Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

[OmahaBaseball]

MLB Standings as we move into the month of July. In the American League, the Detroit Tigers are clearly the best team and have stretched its lead out to 11 games over the second-place Washington Senators. In the National League, the Boston Beaneaters are in the top spot, doing their best to fend of the St. Louis Cardinals. Both Philadelphia teams are miserably suffering in last-place.

[OmahaBaseball]

A look at the Boston Americans team stat leaders and general team info. For a team that is leading in most pitching categories and in the top-3 in most hitting categories, it is surprising to have them sitting in 4th place. A 13-12 record for June is not what this team needed if it has designs on making a run at the top spot.

[OmahaBaseball]

A prime example of the "rich getting richer." It took sending the #3 overall prospect (Jack McAleese) and an intriguing 24-year old shortstop (Rudy Hulswitt) to Brooklyn Superbas, but the Detroit Tigers were able to land outfielder Jack McCarthy to strengthen an already potent lineup. On the year, McCarthy has a slash line of .311/.350/.391 with 118 OPS+ and 1.9 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Game 83: The Boston Americans (47-36) wrapped up the series sweep with a 3 to 1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers (32-51). Boston pitcher Jesse Tannehill (13-7) picked up the win, allowing 1 run (0 earned) on just 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5, and finishing with a Game Score of 83. Frank Owen (10-11) took the loss for the Brewers, giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 67. The Americans' offense was led by John Farrell (2 for 4, Triple, 1 Run, 2 RBIs).

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #14 / Career: #14)

[OmahaBaseball]

While tempting to pick up an outfielder so I can move on from Win Mercer, this was not the trade to make. Boston rejected the Athletics offer of Socks Seybold in return for catchers Pat Crisham and John Butler.

[OmahaBaseball]

A tough 3-game series against the Baltimore Orioles did not turn out the way the Boston fans hoped for. Unfortunately, the team is headed in the wrong direction and the season is growing short.

Game 84: While Boston (48-36) came away with the 3 to 2 win, the loss was not the fault of Baltimore (33-51) pitcher Ted Lewis (7-11) who pitched an outstanding game only to be done in by the poor defense (6 errors) of his team. Boston pitcher Cy Young (10-10) picked up the win, giving up 2 earned runs while striking out 6 and finishing with a Game Score of 67. Lewis' pitching line was 3 runs (0 earned) on 4 hits; Game Score of 68. John Farrell (2 for 4, 1 RBI) and Ossee Schreckengost (0 for 3, 2 RBIs) contributed to the offense, while Jimmy Bannon (3 for 4) and Jesse Burkett (2 for 4, 1RBI) efforts were done in the losing effort.

Player of the Game: Cy Young (Season: #9 / Career: #9)


Game 85: Baltimore (34-51) bounced back with the 3 to 2 win over the Americans (48-37), riding the arm of promising rookie Christy Mathewson (7-15). On the day, Mathewson allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits and 1 walk, striking out 7 to finish with a Game Score of 71 and lowering his ERA to 2.91 on the season. Boston pitcher Fred Klobedanz (11-9) permitted 3 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits and 4 walks for a Game Score of 57. Jimmy Collins (3 for 4, 1 Run) and Barry McCormick (2 for 3, 1 RBI, 1 Walk, 2 Stolen Bases) powered the offense in the win, while Kid Elberfeld's efforts (2 for 4, Double, Triple, 1 RBI) and Win Mercer (1 for 3, Triple, 1 RBI, 1 Walk) were wasted.

