100 Years Ago Today 5/31/1920: Brooklyn Robins Sweep Rival Giants in Twin Bill at Ebbets

From the desk of:  THE FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #35: Monday, May 31, 1920 - BR
New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field:  GAME ONE

Burleigh Grimes Flusters John McGraw and the New York Giants

Brooklyn bats swarm Giants starter Phil Douglas with haste, knocking him out of the box by the second inning.  Four hits, an error by his shortstop Art Fletcher, a run batted in by opposing pitcher Burleigh Grimes, and 0-3 deficit are all John McGraw can stand before dispatching Phil Douglas to the showers.  With one out and runners on the corners in the Giants third Art Fletcher makes up for his fielding gaffe by plating right fielder George Burns with the Giants first run.  Burleigh Grimes and the Robins then get after Giants reliever Jesse Winters in the Brooklyn fifth.  With two outs Pete Kilduff triples to left and scores on Grimes second hit of the game.  Then with runners on the corners and two outs Art Fletcher commits his second costly error of the game allowing Otto Miller to score Brooklyn's fifth run.  New York scores once in the ninth en route to a 5-2 defeat.  Burleigh Grimes improves to 6-2 with a 1.33 ERA.  He allows two earned runs on eleven hits and no walks with seven strikeouts.  With a stick in his hands Grimes goes 3 for 3 with two runs batted in.


Game #36: Monday, May 31, 1920 - BR
New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field:  GAME TWO

Strong Pitching and Timely Hitting Continue to Propel Wilbert's Robins

The New Yorkers provide little defense for starter Jesse Barnes.  Five more fielding errors send manager John McGraw into conniption.  A contented Wilbert Robinson can not help but grin at his adversary's dismay as the Robins complete a sweep of Monday's twin bill at Ebbets Field.  Brooklyn pitchers continue wielding a hot bat, as starter Al Mamaux goes 2 for 4 with a run scored.  Ivy Olson is 1 for 5 with a triple and run batted in.  Making his sixth straight start at first base in place of Ed Konetchy, Clarence Mitchell is hitting .304 with seven hits in 23 at-bats.  On the mound Al Mamaux treats the Giants unkindly, yielding one earned run on just five hits and three walks with two strikeouts.  He improves to 3-1 with a fine 1.18 earned run average.  Brooklyn is now 5-3 against the Giants this season with the home teams continuing to hold sway.  The Reds and Cubs split their twin bill at Chicago leaving the Robins and Reds tied for second place one half game behind the front running Cubs.

• RECORD: 21-14 (.600)
• 2nd place; 0.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/30/1920: Brooklyn Robins Win Third Straight Against Braves

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #34: Sunday, May 30, 1920 - BR
Boston Braves vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Brooks Win Third Straight; Brace for New York Giants

No Ed Konetchy?  No Problem.  Minus their top run producer and starting first baseman the Robins average five runs a game during their now concluded four game series against the Braves.  Brooklyn wins Sunday's series finale and takes the series three games to one.  Sherry Smith wins his second game against two losses with a lowered 1.62 earned run average.  He allows two runs, one earned, on six hits and three walks with four strikeouts through nine complete.  Zack Wheat leads the charge with three hits in four at-bats, two runs scored and two runs batted in.  Hi Myers is 2 for 4 also with two runs batted in.

• RECORD: 19-14 (.575)
• 3rd place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/29/1920: Brooklyn Robins Sweep Saturday Twin Bill Against Braves

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #32: Saturday, May 29, 1920 - BR
Boston Braves vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field:  GAME ONE

Hi Myers Highlights Offensive Outburst; Rube Marquard Sharp in Return to Mound

The Robins jump out to an early lead and never look back.  Brooklyn posts a pair in the first inning on runs batted in from Jimmy Johnston and Hi Myers.  Boston briefly cuts the deficit by one on Rabbit Maranville's second inning sacrifice fly scoring John Sullivan from third.  But the Braves manage just two more hits through the remainder of the game.  Back in action making his first appearance in nine days, and his first start since May 7, veteran Rube Marquard limits Boston to a lone run on just three hits and three walks with three strikeouts through nine innings complete.  He improves to 2-1 and lowers his ERA to a 3.55 mark.  Meanwhile the Robins continue putting Braves starter Bunny Hearn through the ringer with another five runs on seven more hits.  All told Hearn yields seven runs, six earned, on eleven hits through eight innings pitched.  Zack Wheat is 1 for 4, with a run batted in.  Hi Myers enjoys a productive game at the plate going 2 for 4 with a triple and a long home run to right that goes bouncing onto Bedford Avenue.  In the seventh inning Ivy Olson plates two more runs with a triple, then scores the final run of the game on a Bernie Neis hit to left.  Brooklyn takes the first game of Saturday's twin bill by a 7-1 final score.  This game is a make-up from an Apr. 21 postponement.


Game #33: Saturday, May 29, 1920 - BR
Boston Braves vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field:  GAME TWO

Hi Myers Picks Up Where He Leaves Off; Robins Complete Twin Bill Sweep

Saturday's second game begins ominously for Brooklyn who in the first inning commit three errors resulting in Boston's first two runs.  Adding insult to injury right fielder Walton Cruise steals home making it a 3-0 Braves lead after one-half inning of play.  Brooklyn evens the score with single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings.  Boston opens the sixth with three consecutive singles and a run batted in from third baseman Tony Boeckel.  Ivy Olson answers on Brooklyn's behalf in the seventh with a hit to right scoring pinch runner Bill McCabe from second base.  Starting pitchers Leon Cadore and Boston's inexperienced Hugh McQuillan continue dueling through the ninth.  With one out and the bases full in the Brooklyn tenth Hi Myers singles through the left side scoring Ivy Olson from third with the game winning run.  McQuillan's line reads five earned runs on eight hits and five walks with one strikeout over 9.1 innings pitched.  Making his eighth start Leon Cadore improves to 4-2 with a brilliant 1.08 ERA.  He yields four runs but only one is earned.  In fact, Cadore has allowed just two earned runs over his last 27 innings pitched.  Leon also helps himself with the stick, going 1 for 3 with a run batted in.  Ivy Olson is 3 for 5 with two runs batted in, and Hi Myers is 2 for 5 also with two runs batted in.  Clarence Mitchell makes his third consecutive start at first base in place of injured Ed Konetchy.

• RECORD: 18-14
• 3rd place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/28/1920: Brooklyn Robins Come Up Short Against Braves

From the desk of:  THE FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #31: Friday, May 28, 1920 - BR
Boston Braves vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Brooklyn Robins Come Undone in Ninth; Drop Series Opener to Braves

The Robins and Boston Braves open a four game series at Ebbets Field.  Making his sixth start of the season Jeff Pfeffer is opposed by Braves journeyman Dana Fillingam.  After three scoreless frames the teams trade runs in the fourth on runs batted in by Boston starter Dana Fillingam and Brooklyn's Jimmy Johnston respectively.  In the Braves sixth with two outs catcher Mickey O'Neil doubles home third baseman Tony Boeckel for a 2-1 lead.  Then in the top of the ninth Boston breaks open the game.  Fillingam again helps his own cause with his second hit and second run batted in.  Then with two outs and two runners on base Eddie Eayrs sends a Jeff Pfeffer offering into deep center field for an inside the park home run.  Brooklyn rallies for two runs in the bottom half of the frame but can muster no more.  Fillingam picks up his fourth victory of the season having yielded three runs on eight hits and one walk through nine.  Jeff Pfeffer on the other hand loses his fifth straight decision, allowing all six runs on 13 hits and one walk with six strikeouts likewise through nine innings pitched.  Pete Kilduff is 1 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in.  Zack Wheat's hot start has cooled in recent weeks evidenced by his downward ticking .295 batting average.  And two-way pitcher Clarence Mitchell gives Ed Konetchy the day off with one of his rare starts at first base.

• RECORD: 16-14 (.533)
• 4th place; 2 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/27/1920: Brooklyn Robins Bow to Philadelphia in Return to Ebbets Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #30: Thursday, May 27, 1920 - BR
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Ivy Olson's First Inning Error Comes Back To Haunt Brooklyn; Clarence Mitchell Takes Early Shower

In what was supposed to be a break in the schedule, Brooklyn is made to play a make up game (Apr. 16) against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Back home after a successful 6-3 road trip the Robins fall behind Philadelphia early but rally in the fourth and fifth innings to knot the game at four.  The score remains unchanged for another five innings.  In the top of the eleventh inning with one out, Phillies third baseman Ralph Miller doubles home first baseman Gene Paulette with the go ahead run.  In the bottom half of the frame starter George Smith retires the Robins in order.  Brooklyn starter Clarence Mitchell faces three batters in the third before manager Robinson summons little utilized George Mohart from the bullpen.  Mitchell surrenders four runs, three earned, on six hits and no walks in just 2.1 innings of work.  However it is George Mohart making only his third appearance whom takes the loss after yielding just one earned run on five hits and one walk with four strikeouts over 8.1 innings pitched.  In the final analysis shortstop Ivy Olson's mishandling of Dave Bancroft's ground ball leading off the game proves very costly.  Philadelphia's George Smith pitches all eleven innings allowing four earned runs on nine hits and one walk en route to his fourth victory of the season.  Hi Myers is 3 for 5 with a double, triple, and two runs batted in, and Ed Konecthy drives in his team leading sixteenth run this season.  Pittsburgh now owns a slim half-game lead over the Cubs and Reds.  Brooklyn is next in line just one game out.

• RECORD: 16-13 (.551)
• 4th place; 1 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/26/1920: Brooklyn Robins Claim Key Series Victory at Pittsburgh

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #29: Wednesday, May 26, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

Burleigh Grimes Wields Mighty Bat in Series Clinching Victory Over First Place Pirates

Brooklyn's fast rising star Burleigh Grimes commands the mound as well as the plate in leading the Robins to a key 3-2 series victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Brooks take Wednesday's series finale by a likewise 3-2 margin wherein Grimes factors greatly in a variety of manners.  With the bases loaded and one out in the fourth Grimes hits catcher Walter Schmidt with a pitch forcing in the game's first run.  But Grimes escapes further damage by inducing his counterpart Pirates starter Jack Wisner into a 6-4-3 double play.  With one out and two runners in scoring position in the Brooklyn fourth Burleigh Grimes ties the score with a sacrifice fly to right scoring Pete Kilduff from third base.  Ivy Olson promptly follows with a hit to center scoring Otto Miller for a 2-1 Robins lead.  However with two outs and a runner on second in the Pirates fifth right fielder Billy Southworth steps in against Burleigh Grimes whom uncorks a wild pitch allowing Howdy Caton to advance all the way home.  Undeterred Grimes again takes matters into his own hands.  Wielding a hot bat Burleigh strokes a two out triple off the rookie Jack Wisner scoring Kilduff with the go ahead run, and the Robins ultimate margin of victory.  Grimes enjoys a 3 for 3 day at the plate with a triple and two runs batted in.  A lesson learned on youngster Jack Wisner who goes 0 for 2 with a strikeout.  On the mound Grimes wins his second straight decision against his former team while improving to 5-2 overall with a 1.23 ERA.  He allows two runs, only one earned, on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts through nine complete.  Meanwhile the Robins pepper Wisner for three earned runs on 14 hits.

In 1920 Burleigh Grimes slashes .306/358/.432/.791 in 111 official at-bats, with eight walks, eleven extra base hits, and 16 runs batted in.

• RECORD: 16-12
• 4th place; 0.5 GB

FORBES FIELD

Metsian Podcast Memorial Day Edition with Baseball & BBQ's Jeff Cohen

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

MEMORIAL DAY

A METSIAN PODCAST 

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

GUEST

Jeff Cohen of Baseball and BBQ Podcast

1:51:31

BASEBALL

Owners ~ Players ~ Money ~ Safety ~ Risk ~ Reward

The 1986 Mets

and so much more..!

100 Years Ago Today 5/25/1920: Pirates Hal Carlson Silences Brooklyn Robins at Forbes Field

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #28: Tuesday, May 25, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

Pittsburgh's Hal Carlson Tosses Three-Hitter; Robins Slip to Fourth Place

Following the leads of teammate Elmer Ponder on Sunday, and Brooklyn's Al Mamaux in yesterday's match, Pirates right-hander Hal Carlson takes his turn denying the opposition any meaningful production in a series so far marked by superb starting efforts on behalf of both clubs.  Carlson faces just 31 batters, allowing the Robins no runs on just three hits and one walk with four strikeouts for his third victory of the season.  Leon Cadore is Brooklyn's hard luck loser, yielding two runs, one earned, on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts through eight innings pitched.  Cadore also accounts for one of Brooklyn's three scattered hits, Zack Wheat and Pete Kilduff the others.  Wheat triples to right leading off the top of the fifth, but when Ed Konetchy grounds into a fielder's choice Wheat is thrown out at home by third baseman Possum Whitted.  Pirates second baseman George Cutshaw reaches safely leading off the bottom of the fifth when Ivy Olson mishandles a ground ball to the right side.  Right fielder Billy Southworth's sacrifice bunt advances Cutshaw to second, who then races home on catcher Walter Schmidt's ground ball single to left.  The Pirates resort to thievery for an insurance run in the sixth.  Max Carey leads off with a double, and is then bunted over to third by Southworth.  With Possum Whitted at the plate, Carey puts his wheels in motion as Cadore delivers to the plate.  Whitted successfully completes the suicide squeeze with a bunt up the first base line.  With the loss Brooklyn slips down to fourth place one half game behind the Cubs, while the Pirates and Reds remain tied for first place.

• RECORD: 15-12
• 4th place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/24/1920: Al Mamaux Lifts Brooklyn Robins to Key Victory at Forbes Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #27: Monday, May 24, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

Al Mamaux Hurls Gem at Former Team; Robins Continue Affecting National League Standings

A former 20-game winner with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Al Mamaux puts on full display every reason why in the winter of 1918 Wilbert Robinson wants him in a Brooklyn uniform.  The right-hander who turns 26-years old six days from today puts forth perhaps the finest performance of his career to date.  A day after Pittsburgh's Elmer Ponder whitewashes the Robins at Ebbets Field, Mamaux returns the favor at Forbes Field allowing the Pirates no runs on just four hits and three walks with six strikeouts in a complete game shutout victory.  He improves to 2-1 on the season with a stellar 1.24 ERA through 29 innings pitched.  With two outs in the Brooklyn fourth Ed Konetchy doubles home Jimmy Johnston whom leads off the frame with a walk - and therein lies your final score, folks.  Aging gracefully and very effectively, Pirates 38-year old veteran Babe Adams allows one run on nine hits and two walks with two strikeouts in a complete game albeit losing effort.  He now sports a 5-4 record with an equally stellar 1.29 ERA.  Brooklyn's second victory in three games over the Pirates brings them within one-half game of first place.  In turn the Pirates and Reds are once again tied atop the National League standings.

• RECORD: 15-11-1
• 3rd place; 0.5 GB

HOME PLATE
FORBES FIELD

100 Years Ago Today 5/23/1920: Pirates Elmer Ponder Blanks Brooklyn Robins at Ebbets Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #26: Sunday, May 23, 1920 - BR
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Losing Pitcher's Duel at Ebbets Field Lends Plenty for Uncle Robbie to Ponder During Train Ride Back to Pittsburgh

The series shifts briefly to Brooklyn for game two before returning back to Pittsburgh for the balance of the Robins five game clash with the Pirates.  Making his fifth start of the season Jeff Pfeffer is opposed by Pirates right-hander Elmer Ponder.  Some 10,000 fans in attendance at Ebbets Field watch as the two hurlers trade goose eggs for eight innings.  In the top of the ninth Pittsburgh manufactures the lone run of the game.  Pfeffer harms his own cause by plunking lead-off hitter Possum Whitted.  Left fielder Fred Nicholson successfully bunts Whitted to second.  With one out first baseman Charlie Grimm slaps a single to left field scoring Whitted.  With two outs in the bottom of the ninth Jimmy Johnson triples to left but is left stranded when Zack Wheat pops out in foul territory to Pirates catcher Walter Schmidt.  Elmer Ponder yields no runs on five hits and no walks with a strikeout in a complete game shutout effort.  No shame in Pfeffer's effort, who surrenders the one earned run on eight hits and one walk with two strikeouts through nine innings.  Despite a 1.93 ERA hard luck Pfeffer sees his record drop to 1-4 on the season.  Brooklyn ultimately fails to seize the day.  Pittsburgh now owns a one game lead over the second place Cincinnati Reds.  In third place Brooklyn ends the day 1.5 games out of first.  However, Brooklyn and the Reds are presently tied with a league leading +22 run differential.  The first place Pirates are only +5 in run differential.

• RECORD: 14-11 (.560)
• 3rd place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/22/1920: Burleigh Grimes Gem Lifts Brooklyn Robins Over Pirates

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #25: Saturday, May 22, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

Brooklyn Robins Sending Early Season Tremors Through National League Standings

Facing his former team Burleigh Grimes puts his maturing brilliance on full display as Brooklyn takes Saturday's series opener at Forbes Field.  Now 26-years old and in his physical prime, Grimes who last pitched eight days ago goes the distance yielding just one run on nine hits and no walks with four strikeouts.  After three scoreless frames the Robins break through in the fourth against Pittsburgh crafty veteran Wilbur Cooper.  With one out Zack Wheat and Hi Myers reach on consecutive hits.  Ed Konetchy plates them both with a double into deep left.  Pete Kilduff follows with a single scoring Konetchy.  With two outs and Kilduff standing at second base, Burleigh Grimes helps his own cause with a triple to right for a 4-0 Robins lead.  Pittsburgh ruins the shutout in the eighth on second baseman and ironically former Brooklyn Robin George Cutshaw's sacrifice fly to center scoring the speedy Max Carey from third.  Grimes improves to 4-2 with a stingy 1.27 ERA.  After splitting a pair at Cincinnati, the Robins victory over Pittsburgh forces a first place tie between the Pirates and Reds who today lose their game at Redland Field.  Meanwhile Brooklyn is now just one-half game out of first.  The Robins are in Pittsburgh for five games (actually Saturday's game will be at Ebbets Field), while Cincinnati hosts the Boston Braves.  Brooklyn is thus far 6-6-1 in May, but 5-2 over their last seven games.

• RECORD: 14-10 (.583)
• 3rd place; 0.5 GB

FORBES FIELD

100 Years Ago Today 5/21/1920: Brooklyn Robins Whitewash Defending Champions at Redland Field

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #24: Friday, May 21, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Leon Cadore Whitewashes Defending Champions; Brooklyn Salvages Split at Cincinnati

How quickly the tables turn.  What ever message delivered by Wilbert Robinson to his club prior to Friday's series finale at Redland Field appears to have been well received.  Brooklyn reverts to its strength en route to exacting their own whitewashing of the defending champs.  This time it is Leon Cadore who pitches a gem yielding but six hits and just one walk with a pair of strikeouts through nine scoreless innings for the complete game shutout victory.  He improves to 3-1 and lowers his ERA to a stellar 1.10 mark.  At the plate Brooklyn strings together five consecutive hits leading off the fifth inning generating a three run lead and final margin of victory.  Pete Kilduff, Ivy Olson, and even Leon Cadore each drive in a run apiece.  Reds starter Hod Eller yields all three Brooklyn runs on seven hits and two walks in five innings pitched.

Previous Game

• RECORD: 13-10-1 (.565)
• 3rd place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/20/1920: Brooklyn Robins Humbled by Champs at Redland Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #23: Thursday, May 20, 1929 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Brooklyn Proves No Match For Defending Champions, At Least Not This Day.

Did Mother Nature have it in for Uncle Robbie, or is it the other way around?  If only either were true, as Wilbert Robinson's reality grows ever more distressing.  Entering their much anticipated first showdown of the season against the defending world champion Reds, Brooklyn puts forth a lackluster if not listless performance Thursday afternoon at Redland Field.  Granted this comes on the heels of four consecutive rainouts and not having played a single game in five full days.  Inactivity and a touch of rust is one thing, but let's make no mistake.  In this instance Brooklyn's lethargy rules the day.  All aspects of their game, pitching, fielding, and hitting, prove faulty and compromised.  Making his third start of the season Sherry Smith yields four earned runs on twelve hits in just six innings of work.  He exits on the losing side of a 4-0 affair.  Rube Marquard in relief of Smith surrenders another three earned runs on three hits and three walks in two innings pitched.  Brooklyn commits five fielding errors, and at the plate are held scoreless while batting just 6 for 33 (.182) for the game, and 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position.  Only Ed Konetchy distinguishes himself with three hits in four at-bats.  Reds southpaw Dutch Ruether improves to 6-2 on the season with a stellar 1.21 ERA.  He allows just six hits and two walks with three strikeouts through nine scoreless innings for the complete game shutout.

• RECORD: 12-10-1 (.521)
• 3rd place; 2.5 GB

PODCAST: Socially Distanced Baseball and the Great American Brushback with Anna Brice

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Protest is Just as American as Baseball and Apple Pie

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

GUEST

We Welcome Back 

Native New Yorker; Jersey Girl; Mets Fan in Arizona

Anna Brice

ninety-six minutes

In the immortal words of Cyndi Lauper, money changes everything.  All these years later it appears she's never been more right.  If you're familiar with the old expression that life imitates sports and sports imitates life, then you're aware baseball is no different.  If not, then pay attention kids, because this a future social studies lesson in the making.  Low and behold in major league baseball we have billionaires versus millionaires publicly arguing over, what else, money.  Of course this is only scratching the surface.  How people, fans, and athletes, really feel is now beginning to be revealed.  If a viral pandemic isn't enough to fret over, then brace yourselves because here comes social conflict and the great clash for cash to further complicate the day.  A growing number of Americans want their country re-opened immediately and are taking to the streets in protest against perceived government overreach and public and individual restraint.  And Let's Go Mets!

People can b trained, sure. But viruses r independent contractors in need of a host. It scoffs at what we perceive 2b precautions/safeguards. V's have been obliterating populations long b4 Doc Adams called for the first base-ball convention. Wrong:Easy::Right:Hard. We shall see.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) May 16, 2020

This is capitalism. Baseball is a business, has been for near 150 years. Owners are the promoters and risk takers. Players sign contracts and collectively bargain their terms of service. Without fans there is no revenue, there is no industry. That is all ..

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) May 16, 2020

Commemorating the 1920 Brooklyn Robins: Championship or Bust for Wilbert Robinson?

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

One Month Into Season Brooklyn Robins Still Enjoying Representative Start. But Is Wilbert Robinson On The Hot Seat?

Looking back Charles Ebbets decision after the 1913 season to fire his dear friend and field manager is clearly the correct one.  The Dodgers in each of their four seasons playing for Bill Dahlen fail to finish above par.  In his final if not his best season at the helm Brooklyn posts a 65-84 record, good enough for sixth place, but clearly no longer good enough for Charlie and his brand new ball park at Sullivan Place.  It also goes without saying the subsequent decision to hire Wilbert Robinson entering the 1914 season pays off both quickly and handsomely.  Backed by an infusion of capital via Charles Ebbets new partnership with the McKeever Brothers, Robinson within three seasons transforms Brooklyn into National League champions.  Himself a former catcher and someone who previously serves under John McGraw as pitcher's coach for the New York Giants, Wilbert Robinson immediately moves to improve his battery.  Brooklyn signs pitchers Jeff Pfeffer, Sherry Smith, and catcher Otto Miller.  In 1915 they bring into the fold veteran Rube Marquard who already enjoys a rapport with Robinson since their days together with the Giants.  With the National League's best team ERA in 1916, the Brooklyn Robins reset the club's all-time attendance record en route to winning their first and to date only pennant of the 20th century.

The very next season Brooklyn plunges headlong into seventh place, eleven games under .500 and a distant 26.5 games out of first.  Never before does the National League witness such a precipitous fall from the mountain's top.  Despite efforts in January of 1918 to further solidify their pitching by trading the unrepentant Casey Stengel to Pittsburgh in exchange for pitchers Burleigh Grimes, Al Mamaux, and infielder Chuck Ward, Wilbert Robinson's club continues toiling in the second division.  Last season's 69-71 record marks the second of back to back fifth place finishes, this one ending 27-games behind the eventual World Champion Cincinnati Reds.  One must now ask if after three disappointing seasons does a fourth consecutive losing campaign place Wilbert Robinson on the same footing whence Bill Dahlen once stood.  To that effect Brooklyn returns this season save for a few patchwork acquisitions with essentially the same team.  Naturally many pundits spend spring training anticipating more of the same out of Brooklyn while regarding their cross town rival Giants ahead of the Pirates and Cubs as top senior circuit contenders for Cincinnati's crown.

Seemingly undeterred the Robins so far are off to a fairly good start, sporting a 12-9-1 record.  They presently occupy third place behind the league leading Reds, and second place Pirates.  However they have become quite taxed of late as six of their last nine games in May extend into extra innings.  On the first day of the month they play a major league record 26-innings at Boston.  The very next day they play 13 innings against Philadelphia at Ebbets Field, and the day after that play another 19 innings back at Boston.  Most recently three of their last four games are decided in extra innings.

Otherwise to Wilbert's delight the Robins are stunting opposing batters with strong pitching.  Burleigh Grimes owns a 1.32 ERA through his first 74.2 innings pitched.  The now veteran Leon Cadore drafted by the Dodgers in 1914 presently owns a 1.28 ERA through 56.1 innings pitched.  And of course there is 32-year old Jeff Pfeffer who although struggling for decisions nonetheless owns a respectable 2.18 ERA through 33.0 innings pitched.  Al Mamaux, Sherry Smith, and Clarence Mitchell, when called upon are likewise performing well.

No longer a rookie still trying to win Wilbert's confidence back in 1914, the now 31-year old Hi Myers in 1919 leads the circuit with 14 triples, 73 runs batted in, and a .436 slugging average.  The Robins center fielder this season is hitting a nifty .345 through 22 games.  Meanwhile soon to be 32-year old Zack Wheat is batting .323, and has hit safely in all but three games to start the season.

This week rumbling skies over St. Louis continued storming down upon Brooklyn's scheduled four game series against the Cardinals at Robinson Field - something Uncle Robbie seems agreeable with.


EARLY SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:

• 4/14/1920 - Brooklyn Robins Rout Phillies in Season Opener at Ebbets Field
• 4/24/1920 - Burleigh Grimes Hurls Robins Over Phillies 
• 4/26/1920 - Rube Marquard Turns Tables on Giants
• 5/1/1920 - Brooklyn Robins and Boston Braves Play in Major League Record 26-Inning Marathon
• 5/13/1920 - Brooklyn Robins Have No Answer for Grover Cleveland Alexander
• 5/15/1920 - Brooklyn Robins Take Second Straight From Cardinals at Robison Field

* Join me this season as I commemorate the Brooklyn Robins 1920 National League championship.  I am recapping each regular season game in real time with a little touch of poetic license, of course.

100 Years Ago Today 5/15/1920: Brooklyn Robins Take Second Straight From Cardinals at Robison Field

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #22: Friday, May 15, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Robison Field

Robins Take Second Straight at St. Louis; Al Mamaux After Shaky First Inning Whitewashes Cardinals Over Final Eight.

Brooklyn comes out swinging in game two at Robison Field.  Center fielder Hi Myers drives home the first run of the game as the Robins muster four hits in the opening inning against Cardinals starter Elmer Jacobs.  St. Louis promptly strikes back in the bottom half of the frame.  Robins starter Al Mamaux yields a two out walk to third baseman Milt Stock who then scores on a double by Rogers Hornsby.  First baseman Jim Fournier follows with a hit to left scoring Hornsby for a 2-1 Cardinals lead.  Brooklyn answers in the second inning with four more runs.  Shortstop Chuck Ward delivers home two runs, and another pair cross the plate when St. Louis center fielder Jack Smith mishandles Zack Wheat's liner to center.  After which Cardinals manager Branch Rickey dispatches Elmer Jacobs to the showers.  Taking his turn behind the plate catcher Otto Miller's run scoring double in the seventh off Cardinals reliever Jackie May gives Brooklyn a 6-2 lead.  Hi Myers extends the lead to five in the eighth inning with his second run batted in of the game.  Even Al Mamuax helps his own cause in the top of the ninth with a single and run batted in for an 8-2 final margin of victory.  Making his second start of the season Mamaux yields two runs on five his and six walks with five strikeouts through nine innings full.  At Chicago the Boston Braves bow to the Cubs thus Brooklyn slips back into second place behind Cincinnati.

• May 16 & 17: Rain postpones games three and four.

• RECORD: 12-9 (.571)
• 2nd place; 2 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/14/1920: Brooklyn Robins Take Series Opener at St. Louis

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #21: Thursday, May 14, 1920 - BR

Brooklyn Robins vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Robison Field

Burleigh Grimes Hurls a Gem; Brooks Take Opener at Robison Field

The Robins arrive in St. Louis for this season's first encounter versus the Cardinals.  Brooklyn and the Cards trade runs in the fourth inning.  In the top half Jimmy Johnston connects on a two out double to right, then scores on Zack Wheat's hit to center.  In the bottom half of the frame Cardinals right fielder Cliff Heathcote grounds to third but an errant throw by Jimmy Johnston advances Heathcote all the way to third base.  With one out, second baseman Rogers Hornsby doubles to right scoring Heathcote knotting the game at one.  After which the game remains deadlocked through the ninth.  And for a sixth time in their last nine games Brooklyn battles their opponent into extra innings.  The Robins finally break through in the 14th inning.  Four runs cross the plate but only one is earned as a result of Cardinals third baseman Milt Stock's throwing error.  Otherwise Ivy Olson, Jimmy Johnston, Hi Myers, and Ed Konetchy all hit safely.  Starter Burleigh Grimes retires St. Louis in the bottom half of the frame securing his third victory of the season against two losses.  He yields just one run on seven hits and one walk with nine strikeouts through 14 innings complete.  Cardinals part-time starter Marv Goodwin surrenders five runs, two earned, on eleven hits and no walks with seven strikeouts in a representative but tough luck 14-inning effort.  Robins third baseman Jimmy Johnston lifts his average to .309 after a 4 for 6 day at the plate with a double, a run scored, and two runs batted in.  Emerging St. Louis star Rogers Hornsby is 2 for 5 with a walk, double, and run batted in.

• RECORD: 11-9 (.550)
• 3rd place; 2 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/13/1920: Brooklyn Robins Have No Answer For Grover Cleveland Alexander

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #20: Thursday, May 13, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Chicago Cubs
Cubs Field

Grover Cleveland Alexander Extends Brooklyn Robins No Quarter

A week of moisture saturated skies over Chicago finally relent permitting the Robins and Cubs to at least salvage the finale of their scheduled three game series.  Brooklyn starter Jeff Pfeffer pitches well.  Making his fourth start of the season he yields two runs, one earned, on six hits and four walks with four strikeouts through eight innings - an otherwise representative performance.  However he is opposed on Thursday by the great Grover Cleveland Alexander, against whom the Robins muster little.  Actually it is Brooklyn whom opens the scoring in the fifth on Rowdy Elliott's leadoff double, an error by Cubs shortstop Charlie Hollocher, and a base hit from Jimmy Johnston scoring Elliott.  But Alexander would yield no more.  The now 33-year old war veteran allows the one unearned run on nine hits and one walk with four strikeouts through nine innings full.  After losing his first two decisions to start the season Alexander earns his sixth straight victory.  Chicago likewise scores an unearned run in the bottom half of the fifth against Pfeffer.  Third baseman Charlie Deal reaches on catcher Rowdy Elliott's dropped third strike, and soon scores the tying run on catcher Bill Killefer's one out hit to right.  With one out in the seventh Pfeffer walks second baseman Zeb Terry.  Bill Killefer follows with a hit to right positioning runners on the corners.  After Pfeffer issues his counterpart a base on balls to load the bases, right fielder Max Flack's sac-fly to right scores Terry from third with the go-ahead run and Chicago's eventual margin of victory.  Ivy Olson and Ed Konetchy open the top of the ninth with back to back singles putting runners on the corners.  But after two infield pop-outs, the game ends abruptly when Ivy Olson is tagged out while attempting to steal home.

• May 11-12 @ Chicago postponed due to rain.

• The Chicago Cubs acquire Grover Cleveland Alexander and his battery mate Bill Killefer in December 1917 from the Philadelphia Phillies.  From 1911 through 1917 Alexander five times leads the major leagues in wins; six times wins twenty games or better; and from 1915 through 1917 posts three consecutive 30-win seasons.  Last year in his first full season with Chicago, Alexander posts a 16-11 record with a league best 1.72 ERA.  He has led either his league or the majors in ERA in five of the last six seasons.  Now in his tenth campaign he's resembling  his old self again.

