Notes from history

[amead17]

FOSTER DEBUTS WITH NO-HIT MASTERPIECE; WHITE SOX OPEN WITH TRIUMPH OVER DETROIT

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
April 24th, 1902

Chicago’s base ball faithful turned out yesterday to see the White Sox embark upon their new campaign, and they were treated to a spectacle that shall live long in the club’s memory. A young man of only 22 years, Rube Foster, was handed the ball by manager Clark Griffith for his very first professional contest. Few expected more than a solid showing. What they witnessed instead was nothing short of historic.

Before a crowd buzzing with anticipation, Foster silenced the Detroit Tigers’ bats entirely, authoring a no-hitter in his debut and leading Chicago to a stirring 3–0 victory. Over nine innings the rookie yielded no base hits, walked only two men, and struck out five. Perfection was off the table early—an error in the first frame and walks in the fourth and sixth scattered Tiger runners upon the bases—but never once did Detroit threaten to breach the scoreboard.

The White Sox offense stirred at just the right moment, plating three tallies in the seventh inning to furnish their young pitcher with a cushion. Behind Foster, Chicago’s fielders sparkled, turning difficult chances into outs and preserving the gem.

A visibly astonished Foster addressed reporters after the game. “I could scarcely believe it myself,” he admitted with a wide smile. “I just tried to throw strikes and let the fellows behind me do their part. To think it should be a no-hitter—on my first day! It feels like a dream.”

Manager Griffith, long noted for his keen eye for pitching, was equally effusive. “That boy showed poise far beyond his years,” Griffith declared. “It takes a rare kind of mettle to step onto the mound for the very first time and face a big league club without flinching. Chicago may have found itself a new ace.”

Thus the season begins for the White Sox in storybook fashion, a rookie hurler etching his name into history on Opening Day. Whether Foster can maintain such brilliance over the long campaign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his debut will be remembered in Chicago for many years to come.

[amead17]

ATHLETICS’ ROOKIE LUNDGREN SHELLED AND SHELVED IN DEBUT LOSS TO ORIOLES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
April 24th, 1902

Baltimore, Md.—The Philadelphia Athletics began their campaign yesterday with high hopes and a young arm on the mound, but Opening Day quickly turned sour. Rookie pitcher Carl Lundgren, entrusted with the start against the Baltimore Orioles, endured a calamitous debut, and worse still, left the contest nursing an injured shoulder. The Athletics fell by a final tally of 11–9, their rally efforts undone by the hole dug early.

Lundgren lasted only 2 1/3 innings, yielding seven hits, five runs, and a walk, before a grimace betrayed his discomfort in the third. He motioned to the bench, and the Athletics’ medical staff hurried to his side. After a brief consultation, manager Connie Mack wisely spared the youngster further risk and summoned a reliever.

The diagnosis after the contest was shoulder inflammation, and physicians estimate the right-hander will require four months of rest and recovery—a crushing blow for both club and player so early in the season.

A visibly crestfallen Lundgren met with reporters outside the clubhouse. “It pains me more to have let the team down than the ache in my arm,” he confessed quietly. “I dreamed of this day since boyhood, and to see it turn like this—it’s hard to swallow. I only hope I can come back stronger and prove myself worthy of the uniform.”

Connie Mack, while disappointed, struck a note of patience. “The boy has talent, there is no denying that,” Mack said. “It is a cruel thing to see him falter and then fall to injury so soon. But this game tests men in many ways. We will give him the time he needs, and I have no doubt he will yet be an asset to the Philadelphia club.”

The Orioles, meanwhile, wasted no time in capitalizing on the misfortune, surging ahead in the early innings and fending off the Athletics’ bats despite a late push. For Philadelphia, the season begins not with triumph but with adversity, and the club will now look elsewhere on its staff to shoulder the load in Lundgren’s absence.

[amead17]

AMERICANS AND PIRATES SET EARLY PACE AS NEW SEASON BEGINS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 1st, 1902

April has been swept away with the spring winds, and with it came the first rumblings of the 1902 base ball season. Though the year is yet young, patterns are already beginning to form in both leagues, and fans are quick to take note of those clubs hitting their stride from the outset.

In the American League, the Boston Americans appear intent on proving that last season’s pennant was no fluke. With a 6–1 record, they sit atop the table by a game and a half, a continuation of the fine form that carried them through 1901. Their bats have been lively and their pitchers steady, much to the delight of the Fenway faithful.

Hot on their heels are the St. Louis Browns, surprising many with a strong opening at 5–3. Though it remains early, their spirited play has made them a club to watch as May unfolds. The remainder of the circuit is tightly bunched, no team more than four games off the pace, reminding all that fortunes can shift quickly in this new and competitive league.

