Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

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Lead Scout Dave Radovanovic sent news of finding a promising talent during his recent scouting trip to the Dominican Republic. While there is always uncertainty with prospects, especially one that is just 16-years old, the early report looks favorable for pitcher Eddie Gonzalez who will develop at Boston's international complex.

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Spring Training games are completed and final standings are out. The Boston Americans took the top spot in the American League with a 19-11 record, while the St. Louis Cardinals prevailed in the National League with a like 19-11 record.

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Received word from the team owner that he expects me to play better than .500 ball in order to achieve a winning season. Based on how the team played last year, I have every reason to believe this will be an easy goal to satisfy.

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As we head into the start of the 1902 season, the top-10 prospects list, along with overall team farm system rankings, is out. The Americans did not place anyone in the top-10, and are ranked 10th out of 16 teams overall.

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With the start of the regular season set to begin, team scout Dave Radovanovic provided a development update on a number of players. While it was nice for Ham Iburg and Willie Garoni to get talent bumps, I really hate seeing newly acquired Chick Stahl dropping in potential eye rating or Jesse Tannehill dropping in stuff, movement, and control.

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The rotation and bullpen is set, with Noodles Hahn locking down the #1 spot. Newly acquired reliever Ham Iburg was announced as the team's closer. Somewhat a surprise, 34-yeard old Cy Young moved to the #2 spot ahead of Jesse Tannehill. Given Tannehill's recent talent rating drops, I will need to keep a close eye on things.

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The lineup for the 1902 season is looking strong and I am hoping for great things. Main changes are Frank Chance taking over the catcher's position and Jiggs Donahue manning 1st base. Will need to keep tabs on 3rd base (possibly move Jesse Hoffmeister into that role) and shortstop.

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How the team looks heading into Game 1 of the 1902 season.

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Game 1:

The 1902 regular season kicked off today, and the Boston Americans (1-0) treated the sellout home crowd to an exciting 4 to 1 win over the Philadelphia Athletics (0-1). Noodles Hahn (1-0) went the distance, allowing 1 earned run on 8 hits and 1 walk to finish with a Game Score of 69. Earl Moore (0-1) took the loss after giving up 4 earned runs on 9 hits and 4 walks; Game Score of 46. John Farrell (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 2 RBIs) and Dave Brain (2 for 4, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 1 SB) provided the firepower needed for the win. Tommy Corcoran went 3 for 4, 1 RBI in the loss.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #1 / Career: #26)
Additionally, Hahn was recognized as the "#1 Performance of the Day" for his efforts; the second consecutive year this has occurred.

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St. Louis Cardinals 3rd baseman Tommy Leach was locked in against the Philadelphia Phillies, as he smacked 5 hits (4 Singles and 1 Double) to lead his team to the 6 to 5 victory. With his performance, Leach raised his batting average to .375 for the season.

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A great way to start the 1902 season, with the Boston Americans getting a 4-game sweep over the Philadelphia Athletics. Because I did a separate post for the opening day Game 1, the below will show Games 2-4.

Game 2: Despite falling behind early, Boston (2-0) was able scratch out enough runs to get the 4 to 3 victory over the Athletics (0-2). Taking the mound for the Americans, Cy Young (1-0) picked back up from his solid 1901 year by limiting Philadelphia to 0 earned runs and 8 hits for a Game Score of 68. Button Biggs (0-1) came out on the wrong side, allowing 4 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits and 6 walks (yikes!) to finish with a Game Score of 53. Bill Lange (2 for 3, 2 Runs), Frank Chance ( 2 for 3, 1 Run, 1 RBI), and Cozy Dolan (1 for 1, Double, 1 RBI) paced the offense; the latter smacking in the game winning pinch-hit double. Billy Maloney went 2 for 4 (1 Run, 1 RBI, 2 SB) in the loss.

