100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 9/20/1921: Harry Harper Again Comes Through For Yankees; Giants Fall in Tenth Inning at Cubs 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 shifted 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 #143

BOXSCORE: Tuesday, September 20, 1921 - BR

Detroit Tigers @ NEW YORK YANKEES

POLO GROUNDS

Harry Harper Tames Tigers; Yanks Bounce Back Atop Circuit

Pressure?  What pressure?  New Jersey native Harry Harper again comes through for an anxiety-riddled Miller Huggins.  Making just his sixth appearance, the southpaw earns his third win in four September starts.  Facing Detroit's Bert Cole, the Yankees strike for three runs in the fourth.  Harry Harper makes them stand, allowing two late runs in the seventh and ninth innings, on eight hits with four strikeouts for the win.  The Yankees added a run in the sixth en route to a 4-2 final score.  Bob Meusel and Aaron Ward drive home two runs each.  Cleveland falls to the Red Sox at Fenway Park, so the Highlanders retake a half-game lead over the Indians.  After their series finale with Detroit, the Yankees host the defending champion Cleveland Indians at the Polo Grounds one last time.  Cleveland is 13-7 in September, while the Yankees boast a 15-7 record.  The upcoming series victor is very likely to go on and secure the American League pennant. 

• FINAL: DET 2; NYY 4
• RECORD: 90-53 (.629); First Place, 0.5 GA of Cleveland

⚾

GAME #146

BOXSCORE: Tuesday, September 20, 1921 - BR

New York Giants @ CHICAGO CUBS

Cubs Park

Giants Fall in Tenth at Cubs Park; First Place Lead Shrinks to Three 

Facing the great Grover Cleveland Alexander, the Giants jump out to a 3-0 in the second inning on four consecutive two-out base hits.  Chicago scores twice against Jesse Barnes in the third, then pounces for four runs in the fifth, highlighted by Ray Grimes' leadoff home run for a 6-3 lead.  But the Giants claw back with two runs in the seventh and High Pockets Kelly homers in the eighth, tying the game at six.  Jesse Barnes is pulled after 4.2 innings pitched, having allowed six runs on ten hits.  Red Shea throws 1.1 scoreless innings, and Slim Salle pitches a scoreless seventh.  Afterwhich, Art Nehf hurls a scoreless eighth and ninth frame, and into extra innings, they go at Cubs Park.  In his third inning in relief of Alexander, Virgil Cheeves retires the Giants in order during the visitor's tenth.  In the home half, leadoff batter John Sullivan safely reaches on Frankie Frisch's errant throw to first base.  Ray Grimes swaps places with Sullivan on a fielder's choice, then advances to second on a wild pitch by Art Nehf.  Catcher Bob O'Farrell promptly follows with a single up the middle, driving home the winning run.  The idle Bucs, therefore, gain one-half game on the present National League leaders.  McGraw's men are now 6-2 on this road trip with seven games left with which to protect their precarious lead.  After Friday's finale with Chicago, the Giants must still trek through St. Louis and Philadelphia, then finally back within city limits to Brooklyn for the last scheduled game of the regular season.  

• FINAL: NYG 6; CHI 7  10 innings
• RECORD: 90-56 (.616); First Place, 3.0 GA of Pittsburgh

OTD 9/11/1935: Brooklyn Eagles Defeat Grover Cleveland Alexander's Western House of David in First-Ever Arc-Light Game at Ebbets Field

From the desk: WHERE THE EAGLES LEARNED TO FLY

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 

Thursday, September 12, 1935

They tried this once before, on Monday, June 5, 1935, but the first-ever arclight game to be staged at Ebbets Field pitting the Brooklyn Eagles hosting the House of David Club was rained out with both parties unsure whether the game would ever be rescheduled.  

Well, herein, we have our answer.

On Wednesday, September 11, 1935, the Brooklyn Eagles host Grover Cleveland Alexander's western House of David in the first-ever arclight game staged at Ebbets Field.

NEGRO NATIONAL LEAGUE

BROOKLYN EAGLES

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 

Thursday, September 12, 1935

The now 48-year old Pete Alexander pitches the first inning, yielding one hit against leadoff batter Fats Jenkins, then retires to the dugout to coach the team.  Walter Laufer takes over pitching duties in the second and surrenders six runs on ten hits and one walk with two strikeouts in a losing effort.

