Notes from history

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BUCHANAN LOST FOR SEASON AS YANKEES EDGE ATHLETICS IN ELEVEN
Veteran Hurler Injures Shoulder in 5–4 Defeat at New York

By George F. Winthrop
Sporting Times

June 23rd 1919

A hard afternoon befell the Philadelphia Athletics today, as they were narrowly defeated 5–4 by the New York Yankees after eleven closely contested innings. The setback leaves the Athletics, who have been enjoying a strong campaign, with a record of 33 victories against 23 defeats. Yet the loss itself was overshadowed by the misfortune that struck veteran pitcher Jim Buchanan.

Buchanan, making only his fifth start of the season after reclaiming a place in the rotation earlier this month, had battled his way through four and two-thirds innings before the injury occurred. During that stretch he surrendered nine hits and four runs in a contest that remained tightly balanced.

The mishap came with the score even at four runs apiece. As Buchanan delivered a pitch in the fifth inning, he suddenly felt something give in his shoulder. Trainers were quickly summoned from the bench, and after a brief examination the decision was made to remove the veteran from the contest. He was led from the field while the game hung delicately in the balance.

The Athletics’ bullpen endeavored to keep matters close after Buchanan’s departure, but the Yankees at last secured the winning run in the eleventh inning to claim the decision.

For Buchanan the season had already been something of a mixed affair. The veteran had appeared in seven games out of the bullpen in addition to his five starts, compiling a record of two victories against two defeats and maintaining a respectable earned run average of 2.86.

The gravest news, however, arrived after the game had concluded. Physicians determined that the 43-year-old hurler had suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder, an injury expected to require nine months of recovery. The diagnosis effectively ends his season, and it has already prompted quiet speculation among observers as to whether the distinguished pitcher may have taken the mound for the last time.

Buchanan himself spoke with calm resignation following the announcement.

“It is a hard blow to take, particularly when the club is playing such good ball. I have given many years to the game and hope I have not yet thrown my last pitch.”

Athletics manager Frank Selee expressed sympathy for his injured veteran.

“Jim has been a steady hand for us whenever we have called upon him. It is a cruel misfortune to lose a man of his experience, especially in the midst of a close season.”

Thus the Athletics depart New York with not only a defeat recorded in the standings, but also the loss of one of the game’s most seasoned campaigners.

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SPEAKER REACHES 2,000 HITS AS INDIANS EDGE TIGERS
Veteran’s Ninth-Inning Double Leads Cleveland to 2–1 Triumph

By Charles H. Wentworth
Sporting Times

June 29th 1919

The Cleveland Indians continue to demonstrate the fine form that has carried them to the head of the American League standings, securing another hard-fought victory today with a narrow 2–1 decision over the Detroit Tigers on the road. The triumph lifts Cleveland’s season mark to 40 victories against 23 defeats.

Central to the Indians’ success was their veteran centre fielder, Tris Speaker, who enjoyed an outstanding afternoon at the plate. Speaker collected three hits in four attempts and scored the decisive run in a contest that remained locked at one run apiece deep into the final inning.

The day carried added significance for the Cleveland star, for one of those hits marked the 2,000th safety of his distinguished career. The memorable blow came in the top of the ninth inning. With the score still even at 1–1, Speaker opened the frame by driving a sharp double that carried him safely into scoring position. His teammates then executed their turns at the bat with precision, advancing the veteran around the bases until he crossed the plate with the run that secured the contest.

Speaker’s performance this season has seen him bat at a .292 clip, somewhat below his sterling career average of .317. Even so, the centre fielder’s long record of achievement now includes 2,000 hits, 1,038 runs scored, and 768 runs batted in.

Reflecting upon the milestone afterward, Speaker spoke modestly of the accomplishment.

“It is a fine mark to reach, though the important thing today was helping the club secure the victory. A hit is worth most when it brings a run home.”

Indians manager Steve Brodie was quick to praise the veteran’s timely performance.

“Speaker has been one of the steadiest men in the game for many years. To see him gather his two-thousandth hit in a moment that helps win the ball game is fitting reward for the service he has given.”

With their leader continuing to provide both experience and production, the Indians press onward in their pursuit of another successful campaign.

