Postcards from the Ballpark: The Holloway Family’s Baseball Chronicles

[amead17]

September 9th, 1901
New York, New York

After staying the night in New York, Edwin and I secured tickets for today’s game in Brooklyn. Overnight, it was confirmed that the Pittsburgh Pirates had become the first National League team officially eliminated from contention.

Today's matchup saw the Brooklyn Superbas face the Chicago Orphans in the second of a three-game series. Given the historic no-hitter on the 7th, we could only hope that this game wouldn’t be a complete letdown in comparison. Both Brooklyn and Chicago sit sixth and seventh in the standings, teetering on the edge of elimination, but we remained optimistic for a competitive contest.

Ted Lewis took the mound for Brooklyn, while Roscoe Miller got the start for Chicago. With some strong hitters in both lineups, we hoped for an offensive spark.

We joined 2,711 fans at Washington Park under clear skies, with a pleasant 73-degree temperature and a steady 12 mph wind blowing in from left field.

Chicago wasted no time making an impact, jumping out to a commanding lead with three quick runs in the top of the first. They doubled that tally with another three runs in the second, putting Brooklyn in a deep hole early. The Superbas showed some fight with two runs in the bottom of the second, but after that, both pitching staffs settled in, and scoring became scarce. Chicago managed just one more run in the fourth, but that was more than enough, as they cruised to a 7-2 victory.

Harry Dannehower earned Player of the Game honors after stepping in for Ted Lewis, who struggled mightily in his start. Dannehower provided six strong innings of relief, allowing just one run on three hits, giving Brooklyn a fighting chance—albeit one they ultimately couldn’t capitalize on.

[amead17]

September 10th, 1901
New York, New York

Edwin and I chose to remain in New York for one more day before continuing our journey. This gave us the opportunity to finalize some business matters that had occupied us over the past few days.

It also meant we found ourselves commiserating with both Brooklyn and Chicago fans still lingering in town, as the previous day's game had officially eliminated both teams from contention for the National League’s World Series berth. The mood was subdued, but the conversation lively, as fans reflected on what might have been for their respective clubs.

[amead17]

September 11th, 1901
Baltimore, Maryland

Today, we took a brief one-hour journey from New York to Baltimore via the Pennsylvania Railroad, allowing us to catch a matchup between the Orioles and the league-leading Philadelphia Athletics. The Athletics need just nine more games to reach the world series, while the Orioles, sitting in fifth place, had already been eliminated from contention.

On the mound, Baltimore sent Chick Fraser to start, while the Athletics countered with 20-game winner Eddie Plank. Both teams boasted strong batting lineups, including Orioles third baseman Jimmy Collins, who had put together an impressive 29-game hitting streak earlier in the season.

Under clear skies, we took our seats at Oriole Park among 2,207 other spectators. The temperature sat at a cool 66 degrees, with a steady 9 mph wind.

Despite being out of the race, the Orioles were determined to make an impact. They broke through in the third inning with two runs, one of which came from a Collins double that drove in a run. They added another in the fourth and continued to stretch their lead with a fourth run in the sixth, giving them a commanding 4-0 advantage. Fraser carried a shutout into the seventh inning before finally allowing a run on a triple from Danny Green of the Athletics. That, however, was the only damage done, as Fraser finished strong and guided the Orioles to a 4-1 victory.

Unsurprisingly, Fraser was named Player of the Game for his complete-game performance, allowing just six hits and one run while striking out three.

[amead17]

September 12th, 1901
Washington, District of Columbia

Today's journey was a brief one, as a half-hour trip from Baltimore brought us to the nation’s capital for an afternoon of baseball. The matchup featured the Washington Senators, who had long been out of contention, against the Boston Americans, who still clung to a faint hope of reaching the World Series.

Ned Garvin took the mound for the Senators, while Snake Wiltse got the start for the Americans. Despite Washington’s struggles this season, they could still boast one of the league’s best hitters in John McGraw, who currently held the highest batting average in the American League.

Under partially cloudy skies, we joined 1,672 fans at American League Park. The temperature sat at a comfortable 71 degrees, with a light 8 mph breeze.

The game erupted right from the start, as the Boston Americans came out swinging, plating four runs in the top of the first. However, the Senators responded emphatically, scoring six runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning. The rally was fueled by triples from McGraw and Pop Foster, helping Washington storm ahead. Boston chipped away with a run in the third, but Washington quickly restored their advantage when Joe Rickert launched a solo home run in the bottom half of the inning. The Senators continued to build their lead, adding runs in the fifth and sixth innings, including a solo shot from Ossee Schrecongost. By the end, Washington had secured a convincing 9-5 victory.

Despite a rocky first inning, Ned Garvin earned Player of the Game honors for the Senators, going the distance while allowing just five hits and five runs, striking out five along the way.

