100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 8/13/1921: Giants Earn Series Split With Brooklyn; Yanks Sweep Twin Bill at Shibe Park

From the desk: WHEN THE POLO GROUNDS WAS THE WORLD

100 Years Ago Today at the Polo Grounds: 

New York Giants & New York Yankees 

1921 Season Revisited

In their last season at Hilltop Park, the now formerly known New York Highlanders lose 102 games.  Rebranded in 1913 as the Yankees, they move just a few blocks away into the Polo Grounds as tenants of the Senior Circuit's New York Giants.  To the chagrin of Giants manager John McGraw, the Americans proceed to lose another 94 games.  

Known to hold a grudge, McGraw two full decades later still harbors much animosity not only towards Ban Johnson and his rebel circuit (unkept promises included) but more so towards the Yankees.  As they were founded at the expense of his rendered defunct Baltimore Orioles.  

As long as the Yankees paid their rent, the tenant/landlord relationship with the Giants remains amicably strained.  Mainly because the middling Americans, except for one season in 1916, never elevated themselves above the ranks of Junior Circuit also-rans.  But that changed in 1919 when they briefly vied for the pennant but tuckered out down the stretch to finish third.  A franchise record of 619,164 fans showed up to root for the American League contenders.  However, the Yankees' burgeoning success was not yet a pressing issue, per se, for the Giants, who were coming off a second-place finish and their best season at the turnstile in a decade.

Then, in 1920, baseball's tectonic plates shift along the New York/New England fault.  The Yankees' purchase of George Herman "Babe" Ruth from the Boston Red Sox sends seismic waves reverberating throughout the baseball world but none more intense than in Washington Heights.  

Ruth's earth-shattering record of 54 home runs was something never experienced before in the history of baseball.  However, it was an accomplishment for which John McGraw had little appreciation.  He believes players work too hard and earnestly to have their skills disrespected by some miscreant's lone swing of the bat.

Gotham's citizenry never before descended from Coogan's Bluff in such quantity and spectacle as in 1920 as the Giants would set a franchise record with 929,609 reported attendance.  However, the New York Nationals faced an economic dilemma of Ruthian proportions.  McGraw's disdain for his tenants was heightened when the Yankees outdrew the host Giants in their own home for the first time in each franchise's history.  Headlined by Babe Ruth, the Yankees seized the city's attention, evidenced by an all-time major league record of 1,289,422 in attendance.

In 1921, over two million fans would again pack the Polo Grounds.  Babe Ruth would continue accomplishing the unimaginable - if the preceding season wasn't surreal enough, he proceeds to top it.  All the while, with each passing day, John McGraw grows more incensed.  Lest we forget, New York City is still Little Napoleon's empire.  

Sharing a ballpark is becoming an insufferable condition—the Giants attempt to evict the Yankees before the 1921 season to no avail.  But a solution lies not too far away ...  

Until then, two major league titans charge headlong into a season-ending October clash at the Polo Grounds.  It is New York City's first-ever World's Championship Subway Series.  All games are played at the Polo Grounds, making Coogan's Bluff the center of the baseball universe. 

This is my replay of that season. Of course, I'll be exercising my creative license whenever and wherever ever possible. But, more than anything, this is about having fun and celebrating New York City's baseball history.  

• Stats: BASEBALL REFERENCE

Enjoy the games ... PLAY BALL!

GAME #110

BOXSCORE: Saturday, August 13, 1921 - BR

Brooklyn Robins @ NEW YORK GIANTS

POLO GROUNDS

Giants Salvage Series Split With Brooklyn

In a contest marked by folly and misplay, the Giants hold on for the victory.  Pete Kilduff scores in the third as a result of Dave Bancroft's error at short.  Hi Myers homers to right field with two outs in the fourth, giving the Robins a 2-0 lead.  Starters Fred Toney and Clarence Mitchell for Brooklyn simmer things down through the sixth.  The Giants then post four unearned runs in the home seventh on four hits, a walk, a hit by pitch, and errors by Ivy Olson at short and right fielder Tommy Griffith.  Meanwhile, Clarence Mitchell is knocked out of the box and replaced with Dutch Ruether.  Fred Toney forges ahead and yields a run-scoring hit to Ray Schmandt in the ninth but holds on for the win.  Toney allows two earned runs on just five hits and a walk with four strikeouts for the win.  Clarence Mitchell takes the loss.  Frankie Frisch goes 2 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in.  By salvaging Saturday's finale, the Giants earn a series split with Brooklyn.

