Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

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Despite taking the loss in his last outing, Cy Young unlocked an in-game achievement of 21 games with a quality start.

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While it comes at the expense of the Boston Americans, Cleveland's Jimmy Sheckard has now run his hitting streak to 20 consecutive games. While not a lot of pop in his bat, Sheckard is a speedy outfielder with a cannon for an arm.

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Cleveland Bronchos 2nd baseman "Big Ed" Delahanty might be in the latter stages of his career, but he sure knows how to hit the ball. On the week, Delahanty batted .548 (17 for 31) with 5 Doubles, 7 Runs, and 5 RBIs to take home American League Player of the Week honors,

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1st baseman Kitty Bransfield gave the Philadelphia Phillies fans a lot to cheer about this past week on his way to earning National League Player of the Week honors. To secure the award, Bransfield went 13 for 28 (.464 batting average) with 4 Doubles while driving in 9 RBIs.

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Though he didn't get much opportunity with the Americans last season, Willie Garoni is getting innings with Boston's Triple A affiliate, the Clearwater Hooks. Seeing some potential, the Hooks skipper is using Garoni in a starter's role, and so far it is paying off. With his outstanding stuff and a fastball that places him near the top in baseball, good things might just lay in store for Garoni.

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It should be no surprise to find Nap Lajoie's name in a spotlight. His latest recognition is a result of Lajoie running his hitting streak to 25 consecutive games. The Reds 2nd baseman is arguably the best hitter in baseball, and the type of player that any team would want on their roster.

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I'm not trying to make every post about Nap Lajoie, but the Cincinnati Reds star continues to wow fans and opposition alike. In his latest noteworthy performance, Lajoie went 5 for 5 to raise his batting average to .449 on the season. The man is a hit-machine!

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The Boston Americans found themselves taking to the road to take on the Detroit Tigers. This was an outstanding showing by the team to sweep the defending World Series champs. While the Boston offense was not firing on all cylinders, the pitching staff came up big.


Game 15: Taking the mound for the opener, Jesse Tannehill was looking to bounce back after a tough outing in his previous start. Overcoming a few fielding mishaps by this team, Tannehill lead Boston (10-5) to a 5 to 2 victory over Detroit (8-7). In picking up the win, Tannehill (3-1) allowed just 2 runs (1 earned) on 8 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 67. Togie Pittinger (2-2) took the loss after giving up 3 earned runs on 8 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 57. In a rather surprising move, the Tigers brought in their ace pitcher Doc White to pitch the final inning. The move did not go well, as White allowed 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 1 walk. Leading the way at the plate was Bill Lange (3 for 5, 2 Runs, 2 Stolen Bases), Frank Chance (2 for 5, 2 RBIs), and Jiggs Donahue (2 for 3, 1 RBI, 1 Walk). Roger Bresnahan (2 for 4, 1 Run, 3 Stolen Bases) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #2 / Career: #23)


Game 16: Behind the solid pitching of Sam Leever, the Americans (11-5) topped the Tigers (8-8) by a score of 6 to 3. Leever (3-0) limited Detroit to 3 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits, while striking out 2 on 133 pitches thrown; Game Score of 63. Nixey Callahan (1-3) got tagged for the loss after allowing 6 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 47. Jiggs Donahue (2 for 4, 1 Run, 2 RBIs), Dave Brain (2 for 4, 1 Run, 2 Stolen Bases), and Frank Chance (1 for 2, 1 RBI, 1 Walk, 1 Stolen Base) contributed in the win. Charlie Hickman (2 for 4, Triple, 1 Run, 1 RBI) played well in defeat.

