Postcards from the Ballpark: The Holloway Family’s Baseball Chronicles

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July 18th, 1901
Cincinnati, Ohio

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Edwin and I found ourselves running on little rest as we endured yet another five-hour overnight journey, this time from St. Louis to Cincinnati via the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Our destination was League Park in Cincinnati, where the Reds were set to face off against the Philadelphia Phillies in what promised to be a closely contested matchup. The two teams were neck and neck in the standings, making for an exciting prospect.

During our travels, we caught wind of a significant trade that had stirred the baseball world. The Phillies had acquired veteran Hugh Duffy in exchange for Harry Bay, Ed Phelps, and a sum of cash. However, Duffy was not slated to make his debut in this game.

The pitching matchup saw Bill Hart take the mound for the Reds, while Dale Gear started for the Phillies. On the offensive side, Cincinnati looked to Buck Freeman and Ginger Beaumont to lead the charge, while Philadelphia counted on Jimmy Sheckard and Fred Hartman to provide the spark.

With 4,830 fans in attendance, we took our seats under partly cloudy skies. The temperature stood at 77 degrees, with a 10 mph breeze adding a touch of comfort.

What followed was a wild, high-scoring affair that kept the crowd on edge until the very last swing. The Phillies opened the scoring with a lone run in the fourth, but the Reds responded emphatically in the fifth, putting up a four-run inning to seize control. Philadelphia trimmed the deficit to 4-2 with a run in the sixth, but the home crowd erupted in the eighth as Cincinnati tacked on another four runs, extending their lead to 8-2. Victory seemed all but assured.

However, baseball has a way of defying expectations. In a stunning turn of events, the Phillies mounted an extraordinary rally in the top of the ninth, plating six runs to tie the game at 8-8. The tension in the ballpark was palpable as the Reds came to bat in the bottom half, desperate to salvage the game. Then, with one mighty swing, Ginger Beaumont sent the home fans into a frenzy, launching a walk-off solo home run to deliver a dramatic 9-8 victory for Cincinnati.

Despite the loss, Dale Gear of the Phillies earned player of the game honors, pitching seven innings while allowing just seven hits and no earned runs from the four that scored under his watch.

The game wasn’t without its share of misfortune. Phillies shortstop Burley Bayers was struck by a pitch and forced to leave with a hand injury, adding a sour note to an otherwise thrilling contest.

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July 19th, 1901
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Our travels brought us on an exhausting eight-hour overnight journey from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh via the Pennsylvania Railroad. The long ride gave Edwin and me plenty of time to sift through the latest trade rumors and big league news. The most notable story of the day was the end of Jimmy Collins’ impressive 29-game hitting streak for the Baltimore Orioles.

Arriving in Pittsburgh, we were eager to see the Pirates take on the Brooklyn Superbas, hoping for a game that would outshine their current league standings. The pitching matchup featured Doc Newton on the mound for the Pirates, while Deacon Phillippe got the start for Brooklyn. Beyond the duel on the mound, we were especially excited to watch Nap Lajoie in action for Pittsburgh.

We found our seats at Exposition Park among 3,069 fans, with cloudy skies overhead. The temperature stood at 75 degrees, accompanied by a steady 8 mph breeze.

The game exceeded our expectations, delivering a tense, back-and-forth battle. Brooklyn struck first, steadily building a 3-0 lead by the end of the fourth inning. The home crowd grew restless, urging the Pirates to mount a response. Their encouragement paid off in the sixth, as Pittsburgh erupted for three runs to tie the game at 3-3. The Pirates then seized their first lead in the seventh, only for the Superbas to claw back in the eighth, leveling the score at 4-4.

With the game knotted after nine innings, extra frames were needed to decide a winner. In the top of the 10th, Brooklyn broke through, plating the go-ahead run and silencing the home crowd. The Pirates had one last chance in the bottom half, but the Superbas held firm, securing a hard-fought 5-4 victory.

Deacon Phillippe earned player of the game honors, pitching all 10 innings for Brooklyn, allowing just five hits and three earned runs in a stellar performance that carried his team to victory.

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July 20th, 1901
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

After a three-hour overnight journey from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia via the Pennsylvania Railroad, Edwin and I were grateful for a much-needed day of rest. The opportunity to spend time with family and friends was a welcome respite from our relentless schedule of travel and baseball.