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PENNANT RACES TIGHTEN AS SUMMER APPROACHES
Indians Still Lead American Circuit While Giants Head Close National Struggle

By Samuel T. Kingsley
Sporting Times

July 1st 1919

With the long summer months now at hand and the campaign entering its most decisive stretch, the contests for supremacy in both major circuits promise to remain keenly fought. The standings show that no club may yet claim comfort, for the pursuers remain close at heel in each league.

In the American League the Cleveland Indians continue to occupy the leading position, though their once larger advantage has been reduced to two and one-half games. The Philadelphia Athletics have pressed them steadily and now stand as their closest challengers. Behind the leading pair, the Washington Senators are four games off the pace, while the Boston Red Sox remain within striking distance at five and one-half games to the rear, waiting for any opportunity should the leaders falter.

At the opposite end of the circuit the Chicago White Sox face a difficult road. Their struggles have left them with the poorest mark in base ball, the Chicago club now resting eighteen and one-half games behind the leaders and staring at what may prove a long remainder of the season.

In the National League the situation is even more uncertain. The month of June witnessed three different clubs occupying the top rung as fortunes shifted from week to week. As the month concluded, the New York Giants held the narrowest of advantages, standing one game ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Close behind are the Philadelphia Phillies, just one and one-half games back, followed by the Brooklyn Robins at two games and the Boston Braves three games off the lead. With such slender margins separating the contenders, the senior circuit appears destined for a prolonged and spirited struggle.

At the bottom of the National standings, the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves engaged in their own contest, each club presently twelve games behind the leaders and striving to avoid finishing as the league’s lowest occupant.

Monthly Honors

American League
The month’s foremost batsman was Happy Felsch of the Washington Senators, who struck at a .330 pace while adding two home runs, twenty-four runs batted in, and fourteen runs scored.

Pitching distinction goes to Jeff Pfeffer of the Cleveland Indians, whose five victories against two defeats were accompanied by a tidy 2.00 earned run average.

Among the newcomers, Grover Lowdermilk of the Detroit Tigers earned notice with a 5–2 record and a 1.75 earned run average.

National League
Batting laurels fall to Buck Weaver of the Boston Braves, who compiled a remarkable .420 average while contributing one home run, fourteen runs batted in, and crossing the plate thirty-two times.

The leading pitcher was Grover Cleveland Alexander of the Brooklyn Robins, posting a 6–2 mark and a 2.13 earned run average.

Rookie honors belong to Ira Flagstead of the Chicago Cubs, who batted .293 while driving in fourteen runs and scoring twelve.

With half the summer still ahead and the margins between victory and defeat so slender, the coming weeks promise to bring further drama to the pennant chases in both leagues.

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FLURRY OF TRADES MARKS DEADLINE AS CLUBS SHIFT THEIR ROSTERS
Five Deals Completed With Final-Day Exchange Drawing Attention

By Arthur H. Leland
Sporting Times

July 31st 1919

While the clubs of the major leagues have continued steadily along through the summer schedule with little in the way of dramatic developments, the closing days before the trading deadline provided a measure of excitement as several nines sought to strengthen their ranks. In all, five exchanges were concluded before the deadline passed, the most notable of them arriving on the final day itself.

The first of these transactions came on July 20th, when the Pittsburgh Pirates parted with 24-year-old third baseman Oliver Marcell, sending him to the Detroit Tigers. In return Pittsburgh secured the services of veteran right-hander Grover Lowdermilk, aged 34. Lowdermilk has made 13 starts for Detroit this season and fashioned a fine record of nine victories against four defeats, accompanied by a 2.27 earned run average.

Four days later, on July 24th, Detroit again entered the trading market, dispatching 31-year-old left fielder Zack Wheat to the Boston Red Sox. In exchange the Tigers received 24-year-old centre fielder Buzz Murphy. Wheat has appeared in 82 contests this season and carries a batting average of .277.

Another Boston transaction followed on July 26th, when the Red Sox transferred 24-year-old right-hander Jing Johnson to the Chicago White Sox. Chicago sent back 30-year-old pitcher Joe Conzelman along with 22-year-old first baseman Aaron Ward. Johnson has recorded four victories against two defeats with two saves from seven starts and nine appearances overall, posting a 3.21 earned run average.

On July 28th the Washington Senators and the New York Yankees arranged a straight exchange of pitchers. Washington sent 24-year-old right-hander Phil Cockrell to New York and received veteran right-hander Roy Mitchell, aged 34, in return.

The final and most prominent deal came today, July 31st, when Boston and New York again came together in a larger exchange. The Red Sox transferred 25-year-old centre fielder Cristóbal Torriente and 22-year-old catcher Val Picinich to the Yankees. In return Boston received 25-year-old right-hander Al Mamaux and 24-year-old centre fielder Carson Bigbee.

Torriente, who has found opportunities scarce in Boston, has appeared in 72 games but made only eight starts, collecting 88 at-bats and batting .227. Picinich has struck at a .207 pace across 33 games with 17 starts. Mamaux arrives in Boston with a record of six victories against seven defeats and a 3.33 earned run average across ten starts and 36 appearances this season. Bigbee has appeared in 85 contests for New York and carries a batting mark of .275.

Thus the trading season closes with several clubs having altered their line-ups, and the coming weeks will reveal whether these late adjustments bear fruit as the pennant races move toward their decisive stages.

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INDIANS HOLD FIRM IN AMERICAN LEAGUE AS GIANTS CLING TO NATIONAL LEAD
July Passes Without Great Upheaval but Pennant Races Remain Close

By George F. Winthrop
Sporting Times

August 1st 1919

The passing of July brought few singular headlines across the major circuits, yet the steady march of the schedule has done nothing to lessen the keen interest in both pennant races. Each league continues to offer a spirited contest as the clubs push deeper into the summer campaign.

In the American League the Cleveland Indians have succeeded in maintaining their place at the summit while adding modestly to their advantage. Cleveland now holds a margin of four and one-half games over the pursuing Philadelphia Athletics, with the Washington Senators following closely behind at five games off the pace.

At the opposite end of the table, the Chicago White Sox continue to occupy the cellar position. Chicago’s difficulties have left them nineteen and one-half games behind the leaders, and the club remains tasked with the challenge of reversing its fortunes before the season draws toward its close.

The National League once again proved the scene of shifting fortunes throughout July. As the month concluded, the New York Giants held a slender advantage of one and one-half games over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Brooklyn Robins remain very much in the contest at two and one-half games behind, while the Philadelphia Phillies trail by only three games as the struggle among the leaders continues to promise a lively finish.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds have found the climb more difficult. Both clubs now stand fifteen games behind the leading Giants and must look to improved play if they hope to close the distance before the season’s end.

Monthly Honors

American League
Batting distinction for the month falls to Ben Hauser of the Cleveland Indians, who compiled a .301 average while striking five home runs, driving in twenty-seven runs, and crossing the plate nineteen times.

Pitching honors go to Charles Bender of the Chicago White Sox, whose eight victories against two defeats were accompanied by a sharp 1.78 earned run average.

Rookie recognition again belongs to Jimmy Ring of the St. Louis Browns, who posted a record of three victories against two defeats with a 2.50 earned run average.

National League
The leading batsman of July was George Sisler of the Cincinnati Reds, who struck at a .396 pace while adding one home run, twenty-four runs batted in, and seventeen runs scored.

On the mound, Bob Shawkey of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivered a strong performance with a 5–3 record and a 1.62 earned run average.

Rookie distinction goes to Grover Lowdermilk of the Pirates, who fashioned an impressive 6–1 record alongside a 1.91 earned run average.

Thus July closes with the races in both leagues still very much alive, and the coming weeks promise to determine whether the present leaders can maintain their hold or if another challenger may yet rise to claim the pennant.

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NANCE REACHES 2,000 HITS AS WHITE SOX EDGE ATHLETICS
Veteran’s Timely Blow Helps Chicago to Rare Road Triumph

By Charles H. Wentworth
Sporting Times

August 7th 1919

The season has proved a trying one for the Chicago White Sox, whose struggles have left them anchored at the foot of the American League standings for much of the campaign. Yet today brought a welcome measure of cheer for the Chicago nine, as they secured a narrow 3–2 victory on the road against the Philadelphia Athletics. The triumph raises the White Sox mark to 38 victories against 58 defeats.

The afternoon’s success was made sweeter by a notable personal achievement from veteran left fielder Doc Nance, who collected the 2,000th hit of his long career during the contest.