• FINAL: BRK 3; NYG 4
• RECORD: 66-44 (.600); second place, 4.0 GB of Pittsburgh

⚾

GAME #105

BOXSCORE GAME ONE: Saturday, August 13, 1921 - BR

New York Yankees @ PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS

Shibe Park

Make-Up: 4/23/1921

Yanks Claim Opener; Carl Mays Wins Number 18

Wally Schang and Elmer Miller drive in a run, and Home Run Baker plates two in a big four-run third inning.  Carl Mays takes care of the rest.  The submariner limits Philadelphia to a pair of runs on eight hits and no walks for his 18th victory this season against eight losses with a 2.94 ERA.  A's left fielder Tillie Walker hit an inconsequential home run in the ninth.  Youngster Eddie Rommel takes the loss.  Bob Meusel drives home two, and Aaron Ward drives home one.  Babe Ruth knocks in his 118th run this season.

• FINAL: NYY 7; PHI 2

⚾

GAME #106

BOXSCORE GAME TWO: Saturday, August 13, 1921 - BR

New York Yankees @ PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS

Shibe Park

Yankees Complete Sweep at Shibe Park

The Yankees scored early, often, and late.  Four runs cross the plate in the first, and five more touch home in the third.  Afterwhich it's just a matter of starter Rip Collins holding on.  Bob Meusel leads the way going 3 for 5 with a home run and five runs batted in.  Meusel lifts his RBI total to 88 for the season.  Wally Pipp goes 3 for 4 with three runs driven home.  With three hits, Babe Ruth raises his average to a .376 mark.  After yielding a run on three hits in the ninth, Miller Huggins relieves Rip Colling with Bob Shawkey.  Colling strikes out five en route to his eighth win this season.  With a twin-bill sweep at Philadelphia, the Yankees gain a half-game on Cleveland.  

• FINAL: NYY 13; PHI 7
• RECORD: 66-40 (.623); second place, 0.5 GB of Cleveland

100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 5/8/1921: Yankees Bow to Athletics in Extras; Giants Fall at Ebbets Field

From the desk: WHEN THE POLO GROUNDS WAS THE WORLD

100 Years Ago Today at the Polo Grounds: 

New York Giants & New York Yankees 

1921 Seasons Revisited

In their last season at Hilltop Park, the now formerly known New York Highlanders lost 102 games.  Rebranded as the Yankees, in 1913, they moved just a few blocks away into the Polo Grounds as tenants of the Senior Circuit's New York Giants.  To the chagrin of Giants manager John McGraw, the Americans proceeded to lose another 94 games.  

Known to hold a grudge, McGraw, two full decades later, still harbored much animosity not only towards Ban Johnson and his rebel circuit (unkept promises included) but more so towards the Yankees themselves who were founded at the expense of his rendered defunct Baltimore Orioles.  

For as long as the Yankees paid their rent, the tenant/landlord relationship with the Giants remained amicably strained.  Mainly because the middling Americans, except for one season in 1916, never elevated themselves above the ranks of Junior Circuit also-rans.  But that changed in 1919 when they briefly vied for the pennant but tuckered out down the stretch to finish third.  A franchise-record 619,164 fans showed up to root for the American League contenders.  However, the Yankees' burgeoning success was not yet a pressing issue, per se, for the Giants, who were coming off a second-place finish and their best season in a decade at the turnstile.

Then, in 1920, baseball's tectonic plates along the New York/New England fault shift.  The Yankees' purchase of George Herman "Babe" Ruth from the Boston Red Sox sends seismic waves reverberating throughout the baseball world but none more intense than in Washington Heights.  Ruth's earth-shattering record of 54 home runs was something never experienced before in the history of baseball but an accomplishment for which John McGraw has little appreciation as one who believes players work too hard and earnestly only to have their skills disrespected by some miscreant's lone swing of the bat.

Gotham's citizenry never before descended from Coogan's Bluff in such quantity and spectacle than in 1920 as the Giants would set a franchise record with 929,609 reported attendance.  However, the New York Nationals faced an economic dilemma of Ruthian proportions.  McGraw's disdain for his tenants was further heightened when the Yankees outdrew the host Giants in their own home for the first time in each franchise's history.  Headlined by Babe Ruth, the Yankees seized the city's attention, evidenced by an all-time major league record of 1,289,422 in attendance.

In 1921, over two million fans would again pack the Polo Grounds.  Babe Ruth would continue accomplishing the unimaginable, and if that wasn't surreal enough, he proceeds to top it.  All the while, with each passing day, John McGraw grows more incensed.  Lest we forget, New York City is still Little Napoleon's empire.  

Sharing a ballpark for both teams is becoming an insufferable condition—the Giants attempt to evict the Yankees in 1921 to no avail.  But a solution lies not too far away ...  

Until then, two major league titans charge headlong into a season-ending October clash at the Polo Grounds.  It is New York City's first-ever World's Championship Subway Series.  All games are played at the Polo Grounds, making Coogan's Bluff the center of the baseball universe. 