Player of the Game: Cy Young (Season: #1 / Career: #18)


Game 3: What a comeback by the Americans (3-0), as they scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to steal a 7 to 6 victory over the Athletics (0-3). While not the best game he has ever pitched, Jesse Tannehill (1-0) did enough to pick up the win; allowing 6 runs (3 earned) on 11 hits and 1 walk for a Game Score of 52. Red Donahue (0-1) was tagged with the loss after giving up 7 runs (2 earned) on 9 hits and 2 walks for a Game Score of 48. Frank Chance (2 for 4, 2 RBI), Chick Stahl (1 for 3, Triple, 1 Run), and Dave Brain (1 for 3, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 1 Walk) played well in the win. It was a tough loss for Honus Wagner (2 for 5, Triple, 1 Run), Tommy Corcoran (2 for 4, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 2 SB), Tom McCreery (2 for 5, Double, 1 Run), and Socks Seybold (1 for 5, Home Run, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs).

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #1 / Career: #22)


Game 4: Making his season and club debut, Sam Leever (1-0) did not let the hometown fans down as he lead Boston (4-0) to a 5 to 4 victory extra-innings victory over Philadelphia (0-4). In picking up the win, Leever scattered 10 hits and 1 walk, while allowing 4 runs (2 earned) to finish with a Game Score of 64. Happy Townsend (0-1) was saddled with the loss after allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 47. With a combined 20 hits on the day, there were several fine hitting efforts by both teams; the Americans led by Bill Lange (3 for 5, Home Run, 3 Runs, 1 RBI, 1 SB), Chick Stahl (2 for 4, 3 RBIs), and Fred Clarke (1 for 2, 1 Run, 2 Walks), while Philadelphia was led by Socks Seybold (3 for 4, Home Run, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 1 Walk) and Honus Wagner (2 for 5, Triple, 1 Run, 1 RBI).

Player of the Game: Sam Leever (Season: #1 / Career: #1)

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Boston's first road-trip of the season had the team traveling to take on the St. Louis Browns. The Americans played well, taking 2 of 3 games behind solid pitching and some outstanding hitting.


Game 5: This game was over in the first few innings, as Boston (5-0) put up 10 runs through the 3rd inning to cruise to a 12 to 1 win over the Browns (3-2). Noodles Hahn (2-0) picked up the win, allowing just 1 earned run on 6 hits and 1 walk to finish with a Game Score of 72. Andy Coakley (1-1) was roughed up, lasting only 2 2/3 innings after giving up 10 runs (9 earned) on 8 hits and 2 walks to finish with a dreadful Game Score of -2. Frank Chance (4 for 5, Double, Triple, 1 Run, 4 RBIs, 1 Walk, 1 SB), Kid Elberfeld (4 for 6, Double, Triple, 3 Runs, 3 RBIs), Fred Clarke (3 for 5, Double, 3 Runs, 1 RBI, 1 Walk), and John Farrell (3 for 4, 1 Run, 1 RBI) had an outstanding day at the plate.

Player of the Game: Frank Chance (Season: #1 / Career: #2)


Game 6: Nice rebound game by St. Louis (4-2) as they topped Boston (5-1) by a score of 2 to 1. Browns starting pitcher Tom Hughes (2-0) was dialed in, limiting the opposition to just 1 unearned run on 4 hits to finish with a Game Score of 82. Cy Young (1-1) took the loss after allowing 2 earned runs on 6 hits and 1 walk for a Game Score of 66. Not only was Hughes dominate on the mound, he aided his cause by going 2 for 3 (Double, Triple, 1 Run, 1 RBI) at the plate. In the loss, newly acquired Chick Stahl batted 3 for 4 to raise his batting average to .364 on the season.