Meanwhile, in the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates have wasted no time in stamping their authority once again. A blistering 10–2 start has placed them two games clear of the field, and whispers around the diamond suggest they may be poised for another wire-to-wire campaign.

The Philadelphia Phillies, buoyed by strong hitting, trail at 8–4, while the Cincinnati Reds keep within striking distance a game further back. At the other end of the table, however, both the Chicago Orphans and the St. Louis Cardinals have stumbled badly, finding themselves mired in seventh and eighth place. Their faithful can only hope that May brings better fortune than April.

Thus, as spring training becomes a memory and the campaign settles into its rhythm, the stage is set. Will Boston and Pittsburgh tighten their grip on the flag races, or will others rise to challenge their supremacy? That answer lies in the long summer months to come.

[amead17]

LAVE CROSS NOTCHES 1000TH RUN IN ATHLETICS VICTORY

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 10th, 1902

Veteran third baseman Lave Cross, the stalwart of Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics, reached a remarkable milestone yesterday as he crossed the plate for the 1,000th run of his professional career. The tally came during the Athletics’ stirring 7–4 triumph over the Washington Senators, a contest that turned in the seventh inning when Philadelphia strung together a decisive rally.

Trailing most of the afternoon, the Athletics surged ahead when three men came across in the seventh, with Cross himself one of the scorers. His dash to the plate marked not only the turning point in the match but also a crowning moment in a career that now stretches nearly sixteen seasons.

Cross, who entered the professional ranks as a 21-year-old in 1887, has since worn the uniforms of several clubs, including three different stints with Philadelphia outfits, making him a familiar and beloved figure to the city’s supporters. Yesterday he turned back the clock with a sparkling day at the dish, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored, raising his early-season average to a dazzling .455.

Reflecting on his achievement, Cross spoke with humility befitting his long service:

“I never gave much thought to numbers,” said Cross with a smile after the contest. “I’ve simply tried to do my part each day, and to cross that plate as often as I could for the good of the club. To reach a thousand runs—well, I suppose it means I’ve been around this game a fair while. But truth be told, I feel as strong and eager as ever.”

Athletics manager Connie Mack, ever the student of consistency and character, praised his veteran cornerstone:

“Lave is the sort of ball player every club desires but few are fortunate to have,” Mack remarked. “He brings steadiness, skill, and no small amount of wisdom to the field. At thirty-six, he is still showing the young men how the game ought to be played. That milestone is a credit to his perseverance, but to me, the greater value is what he provides to his mates day in and day out.”

With the Athletics vying for position in a tightly contested American League race, the presence of a seasoned campaigner like Cross may yet prove decisive. And for one afternoon in Philadelphia, the cheers rang not just for a victory over Washington, but for the enduring excellence of a man who has been scoring runs for nearly two decades.

[amead17]

VAN HALTREN REACHES 1000 RBI AS GIANTS DOWN CARDINALS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 12th, 1902

For George Van Haltren, the veteran center fielder of the New York Giants, Sunday’s contest in St. Louis proved both a triumph for his club and a personal milestone of great distinction. The Giants, mired in an uneven start to the season, came alive with the bats to secure an 11–5 victory over the Cardinals. Along the way, Van Haltren drove in the 1,000th run of his career, a feat accomplished by only the steadiest and most accomplished of hitters.

The moment arrived in the sixth inning, with Regino Garcia aboard after reaching base and swiping second. Van Haltren stepped to the plate and lashed a clean single to the outfield, easily bringing Garcia home. The run was part of a seven-run eruption that carried the Giants to an imposing 11–1 lead, more than enough cushion to withstand a late St. Louis rally. Van Haltren himself would later cross the plate in the same inning, capping his day at 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

For the 36-year-old outfielder, now in his ninth season with New York, the achievement is tempered by the realities of a slow start to 1902. Entering the game, Van Haltren had managed only a .188 average, well below the lofty .316 career mark he has maintained since first appearing in the big leagues as a 21-year-old back in 1887.

Despite the struggles, Van Haltren greeted the milestone with measured pride.

“It has not been an easy spring for me,” the veteran admitted, “but this game has a way of rewarding patience. To bring home a thousand runs—it is something I shall cherish, though I would gladly trade it all for a few more victories for our club. I know I can still give the Giants my best, and I intend to prove it in the weeks ahead.”

Giants manager George Davis, himself no stranger to long service in the game, praised Van Haltren’s achievement and leadership.

“George has been the heart of this club for many years,” Davis declared. “Even when the hits are not falling for him, his steadiness in the field and his example in the clubhouse never waver. A thousand runs batted in speaks to a career of reliability and skill, and I am certain he has more left to contribute.”

For the Giants, now 8–13 on the campaign, the day’s victory was sorely needed. And for George Van Haltren, it was a reminder that, though the years may advance, greatness endures.