This is my replay of that season.  I'll be exercising my creative license whenever and wherever ever possible.  More than anything, this is about having fun and celebrating New York City's baseball history.  

• Stats: BASEBALL REFERENCE

Enjoy the games ... PLAY BALL!

⚾

GAME #17

BOXSCORE: Sunday, May 8, 1921 - BR

Philadelphia Athletics @ NEW YORK YANKEES

POLO GROUNDS

38,000 Watch With Dismay as Eddie Rommel Pitches Fourteen Inning Victory Over Yankees

Just as they had done yesterday for the Giants, New York City baseball bugs pack the Polo Grounds to capacity for today's American League tilt against the Athletics.  Making his fifth start of the season, Bill Piercy toes the slab for the Yankees and is opposed by Philadelphia right-hander Eddie Rommel.  

With runners on the corners in the fourth, left fielder Tillie Walker's sac-fly and catcher Cy Perkins' base hit through the middle gives the A's a 2-0 lead.  The Yankees pick up an unearned run in the fifth when Fred Hofmann scores on Braggo Roth's ground ball fielder's choice to third.  First baseman Ivy Griffin delivers home Philadelphia's third run in the sixth, but the Athletics' insurance expires in the ninth.  After Bill Piercy retires the A's in order, Bob Meusel reaches safely and advances to second on a costly error by Tillie Walker in left field.  Home Run Baker then singles off Eddie Rommel, scoring Meusel.  Miller Huggins replaces Baker with pinch-runner Chick Fewster, who, to this point, was getting a day off.  Pinch-hitting for Piercy, Chick Hawks taps out catcher to first advancing the runners along.  Eddie Rommel then walks Braggo Roth, but Chick Fewster takes advantage of a lackadaisical battery and steals home behind the play, thus tying the game at three.  

Huggins summons sophomore right-hander Rip Collins from the bullpen.  Mr. Connie Mack leaves Rommel in the game, and the two pitchers duel through four scoreless innings.  With one out and two runners on base in the top of the 14th inning, Cy Perkins triples into the left/center field gap giving the visiting Athletics a 5-3 lead.  Babe Ruth singles leading off the bottom half of the frame, advances to third on Wally Pip's hit, and scores on Bob Meusel's sac-fly to straightaway center.  With the tying run at second base, the capacity crowd is hushed when Rommel retires Wally Schang to end the game.  Rip Collins is tagged with his second loss in as many appearances.

The Yankees open a 17-game road trip on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers.

• FINAL: PHI 5; NYY 4 (14-inn)
• RECORD: 9-8 (.529); fourth place, 4.0 GB of Cleveland

⚾

GAME #19

BOXSCORE: Sunday, May 8, 1921 - BR

New York Giants @ BROOKLYN ROBINS

Ebbets Field

Southpaw Clarence Mitchell Shuts Out Giants at Ebbets Field

In this battle of rivals, the home team is yet to lose.  Today ends no differently.  After bowing in two straight at the Polo Grounds, the Robins return to Brooklyn, where the Giants lost for the fifth time this season at Ebbets Field.  After five scoreless innings, Tommy Griffith homers off Giants starter Jesse Barnes.  Robins starter Clarence Mitchell makes it stand.  Ivy Olson drives home an insurance run in the eighth, but it was not needed.  Mitchell yields ten hits and three walks in an otherwise stellar complete-game shutout effort.  The Robins southpaw improves to 3-0 with a 2.20 ERA.  Jesse Barnes is removed after six innings.  He allows one earned run on just three hits and three walks in a tough-luck loss.  Rosy Ryan allows one run on three hits over two innings in relief of Barnes.  Catcher Frank Snyder is the only Giants batter with multiple hits.  Brooklyn catcher Otto Miller is similarly the lone Robins batter with multiple hits.  Brooklyn reclaims second place from the Giants.  Today's game also marks the first time the New Yorkers have been shut out by the competition this season.

• FINAL: NYG 0; BKN 2
• RECORD: 12-7 (.632); third place; 3.5 GB of Pittsburgh

100 Years Ago Today 10/10/1920: Brooklyn Robins Lose Troublesome Game Five; Trail Indians 3-2

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

WORLD SERIES: Sunday, October 10, 1920 - GAME FIVE

Brooklyn Robins vs. Cleveland Indians

League Park

"I've been in baseball for 40 years and I never saw one like this." - Wilbert Robinson

Game Five at Cleveland features a historical if not ponderous series of events Brooklyn Robins fans for all the wrong reasons will not soon forget.

Although no longer the perennial 20-game winner while with the Giants, 33-year old Rube Marquard during the 1920 season is nothing short of clutch.  When Uncle Robbie needs him most his old friend repeatedly comes through with vintage performances.  Scheduled to pitch this day for the Robins, Rube Marquard prior to the game is arrested by Cleveland police outside League Park on charges of ticket scalping.  Marquard maintains his innocence claiming a misunderstanding.  But an incensed Charles Ebbets will hear non of it and releases Rube on the spot.  

Inside the park Burleigh Grimes hurriedly prepares for an unexpected start.  Looking on in attendance is former Cleveland Spider legend and baseball's all-time wins leader Cy Young.  Pitching on three days rest, Burleigh Grimes by game time is still noticeably unprepared.  In the first inning Cleveland leads off with consecutive singles and a successful bunt hit by Tris Speaker.  With no outs and the bases loaded, right fielder and clean-up hitter Elmer Smith crushes a Grimes offering to deep right for a grand slam home run, the first in World Series history.  With Burleigh Grimes still pitching in the fourth, Indians starter Jim Bagby aides his own cause by homering deep to center field with two runners on giving Cleveland a commanding 7-0 lead.  His home run is the first hit by a pitcher in World Series history.  The Indians score one last time in the fifth inning off reliever Clarence Mitchell.

Brooklyn is not without its chances.  They strand a runner on second in the first.  Ed Konetchy triples in the second but on a sac-fly attempt is thrown out at home by left fielder Charlie Jameison.  In the third Burleigh Grimes bounces into a double play and the Robins strand two runners.  Hi Myers in the fourth removes himself from the base paths by getting thrown out attempting to steal third.  The fifth inning really makes all Robins shake their heads in dismay.  With no outs and Pete Kilduff and Otto Miller on base, Clarence Mitchell lines out to second baseman Bill Wambsganss, who immediately steps on second to retire Kilduff then tags an approaching Otto Miller to complete an unassisted triple play, again the first in World Series history.  Otherwise, the Robins go quietly until the ninth when Ed Konetchy drives in his first run of the series.  Alas it is too little too late.

Cleveland's 31-game winner Jim Bagby avenges his Game Two loss against Grimes, allowing one run on 13 hits and no walks over nine innings complete.  Grimes in turn takes the loss after yielding seven runs on nine hits and a walk in just 3.1 innings pitched.

100 Years Ago Today 10/2/1920: Brooklyn Robins Wrap Up Season Series Against Giants With Victory at Polo Grounds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS & LITTLE NAPOLEON'S EMPIRE

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Game #154: Sunday, October 2, 1920 - BR

Brooklyn Robins vs. New York Giants

Polo Grounds

Burleigh Grimes Wins #23; Robins Bid Adieu to Manhattan

Uncle Robbie offers up one last parting gift for John McGraw.  He plays all his regulars in the penultimate game of the season against McGraw's second squad.  Leading off the top of the eighth, Zack Wheat homers to deep right putting the finishing touch on Brooklyn's 4-2 victory over the Giants in their final confrontation of the season.  Wheat finishes the day 2 for 4 with a run scored and two runs batted in.  Otto Miller also accounts for two runs batted in.  The spitballer Burleigh Grimes appears briefly but does enough to gain his 23rd victory of the season versus eleven losses with a 2.28 earned run average.  He allows two runs on four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts in five innings pitched.  Grimes collects his 34th hit of the season as well.  In 111 at-bats he finishes the season hitting .306 with twelve extra base hits and sixteen runs batted in.  Clarence Mitchell pitches the final four innings yielding no runs and just four hits with three strikeouts.  Brooklyn finishes their season series against the Giants with a 15-7 record.  The Robins wrap up the regular season tomorrow against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field.  If you recall, on Saturday, May 1, 1920, the Robins and Braves played to a one all tie after a record 26-innings at Boston.  The game was suspended on account of darkness.  Hence, there will be a game #155 before the Robins open the 1920 World Series against the Cleveland Indians who today clinch the American League pennant with a 10-1 trouncing over the Detroit Tigers at Navin Field.  Game One is scheduled for Oct. 5, at Ebbets Field.

• RECORD: 92-61 (.601)
• 1st Place; 5.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 9/6/1920: Brooklyn Robins Back in Second After Dropping Twin Bill at Philadelphia

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions 

Game #130: Monday, September 6, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Baker Bowl

Phillies Hold On For Game One Victory

Brooklyn scores twice in the eighth, but it isn't enough as starter Red Causey and the Phillies hold on for a 3-2 victory.  Center fielder Cy Williams opens the scoring in the Phillies first with a two out home run off Robins starter Jeff Pfeffer.  Jeff hurts his own cause in the fourth, when, with the bases loaded Pfeffer fields a bunt but throws errantly to first base.  Two runs score on the play.  Clarence Mitchell singles home two runs in the eighth, but it's too little too late.  Pfeffer loses his ninth game against twelve victories with a 2.88 ERA.


Game #131: Monday, September 6, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Baker Bowl

Spitballer Burleigh Grimes Comes up Dry Against Phillies

The Robins once again come up short.  Brooklyn knocks starter Huck Betts out of the box with haste, plating three runs in the first off the bats of Zack Wheat, Hi Myers and Ed Konetchy.  However, Burleigh Grimes can not hold the lead.  Philadelphia scores four times in the second, then pick up an unearned run in the fourth.  Burleigh Grimes yields his six run of the game in the fifth.  After which it's just a matter of the Phillies holding on.  Bill Lamar drives home a run in the eighth and Hi Myers doubles home a run in the ninth.  With one out and two runners in scoring position, Ed Konetchy grounds into a fielder's choice and Pete Kilduff pops up to first ending the game.  New York splits a double-header with the Braves, but Cincinnati sweeps two from the Cardinals.  The defending champions reclaim first place by 1.5 games over the Robins with 24 games left to play.

• RECORD: 73-57 (.554)
• 2nd Place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 8/20/1920: Faltering Brooklyn Robins Lose Second Straight at Redland Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #114: Friday, August 20, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Defending Champs Create Distance Between Them and Brooklyn

What has been a hotly contested pennant race has suddenly turned into a cauldron of boiling trouble for Brooklyn.  The Robins lose their second straight to the Reds, dropping them to 6-7 in August, and marking the most games they've fallen out of first place since Independence Day, some 45 games ago.  The defending world champions on Friday offer Robins hurlers no quarter, striking for 19 hits and tallying ten runs en route to a commanding 10-3 final at Redland Field.  Starter Al Mamaux, Clarence Mitchell and George Mohart are all casualties of Cincinnati's onslaught.  Mamaux yields six runs on eleven hits in just 4.2 innings pitched.  Heinie Groh, Larry Kopf, Greasy Neale and Ed Sicking all drive in multiple runs.  Meanwhile, Brooklyn's effort is too little too late.  Otto Miller drives home Ed Konetchy (double) in the seventh, while an error by shortstop Larry Kopf and Jimmy Johnston's base hit lead to a pair of unearned runs in the ninth.  Making only his sixth appearance of the season Uncle Robbie gives Bill Lamar a start in right who goes hitless in five trips.  The third place New York Giants are four games out.

• RECORD: 63-50 (.557)
• 2nd Place; 2.0 GB

100 Years Ago Today 8/8/1920: Brooklyn Robins Salvage Series Finale Against Pirates

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #105: Sunday, August 8, 1920 - BR
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Marquard is Marvelous; New York Giants Continue Closing Gap

Say what you will about the 32-year old southpaw who enters Sunday's match with a 6-7 record and 3.39 ERA.  But when Uncle Robbie this season has needed a clutch performance from his long time comrade, Rube Marquard has been there for him, front and center.  With Brooklyn winless in two tries this series against the Pirates, Marquard out-duels Elmer Ponder as the Robins salvage the finale by a slim 2-1 margin.  Jimmy Johnston's fielding error in the third opens the way for Pittsburgh's lone run of the game.  Undeterred, another great crowd of 20,000 strong remain positive and patient despite Pittsburgh's 1-0 lead through seven.  Pinch hitting for Rube Marquard in the eighth, Clarence Mitchell delivers a single plating pinch runner Bill McCabe from second base knotting the game at one.  Leon Cadore in the top of the ninth retires the Pirates in order.  With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Zack Wheat bunts for a base hit.  Elmer Ponder then walks Bernie Neis, Wheat advances to second.  Ed Konetchy lofts a fly to center deep enough for Wheat and Neis to tag and advance.  With two outs and Pete Kilduff at the plate, Ponder unleashes a wild pitch allowing Wheat to score from third.  Ebbets Field roars with glee.  Despite a no decision, Marquard pitches marvelously, allowing one unearned run on six hits and no walks, with three strikeouts, through eight innings pitched.  Leon Cardore earns his ninth victory with a scoreless inning in relief.  The Reds are idle, but the New York Giants defeat the Cubs at the Polo Grounds.  With a victory over the Cardinals back on July 27, the Giants finally established par.  They are now 7-1 in their last eight, and 14-2 over their last sixteen games.  With a 54-46 record, the Giants have closed to within a mere three games of Brooklyn.