• RECORD: 10-9 (.526)
• 4th place; 4 GB

Mother's Day and Other MLB Minutiae with MMO's Jacob Resnick on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

5/10/2020

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

GUEST

Jacob Resnick 

of Mets Minors and Metsmerized Online

eighty-one minutes

MLB ~ UNION ~ SAFETY ~ MONEY

..and the 1962 Mets

100 Years Ago Today 5/9/1920: Brooklyn Robins Turn Back Phillies in Tenth

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #19: Sunday, May 9, 1920 - BR
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Packed Crowd at Ebbets Field Cajole Brooklyn Robins to Victory Over Phillies

The sputtering Robins were back at Ebbets Field this afternoon hosting a one game set against the Phillies before heading west for a slate of games in the week ahead at St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh.  Brooklyn enters Sunday's action having won just one game in their last eight attempts.  Yet despite the adverse fortunes in their most recent series at the Polo Grounds, the Brooks are warmly received by a near capacity crowd at their Sullivan Place home.

After three scoreless frames Brooklyn breaks through in the fourth for a trio of runs against Phillies right-hander Lee Meadows.  Base hits from Hi Myers and Ed Konetchy set the table for a Bernie Neis double scoring Myers, and Ernie Krueger's base hit scoring Konetchy.  However Meadows would also help turn the tables when Philadelphia likewise catches up with Brooklyn starter Leon Cadore in the fifth.  Wilbert Robinson watches four runs cross the plate on four hits, a walk, and an error by shortstop Ivy Olson, before summoning Sherry Smith from the bullpen.  Cadore exits on the losing side of a 4-3 game after yielding four runs, three earned, on five hits and one walk with three strikeouts in only 4.1 innings pitched.  But he is quickly taken off the hook when Hi Myers singles leading off the sixth, and comes around to score on a Bernie Neis base hit and error committed by Phillies right fielder Casey Stengel.  The game remains deadlocked through the ninth.  With both starters out of the game into extra innings they go at Ebbets.  But unlike Brooklyn's 26-inning loss against the Braves just six games ago, and unlike their 19-inning loss to the Braves just two days later, and unlike Friday's eleven inning loss at the Polo Grounds, the Robins waste little time achieving a successful end.  With one out in the tenth Brooklyn's self appointed player of the game right fielder Bernie Neis singles to right, promptly steals second, then races home to score the winning run on Ernie Krueger's hit to left.  Mr. Neis is 3 for 4, with a walk, double, a run scored, and two runs batted in.  Catcher Ernie Krueger also enjoys a fine day going 2 for 5 with three runs batted in.  Zack Wheat fails to extend his nine game hit streak.  Although Wheat draws three base on balls, he is held hitless for only the second time this season.  Phillies catcher Mack Wheat, Zack's brother and former Robins team mate, is also held hitless in three at bats.  Brooklyn's Sherry Smith earns the victory with 5.2 scoreless innings in relief of Leon Cadore.  Philadelphia's George Smith takes the loss in relief of starter Lee Meadows.

• RECORD: 10-8 (.555)
• 3rd place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/7/1920: Brooklyn Robins Drop Series at Polo Grounds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #18: Friday, May 7, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. New York Giants
Polo Grounds

Brooklyn Loses Rubber Game in Extras; Giants Win Series.  Robins Fall to Fourth Place

Friday's rubber game is every bit the back and forth contest we've come to expect from these inter city rivals.  Three separate times Brooklyn takes a lead, and three times the Giants counter en route to a series victory at the Polo Grounds.  Bernie Neis in the fourth inning singles home Zack Wheat with the game's first run.  But with one out in the bottom of the fifth Giants third baseman Fred Lear connects off Rube Marquard on his first home run of the season.  In the bottom half of the sixth shortstop Art Fletcher singles home left fielder George Burns for a 2-1 Giants lead.  Burns would again touch home plate in the eighth inning on right fielder Ross Young's base hit.  Entering the ninth trailing by two  Brooklyn finally sizes up Giants starter Rube Benton for three runs on five hits.  However Brooklyn starter Rube Maraquard walks the first batter he faces in the bottom half of the ninth, then serves up a single to High Pockets Kelly putting runners on the corners.  Out from the dugout emerges manager Wilbert Robinson whom summons Clarence Mitchell from the bullpen.  With one out Mitchell walks pinch hitter Mike Gonzalez to load the bases.  George Burns mister popular this day grounds into a fielder's choice freeing up Fred Lear to score the tying run from third.  Into extra innings they go.  In the top of the eleventh inning runs batted in from Ivy Olson and Jimmy Johnston give Brooklyn a 6-4 lead.  But when Fred Lear leads off the bottom half of the frame with a triple off Clarence Mitchell, Uncle Robbie summons Burleigh Grimes from the bullpen.  High Pockets Kelly promptly greets Brooklyn's hurler with another triple to right.  Ross Young's subsequent run batted in and an untimely error by replacement first baseman Ray Schmandt are ultimately Brooklyn's undoing.  A fun time for the roughly 14,000 fans in attendance, perhaps not so much for Wilbert Robinson.  Burleigh Grimes takes the loss, his second of the season.  Starter Rube Marquard yields four earned runs on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts through eight-plus innings pitched.

* Saturday, May 8, 1920 - Series finale at Polo Grounds is rained out.