Nance has enjoyed a fine season at the plate, entering the day batting .313, though his opportunities proved limited in the tight struggle. The veteran managed a single hit in four attempts, but that lone safety proved decisive. It arrived in the top of the seventh inning, when Nance lifted a neatly placed fly-ball single over third base that dropped safely into shallow left field. The blow enabled the runner stationed at second to round third and dash home, giving the White Sox a 3–1 advantage.

That run ultimately provided the margin of victory, as Chicago held firm to claim the 3–2 decision.

For Nance, now 43 years of age, the milestone adds another chapter to a lengthy career. His record now stands at 2,000 hits, accompanied by a lifetime batting average of .263 and a total of 856 runs batted in.

Speaking after the game, the veteran expressed quiet satisfaction with the moment.

“It is pleasing to reach such a mark, though I am more glad that the hit helped the club win the ball game. Every victory counts, no matter where a team stands.”

White Sox manager Peek-A-Boo Veach praised the veteran’s steady hand and long service to the game.

“Doc has been a dependable man for many seasons, and to see him reach two thousand hits is a fine tribute to his perseverance. It was fitting that the blow should come at a moment that helped carry us to victory.”

Though the White Sox remain deep in the standings, the day provided both a rare triumph and a memorable milestone for one of the game’s seasoned campaigners.

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BENDER CLAIMS 300TH VICTORY AS WHITE SOX DEFEAT RED SOX
Veteran Hurler Reaches Great Milestone in 8–2 Triumph

By Samuel T. Kingsley
Sporting Times

August 14th 1919

Though the present season has brought many difficulties for the Chicago White Sox, one man has continued to shine with the steadiness that has long marked his distinguished career. Today that man, veteran pitcher Charles Bender, achieved a milestone seldom reached upon the diamond, securing the 300th victory of his career as Chicago defeated the Boston Red Sox by the score of 8–2 at home.

The triumph lifts the White Sox record to 39 victories against 62 defeats, and though the club remains mired in a difficult campaign, the afternoon belonged wholly to their celebrated right-hander.

Bender delivered the sort of dependable performance that has long been his hallmark. Working the full nine innings, the veteran allowed eight hits and two runs while keeping the Boston bats well in check. With their ace controlling the contest upon the mound, the Chicago batters found a rare freedom at the plate, producing the eight runs required to secure the victory.

For the present season Bender now holds a record of seventeen victories against thirteen defeats, accompanied by a strong earned run average of 2.66. His efforts once more demonstrate why he remains the most reliable arm in the Chicago rotation.

The broader sweep of his career is even more impressive. With today’s triumph the veteran reaches 300 victories, accomplished while maintaining a sterling 2.44 earned run average and collecting 2,404 strikeouts.

Following the contest, Bender spoke modestly of the landmark.

“Three hundred victories is a fine number to see beside one’s name, though I am most pleased that today’s game helped the club. A pitcher’s work is always easier when the fellows at the plate give him a few runs to work with.”

White Sox manager Peek-A-Boo Veach was quick to commend the veteran for the achievement.

“Bender has been the backbone of our pitching staff for many years. To see him reach three hundred victories is a credit to his skill and his endurance, and the club is proud to have witnessed it today.”

Thus, even in a season filled with adversity for Chicago, the day will long be remembered for the moment when one of the game’s most accomplished pitchers reached a truly historic mark.

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PENNANT RACES ENTER FINAL MONTH WITH HONORS STILL UNCERTAIN
Athletics Seize American Lead While Pirates and Giants Battle in National Circuit

By Arthur H. Leland
Sporting Times

September 1st 1919

With the base ball season now entering its final and most decisive month, the contests for supremacy in both major leagues remain very much unsettled. August has brought shifts in fortune and sharpened the intrigue, leaving the question of the pennants still to be answered upon the field.

In the American League the month produced a change at the summit of the standings. The Philadelphia Athletics have moved into first place and now hold a slender lead of one game over the Washington Senators. The Cleveland Indians, who previously occupied the leading position, have slipped to third and now trail by four and one-half games.

At the opposite end of the circuit, the Chicago White Sox have endured a difficult campaign and enter the final month with their hopes extinguished. Chicago stands twenty-seven and one-half games behind the leaders and has already been removed from contention.