Though it was refreshing to be home, our passion for the game never wavered. We took the time to pore over the latest league standings and player statistics, ensuring we remained up to date on all the happenings in the big leagues before setting off on the next leg of our journey.

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July 21st, 1901
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

After a brief but refreshing visit home with our families, Edwin and I were back on the road. Our journey south took us on an eight-hour overnight train ride from Philadelphia to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where we would witness our first game in the Southern Association. The hometown Lookouts were set to face off against the Birmingham Barons.

Chattanooga had been the standout team in the Southern Association so far this season, relying on strong teamwork to maintain their position at the top. Birmingham, hovering just below .500, was looking to climb the standings. The Barons featured a couple of intriguing prospects, Dave Brain and Harry Lumley, both of whom we had previously seen with the Providence Grays back in May before being sent down to Birmingham.

Engel Stadium welcomed 1,874 fans on this warm and sticky afternoon, with the temperature at 84 degrees under partly cloudy skies. A light breeze, barely reaching 3 mph, offered little relief from the humidity.

The Lookouts struck first, putting a run on the board in the 2nd inning and adding another in the 4th. Both runs came via the long ball, with Martin Gallagher and Thomas Kiernan each launching solo home runs. However, the Barons were not to be outdone, roaring back in the 7th with a four-run outburst to take the lead. Harry Lumley then sealed the victory with a key double in the 9th, bringing home an insurance run and securing a 5-2 win for Birmingham.

Barons pitcher Jack Ashton earned player of the game honors, pitching a complete game while allowing just three hits—though two of them left the park. Chattanooga suffered a significant blow in the 2nd inning when their starter, Mr. Thompson, was forced to exit due to injury, leaving the bullpen to carry the rest of the game.

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July 22nd, 1901
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Thomas,

Edwin and I are now making our way through the southern states, taking in games from the Southern Association. We had hoped you would be able to join us for this leg of the journey, but alas, your prior commitments prevented it. Next year, however, you must make it a priority to clear your schedule and travel with us—it simply won’t be the same without you.

The baseball has been a delight to watch, and we have been fortunate with the weather, encountering very few rain-interrupted games. The Big Leagues, too, have provided plenty of excitement, as evidenced by today’s news that Buck Freeman of the Cincinnati Reds has extended his hitting streak to 20 games.

We eagerly look forward to our return to Boston in mid-September, when we will visit you and your wife. By then, we’ll have no shortage of baseball stories to share, and I expect we’ll spend many evenings reliving the finest moments of our travels.

Until then, take care.

—Percival

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July 24th, 1901
Birmingham, Alabama

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Our journey today took us four hours south from Chattanooga to Birmingham, Alabama, via the Southern Railroad. The time allowed us to catch up on the latest baseball news, particularly the impressive hitting streak of Ginger Beaumont, which has now reached 20 games for the Cincinnati Reds.

This afternoon’s game featured the hometown Barons facing off against the Shreveport Sports. With Shreveport just two games behind the league leaders and Birmingham still struggling below .500, both teams had plenty to play for. We were particularly interested in seeing Dave Brain and Harry Lumley continue their fight for big-league recognition with the Barons, while Shreveport’s catcher, Tom Needham, also sought to prove himself. On the mound, Birmingham sent out Thomas Manning, while Skel Roach took the ball for the Sports.

The weather at West End Park was picture-perfect—clear skies, a pleasant 82 degrees, and a light 8 mph breeze to temper the heat. Edwin and I settled into our seats among 1,942 fans, hoping for an exciting contest.

The game delivered a thrilling combination of power hitting and strong pitching. Birmingham broke through in the fifth inning with back-to-back home runs, first from their own pitcher, Thomas Manning, and then from Jack Coveney. Shreveport responded quickly, plating two runs in the top of the sixth, including a home run from Mr. Lent, tying the game at 2-2. The deadlock held until the bottom of the ninth, when Herman Meek sent the home crowd into celebration with a dramatic walk-off solo home run.

Thomas Manning earned player of the game honors, not only for his commanding nine innings on the mound but also for his timely home run at the plate.