• RECORD: 9-8 (.529)
• 4th place; 2 GB

100 Years Ago Today 5/6/1920: New York Giants Even Series With Brooklyn Robins at Polo Grounds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #17: Thursday, May 6, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. New York Giants
Polo Grounds

Giants Take Middle Game; Starter Phil Douglas Outlasts Brooks at Polo Grounds

Ivy Olson's grounder to the right side leading off the game is mishandled by Giants second baseman Larry Doyle.  Jimmy Johnson then singles up the middle putting runners on the corners.  Next up Pete Kilduff bounces into a 6-4-3 double play while Olson crosses the plate giving the Robins a prompt 1-0 lead.  A dismayed throng at the Polo Grounds numbering upwards of 10,000 sound off disapprovingly.  But the Giants quickly reconcile the matter with three hits and two runs in the bottom half of the frame.  Potential goat Larry Doyle and center fielder Benny Kauff each drive in a run.  After which, neither team would score again.  For the next eight innings starting pitchers Al Mamaux for the Robins and Phil Douglas for New York decorate the scoreboard with goose eggs.  Making his first start of the season Al Mamaux a former 20-game winner for Pittsburgh yields two earned runs on five hits and no walks with five strikeouts through eight innings in a hard luck loss.  Acquired last year midway through the season by the Giants veteran Phil Douglas allows one unearned run on seven hits and one walk with one strikeout through nine innings for his first victory of the season.  Zack Wheat strokes two doubles in four times at-bat.  He has now hit safely in eight straight, and 16 of Brooklyn's first 17 games to start the season.  The Robins go 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

• RECORD: 9-7 (.562)
• 3rd place; 1 GB

POLO GROUNDS

100 Years Ago Today 5/5/1920: Rested Brooklyn Robins Outlast New York Giants at Polo Grounds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #16: Wednesday, May 5, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. New York Giants
Polo Grounds

Robins Get Back in Win Column With Series Opening Victory Over Rival Giants at Polo Grounds

It is said around baseball circles get to the good ones early before they settle into a rhythm.  After a sorely needed day off the rejuvenated Robins do just that against Giants starter Jesse Barnes in jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the top half of the first on four hits and runs batted in from Zack Wheat and Ed Konetchy.  New York counters with a run in the bottom half of the frame with lead-off hitter George Burns singling against Robins starter Clarence Mitchell then scoring from third on a sac-fly off the bat of shortstop Art Fletcher.  Brooklyn adds a crucial insurance run in the third which would prove to be the difference - with two on and one out Ed Konetchy doubles home Hi Myers from second base giving Brooklyn a 4-1 lead.  But of course the Giants rally.  Art Fletcher doubles home his second run of the game in the sixth, and second baseman Larry Doyle promptly follows with a hit scoring Fletcher making it a 3-4 Giants deficit.  However the New Yorkers would score no more.  Burleigh Grimes relieves Clarence Mitchell who he pitches himself into trouble to start off the eighth.  Mitchell exits on the winning side of the contest having allowed three runs, two earned, on just five hits and two walks with two strikeouts through seven innings of work.  Grimes faces nine batters over two scoreless innings for the save.  Jesse "nubby" Barnes a 25-game winner last season for the Giants suffers his third defeat of the season against two victories.  He yields four runs, three earned, on twelve hits but no walks, nor a strikeout through eight innings pitched.  Brooklyn third baseman Jimmy Johnston is 4 for 5 with a run scored.  Zack Wheat goes 3 for 5 with a double, a run scored, and a run batted in.  Wheat (.357) has now hit safely in 15 of Brooklyn's first 16 games to start the season.  Meanwhile Ed Konetchy extends his team lead with ten runs batted in.

• RECORD: 9-6
• 2nd place; 1 GB

MLB Wants To Do What?

From the desks of: 

HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET  &  BLAME CARLOS MAY

Mets and Yankees in the Same Division?

To play, or not to play, that is the question.  Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to pursue a modified schedule and potentially risk the health and well being of entire organizations, stadium employees, fans, et al, or continue taking precautions against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end this COVID-19 pandemic.

Extra!  Extra!  Major League Baseball is devising a tentative plan in which they will create three regional divisions of ten teams each.

I do not really care for tooting my own horn ...

Blare the trumpets, please!

I shared this very idea on my podcast back on April 12, 2020; episode #50 to be exact.  But enough about sports and scribes stealing ideas from bloggers, podcasters, and fans.  Let's get to THE PLAN.  First let me say I believe there shouldn't even be a plan.  I'm a proponent of canceling the rest of the season.  That being said, let us separate ourselves from reality.





My plan calls for a 99-game regular season beginning in July and ending first week of October.  Each team will play their division opponent eleven times.  Every other Monday is an off day.  Every Saturday is a double-header limited to seven inning games.  All other games remain nine innings long.  Teams will feature 45-man rosters.  No player will exceed five games per week (pinch hitters/runners not included).  Starting pitchers are limited to five innings.  Implement the DH (which I detest) and electronic strike zone, and any other stupidity Commissioner Manfred can conjure.  Let this season be Baseball's guinea pig or Frankenstein, if you will.

There's no need to play games in minor league facilities, nor kook them up in some contrived village in Arizona and Florida.  Disperse them to their respective regions in a location with two major league parks at their disposal.  The EAST DIVISION can be headquartered in either New York City or the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area; the CENTRAL DIVISION can be headquartered at either Chicago or Texas; and the WEST DIVISION can then be headquartered in the San Francisco Bay area, or Los Angeles/Anaheim.  Two stadiums in each locale can accommodate five games per day (early, midday, and evening) needed to facilitate a ten team daily schedule.

• EAST: Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, Orioles, Nationals, Braves, Marlins, Rays, Blue Jays.
• CENTRAL: Twins, Royals, Tigers, ChiSox, Reds, Indians, Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers, Pirates.
• WEST: Dodgers, Angels, A's, Giants, Mariners, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Astros, Padres.

The top two teams from each division qualify for post-season play, along with two overall Wild Card entrants.  Each of the eight playoff qualifiers will then be seeded.  Best records get fourth game as home team.  Otherwise all playoff series proceed as normal.  I'm completely open to playing out the post-season at a neutral site.  However, the last two teams standing will not play in the World's Series as we know it.  They instead will play for the North American Baseball Championship and donate any and all proceeds to a COVID19 related charity or cause.