The Eagles open the scoring in the home fourth.  But in the visitor's sixth, House of David ties the game at one.  That is until Eagle shortstop Bill Sadler triples him the go-ahead run as part of a three-run rally in the home sixth.  Brooklyn adds two more in the eighth en route to a 6-1 final score.

Fats Jenkins goes 3 for 4 with a triple and a stolen base.  First baseman George Giles, right fielder Ed Stone, and catcher Tex Burnett who goes 2 for 3, also wield triples for the Eagles.

Brooklyn right-hander Terris McDuffie is the true star of the game, limiting the House of Davis to a lone run on six hits and two walks with ten strikeouts and a hit batsman for good measure.

Times Union (Brooklyn, NY), 

 Thursday, September 12, 1935

 

100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 8/28/1921: Giants Turn Back Cubs For Sixth in a Row; Yankees Fall at Navin 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 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 #126

BOXSCORE: Sunday, August 28, 1921 - BR

Chicago Cubs @ NEW YORK GIANTS

POLO GROUNDS

Jesse Barnes Outduels Grover Cleveland Alexander; Giants Win Sixth Straight

Back-to-back 20-game winner Jesse Barnes, who did not appear against the Pirates, outperforms the great Pete Alexander as the Giants take the series opener against Chicago and win their sixth straight game.  Frankie Frisch triples home Dave Bancroft in the first inning.  Chicago then takes a 2-1 lead with three hits in the fourth.  But the Giants answer right back in the home half of the frame; Ross Youngs triples home Dave Bancroft and Frankie Frisch, and Johnny Rawlings drives home Youngs for a 4-2 Giants leads.  Jesse Barnes makes it stand, hurling five scoreless innings to close out the game.  Barnes yields the two runs on just five hits and one walk for his twelfth win against eight losses with a representative 2.87 ERA.  Grover Cleveland Alexander takes the loss, his tenth against twelve victories.  Dave Bancroft and Frankie Frisch account for half of New York's twelve hits.  Ross Youngs now has 90 runs batted in.

• FINAL: CHI 2; NYG 4
• RECORD: 76-50 (.603); second place, 2.5 GB of Pittsburgh

⚾

GAME #119

BOXSCORE: Sunday, August 28, 1921- BR

New York Yankees @ DETROIT TIGERS

Navin Field

Yankees Humbled by Detroit Novice; Tigers Salvage Series Finale

One has to wonder if the Yankees took the proverbial one step forward and two steps back.  When Detroit Tiger rookie Bert Cole, making just his thirteenth major league appearance, limits the Yankees to three runs, two of which come after the seventh, one is left to ponder the Yankees' present condition and perhaps the status of their field manager.  With only 37 games left in the season, we will soon know if Col. Rupport regrets not replacing Miller Huggins earlier this summer.  Waite Hoyt gets off to a problematic start, yielding two runs in the first inning on two hits and two walks along with a hit batsman.  Hoyt helps himself with a run-scoring single in the fourth.  But with Hoyt out of the game, reliever Jack Quinn yields another two runs in the fifth inning on four hits for a 4-1 Tiger lead through five.  With the bases loaded in the visitor's sixth, left fielder Bobby Veach clears the bases giving the Tigers a 7-1 lead.  Aaron Ward homers leading off the eighth, and Wally Pipp drives home a run in the ninth for a 7-3 final in Detroit.  Waite Hoyt takes the loss, and Bert Cole, the win.

• FINAL: NYY 3; DET 7
• RECORD: 73-46 (.613); second place, 1.5 GB of Cleveland

100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 8/7/1921: Yankees and Rain Conspire Against White Sox; Giants Even Series at Chicago

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 #98

BOXSCORE: Sunday, August 7, 1921 - BR

Chicago White Sox @ NEW YORK YANKEES

POLO GROUNDS

Rip Collins Holds White Sox To One Hit, Jupiter Pluvius Takes Care of the Rest

Wally Pipp doubles home Babe Ruth in the fourth, and with one out in the fifth, new acquisition Elmer Miller singles home Wally Schang then advances all the way to third on Johnny Mostil's misplay in center field.  Next in, Wally Pipp then grounds to third, and Miller is thrown out at home while attempting to score.  Afterwhich, the Polo Grounds rattle at the clap of thunder, and the gathering storm clouds empty upon Gotham.  The game is nevertheless official.  Thus, Rip Collins is credited with hurling a gem, allowing no runs on just one hit and two walks with two strikeouts through five innings for the win.  The Yankees finally defeat Red "Urban" Faber, who owned a 3-0 record this season against New York before today's contest.  

