Notes from history

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Bender Reaches 250 Victorial Mark as White Sox Even Their Record
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
May 29th 1917

The Chicago White Sox continued their uneven opening months of the season with a decisive 10–5 victory at home over the St. Louis Browns, a result that brought their record to an even 23–23 for the year. The day also proved a memorable one for veteran pitcher Charles Bender, who secured the 250th win of his career with the triumph.

Bender worked the full nine innings, surrendering eight hits and five runs while at times struggling to maintain his control upon the mound. Despite the challenges he faced, the White Sox bats provided generous support, producing ten runs to ensure that the veteran right-hander could claim the landmark victory.

For the season Bender now stands at 9–5 with a 2.27 earned run average. His long and accomplished career record improves to 250 wins against 192 defeats, accompanied by a 2.42 earned run average and 2,169 strikeouts.

Following the contest Bender remarked, “It was not my sharpest day, but the men behind me carried the fight, and I am proud to have reached this mark with such support.” White Sox manager Peek-a-Boo Veach added, “Charles has been a steady hand for this club, and reaching 250 victories shows the measure of his perseverance and skill.”

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Indians Surge Ahead as Early Pennant Races Take Shape
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
June 1st 1917

With but two months of the campaign completed, the two great leagues already show strikingly different courses in the race toward the pennants.

In the American League the Cleveland Indians have proven the hottest club in the land, stretching their advantage to a commanding eleven games over the chasing pack. The New York Yankees, St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox all sit eleven games behind the leaders, while the Washington Senators trail by eleven and a half games. At the foot of the table the Boston Red Sox continue to endure a trying start, managing only fifteen victories thus far and finding themselves twenty games adrift even at this early stage.

The National League offers a far tighter contest. The Boston Braves hold a narrow lead of two and a half games over the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Brooklyn Robins a further game back in third place. At the opposite end of the standings the Chicago Cubs have slipped into last position, now sixteen and a half games behind the pace.

Monthly honours reflected the performances shaping the races. In the American League, Cleveland’s Tris Speaker claimed top batter recognition with a .439 mark, thirteen runs batted in and thirty-one runs scored, while teammate Stan Coveleski earned top pitching honours with a perfect 7–0 record and a 1.64 earned run average. Rookie distinction went to Boston’s Hod Eller, who posted a 1–5 record alongside a 1.62 earned run average.

National League accolades saw George Sisler of the Cincinnati Reds named top batter after compiling a .425 average with thirty runs batted in and thirty-four runs scored. Boston’s Fred Toney secured top pitcher honours at 6–1 with a 1.79 earned run average, while Leon Cadore of the New York Giants earned rookie recognition with a 4–2 record and a 1.32 earned run average.

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Titus Reaches 1,000 Runs as Cubs Snap Losing Skid
By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
June 17th 1917

At last the Chicago Cubs found a measure of relief in what has been a harsh and unkind season, halting a run of nine straight defeats with a narrow 6–5 victory over the Boston Braves at home. The triumph lifts the Cubs to 20–45 for the year and brought an additional personal milestone for veteran John Titus, who crossed the plate for the 1,000th run of his distinguished career.

Titus contributed steadily in the tight contest, finishing the day 1–3 at the plate with a walk and scoring twice. His most notable moment came in the third inning when he delivered a triple that helped draw the Cubs level at five runs apiece, as he and two other fellows came home following the hit. Later, in the fifth inning, Titus’ walk placed him in position to score what proved to be the winning run, as his teammates pushed him around the bases with solid work at the plate.

Though Titus has endured a slow campaign, carrying a .206 batting average this season, his career figures remain impressive, including a .281 lifetime mark alongside his 1,000 runs scored and 1,883 hits.

After the game Titus reflected on the day’s events, saying, “It is a fine thing to help the club end a difficult spell, and I am grateful to have played a part in the victory and to reach such a mark.” Cubs manager James Bewley added, “John has given this game years of honest effort, and today showed how valuable his presence remains when the club needs it most.”

