Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

[OmahaBaseball]

Fred Klobedanz streak of quality starts ended at 8 games, good enough to trigger a Bronze Achievement.

[OmahaBaseball]

Despite the difference in records, the Athletics always seem to play the Americans tough. This series, for at least the first two games, continued this trend though Boston annihilated Philadelphia in game three.


Game 72: The Athletics (24-48) struck first and struck often, putting up runs in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings to top the Americans (41-31) by a score of 6 to 4. Doc McJames (6-5) was the winning pitcher, tossing a complete game 12-hitter, allowing 4 earned runs, striking out 6 to finish with a Game Score of 51. Boston pitcher Fred Klobedanz (10-7) was knocked out of the game after 7 innings in which he allowed 6 runs (4 earned) to finish with a Game Score of 39. Newly acquired pitcher Willie Garoni covered the final 2 innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 walk, striking out 2, but not allowing any runs. The Philadelphia offense generated 11 hits, 2 hit by pitch, and 2 walks, led by Billy Clingman (3 for 5, 1 Run, 1 RBI), Socks Seybold (2 for 5, 2 Doubles, 1 Run, 2 RBI), and Honus Wagner (2 for 5, 1 Run). The Boston hitting attack had a fine day, led by Player of the Game John Farrell (3 for 4, Double, Triple, 1 Run, 2 RBIs), Jesse Hoffmeister (3 for 4, Triple, 1 Run, 1 Walk), and Frank Chance (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run).

Player of the Game: John Farrell (Season: #2 / Career: #2)


Game 73: An outstanding game pitched by Noodles Hahn, as he led the Boston Americans (42-31) to a 3 to 0 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics (24-49). Hahn (13-7) allowed 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 9 as he cruised to a Game Score of 82. Philadelphia pitcher Sam Leever (6-10) took the loss, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 57. Fred Clarke had a good day at the plate and on the base paths, going 1 for 3 with 1 run, 1 walk, and 2 stolen bases, and remains the team's batting leader with a .343 batting average.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #13 / Career: #13)


Game 74: A blowout victory for Boston (43-31), as they topped the Athletics (24-50) by a score of 11 to 1. Jesse Tannehill (11-7) was the beneficiary of the run support, allowing 1 earned run on 5, striking out 6 to finish with a Game Score of 79. Philadelphia pitcher Earl Moore (3-15) was not so fortunate, allowing 10 runs (7 earned) on 10 hits and 2 walks in just 2 2/3 innings pitched; Game Score of -2 YIKES! Reliever Buttons Briggs finished the remaining 5 1/3 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 6 hits and 2 walks. Despite getting 16 hits, Boston managed only to get 2 for extra-bases, with the hitting-attack led by Frank Chance (3 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs), John Farrell (3 for 5, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs), and Bill Lange (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 2 RBIs, and 1 Walk).

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #12 / Career: #12)

[OmahaBaseball]

Cleveland Blues leftfielder Jimmy Sheckard made history today, becoming the first MLB player to hit for a cycle. Sheckard went 4 for 5 on the day with 2 Runs and 2 RBIs to lead his team to a 6 to 4 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

[OmahaBaseball]

The scouting assessment of Fred Clarke is back and his future looks bright.

[OmahaBaseball]

Very disappointed to get swept by the Senators. The losses dropped Boston to 4th place in the American League standings; 12 games behind the Tigers.


Game 75: Washington Senators (44-31) pitcher Jack Chesbro (9-8) twirled a dandy today, shutting down the Boston Americans (43-32) by a score of 2 to 0. Chesbro permitted 6 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 7 to finish with a Game Score of 81. In taking the loss, Cy Young (9-9) allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks for a Game Score of 60. Danny Green (2 for 4, Double) and Wid Conroy (2 for 4, 1 Run) paced the offense for Washington, while Fred Clarke (2 for 4) and Bill Lange (2 for 4) tried in the losing effort. Kid Elberfeld committed his 43 error of the season.

Player of the Game: Jack Chesbro


Game 76: Boston (43-33) had its chances in this one, but Washington (45-31) proved to be too tough as they prevailed by a score of 7 to 6. Cy Seymour (6-3) picked up the win, allowing 6 runs (2 earned) on 11 hits and 2 walks for a Game Score of 54. Fred Klobedanz (10-8) was saddled with the loss, going 7 innings in which he allowed 7 earned runs on 14 hits and 2 walks to finish with a Game Score of 20. Reliever Al Orth pitched 1 inning of 1-hit ball in the loss. The Senator's batters were dialed in, with Danny Green (3 for 5, Triple, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 1 SB), Doc Casey (3 for 5, Double, 2 Runs, 1 SB), and Heinie Peitz (2 for 3, 1 Run, 2 RBIs) having a solid day at the plate. Boston outfielder Win Mercer went 2 for 4, 3 RBIs in the loss.