Player of the Game: Sam Leever (Season: #3 / Career: #3)


Game 17: Thanks to a solid pitching performance from Noodles Hahn and a few untimely errors for the opposition, the Boston Americans (12-5) were able to outlast the Detroit Tigers (8-9) by a score of 2 to 1. Hahn (3-2) allowed just 1 earned run on 5 hits and 2 walks to finish with a Game Score of 73. Bob Ewing (2-2) took the hard-luck loss, despite allowing 2 runs (0 earned) on 4 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 77. Very little in the way of offense for either team, but it should be noted that Frank Chance went 1 for 4 with 2 Runs and 3 Stolen Bases.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #2 / Career: #27)

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While rumors are circulating that this might be Bill Hassamaer's final season of baseball, he sure hasn't allowed it to affect his play. Case in point, Hassamaer led his St. Louis Browns team to a 6 to 2 victory over the Chicago White Sox by going 5 for 7 (4 Singles, Double, 2 RBIs) in the win. This outstanding game raised his batting average to .383 on the season.

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The Boston Americans are on a roll, as they completed a 3-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles to maintain the top spot in the American League. This was a nice balanced effort on both sides of the plate, with solid pitching and timely hitting across the board. Hopefully this keeps going...

Game 18: The home team treated their fans to an easy victory, as the Boston Americans (13-5) cruised to a 7 to 1 win over the Baltimore Orioles (11-7). Cy Young (3-2) pitched a solid game, allowing 1 earned run on 7 hits to finish with a Game Score of 71. Rookie Addie Joss did not fair as well, as the youngster surrendered 7 runs (6 earned) on 8 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings of play; Game Score of 30. Zeke Wilson mopped up the final 2 innings in the loss. At the plate, Chick Stahl (2 for 2, Triple, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs, 2 Walks), Frank Chance (3 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, Stolen Base), and Fred Clarke (2 for 4, 2 Runs) did the damage needed to win the game.

Player of the Game: Chick Stahl (Season: #2 / Career: #2)


Game 19: It is not often that a player for the losing team takes home "Player of the Game" honors, but Jimmy Collins did just that. The veteran 3rd baseman went 2 for 3 (Home Run, 3 Runs, 2 RBIs) in the Orioles (11-8) 9 to 5 loss to the Americans (14-5). Picking up the win for Boston was Jesse Tannehill (4-1) who allowed 5 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 59 Wiley Piatt (2-3) was tagged with the loss after allowing 9 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits and 4 walks over 4 2/3 innings; Game Score of 16. Harry McNeal covered the final 3 1/3 innings in the loss. Fred Clarke (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 1 Walk) and John Farrell (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 3 RBIs) played well in victory.

Player of the Game: Jimmy Collins


Game 20: While the "Goshen Schoolmaster" is still finding his way around the city, Sam Leever sure has found his spot in the clubhouse. In leading his Boston Americans (15-5) to a 5 to 2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles (11-9), Leever (4-0) gave up 2 runs (0 earned) on 7 hits for a Game Score of 73. Ed Murphy (0-2) took the loss after surrendering 3 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits over 7 innings for Game Score of 55. With no rain delays and no apparent physical issues (and despite having tossed just 106 pitches), Murphy was replaced by Baltimore ace Christy Mathewson for the final inning of relief (allowed 2 earned runs on 2 hits and 1 walk). Chick Stahl helped the winning cause by going 2 for 3 (Triple, 1 Run, 1 RBI) on the day, while Roy Thomas played well (2 for 4, Triple, 2 RBIs) in the loss.

Player of the Game: Sam Leever (Season: #4 / Career: #4)

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St. Louis Browns outfielder Kip Selbach was named the American League Player of the Week. In picking up the honors, Selbach went 12 for 24 (.500 batting average) with 1 Home Run, 1 Double, 4 Runs, and 4 RBIs.

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Often overshadowed by his more-famous teammate, Cincinnati Reds 1st baseman Buck Freeman was locked in at the plate this past week. In earning National League Player of the Week honors, Freeman batted .429 (12 for 28) with 1 Home Run, 2 Doubles, 1 Triple, 6 Runs, and 9 RBIs.

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Not sure how they are doing it, but the Boston Americans just keep winning. In the latest sweep, the hometown fans were treated to wins over the visiting Chicago White Sox. That now makes three consecutive sweeps and a record of 10-2 in their last 12 games.

Game 21: It took extra innings, but Boston (16-5) was able to eek out a 3 to 2 victory over the visiting White Sox (9-12). While starter Noodles Hahn did not factor into the decision, he pitched solid game of 8 innings in which he allowed 2 runs (0 earned) on 5 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 72. Closer Ham Iburg (1-0) covered the final 2 innings to pick up his first career victory. Chicago pitcher Fred Glade (3-5) took the loss after allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 9 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 62. Leading the way at the plate for the home team was Bill Lange (2 for 5, Double, 2 RBIs), while Mike Grady (3 for 5, Triple, 2 RBIs) kept the White Sox in the game.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #3 / Career: #28)


Game 22: Despite his defense committing 4 errors and a 38 minute rain delay, Cy Young was able to shake off a few challenging innings to lead the Americans (17-5) to a 5 to 4 victory over Chicago (9-13). Young (4-2) allowed 4 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits and 1 walk to finish with a Game Score of 64. Rookie (2nd round, 17th overall pick) Lave Winham (2-3) got hit with the loss after allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits and 7 walks; Game Score of 41. Getting a spot start at catcher, Ossee Schreckengost went 2 for 3 with 1 Run and 1 Walk, while Jiggs Donahue went 1 for 3 with 2 Runs and 1 Walk. John Dobbs (3 for 4, Double, 2 Runs) had an outstanding day at the plate for the losing team.

Player of the Game: Cy Young (Season: #3 / Career: #20)


Game 23: Despite a rocky 1st inning, Jesse Tannehill settled in to lead Boston (18-5) to a 7 to 2 win over the White Sox (9-14). Tannehill (5-1) allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits for a Game Score of 66. Bill Carrick (1-4) made it through 6 innings before getting knocked out, allowing 7 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 32. Sadie McMahon and Willie Sudhoff each pitched an inning of scoreless relief. Fred Clarke (2 for 3, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 1 Walk), Bill Lange (1 for 4, 2 Runs, 2 Stolen Bases), and Jiggs Donahue (1 for 4, 1 Run, 2 RBI) hit when it mattered. Despite his team losing, Mike Grady (2 for 4, Double, 1 RBI) is putting together a fine season.

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #3 / Career: #24)

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Detroit Tigers 1st baseman Charlie Hickman is off to a great season thanks, in large part, to games like the one he recently had. In leading his team to a 11 to 2 victory over the Senators, Hickman went 5 for 5 with 4 singles and 1 double to raise his batting average to .389 on the season.

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Well, the good ride was bound to end and it finally did in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Athletics took 2 of 3 from the Boston Americans, including a dramatic walk-off extra innings win.

Game 24: This was a tough one to lose, as Boston (18-6) fell behind several times but came back to tie heading into extra innings. After scoring 2 runs in the top of the 11th inning, it was looking good for the visiting team, but the Philadelphia Athletics (8-16) had other plans and scored 3 runs in the bottom of the inning to steal the 7 to 6 victory. Doc McJames (1-1) picked up the win by going the distance and allowing 6 runs (3 earned) on 12 hits and 5 walks; Game Score of 53. Sam Leever didn't factor into the decision, as he was pulled from the game after 7 innings in which he allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 48. Ham Iburg pitched 2 innings of scoreless ball, then turned it over to Duke Esper (0-1) who surrendered 3 earned runs on 4 hits over 1 2/3 innings in the loss. Billy Maloney (2 for 5, Triple, 1 Run, 2 RBIs), Tom McCreery (2 for 5, 1 Run, 1 RBI), and Larry McLean (2 for 3, 2 RBIs) hit the ball well for the home team, while Fred Clarke (3 for 5, 1 Run, 2 RBIs, 1 Walk), Frank Chance (2 for 4, 1 RBI, 2 Walks, 2 Stolen Bases) shined in the loss.

Player of the Game: Doc McJames


Game 25: A nice bounce-back win for the visiting team, as the Boston Americans (19-6) topped the Philadelphia Athletics (8-17) by a score of 10 to 2. Noodles Hahn (4-2) pitched a dominate 99-pitch game, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits for a Game Score of 74. Earl Moore (3-4) was knocked out of the game after 7 2/3 innings, allowing 9 runs (6 earned) on 12 hits and 6 walks; Game Score of 20. Kid Carsey pitched the final 1 1/3 innings in which he allowed 1 run (earned) on 3 hits. Chick Stahl (3 for 4, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 1 Walk, 2 Stolen Bases), Bill Lange (3 for 4, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 1 Walk, 2 Stolen Bases), and John Farrell (2 for 5, Double, 2 Runs, 1 RBI) gave the run support that was needed. Socks Seybold (2 for 3, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 1 Stolen Base) was the lone bright spot in the losing effort.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #4 / Career: #29)


Game 26: Buttons Briggs came into the game sporting an era above 4 and an 0-6 record (this is on top of his 5.65 ERA and 0-2 record last year), yet he somehow managed to toss a complete game win to lead his Philadelphia Athletics (9-17) to a 3 to 1 victory over the Boston Americans (19-7). Briggs allowed 1 run (0 earned) while scattering 9 hits to finish with a Game Score of 70. Cy Young (4-3) took the loss despite allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 57. Leading the way at the plate for the Athletics was Socks Seybold (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, 1 Run) and Billy Maloney (2 for 4, 1 RBI). Kid Elberfeld (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run) contributed in the loss.

Player of the Game: Buttons Briggs

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Baltimore Orioles outfielder Roy Thomas put together a nice week of hitting, good enough to take home American League Player of the Week honors. In picking up the honors, Thomas batted .429 (12 for 28) with 1 Home Run, 1 Double, 1 Triple, 5 Runs, and 11 RBIs.

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Going 15 for 31 (.484 batting average) will get people's attention, and for Elmer Flick it couldn't come at a better time as he took home National League Player of the Week honors. The New York Giants outfielder smacked 3 Doubles and 2 Triples, scored 6 runs, and drove in 9 runners.

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Game achievement for Homer Smoot for 7 consecutive pitch-hit at bats. On the season, Smoot is batting .467 (7 for 15) with 1 Double, 1 Triple, 6 Runs, 5 RBIs, and 3 Stolen Bases. If he keeps hitting like this, will need to find a spot in the Boston lineup for the promising rookie.

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The St. Louis Browns came into town to take on the Boston Americans in a 3-game series. Because the month ends after the second game, I will share the first couple of games to keep the reports clean for the month and then report the final game as a stand alone entry.

Game 27: While Jesse Tannehill pitched well enough to pick up a win, this was all about the Boston Americans' (20-7) hitters smacking out 16 hits to top the St. Louis Browns (12-15) by a score of 10 to 4. Tannehill (6-1) allowed 4 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits and 3 walks for a Game Score of 64. Frank Owen (3-4) was tagged with the loss after giving up 10 runs (7 earned) on 15 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 13. Dave Brain (3 for 3, Home Run, 1 Run, 5 RBIs), Fred Clarke (4 for 5, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, and Kid Elberfeld (2 for 5, Triple, 3 Runs, 1 RBI) powered the home team. A few oddities from this game: St. Louis Browns committed 8 errors, and the Boston Americans were caught 6 times during attempted steals.

Player of the Game: Dave Brain (Season: #1 / Career: #1)


Game 28: A close game that ultimately turned on fielding miscues, with the St. Louis Browns (13-15) beating the Boston Americans (20-8) by a 2 to 0 score. Bill Dinneen (4-3) picked up the victory by allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks for a Game Score of 83. Sam Leever (4-1) took his first loss of the year despite allowing 2 runs (0 earned) on 4 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 75. Kip Selbach (1 for 2, 1 Run, 2 Walks) played well in the win.

Player of the Game: Bill Dinneen

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A world-view snapshot for April 1902 showing team and player leaders in the three respective leagues.