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Indians March Ahead While National League Race Tightens at Mid-Season
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
July 1st 1917

As the campaign reaches its middle passage, the two major leagues present strikingly different pennant races, with one already appearing settled while the other remains keenly contested.

In the American League the Cleveland Indians continue their relentless advance, extending their advantage to a commanding 14 games over their nearest challengers. At the opposite end of the standings, last year’s champions have fallen on hard times, as the Detroit Tigers now occupy last place. The Tigers trail the Indians by 22 games and appear most unlikely to mount a successful defense of their crown.

The National League tells a far different story, where the contest remains spirited and uncertain. The Brooklyn Robins sit atop the standings but cling to only a slender one-and-a-half game lead. Close behind are the Boston Braves in second place, while the Pittsburgh Pirates remain firmly in pursuit just two games off the pace in third. At the foot of the table, the Chicago Cubs have endured a difficult month, slipping into last place and now standing 19 and a half games behind the leaders and six games behind second place.

Monthly Awards

American League
Top Batter — Bobby Veach, Cleveland Indians: .398, 14 RBI’s, 11 runs scored
Top Pitcher — Stan Coveleski: 7–2, 1.53 ERA
Rookie — Hod Eller, Boston Red Sox: 4–2, 1.24 ERA

National League
Top Batter — George Burns, New York Giants: .387, 1 home run, 16 RBI’s, 21 runs scored
Top Pitcher — Orval Overall, Cincinnati Reds: 6–1, 1.80 ERA
Rookie — Slim Love, New York Giants: 6–2, 2.41 ERA

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Giants Prevail in Chicago but Lose Miller to Serious Injury
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 28th 1917

The New York Giants continued their steady play on the season today with a hard-fought 7–5 victory over the Chicago Cubs on the road, lifting their record to 48–47 for the year. Though the triumph added another mark in the win column, it came at a heavy cost as starting pitcher Frank Miller departed early with a serious injury.

Miller began the afternoon in fine form, working a clean first inning without surrendering a hit or a run. Trouble struck in the second inning, however, when he suddenly felt something give in his elbow. Recognizing at once that the injury was severe, Miller started for the clubhouse before the training staff could reach him. After a brief examination he was escorted from the field and into the locker room.

The right-hander’s line for the day stood at one inning pitched with no hits or runs allowed. His season record now rests at 7–11 from 24 starts and 29 appearances, carrying an earned run average of 3.42. Though the Giants managed to secure the victory without their starter, the contest might have proven less taxing had Miller remained in the game.

Following the contest, troubling news emerged from the Giants’ clubhouse. Miller is believed to have suffered a torn UCL, an injury expected to require a recovery period of 12 to 13 months.

“I knew straight away it wasn’t right,” Miller said afterward. “It is a hard blow, but I will take the time needed and hope to return when I am ready.”

Giants manager Kyle Jackson added, “Frank gave us everything he had and it is a cruel turn to lose him so early. The club fought hard to win today, but our thoughts are with him as he begins a long recovery.”

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Ames Claims 200th Victory as Indians Rally Past Athletics
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
July 31st 1917

The Cleveland Indians continued their dominant march toward the American League pennant today with a hard-earned 6–5 road victory over the Philadelphia Athletics. Though the contest proved anything but easy, Cleveland’s combined efforts at the plate and from the bullpen carried them from an early deficit to yet another triumph.

The Indians fell behind in the early stages and required steady work from both their batters and relief corps to remain in the contest. One of the pivotal moments came in the eighth inning when Red Ames entered in relief of starter Jeff Pfeffer. With Cleveland trailing 5–4, Ames delivered a clean frame, allowing no hits and issuing only one walk to keep his club within striking distance.

Cleveland’s hitters responded in the top of the ninth with two decisive runs that secured the 6–5 victory. The performance earned Ames the win, marking the 200th triumph of his career.