The situation in the National League promises an even tighter conclusion. The Pittsburgh Pirates presently cling to the narrowest of advantages, holding a lead of only half a game over the New York Giants. The remainder of the field lies seven or more games behind, suggesting that the senior circuit’s pennant may well be decided between these two formidable clubs.

At the bottom of the National standings the Cincinnati Reds have fallen completely out of the race, August’s results leaving them twenty-two and one-half games adrift of the leaders.

With the arrival of September also comes the annual expansion of club rosters. Teams still engaged in the pennant chase will seek fresh legs to sustain the long grind of the closing weeks, while those already eliminated may look to introduce younger players as they begin preparing for the next season.

Monthly Honors

American League
Batting honors for August belong to Harry Hooper of the Philadelphia Athletics, who struck at a .352 clip while adding one home run, thirteen runs batted in, and nineteen runs scored.

Pitching distinction goes to Art Nehf of the Athletics, whose perfect 5–0 record was accompanied by a remarkable 1.00 earned run average.

Among the rookies, Bill Sherdel of the Detroit Tigers gained recognition with a record of four victories against two defeats and a 3.05 earned run average.

National League
The leading batsman of the month was Babe Ruth of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who compiled a .347 average while striking three home runs, driving in twenty-one runs, and scoring twenty times.

Pitching honors were claimed by Leon Cadore of the New York Giants, whose five victories against one defeat came with a 2.70 earned run average.

Rookie distinction again falls to Grover Lowdermilk of the Pirates, who posted a record of five victories against one defeat with a 3.38 earned run average.

With only a month of play remaining, both leagues stand poised for a dramatic finish as the leading clubs strive to secure the coveted pennant before the final out of the season is recorded.

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WILLIAMS CLAIMS 250TH VICTORY AS SENATORS BLANK ATHLETICS IN TEN-INNING DUEL
Veteran Hurler Holds Rivals to Three Hits in Crucial Pennant Contest

By George F. Winthrop
Sporting Times

September 4th 1919

In a contest of great importance to the American League pennant struggle, the Washington Senators secured a hard-earned triumph today, defeating the Philadelphia Athletics by a score of 3 to 0 after ten innings on the road. The victory raises Washington’s mark for the season to 72 victories against 51 defeats and keeps them firmly in the thick of the championship race.

The day belonged to the Senators’ veteran pitcher Smokey Joe Williams, who delivered one of his finest exhibitions of the campaign. Williams baffled the Athletics throughout the afternoon with a masterful assortment of fastball, slider, curve, and change of pace. Over the course of ten innings he permitted but three hits and no runs while striking out five opposing batsmen.

The contest developed into a tense pitching duel, for the Washington bats proved no more productive than those of the home club through the regulation nine innings. Not until the tenth frame did the Senators finally stir, finding the timely blows necessary to send the winning runs across the plate and settle the affair.

For Williams the victory carried added significance, marking the 250th triumph of his distinguished career. The performance also improves his record for the present season to thirteen victories against ten defeats, accompanied by a tidy earned run average of 2.50.

Across the span of his career the accomplished right-hander now boasts 250 victories against 205 losses, along with 1,953 strikeouts and a career earned run average of 2.34.

After the game Williams spoke modestly of the achievement. “It was a hard game all the way through,” he said. “The Athletics made us earn every out, and I am glad the boys were able to bring the runs home when the chance came.”

Senators manager Mario Ojeda praised his pitcher’s steady hand in such an important contest. “Williams gave us exactly the kind of performance a club needs in a pennant race,” Ojeda remarked. “He kept his nerve and held them in check until we could get the runs to win it.”

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INDIANS LOSE JACKSON TO BROKEN ANKLE IN HEAVY DEFEAT
Cleveland Shortstop Carried From Field as Senators Administer 10–0 Drubbing

By Charles H. Wentworth
Sporting Times

September 19th 1919

The fortunes of the Cleveland Indians have swung sharply this season, and today brought another severe turn of ill fate. In a discouraging afternoon on the road, Cleveland suffered a lopsided 10 to 0 defeat at the hands of the Washington Senators, while also losing their shortstop, Ashes Jackson, to a serious injury. The setback leaves the Indians with a record of 76 victories against 58 defeats and facing the possibility of falling out of the pennant race.

