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Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Once Upon A Summer 7/14/1918: John Donaldson Defeats Bushwick; Brooklyn Royal Giants Sweep Twin Bill at Dexter Park

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS & THE DONALDSON NETWORK






Having defeated the New York Lincoln Giants in six of eight contests to date, the Brooklyn Royal Giants return to Dexter Park as the recognized Colored champion.  Cycling back to his Dexter Park debut, John Donaldson tossed a five-hit, six strikeouts, complete-game shutout over the Cuban Stars.


On Sunday, July 14, 1918, in a clash of local semipro titans, the Brooklyn Royal Giants defeat Bushwick in both games of a doubleheader by identical scores of 6 to 1.

"There was no joy for the Bushwicks in their double-header with the Royal Giants yesterday at Dexter Park.  Max Rosner's players just had an off day in the field, and to make matters worse could not make any headway against the pitching of (John) Donaldson and Brooks.  The Royals played at their best yesterday, and when the Royals are playing at their best it takes some wonderful baseball to beat them.  The Bushwicks yesterday were far from being in wonderful form." - The Brooklyn Citizen, Monday, July 15, 1918





GAME ONE - In his return to Dexter Park, southpaw JOHN DONALDSON limits Bushwick to one run on seven hits (one for extra bases) and one walk with five strikeouts for the win.  Batting fifth in the lineup, Donaldson is held hitless and makes two assists in the field.  His mound opponent, Bushwick starter Marty Walsh in a losing effort yields six runs on eleven hits and four walks with five strikeouts.  Giants' center fielder Tom Fiall goes 2 for 3 with a double, second baseman Joe Hewitt is 2 for 4 with two runs scored, and left fielder Tommy Pugh triples and scores two runs.  Brooklyn also steals four bases.


GAME TWO - The Royal Giants complete the twin bill sweep on the strength of Irvin Brooks' right arm.  Brooklyn's twirler allows one run on just three hits and one walk with four strikeouts in a rain abbreviated six-inning winning effort.  Bushwick's Herman Schwartje surrenders six runs on eight hits and one walk with no strikeouts for the loss.  Irvin Brooks helps his own cause with two hits and a run scored, Eddie Douglass also wields two hits, and John Henry Lloyd doubles in three trips to the plate.  Batting fourth and playing left field, John Donaldson is again held hitless in three at-bats.




LHP - JOHN DONALDSON w/BROOKLYN:
  1. 6/30/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 2 runs, 7 hits, 2 walks, 2K; (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
  2. 7/4/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 0 RUNS, 5 hits, 1 walk, 6K, (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
  3. 7/7/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 3 runs, 9 hits, 2 walks, 2K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
  4. 7/14/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 1 run, 7 hits, 1 walk, 5K (Bushwick; Dexter Park) 
  • LINE: 36 innings, 6 runs, 28 hits, 6 walks, 15 strikeouts, 1.50 ERA

ONCE UPON A SUMMER, 1918: JOHN DONALDSON

BEDFORD & SULLIVAN PODCAST: Restoring Baseball Great John Donaldson's Lost Legacy With Negro Leagues Historian and Founder of The Donaldson Network, Peter Gorton.


Minnesota native Peter Gorton leads a group of historians dedicated to discovering the lost legacy of John Wesley Donaldson.  In this episode, we discuss the man, baseball career, and life of one of the more incredible and inspiring athletes to ever play the game, and how his amazing legacy became lost to a nation, most particularly Baseball's Hall of Fame.  

Original airdate: March 13, 2021



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