Now 34 years of age, Ames has spent the year as a member of the Indians’ bullpen, appearing in 14 games to post a 4–3 record along with two saves and a 4.67 earned run average. Over the course of his career he has compiled a 200–239 mark with a 3.44 ERA. After beginning his professional journey in 1904 as a starter, his recent transition into a relief role in Cleveland has helped extend his time on the mound.

“It was a hard game and every man had to do his part,” Ames said after the contest. “I was glad to hold the line when called upon, and it is an honour to reach 200 wins with this club.”

Indians manager Jose Ramirez praised the veteran’s contribution, saying, “Red has adapted to whatever role we have asked of him. His work in that eighth inning gave us the chance to come back, and the milestone is well deserved.”

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Only Minor Move Marks Quiet Trade Deadline Across the Leagues
By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
July 31st 1917

With the trade deadline now passed, clubs have settled their rosters for the remainder of the campaign. The period proved to be a notably quiet one, producing but a single transaction among the teams.

On July 19th the Boston Red Sox completed a modest exchange with the St. Louis Cardinals, sending 30-year-old right-handed pitcher Casey Hageman westward in return for 23-year-old third baseman Hooks Warner. The move was regarded as a minor adjustment, as both men had served primarily in reserve capacities with their respective clubs.

Warner was the only player among the pair to see action this season, appearing in 30 games, including five starts, and compiling a batting average of .081. The transaction stood alone as the sole change made before the closing of the trading window, leaving the league’s rosters largely intact for the stretch run ahead.

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Indians Stretch Commanding Lead While National League Race Tightens
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
August 1st 1917

As the season presses into the heat of summer, the two leagues continue to present strikingly different pennant races, one a near procession and the other a lively struggle for supremacy.

In the American League the Cleveland Indians remain firmly in command, extending their advantage to a formidable 19 and a half games. With each passing month they appear only to grow stronger, leaving the rest of the field struggling to keep pace. At the opposite end of the standings, fortunes have shifted among the lower clubs, with the Boston Red Sox presently occupying last place. They sit three games behind seventh position but remain within reach of improvement should their form turn.

The National League offers a far more spirited contest. The Brooklyn Robins hold first place by a slender margin of one and a half games over the Pittsburgh Pirates, while the Boston Braves sit only a further game back in third. The battle among these three continues to provide the chief excitement of the summer months. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs remain at the foot of the table, eight games behind seventh place and still searching for relief from a difficult campaign.

Monthly Awards
American League
Top Batter — Heavy Johnson, Philadelphia Athletics: .415 average, 3 home runs, 16 RBI’s, 15 runs scored
Top Pitcher — Willie Mitchell, St. Louis Browns: 5-1 record, 1.29 ERA
Rookie — Hod Eller, Boston Red Sox: 2-4 record, 1.68 ERA

National League
Top Batter — Ty Cobb, Philadelphia Phillies: .406 average, 4 home runs, 14 RBI’s, 17 runs scored
Top Pitcher — Jesse Barnes, Pittsburgh Pirates: 5-2 record, 1.87 ERA
Rookie — Leon Cadore, New York Giants: 4-3 record, 2.76 ERA

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Tigers Rout Yankees as Hughes Reaches Strikeout Landmark Amid Heavy Defeat
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
August 7th 1917

In a season that has seen more disappointment than delight for the New York Yankees, today marked one of their darkest hours as they were soundly beaten 11-0 at home by the Detroit Tigers. The loss leaves the club with a 47-58 record for the year.

The lone glimmer of achievement came for starting pitcher Jay Hughes, who recorded the 2500th strikeout of his distinguished career. Hughes began the contest in fine fashion, delivering three clean innings that included the historic strikeout before matters took a turn for the worse. In the fourth inning he escaped with only one run allowed after issuing a walk, but the fifth proved disastrous. The Tigers struck with force, collecting five hits and drawing three walks as seven runs crossed the plate, prompting Hughes’ removal from the contest.