Player of the Game: Tom Hughes


Game 7: A somewhat shaky pitching performance by Jesse Tannehill didn't prevent Boston (6-1) from topping the Browns (4-3) by a score of 10 to 4. In picking up the win, Tannehill (2-0) allowed 4 earned runs on 8 hits and 1 walk to finish with a Game Score of 57. Frank Owen (1-1) was tagged with the loss on account of surrendering 7 runs (5 earned) on 11 hits and 3 walks over 7 innings; Game Score of 29. Harry Keener (0 runs allowed) and Frank Hansford (3 runs, 1 earned) each tossed an inning in the loss. Chick Stahl (3 for 4, 2 Runs, 1 Run, 1 Walk, 1 SB), Frank Chance (2 for 5, 3 Runs, 1 RBI, 2 SB), and Bill Lange (2 for 5, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, and 2 SB) led the way for the winning team.

Player of the Game: Chick Stahl (Season: #1 / Career: #1)

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In-game achievement unlocked when Fred Clarke had a 7 consecutive at bats on-base streak.

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Boston catcher Frank Chance was recognized for his efforts by being named the American League Player of the Week. Chance went 11 for 23 (.478 batting average) with 1 Double, 1 Triple, and 7 RBIs.

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Picking up from his amazing 1901 season, Cincinnati Reds 2nd baseman Nap Lajoie crushed the ball to the tune of a .536 batting average (15 for 28) with 6 Doubles and 1 Triple to pick up National League Player of the Week honors.

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A nice day at the plate for Baltimore 1st baseman Harry Davis, as he went 5 for 6 from the plate. His 5 singles helped raise his batting average to .371 on the season, and lead his team to a 12 to 4 victory over the White Sox.

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Cincinnati Reds star Nap Lajoie continues to amaze fans and scouts alike. This time the baseball savant raised his consecutive games hit streak to 20, dating back to August of last season.

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A tough-fought 4 game series against the Washington Senators. While the Americans played well, there were a couple of let downs that I am hoping the season will work out.

Game 8: Another nice performance by the recently acquired Sam Leever as he led Boston (7-1) to a 9 to 2 victory over the Senators (2-6). Leever (2-0) gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits for a Game Score of 71. Casey Patten (1-1) took the loss after serving up 8 earned runs on 13 hits and 2 walks in 8 2/3 innings; Game Score of 31. Arlie Pond finished the final 1/3 innings allowing 1 unearned run. Frank Chance (2 for 4, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 1 Walk, 1 SB), Bill Lange (2 for 5, 2 Runs, 2 SB), Jiggs Donahue (3 for 4, 2 RBIs), and Fred Clarke (1 for 4, Home Run, 1 Run, 2 RBIs) were solid at the plate. Doc Casey (2 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Sam Leever (Season: #2 / Career: #2)


Game 9: What a great game, as Noodles Hahn and Rube Waddell battled each other in a match-up of two elite pitchers. In the end, Waddell's Senators (3-6) topped Hahn's Americans (7-2) by a score of 1 to 0. In tossing the shutout, Waddell (1-2) allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 to finish with a Game Score of 86. Hahn (2-1) was tagged with the loss despite allowing just 1 earned run on 4 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 73. Doc Casey's (1 for 3, Triple, 1 Walk) 3rd inning triple set up the winning run.

Player of the Game: Rube Waddell


Game 10: The Boston (8-2) bats came alive this game, to provide Cy Young with the runs needed to cruise to an 8 to 0 victory over the Senators (3-7). In picking up the win, Young (2-1) limited the opposition to just 5 hits and 1 walk for a Game Score of 76. Rookie Carl Lundgren (0-2) was tagged with the loss after allowing 5 earned runs on 10 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 39. Ad Gumbert pitched the final inning and allowed 3 earned runs on 3 hits and 1 walk. Five Boston batters had 2 hits, led by Fred Clarke (2 for 4, Home Run, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, 1 Walk), Kid Elberfeld (2 for 5, Double, 1 Run, 2 RBIs), and Dave Brain (2 for 5, 1 Run, 2 RBIs).

Player of the Game: Cy Young (Season: #2 / Career: #19)


Game 11: A game Boston (8-3) should have won but a late-inning collapse resulted in the Senators (4-7) getting the 5 to 4 victory. Jack Chesbro (2-1) did just enough to pick up the win, allowing 4 earned runs on 12 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 48. The struggles that Jesse Tannehill (2-1) showed in his earlier starts caught up to him in this game, after he allowed 5 earned runs on 12 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 39. Danny Green (3 for 4, Triple, 1 Run, 1 SB) and Monte Cross (1 for 3, Home Run, 1 Run, 3 RBIs) paced the team to victory. Despite not fairing too well on the mound, Tannehill was locked in at the plate as he smashed 3 Doubles to set the American League single-game record.

Player of the Game: Jack Chesbro

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With the 1902 season, the minor leagues (AA and AAA) have been introduced. While the season is young, there are a couple of outstanding hitting performances that are worthy of sharing.

AA: Baltimore Orioles Double A affiliate Hennessey River Hawks had an outstanding hitting performance by George Rohn when he went 5 for 5 with 2 Home Runs, 1 Double, and 2 Singles (12 total bases) with 4 Runs and 3 RBIs.


AAA: Reno Miners 2nd baseman Fred Raymer may have struggled with parent club Washington Senators, but he seems to have settled in just fine with the Triple A ballclub. On the night, Raymer went 6 for 8 with 5 Singles, 1 Double, 1 Run, and 2 Stolen Bases.

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Disappointing showing by the home team, as Boston dropped 2 of 3 to the Cleveland Bronchos. Still a lot of baseball to play on the season, but would have liked to see a better showing from our top 2 pitchers.


Game 12: This was a slugfest, with the teams combining for 25 runs and 37 hits. In the end, the Americans (9-3) topped the Bronchos (6-6) by a score of 13 to 12. Sam Leever went 6 1/3 innings allowing 9 earned runs on 14 hits and 2 walks (Game Score of 9) before getting pulled for Al Orth (1-0) who lasted the final 3 2/3 innings (3 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks) to pick up the win. Watty Lee suffered a similar fan, going 6 1/3 innings in which he allowed 10 runs (8 earned)on 12 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 12. Bill Donovan pitched a scoreless 1 2/3 innings, but Bill Duggleby (0-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits and 2 walks. Five Boston players had at least 2 hits, led by Frank Chance (4 for 5, Double, Triple, 3 Runs, 4 RBIs), Fred Clarke (3 for 6, Double, 2 Runs), and Bill Lange (3 for 6, 1 Run). In the losing effort, Zeke Wrigley (4 for 6, Triple, 1 Run, 4 RBIs), Jimmy Sheckard (3 for 6, Double, 1 Run), and Dusty Miller (3 for 6, Double, 2 Runs) played well.

Player of the Game: Frank Chance (Season: #2 / Career: #3)


Game 13: A night after tossing an inning of relief, Bill Donovan stymied the opposition to lead the Bronchos (7-6) to a 7 to 3 victory over the Americans (9-4). In picking up the win, Donovan (3-1) allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 5 walks; Game Score of 61. The normally reliable Noodles Hahn (2-2) had an off night, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on 13 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 37. Ed Delahanty (4 for 5, Double), Bill Donovan (2 for 3, Double, 3 RBIs, 1 SB), and Joe Sugden (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs) led the team to victory. Fred Clarke (1 for 3, 2 RBIs, 2 Walks) and Frank Chance (2 for 5) were solid at the plate in the losing effort.

Player of the Game: Bill Donovan


Game 14: A close game throughout that ultimately slipped away in the 9th inning, with Cleveland (8-6) topping Boston (9-5) by a score of 10 to 6. Jim Hughes (4-0) went the distance, allowing 6 earned runs on 7 hits and 5 walks (Game Score of 46) to pick up the win. In the loss, Cy Young (2-2) pitched 8 1/3 innings in which he allowed 10 runs (9 earned) on 13 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 19. "Big Ed" was a power at the plate again, as Delahanty went 4 for 5 with a Double, 1 Run, and 2 RBIs on the night. George Van Haltren was solid at the dish, smacking 2 Doubles on his way to a 2 for 4, 3 Runs, 1 RBI, 1 Walk night.

Player of the Game: Ed Delahanty