• FINAL: CHI 0; NYY 2 *five innings; rain
• RECORD: 61-37 (.622); second place, 0.5 GB of Cleveland

Albuquerque Morning Journal (Albuquerque, NM),

 Monday, August 8, 1921

GAME #104

BOXSCORE: Sunday, August 7, 1921 - BR

New York Giants @ CHICAGO CUBS

Cubs Park

Giants Defeat Pete Alexander; Even Series at Cubs Park

McGraw's men change their recent fortunes for the better with a victory over the great Grover Alexander in game two at Cubs Park.  Trailing 2-0 after three, the Giants post three runs in the fourth, and starter Jesse Barnes makes it stand.  The Giants scored once in the sixth and twice more in the eighth for good measure.  Ross Youngs drives in one run, Frankie Frisch drives home two, High Pockets Kelly goes 3 for 3 with his 19th home and two runs batted in, giving him a National League-leading 101 this season.  Grover Cleveland Alexander allows seven runs (six earned) on twelve hits and only one walk in a losing effort.  Jesse Barnes yields two runs on 14 hits and one walk for his tenth win against six losses with a 2.78 ERA.  Pittsburgh was idle and so the Giants gain one half-game in the standings.

• FINAL: NYG 7; CHI 2
• RECORD: 63-41 (.606); second place, 3.0 GB of Pittsburgh

100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 7/8/1921: Art Nehf Out-Duels Grover Cleveland Alexander; Yankees Humbled In Chicago Opener

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 still harbored much animosity two full decades later, 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.  

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 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 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.  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 more so 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 before the start of 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. 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 #73

BOXSCORE: Friday, July 8, 1921 - BR

Chicago Cubs @ NEW YORK GIANTS

POLO GROUNDS

Art Nehf Outduels Grover Cleveland Alexander For Series Opening Victory Over Cubs

In what is undoubtedly the most tightly contested match this season, a rather small gathering in hot and humid conditions witness Art Nehf and The Great Alexander brilliantly negotiate eight scoreless frames during Friday's series opener at the Polo Grounds.  Old Pete, Grover Cleveland Alexander, allows the Giants no runs on six hits and one walk, and Art Nehf limits the Cubs to just two hits and no walks.  Then, into the ninth, they go.  After striking out Pete Alexander leading off the top half of the frame, right fielder Max Flack connects for just the third Chicago hit against Nehf.  With one out in the home half of the ninth, Frankie Frisch draws a base on balls, and Ross Youngs singles back through the middle, putting runners on the corners.  Alexander then issues pinch hitter Casey Stengel an intentional walk loading the bases.  Into the box steps Curt Walker and laces a grounder to second baseman John Kelleher, whose misplay permits Frankie Frisch to score from third with the game-winning run.  Frisch and catcher Earl Smith lead the Giants with two hits apiece.  Recent acquisition Johnny Rawlings continues making Mister McGraw look smart with another hit in three trips to the plate.  All told, the soon-to-be 28-year old Art Nehf faces three batters over the minimum, yielding just three hits and no walks with three strikeouts and flawless fielding behind him.  He improves his record to 10-4 with a descending 4.19 ERA.

• FINAL: CHI 0; NYG 1
• RECORD: 45-28 (.616); second place, 4.5 GB of Pittsburgh 

Meanwhile, after the game, catcher Earl Smith challenges a New York City police detective to a fight, who gladly accepts ...