Player of the Game: Cy Seymour


Game 77: This was a masterpiece pitching performance by Washington Senators (46-31) ace Rube Waddell as he shutdown the Boston Americans (43-34) by a score of 5 to 0. Waddell (16-6) allowed just 4 hits while striking out 12 for a Game Score of 91; lowering his league leading ERA to an astounding 1.09 average. Boston hurler Noodles Hahn (13-8) allowed 5 runs (3 earned) on 9 hits and 2 walks to finish with a Game Score of 52. Providing the run support was Heinie Peitz (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 3 RBIs) and Doc Casey (3 for 4, 2 Runs).

Player of the Game: Rube Waddell

[OmahaBaseball]

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Kitty Bransfield took home National League Player of the Week honors. Bransfield batted .467 (14 for 30), with 5 Runs, 10 RBIs, and 1 HR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Hitting for the cycle sure didn't hurt Jimmy Sheckard's week, as the rookie leftfielder took home American League Player of the Week honors. The Cleveland Blues hitter batted .407 on the week (11 for 27) with 2 HRs, 9 Runs, and 6 RBIs.

[OmahaBaseball]

I will admit that this was an inconsequential announcement for my league, but this is also why I have enjoyed OOTP so much dating back to v4. The fact that 36 year-old Doggie Miller is retiring does not affect my team, the league, or the entire baseball world. With that said, the news caused me to look at his "real life" player stats and learn about a player that I had never heard of. As a life-long baseball diehard, I always appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the history of baseball. For what it is worth, Miller was a decent player in his day, racking up WAR seasons from age 26 through age 31 of 4.2, 4.2, 3.2, -0.0 (ouch), 5.9, and 3.1 -- not too shabby if you ask me.

[OmahaBaseball]

Another difficult series, as Boston continues to lose ground in the American League race. The Americans remain in 4th place but is now 13 games behind the Detroit Tigers.

Game 78: Cleveland Blues (45-33) pitcher Watty Lee kept the Boston Americans (43-35) in check, leading his team to a 2 to 0 victory. Lee (14-6) allowed 4 hits and hit 2 batters, striking out 4 on his way to a Game Score of 83. Boston pitcher Noodles Hahn was the hard-luck loser, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and 7 strikeouts to finish with a Game Score of 80. Nothing of significance to report from the batter's box.

Player of the Game: Watty Lee


Game 79: Boston (44-35) needed a win and pitcher Jesse Tannehill delivered the 3 to 1 win over the Blues (45-34). Tannehill (12-7) allowed 1 earned run while giving up 7 hits and 2 walks, striking out 8 to finish with a Game Score of 75. Cleveland pitcher Jim Hughes (7-7) took the loss, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 4 walks for a Game Score of 61. The Americans were led at the plate by Bill Lange (2 for 4, stolen base), John Farrell (1 for 3, Triple, 1 RBI), and Jesse Hoffmeister (0 for 2, 2 Runs, 2 Walks). Harry Wolverton went 3 for 4 with 1 Run in the losing cause.

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #13 / Career: #13)


Game 80: The rubber-match ended up in Cleveland's (46-34) favor, as pitcher Kid Nichols (6-11) topped the Americans (44-36) by a 2 to 1 score. Nichols allowed 1 earned run on 7 hits and 2 walks, striking out 2, to finish with a Game Score of 69. Boston pitcher Cy Young (9-10) was tagged with the loss, allowing 2 earned runs over 8 innings (Game Score of 63). Relief pitcher Al Orth mopped up the final inning without allowing walk or hit. Watty Lee (2 for 4, Double, 1 RBI) and Zeke Wrigley (1 for 2, Triple, Walk, RBI) led the Blues offense, while Fred Clarke (2 for 4) and John Farrell (2 for 3, RBI, Walk) kept the game close for Boston.

Player of the Game: Kid Nichols

[OmahaBaseball]

So I have a clubhouse cancer on the team who just happens to be my leadoff hitter and setup reliever. I've resigned myself to the fact that I need to move Win Mercer before the trade deadline, but I am struggling to find a suitable replacement. Mercer is fairly young still (just turned 27); brings speed to the basepaths (10 rating in speed, 11 rating in stealing and baserunning) though he is 17 for 27 in attempts this year on steals; can play multiple positions of infield (rated at shortstop and third base), outfield (right field), and pitcher (relief role but has 9 stamina); and salary is manageable ($780). His slash line for the year so far is .266/.320/.313 with a 90 OPS+ and 1.2 WAR. His personality class is disruptive with high greed, and low leadership, loyalty, work ethic, and intelligence.