For Jackson the day marked a cruel reversal. The Cleveland infielder had only recently returned to the lineup after missing five weeks with inflammation in his elbow and was appearing in just his third contest since rejoining the club.

The mishap occurred during a fielder’s choice play in which Jackson had taken position near second base. After collecting the ball and applying the tag to the advancing runner, the Cleveland man was struck heavily as the runner slid into his standing leg. Jackson fell at once and did not rise from the turf, prompting the immediate arrival of the training staff.

Following a lengthy examination on the field, it became clear the injury was a serious one, and Jackson was ultimately carried away, unable to place any weight upon the injured limb.

At the plate Jackson managed one hit in two trips during the contest, leaving his batting average for the season at .252.

The news grew grimmer for Cleveland after the game concluded. Examination revealed that the shortstop had suffered a fractured ankle, an injury expected to keep him out of action for the remainder of the season with a recovery period estimated at four to five months.

Speaking afterward, Jackson expressed disappointment at the turn of events. “It is hard to be laid up again just after getting back into the lineup,” he said. “I only hope the club can keep pressing on through the finish.”

Indians manager Steve Brodie also lamented the loss of his infielder. “Jackson had just worked his way back into form,” Brodie remarked. “It is a cruel blow for both the player and the club at this stage of the season.”

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WHITE SOX CLAIM EXTRA-INNING VICTORY BUT LOSE HAMILTON TO INJURY
Chicago Triumphs Over Boston in Twelve Frames as Young Reliever’s Season Ends Abruptly

By Samuel T. Kingsley
Sporting Times

September 20th 1919

Though long removed from the American League pennant chase, the Chicago White Sox found cause for brief cheer today with a hard-earned 4 to 3 victory over the Boston Red Sox on the road, the contest stretching to twelve innings before a decision was reached. The triumph raises Chicago’s season mark to 48 victories against 86 defeats.

The game, however, carried unfortunate news for the visiting club as relief pitcher Earl Hamilton saw his season brought to a sudden halt by injury.

Hamilton, appearing out of the bullpen in only his fourth outing since being called up at the beginning of September, entered the contest in the ninth inning with the score tied at two runs apiece. The right-hander secured the final out of that frame and returned to begin the tenth inning.

After retiring the first two Boston batsmen without difficulty, Hamilton abruptly pulled up during his delivery and was seen clutching at his elbow. The club’s training staff hurried to the mound, and after a brief examination it was determined he could not continue. Hamilton departed the field immediately.

Despite the misfortune, the pitcher’s brief appearance was flawless. He faced three batters and retired all three, allowing neither hit nor run. Across his four outings this season he now holds a record of no victories and one defeat with an earned run average of 3.00.

Following the game came discouraging news regarding the nature of the injury. Hamilton has been diagnosed with a radial nerve decompression requiring surgery. The procedure is expected to take place within the next few days, and the estimated recovery period of six to seven months casts doubt upon his readiness for the opening of next season.

Hamilton spoke soberly after learning the extent of the injury. “It is a bitter turn, especially after only just getting the chance to pitch again,” he said. “I hope the operation goes well and that I may return in good time.”

White Sox manager Peek-A-Boo Veach expressed sympathy for the young hurler. “Hamilton had done exactly what we asked of him,” Veach remarked. “It is unfortunate to see his season end in that manner.”

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GESSLER SCORES 1,000TH RUN AS SENATORS EDGE RED SOX
Washington Secures Important 3–2 Victory Amid Tight Pennant Struggle

By Arthur H. Leland
Sporting Times

September 26th 1919

With the contest for the American League pennant still fiercely contested, the Washington Senators strengthened their position today by securing a narrow 3 to 2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on their home grounds. The triumph lifts Washington to a record of 82 victories against 56 defeats and keeps the club firmly engaged in the chase for the championship.

The game was decided by timely hitting in the eighth inning, when the Senators produced the blows necessary to break a tight contest and claim the advantage.

The afternoon carried special significance for Washington outfielder Doc Gessler, who reached a notable personal milestone by scoring the 1,000th run of his career. The historic tally came early in the proceedings during the opening frame. After being struck by a pitched ball, Gessler was advanced steadily around the bases by a succession of solid singles from his teammates, crossing the plate to tie the contest at one run apiece.