• RECORD: 59-45 (.567)
• First Place; 1.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 7/25/1920: Pirates Continue Plaguing Brooklyn Robins

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Game #93: Sunday, July 25, 1920 - BR
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Brooklyn Robins Return Home to Cheers But Ebbets Field Crowd Exit Beside Themselves

Sleeping in their own beds for the first time in over three weeks proves little relief nor remedy against the insurgent Pirates, whom seize their fourth game in five days from the Robins.  Upwards of 22,000 fans pack Ebbets Field showering their first place Robins with a heroes welcome upon returning from a triumphant 16-7 road trip, including an all important series victory at Cincinnati.  However the Borough's trolley dodging faithful are sent home in a somewhat despondent state after their team blows a 3-2 lead after seven.  After trading runs in the first inning, Brooklyn takes a 3-1 lead with a pair of runs in the fifth.  But the Pirates close to within a run in the top of the sixth.  Pittsburgh finally squares up starter Clarence Mitchell for three runs in the eighth for a late 5-3 lead.  The Robins score one run in the bottom of the ninth but ultimately fall short.  Clarence Mitchell loses his first game of the season against five victories and a climbing 2.98 earned run average.  He allows all five earned runs on eight hits and two walks through 7.1 innings.  Leon Cadore pitches 1.2 scoreless innings in relief of Mitchell.  Pittsburgh third baseman Possum Whitted is 2 for 4 with a triple and two runs batted in.  Notorious thief Max Carey steals his 34th base of the season, while going 2 for 3 with a walk, two runs scored, and one run batted in.  For Brooklyn Tommy Griffith is 2 for 4 with a run batted in, and Jimmy Johnston drives in his 27th run for the season.  Out in Cincinnati, the New York Giants defeat the Reds and claim victory in that series three games against two.  Meanwhile the Pirates now sit just five games out of first.

• RECORD: 53-39 (.576)
• First Place; 2.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 7/21/1920: Pirates Welcome Brooklyn to Pittsburgh With Defeat of Robins

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #89: Wednesday, July 21, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

Third Place Pittsburgh Pirates Remind Brooklyn Robins of Long Season Ahead

Brooklyn's momentum comes to a grinding halt today at Pittsburgh.  After trading runs in the first inning, Pirates novice Elmer Ponder throws up goose eggs over the next five frames  Meanwhile, Rube Marquard walks the plank after yielding four earned runs on nine hits and no walks with three strikeouts in just 4.1 innings pitched.  Brooklyn rallies for two runs in the seventh on consecutive triples from Zack Wheat and Hi Myers, and an Ed Konetchy grounder to the right side scoring Myers.  But the Robins would score no more.  Elmer Ponder keeps them at three runs on eight hits and no walks with five strikeouts for his second victory this season over Brooklyn.  Clarence Mitchell allows two hits during 3.2 scoreless innings in relief of Marquard.   The good news is the New York Giants defeat Cincinnati at Redland Field.

• RECORD: 52-36 (.590)
• First Place; 3.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 7/18/1920: Cincinnati Reds Douse Brooklyn Robins Fire

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #86: Sunday, July 18, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Defending Champions Awaken to Take Middle Game From Robins

The Robins this month have put together three 

separate winning streaks of five wins or more.

Every one knew it was only a matter of time before the Reds strike back.  After trading goose eggs for three innings the Reds open the scoring in the fourth on a double by shortstop Larry Kopf scoring left fielder Pat Duncan all the way from first.  Then in the blink of an eye Jimmy Johnston's mishandling of right fielder Greasy Neale's grounder to third clears the way for three Cincinnati unearned runs en route to a 4-0 lead from which the Robins would not recover.  Brooklyn scores their lone run off Reds starter Dolf Luque in the eighth on Ivy Olson's 25th run batted in.  Luque limits the Robins to just six hits and no walks with two strikeouts while earning his sixth victory of the season.  With the loss Sherry Smith evens out at 5-5 with 2.15 earned run average.  He allows four runs, only one earned, on six hits and no walks through only four innings pitched.  Clarence Mitchell pitches four scoreless in relief allowing just two hits.  Brooklyn's lead in the standings over Cincinnati is back down to three with two games remaining in this five game series at Redlands Field.

• RECORD: 51-34 (.600)
• First Place; 3.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 7/6/1920: Brooklyn Robins Complete Sweep of Boston Braves

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #72: Tuesday, July 6, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field

Back in Full Swing Zack Wheat and Ed Konetchy Turning Up the Heat; Robins Win Fifth in a Row.

Brooklyn takes Tuesday's series finale by a 4-2 margin over the Braves at Boston.  The victory marks the Robins ninth in their last ten games.  The resurgence of Zack Wheat continues propelling the Robins back towards first.  With a hit in three trips to the plate Wheat drives in two runs and scores another, and with a 2 for 4 day Ed Konetchy lifts his batting average up to a .333 mark.  Both veteran players missed considerable time as the month of May transitioned into June and were slow to regain their respective stroke.  Southpaw Clarence Mitchell remains undefeated as a starter, improving to 5-0 with a 2.98 earned run average.  Making his ninth overall appearance Mitchell yields just one earned run on nine hits and two walks with a strikeout through 8.1 innings pitched.  When Mitchell creates trouble for himself in the ninth Manager Robinson with haste summons Sherry Smith from the bullpen whom records the final two outs of the game a his first bullpen save of the season.  The defending champion Cincinnati Reds hold on to their half-game lead over Brooklyn with a victory against the Pirates at Forbes Field.