I have looked at several players and recently scouted Brooklyn Superbas outfielder Jack McCarthy. He is several years older (age 32) and slightly slower (8 speed, 10 stealing, 8 baserunning), but has better hitting ratings and has a better slash line of .326/.366/.414 with a 134 OPS+ and 2.0 WAR. He is rated to play both left and right fields. I have not attempted to negotiate with the Superbas yet (and not sure if I will), but McCarthy is intriguing to me. As the trade deadline draws close, I will need to make decisions that will help the team stay competitive this year but also set up the team for long-term success.

[OmahaBaseball]

Received my first trade proposal, with an offer coming in from the Cincinnati Reds. In return for receiving 32-year old outfielder Ducky Holmes (slash line of .330/.363/.413, 133 OPS+, 1.9 WAR), I was asked to part with 26-year old shortstop Sport McAllister (slash line of .333/.366/.462, 147 OPS+, 0.5 WAR). McAllister is a versatile player who is rated to play catcher, first base, third base, shortstop, and rightfield. I explored the trade offer and was able to get the Reds to toss in another non-starter, but elected to pass.

[OmahaBaseball]

Closing out the month of June with 2 games to report on:


Game 81: After the 1st inning it looked like Milwaukee was going to make this tough for the Americans, as they led by a score of 3 to 2. That is when Boston (45-36) turned things around and cruised to a 11 to 5 victory over the Brewers (32-49). It was not the best outing by Fred Klobedanz (11-8), but it was good enough to pick up the win, as the crafty lefty allowed 5 runs (3 earned) on 9 hits and 4 walks for a Game Score of 53. Boston was paced on offense by Kid Elberfeld (4 for 5, Triple, 1 Run, 3 RBIs), Bill Lange (3 for 5, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs), and Fred Clarke (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, 1 Walk). For the Brewers, pitcher Tom Hughes (7-15) lasted only 5 1/3 innings and was tagged with the loss by giving up 9 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits and 3 walks for Game Score of 19. Relief pitcher Billy Rhines pitched the final 3 2/3 innings, allowing 2 earned runs while allowing 6 hits. Kip Selbach (1 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs) and Malachi Kittridge (2 for 3, 2 RBIs, 1 Walk) provided offensive punch in the losing effort.

Player of the Game: Kid Elberfeld (Season: #3 / Career: #3)


Game 82: A dominate outing by Noodles Hahn, as the ace hurler led the Americans (46-36) to a 4 to 0 victory over the Brewers (32-50). Hahn (14-9) limited the opposition to just 4, struck out 8, and lowered his ERA to 1.51 to finish with a Game Score of 87. Win Mercer (2 for 4, Triple), Frank Chance (2 for 3, Double, 1 Run), and John Farrell (1 for 4, Triple, 2 RBIs) helped the team to victory. Bill Dinneen (9-10) took the loss, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) while giving up 8 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 59. Patsy Donovan went 3 for 4 (Double) in the loss.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #14 / Career: #14)

[OmahaBaseball]

Boston team scout Dave Radovanovic provided a player development update for Cy Young and Noodles Hahn. A slight bump in movement for Young, but the real story here is Hahn's significant improvement in stuff and movement, slight increase with stamina, and slight drop in control.

[OmahaBaseball]

Detroit Tigers pitcher Doc White took home the American League Player of the Week honors for going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA.

[OmahaBaseball]

While his Pittsburgh Pirates sit 4 games below .500 and are currently 16 games back in the pennant race, shortstop Bill Keister is still giving it his all. In taking home the National League Player of the Week award, Keister batted .520 (13 for 25) with 5 Runs and 10 RBIs.

[OmahaBaseball]

No surprise at the top, as the Detroit Tigers continue to maintain a firm hold on the #1 spot. The Boston Americans dropped out of the top-5, moving to the 6th spot. The Philadelphia Athletics really seem to enjoy being in the last spot.

[OmahaBaseball]

The June 1901 American League Batter of the Month honor was awarded to Baltimore Orioles outfielder Jesse Burkett. For the month, Burkett batted an impressive .357 /.443 /.500 with 4 Doubles, 5 Triples, 17 Runs and 14 RBIs. This was good enough for a 174 OPS+ and 1.8 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

A 35-year old "rookie" is not something you see everyday, but New York Giants outfielder George Van Haltren is trying to make the most of the opportunity. For the month of June, Van Haltren did just that, as he took home National League Batter of the Month honors by batting .424 (42 for 99) with 8 Doubles, 2 Triples, 18 Runs, 14 RBIs, 193 OPS+, and 1.4 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Detroit Tiger stud pitcher Doc White was locked in during the month of June, as he took home both the American League Pitcher of the Month and the American League Rookie of the Month awards. White went 6-0 with a 0.63 ERA to help his team maintain its lock on the top spot in the American League standings.

[OmahaBaseball]

Not to be outdone by his AL counterpart, Chicago Orphans pitcher Joe Corbett also took home both the National League Pitcher of the Month and the National League Rookie of the Month awards. Corbett went 4-2 on the month, with a 1.75 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings.