Notes from history

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VETERAN STARS HEAD RETIREMENT LIST AS OFF SEASON OPENS
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
October 18th 1916

With the commencement of the off season comes the annual farewell to many of the game’s most familiar faces, and this year has proven no exception. Several notable figures have announced their retirement from the diamond, bringing to a close long and distinguished careers.

Foremost among those stepping away is veteran pitcher Eddie Plank, a stalwart of the game since 1901. Plank first made his mark with the Philadelphia Athletics between 1901 and 1907 before continuing his career with the Cincinnati Reds from 1907 through the close of the 1916 campaign. Over the course of his remarkable tenure, Plank amassed a record of 336 victories against 266 defeats, compiled a 2.80 earned run average, and struck out 2,539 batters. He played a vital role in securing World Series titles for the Athletics in 1904 and 1905, earning Most Valuable Player honours in the 1904 series. His excellence was further recognised with Pitcher of the Year honours in the American League in 1905 and again in the National League in 1910 while with Cincinnati.

Joining Plank in retirement is veteran centre fielder Fielder Jones, whose illustrious twenty-year career began in 1896 with the Brooklyn Superbas. Jones later moved to the Chicago White Sox in 1901 before settling with the Boston Braves in 1903, where he remained for the duration of his playing days. Across an impressive 2,987 games, Jones compiled a .285 batting average, scored 1,588 runs, and drove in 1,067 runs. Though never formally decorated with individual awards, he was long regarded as a favourite among supporters for his steady play and enduring presence.

In addition to these prominent names, several other respected players have also elected to conclude their playing careers this year. Among those retiring are Johnny Evers, Bill Keister, Walter Ball, Howie Camnitz, and Ed Walsh, each leaving his own mark upon the sport as a new generation prepares to take the field.

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GIANTS AND BRAVES NAME NEW LEADERS AS OFF SEASON CHANGES CONTINUE
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
October 25th 1916

As the off season gathers pace, clubs across the game continue to reshape their front offices, and two of the sides in search of new direction have now announced the men who will guide them into the coming campaign.

The New York Giants were first to make their move, electing to bring experience to the helm with the appointment of Kyle Jackson. Jackson previously managed the Boston Braves between 1905 and 1914, a tenure that saw the club finish in a variety of positions over the years and included a trip to the World Series in 1911. The Giants hope that Jackson’s seasoned hand will help provide the consistency the club has sought and lift them up the standings into pennant contention.
Jackson said, “I am honoured by the opportunity placed before me and look forward to bringing steady work and strong purpose to the Giants.”

In Boston, the Braves have also turned to an experienced figure, naming George Stallings as their new manager. Stallings previously served as manager of the Detroit Tigers from 1901 to 1906, where his club never finished higher than third place. He later spent time as bench coach with the New York Yankees between 1910 and 1912, though success proved limited during that stretch. Despite mixed fortunes in the past, Braves supporters now look toward Stallings with hope that he may bring improved results to the club.
Stallings remarked, “I welcome the challenge ahead and intend to give my full effort to guiding this club in the seasons to come.”

With both appointments now settled, attention will soon turn toward how these new leaders shape their respective clubs as preparations begin for the next campaign.

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BASEBALL’S FINEST HONOURED AT GRAND AWARDS DINNER AS STARS OF 1916 RECEIVE THEIR DUE
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
November 2nd 1916

The traditional Major League Baseball awards dinner was held yesterday, bringing together the game’s brightest lights to celebrate the finest performers of the 1916 campaign. Players from both the American and National Leagues were honoured by their peers for seasons that left a lasting mark upon the sport.

In the American League, the highest individual honour went to Cleveland Indians catcher Lew McCarty, who captured the Most Valuable Player Award after a remarkable season at the plate. McCarty collected 164 hits, including 16 doubles and 12 triples, along with a home run and 69 runs batted in, while crossing the plate 51 times. He secured 7 first-place votes out of a possible 16, narrowly edging teammate Bobby Veach, who received 5 first-place votes, while fellow Indian Tris Speaker finished third in the balloting. Zack Wheat of the Detroit Tigers and Grant Johnson of the Chicago White Sox also figured prominently among the leading vote-getters.

