100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 7/7/1921: Brooklyn Robins Take Second Straight From McGrawmen

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 #72

BOXSCORE: Thursday, July 7, 1921 - BR

Brooklyn Robins @ NEW YORK GIANTS

POLO GROUNDS

Robins Complete Two-Game Sweep at Polo Grounds

A rivalry is as a rivalry does.  Just as the New Yorkers do to the Robins only days ago at Ebbets Field,

Brooklyn today completes a two-game sweep at the Polo Grounds.  The McGrawmen jump out to a prompt 3-0 lead in the first with runs sent homeward by Ross Youngs and High Pockets Kelly.  But the Giants lead does not last.  Facing starter Jesse Barnes, the Robins score four times on four hits highlighted by Otto Miller's two-run triple.  Jimmy Johnston then led off the fifth with a triple and scored on Tommy Griffith's fly ball to right field.  Meanwhile, Jesse Barnes is removed from the game.  Not yet done, Otto Miller and Dutch Ruether wield back-to-back triples in the sixth for a 6-3 Brooklyn lead.  But the Giants rally again late.  High Pockets Kelly triples home two runs as part of a three-run eighth to tie the game at six.  The score remains unchanged in the ninth.  However, the crowd needn't wait long for a decision.  Facing Rosy Ryan with two outs in the top of the tenth, Ray Schmandt laces an inside-the-park home run to left field.  Sherry Smith then closes the game for Uncle Robbie in the bottom half of the tenth, his sixth victory this season.

• FINAL: BRK 7; NYG 6  *10 innings

⚾

The Winnipeg Tribune (Manitoba, Canada)

*

NEXT GAME: Friday, July 8, 1921

New York Yankees @CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Comiskey Park

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 9/22/1920: Brooklyn Robins Set For Showdown Versus New York Giants

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #149: Wednesday, September 22, 1920 - BR

Boston Braves vs. Brooklyn Robins

Ebbets Field

Sherry Smith Gem Lowers Robins Magic Number to Two

Southpaw Sherry Smith puts forth the latest in a string of dominant performances by Robins hurlers.  If not for a dropped third strike by Otto Miller in the sixth inning allowing John Sullivan to score from third, Sherry otherwise whitewashes the Braves on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts through nine innings full.  He improves his record to 11-9 with a stellar 1.93 ERA.  Jimmy Johnston's hit in the third opens the scoring.  Ed Konetchey doubles leading off the fifth and Otto Miller redeems himself with a hit and run batted in.  Konetchy again seals the deal with his fourth home run in the eighth.  Brooklyn's magic number is now two.  The two teams are idle until Saturday when the New York Giants arrive at Ebbets Field to commence the final and perhaps conclusive showdown of the 1920 season.  New York defeats the Cubs at the Polo Grounds and will head to Brooklyn five games out of first place.  Meanwhile, the defending champion Reds are fading fast.  They drop a twin bill at Forbes Field to fall 9.5 games back behind the Robins.

• RECORD: 89-59 (.601)
• 1st Place; 5.0 GA

The AMERICAN LEAGUE IS IDLE

• Cleveland owns a 1.5 game lead over the Chicago White Sox, and a three game lead over the New York Yankees.

100 Years Ago Today 9/4/1920: Brooklyn Robins Beat Boston; Reclaim First Place

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #128: Saturday, September 4, 1920 - BR
Boston Braves vs. Brooklyn Robins

Ebbets Field

Leon Cardore Whitewashes Boston; Robins Back in First

Rest indeed does a body good!  Brooklyn romps to a third consecutive victory and reclaims first place.  The Robins score early, often and late en route to a 10-0 whitewashing of the Braves.  Leon Cadore yields twelve hits but no runs and no walks through nine innings full.  He improves to an even 12-12 with a 2.57 ERA.  Rabbit Maranville accounts for three Boston hits.  Hi Myers, arguably in the midst of his best season, leads the charge with a single, double and triple with three runs scored and five runs batted in.  Last year's RBI champ again leads the team with 67 runs batted in.  Jimmy Johnston and Tommy Griffith each slash three hits apiece.  Ed Konetchy and Otto Miller drive in two runs each.  The Reds fall to the Cardinals and into second place, while the Giants edge out the Phillies at the Polo Grounds by a score of one to zero.