His final figures for the day stood at four and two thirds innings pitched, eleven hits allowed, and eight runs against with two strikeouts. Despite the difficult outing, his season ERA now rests at 2.59, while his record stands at 10-14.

After the game Hughes reflected on the mixed emotions of the afternoon, saying, “The strikeout mark is something I shall remember, but it is hard to take any comfort from it after a game like this. I simply lost command and they made me pay.”

Yankees manager Chris Smith added, “It was a difficult day for us from start to finish. Jay has given this club many great efforts and reached a fine milestone today, though the result was not what any of us desired.”

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Cobb Reaches 1000 RBI Mark as Phillies Down Pirates on the Road
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
August 10th 1917

The Philadelphia Phillies continued their unpredictable campaign with one of their brighter performances today, securing a 3-1 victory on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The triumph lifts the club to a record of 52-57 for the season.

The day belonged to star centre fielder Ty Cobb, who achieved a notable milestone by recording the 1000th RBI of his career. Cobb was at the heart of the Phillies’ success, finishing the afternoon 2-2 with two walks, a run scored, and two RBI’s, raising his batting average to a remarkable .378.

Cobb first made his mark in the third inning when he lashed a triple that brought home Tommy Griffith to give the Phillies the lead. In the fifth he followed with a single that drove in Ray Caldwell, extending the advantage. He later drew a walk in the seventh inning, stole second base, and came home on a Fred Lucerus single, a sequence that ultimately secured the victory for Philadelphia.

Over the course of his career Cobb now boasts a .352 batting average, along with his 1000 RBI’s and 1191 runs scored.

After the game Cobb remarked, “It feels good to help the club and reach a mark like this, but the important thing was getting the win today. The fellows played hard and we made the most of our chances.”

Phillies manager Danny Lara added, “Ty was at the centre of everything we did well this afternoon. His effort set the tone for the whole side and helped us come away with a fine road victory.”

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Sallee’s Mastery Ends Senators’ Eleven-Game Slide in Narrow Triumph
By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
August 31st 1917

The Washington Senators provided a clear reflection of the uneven nature of the American League season today, snapping an eleven-game losing streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory on the road against the New York Yankees. The win brings the Senators to an even 62-62 record, though they remain in third place in the standings.

The contest belonged entirely to starting pitcher Slim Sallee, whose performance on the mound proved decisive. Sallee worked the full nine innings in commanding fashion, surrendering only three hits and three walks while holding the Yankees scoreless throughout the afternoon. The victory lifts his personal record to 16-15 on the year, accompanied by a strong 2.56 ERA.

With Sallee in control, the Senators’ bats were able to survive another quiet showing at the plate. Washington managed only two hits in the contest but capitalized in the eighth inning, stringing their limited chances together to produce the lone run that secured the victory.

Following the game, Sallee said, “I simply tried to keep the ball where it needed to be and give the club a chance. The fellows came through when it counted, and that was enough today.”

Senators manager Chase Stone added, “Slim gave us exactly what we needed — a steady hand and a determined effort. It was a fine way for the club to halt a difficult stretch and get back on the winning side.”

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Pennant Races Take Opposite Paths as Season Enters Final Month
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
September 1st 1917

As the season turns into its final month, the fortunes of the two leagues could scarcely appear more different. The American League race is all but decided, while the National League remains a fierce and closely contested battle.

In the American League, the Cleveland Indians continue their dominant march, extending their already commanding lead to twenty-four games over the second placed St. Louis Browns. The Washington Senators, currently in third, remain the only other club still with a mathematical chance, though August’s results have effectively put five teams beyond the reach of the pennant. At the foot of the standings sit the New York Yankees, whose difficult campaign leaves them in last place, though they remain only half a game off seventh.

The National League presents a stark contrast, with the Brooklyn Robins holding top spot by the slimmest of margins. Their half game lead over the Boston Braves has changed hands more than once in recent weeks, while the Pittsburgh Pirates, four and a half games back in third, still remain firmly in the chase. At the bottom of the table the Chicago Cubs continue to struggle, carrying the worst record in all of baseball.