[amead17]

HERMAN LONG STEALS HIS WAY INTO HISTORY AS BEANEATERS TRIUMPH

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 28th, 1902

Boston has had little cause for cheer in the early going of this 1902 season, but yesterday at the South End Grounds, the faithful were given a moment to remember. Herman Long, the stalwart shortstop of the Beaneaters, reached the rare plateau of 500 stolen bases in his long and industrious career, while helping his club to a hard-fought 3–2 victory over the New York Giants.

The contest itself was decided by Long’s bat as well as his legs. In the sixth inning, with Boston trailing, the 36-year-old veteran singled his way aboard. Moments later, he swiped second base for the 500th time in his career, a feat met with a cheer from the sparse but appreciative crowd. That steal set up the Beaneaters’ first tally, as Long came around to score, narrowing the Giants’ advantage to 2–1.

The following frame brought Long to the plate again in a telling moment. With two men aboard, he laced a double into left field, driving home both runners and delivering the decisive blow. Boston held fast the rest of the way, securing only their 15th win of the season against 20 defeats.

For Long, who has toiled in Boston colors since 1890 and now owns a career batting mark of .283, the achievement was one of pride, even amid a difficult campaign in which his own average sits at .210.

“I know I’ve not been striking the ball as I once did,” Long confessed after the match, “but I’ve always prided myself on playing the full game—bat, glove, and feet. To reach five hundred stolen bases shows I’ve still a bit of speed left, and I hope I can give this club a few more days like today.”

Beaneaters manager Frank Selee was quick to praise his veteran shortstop’s contribution, both in the day’s game and throughout his career.

“Herman has been the anchor of this club for more than a decade,” Selee remarked. “Even when the averages dip, his instincts and courage remain unmatched. Five hundred stolen bases is no small matter—it speaks to his intelligence on the field. He may not be the youngest man out there, but he is as valuable to this team as ever.”

The Beaneaters may continue to wrestle with adversity in the standings, but with men like Herman Long leading by example, Boston retains both spirit and pride.

[amead17]

BOSTON AND PITTSBURGH TAKE COMMAND AS MAY ENDS — FIRST MONTHLY HONORS BESTOWED

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
June 1st, 1902

With the spring weeks behind us and summer’s warmth upon the ballparks, the base ball season has entered its full stride. Though much of the campaign still lies ahead, already clear leaders have begun to emerge in both circuits.

In the American League, the defending champion Boston Americans have made their intentions plain, surging to a commanding 28–7 record, a full nine games ahead of their nearest pursuers, the Philadelphia Athletics. The rest of the league finds itself playing catch-up, with the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, and Chicago White Sox already languishing 14 games off the pace. Boston’s combination of timely hitting and iron pitching has, at least thus far, left the others well in their wake.

Over in the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates continue to set the standard, riding their pitching staff and relentless batting to a 29–12 mark, placing them seven games clear. A revived St. Louis Cardinals outfit has emerged as their closest challenger, while the Boston Beaneaters and New York Giants stumble badly at the foot of the table.

As May’s books closed, the league offices announced the season’s first monthly player awards, with the addition this year of a new honor for rookies.

In the American League, Boston’s supremacy was underlined once more. Buck Freeman, the powerful Americans outfielder, was named Batter of the Month after hitting .368 with 3 home runs, 28 runs batted in, and 27 tallies scored. On the mound, his teammate Ted Lewis earned Pitcher of the Month, compiling a sterling 6–1 record with a 1.80 earned run average. The inaugural Rookie of the Month went to Philadelphia’s Bob Rhoads, whose 4–2 record and 3.23 ERA have given Connie Mack’s club a measure of youthful promise.

In the National League, the honors were spread about. Kitty Bransfield, the steady first baseman of the Pirates, took Batter of the Month, swatting at a .392 clip with 28 RBI and 29 runs scored. The top mound man was Jack Taylor of the Chicago Orphans, whose rubber arm delivered 8 victories against only 2 defeats in May, accompanied by a fine 1.99 ERA. The rookie laurels went to Jim St. Vrain of the St. Louis Cardinals, whose 6–1 mark and 2.55 ERA showed the composure of a veteran.

With the season still in its infancy, there is time yet for fortunes to change, but if May is any indication, the path to the pennants already looks well marked: in the American League, through Boston, and in the National, through Pittsburgh.

[amead17]

GEORGE CUPPY’S CAREER ENDS IN AGONY — BOSTON VETERAN PITCHER FORCED TO RETIRE

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
June 3rd, 1902

Baseball can be cruel in its fortunes, and yesterday at the Huntington Avenue Grounds the Boston faithful saw how swiftly triumph can turn to sorrow. George Cuppy, the 32-year-old pitcher enjoying a fine resurgence with the Boston Americans, has thrown his final professional pitch.

Taking the mound for his ninth start of the season against the Detroit Tigers, Cuppy recorded the first out with ease. But on his next delivery he halted suddenly, clutching at his throwing arm and shoulder. Silence swept the grounds as the veteran staggered, and the Americans hastily summoned a reliever. Though Boston went on to prevail in a hard-fought 6–5 victory, all thoughts after the contest were on the fate of their wounded hurler.

Those fears were confirmed when physicians delivered their verdict: a severe rotator cuff injury, beyond repair. For Cuppy, there is no path back. The Americans announced that he will be released, and the right-hander will enter retirement.

Cuppy leaves the game with a career record of 177 victories against 106 defeats, drawn from 290 starts and 328 appearances across eleven campaigns since his debut in 1892. His lifetime earned run average of 3.49 speaks to the steadiness that made him a reliable figure on the mound through a long decade.

Cuppy, though visibly shaken, met with reporters after the announcement. “It is not the manner in which I wished to take my leave,” he said quietly. “But I have given the game the best of myself these past years, and I am grateful for all it has given me in return. To walk away knowing I cannot pitch again is hard, but I hold no regrets.”

Americans’ manager Jimmy Collins struck a solemn note. “George was as steady a pitcher as any club could wish for,” Collins remarked. “He gave us everything in his arm and more in his spirit. We are proud to have had him, and though his career closes, his mark upon this club and this league will endure.”

Thus ends the career of George Cuppy — not with the roaring cheers of victory, but with the quiet dignity of a man who gave his all to the national game.

[amead17]

DELAHANTY SCORES 1,500TH RUN IN EXTRA-INNING DEFEAT

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
June 13th, 1902

Though the Philadelphia Phillies faithful went home disappointed yesterday after an 8–4 extra-inning loss to the Cincinnati Reds, there was one bright note to soften the sting. Their stalwart first baseman, Ed Delahanty, crossed the plate for the 1,500th run of his illustrious career, cementing further his standing among the finest batsmen the game has known.

The milestone came in the bottom of the eighth inning, when the Phillies, trailing 4–3, mounted a spirited rally. Delahanty worked a walk, and moments later raced home from second on an Elmer Flick double, sliding across the dish to the delight of the crowd as the tally evened matters at four apiece. The game slipped away in the tenth, but Delahanty’s achievement was the talk of the grandstand.

On the day, the veteran went 1-for-3 with two walks, a run scored, and one driven in, nudging his season’s batting mark to a sparkling .389. Now in his 14th season since debuting as a 20-year-old in 1888, Delahanty carries a career batting average of .344, nearly all of it compiled in the colors of Philadelphia, save for his brief departure in 1890.

Speaking afterward, Delahanty was modest as ever. “I never set out to chase numbers,” he said with a quiet smile. “I only aim to do my part for the club each day. To reach 1,500 runs is a fine mark, and I hope there are many more yet to come if my legs and bat will carry me there.”

Phillies manager Bill Shettsline offered fulsome praise for his veteran slugger. “Ed has been the heart of this team for many years,” Shettsline remarked. “There are not many men in baseball who can hit as he does, and fewer still who score runs with such regularity. The result today was not as we hoped, but history was made, and we are proud to have witnessed it.”

Though the ledger shows a loss, Philadelphia fans will remember June 12th as the day “Big Ed” Delahanty etched his name yet deeper into baseball’s book of records.

[amead17]

LAVE CROSS DRIVES HOME HIS 1,000TH RUN AS ATHLETICS TRIUMPH

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
June 14th, 1902

The veteran third baseman Lave Cross once more gave the baseball public of Philadelphia reason to cheer, as he notched yet another career milestone in yesterday’s 5–3 victory over the Cleveland Bronchos. With a ringing double in the seventh inning, Cross plated Harry Davis to knot the score at three apiece, and in so doing registered the 1,000th run batted in of his long and distinguished career.

The Athletics, who improved their season mark to 26–20, rode the momentum from that blow to complete the comeback, pushing across two more tallies before the contest was through. Cross, now 36 years of age, finished the day 1-for-4 with two RBI, his average holding at a robust .349 for the year.

This latest achievement comes scarcely a month after Cross tallied his 1,000th career run in early May, placing him among the most accomplished batsmen of his generation. Since his debut in 1887 as a 21-year-old, Cross has worn the colors of several clubs, yet he remains a stalwart presence at the hot corner for Connie Mack’s men.

After the game, the modest veteran offered his reflections. “I have been fortunate to play this game as long as I have,” Cross remarked. “To reach a thousand runs batted in is something I never thought about when I first picked up a bat. I simply try to do my duty for the club and help bring the men around to score.”

Athletics manager Connie Mack spoke warmly of his third baseman’s enduring value. “Lave is the sort of player every manager wishes to have,” Mack said. “He is steady, dependable, and a leader by example. These milestones are a testament not only to his skill, but to his perseverance and the respect he has earned across both leagues.”