Detroit Tigers ace Al Demaree was named the American League Pitcher of the Year following a sterling campaign in which he posted a 21-17 record with a fine 2.56 earned run average. Over 351.2 innings he struck out 143 batters while limiting opponents to a .252 batting average. Demaree received 11 first-place votes, finishing ahead of Jeff Tesreau of the St. Louis Browns and Smokey Joe Williams of the Washington Senators.

McCarty added further distinction to his season by claiming the American League Rookie of the Year Award in unanimous fashion. The Cleveland catcher batted .367 across 130 games, producing 164 hits and 69 runs batted in while scoring 51 runs. Joe Kelly of the New York Yankees finished second in the voting, followed by Max Flack of the Chicago White Sox.

Turning to the National League, Brooklyn Robins star Joe Jackson was named Most Valuable Player after an outstanding year in which he batted .350 with 32 doubles, 25 triples, 6 home runs and 111 runs batted in. Jackson earned 13 first-place votes, finishing well ahead of teammate Dave Robertson, who secured 2, and Ty Cobb of the Philadelphia Phillies, who placed third. Other notable performers receiving votes included George Sisler, Walter Johnson and Eddie Collins.

On the mound, Brooklyn’s Walter Johnson claimed the National League Pitcher of the Year Award in unanimous fashion. Johnson compiled a 28-10 record over 39 starts, striking out 227 batters while posting a 2.05 earned run average across 346.1 innings. “It's always nice to receive an award like this,” said Johnson. “I just hope I can improve on my performance next year and be in the running again.” Lefty Tyler of the Chicago Cubs and Grover Cleveland Alexander of the Brooklyn Robins finished behind him in the voting.

The National League Rookie of the Year honour went to Cincinnati Reds shortstop Rogers Hornsby, whose solid debut season saw him bat .250 in 151 games while collecting 139 hits, 7 home runs, 81 runs batted in and 72 runs scored. Hornsby received 9 first-place votes, finishing ahead of teammate Whitey Witt, who garnered 6, while Chicago Cubs hurler Ferdie Schupp placed third.

Thus concluded an evening of celebration that recognised the finest individual efforts of a memorable season, with many of the game’s brightest stars stepping forward to claim well-earned honours before the assembled baseball fraternity.

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EARLY OFF-SEASON TRADES PROVE FEW IN NUMBER BUT RICH IN PROMISE AS CLUBS BEGIN TO SHAPE 1917 ROSTERS
By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
December 10th 1916

The early weeks of the off-season have brought fewer trades than many followers of the national pastime had anticipated, as clubs cautiously begin to shape their squads for the coming campaign. Yet while the total number of deals has been modest, several prominent names have changed uniforms, and the moves completed thus far may have lasting influence upon the fortunes of their new clubs.

The first notable exchange came on October 27th when the Boston Braves sent 31-year-old second baseman Art Fletcher to the Cleveland Indians in return for 24-year-old right fielder Elmer Smith. Fletcher appeared in 154 games during the 1916 season, batting .267, while Smith took part in 151 contests and compiled a .257 average.

On November 2nd the Detroit Tigers struck a deal with the St. Louis Browns, parting with 30-year-old left fielder Beals Becker and 23-year-old shortstop John Kelleher in exchange for right-handed pitchers Ray Fisher, aged 29, and Dana Fillingim, aged 22. Becker struggled at the plate in 1916, hitting .140 across 89 pinch-hit appearances, while Fisher saw limited action with a 1-1 mark from seven relief outings.

The following day, November 3rd, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded 23-year-old right-hander Roy Walker to the New York Giants in return for 30-year-old shortstop Bert Tooley. Walker recorded a 1-1 record from ten relief appearances during the past season.