Player of the Game: Christy Mathewson


Game 86: This one got away from Boston (48-38) quickly, as Baltimore (35-51) jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Oriole pitcher Wiley Piatt (8-11) picked up the win in the 7 to 4 victory, allowing 4 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6 to finish with a Game Score of 61. Noodles Hahn (14-10 was roughed up, lasting 7 innings due to giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on 11 hits and 3 walks, striking out 9 for a Game Score of 35. Reliever Effie Norton tossed a scoreless 8th inning in which he allowed 1 hit. Five Baltimore batters had 2 hits on the day, led by Otto Krueger (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 2 RBIs), Jesse Burkett (2 for 4, 1 Run, 2 RBIs), and Wiley Piatt (2 for 4, 1 Run, 2 RBIs). For the Americans, Frank Chance (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, 1 RBI) and Fred Clarke (2 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs) were solid at the plate.

Player of the Game: Wiley Piatt

[OmahaBaseball]

Brooklyn is cleaning house, as they continue to stockpile young talent for a future run. Having already traded away outfielder Jack McCarthy to the Tigers just days before, the Superbas dealt 1st baseman Jack Doyle to the Senators in exchange for 20-year old shortstop Terry Turner; the #25 ranked MLB prospect. With Brooklyn 10 games under .500 and 19 games behind in the National League standings, it is likely that they will continue to move its veteran players.

[OmahaBaseball]

New York Giants outfielder George Van Haltren was locked in the zone today, as he was a perfect 5 for 5 at the plate. "Rip" (as his teammates call him) scored 3 runs for his effort and raised his batting average to .347 for the season; 3rd best in the National League.

[OmahaBaseball]

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Ed Doheny was named the American League Player of the Week. In earning the award, Doheny threw back-to-back shutouts to go 2-0 on the week.

[OmahaBaseball]

Bill "Scranton Bill" Coughlin came up big last week as the New York Giants 3rd baseman was named the National League Player of the Week. In earning the honors, Coughlin went 12 for 23 (.522) with 5 Doubles, 5 Runs, and 9 RBIs.

[OmahaBaseball]

Baseball can be a tough game to predict. Last series, Boston went up against a Baltimore Orioles team that has struggled all year and, at least on paper, was outmatched, yet they somehow take 2 of 3 from the Americans. Fast forward to this series, and the 1st place Detroit Tigers come into town with the best record in baseball, a top-to-bottom All-Star lineup, and Boston somehow proceeds to sweep them. Go Figure...


Game 87: After the disappointing outing by Noodles Hahn in the last series, the Boston Americans (49-38) needed Jesse Tannehill to come up big -- he did. Tannehill (14-7) limited the Detroit Tigers (61-26) to just 1 unearned run on 3 hits for the 5 to 1 victory; Game Score of 82. John Malarkey (15-6) took the loss after allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 14 hits and 4 walks; Game Score of 33. Win Mercer (3 for 5, Triple, 1 Run, 3 RBIs), John Farrell (3 for 3, Double, 3 Runs, 1 Walk), and Jesse Tannehill (2 for 4, 1 RBI) powered the Boston offense. If there was a negative for the Americans, it was the fact they committed 3 more errors; 2 by Kid Elberfeld (49 on the season).

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #15 / Career: #15)


Game 88: Jesse Hoffmeister may not be a nationally known player, but the hometown fans know that when he is locked in he can be a difference maker. Today was one of those days, as Hoffmeister (3 for 4, Double, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs) powered Boston (50-38) to a 7 to 4 victory over the Tigers (61-27). Cy Young (11-10) picked up the win despite allowing 4 runs (3 earned) for a Game Score of 61. Nixey Callahan (12-9) took the loss after allowing 7 runs (4 earned) on 11 hits for a Game Score of 33.

Player of the Game: Jesse Hoffmeister (Season: #1 / Career: #1)


Game 89: The Americans (51-38) completed the sweep with a 4 to 1 victory over the Tigers (61-28). Fred Klobedanz (12-9) earned the win by allowing just 1 earned run on 5 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 74. Bill Lange (3 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs) and John Farrell (2 for 4, Double) had a fine day at the plate. Doc White (16-7) was saddled with the loss, giving up 4 earned runs on 9 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 53.

Player of the Game: Fred Klobedanz (Season: #6 / Career: #6)

[OmahaBaseball]

As we draw close to the trading deadline, teams are making moves to either shore-up a playoff push or cutting bait and gearing up for the future. Here are the latest deals:

Washington Senators send 3rd baseman Wid Conroy (#84 ranked prospect) to the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Frank Kitson (13 wins; 3.5 WAR; 101 ERA+).

Philadelphia Phillies dealt pitcher Bill Bernhard (9 wins; 0.7 WAR; 107 ERA+) to the Boston Beaneaters in exchange for 20-year old pitcher Joe Stanley (#35 ranked prospect).

Milwaukee Brewers moved pitcher Gus Weyhing (reserve roster, no playing time) and George McBride (0.4 WAR; 31 OPS+; .173/.219/.215) to the Cincinnati Reds for Bill Richardson (#40 ranked prospect). Not sure why the Reds made this trade, they are getting very little value in return.

[OmahaBaseball]

The Boston Americans traveled to the Windy City to take on the Chicago White Sox.


Game 90: Led by the solid pitching of Noodles Hahn, the Boston Americans (52-38) topped the Chicago White Sox (38-52) by a score of 4 to 2. Hahn (15-10) allowed 2 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7 to finish with a Game Score of 71. Bill Lange (3 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 2 RBIs) and John Farrell (2 for 4, Double, 1 RBI) provided the needed offense. Taking the loss, Bill Phillips (11-11) allowed 4 runs on 8 hits and 1 walk for a Game Score of 59.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #15 / Career: #15)


Game 91: The Chicago White Sox (39-52) jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 7 to 2 victory over the Boston Americans (52-39). Pitcher Brickyard Kennedy (6-1) kept the Americans in check; allowing 0 earned runs for a Game Score of 70. Jack Crooks (1 for 3, Double, 1 Run, 2 RBI, 1 Walk) and Mike Grady (1 for 4, Triple, 2 RBIs) paced the White Sox offense. Jesse Tannehill (14-8) was saddled with the loss, giving up 7 runs (1 earned) for a Game Score of 49. Win Mercer (3 for 5, Double, 1 Run) and Bill Lange (2 for 4, Triple) efforts in the loss.

Player of the Game: Brickyard Kennedy


Game 92: The rubber-match game saw the White Sox (40-52) take down the Americans (52-40) by a score of 4 to 1. Willie Sudhoff (7-13) pitched a solid game, allowing 1 earned run for a Game Score of 66, while Cy Young (11-11) suffered the loss due to his defense letting him down (4 runs, 1 earned - Game Score of 65). Bill Lange (2 for 4, Triple, 1 Run), John Farrell (2 for 4, Double, 1 RBI), and Ossee Schreckengost (3 for 4) hit well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Willie Sudhoff

[OmahaBaseball]

Admittedly, I enjoy AI trading in my OOTP universe but this one was a fun one to see happen. The Cleveland Blues traded away #19 ranked prospect in Pat Carney (as a Black Keys fan, love seeing this name but I digress) to the New York Giants in exchange for George Van Haltren.

Van Haltren is batting .339 on the season which was good for 4th best in the National League prior to the trade and would be tied for 2nd place in the American League. He has also earned Player of the Month honors earlier in the season, so the Blues are picking up an accomplished hitter as they make a run at catching the Tigers for the American League pennant.

In picking up Carney, the Giants are getting younger in an outfield position (11 years to be exact) at 1/2 the salary, and who has potential ratings that could result in a very special player for years to come. With the Blues making a playoff push and the Giants languishing in next to last place, this trade makes complete sense. Nicely done OOTP AI.

[OmahaBaseball]

The road woes continue for the Americans, as the City of Brotherly Love was not so loving during this latest 3-game series. For being a last-place team, the Philadelphia Athletics sure have figured out how to consistently get the best of Boston.