• RECORD: 40-31 (.563)
• 2nd place; 0.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 6/30/1920: Brooklyn Robins Sweep Twin Bill at Polo Grounds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #63: Wednesday, June 30, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. New York Giants
Polo Grounds

Zack Wheat Erupts for Home Run, Five Runs Batted In; Robins Snap Six Game Skid

Few things make Uncle Robbie happier in life like defeating the New York Giants.  As we know resentment for his old team runs deep.  Beating his decades old rival at the Polo Grounds merely sweetens the prize.  Thus in game one the Robins snap a season high six game losing streak with a commanding 7-3 margin of victory at Coogan's Bluff.  Clarence Mitchell, making his eighth appearance of the season but only his fourth start, keeps the New Yorkers at bay surrendering three late runs on eight hits and two walks with three strikeouts through a full nine innings pitched.  He improves to 4-0 with a 3.38 earned run average.  Giants starter Jesse Barnes on this day does not live up to his billing yielding six runs on seven hits including a home run through six innings pitched.  The Robins score one last time in the seventh against reliever Jesse Winters.  Left fielder Zack Wheat leads Brooklyn's efforts at the plate going 2 for 4 with a triple, home run, and five runs batted in.  Meanwhile Tommy Griffith continues silencing the naysayers with a 2 for 4 day, a run scored and one run batted in.  Making his much welcome return to the lineup Ivy Olson also triples and drives in a run.


Game #64: Wednesday, June 30, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. New York Giants
Polo Grounds

Burleigh Grimes Towers Over Giants; Robins Complete Wednesday Sweep at Polo Grounds

The Robins finish what they start, taking game two and sweeping Wednesday's twin bill from the Giants.  A match more to Uncle Robbie's liking, it's a low scoring affair featuring dominant pitching and timely hitting.  New York scores once in the ninth inning ruining the shutout, but can do little else to thwart Burleigh Grimes' ninth victory of the season against five losses with a 2.28 ERA.  Outside of the one late run Grimes hurls a gem limiting the Giants to just five hits and one walk through nine innings complete.  After four scoreless innings Otto Miller in the fifth drives in Brooklyn's first run of the game.  Ed Konetchy drives in a run on a sac-fly in the seventh, then plates his second run with another sac-fly in the ninth.  High Pockets Kelly drives in the Giants lone run in the last half of the frame.  With a pair of victories the Robins lift themselves up from fourth place back into second, but only by a mere percentage point above the Cubs and Cardinals.                                         

• RECORD: 33-30
• 2nd place; 3.0 GB

100 Years Ago Today 6/15/1920: Brooklyn Robins Lose Three of Four to Cincinnati Reds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #50: Tuesday, June 15, 1920 - BR
Cincinnati Reds vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS TAKE SERIES FROM ROBINS THREE GAMES TO ONE

The Reds score early and often, above and beyond what the Robins can withstand.  Jeff Pfeffer is wholly ineffective, reliever Clarence Mitchell more so.  Making his ninth start of the season Pfeffer yields five earned runs on eight hits and one walk in just three innings pitched.  Clarence Mitchell records just one out before being relieved himself but not before surrendering another three runs on four hits.  Cincinnati southpaw Dutch Ruether despite allowing five runs on nine hits and five walks  improves to 11-3 with a 1.82 ERA.  For Brooklyn Hi Myers and Pete Kilduff each drive in two runs apiece, and Ed Konetchy goes 2 for 5 with one run batted in.  However the Robins leave ten men on base and are just 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position.  Despite homering in yesterday's contest Zack Wheat is now 2 for 26 (.076) over his last seven games.  The Robins have now lost six of their last eight games.  Meanwhile the Reds take the series three games to one, and reclaim sole possession of first place.