With September now underway, clubs are permitted to expand their rosters, bringing up reinforcements for the closing stretch. Teams may look to test promising youngsters or rely upon fresh legs as the final push toward the season’s conclusion begins.

Monthly Awards

American League
Top Batter — Red Smith, Boston Red Sox: .372, 12 RBI’s, 16 runs scored
Top Pitcher — Stan Coveleski, Cleveland Indians: 6-1, 1.18 ERA
Rookie — Hod Eller, Boston Red Sox: 4-2, 1.17 ERA

National League
Top Batter — Joe Jackson, Brooklyn Robins: .388, 1 home run, 18 RBI’s, 16 runs scored
Top Pitcher — Fred Toney, Boston Braves: 6-2, 1.49 ERA
Rookie — Hal Carlson, Boston Braves: 5-0, 1.48 ERA

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Suggs Forced into Immediate Retirement After Shoulder Injury in Washington
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
September 13th 1917

The Philadelphia Athletics suffered more than a narrow 2-1 defeat on the road against the Washington Senators today, as it was announced following the contest that starting pitcher George Suggs will retire from the game immediately due to injury.

Suggs had delivered a determined effort through five and a third innings, surrendering two runs on seven hits, when misfortune struck. In the midst of his pitching motion he suddenly clutched at his shoulder, prompting the training staff to hurry to his aid. After a brief examination he was removed from the game. Though the bullpen performed admirably in holding the Senators in check for the remainder of the afternoon, the Athletics were unable to produce the necessary run to draw level. The loss drops Philadelphia to 65-70 for the season.

Later word from the Athletics clubhouse confirmed the gravity of the situation. Suggs has suffered a torn labrum, and medical opinion suggests that even with surgery he would be unable to throw at the standard required for major league competition. Thus, at 35 years of age, his playing days have come to an end.

This season Suggs had given the club his finest work, compiling a 15-13 record over 33 starts with a 2.40 earned run average — the best mark of his career. Over his time in the game he posted a record of 69-90, along with nine saves and a 3.12 ERA. Suggs began his major league journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1908 before moving to the Athletics between the 1911 and 1912 seasons.

In a somber clubhouse Suggs said, “I gave the club all I had this year, and it pains me that it must end this way. If I cannot pitch as a major leaguer ought, then it is time to step aside.”

Athletics manager Frank Selee added, “George has served this club with courage and honesty. It is a cruel stroke to lose him at such a moment, but his work this season speaks for itself and he leaves the game with our full respect.”

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White Sox Fall in Boston and Lose Conzelman to Injury
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
September 24th 1917

The Chicago White Sox endured another setback in what has been a season marked by more disappointments than triumphs, falling 5-2 to the Boston Red Sox on the road. The defeat drops Chicago to 68-80 for the year, and the afternoon’s troubles were compounded by the loss of relief pitcher Joe Conzelman to injury.

With the score already standing at 5-2 in Boston’s favour, Conzelman was summoned from the bullpen in the eighth inning in an effort to steady matters. He faced three batters, issuing one walk and recording a strikeout, before misfortune struck. After delivering a pitch he clutched at his hand, prompting the training staff to attend to him on the field. Following a brief examination, he was removed from the contest.

Subsequent reports from the clubhouse confirmed the severity of the injury. Conzelman has suffered a ruptured tendon in his finger and will be sidelined for three months, bringing his season to a premature close. His campaign had been a modest one, as he compiled a 1-1 record over 10 relief appearances, along with a save and a 3.14 earned run average.

After the game Conzelman said, “It is a bitter way to end the year. I hoped to finish strong for the club, but I shall focus now on healing and returning ready for next season.”

White Sox manager Peek-a-Boo Veach added, “Joe has given us steady work out of the bullpen, and it is unfortunate to lose him at this stage. Injuries have not been kind to us this year, and we wish him a full recovery.”