Game 93: A nice pitching performance by Fred Klobedanz to lead the Boston Americans (53-40) to a 4 to 0 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics (32-61). Klobedanz (13-9) scattered 5 hits and 3 walks on way to his second shutout of the year; Game Score of 79. Fred Clarke (3 for 3, Double, 1 RBI, 1 Walk); Jesse Hoffmeister (2 for 4, 2 Runs), and Bill Lange (2 for 4, 2 RBIs) provided the offensive spark. Philadelphia pitcher Sam Leever (7-14) took the loss, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 12 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 52.

Player of the Game: Fred Klobedanz (Season: #7 / Career: #7)


Game 94: Having a 4 run lead heading into the bottom of the 7th inning should have been more than enough for Noodles Hahn to earn the win; sadly, it wasn't. The Athletics (33-61) stormed back for 6 runs in the inning and went on to win by a score of 8 to 7 over Boston (53-41). Earl Moore (5-18) earned the victory, going 7 innings in allowing 6 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits for a Game Score of 41. Closer Bill Reidy pitched the final two innings to pick up his 2nd save of the year. Mike Kelley (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 2 RBIs), Billy Clingman (2 for 4, 1 Run, 2 RBI), and George Davis (2 for 5, 1 Run, 2 RBIs) led the Philadelphia offense. Noodles Hahn (15-11) went 6 1/3 innings allowing 8 earned runs on 11 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 26. Al Orth covered the final 1 2/3 innings in the loss. Boston's scoring game from Fred Clarke (1 for 5, Home Run, 1 Run, 1 RBI), Jesse Hoffmeister (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run, 1 RBI), and Ossee Schreckengost (2 for 4, 1 Run, 2 RBIs)

Player of the Game: Mike Kelley


Game 95: An extra-innings game that saw the Athletics (34-61) top the Americans (53-42) by a score of 5 to 4. It took 13 innings, but Mal Eason (10-6) outlasted Jesse Tannehill (14-9) to pick up the victory. Eason (4 runs, 2 earned, 7 hits, 3 walks, 9 K's), throwing 177 pitches, finished with a Game Score of 87, while Tannehill (5 runs, 4 earned, 13 hits, 8 K's) threw 178 pitches to finish with a Game Score of 66. Denny Lyons (2 for 3, Home Run, Double, 2 Runs, 1 RBI), Honus Wagner (3 for 6, Double, Triple, 1 Run), and Tom McCreery (3 for 5, Double, 1 Run, 1 RBI) paced the Philadelphia offense.

Player of the Game: Mal Eason

[OmahaBaseball]

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Nap Lajoie took home National League Player of the Week due to his .538 batting average (14 for 26) with 5 Double, 1 Triple, 1 Home Run, 3 Runs, and 6 RBIs. This is Lajoie's 3rd Player of the Week honors this year.

[OmahaBaseball]

A fine week by Washington Senators centerfielder Danny Green, as he smashed the ball to the tune of a .571 batting average (16 for 28) with 2 Runs, and 7 RBIs. For his efforts, Green took home American League Player of the Week honors.

[OmahaBaseball]

Another frustrating series in which Boston's team defense gave away the second game by committing 7 errors, including 4 by John Farrell (41 on the season) - UGH!


Game 96: The Boston Americans (54-42) topped the Washington Senators (54-42) by a score of 3 to 1. Picking up the win, Cy Young (12-11) allowed just 1 earned run on 8 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5 and finishing with a Game Score of 71. The Americans were paced by Jesse Hoffmeister (2 for 3, 1 RBI, 1 Walk, 1 SB) and Ossee Schreckengost (1 for 2, Triple, 1 Run). Cy Seymour (9-5) took the loss after allowing 3 earned runs on 8 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 55. Danny Green (3 for 4, Double, 1 Run) and Kid Gleason (2 for 4, Double, 1 RBI) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Cy Young (Season: #10 / Career: #10)


Game 97: Not sure if it was the 50 minute rain delay or nerves of going up against the best pitcher in baseball, but the Americans defense committed seven (7) errors to squander a nice pitching performance by Fred Klobedanz as the Senators (55-42) topped Boston (54-43) by a score of 3 to 2. Rube Waddell lasted 7 innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 8 to finish with a Game Score of 64. Frank Kitson (1-0) pitched the final 2 innings to pick up the win. Fred Klobedanz (13-10) took the loss, allowing 0 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks; Game Score of 69. Jesse Hoffmeister (2 for 4, Triple, 1 Run, 1 RBI) had another solid day at the plate.