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July 25th, 1901
Selma, Alabama

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Today, Edwin and I took a short two-hour journey from Birmingham to Selma via the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Our destination was Bioch Park, where we would watch the hometown Cloverleafs take on the Little Rock Travelers. Selma has struggled mightily this season, sitting at the bottom of the Southern Association standings, while the Travelers hold a mid-table position. We hoped for a competitive contest, but if Selma’s woes continued, it could turn into a one-sided affair.

One of the key attractions of today’s game was the opportunity to see a promising young pitcher, Joe Corbett, take the mound for Selma. Opposing him was Louis Weisbecker, starting for the Travelers.

A crowd of 1,429 gathered under cloudy skies, with temperatures hovering at a humid 79 degrees. A steady 12 mph wind provided some relief, though the looming threat of rain made for an uneasy atmosphere.

The game erupted with offense from the very first inning. Little Rock wasted no time, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. However, Selma responded immediately, plating two runs in the bottom half before adding two more in the second. Early home runs fueled the scoring surge, with Mr. Hick going deep for the Travelers, while Joe Schrall and Joe Corbett answered with long balls for the Cloverleafs.

Selma continued their momentum in the third, extending their lead to 5-3 on an Ed Hilley home run. Then, the rain that had been threatening all afternoon finally arrived, forcing a one-hour delay. For a time, we wondered whether the game would be called off, but once the storm passed, the players returned to the field.

After the delay, the offense continued to flow. The fourth inning saw each team add a run, but it was the fifth inning that sealed the game for Selma. The Cloverleafs erupted for four more runs, including second home runs from both Joe Schrall and Joe Corbett. That rally put the game well out of reach, as Selma closed out an emphatic 10-4 victory.

Joe Schrall was named player of the game after his outstanding performance—going 2-for-3 with two home runs, two runs scored, and three RBIs. It was a much-needed bright spot in what has been a difficult season for the Cloverleafs.

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July 26th, 1901
New Orleans, Louisiana

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Last night, Edwin and I endured a lengthy overnight journey, spending seven hours aboard the Louisville and Nashville Railroad as we traveled from Selma to New Orleans. Our destination: Athletic Park, where the hometown Pelicans were set to face off against the Nashville Vols. The Pelicans are in the hunt for the Southern Association’s top spot, while the Vols hover just below the .500 mark.

One of the main attractions for us today was the chance to watch New Orleans’ promising young first baseman, Tim Jordan, a player with the potential to make an impact at the highest level. Nashville, on the other hand, fielded a team composed mostly of experienced minor leaguers. On the mound, Ernest Crabill got the start for the Pelicans, while Jimmy Whalen took the ball for the Vols.

We found our seats among 1,692 spectators under clear skies, with temperatures reaching a warm 85 degrees. A 9 mph breeze helped take the edge off the heat.

The game opened with both teams exchanging early runs, leaving New Orleans with a narrow 2-1 lead after three innings. Nashville’s lone run came courtesy of a solo home run from George O’Brien. However, the Pelicans seized control in the fifth inning, erupting for four runs—highlighted by a two-run homer from their catcher, Johnny Gonding. The Vols attempted to fight back, plating two runs in the sixth, but New Orleans shut the door with two more runs in the eighth, sealing an 8-3 victory.

The standout performer of the day was Ernest Crabill, who pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits and three runs to earn Player of the Game honors.

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July 27th, 1901
Shreveport, Louisiana

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Another long overnight journey took Edwin and me from New Orleans to Shreveport, giving us plenty of time to digest the latest big-league trade news. Hughie Jennings has been dealt from the Chicago Orphans to the New York Giants, with Chicago receiving two young prospects in return—Davy Jones and Lee Tannehill.

Our reason for visiting Shreveport was to watch the hometown Sports take on the Memphis Egyptians. Since we last saw them, the Sports have continued their push toward the top of the standings, while the Egyptians remain mired in struggles, sitting ten games below .500. Though we were eager to watch Tom Needham again for Shreveport, we were disappointed that Memphis' two promising pitching prospects, Weldon Henley and Rube Vickers, would not be taking the mound today. Instead, Billy Campbell started for the Sports, while Lem Cross got the call for the Egyptians.

At Biedenharn Park, we joined 2,045 spectators under clear skies. The temperature sat at a comfortable 81 degrees, with an 8 mph breeze.

