Notes from history

[amead17]

DIAMOND GREATS HONORED: 1904 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
November 3, 1904

Harry Davis, Bill Dahlen, Cy Young, and Frank Smith headline season’s laurels

Award season has once more arrived, that special time when the year’s brightest stars are recognized for their labors upon the diamond. For the players it is the reward of endless summer toil, and for the faithful supporters it is a chance to see their heroes immortalized in print. The 1904 campaign produced no shortage of worthy candidates, but a select few have carried off the coveted trophies.

American League

Harry Davis Most Valuable Player
Philadelphia’s Harry Davis, at 31 years of age, stands tall as the American League’s Most Valuable Player. His campaign was one of thunderous hitting and consistent production: a .348 average, 222 hits, 40 doubles, 15 triples, and 25 home runs. Davis crossed the plate 103 times and drove in 146 runs, making him the very backbone of the Athletics’ pennant-winning lineup. His victory was emphatic, receiving all 16 first-place votes, with teammate Nap Lajoie finishing a distant second.

Cy Young Pitcher of the Year
The incomparable Cy Young, though 37 years old, once again proved that age is no barrier to greatness. The Boston veteran hurled 346 innings with a sterling 1.82 ERA, collecting 21 victories along the way. His control was masterful, issuing but 31 walks all season. Like Davis, Young was the unanimous choice of the voters, capturing his latest laurel as the league’s preeminent pitcher.

Pete Hill Rookie of the Year
Few stories warmed the hearts of base ball followers more than that of Pete Hill. Just 22 years old, and beginning the spring merely grateful to see his name penciled onto Washington’s roster, the fleet-footed center fielder blossomed into a star. Hill struck .345, gathering 197 hits and driving in 96 runs, all while patrolling the outfield with distinction. His unanimous selection marks him as one of the brightest young talents the game has seen in years.

National League

Bill Dahlen Most Valuable Player
Brooklyn’s wily veteran Bill Dahlen secured the National League’s Most Valuable Player honors. The 34-year-old shortstop may not have posted gaudy numbers, but his leadership and steady bat carried the Superbas throughout the year. With a .273 average, 165 hits, 37 doubles, and 80 runs scored, Dahlen claimed 12 of 16 first-place votes, edging out New York’s Danny Murphy and Chicago’s Grant Johnson.

Frank Smith Pitcher of the Year
The National League’s pitching crown goes to a man who combined youth with brilliance: Frank Smith of the Chicago Cubs. In his first campaign, Smith compiled a remarkable 24–14 record, striking out 151 men across 339 innings while holding opposing batsmen to a paltry .215 average. His earned run average of 1.75 speaks volumes, and he carried away 12 of the 16 first-place votes.

Frank Smith Rookie of the Year
As if one honor were not enough, Smith added the Rookie of the Year Award to his résumé, sweeping all 16 votes. Rarely has a player burst upon the major league stage with such authority. Brooklyn’s Ed Walsh and Boston’s Hooks Wiltse trailed far behind, underscoring the utter dominance of the Chicago right-hander.

The 1904 season is now etched into history, its pennants decided and its champions crowned. Yet long after the standings fade from memory, the names of Davis, Dahlen, Young, Hill, and Smith will remain, enshrined as the men who defined this year upon the field of play.

[amead17]

FOUR CLUBS NAME NEW SKIPPERS TO LEAD THEM INTO 1905

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional Reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
November 4, 1904

Browns, Highlanders, Senators, and Beaneaters fill vacant manager posts

The off-season has at last brought clarity to the leadership of four clubs that entered autumn without a captain at the helm. After weeks of speculation, each has revealed the man entrusted with steering the side into the coming campaign. The selections range from the wholly untested to the seasoned hand, and each appointment has been met with its share of curiosity, optimism, and doubt.

St. Louis Browns: Lozano the Surprise Choice

Perhaps the most startling development is in St. Louis, where the Browns have tapped Bob Lozano, a 44-year-old newcomer with no professional managerial experience, to guide the club. The decision has raised eyebrows, yet Lozano himself radiates quiet confidence.

“I may not be known to the wider base ball public,” Lozano remarked to assembled reporters, “but I know the game, and I know men. My task is to build a club that plays with spirit and purpose, and I intend to give the Browns faithful reason to cheer again.”

New York Highlanders: Garcia Steps from the Coaching Ranks

In New York, the Highlanders have selected Ismael Garcia, who has spent the past four seasons serving as pitching coach for the Cleveland Naps. Some Highlander loyalists had hoped for a more celebrated name, but Garcia is eager to prove himself worthy.

“I come to New York ready to work,” Garcia declared. “My years with Cleveland taught me the value of discipline and preparation. I know the Highlanders can contend, and I mean to see that we play the brand of base ball our supporters deserve.”

Washington Senators: Stone Seeks to Calm Doubts

The Senators have appointed Chase Stone, formerly the bench coach of the Philadelphia Phillies. Given Philadelphia’s recent struggles, Washington’s supporters have voiced unease about the choice. Stone, however, urged patience and promised better days.

“I understand the doubts,” Stone admitted, “but I ask our supporters to judge us by the games to come, not those past. We shall build a sound club in Washington—one that will fight for every victory and restore pride to our city.”

Boston Beaneaters: Jackson Viewed as a Step Forward

In Boston, optimism runs higher. The Beaneaters have named Kyle Jackson as their new field leader. Jackson has spent the past four years as bench coach of the Detroit Tigers, where he earned a reputation for diligence and tactical acumen.

“Boston is a city that demands strong base ball,” Jackson told the press. “I have seen what it takes to move a club upward in the standings, and I mean to bring that same energy and resolve here. Our goal is nothing less than to climb back among the league’s best.”