Gessler’s contributions did not end there. When the Senators mounted their decisive rally in the eighth inning, he again crossed the plate to add a crucial run that helped secure the narrow victory.

For the day the Washington man collected one hit in two trips to the plate and scored twice. His batting average for the present campaign stands at .273.

Over the course of his career Gessler now holds a batting mark of .266, accompanied by 1,001 runs scored and 633 runs driven in.

Following the contest, Gessler spoke modestly of the milestone. “It is pleasing to reach such a mark,” he said, “but the important thing is that the club gained the victory at such an important time.”

Senators manager Mario Ojeda praised his veteran’s effort in the close affair. “Gessler gave us exactly the sort of play we needed,” Ojeda remarked. “His runs proved vital in a game that meant much to our chances.”

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ATHLETICS AND GIANTS CLAIM PENNANTS AS SEASON CLOSES
Base Ball Public Turns Attention Toward Approaching World’s Series

By George F. Winthrop
Sporting Times

October 1st 1919

With the regular campaign now concluded and the pennants at last decided, followers of base ball may enjoy a brief respite before attention turns toward the forthcoming World’s Series.

In the American League the championship was finally secured on September 28, when the Philadelphia Athletics clinched the flag after a determined struggle with the Washington Senators. The Athletics completed the season three games ahead of their closest rivals to claim the coveted position at the head of the circuit.

At the opposite end of the standings, the Chicago White Sox brought a difficult season to a close with only fifty victories. Their campaign ends thirty-five games behind the leading club and leaves them with the poorest record in all of base ball.

The National League saw its decisive moment arrive on the same date. On September 28 the New York Giants secured the pennant after outpacing the Pittsburgh Pirates, who had been their most persistent challengers throughout the season. At the final reckoning the Giants also finished three games to the good. Bringing up the rear of the senior circuit were the Cincinnati Reds, who concluded the campaign twenty-nine games behind the leaders.

Final Monthly Honors

American League
Batting distinction for the final month goes to Ben Hauser of the Cleveland Indians, who struck at a .333 clip while adding four home runs, thirty runs batted in, and sixteen runs scored.

Pitching honors were earned by Smokey Joe Williams of the Washington Senators, who posted a flawless record of five victories without defeat and a fine earned run average of 1.29.

Rookie recognition belongs to Dana Fillingim of the Detroit Tigers, whose four victories without loss came with an earned run average of 1.80.

National League
The batting laurels fall once again to Babe Ruth of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who produced a .377 average along with two home runs, fifteen runs driven in, and twenty runs scored.

Pitching honors go to Leon Cadore of the New York Giants, whose mark of five victories against one defeat was accompanied by a sterling 1.58 earned run average.

Among the rookies, Red Ryan of the Chicago Cubs gained distinction with four victories and no defeats along with a 1.75 earned run average.

With the pennants now determined, the stage is set for the champions of each league to meet in what promises to be an eagerly anticipated World’s Series.

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ATHLETICS AND GIANTS TO CLASH FOR WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Pennant Winners Prepare for Annual Base Ball Classic

By Charles H. Wentworth
Sporting Times

October 2nd 1919

With the regular season now concluded, the champions of the two major circuits will soon meet in the annual contest for the world’s championship. This year the Philadelphia Athletics, pennant winners of the American League, will face the New York Giants, who captured the flag in the National League.

Both clubs were obliged to fight determined campaigns to reach the summit. The Athletics enter the series as the defending champions, having captured last year’s title, and now seek to repeat the feat and claim their fourth world’s championship. The Giants likewise pursue a fourth crown, though it would be their first since 1912.

The Athletics’ campaign was marked by steady progress throughout the season. They did not assume the leadership of the league until August, but once established at the top they maintained sufficient advantage to secure the pennant. Their success rested largely upon strong team play. The club’s batting line produced the second-highest run total in the league with 561 and ranked third with a .259 average, while also striking the most home runs in the American League with 35. On the defensive side the Athletics were nearly as reliable, finishing second in runs allowed with 457 and second in starting pitchers’ earned run average at 2.75.

Leading the Philadelphia attack was right fielder Heavy Johnson, who compiled a batting mark of .318 for the year. Heinie Groh also enjoyed a productive campaign, batting .287 and accounting for eight of the club’s home runs. On the mound the Athletics were well served by the efforts of Phil Douglas, Art Nehf, and Urban Shocker. Though none reached the twenty-victory mark, the trio furnished the consistent work necessary to guide the club to first place.