[amead17]

September 13th, 1901
Boston, Massachusetts

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Our journey today took us on a two-hour trip via the Pennsylvania Railroad from Washington to Boston. This marks our final rail journey for a while, as we enter the last leg of our baseball tour before enjoying a holiday in Boston with our wives.

The trip gave us time to catch up on the latest league developments, with four more teams officially eliminated from World Series contention. The Boston Americans were knocked out in the American League, while the Cincinnati Reds, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies saw their National League hopes dashed.

With these eliminations, the American League race was now down to just two teams: the Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Blues. In the National League, the battle for the pennant remained between the Boston Beaneaters and the St. Louis Cardinals, with Boston holding a 6.5-game lead.

Fittingly, today's game brought us to South End Grounds to watch the league-leading Beaneaters take on the Chicago Orphans, who had been out of contention for some time. Boston sent Jack Chesbro to the mound, a pitcher who has been nothing short of sensational in the second half of the season. Since returning from a lengthy injury, Chesbro has compiled a stellar 12-1 record, playing a pivotal role in Boston’s success. Chicago countered with Roscoe Miller. Adding further intrigue to the matchup was the presence of veteran Jesse Burkett in the Beaneaters’ lineup.

The atmosphere at South End Grounds was the most electric we’ve experienced on our travels, with 6,035 fans filling the stands. The weather was cloudy and cool at 63 degrees, with a brisk 16 mph wind blowing from center field.

The game began with excitement, as both teams plated a run in the first inning. From there, the pitchers took control until the bottom of the fifth, when Boston pushed ahead with a go-ahead run. They extended their lead in the seventh with another, securing a 3-1 victory.

Jack Chesbro earned his 13th win of the season and was named Player of the Game for his dominant performance—going the distance while allowing just five hits and one run, striking out five along the way

[amead17]

September 14th, 1901
Boston, Massachusetts

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Our final game of the regular season tour was a special one for both Edwin and me. We remained in Boston overnight and were joined by our wives, who had traveled from Philadelphia to meet us. After settling in at the home of Thomas Grainger and his wife, we prepared to begin our holiday. But before that, we had one last game to attend—a chance to show our wives what we had been experiencing all season, as we convinced them to join us in the stands.

Today's matchup featured the Boston Americans against the Washington Senators. While neither team remained in contention, the game still held intrigue, as the Americans sent the great Rube Waddell to the mound. Opposing him was Doc McJames for the Senators.

Huntington Avenue Grounds was lively, with 3,155 fans in attendance. We took our seats alongside them in cool conditions—61 degrees with partial cloud cover and a 12 mph breeze.

The game erupted from the very first inning, with the Senators striking for three runs in the top of the frame. Boston, however, answered in emphatic fashion, plating six of their own in the bottom half, highlighted by a two-run triple from Sam Mertes. After that, the pitchers took control, keeping the scoreboard unchanged until the seventh, when Washington managed to push across a fourth run. That would be the last of the scoring, as the Americans held on for a 6-4 victory.

Despite a shaky start, Rube Waddell earned Player of the Game honors with a complete-game performance, allowing seven hits and two earned runs while striking out seven.

Edwin and I left the ballpark buzzing with excitement, but our wives were noticeably less enthused—particularly unimpressed by some of the more boisterous fans in attendance. I suspect this will be the last time they accompany us to a game.

[amead17]

September 25th, 1901
Boston, Massachusetts

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Edwin and I have been thoroughly enjoying our time away from baseball, savoring these days in Boston with our wives. This well-earned respite has allowed us to relax, but that does not mean we have completely set baseball aside. We have kept a watchful eye on the latest developments as the season nears its conclusion.

The most significant news came yesterday, as the Philadelphia Athletics were officially crowned the first champions of the American League. With five games remaining, the Cleveland Blues can no longer close the gap. Over in the National League, the race remains undecided with eight games left to play, though Boston still holds a commanding 5.5-game lead.

[amead17]

October 1st, 1901
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dearest Mother and Father,

I write to you with the most wonderful news—both Susannah and Mary have shared with us that they are expecting! We could not be more thrilled. Susannah is further along and is expecting to give birth in April, while Mary is due around May of next year. Edwin and I are already hoping for sons, so we may one day take them on baseball trips of their own.

We have just returned home to Philadelphia after a truly delightful holiday in Boston. It was the perfect way to conclude what has been a fantastic journey. Though I know, Father, that you do not always approve of our baseball adventures, I must say that Edwin and I have enjoyed every moment of the trip. The games, the cities, and the camaraderie we experienced along the way made it an unforgettable experience.

Speaking of baseball, the latest news from the sport includes the September award winners. Honus Wagner of the Cleveland Blues was named the American League’s Batter of the Month, while Nap Lajoie of the Pittsburgh Pirates took the honor in the National League. On the pitching side, Cy Young of the Detroit Tigers was recognized as the AL’s best for September, while Roy Patterson of the St. Louis Cardinals earned the accolade in the NL.

We look forward to seeing you both soon and sharing more stories in person. Please give our love to all.