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Lyons Hits for the Cycle in Athletics’ Triumph Over Detroit
By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
September 28th 1917

In a league season where individual exploits have been few and far between, yesterday provided a shining example of batting excellence as Jimmie Lyons of the Philadelphia Athletics struck for the cycle in an 8-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers. The win lifts the Athletics to 74-75 on the year.

Lyons wasted little time in making his presence felt, delivering an RBI single in the opening inning. He followed with a triple in the third, setting the tone for what would become a memorable afternoon at the plate. His most decisive blow came in the fifth, when he launched a solo home run that carried the Athletics to a 6-3 advantage. In the seventh inning he completed the rare feat with a ringing double, rounding out the cycle before grounding out to the infield in his final appearance at the plate in the eighth.

For the day Lyons finished an impressive 4-for-5 with two runs batted in and three runs scored, playing a central role in the club’s eight tallies.

After the game Lyons said, “It was one of those days when the ball seemed to find the bat. I am pleased to have helped the club to a fine win.”

Athletics manager Frank Selee added, “Such performances do not come often. Jimmie gave us every kind of hit a man can ask for and carried the attack in grand fashion.”

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Pennants Secured as Season Nears Its Close
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
October 1st 1917

With September now concluded and only a handful of contests remaining upon the schedule, both major league pennants have been decisively claimed.

The American League race was settled early, as the Cleveland Indians secured their flag on the 3rd of September after a season of unrelenting superiority. The runaway leaders now stand an imposing 28 and a half games clear of the field and have amassed 105 victories to their credit. For weeks the remainder of the league has trailed in their wake, while at the foot of the standings sit the Boston Red Sox.

In the National League the struggle endured until the very last day of September, when the Brooklyn Robins clinched their fifth consecutive pennant. They presently enjoy a margin of five and a half games over their nearest rivals, the Boston Braves. At the bottom of the table, the Chicago Cubs have shown improved form in recent weeks and now find themselves only two games behind seventh place, having at one stage trailed by as many as eight games in prior months.

Monthly Awards

American League
Top Batter — Heinie Groh, Philadelphia Athletics: .337, 18 RBI’s, 16 runs scored
Top Pitcher — Dick Redding, Boston Red Sox: 6-1, 1.29 ERA
Rookie — Hod Eller, Boston Red Sox: 2-3, 1.51 ERA

National League
Top Batter — Ray Chapman, Cincinnati Reds: .343, 12 RBI’s, 25 runs scored
Top Pitcher — Grover Cleveland Alexander, Brooklyn Robins: 6-0, 2.21 ERA
Rookie — Leon Cadore, New York Giants: 3-3, 2.17 ERA

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Indians and Robins to Clash for World’s Championship Honors
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
October 5th 1917

The regular season has drawn to its close, and the stage is now set for the World Series. The Cleveland Indians, champions of the American League, will meet the Brooklyn Robins, standard-bearers of the National League, in a seven-game contest to determine the supreme club of the season.

Cleveland captured their second American League pennant in commanding fashion, sweeping aside all challengers by a landslide margin. They now seek to convert that dominance into a second World Series crown, their first having come in 1909. This season the Indians have led the league in all major batting categories as a club, amassing 621 runs and striking 28 home runs. Their superiority has extended to the pitching staff as well, boasting the finest starter earned run average in the league and allowing a mere 431 runs.

At the forefront of Cleveland’s attack stands veteran batsman Tris Speaker, who fashioned a sterling .360 average. Alongside him, Bobby Veach provides formidable support in a line-up capable of overwhelming any opposition. On the mound, the Indians’ cause is bolstered by the remarkable Stan Coveleski, winner of 31 games with a dazzling 1.43 ERA. He is ably supported by Eppa Rixey, whose 27 victories and 1.75 ERA further strengthen a rotation that has been the envy of the circuit.

Opposing them stand the seasoned Brooklyn Robins, no strangers to October contests. The National League champions have appeared in the last four World Series, capturing the title in 1913, 1914, and 1915 before falling in last year’s final. Now they aim to claim four championships in five seasons and further establish their standing as the preeminent club of recent years.