• RECORD: 28-21 (.571)
• 2nd place; 0.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 6/11/1920: St. Louis Cardinals Rout First Place Brooklyn Robins

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #46: Friday, June 11, 1920 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Cardinals Win Finale, Take Series Three Games to One; Defending Champion Cincinnati Reds to Make First Visit at Ebbets Field

The St. Louis Cardinals charge to a second straight rout over the Robins and thus take the four game series at Ebbets Field three games to one.  Brooklyn's mound trio of Sherry Smith, Clarence Mitchell, and Johnny Miljus, receive rude treatment from the Cardinals whom rough them up for ten earned runs on 15 hits and one walk.  Second baseman Rogers Hornsby is 2 for 4 with two runs scored; third baseman Milt Stock is 4 for 4 with a pair of runs scored; and pinch hitter cashes in on a hit and three runs batted in.  Cardinals starter Marv Goodwin earns his second win of the season allowing two runs on eleven hits through nine innings pitched.  For Brooklyn Zack Wheat goes 0 for 4, and is now 1 for 13 since returning to the lineup.  Jimmy Johnston continues wielding a hot bat with three hits in four times to the plate, and Tommy Griffith goes 3 for 4 with a triple and one run batted in.  The Robins are just 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position.  However, Brooklyn maintains their slim 1.5 game lead over the Reds whom are rejected by the Giants at the Polo Grounds.  The defending champion Cincinnati Reds arrive this weekend for a first place showdown at Ebbets Field.

• RECORD: 27-18 (.600)
• 1st place; 1.5 GA

100 Years Ago Today 6/2/1920: Brooklyn Robins Road Trip Opens With Loss at Philadelphia

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #38: Wednesday, June 2, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Baker Bowl

Leon Cadore Ineffective; Robins Tripped Up at Baker Bowl

Brooklyn's time spent in first place is fleeting.  The Robins arrive in Philadelphia where the Phillies snap their six game win streak with a series opening 6-4 victory at Baker Bowl.  Brooklyn takes a brief lead in the top of the third inning, but otherwise trail throughout.  Starter Leon Cadore appears fatigued coming off a ten inning performance in Saturday's match against Boston.  He yields five runs on eight hits in just 3.1 innings pitched.  Former friend now foe Casey Stengel is 2 for 4 with two runs batted in; left fielder Irish Meusel connects off Cadore in the third on his second home run of the season; and shortstop Dave Bancroft goes 3 for 3 with a walk, two doubles, a run batted in, and three runs scored.  Phillies starter Red Causey is yanked by manager Cravath after surrendering three runs on four hits and a walk through the third, but does not figure in the decision.  Lefty Weinert pitches 4.2 innings in relief of Causey to earn the victory.  With Zack Wheat sidelined manager Robinson shifts Bernie Neis to left field and gives Tommy Griffith a rare start in right.  In return Griffith produces a single, double, and a run batted in.  Clarence Mitchell continues wielding a hot bat while filling in for Ed Konetchy going 2 for 3 with two walks and a run scored.

• RECORD: 22-15 (.595)
• 2nd place; 1 GB

100 Years Ago Today 6/1/1920: Brooklyn Robins Forge First Place Tie With Reds

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #37: Tuesday, June 1, 1920 - BR
New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Brooklyn Robins Complete Sweep of Giants; Move Into First Place Tie With Reds

The month of June begins with a real barnburner, a fierce back and forth affair at Ebbets Field in which Brooklyn wins Tuesday's series finale and completes a three game sweep over their Giant rivals.  Rube Marquard is opposed by New York yeoman Rube Benton.  Both fail to make it out of the fifth inning.  With two out and two on in the Brooklyn first Pete Kilduff reaches safely on an error by shortstop Art Fletcher.  With the bases loaded Clarence Mitchell singles to left plating two.  New York storms back with two runs batted in each by Art Fletcher and Larry Doyle, and one run batted in from Frank Snyder, for a 5-2 lead through four and one half innings.  The Brooks then rally for two in the bottom half of the fifth on runs batted in from Bill McCabe and Ernie Krueger.  After which a Hi Myers triple in the sixth plates two for a 6-5 Robins lead.  But the bullpen duo of Art Nehf and Phil Douglas falters in the eighth yielding four runs on three hits and two walks giving New York a 9-6 advantage.  Then comes the obligatory comeback.  Pete Kuldiff and Clarence Mitchell each drive in a run apiece in the eighth cutting the Robins deficit to one.  In the Brooklyn ninth an incensed John McGraw seethes over his club's fourth error of the game, and eleventh of the series.  With two outs and the bases filled with Robins, Hi Myers doubles into deep right plating the tying and winning runs.  For the game Hi Myers is 2 for 5 with a walk, double, triple, two runs scored, and four runs batted in.  Bill McCabe starts in left field in place of the injured Zack Wheat.  Speaking of which Clarence Mitchell since taking over first base for the injured Ed Konetchy enjoys his biggest day at the plate going 4 for 5 with three runs batted in.  Sherry Smith earns his third victory in relief of Rube Marquard and George Mohart.  Marquard surrenders five earned runs on seven hits and one walk in just four innings pitched.  The Robins are now winners of six in a row.

• RECORD: 22-14 (.611)
• 1st place; tied

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 5/28/1920: 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 5/7/1920: 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