Player of the Game: Fred Klobedanz (Season: #8 / Career: #8)


Game 98: With the 5 to 4 loss to the Senators (56-42), Boston (54-44) has now dropped the last 3 series -- not the direction for a serious push to the top of the standings. Jack Chesbro (11-10) picked up the win (4 runs, 3 earned, 13 hits allowed, Game Score of 50), while Noodles Hahn (15-12) took the loss (4 earned runs on 5 hits and 4 walks; Game Score of 56). Kid Gleason (1 for 4, Triple, 1 Run, 2 RBIs) and Duff Cooley (2 for 4, 2 Runs, 1 RBI) provided the needed run support. Boston's offense came from Fred Clarke (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, 1 Run, 1 Walk), Bill Lange (3 for 5, Triple, 1 Run), and Frank Chance (3 for 4, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 2 Steals).

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #16 / Career: #16)

[OmahaBaseball]

After a few weeks of constant letdown, I decided to shuffle up the batting order to see if I could jump-start the offense. At least for this series, it seems to have worked.

Game 99: Jesse Tannehill (15-9) was locked in today, as he led the Boston Americans (55-44) to a 4 to 1 victory over the Cleveland Blues (59-40). Tannehill allowed 1 earned run on 6 hits and 1 walk, striking out 6 to finish with a Game Score of 76. Frank Chance (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run), Ossee Schreckengost (2 for 2, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 1 Walk), and Sport McAllister (2 for 3, 1 Run, 2 RBIs) sparked the offense. Jim Hughes (9-10) took the loss, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 9 hits and 1 walk; Game Score of 56. Ed Delahanty (1 for 3, Double, 1 RBI, 1 Walk) and Jimmy Sheckard (2 for 4, 1 Run) contributed in the losing effort.

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #16 / Career: #16)


Game 100: The Boston (56-44) offense came alive, providing Cy Young (13-11) with the needed run support to win by a score of 8 to 2 over the Blues (59-41). Young allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits to finish with a Game Score of 70. Frank Chance (3 for 5, Double, 1 Run), Fred Clarke (2 for 5, Double, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs), and John Farrell ( 2 for 5, 2 RBIs) were solid at the plate. Kid Nichols (9-13) took the loss, allowing 8 runs (7 earned) on 13 hits and 2 walks; Game Score of 28. Jimmy Sheckard (2 for 3, 2 RBIs) and Harry Wolverton (2 for 4, Double, 1 Run) in the loss.

Player of the Game: Cy Young (Season: #11 / Career: #11)


Game 101: Fred Klobedanz pitched the Boston Americans (57-44) to a 5 to 1 victory to complete the 3-game sweep over the Cleveland Blues (59-42). Klobedanz (14-10) had a solid day, allowing just 1 earned run on 8 hits and 2 walks; Game Score 67. Bill Lange (2 for 5, Triple, 4 RBIs) and Fred Clarke (2 for 5) gave the scoring punch needed for the win. "Wild Bill" Donovan (17-9) allowed 5 runs (4 earned) in the loss; Game Score of 60. Newly acquired George Van Haltren had a fine day at the plate, going 3 for 5 from the leadoff spot.

Player of the Game: Fred Klobedanz (Season: #9 / Career: #9)

[OmahaBaseball]

Brooklyn Superbas outfielder George Decker doesn't get to play everyday, so when he is given the chance he has to make the most of it. Doing just that, Decker went 5 for 5 with a Double and 4 RBIs.