Brooklyn’s line-up is anchored by Joe Jackson, Eddie Collins, and Ping Bodie, with Bodie leading the way this year at .328. The Robins paced all clubs in runs scored with 656 and will look to carry that production into the Series. Their pitching corps likewise stood atop the National League, posting a league-best 2.63 starter ERA and permitting just 507 runs. Walter Johnson, a 27-game winner, and Grover Cleveland Alexander, with 24 victories, are expected to shoulder the burden once more.

Thus, the championship series promises a compelling contrast: the experienced heads of Brooklyn, battle-tested in recent autumns, against the surging Cleveland Indians, who now seek to commence a run of their own. The baseball public waits with keen anticipation to see which club shall rise above the other and claim the highest honors of the game.

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Indians Claim Second World’s Title in Hard-Fought Six-Game Series
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
October 15th 1917

The World Series has concluded and a new champion stands crowned. The Cleveland Indians have secured their second world’s championship, defeating the Brooklyn Robins four games to two in a contest marked throughout by resolute and masterful pitching. Runs were at a premium, and the batters on both sides were compelled to seize what opportunities they could.

Cleveland struck first upon their home grounds, taking the opening two contests behind splendid efforts on the mound. In the first game Stan Coveleski blanked the Robins entirely in a 4-0 triumph. He was followed in the second game by Eppa Rixey, who yielded but a single run as the Indians claimed a 3-1 victory and a commanding lead in the Series.

The scene shifted to Brooklyn, where the Robins rallied with determination. Game three saw them prevail 5-1, and they followed with a 4-1 success in the fourth contest. John Donaldson and Walter Johnson furnished the strong pitching in these victories, restoring parity and renewing hopes among the Brooklyn faithful.

Game five brought the first road victory of the Series, as Cleveland triumphed 4-1 with Rixey claiming his second win of the championship. The Series then returned to Cleveland for the sixth and decisive game, a tightly contested duel of pitchers that ended in a 2-1 Indian victory, thereby securing the crown.

From the batter’s box, Tris Speaker of Cleveland earned the Series’ highest honours. His .375 average, coupled with four runs scored and one run batted in, proved instrumental in guiding his club. He was ably supported by Ben Houser, who struck at a .348 clip and added a home run in the fourth game. On the mound, Rixey stood foremost among Cleveland’s pitchers, his two victories and sterling 0.51 ERA marking him as the most effective hurler of the set.

For Brooklyn, hits were not easily obtained. Dave Robertson led the Robins with a .333 average, while Joe Jackson followed closely at .318 and supplied two home runs. On the mound, only John Donaldson consistently displayed his regular season form, as both Walter Johnson and Grover Cleveland Alexander encountered difficulties in their appearances.

Following the victory, Speaker remarked, “We faced a stout opponent and knew every run would be dearly earned. The fellows kept their nerve, and I am proud of the manner in which we carried ourselves to the finish.”

Indians manager Jose Ramirez added, “This club has shown its strength from April to October. Our pitchers set the tone, and the men at the plate answered when it mattered most.”

In the Brooklyn clubhouse, Robertson reflected, “We gave what fight we could, but the breaks did not always fall our way. Credit must be given to Cleveland’s staff, who kept us in check.”

Robins manager Ned Hanlon said, “It was a hard series against a worthy champion. We have been here before and shall strive to return again.”

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VETERAN PILOTS STEP ASIDE AS THREE CLUBS MAKE CHANGE AT THE HELM
Leach Retires in Pittsburgh — Lozano Dismissed by Boston — Bewley Out in Chicago

By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
October 16th 1917

With the curtain drawn upon another hard-fought campaign, the offseason has commenced in earnest, and with it comes that annual reckoning in the front offices of the major clubs. Owners and magnates, casting a sober eye upon the standings, have begun the task of determining whether new leadership is required to guide their nines to brighter fortunes next spring. This year, three managerial chairs have already been vacated.