With his bat still lively and his glove sure, Lave Cross shows that even in his sixteenth season, greatness does not diminish with age.

[amead17]

GIANTS LOSE FELIX TO SHOULDER INJURY; ROOKIE PITCHER OUT FOUR MONTHS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
June 20th, 1902

The New York Giants received dispiriting news yesterday, as rookie pitcher Harry Felix, a 26-year-old right-hander, was struck down by injury in the midst of a hard-fought contest against the Boston Beaneaters. The Giants ultimately dropped the game by a narrow 4–3 score, but the greater loss came when Felix was forced from the mound in the seventh inning, clutching his shoulder in visible discomfort.

Felix, who has thus far compiled a 6–7 record with a 4.31 earned run average, had been counted upon to help stabilize a pitching corps that has too often found itself overtaxed. With the Giants already mired at 24–32 on the season, the setback could scarcely come at a worse time.

After swift attention from the club’s medical staff, Felix was removed from the action, and postgame examinations revealed shoulder inflammation severe enough to keep him sidelined for approximately four months. For the young hurler, it is a cruel blow just as he was beginning to find his footing in the major circuit.

Felix, though disheartened, spoke resolutely to reporters. “It pains me to be laid up when I should be helping my fellows,” he admitted. “But I shall do all that is asked of me in recovery, and I promise I will come back stronger than before.”

Manager George Davis lamented the loss but expressed faith in his pitcher’s determination. “Harry has shown grit since the first day he donned a Giants uniform,” Davis said. “This misfortune is no small matter, yet I know the man. He will fight through the injury, and when he returns, he will be the better for it. In the meantime, we must find a way to carry on without him.”

For a club already seeking to climb from the lower reaches of the National League standings, the absence of Felix may weigh heavily. Still, both player and manager seem resolved that this setback is but a pause, not an end, in the young pitcher’s career.

[amead17]

HERMAN LONG REACHES 2,000-HIT MILESTONE DESPITE BEANEATERS’ DEFEAT

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
June 26th, 1902

Though the Boston Beaneaters fell once more, this time by a 10–5 count to the visiting Brooklyn Superbas, the home faithful were given a moment to cheer as veteran short stop Herman Long notched the 2,000th hit of his illustrious career.

The blow came in the sixth inning, when Long drove a sharp single that sent Malachi Kittridge safely across the plate, trimming Brooklyn’s lead to 7–3. The 36-year-old finished the afternoon 1-for-5 with one run batted in, a modest line in a losing cause, but a mighty achievement nonetheless.

It has been a difficult season for Long, who is batting but .184 as the Beaneaters languish at 23–38, yet his career totals speak to the enduring excellence he has displayed since his debut in 1889. Just last month, he surpassed the 500 stolen base mark, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s finest all-around men of the past decade. With 13 seasons under his belt, Long now carries a lifetime batting average of .281.

The short stop himself reflected on the milestone with characteristic humility. “It is a great satisfaction to see the two-thousandth fall in,” Long said. “I’ve been fortunate to play this long, and while my bat has not been as lively this season, I aim to keep giving my best for Boston. The numbers are less important than doing my part for the club.”

Manager Frank Selee praised his veteran’s perseverance. “Herman has given everything to this ball club for well over a decade,” Selee remarked. “Though the team has had its struggles, his experience and determination remain invaluable. Two thousand hits is a mark very few men shall ever see, and he has earned the respect of every man on this field.”

Even amid Boston’s difficulties, Herman Long’s steady presence stands as a reminder of the glory the Beaneaters once enjoyed—and the hope that brighter days may yet return.

[amead17]

BOSTON AND PITTSBURGH CONTINUE TO RULE THE DIAMOND — AMERICANS AND PIRATES WIDEN THEIR LEADS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 1st, 1902

As the long days of summer take firm hold, so too does the rhythm of the baseball campaign, and already the pennant chases appear to be settling into familiar patterns. The month of June has passed, and both the Boston Americans in the American League and the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League have begun to stride clear of their rivals, each looking every inch a champion in waiting.

In the American League, the Boston nine are nothing short of dominant. With a record of 46 victories against but 16 defeats, they have fashioned a commanding 12½ game lead over the field. Their nearest pursuers, the Philadelphia Athletics, are a distant second at 33–28, while the once-hopeful St. Louis Browns, after an encouraging start, have faltered badly and now reside in the cellar at 23–38.

The tale is much the same in the National League, where the mighty Pittsburgh Pirates continue to hold sway. Their ledger stands at 44–20, giving them a comfortable 10½ game cushion over the resurgent St. Louis Cardinals, who stand at 34–31. Meanwhile, the Boston Beaneaters, once the pride of the circuit, languish at the bottom with a mark of 25–39.