The Giants followed a somewhat similar path in the National League, with August likewise marking the moment when they rose to the top of their circuit. Their chief strength lay in the pitching staff, which proved the finest in the league. New York permitted only 513 runs and posted the best earned run average among starting pitchers at 2.89. The rotation was led by Leon Cadore, whose 23 victories made him one of the most effective hurlers in the game this year.

At the plate the Giants were somewhat less imposing. Their total of 605 runs ranked fourth among National League clubs, while their batting average of .273 stood third. Heading the batting order was Oscar Charleston, who paced the team with a .322 average and also led the club with six home runs.

With both clubs now set and preparations under way, the stage is prepared for what promises to be a most engaging struggle between two worthy champions.

Athletics manager Frank Selee spoke confidently of his club’s prospects. “The men have played sound base ball throughout the year,” he remarked, “and we shall approach the series with the same steady purpose.”

Across the way, Giants manager Kyle Jackson expressed equal determination. “The pennant race tested this club well,” he said. “We now look forward to the contest ahead and intend to give a strong account of ourselves.”

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ATHLETICS RETAIN WORLD’S TITLE IN COMMANDING FASHION
Philadelphia Club Defeats Giants Five Games to One in Extended Championship Series

By Samuel T. Kingsley
Sporting Times

October 10th 1919

The year’s championship struggle has reached its conclusion, and once more the Philadelphia Athletics stand as the rulers of base ball. In a World’s Series arranged for nine games rather than the customary seven, the Athletics required only six contests to decide the matter, defeating the New York Giants by five games to one to retain their title. The triumph was fashioned through a combination of timely batting and masterful pitching.

The opening contest proved the lone misstep for the champions. Playing before their home supporters, the Athletics were turned aside by the Giants to the tune of 3 to 1. From that point forward, however, Philadelphia assumed complete command of the struggle.

Game two saw the Athletics answer emphatically with a 4 to 0 victory, and the third contest followed in similar fashion as they secured a 3 to 0 triumph to move ahead in the series by two games to one. With the battle then shifting to New York, the Athletics continued their powerful play. They captured the fourth contest by a score of 6 to 4 before shutting out the Giants in successive games, first 2 to 0 and then 6 to 0, thus sealing the championship.

The outstanding performer of the series was Athletics pitcher Art Nehf, whose work on the mound proved decisive. Appearing in two games, Nehf secured two victories without a defeat and did not permit a single run, finishing the series with an earned run average of 0.00. His efforts in the second and sixth contests particularly demonstrated Philadelphia’s superiority throughout the engagement.

At the plate the Athletics were likewise well served by the bats of Dobie Moore and Fred Luderus, who struck at marks of .322 and .318 respectively and delivered the hits required to produce runs at crucial moments.

Reflecting upon his efforts, Nehf said simply, “The club played splendid ball behind me, and it was my good fortune to do my part when called upon.”

Athletics manager Frank Selee praised the collective effort that carried his club to another championship. “The men played strong base ball throughout the series,” he remarked. “Both the pitching and the batting came when we most required them.”

For the Giants, the difficulty lay chiefly at the plate. Though they showed flashes of ability, they were unable to string together the succession of hits necessary to produce runs against the steady Athletics pitching.

Infielder Steve Yerkes gave a gallant effort, leading his club with a .353 batting average during the series. He was ably supported by Larry Gardner and Doc Johnston, who each struck at a .304 mark, yet their contributions proved insufficient against the Philadelphia hurlers. On the mound the Giants’ starters endeavored to hold the line, but as the contests wore on and the bullpen was called upon more frequently than desired, the Athletics’ bats began to produce the telling blows.

Yerkes acknowledged the challenge after the final contest. “We faced a strong club that pitched and fielded exceedingly well,” he said. “We gave what fight we could, but it was not enough.”

Giants manager Kyle Jackson was equally frank in his assessment. “The Athletics proved the better side in this series,” he admitted. “Our men battled earnestly, but Philadelphia’s pitching and hitting carried the day.”

Thus ends the championship struggle of 1919, with the Philadelphia Athletics once again firmly seated upon the throne of the base ball world.