The first development comes as something of a surprise out of Pittsburgh Pirates, where Jason Leach has elected to retire from the managerial post he has held since 1910. In eight seasons at the helm, Mr. Leach consistently kept the Pirates in the first division’s outskirts, never allowing the club to sink below fifth place. Yet the championship appearance that remained his chief ambition proved elusive.

Mr. Leach’s earlier tenure with the Brooklyn Superbas, from 1904 through 1907, was marked by far leaner results, making his steady stewardship in Pittsburgh a creditable achievement, even absent a pennant. The Pirates’ ownership has expressed its gratitude for his years of faithful service and now faces the task of appointing its first new manager in eight years.

In announcing his decision, Mr. Leach stated, “I have enjoyed my time in Pittsburgh greatly and shall always hold affection for the club and its supporters. But the game moves forward, and I believe it is time I step aside and allow a younger man to take the reins.”

Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox have relieved Bob Lozano of his duties following another difficult season. Mr. Lozano, who directed the Red Sox from 1911 through 1917, guided the club to a playoff appearance in 1914, a high-water mark during his administration. However, the past three seasons have witnessed a steady decline in Boston’s fortunes, with finishes of sixth, seventh, and now eighth place sealing his fate.

Reflecting upon his dismissal, Mr. Lozano remarked, “Baseball fortunes can turn swiftly. We reached the playoff not so long ago, yet the last three years have not met the standard expected in Boston. I accept the club’s decision and wish the men nothing but success going forward.”

The third managerial vacancy is found with the Chicago Cubs, who have parted ways with James Bewley. His three-year stewardship, spanning 1915 to 1917, proved a study in fluctuation. The Cubs concluded his first season in seventh place, rose admirably to second the following year, and then tumbled to eighth in the campaign just ended. Such uneven returns have cost Mr. Bewley his position.

In taking leave of Chicago, Mr. Bewley said, “My time with the Cubs has been one of both trial and triumph. To rise as we did one year and fall the next is the nature of this contest. I am proud of the effort given and shall look back on these seasons with respect.”

Thus, as autumn deepens and the grandstands stand empty, three experienced baseball men now find themselves without posts, while three clubs embark upon the search for fresh direction in hopes that 1918 may yield brighter results.

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JOHNSON HEADS SHORT LIST OF RETIREMENTS AS CLUBS CLING TO VETERAN TALENT
Player Ranks Thinned, Magnates Slow to Part with Proven Men

By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
October 16th 1917

The present offseason has unfolded with a noticeable scarcity of player retirements, a circumstance uncommon in recent years. With the reservoir of emerging talent running somewhat lean, the major clubs have shown reluctance to part with seasoned performers, preferring experience and tested ability over uncertainty.

Yet even in this restrained climate, a few familiar names have bid farewell to the diamond, foremost among them Grant Johnson, whose career has spanned the formative years of the modern game.

Johnson first affixed his signature to a contract with the Chicago Cubs in 1901, when the leagues united under the banner of Major League Baseball and resolved to integrate coloured players into their newly organized competition. For twelve seasons he wore the Cubs’ livery, establishing himself as a steady and dependable presence. In 1913 he was transferred across town to the Chicago White Sox, where he has remained until his decision to retire.

Over the course of his career, Johnson compiled a batting average of .279, crossed the plate 781 times, struck 34 home runs, drove in 796 runs, and pilfered 226 bases. Though not always the foremost star upon the field, he furnished his clubs with consistent production and demonstrated how dedication and longevity may together fashion a most respectable career.

Johnson’s retirement stands as the most prominent among the few departures this autumn. Also stepping away from active play are Frank Isbell and Jack Warner, both well-known figures to followers of the national pastime.

Thus, while the game’s leaders strive to conserve their remaining talent in a time of thinning ranks, the exit of such veterans reminds us that even in years of restraint, the march of seasons spares no player indefinitely.