While the standings show separation, the individual feats of June give the faithful plenty to cheer. The player awards for the month are as follows:

American League:

Batter of the Month: Chick Stahl, of the Boston Americans, whose .456 batting average, with 13 runs batted in and 25 tallies scored, was a tonic for the champions.

Pitcher of the Month: Rube Foster, the sensational rookie of the Chicago White Sox, who compiled a 6–2 record with a sparkling 1.50 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Again, Foster takes the honor, making his emergence one of the most striking stories of the young season.

National League:

Batter of the Month: Ed Delahanty, the powerful first baseman of the Philadelphia Phillies, who struck at a .396 clip, adding 2 home runs, 20 RBI’s and 20 runs scored to his impressive tally.

Pitcher of the Month: Ed Siever, of the Chicago Orphans, whose 5–2 record and 1.84 ERA provided rare stability to the Chicago staff.

Rookie of the Month: Jim St. Vrain, of the St. Louis Cardinals, for the second month running. His 4–3 record with a 2.07 ERA underscores his value to the rising Cardinals.

As July dawns, the races appear lopsided, yet the long season is notorious for sudden reversals. A fortnight of ill fortune for the leaders or a burst of inspired play from a challenger can alter the complexion of the tables in a hurry. For now, however, it seems that Boston and Pittsburgh are marching steadily toward an autumn collision that all of baseball would welcome with keen anticipation.

[amead17]

DUMMY HOY REACHES 2,000 HITS — WHITE SOX VETERAN MARKS MILESTONE ON FOURTH OF JULY

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 5th, 1902

Chicago fans had more than fireworks to cheer yesterday, as center fielder William “Dummy” Hoy, at the grand age of 40 years, secured the 2,000th base hit of his illustrious career. The occasion came in the White Sox’s 3–2 triumph over the Cleveland Bronchos, a game tightly fought and worthy of the holiday.

Hoy, who has long been admired for his skill and perseverance despite his deafness, went 1-for-4 at the plate, the lone safety pushing his season’s batting average to .281. The milestone single arrived in the bottom of the eighth, with Chicago already holding its slim 3–2 lead. Though he was left stranded, the tally was greeted with warm applause from the South Side faithful who recognized the achievement.

Hoy’s path to this mark has been anything but ordinary. He began his career in 1888, later than most, making his debut at the age of 26. In the years since, he has worn the colors of several clubs, his steady hitting and remarkable fielding keeping him in demand. A .285 lifetime hitter, Hoy has found in Chicago a late-career home, and with yesterday’s stroke he adds his name to the roll of baseball’s most accomplished batsmen.

After the game, Hoy, with a broad smile, communicated through an interpreter:

“I never thought when I began at twenty-six that I should still be playing at forty, let alone with two thousand hits to my name. I am grateful to every manager who trusted me, every teammate who supported me, and every crowd that cheered me on.”

Manager Clark Griffith was equally effusive in his praise of the veteran:

“Hoy is the kind of ballplayer any club would be fortunate to have. Age has not dulled his instincts nor his courage. Two thousand hits is no small feat, and I think he has a few more in him yet. He is a model of consistency and determination for the younger men.”

While the White Sox remain mired in the lower half of the American League at 28–38, Hoy’s achievement provided a shining note on the nation’s birthday, a reminder that baseball, like the Republic itself, honors those who persevere with skill and spirit.

[amead17]

WHITE SOX LOSE PITCHER DUPEE FOR SEASON — BACK INJURY ENDS YOUNGSTER’S CAMPAIGN

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
July 13th, 1902

The already difficult season of the Chicago White Sox received further misfortune yesterday as relief pitcher Frank Dupee was lost for the remainder of the year. The young right-hander, only 25 years of age, suffered a severe back injury during the club’s 3–2, 11-inning victory over the St. Louis Browns.

Called upon to open the top of the 11th, Dupee delivered but a handful of pitches before suddenly halting his motion and clutching at his back. The sight alarmed both players and supporters alike, and he was helped from the field by teammates. Early hopes for a minor strain were dashed when club physicians announced that Dupee had suffered a torn muscle in his back, an injury expected to sideline him for five months — in effect ending his season.

Dupee’s campaign had been brief and troubled. In six relief appearances, he carried a 1–1 record with a high 10.80 earned run average, struggling to find his command but still showing promise with a lively fastball.

The pitcher, clearly crestfallen, told reporters afterward:

“It is a bitter pill, gentlemen. I was only beginning to feel like I might contribute to the club, and now I must stand aside. Still, I mean to take my medicine, heal properly, and return next season stronger. Baseball has given me a chance, and I do not intend to let it go.”