The Evening Kansan-Republican (Newton, Kansas), 

Saturday, July 9, 1921

GAME #75

BOXSCORE: Friday, July 8, 1921 - BR

New York Yankees @ CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Comiskey Park

Yankees Subdued By Dickey Kerr In Series Opener at Comiskey Park

The Highlander's road trip does not begin well.  With Jupiter Pluvius postponing a key American League contest at Dunn Field, the visiting New York Yankees bow to the White Sox at Comiskey Park and thus fail to gain ground on the idle Cleveland Indians.  Home Run Baker drives home the game's opening run in the first.  Afterwhich last year's 21-game winner Dickey Kerr shuts out New York over the final eight innings of play, allowing ten total hits and two walks for his ninth victory.  Kerr also helps his own cause at the plate with a hit and run batted in.  Starter Bob Shawkey falls to 6-5 after yielding his standard four runs on nine hits and two walks.  Babe Ruth lifts his average to .382 with two hits in three at-bats and steals his ninth base this season.

• FINAL: NYY 1; CHI 4
• RECORD: 46-29 (.613); second place, 2.0 GB of Cleveland

100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 6/16/1921: Yanks Even Series With White Sox; Giants Lose In 13th At Cubs 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 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 still harbored much animosity two full decades later, 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.  

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 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 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.  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 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 before the start of 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. 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 #56

BOXSCORE: Thursday, June 16, 1921 - BR

Chicago White Sox @ NEW YORK YANKEES

POLO GROUNDS

Wally Pipp Leads 14 Hit Attack; Yanks Get Even With Chicago

The Yankees even their series with the White Sox.  Roger Peckinpaugh and Wally Pipp drive home runs in the third.  Chicago center fielder Amos Strunk drives in a run against Bob Shawkey in the fourth, but the Yankees answered with three runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth.  Bob Shawkey yields two runs in the ninth but completes the task at hand.  Shawkey allows three runs on seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts for his fourth victory this season against two losses with a 3.16 ERA.  Roy Wilkinson takes the loss.  Wally Pipp is 2 for 4 with a double and four runs batted in.  Peckinpaugh leads the Yankees with three hits and three runs scored.  However, the Yankees gain no ground as the Indians defeat the A's at Philadelphia.

• FINAL: CHI 3; NYY 7
• RECORD: 34-22 (.607); second place, 1.5 GB of Cleveland

⚾          ⚾          ⚾

GAME #55

BOXSCORE: Thursday, June 16, 1921 - BR

New York Giants @ CHICAGO CUBS

Cubs Park

Giants Fall To Old Pete in 13th Inning

The Giants and Cubs head into extra innings for a second straight game.  Phil Douglas and Rube Benton duel with Old Pete Alexander to a two-all tie through nine.  Ross Youngs drives home a run in the fourth and drives in his second run in the sixth.  Chicago scores one in the fifth, and Bill Killefer's hit against Rube Benton in the ninth inning ties the game.  The score remains unchanged through the twelfth.  With Grover Alexander still in the game, Frank Snyder drives home two runs with a double to left field.  But Rube Benton and Art Nehf cannot hold.  Chicago rallied for three runs on three hits, with defensive replacement Bob O'Farrell knocking home the winning run.  Art Nehf takes the loss, with much to be desired from Rube Benton, and Grover Cleveland Alexander earns his fourth victory this season.

• FINAL: NYG 4; CHI 5
• RECORD: 34-21 (.618); second place, 4.0 GB of Pittsburgh

100 Years Ago Today 9/13/1920: First Place Brooklyn Robins Open Five Game Lead

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #140: Monday, September 13, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Jeff Pfeffer Outperforms Chicago Great Pete Alexander

Uncle Robbie couldn't be prouder.  Brooklyn manager, yes, but he's a pitching guru at heart.  Wilbert Robinson witnesses his starter Jeff Pfeffer get the best of 24-game winner Pete Alexander.  Chicago opens the scoring in the first on Fred Merkle's triple scoring Max Flack.  In the Brooklyn second Hi Myers counters with a triple of his own scoring Zack Wheat.  Pete Kilduff drives home Myers and Jeff Pfeffer gives himself a hand by driving home Kilduff for a 3-1 Robins lead.  Brooklyn continues adding on through the eighth.  In the fourth Jeff Pfeffer wields his second hit and drives home his second run.  Zack Wheat and Ray Schmandt drive in runs in the fifth.  Ernie Krueger triples in Brooklyn's seventh and final run for the game.  Max Flack drives home two runs in the ninth against Pfeffer, otherwise no harm done.  Brooklyn takes game one by a seven to three final.  Hi Myers now leads the team with 76 runs batted in.  Pfeffer is charged with three runs on ten hits with one walk and four strikeouts en route to his fifteenth victory against nine losses with a 3.04 ERA.  Grover Cleveland Alexander entered the game with a 4-1 record and a 1.72 in five previous starts against the Robins.  Last time they met Grover Cleveland he shut them out.  On this day he is denied his 25th victory.  In the meantime, Brooklyn wins their season high ninth consecutive game.  The sun drunk Ebbets Field crowd approves.


Game #141: Monday, September 13, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Overflowing Ebbets Field Crowd Cheers on Tenth Straight Win and Twin Bill Sweep

A near mirror image of game one, except it's Rube Marquard joining with Al Mamaux toeing the rubber and hurling another timely victory.  Brooklyn chips away with runs in the first, fourth and eighth innings.  Ivy Olson stays hot going 3 for 5 with a triple and a run batted in.  Jimmy Johnston elevates his average to .298 with two hits in four trips, with a run scored and one run batted in.  Marquard yields two runs on seven hits and two walks with two strikeouts through four innings.  Al Mamaux follows with five innings of scoreless five-hit ball with two strikeouts for his tenth win.  The game ends on a 6-to-4 force out at second followed by a triumphant roar from the packed Ebbets Field crowd.  Easily 30,000 in attendance, the neighborhood trolley dodgers witness their team earn their season high tenth straight victory.  Brooklyn's present five game lead over the Reds is their largest for the season.  Conversely, the Robins have never been more than three games from the lead. The Reds lose at Philadelphia and the Giants win at the Polo Grounds.

• RECORD: 83-57 (.593)
• 1st Place; 5 GA

EXTRA: AMERICAN LEAGUE RACE

BABE RUTH HITS #49

The Indians will spend a second straight night just one-half game behind the Yankees.  Cleveland defeats the Philadelphia Athletics while the Yankees cut down the Detroit Tigers and therefore no change.  Carl Mays limits the Tigers to a pair of runs on nine hits and three walks en route to his 24th victory of the season against ten losses with a 3.25 ERA.  Ty Cobb musters a double, but no more.  In the sixth inning, Babe Ruth hits his 49th home run for the season - a two run blast into deep right, Wally Pip scores.

100 Years Ago Today 8/28/1920: Grover Cleveland Alexander Whitewashes Brooklyn Robins

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #122: Saturday, August 28, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Chicago Cubs
Cubs Park

The Great Pete Alexander Out-Duels Burleigh Grimes

It matters not your rooting interest, for this affair is tailored for the greater baseball fan.  They call such demonstrations classic pitching duels for a reason.  Friday's contest played in front of 12,000 enchanted fans is just that - a game which stands on its own, pennant race be damned.  Brooklyn spitballer and emerging star Burleigh Grimes toes the rubber and is opposed by the Chicago's decade long legend Pete Alexander.  Catcher Bob O'Farrell leads off the Cubs fifth with a hit.  Alexander aids his own cause with a successful sacrifice advancing O'Farrell to second.  Right fielder Max Flack then singles to center scoring O'Farrell.  Otherwise Grimes and Alexander continue trading goose eggs en rout to a 1-0 whitewashing of the Robins.  Pete Alexander allows just six hits and one walk through nine scoreless innings.  He improves to 22-12 with a 2.12 ERA.  This is the seventh season in which Alexander has exceeded twenty victories.  Burleigh Grimes is now 18-9 with 2.13 ERA.  In a tough luck loss he allows one run on seven hits and two walks.  Otherwise, Cubs Park is treated to a pitching virtuoso.  And the New York Giants are now two games out of first place.