Memphis jumped out to a quick start, plating three runs in the top of the first. However, their fortunes quickly turned as Shreveport responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning to cut the lead. Over the next five innings, Memphis pitcher Lem Cross struggled mightily, issuing nine walks, but the Sports failed to fully capitalize—until the bottom of the sixth. That’s when Shreveport erupted for five runs, putting the game out of reach. The decisive blow came from pitcher Billy Campbell, who crushed a grand slam to break the game wide open.

Campbell’s performance on both sides of the ball earned him Player of the Game honors. He not only delivered at the plate but also provided 8.1 strong innings on the mound, leading the Sports to victory.

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July 28th, 1901
Little Rock, Arkansas

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Edwin and I embarked on another five-hour journey by rail, traveling from Shreveport to Little Rock, Arkansas, for our next stop in the Southern Association. The trip provided ample time to catch up on the latest big-league news, and the most notable item was a trade involving Ivr Waldron and Boileryard Clarke. Waldron was sent from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Baltimore Orioles, while Clarke made the move in the opposite direction, accompanied by minor league catcher Tom Needham.

There was also news on the hitting streak front. Buck Freeman extended his impressive run to 25 games for the Cincinnati Reds, though his teammate Ginger Beaumont saw his streak halted at 23.

For today’s game, we were in attendance as the Little Rock Travelers hosted the league-leading Chattanooga Lookouts. The Travelers, hovering just above .500, were looking to prove themselves against the top team in the standings. On the mound, Little Rock sent out Louis Weisbecker, while Chattanooga countered with Jack Sutthoff.

We joined 2,352 fans at Kavanaugh Stadium under partly cloudy skies and a sweltering 90-degree heat. Despite an 8 mph breeze, the humidity made for oppressive conditions.

The Travelers struck first, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first thanks to an Ed McKean home run. The teams traded runs in the third, with Little Rock maintaining a narrow 3-2 edge, aided by a solo shot from Julius Streib of the Lookouts. Chattanooga pulled even in the top of the sixth, only for Little Rock to regain a two-run advantage in the bottom half. The game’s biggest moment came in the seventh when Mr. Harlkins launched a three-run home run to give the Lookouts their first lead. Little Rock refused to go quietly, tying things up at 6-6 in the bottom of the frame.

Ultimately, the Lookouts showed why they sit atop the league, striking for two decisive runs in the top of the ninth to seal an 8-6 victory.

Julius Streib earned Player of the Game honors for his stellar 3-for-4 performance, which included three runs scored, two RBIs, and a home run. The only blemish on the Lookouts’ day was the loss of reliever Mr. Morrissey, who exited late with what appeared to be a serious shoulder injury.

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July 29th, 1901
Little Rock, Arkansas

My Dearest Mary,

I simply had to write to you, as it has been just over a week since our last visit home, and I find myself missing you terribly. We are now traveling through the southern states, and the heat here is nothing short of oppressive—thick, heavy, and unrelenting. I know you would not care for it, as you never did take well to such warmth.

The baseball, however, has been most enjoyable. The Southern Association games have been full of excitement, and I will have plenty of stories to share with you when I return after this long stretch of our journey.

There has also been plenty of activity in the Big Leagues, with trades happening almost daily. Today brought news that the Chicago White Sox acquired Dave Brain, sending Bill Phyle to the Boston Beaneaters in exchange. Meanwhile, the New York Giants traded pitcher George Cuppy to the Pittsburgh Pirates in return for Duke Farrell. It seems teams are eager to strengthen their rosters as the season progresses.

That is all from me for now, my love. I look forward to the day I see you again.

Your devoted husband,
Edwin

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July 30th, 1901
Little Rock, Arkansas

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Today marks our third day in Little Rock before we set off for our next destination. This extra time has given Edwin and me the opportunity to catch up on the latest news from the big leagues.

The flurry of trades continues, with today’s major move seeing Ed Scott and Matty McIntyre heading to Pittsburgh, while Dave Fultz has been sent to the St. Louis Cardinals in return. Teams are clearly making their final adjustments as the season progresses, and it has been fascinating to follow the shifting rosters.

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July 31st, 1901
Memphis, Tennessee

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Edwin and I traveled six hours overnight from Little Rock to Memphis, Tennessee. While there were no new trades overnight, the trade deadline still has one more day remaining, so there’s a chance we’ll see more movement.