Manager Clark Griffith, who has already seen his club beset by injuries and inconsistency, expressed sympathy for the youngster while looking ahead:

“It is hard to see any lad go down, especially one with as much heart as Dupee. He has not had the easiest start, but he never shirked a challenge. We’ll get along as best we can without him, but I hope he takes the time to mend and returns to us ready to fight another year.”

The victory brought Chicago to 31–41, but with Dupee’s misfortune adding to their troubles, the White Sox’s campaign grows no easier.

[amead17]

WADDELL STRIKES OUT 15 — PIRATES’ STAR HURLER SETS NEW STANDARD IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 17th, 1902

Yesterday at Exposition Park, the faithful of Pittsburgh witnessed a pitching exhibition the likes of which have not been seen in the young annals of Major League Baseball. Rube Waddell, the mercurial southpaw of the Pittsburgh Pirates, delivered what many are already calling his finest performance, striking out 15 men of the visiting Boston Beaneaters in a brilliant 4–2 triumph.

Though the Beaneaters scratched across two early runs, Waddell remained utterly undaunted. With his blazing fastball and darting curve, he set Boston’s batsmen down in bewildered fashion, piling up strikeouts inning after inning. The Pirates’ bats, meanwhile, awakened late, with runs in the 6th, 7th, and 8th frames securing victory.

The Pirates now stand at 54–27, strengthening their hold atop the National League, with Waddell himself boasting a season record of 14–7, an earned run average of 2.46, and an imposing total of 141 strikeouts. His mark of 15 strikeouts in a single game stands as the first of its kind in Major League play, a testament to both his ability and the promise of what may yet come.

The ever-colorful Waddell, all smiles after the game, told reporters:

“I felt strong all afternoon, and every time I reared back, the ball seemed to jump just where I wanted it. The Boston fellows are good hitters, but today they might as well have swung at shadows. I’ll remember this day for a long time.”

Pirates manager Fred Clarke, visibly proud of his ace, added:

“I have seen many pitchers in my time, but never a performance finer than what Waddell gave us today. To strike out 15 men is no small feat, and he did it with style and command. If he keeps this form, there’s no telling how far he can take this club.”

As the season presses on, Pittsburgh’s grip on the pennant chase looks firm, and with Rube Waddell in such electric form, the Pirates appear every inch the team to beat.

[amead17]

HERMAN LONG REACHES 1000 RBI MARK IN BEANEATERS’ TRIUMPH OVER SUPERBAS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
July 20th, 1902

Brooklyn, N.Y., July 19 — In the waning hours of a long afternoon contest, Herman Long, the 36-year-old short stop of the Boston Beaneaters, secured yet another proud milestone in his distinguished career. With a well-struck single in the top of the ninth inning, Long brought home his 1000th run batted in, a feat few men in the game’s history can claim. The blow helped to cap Boston’s 11–5 victory over the Brooklyn Superbas, lifting the Beaneaters’ season mark to 33–48.

Long’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, as he collected four hits in five chances, crossing the plate once and driving in two runs. For a player who has struggled much of the campaign, his batting average now creeping up to .227 brings signs of renewed vigor.

The moment of triumph came with the Beaneaters already in command. Long’s timely single in the ninth widened the advantage to 11–2, putting the game well beyond the Superbas’ reach. Brooklyn’s late tallies proved inconsequential.

Since entering the major circuit in 1889, Long has remained a fixture of Boston’s infield, renowned for his daring on the basepaths and steady glove. His career batting mark now rests at .282, a testament to both skill and longevity.

After the contest, Long was humble in reflecting upon his accomplishment:

“I have never much cared for numbers, but to know I have sent a thousand men across the plate is something I can be proud of. This year has not been easy, yet days like this make all the labor worthwhile. I only hope to keep doing my part for Boston.”

Manager Frank Selee, who has guided Long through many seasons, praised his veteran short stop:

“Herman has been the heart of this club for more than a decade. Even when his bat goes cold, his spirit and leadership remain strong. To reach 1000 runs batted in speaks to his consistency and his character. I am glad to see him finding his stroke again, and no man is more deserving of the honor.”

Though the Beaneaters’ campaign has been a troubled one, the loyal Boston supporters can take solace in the enduring feats of their stalwart short stop, whose name grows ever more secure in the annals of the game.

[amead17]

JOE KELLEY REACHES 1000 RBI AS SUPERBAS TRIUMPH OVER PHILLIES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 23rd, 1902

Brooklyn, N.Y., July 22 — Joe Kelley, the seasoned third baseman of the Brooklyn Superbas, provided yet another shining moment in his illustrious career yesterday. Before a lively gathering at Washington Park, Kelley drove home the 1000th run batted in of his career, a blow that proved decisive in Brooklyn’s 3–1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The win lifted the Superbas to a record of 45–41, keeping them well in the chase.