Another significant transaction took place on November 9th when the New York Yankees dealt 27-year-old third baseman Heinie Groh along with 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Allen Sothoron to the Philadelphia Athletics. In exchange the Yankees received centre fielder Billy Southworth, catcher Johnny Bassler, left-handed pitcher Rube Bressler and third baseman Frank O’Rourke. Groh appeared in 154 games in 1916, batting .263, while Southworth saw action in 144 contests and hit .190.

Though the trade market has thus far moved at a measured pace, the calibre of players involved ensures that the groundwork for the coming season is already well underway as clubs continue their preparations for the year ahead.

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DRAFT COMBINE OPENS WITH LIMITED STAR POWER AS CLUBS PREPARE FOR FIRST YEAR PLAYER SELECTION
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
December 13th 1916

With the first year player draft fast approaching, all eligible hopefuls have once again journeyed south for the annual two-day draft combine, where clubs will make their final assessments before selections begin. Early opinion among managers and scouts suggests that this year’s crop lacks the depth of immediate starting talent seen in recent drafts and appears thin in high-calibre future prospects.

Among those most likely to step straight into starting roles are pitchers Hod Eller and Hal Carlson, both of whom have drawn favourable attention for their readiness to contribute at once. At the plate, centre fielder Ray Powell stands as the lone batter widely viewed as a sure starter from the moment his professional career begins.

For clubs willing to invest time in development, the outfield presents the most intriguing possibilities. Centre fielders Ross Youngs and Alejandro Oms are the two names most frequently discussed among scouts, each possessing considerable potential despite their rawness and need for further refinement. Shortstop Dick Lundy has also earned mention as a player with the tools to become a major force in time, though he too may require patient development before assuming a regular role.

Beyond these few standout names, the overall talent pool is regarded as light, leaving clubs with difficult decisions as they attempt to balance present needs against future promise. None faces a greater challenge than St. Louis Cardinals manager David Stevens, whose club holds the first selection.

“We know this draft may not be filled with immediate stars,” Stevens remarked, “but our task is to find the player who best fits our club and who can grow with us. We will be looking carefully at those young men who show the right potential and character to help our team in the years ahead.”

As the combine unfolds, clubs will continue their evaluations, aware that even a thin draft class may still yield the players who shape the next era of the game.

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CARDINALS OPEN DRAFT BY SELECTING YOUNG CENTRE FIELDER ROSS YOUNGS AS CLUBS SHAPE THEIR FUTURES
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
December 15th 1916

The annual draft has concluded, and with the first selection the St. Louis Cardinals chose promising 19-year-old centre fielder Ross Youngs, signalling their intent to build toward the future. Youngs is regarded as a bright prospect, and the Cardinals will be hoping he develops into a cornerstone for the club in the seasons to come.

Speaking after hearing his name called first, Youngs expressed gratitude and determination. “It is an honour to be chosen first overall,” he said. “I intend to work hard and do all I can to justify the confidence the Cardinals have shown in me.”

Cardinals manager David Stevens also shared his thoughts on the selection and the expectations surrounding the young outfielder. “We believe Ross has the potential to grow into a key part of this team,” Stevens remarked. “He represents the type of future we want to build here in St. Louis, and we look forward to helping him develop his game.”

With the draft now complete, players will report to their respective clubs in the coming weeks to begin contract negotiations. All draftees must reach agreement by the mid-February deadline if they are to join their new teams for the upcoming season.

Below is the full list of selections from the first three rounds:

Round 1
Round 1, Pick 1 - St. Louis Cardinals: CF Ross Youngs, age 19
Round 1, Pick 2 - Philadelphia Athletics: CF Alejandro Oms, age 20
Round 1, Pick 3 - Boston Red Sox: SP Hod Eller, age 22
Round 1, Pick 4 - New York Yankees: SS Dick Lundy, age 18
Round 1, Pick 5 - Cincinnati Reds: LF Bill Lamar, age 19
Round 1, Pick 6 - New York Giants: LF Jelly Gardner, age 21
Round 1, Pick 7 - Philadelphia Phillies: 1B Edgar Wesley, age 25
Round 1, Pick 8 - Boston Braves: SP Hal Carlson, age 24
Round 1, Pick 9 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Elmer Ponder, age 23
Round 1, Pick 10 - Chicago White Sox: SP Dutch Ruether, age 23
Round 1, Pick 11 - Washington Senators: SP Roy Sanders, age 24
Round 1, Pick 12 - St. Louis Browns: SP Johnny Miljus, age 21
Round 1, Pick 13 - Chicago Cubs: RF Ira Flagstead, age 23
Round 1, Pick 14 - Cleveland Indians: SS Aaron Ward, age 20
Round 1, Pick 15 - Detroit Tigers: CF Ray Powell, age 28
Round 1, Pick 16 - Brooklyn Robins: SP Jimmy Ring, age 21

Round 2
Round 2, Pick 1 - St. Louis Cardinals: 3B Tony Boeckel, age 24
Round 2, Pick 2 - Philadelphia Athletics: RP Jakie May, age 21
Round 2, Pick 3 - Boston Red Sox: RP Vic Aldridge, age 23
Round 2, Pick 4 - New York Yankees: RF Fred Nicholson, age 22
Round 2, Pick 5 - Cincinnati Reds: RP Speed Martin, age 23
Round 2, Pick 6 - New York Giants: SP Rollie Naylor, age 24
Round 2, Pick 7 - Philadelphia Phillies: SP Bill Piercy, age 20
Round 2, Pick 8 - Boston Braves: SP Win Noyes, age 27
Round 2, Pick 9 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Mike Regan, age 29
Round 2, Pick 10 - Chicago White Sox: SP Bob McGraw, age 21
Round 2, Pick 11 - Washington Senators: SP Oscar Horstmann, age 25
Round 2, Pick 12 - St. Louis Browns: SS Pete Kilduff, age 23
Round 2, Pick 13 - Chicago Cubs: RP Ed Monroe, age 21
Round 2, Pick 14 - Cleveland Indians: RP Herman Pillette, age 20
Round 2, Pick 15 - Detroit Tigers: LF Manuel Cueto, age 24
Round 2, Pick 16 - Brooklyn Robins: SP Hank Thormahlen, age 20

Round 3
Round 3, Pick 1 - St. Louis Cardinals: SS Joe Dugan, age 19
Round 3, Pick 2 - Philadelphia Athletics: RF Sammy Vick, age 21
Round 3, Pick 3 - Philadelphia Athletics: SS Swede Risberg, age 22
Round 3, Pick 4 - Boston Red Sox: SP Tom Rogers, age 24
Round 3, Pick 5 - New York Yankees: 1B Roy Leslie, age 22
Round 3, Pick 6 - Cincinnati Reds: 2B Jimmy Cooney, age 22
Round 3, Pick 7 - New York Giants: SP Red Torkelson, age 22
Round 3, Pick 8 - Philadelphia Phillies: C Pickles Dillhoefer, age 23
Round 3, Pick 9 - Boston Braves: 2B Bob Jones, age 27
Round 3, Pick 10 - Pittsburgh Pirates: 2B Chick Fewster, age 20
Round 3, Pick 11 - Chicago White Sox: LF Gene Bailey, age 23
Round 3, Pick 12 - Washington Senators: LF William Marriott, age 23
Round 3, Pick 13 - St. Louis Browns: RP Dave Keefe, age 19
Round 3, Pick 14 - Chicago Cubs: RP Molly Craft, age 21 out of college (Rice University; Houston, TX)
Round 3, Pick 15 - Cleveland Indians: RP Rasty Wright, age 21
Round 3, Pick 16 - Detroit Tigers: SS Howdy Caton, age 22
Round 3, Pick 17 - Brooklyn Robins: SS Adam DeBus, age 24

With the selections complete and the winter negotiations ahead, clubs and players alike now turn their attention toward contracts and preparations for the season to come.