Today’s game brings us to Memphis, where the struggling Egyptians face the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans sit just three games behind the league-leading Lookouts, while the Egyptians remain in last place. We aren’t expecting a competitive game, but baseball can always surprise us.

Highball Wilson takes the mound for Memphis, while Ernest Crabill starts for New Orleans. We also get another look at future prospect Tim Jordan at first base for the Pelicans.

We settled into our seats at Russwood Park alongside 1,922 fans, enjoying clear skies and a pleasant 81-degree temperature, with an 11 mph breeze.

Despite the standings, the Egyptians came out swinging and dominated from the start. They jumped to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, powered by home runs from Ed Cermak and Bill Bergen. Cermak added another blast in the third, extending the lead to 5-0. The teams traded solo home runs in the sixth—Tim Jordan for New Orleans and Billy Lauder for Memphis—before the Egyptians tacked on a final run in the eighth, sealing a decisive 7-1 victory.

Ed Cermak earned player of the game honors with his outstanding 3-for-4 performance, tallying two home runs, two runs scored, and three RBIs.

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August 1st, 1901
Memphis, Tennessee

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Edwin and I had another rest day before continuing our journey, but we spent most of it reviewing the final trade deals as the big league deadline passed.

The Philadelphia Athletics bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Jock Menefee, sending Frank Owen to the Chicago Orphans in return. The Orphans remained active, trading Tom Daly to the New York Giants in exchange for Solly Hofman and Charlie Case.

With the month coming to a close, the league also announced its monthly awards. In the American League, John McGraw of the Washington Senators earned Batter of the Month honors, while Tom Hughes of the Cleveland Blues was named Pitcher of the Month. Over in the National League, Buck Freeman of the Cincinnati Reds took home the batting award, and his teammate Kid Nichols was recognized as the league’s top pitcher.

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August 3rd, 1901
Nashville, Tennessee

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Today, Edwin and I made a four-hour journey from Memphis to Nashville for the final Southern Association game of our trip. The matchup featured the Nashville Vols hosting the league-leading Chattanooga Lookouts. While the Lookouts had maintained their position at the top of the standings, we had seen enough surprises on this trip to know that anything was possible.

On the mound, Bill Dammann started for Nashville, while Chattanooga sent Mr. Thompson to pitch.

The weather was pleasant, with clear skies, a mild 73-degree temperature, and a 7 mph breeze. Edwin and I joined 1,964 other spectators at Sulphur Dell Ballpark, eager for what promised to be a competitive game.

The Vols struck first, taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning thanks to a home run from Perry Lipe. Chattanooga responded with a run in the fourth and then completed their comeback in the eighth, when Mr. Thompson helped his own cause by launching a home run. The Lookouts held on to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

Mr. Thompson was named player of the game, thanks to his strong pitching performance and the crucial home run that sealed Chattanooga’s win.

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August 4th, 1901
Nashville, Tennessee

My Dearest Susannah,

I find myself missing you more with each passing day, and I cannot wait to see you again once we return home. This next leg of our journey will be the toughest yet, making our eventual reunion all the more welcome.

Edwin and I have now completed our tour of the Southern Association, and tomorrow we begin our westward travels to see teams from the Western League and Northern League. This part of the trip will be filled with long journeys and extended layovers between games, which I must admit I am not particularly looking forward to. While I am eager to see the western United States, the sheer amount of travel ahead makes it a daunting prospect.

We are doing our best to fit in visits to all the ballparks before the minor league seasons come to a close at the end of August, but it will be a challenge. Our schedule is tight, and with so many miles to cover, I worry that time may not be on our side. We begin tomorrow with a grueling 14-hour journey from Nashville to Des Moines, Iowa, which will certainly test our patience.

As for baseball itself, there is little major news to report. We have thoroughly enjoyed the games so far and hope to witness even more thrilling contests as we continue onward.

Please send my love to the family, and know that I am thinking of you always. I look forward to the day I can hold you in my arms once more.

With all my love,
Percival

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August 6th, 1901
Des Moines, Iowa

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

The past two days have been spent in near-constant travel, as Edwin and I endured a grueling 14-hour journey from Nashville to Des Moines. Our route took us along both the Louisville & Nashville Railroad and the Wabash Railroad, delivering us to the heart of Iowa and the start of our Western League experience.