With the new appointments, all clubs now look ahead to the 1905 campaign with renewed direction. Whether Lozano, Garcia, Stone, or Jackson can deliver success remains to be seen, but for now, each steps forward to claim his place in the great contest that is base ball.

[amead17]

QUIET MARKET, BUT THREE NOTABLE TRADES SHAKE UP THE OFF-SEASON

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
December 12th, 1904

Clubs make modest moves as veterans swap places with rising youth

With the off-season now well underway, speculation has outpaced substance. Supporters chatter of great names on the move, but in truth, only three trades of note have thus far transpired. Though the market has been slow to stir, these transactions may yet bear weight upon the coming campaign.

Browns and Naps Swap Outfielders, Veteran Ryan on the Move

On November 7th, the St. Louis Browns and Cleveland Naps struck the season’s first deal. The Browns dispatched 24-year-old left fielder Andrew Payne to Cleveland, receiving 41-year-old center fielder Jimmy Ryan and 24-year-old Matty McIntyre in return.

McIntyre, who batted a robust .310 in 152 games last year, gives the Browns a capable young bat, while Ryan—though a shadow of his former self with only a .207 average in 136 contests—brings experience aplenty. Payne, meanwhile, heads to Cleveland as a promising prospect with flashes of ability.

“I thank the Browns for my start, but I’m eager to show Cleveland I can hold my own in this league,” Payne told reporters.
“I may not be what I once was, but there’s still fire in me,” countered Ryan. “St. Louis will see I can steady a club in the late innings.”

Cubs and Cardinals Exchange Moran for Wicker

On November 20th, the Chicago Cubs dealt 26-year-old third baseman Carlos Moran to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitcher Bob Wicker, aged 27.

Moran, who mustered only a .171 mark in limited play last season, will look for a fresh start in St. Louis. Wicker, in contrast, brings immediate value: he compiled a strong 10-7 record with a sparkling 2.40 ERA across 27 appearances.

“Chicago never quite saw my best,” Moran admitted. “I believe St. Louis will.”
Wicker was equally candid: “The Cubs wanted steadier pitching, and I’m determined to give it. Every man wants to be where he’s needed, and I reckon I’m needed in Chicago.”

Superbas Send Donovan to Highlanders

The most substantial trade came on November 27th, when the Brooklyn Superbas parted with Bill Donovan, their 28-year-old right-hander, shipping him to the New York Highlanders. In return, Brooklyn acquires left-hander Jack Doscher, third baseman Andy Oyler, and 19-year-old outfield prospect George Moriarty.

Donovan’s 17-20 record belies his brilliance, as his 2.38 ERA in 39 starts places him among the league’s sturdier arms. Brooklyn, however, sought youth and depth, while the Highlanders sought proven strength on the mound.

“It’s a grand thing to pitch in New York,” Donovan declared. “I mean to give the Highlanders innings they can count on.”
Doscher, who heads the other way, spoke modestly: “I didn’t play much last year, but I’ll work to earn my keep in Brooklyn. A pitcher can ask for no more.”

Though no blockbuster trades have yet stirred the base ball world, these early maneuvers show clubs seeking either veteran steadiness or the promise of youth. Time alone will reveal whether November’s quiet moves echo loudly come next summer.

[amead17]

YOUNG BLOOD ON DISPLAY AT THE DRAFT COMBINE

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional Reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
December 13th, 1904

Philadelphia Phillies weigh present need against promise of the future

The annual draft combine opened its doors this week, bringing with it a new crop of hopefuls eager to step into the great arena of professional base ball. The event, long a curiosity for onlookers, has become a vital occasion for managers and scouts alike, for here the next generation of stars—or journeymen—first come to light.

This year’s class, though not brimming with polished pitchers, offers several intriguing figures who may shape the game for years to come.

Foremost among the hurlers is Ed Reulbach, a youngster whose powerful right arm and assortment of three reliable pitches has many believing he can contribute to a big-league staff from the first day he dons a uniform. His poise on the mound and ability to change speeds drew nods of approval from scouts lining the rails.

Yet all eyes, truth be told, were not upon the pitchers. Instead, the gathering seemed to orbit around one man—Ty Cobb of Narrows, Georgia. Only 17 years of age, Cobb is still raw and unrefined, but the swiftness of his bat, his daring on the basepaths, and an instinctive feel for the game mark him as something altogether different. The consensus among scouts is simple: if he grows as expected, he could become one of the finest ballplayers of his generation.

For the Philadelphia Phillies, holders of the first draft selection, the decision looms large. Shall they select the immediate aid in Reulbach, strengthening a weary staff? Or shall they gamble upon Cobb, who may take time to blossom but whose ceiling towers above the rest of his peers?

Manager Brian Casto, surveying the day’s work as the combine wound down, addressed the press with cautious words:

“This game is built both on what you can do today and what you might become tomorrow,” Casto reflected. “We owe it to our supporters to weigh both. Reulbach can step in now and give us innings we badly need. Cobb is a boy with the makings of greatness, but greatness takes patience. Whichever path we choose, it will be with the future of Philadelphia base ball foremost in mind.”

Thus the Phillies sit at the crossroads, emblematic of the draft itself—immediate relief on one hand, the promise of legend on the other. When the draft doors open, the direction of the franchise may well turn upon this single choice.

[amead17]

PHILLIES GAMBLE ON YOUTH, SELECT 17-YEAR-OLD COBB FIRST OVERALL

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional Reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
December 16th, 1904

The first-year player draft has come and gone, and while many clubs filled immediate needs with polished young men ready to step into the professional ranks, the day’s loudest cheer—and perhaps its greatest gamble—belonged to Philadelphia. With the first overall selection, the Phillies chose 17-year-old center fielder Ty Cobb of Narrows, Georgia, opting for potential brilliance over present certainty.

Cobb, though still a boy by the standards of the game, is already known for his lightning quickness, hard-nosed play, and raw batting talent. His tools remain unrefined, but many scouts whispered he could one day grow into the finest ballplayer of his generation if given the chance to develop.

The young Georgian, wide-eyed but determined, spoke briefly with the press following the announcement.

“This is a dream I’ve held since I was a child,” Cobb said with quiet pride. “I know I have much to learn, but I’ll give Philadelphia every ounce of fight I have. One day, I aim to prove they were right to believe in me.”

Phillies manager Brian Casto, who has overseen the club through its share of struggles, defended the bold choice:

“We could have taken a man to help us straight away,” Casto admitted, “but greatness does not always come at once. In Ty Cobb we see the makings of a ballplayer who can change the fortunes of this club for years to come. Our supporters deserve more than quick fixes—they deserve a foundation for the future. Cobb is that foundation.”

It should be noted that under league rules, all players taken within the first five rounds must negotiate and sign their initial contracts before mid-February, or else risk re-entering the draft pool next year. With several promising youngsters in the early selections, clubs will now shift quickly from draft tables to contract talks.

The remainder of the draft saw each club stockpile its future hopes, with pitching depth the theme for many. Yet it is Cobb’s name that will dominate the winter talk around base ball, as Philadelphia fans wonder just how quickly their boy wonder might rise.

DRAFT RESULTS

Round 1

Philadelphia Phillies: CF Ty Cobb, age 17
Washington Senators: LF Bill Hinchman, age 21
Brooklyn Superbas: SP Orval Overall, age 23
Boston Beaneaters: 1B Hal Chase, age 21
Chicago White Sox: SP Eddie Cicotte, age 20
Cleveland Naps: 2B John Hummel, age 21
New York Highlanders: SP Ed Reulbach, age 22
St. Louis Cardinals: 1B Homer Hillebrand, age 25
St. Louis Browns: SP Jimmy Dygert, age 20
Detroit Tigers: SS Rube Oldring, age 20
Pittsburgh Pirates: C George Gibson, age 24
Cincinnati Reds: SP Irv Young, age 27
Boston Americans: SP Joe Harris, age 22
New York Giants: SP Jim Buchanan, age 28
Philadelphia Athletics: 2B Frank LaPorte, age 24
Chicago Cubs: SP Big Jeff Pfeffer, age 22

Round 2

Philadelphia Phillies: 1B Del Howard, age 26
Washington Senators: SP Bill Hogg, age 23
Brooklyn Superbas: C Jay Clarke, age 22
Boston Beaneaters: SP Louis LeRoy, age 25
Chicago White Sox: SP Jake Thielman, age 25
Cleveland Naps: 1B Bill Clancy, age 25
New York Highlanders: SP Lefty Leifield, age 21
St. Louis Cardinals: 3B Al Bridwell, age 20
St. Louis Browns: SP King Brady, age 23
Detroit Tigers: SP Harry McIntire, age 25
Pittsburgh Pirates: C Branch Rickey, age 22
Cincinnati Reds: CF Bris Lord, age 21
Boston Americans: SP Harry Ables, age 21
New York Giants: SS Mickey Doolin, age 24
Philadelphia Athletics: SP Hi West, age 20
Chicago Cubs: 1B Myron Grimshaw, age 29

Round 3

Philadelphia Phillies: RF Otis Clymer, age 28
Washington Senators: SP Charlie Chech, age 26
Brooklyn Superbas: SP Ed Kinsella, age 24
Boston Beaneaters: SS John Knight, age 19
Chicago White Sox: SP Rick Adams, age 25
Cleveland Naps: SP Harry Hardy, age 29
New York Highlanders: SP George Disch, age 25
St. Louis Cardinals: SS Phil Lewis, age 21
St. Louis Browns: SP Billy Campbell, age 31
Detroit Tigers: SP Ed Barry, age 22
Pittsburgh Pirates: LF Ed Hahn, age 29
Cincinnati Reds: 3B Otto Knabe, age 20
Boston Americans: 3B Mike Mowrey, age 20
New York Giants: SP Buster Brown, age 23
Philadelphia Athletics: C Howard Wakefield, age 20
Chicago Cubs: RF Denny Sullivan, age 22

[amead17]

TRADE MARKET STIRS TO LIFE AS CLUBS FILL WINTER NEEDS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting from Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 12th, 1905

After a sluggish start the trade market has come alive after the draft as clubs scramble to fortify their rosters before spring training. While no single deal has shaken the base ball world, several notable trades over the past two months show a clear intent by clubs to patch holes the draft could not fill.

On December 14th, the Brooklyn Superbas sent veteran first baseman Tom McCreery (age 30) to the Boston Americans, receiving youthful outfielder Claude Rossman (age 23) in return. McCreery batted .242 in 76 appearances last season, while Rossman is seen as a player with more upside and years ahead of him.

Two days later, on December 16th, the New York Giants shipped young left-hander Ambrose Puttmann (24) to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for seasoned right-hander Jack Cronin (30). Puttmann posted a modest 3.48 ERA last season, while Cronin, fresh off a strong 21–15 campaign with a 2.26 ERA, gives the Giants a proven arm to steady their rotation.

The Highlanders also dipped into the market on December 23rd, dealing infielder Rabbit Nill (23) to the St. Louis Cardinals for veteran pitcher Jack Powell (30). Powell, who went 21–19 with a 2.44 ERA, brings a dependable presence to New York’s staff.

On December 28th, the Cardinals struck again, this time sending longtime shortstop Bobby Wallace (31) to the Philadelphia Athletics. In return, St. Louis received young third baseman Bob Unglaub (24). Wallace, who batted .268 in 152 appearances last season, will give the Athletics stability in the infield, while Unglaub is regarded as a promising piece for the future.

The St. Louis Browns joined the fray on January 9th, trading young catcher Rafael Figarola (22) to the Boston Beaneaters. In return, the Browns landed pitchers Roy Evans (30), who went 13–8 with a 4.02 ERA, and Beany Jacobson (23), a left-hander still developing his craft.

Perhaps the most intriguing swap came on January 14th, when the Washington Senators dealt pitchers Joe Corbett (29) and Bugs Raymond (22) to the Cleveland Naps. In return, Washington secured right-hander Mike Lynch (24), who impressed with a 20–14 record and 2.73 ERA, along with outfielder Harry McChesney (24). Corbett, who struggled to a 10–27 mark with a 4.39 ERA last year, gets a new start in Cleveland, while Lynch’s arrival in Washington has already lifted hopes for a stronger season ahead.

Finally, on February 6th, the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals completed a smaller exchange, swapping reserve players. The Phillies sent Fred Odwell (32, RF) westward, while the Cardinals sent back Mike O’Neill (27, LHP) and Pete Noonan (23, C). Neither side expects fireworks from the deal, but both clubs believe the swap better balances their depth.

Though no trade thus far has been earth-shattering, the flurry of activity in recent weeks suggests clubs are at last setting their houses in order for the 1905 campaign. More movement may yet be in store before the season dawns in April.

[amead17]

BIG CONTRACTS SIGNED AS DRAFTEES PREPARE FOR THE SEASON

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

February 13th, 1905 – The deadline for draft signees has passed, and with it the hopes, fortunes, and future of many a young ballplayer have been decided. All but one of this year’s class have agreed terms with their clubs, clearing the way for the rookies to report to camp with pen to paper and ambition in hand.

The lone holdout comes from the Queen City. The Cincinnati Reds and their 5th-round selection, outfielder Wilbur Good, failed to reach an agreement. Good, a promising young man with a keen eye at the plate, will instead spend 1905 at Houston Christian University before re-entering the draft pool next year. Cincinnati fans will no doubt watch closely to see whether the Reds erred in letting him slip away.

At the other end of the scale lies the game’s most talked-of young recruit. Ty Cobb, the 17-year-old outfielder taken first overall by the Philadelphia Phillies, agreed to terms with a signing bonus of $1,320, easily the largest figure of this year’s class. Cobb, already whispered about in scouting circles as a player of “generational promise,” appeared eager but grounded when asked about his next steps.

“The money is nice, of course,” Cobb remarked with his Georgian drawl, “but it doesn’t mean a thing once I step between the lines. I’m here to prove I can play this game at the very highest level. Now it’s time to knuckle down and show Philadelphia they made the right choice.”

Other notables also struck fine bargains. John Hummell, the Cleveland Naps’ second baseman, secured $844, a tidy sum for a youngster. Hummell, still grinning from the ink drying on his contract, told reporters:

“It’s a dream come true. I’ve followed this game since I was a boy, and now I get to wear a major league uniform. I’ll be working every day to earn my keep and bring pride to Cleveland.”

Pitchers, though not as plentiful in this draft crop, were not forgotten. The most lucrative mound deal went to Orval Overall, the Brooklyn Superbas’ first-round selection, who landed an $880 contract. Overall, known for his sturdy arm and calm demeanor, spoke confidently:

“Brooklyn has placed its faith in me, and I aim to repay it on the hill. The real work starts now, and I’m ready to throw every inning as if my career depends on it.”

With signatures in place and bonuses pocketed, the class of 1905 now faces the stern task of translating contracts into contributions. Philadelphia fans will be watching young Cobb most keenly, but across the league, every city dreams that their new man might blossom into the star who lifts them toward October glory.

[amead17]

PENNANT RACES TAKE SHAPE AS 1905 SEASON BEGINS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

April 13, 1905 – The long days of spring training are behind us, and now the true test begins. With the season opening across the land, every club in both leagues carries the same dream: to seize the pennant and earn a place in the grand World’s Championship Series come October. Hope is abundant, but the experts are already wagering which clubs carry real mettle and which are little more than paper pretenders.

In the American League, the New York Highlanders have caught the fancy of the bookmakers. Behind a lively attack led by outfielders Cy Seymour and Mike Donlin, the Highlanders are tabbed for 87 victories, enough to take the flag by a narrow margin. Their new manager, Ismael Garcia, is confident but measured in his remarks.

“The standings on paper don’t win you a thing,” Garcia said as he gathered his men in Baltimore. “But what I’ve seen in camp convinces me these fellows have the grit and the skill. If we keep our heads and play our game, New York will be mighty proud of its ballclub this year.”

Chicago’s White Sox and the Philadelphia Athletics lurk just two games back in the predictions, both with fine pitching staffs and sharp managers. Detroit, with the splendid right-hander Mordecai Brown, figures to push them but may fall short of the summit. The Boston Americans, still boasting the great Cy Young, and the plucky St. Louis Browns are expected to hover near the middle. Cleveland and Washington, alas, appear fated for the second division, the Senators once more burdened with weak pitching and too many strikeouts.

In the National League, the pennant chase looks even tighter. The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates are forecast to finish dead even atop the table at 93 wins apiece, a clash that may not be resolved until the final week of September. Chicago, blessed with speed aplenty and the leadership of first baseman Frank Chance, has impressed experts with its balance of pitching and base-stealing.
Manager Tom Loftus spoke with the quiet assurance of a man who believes his club is ready.

“We’ve got the horses,” Loftus remarked. “Our pitchers can keep the runs down, our batsmen can scratch out what we need, and once the fellows get on base, they’ll run you ragged. It will be a hard campaign, but this club is built for the long haul.”

The Pirates, not to be outdone, feature the great Honus Wagner at shortstop and a staff anchored by the mercurial Rube Waddell and steady Deacon Phillippe. Experts say it may be the strongest one-two punch in the league. New York’s Giants, with Christy Mathewson still the pride of the Polo Grounds, should not be overlooked either, though nine games back in the predictions suggests inconsistency may haunt them again.

Behind the leaders, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Cincinnati will provide stubborn resistance but are not tipped as true contenders. Boston is expected to stumble, and Brooklyn’s Superbas, beset by thin pitching and a weak batting order, look destined for a hard summer in the cellar.

As the bell rings on the 1905 campaign, the talk is of pennants, pitching, and penniless chances. Predictions may fill the columns today, but by October the game itself will have the last word.

[amead17]

GLADE MAKES HISTORY WITH NO-HITTER AGAINST CARDINALS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

Cincinnati, April 23, 1905 – The faithful who gathered at League Park this afternoon were treated to one of the rarest of baseball marvels. Fred Glade, the 29-year-old right-hander of the Cincinnati Reds, turned back the St. Louis Cardinals without the benefit of a single base hit, as the home club triumphed, 3 to 0.

Glade’s performance was a masterwork of control and guile. Over nine innings, he struck out eight batsmen, permitted but two free passes, and stood calm in the face of every Cardinal threat. Only in the seventh, when a walk and a misplayed grounder put two men aboard, did the Reds’ hold seem in doubt, but Glade bore down and retired the side with nary a scratch.

The victory improved his early season mark to 2 wins and 1 defeat, while his earned run average now rests at a stingy 1.19. The Reds plated their three tallies in the second inning on a timely succession of hits and a St. Louis miscue, and from that moment onward it was Glade’s afternoon.

The pitcher himself spoke with characteristic modesty after the final out.

“I just tried to keep the ball down and let the fellows behind me do their part,” Glade remarked, his uniform still damp with exertion. “A no-hit game is something every pitcher dreams of, but truth be told, I was only thinking about the next batter. It feels grand to have it come out this way.”

Reds manager Bid McPhee, the veteran skipper, was quick to praise his hurler.

“Fred gave us a jewel today,” McPhee declared. “He had his fast one hopping, mixed in his curves, and never lost his head. For a club that’s had a hard go of it early, this is the sort of victory that can turn the tide. The boys believe in themselves a bit more tonight.”

Now standing at 3 wins against 6 defeats, Cincinnati hopes this shining afternoon is the spark to alter its fortunes in the National League race. Whether or not the club ascends in the standings, Fred Glade’s no-hit gem will long be remembered by those who witnessed it.

[amead17]

GEORGE DAVIS REACHES 500 STOLEN BASES AS GIANTS EDGE PHILLIES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

Philadelphia, April 24, 1905 – It was a day to remember for the New York Giants and their faithful supporters, as the club triumphed over the Phillies on foreign soil by a narrow count of 2 to 1. The victory, however, will be long recalled not so much for the scoreline as for the personal milestone achieved by George Davis, the Giants’ celebrated player-manager.

In the fifth inning, Davis, now in his sixteenth season of major league service, swiped the 500th base of his career, joining a select company of the game’s greatest base runners. The theft ignited a rally which furnished the Giants’ two decisive tallies.

Davis opened the frame with a sharp single, promptly pilfered second to the delight of the New York bench, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and then trotted home on Jimmy Slagle’s timely hit. That run proved the difference in the contest.

For the afternoon, Davis went 1-for-4 at the plate, scored once, and notched the milestone steal, nudging his early-season average to .214. Over his illustrious career, which began as a 19-year-old in 1890, he has compiled a .292 lifetime mark. Since donning New York’s colors in 1893, he has been both their anchor in the infield and, since 1900, their guiding hand from the dugout.

The win pushed the Giants to a 6–3 record on the young season, keeping them firmly in stride with the early leaders in the National League race.

Davis, ever modest, reflected on the achievement with a player’s humility.

“Five hundred is a fine number, and I’m proud to have reached it,” he said with a quiet smile. “But every steal has meant the same to me — a chance to help the club score. That’s all a fellow can ask for.”

As manager, Davis viewed the day’s success through a broader lens.

“What pleases me most is the manner in which the boys seized the moment,” he declared. “We played crisp, hard baseball, and that is the way we must go about it if we aim to contend.”

With Davis leading by both word and deed, the Giants look well-positioned to press their case in the National League race. Fans who witnessed his fleet-footed dash today will speak of it for years to come — a symbol of longevity, guile, and enduring excellence on the base paths.

[amead17]

RED AMES DEALS NO-HIT MASTERPIECE FOR PHILLIES

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

Philadelphia, April 28, 1905 – Youth and promise combined with poise and determination at Philadelphia Base Ball Grounds this afternoon, where 22-year-old Red Ames delivered a sparkling no-hit performance to lift the Phillies over the Boston Beaneaters, 3–0.

For nine innings the Boston bats were silenced, rendered helpless by the youngster’s deceptive delivery and unyielding nerve. Though he struck out but two men, Ames permitted neither hit nor run, yielding only two walks and committing one error himself — blemishes that did little to mar the achievement. The triumph brought his season ledger to 1–3 with a 4.05 ERA, and more importantly, gave the beleaguered Phillies faithful reason for cheer as their club advanced to 4–9 on the year.

The Phillies plated their first two tallies in the fifth, sparked by a timely single from the heart of the order, and added an insurance run in the eighth to seal the decision. From there, Ames did the rest, retiring the side with crisp efficiency in the final frame as the home crowd rose in ovation.

After the game, the young hurler spoke with a mix of humility and quiet pride.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” Ames admitted, his cap in hand. “I just tried to keep the ball where they couldn’t square it, and the boys behind me did their part. I may be young yet, but I hope to give this city many more days like this.”

Phillies manager Brian Casto was effusive in his praise, pointing to the performance as a hopeful turning point.

“For a youngster of Ames’s years to pitch with such command, it shows the makings of a true professional,” Casto said. “This is the kind of win that can steady a ballclub. If we keep playing sharp behind him, there’s no telling how far he can go.”

On this spring afternoon in Philadelphia, a new name was etched into baseball’s roll of honor. The Phillies, who have searched for inspiration through a rocky April, may have found it at last in the powerful right arm of Red Ames.

[amead17]

BASEBALL’S EARLY RETURNS: SURPRISES IN BOTH LEAGUES AS APRIL CLOSES
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

May 1, 1905 – With the first month of the campaign behind us, the base ball season is beginning to take shape, and already the standings in both leagues offer a mixture of expectation and surprise.

In the American League, two clubs have set the pace: the New York Highlanders and the Philadelphia Athletics, each at 9–5. Not far behind stand the Cleveland Naps (9–6) and Chicago White Sox (9–7), both eager to mount a May surge. Yet the great talking point rests at the foot of the table, where the Boston Americans have stumbled badly. At 3–11, the club that has so often been the terror of the circuit looks a shadow of itself. While there is time for a recovery, the Huntington Avenue faithful cannot help but fret at the sluggish start.

Over in the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates hold a narrow lead at 11–5, a mere half game clear of the season’s early darlings, the Boston Beaneaters, whose play has far outstripped preseason forecasts. The Cincinnati Reds (10–6) sit in striking distance, while the New York Giants (8–6) are not far off. The reverse, however, is true in St. Louis, where the Cardinals have endured a wretched opening, stumbling to 2–14 and already nine games adrift.

As April gives way to May, the Sporting Times is pleased to honor those whose efforts have shone most brightly in the opening weeks:

April Awards

American League

Top Batter: Cy Seymour, New York Highlanders – .364 average, 4 home runs, 14 runs batted in, 13 runs scored.

Top Pitcher: Charles Bender, Chicago White Sox – 4–0 record, 1.25 ERA.

Top Rookie: Ed Reulbach, New York Highlanders – 4–0 record, 1.25 ERA.

National League

Top Batter: George Brown, Philadelphia Phillies – .429 average, 14 RBI, 11 runs scored.

Top Pitcher: Bill Dinneen, Boston Beaneaters – 3–1 record, 1.69 ERA.

Top Rookie: Jim Buchanan, New York Giants – 2–0 record, 1.00 ERA.

With the long summer ahead, today’s leaders may yet stumble and today’s stragglers may yet rise. Still, the season has begun in earnest, and already the tale of 1905 promises intrigue and excitement in equal measure.

[amead17]

SELBACH CROSSES MILESTONE AS ATHLETICS DEFEAT SENATORS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

Philadelphia, May 4, 1905 – The Philadelphia Athletics continued their strong opening to the campaign this afternoon, dispatching the Washington Senators by a score of 4 to 1 before an appreciative home crowd. The contest carried an added note of distinction, for in the second inning Kip Selbach, the veteran right fielder, tallied the 1,000th run of his career.

The landmark came in workmanlike fashion. Selbach coaxed a leadoff walk, advanced to third on Lave Cross’s single, and came trotting home when Joe Sugden grounded to second. That tally stood as one of four plated by the Athletics, sufficient for their twelfth triumph of the season, raising the club’s mark to 12–6.

Selbach, now 33 years of age, contributed a 1-for-3 day at the plate, adding the walk and his historic run. His average sits at .254 on the young season. Over the course of his career, which began in 1894 when he was but twenty-two, Selbach has posted a respectable .290 lifetime average. Since arriving in Philadelphia by trade in 1902, he has become a steady hand in the outfield and at the dish.

Speaking after the game, Selbach showed his customary humility. “I’ve never thought much about counting runs, only about finding ways to help the club win,” he remarked. “To cross that line a thousand times means I’ve been fortunate to play with good men who could bring me around. I’m grateful, but more pleased that it came in a victory.”

Manager Chris Smith lauded his veteran. “Kip’s the sort of player every manager hopes to have – steady, reliable, and always playing the game the right way,” he said. “One thousand runs is a testament to both his skill and his perseverance. The younger fellows would do well to learn from his example.”

With the Athletics holding firm near the top of the American League, Philadelphia supporters have reason to cheer, and Selbach’s milestone only added luster to a fine afternoon of base ball.

[amead17]

DAHLEN NOTCHES 2,000TH HIT AS SUPERBAS BEST REDS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

Brooklyn, May 9, 1905 – The faithful in Brooklyn had reason to cheer this afternoon as the Superbas secured a 7 to 3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, a triumph made all the sweeter by a milestone in the career of their veteran shortstop Bill Dahlen. The 35-year-old infielder, long a fixture in the National League, struck his 2,000th base hit, a mark reached by but a select few in the history of the game.

The moment arrived in the seventh inning, with the Superbas already in command by a score of 6 to 3. Dahlen laced a clean single, sending Bill Keister to third base. Keister would later cross the plate, though Dahlen himself was left aboard. Regardless, the tally placed his name securely among the game’s premier batsmen.

For the day, Dahlen finished 1-for-2 with a run scored, an RBI, and a base on balls, lifting his season’s average to .207. Over a career that began in 1891 with the Chicago Colts, the redoubtable shortstop has now compiled a .283 lifetime mark. Since coming to Brooklyn in 1899, he has been a steady anchor in the Superbas’ infield.

A modest figure, Dahlen reflected on his accomplishment with a measured tone. “Two thousand hits is a fine number, but I’ve always thought more about winning ballgames than counting them up,” he said. “I’m pleased it came in front of our own crowd and that it helped toward a victory.”

Superbas manager Jason Leach was quick to praise his veteran leader. “Bill has been the backbone of this club for years,” he remarked. “He’s the kind of ballplayer every young man should look up to – steady with the glove, dependable with the bat, and fierce in his will to win. Today’s milestone is richly deserved.”

The victory lifted the Superbas to 10 wins against 13 defeats, a mark that keeps them striving to climb in the National League standings. With Dahlen still proving his worth, Brooklyn supporters may yet believe that steadier days lie ahead.

[amead17]

CY YOUNG SHELVED WITH SHOULDER AILMENT AS AMERICANS FALL TO TIGERS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

Detroit, May 12, 1905 – The fortunes of the Boston Americans, already dimmed by a disheartening start to the season, grew darker still today. In falling 5 to 3 to the Detroit Tigers, the club not only suffered another defeat but saw their veteran ace Cy Young removed from the contest with an injury that may shape the campaign ahead.

The mishap occurred in the seventh inning, with Young laboring after conceding five runs. As he delivered a pitch, he winced and motioned for assistance, citing pain in his shoulder. After a brief consultation with the trainer and captain, he was escorted from the field. Later examination revealed a diagnosis of shoulder inflammation, and the club announced he would be sidelined for an estimated four months.

Young’s season has been troubled from the start, his ledger showing 1 win against 5 defeats with an earned run average of 3.03. Many now wonder whether the lingering ailment explains his early struggles.

Ever forthright, the great pitcher offered a few words after the contest. “I’ve been trying to pitch through it, thinking it would work itself out,” Young admitted. “But today it told me plain that I could go no further. It’s a bitter thing to sit idle, but I’ll follow the doctor’s orders and work to come back as soon as I can.”

Manager Jimmy Collins expressed both concern and confidence. “Losing Cy is a heavy blow – there’s no denying that,” Collins said. “But this club cannot fold its tents because one man is laid low, even if that man is the finest pitcher of our time. Others must step forward, and I expect they will. As for Cy, I know his spirit, and if anyone can return from this, it is him.”

The setback leaves the Americans at 9–15 on the year, searching for answers and a revival that has thus far eluded them. Their supporters, long accustomed to better fortunes, will watch anxiously as May unfolds without their stalwart hurler at the helm.

[amead17]

CUBS LOSE GAME AND HURLER HUGHES TO SEVERE INJURY

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

Philadelphia, May 25, 1905 – The Chicago Cubs, reigning champions of the National League, have begun their title defense with respectable vigor, but today brought a double blow. The club fell to the Philadelphia Phillies, 4 to 3, and in the process lost pitcher Tom Hughes to a grievous injury that may rob them of his services for the balance of the season.

The misfortune struck in the fourth inning, with Hughes in firm command of the contest. The 26-year-old right-hander had yielded only three scattered hits while keeping the Phillies scoreless. But as he delivered a pitch, his leg buckled beneath him, and he collapsed upon the mound in evident distress. Trainers hurried to his aid, and after several minutes he was assisted from the field to a hush of concern from the Philadelphia faithful.

Medical examination revealed a torn meniscus of the knee, an ailment expected to shelve Hughes for four to five months. Such a span may well eliminate him from the pennant race entirely. His record to date stands at 3 victories and 7 defeats, with an earned run average of 3.57 across ten starts.

Hughes, though downcast, spoke with resolve afterward. “It’s a cruel thing to be struck down just as the season is finding its stride,” he said. “But I’ll keep faith, do the work needed, and aim to come back stronger. For now, I can only cheer the boys on from the side.”

Manager Tom Loftus, visibly shaken by the day’s events, offered his perspective. “Tom was throwing splendid ball before the mishap, and to lose him in such a fashion is a hard stroke,” Loftus remarked. “But this club has endured adversity before. We must keep our eyes on the pennant and press forward, one game at a time. Still, our hearts are with Tom, and we hope to see him return in due course.”

The defeat leaves the Cubs at 20 wins and 18 losses, hovering just behind the league leaders. While the campaign remains young, the injury to Hughes casts a shadow over their pitching staff that will demand fresh answers in the weeks ahead.

[amead17]

BRODIE REACHES 2,000 HITS, BUT SUPERBAS FALL TO GIANTS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

New York, May 27, 1905 – The Brooklyn Superbas’ season continued its difficult course this afternoon, as they were soundly defeated by the New York Giants, 9 to 1, before a lively crowd at the Polo Grounds. The setback dropped Brooklyn’s mark to 16 wins against 23 losses, leaving their supporters restless and their pennant ambitions increasingly distant.

Yet amid the gloom, there was a solitary gleam of accomplishment. Veteran outfielder Steve Brodie, at age 36 and in the twilight of a long career, secured his 2,000th base hit. The milestone blow came in the fourth inning, a sharp single that sent Bill Dahlen racing home with Brooklyn’s lone tally of the contest. It was one of only three hits the Superbas managed all afternoon against the Giants’ sturdy pitching.

For the day, Brodie went 1-for-3 with a run batted in, though his season average remains a meager .191, a mark emblematic of Brooklyn’s offensive struggles. Across his distinguished career, however, Brodie has fashioned a steady .295 batting average since first donning a major league uniform in 1890 as a 21-year-old. He joined the Superbas before the 1904 campaign, and though age now presses hard, his perseverance remains evident.

Brodie, modest as ever, downplayed the feat. “Two thousand hits is a fine number, I suppose, but I’d trade every one of them for a victory today,” he remarked. “I’ve been blessed to play this game a long while, and I’ll keep giving what I can, even if the years weigh heavier now.”

Manager Jason Leach, while lamenting the defeat, praised his veteran outfielder’s achievement. “Steve has been a steady hand in this game for fifteen years and more,” Leach said. “He’s earned every one of those hits through grit and know-how. Our club may be stumbling, but moments like this remind us of the craft and history that carry on in the sport.”

For the Giants, the victory reinforced their steady start, while the Superbas face the stern task of reversing fortunes if they are to rejoin the upper reaches of the National League standings.

[amead17]

HIGHLANDERS DOWN ATHLETICS, BUT LOSE POWELL FOR THE SEASON

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

Philadelphia, May 30, 1905 – The New York Highlanders, who have emerged as a force under new management this spring, continued their winning ways with a 5 to 2 triumph over the Philadelphia Athletics today. The victory lifted the Highlanders to 22 wins against 17 losses, a mark that keeps them firmly in the thick of the American League race.

Yet what should have been a day of celebration was tempered by a grave misfortune. Jack Powell, the club’s steady right-hander, was forced to leave the game in the third inning after suffering an injury to his back. With New York holding a 4–1 lead, Powell suddenly halted mid-delivery and clutched at his side, bringing the trainer and teammates rushing to his aid. He was escorted from the field, unable to continue.

Postgame examination brought grim tidings: Powell has suffered a torn muscle in his back and will be lost to the Highlanders for the remainder of the 1905 campaign. It is a cruel blow for both player and club, as Powell had fashioned a 7–2 record with a fine 2.63 earned run average in the early going, serving as one of the pillars of New York’s promising season.

Powell, though clearly disappointed, managed a few quiet words. “I’ve been blessed to start the year strong, and I wanted nothing more than to carry this club through the summer,” he said. “Fate has other ideas, but I’ll support the boys from the bench and trust they’ll keep marching toward that pennant.”

Manager Ismael Garcia, who has already instilled new life into the Highlanders, spoke with a mix of pride and regret. “We’re heartbroken to lose Jack, for he has given us everything each time he’s taken the ball,” Garcia remarked. “But baseball is a long campaign, and this club has shown its fight. We’ll adjust, we’ll find a way, and we’ll play on in Jack’s honor.”

The Highlanders’ bats did their part today, striking early and often to seize the lead, while the bullpen preserved the margin after Powell’s departure. For now, New York presses forward in the standings, though their road ahead has grown more arduous without one of their most dependable arms.

[amead17]

ATHLETICS, PIRATES SET THE PACE AS SUMMER APPROACHES

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

June 1, 1905 – With spring giving way to the warmth of summer, the base ball season finds itself well under way, and both circuits are beginning to take shape as clubs set their sights on October glory.

In the American League, the Philadelphia Athletics (24–17) hold a narrow half-game advantage over the Detroit Tigers, with the Cleveland Naps and New York Highlanders pressing closely behind. The race is still young, but it is already proving to be one of the tightest in recent memory. At the opposite end of the table, the Boston Americans have endured a wretched opening stretch, hampered severely by the loss of their veteran star pitcher, Cy Young, whose shoulder ailment has left the champions of old looking far less formidable.

The National League standings are somewhat clearer. The Pittsburgh Pirates, on the strength of a 26–17 mark, enjoy a cushion of two and a half games over both the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs. At the bottom, however, a private duel is shaping between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Brooklyn Superbas, each sitting at 16–27, ten games adrift of the lead and six behind sixth place.

As May has concluded, the leagues have named their monthly honorees:

American League Awards

Top Batter: Cy Seymour, New York Highlanders – .362, 2 home runs, 15 runs batted in, 25 runs scored

Top Pitcher: Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, Detroit Tigers – 7–0, 1.70 earned run average

Rookie of the Month: Beany Jacobson, St. Louis Browns – 3–3, 2.72 earned run average

National League Awards

Top Batter: Honus Wagner, Pittsburgh Pirates – .385, 19 runs batted in, 20 runs scored

Top Pitcher: Doc White, Philadelphia Phillies – 7–2, 1.99 earned run average

Rookie of the Month: Irv Young, Cincinnati Reds – 3–4, 1.89 earned run average

With the season’s first full month behind us, the battles for supremacy are tightening. If the opening weeks are any indication, the summer of 1905 promises a campaign rich in drama, skill, and the unrelenting pursuit of the pennant.

[amead17]

HIGHLANDERS DEFEAT BOSTON, BUT LOSE SHORTSTOP BATCH FOR THE SEASON

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times

June 5, 1905 – New York – The New York Highlanders secured a hard-fought 4–2 triumph over the Boston Americans this afternoon at Hilltop Park, keeping pace in the lively chase for the American League pennant. Yet the victory was tinged with deep misfortune, as shortstop Emil Batch suffered a severe injury in the opening frame that will side line him for the remainder of the campaign.

In the bottom of the first, Batch reached base with a sharp single to left and immediately attempted to steal second. As he dashed toward the bag, he stumbled and fell headlong to the turf, landing hard upon his knees. His anguished cry brought silence over the grandstand, and he had to be carried from the field by attendants.

It was later revealed that the 25-year-old fractured his knee and will be lost to the club for five months, effectively ending his season. Batch, who raised his season’s mark to .238 with his lone hit today, has been a steadying influence in the Highlander infield and will be sorely missed.

From his hospital bed, Batch spoke with the quiet courage befitting a ball player:

“I knew the moment I went down that it was bad. A fellow never wants to leave his mates this way, but I’ll mend as best I can and hope to be back stronger when next spring comes.”

Highlanders manager Ismael Garcia, while pleased with the club’s victory, could not hide his concern for his injured shortstop:

“Emil has been a fine hand for us, and it pains me to see him stricken so early in the season. The lads will rally and play on, but we’ll surely miss his sure glove and steady bat. The only consolation is that his spirit remains strong.”

With the win, New York improves to 23–22, remaining within striking distance of the league-leading Athletics. Yet the loss of Batch casts a long shadow, as the Highlanders now look to reshuffle their infield in the heat of the pennant chase.