ends his season, and it has already prompted quiet speculation among observers as to whether the distinguished pitcher may have taken the mound for the last time.

Buchanan himself spoke with calm resignation following the announcement.

“It is a hard blow to take, particularly when the club is playing such good ball. I have given many years to the game and hope I have not yet thrown my last pitch.”

Athletics manager Frank Selee expressed sympathy for his injured veteran.

“Jim has been a steady hand for us whenever we have called upon him. It is a cruel misfortune to lose a man of his experience, especially in the midst of a close season.”

Thus the Athletics depart New York with not only a defeat recorded in the standings, but also the loss of one of the game’s most seasoned campaigners.

03-08-2026, 12:46 AM	#841
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	BUCHANAN LOST FOR SEASON AS YANKEES EDGE ATHLETICS IN ELEVEN Veteran Hurler Injures Shoulder in 5–4 Defeat at New York By George F. Winthrop Sporting Times June 23rd 1919 A hard afternoon befell the Philadelphia Athletics today, as they were narrowly defeated 5–4 by the New York Yankees after eleven closely contested innings. The setback leaves the Athletics, who have been enjoying a strong campaign, with a record of 33 victories against 23 defeats. Yet the loss itself was overshadowed by the misfortune that struck veteran pitcher Jim Buchanan. Buchanan, making only his fifth start of the season after reclaiming a place in the rotation earlier this month, had battled his way through four and two-thirds innings before the injury occurred. During that stretch he surrendered nine hits and four runs in a contest that remained tightly balanced. The mishap came with the score even at four runs apiece. As Buchanan delivered a pitch in the fifth inning, he suddenly felt something give in his shoulder. Trainers were quickly summoned from the bench, and after a brief examination the decision was made to remove the veteran from the contest. He was led from the field while the game hung delicately in the balance. The Athletics’ bullpen endeavored to keep matters close after Buchanan’s departure, but the Yankees at last secured the winning run in the eleventh inning to claim the decision. For Buchanan the season had already been something of a mixed affair. The veteran had appeared in seven games out of the bullpen in addition to his five starts, compiling a record of two victories against two defeats and maintaining a respectable earned run average of 2.86. The gravest news, however, arrived after the game had concluded. Physicians determined that the 43-year-old hurler had suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder, an injury expected to require nine months of recovery. The diagnosis effectively ends his season, and it has already prompted quiet speculation among observers as to whether the distinguished pitcher may have taken the mound for the last time. Buchanan himself spoke with calm resignation following the announcement. “It is a hard blow to take, particularly when the club is playing such good ball. I have given many years to the game and hope I have not yet thrown my last pitch.” Athletics manager Frank Selee expressed sympathy for his injured veteran. “Jim has been a steady hand for us whenever we have called upon him. It is a cruel misfortune to lose a man of his experience, especially in the midst of a close season.” Thus the Athletics depart New York with not only a defeat recorded in the standings, but also the loss of one of the game’s most seasoned campaigners.