• RECORD: 69-52 (.570)
• 1st Place; 1.0 GA  

100 Years Ago Today 8/11/1920: Brooklyn Robins Split Twin Bill With Cubs

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #107: Wednesday, August 11, 1920; GAME ONE - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Jeff Pfeffer Tames Cubs; Robins Ride Big Inning to Victory

With a six run outburst in the fifth, Jeff Pfeffer and the Robins roll to a commanding 9-3 victory in Game One at Ebbets Field.  Pfeffer goes the distance, allowing three earned runs on eight hits (including a home run off the bat of right fielder Max Flack), and two walks, en route to his ninth victory for the season.  Flack goes 2 for 3, and drives in all three Chicago runs.  Jimmy Johnston is big man on campus going 4 for 5, with a double, and two runs batted in, and two runs scored.  Zack Wheat is 2 for 5, also with a double, two runs batted in, and two runs scored.  Hi Myers, with a double in the fifth, drives in his team leading 54th run for the season.  Ed Konetchy raises his average to .319 with three hits and a run batted in.  And Jeff Pfeffer aids his own cause with two hits and two runs batted in.


Game #108: Wednesday, August, 11, 1920; GAME TWO - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Cubs Salvage Split; Grover Alexander Closes the Door on Robins

Chicago rallies for a late run to salvage a twin bill split at Ebbets Field.  Starter Leon Cadore compromises his own cause with a throwing error in the seventh inning, thus putting the go ahead run on second.  Sure enough, pinch hitter Turner Barber drives home Charlie Deal giving the Cubs a 4-3 lead, and ultimate margin of victory.  When the Robins place the tying run on second in the bottom of the ninth, manager Fred Mitchell calls upon Grover Alexander, who slams the door shut on Brooklyn.  Ivy Olson strikes out ending the game.

• RECORD: 61-46 (.570)
• First Place; 0.5 GA

Correction: I ended this series too soon.  One more game left against the Cubs, and then! it's off to the Polo Grounds.  Sorry!
Edited 10:28pm Monday

100 Years Ago Today 8/9/1920: Brooklyn Robins Outlast Grover Cleveland Alexander

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #106: Monday, August 9, 1920 - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Robins Defeat the Alexander the Great; Pennant Chase Intensifies

If these are the dog days of summer, then Brooklyn is the sun.  Nowhere in the National League is the landscape more searing than at Ebbets Field.  After today's thrilling victory over the Chicago Cubs, the Robins still only lead the first division by a mere five games ahead of the fourth place Pirates.  Looking on intently from high atop Coogan's Bluff are the third place New York Giants, who on this day rout Pittsburgh at the Polo Grounds, and await Brooklyn's arrival this coming Friday.  The Giants, back on July 17, with a sub par 39-42 record, were dawdling in fifth place, a distant 10.5 games out of first.  They have since won sixteen of their last twenty to close within three games of the Robins.  The only thing presently separating Brooklyn and upper Manhattan other than the East River are the defending champion Cincinnati Reds, who today defeat the Braves at Boston, and remain just a half-game out of first place.  Monday's crowd of roughly 5,000 at Ebbets Field sound more like 50,000 by game's end.  Opening a three game series with the Cubs, Brooklyn spitballer Burleigh Grimes is opposed by the great Grover Alexander.  After three scoreless frames Brooklyn jumps out to a two run lead on runs batted in from Zack Wheat and Ed Konetchy.  Chicago strikes back with two runs in the sixth, then in the eighth take a 4-2 lead on runs batted in from Dode Paskert and Charlie Deal.  In the bottom of the frame, with one out and two runners in scoring position, Hi Myers doubles plating Jimmy Johnston.  And after a walk to Ed Konetchy, Pete Kilduff clears the bases with a double to right, giving Brooklyn a 6-4 lead.  Al Mamaux, pitching in relief of Burleigh Grimes, yields a run in the ninth, but ultimately closes the the door on the Cubs for his eighth victory of the season.  Grimes exits to a no decision after allowing three earned runs on nine hits and four walks through 7.1 innings pitched.  Grover Alexander loses his twelfth game against eighteen wins, with a 2.33 ERA.