With warmest regards,
Percival

[amead17]

October 3rd, 1901
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dear Thomas,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I wanted to share the exciting news that the National League has crowned its champion—the Boston Beaneaters have officially claimed the title. This sets the stage for the first-ever World Series, which will see the Philadelphia Athletics face off against Boston in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Securing tickets for the games here in Philadelphia should be a simple enough task, but Edwin and I are concerned that obtaining tickets for the games in Boston will prove far more difficult. Given your connections, we were hoping you might be able to assist us in acquiring seats for the Boston games so that we can witness this historic event in person. If there is anything you can do, we would be immensely grateful.

Please let me know if you are able to help, and of course, we look forward to seeing you again soon. Give our best to your wife, and thank you in advance for anything you may be able to arrange.

With warm regards,
Percival

[amead17]

October 6th 1901
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Percival Holloway Travel Journal update

With the final regular season game concluded here are the final standings

[amead17]

October 9th, 1901
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Today marked the beginning of history—the first game of the inaugural seven-game World Series between the Philadelphia Athletics and the Boston Beaneaters. With the opener taking place in Philadelphia, Edwin and I enjoyed a leisurely walk from our homes to Columbia Park, eager to witness this momentous occasion.

The Athletics dominated the American League this season, finishing with an impressive 89-51 record and coming into the series having won six of their last ten games. In contrast, the Beaneaters had a much tougher battle to secure the National League title, edging it by just one game with an 82-58 record. Adding to their concerns, Boston entered the series on a poor run, winning only two of their last ten contests.

For Game 1, the Athletics sent Bill Dinneen to the mound. Despite missing part of the season due to injury, he finished with a solid 9-5 record. The Beaneaters countered with Noodles Hahn, who also overcame injuries to post a 10-7 record. At the plate, both teams boasted formidable hitters—John Anderson and Danny Green leading the way for Philadelphia, while Jesse Burkett and Kid Elberfeld spearheaded Boston’s offense.

Columbia Park was bathed in clear skies, though a brisk 55-degree temperature and a steady 10 mph wind set a chilly stage for the game. A crowd of 8,670, including Edwin and myself, packed the ballpark, eager to witness history.

From the outset, it was clear that runs would be hard to come by. The Beaneaters broke through in the third inning when John Dobbs led off with a single, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout, and ultimately crossed the plate on a Jesse Burkett single, giving Boston a 1-0 lead.

The Athletics had their chances but struggled to capitalize, as the Beaneaters' defense held firm. That changed in the bottom of the eighth when Deacon Maguire stepped to the plate with the bases loaded. Facing Hahn, he delivered a crucial double into the open field, bringing home two runs and finally putting the Athletics on top.

That proved to be the decisive blow, as Philadelphia held on to take Game 1 by a score of 2-1. Bill Dinneen earned Player of the Game honors, pitching a masterful nine innings, allowing just one run on seven hits to secure the victory.

With Game 1 in the books, the World Series is officially underway, and Edwin and I can hardly wait to see what comes next.

[amead17]

October 10th, 1901
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Game 2 of the World Series was once again held in Philadelphia, and after the tightly contested, low-scoring opener, Edwin and I were eager to see if this matchup would bring more offensive fireworks.

The Athletics turned to Bill Donovan for the start. He had an outstanding season, finishing with a 23-12 record, his 23 wins tying for the most in the American League. Opposing him on the mound for the Beaneaters was Jack Chesbro, who posted a strong 13-4 record after returning from an early-season injury.

Columbia Park welcomed another lively crowd, with 8,649 fans packing the stands on a clear, crisp afternoon. The temperature sat at 56 degrees, with a steady 10 mph wind carrying through the ballpark. Edwin and I found our seats among the excitement, anticipating another thrilling contest.

The Athletics wasted no time taking the lead. In the bottom of the first, leadoff hitter Ducky Holmes reached base and later scored when Danny Green smacked a triple into the outfield. The Beaneaters answered in the third inning when Kid Elberfeld reached on an error and came home on a John Dobbs double. The Athletics quickly responded in the bottom half of the frame, as Harry Wolverton also reached on an error before John Anderson doubled him home, restoring Philadelphia’s one-run advantage at 2-1.

The score remained unchanged until the seventh, when the Athletics delivered the defining moment of the game. With Harry Wolverton and Bill Donovan on base, Danny Green stepped to the plate and crushed a pitch 346 feet for the first home run in World Series history. The three-run blast sent Columbia Park into a frenzy and extended the Athletics’ lead to 5-1, which would hold as the final score.

Bill Donovan earned Player of the Game honors with a dominant performance, pitching a complete-game gem while allowing just two hits and one unearned run. Danny Green also shined, going 3-for-4 with a run scored and four RBIs, including his historic home run.

With the Athletics now leading the series 2-0, the Beaneaters find themselves in a tough position. Edwin and I can hardly wait to see how the rest of this historic matchup unfolds.