Our first game in this league brought us to Western League Park, where the Des Moines Demons played host to the St. Joseph Saints. Neither team has had much success this season, as both have fallen out of contention for the league title. Nevertheless, we were hopeful for an entertaining contest.

On the mound, the Demons sent Gus Dorner to face off against St. Joseph’s Pop Williams. The game unfolded under pleasant conditions—clear skies, a comfortable 74-degree temperature, and an 11 mph breeze—before a crowd of 1,054 spectators.

What followed was a thrilling battle. Des Moines struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The Saints responded in the fifth when Malachai Hogan launched a two-run homer, putting St. Joseph ahead 2-1. That lead was short-lived, as the Demons leveled the score at 2-2 in the same inning.

The back-and-forth nature of the game continued in the seventh, with the Saints reclaiming the lead, only for Walter Pease of Des Moines to even the score once again with a home run in the eighth. With the game tied 3-3 after nine innings, extra frames were needed to decide a winner.

Both teams struggled to break the deadlock, and the game stretched into the 14th inning. Finally, St. Joseph’s Carlton Busse delivered a decisive blow, belting a solo home run to put the Saints ahead 4-3. Charles McGill then closed out the game, securing the victory for St. Joseph.

Pop Williams earned Player of the Game honors for his remarkable endurance, pitching 13.2 innings while allowing just six hits and three runs. However, his control wavered at times, as he also issued 10 walks.

Despite the lengthy travel, this thrilling contest made the journey well worth it.

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August 7th, 1901
Des Moines, Iowa

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Today is a brief respite in Des Moines before we resume our journey westward. The pause allows us time to catch up on the latest baseball news, and one story stands out above the rest—Buck Freeman of the Cincinnati Reds has extended his hitting streak to an impressive 30 games, the longest in the league this season.

With each passing day, Freeman's remarkable consistency at the plate continues to captivate the baseball world. It will be interesting to see how much further he can push this streak.

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August 9th, 1901
Omaha, Nebraska

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Today's journey was a relatively short one, as Edwin and I traveled just three hours from Des Moines to Omaha via the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. This brought us to our second Western League game, where the Omaha Rourkes hosted the Des Moines Demons. With Omaha sitting just one game out of first place and looking to secure a spot in the championship series, we anticipated a one-sided affair against the struggling Demons. However, we hoped for a competitive matchup rather than a complete rout.

Taking the mound for Omaha was Doc Moskiman, while Billy Finn started for Des Moines. Omaha also featured a promising young first baseman in Bert Conn, a potential future star.

We joined 2,794 fans at Omaha Baseball Park under pleasant conditions—clear skies, a comfortable 70-degree temperature, and an 11 mph breeze.

To our surprise, the game was far more competitive than expected. The score remained locked at 0-0 until the 5th inning, when the Rourkes finally broke through with two runs. They added another in the 7th to extend their lead to 3-0. The Demons managed a lone consolation run in the 9th, but it wasn’t enough, as Omaha secured a 3-1 victory.

The standout performer of the day was unquestionably Doc Moskiman, who dominated from the mound. He pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out 10 batters—a masterful performance that proved the difference in the contest.

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August 10th, 1901
St. Joseph, Missouri

Percival Holloway Travel Journal Entry

Our journey today was another brief one—a two-hour trip on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, taking us from Omaha to St. Joseph, Missouri. We arrived to see the Saints host the Minneapolis Millers at Phil Welch Stadium. While St. Joseph has long been out of contention, the Millers still have an outside shot at the Championship Series, though a 10-game deficit in the wildcard race makes their hopes slim.

Pop Williams took the mound for the Saints, while John Dolan started for the Millers. Given Minneapolis’ stronger record, we hoped for another competitive game rather than a one-sided affair.

A crowd of 1,642 gathered under sticky conditions—81 degrees with clear skies. A steady 11 mph breeze did little to temper the heat. Despite their struggles this season, the Saints showed they still had plenty of fight left. They struck first, taking a 1-0 lead early and holding onto it until the 5th, when Red Wright’s solo home run brought the Millers level. But St. Joseph wasn’t ready to concede. They reclaimed the lead in the 6th with another run, then sealed the victory with a three-run 8th inning, finishing with a 5-1 triumph.

The star of the game was undoubtedly Pop Williams, who pitched a complete-game gem. He allowed just four hits and one run while striking out eight, proving that even a team out of contention can still shine on the field.