• RECORD: 60-45 (.571)
• First Place; 0.5 GA

100 Years Ago Today 7/13/1920: Brooklyn Robins Give Game Away at Cubs Park

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #80: Tuesday, July 13, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Chicago Cubs
Cubs Park

Brooklyn Literally Throws One Away

Cubs leadoff hitter Babe Twombly opens the bottom of the first with a triple, then scores on shortstop Charlie Hollocher's double to right.  After which Leon Cadore and the great Grover Alexander trade goose eggs through the sixth.  Brooklyn finally breaks through for a run in the seventh on back to back triples from Zack Wheat and Hi Myers, whom is thrown out at home attempting to score.  Hi Myers later drives in the go ahead run in the Robins ninth with a sacrifice fly to center scoring Tommy Griffith from third.  But Brooklyn's lead is fleeting.  With one out in the bottom half of the ninth Leon Cadore yields a single to first baseman Fred Merkle and a double from left fielder Dave Robertson.  Wilbert Robinson wastes no time replacing Cadore with Al Mamaux.  Meanwhile Cubs manager Fred Mitchell opting for speed swaps out Merkle for a pinch-runner.  With pinch hitter Turner Barber in the batter's box facing Al Mamaux, catcher Rowdy Elliot attempts a pick-off play at second but instead throws the ball errantly into center fielder, and both runners safely scatter home.  Wilbert Robinson himself a former catcher is apoplectic as Brooklyn's winning streak ends at five.  Grover Cleveland Alexander improves to 16-7 with a 1.91 earned run average.  He limits the Robins to just one earned run on six hits with six strikeouts.  The game marks only Brooklyn's third loss of the month.  However, Cincinnati gains a full game on the first place Robins with a victory over Philadelphia.  Brooklyn's showdown against baseball's defending champions looms ahead.  In the meantime three more games still remain against the Cubs.  Tomorrow they play a twin bill in order to make up a May 12 postponement.

• RECORD: 46-33 (.582)
• First Place; 0.5 GA

100 Years Ago Today 6/19/1920: Cubs Claw Brooklyn Robins in Extra Innings

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #51: Saturday, June 19, 1920 - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Despite 4-7 Record During Present Home Stand Fans Continue Packing Ebbets Field Unlike Ever Before;  Another 8,000 Fans Take Saturday Loss in Stride.

After two straight days of rain the clouds over Bedford and Sullivan dissipate and baseball finally resumes play Saturday afternoon at Ebbets Field, although not exactly to Uncle Robbie's great satisfaction.  The visiting Cubs and Robins complete nine innings deadlocked at two runs apiece.  But in the Chicago twelfth and manager Wilbert Robinson looking on starter Al Mamaux commits a cardinal sin by walking leadoff batter Zeb Berry.  Berry is successfully bunted over to second then scores on Freddie Merkle's double to deep right.  But Wilbert Robinson makes no move.  After Mamaux retires third baseman Buck Herzog on a lazy fly to center for out number two Wilbert Robinson watches Chicago catcher Bob O'Farrell strike a Mamaux offering into deep center field for an inside the park home run and an abrupt 5-2 Cubs advantage.  Brooklyn scrapes together one run in the bottom of the frame but nothing more en route to a 5-3 defeat.  Performing like his old pre-war self, the great Grover Cleveland Alexander pitches another dandy.  In his third year with Chicago, Pete Alexander improves to 13-4 with a 2.22 earned run average.  Brooklyn manages just eight hits with Hi Meyers, Ed Konetchy, and Pete Kilduff, accounting for two each.  Meanwhile Zack Wheat since returning from a minor injury remains mired in an awful slump, going just 2 for 30 over his last eight games.  Al Mamaux pitches twelve innings in a losing effort.  Why, is something perhaps we'll never know.  Entering Saturday's action the Robins were coming off three straight days away from the diamond.  In other words Uncle Robbie had a fully rested and available staff.  Now he must contemplate the Robins sixth loss in their last seven games and the seventh in their last nine.  The Robins with a 28-22 record to date have now completed roughly one third of their regular season and to the dismay of naysayers still rank among the first division contenders.  They are indeed off to their best start since winning the pennant four years ago.  But Wilbert knows very well that at this point during each of the last three seasons the Robins have been a sub par team.  As if the onset of summer serves as a foreshadowing of things to come, in June 1916 the Robins post a 14-11 record.  But during the month of June from 1917 through 1919 they post sub par records.  Despite today's loss the second place Robins are still six games above .500 and are just 1.5 games behind the league leading Cincinnati Reds with the Cardinals and fourth place Cubs hot on their tail feathers.  However, June 2020 seems determined once again to become an issue as the Robins today fall to 7-8 this month.

• RECORD: 28-22 (.560)
• 2nd place; 1.5 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