The telling stroke came in the sixth inning, with the contest still finely balanced. Kelley, ever calm at the plate, struck a clean base hit to score the run that put Brooklyn ahead, 2–1. It was all the spark the club required, as the Superbas held their lead and added insurance in the eighth. Kelley’s final line was 1-for-4 with the crucial RBI, nudging his season’s average to a healthy .323.

Kelley’s career, which began in 1891 when he was but 19 years old, has spanned more than a decade across several clubs, each stop adding to his reputation as one of the game’s finest batsmen. His career average stands at .329, a figure that secures his place among the premier hitters of the age.

After the game, Kelley reflected on his milestone with characteristic modesty:

“A man never reaches such marks alone. I’ve had good teammates behind me and ahead of me, and I’ve merely tried to do my part. To think I’ve sent a thousand men across the plate—it’s a number that makes a fellow stop and smile. I hope there are many more yet to come.”

Superbas manager Ned Hanlon, no stranger to great ballplayers in his long career, lauded his veteran:

“Joe Kelley has been a steadying presence for this club. He is the sort of player who lifts those around him, both with his bat and his demeanor. That hit in the sixth was classic Kelley—timely, sure, and just what the club needed. To reach 1000 runs batted in is a great honor, and I am proud to have been here to see it.”

For the Brooklyn faithful, the day was not merely about another victory in the standings, but the celebration of a player whose bat has brought joy and success to ball grounds across the land.

[amead17]

GIANTS LOSE McLAUGHLIN FOR SEASON IN 3–2 DEFEAT

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 25th, 1902

Yesterday proved a day of double misfortune for the New York Giants. Not only did the club fall 3–2 to their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Superbas, but they also saw pitcher Warren McLaughlin felled by injury in the middle of his labors.

The 26-year-old right-hander, making only his seventh start of the campaign, had shown determination through 4⅔ innings when he suddenly winced in pain, clutching his back while in the act of delivering a pitch. The Giants’ bench sprang into action, and McLaughlin was promptly removed from the contest.

The Superbas went on to hold their advantage, handing New York another discouraging defeat to drop their record to 34–50. But the larger loss was confirmed afterward when the Giants announced that McLaughlin’s season is finished. Doctors revealed a torn back muscle that will require four to five months of recovery.

McLaughlin, who holds a 3–2 mark with a 3.77 earned run average across 13 appearances this year, was disheartened but spoke with courage following the news.

“It pains me to know my season ends in July,” he admitted. “I felt I was only beginning to find my rhythm. Still, I will take the months needed to heal and return stronger. My hope is to give the Giants my best again when my body allows.”

Manager George Davis, visibly concerned for his young pitcher, offered words of support.

“This is a cruel stroke for Warren,” Davis said. “He has battled through ups and downs, and just as he was settling into his work, misfortune struck. We shall miss him on the mound, but more than that, we shall stand by him as a teammate. I believe he will be back, and when he returns, he’ll be all the wiser for the struggle.”

For the Giants, the pennant hopes of 1902 continue to dim, and now one of their young arms is lost for the year. Yet in McLaughlin’s quiet resolve, the club may find a measure of inspiration amid its trials.

[amead17]

VAN HALTREN REACHES 2500 HITS AS GIANTS EDGE SUPERBAS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
July 26th, 1902

At the Polo Grounds yesterday, the faithful of New York had reason to cheer as their Giants eked out a narrow 2–1 triumph over the Brooklyn Superbas. The victory lifted the Giants’ record to 35–50, but the day’s greatest applause was reserved for veteran center fielder George Van Haltren, who registered the 2,500th hit of his long and storied career.

The 36-year-old struck his milestone blow in the bottom of the fifth inning, a sharp single that added another chapter to his ledger of accomplishments, though it did not lead to a run on this occasion. Van Haltren finished the contest 1-for-4, nudging his season average to .194.

Though his present campaign has been marked by struggles at the plate, the achievement stands as a testament to his consistency over sixteen major league seasons. Since debuting in 1887, Van Haltren has fashioned a .313 lifetime average, along with 69 home runs, and for the past eight years has been a stalwart of the Giants’ outfield.

Speaking afterward, Van Haltren was visibly moved by the moment:

“It means a great deal to me,” he said. “The season has not been kind with the bat, but milestones such as these remind a man of the years he has given to the game. To know I stand among the few with 2,500 hits is a comfort, and I still believe I can help this club win ballgames.”

Manager George Davis, himself a long-serving figure of the game, praised his veteran’s perseverance.

“George has been the backbone of this team for many years,” Davis remarked. “Even when the averages are not in his favor, his presence, leadership, and knowledge of the game are beyond measure. Reaching 2,500 hits is no small feat, and I am proud to have witnessed it in a Giants uniform.”

The day belonged to the Giants in the ledger, but for Van Haltren, it was a day when the past and present stood together in triumph.