• RECORD: 72-55 (.567)
• 1st Place; 0.5 GA

100 Years Ago Today 8/27/1920: Brooklyn Robins Retake Sole Possession of First Place

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #121: Friday, August 27, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Chicago Cubs
Cubs Park

National League is Officially Up for Grabs

By all indications, the National League is up for grabs.  We start in Cincinnati, where the defending champion Reds bow to the New York Giants after seventeen innings in the first game of a planned twin bill.  They're unable to play the second contest on account of darkness.  Back in Chicago, the Robins win their third straight and take their second in a row from the Cubs, thus sliding up one full game into first place.  Jeff Pfeffer toes the rubber and is opposed by Cubs veteran Claude Hendrix.  Chicago jumps out to a quick lead with runs in the first and second innings.  The Robins knot the game with a pair of runs in the third.  After trading runs in the fourth, the game proceeds quietly through the seventh.  Brooklyn breaks the deadlock with three runs in the eighth en route to a 6-3 victory.  Ed Konetchy drives in two runs, Tommy Griffith, Pete Kilduff and Otto Miller drive in one run apiece.  Ivy Olson remains hot at the plate with three hits in five at-bats.  Zack Wheat is also 3 for 5 with a run scored.  But the Robins also hit into five double-plays.  Jeff Pfeffer allows three earned runs on fourteen hits and two walks through nine innings for his eleventh victory against eight losses with a 2.95 ERA.

• RECORD: 69-51 (.575)
• 1st Place; 1.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 8/26/1920: Brooklyn Robins Forge First Place Tie With Victory at Chicago

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #120: Thursday, August 26, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Chicago Cubs
Cubs Park

Leon Cadore Outlasts Chicago's Hippo Vaughn

Brooklyn outlasts Chicago.  More precisely Leon Cadore outlasts Cubs's perennial 20-game winner Hippo Vaughn.  The Robins waste no time putting two runs on the board in first inning with hits from Bernie Neise and Hy Myers.  Brooklyn takes a 3-0 lead in the third on Pere Kilduff's 47th run batted in for the season.  Chicago strikes back for three runs in the third on four hits and a run batted in by Vaughn himself.  The game remains tied at three through the seventh.  In the eighth Zack Wheat singles off Hippo Vaughn giving the Robins a 4-3 lead.  With Hippo Vaughn out of the game and Sweetbread Bailey pitching relief in the ninth, Otto Miller drives home Brooklyn's final insurance run en route to a 5-3 final at Cubs Park.  Hi Myers is 3 for 4 with a double and his club leading 59th run batted in.  Zack Wheat drives home his 52nd run of the season.  Leon Cadore goes the distance, yielding three earned runs on seven hits and just one walk with four strikeouts.  He evens his record at 11-11 with a representative 2.55 earned run average.  With today's victory and Cincinnati's loss against the Phillies, the Robins and Reds are once again tied for first place with just 35 games left on the regular schedule.  Meanwhile, the New York Giants lose a pitchers duel at Sportsman's Park. They remain mired three games out of first for a third straight day.

• RECORD: 68-51 (.571)
• Tied 1st Place w/Reds

100 Years Ago Today 8/21/1920: Brooklyn Robins Close in on Cincinnati Reds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National league Champions

Game #115: Saturday, August 21, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Rube Marquard Hurls Gem Against Defending Champions at Redland Field

Ol' crafty Marquard does it again!  When the Robins need him most, when they've needed him to change the mood in the room, when they've needed him to stem the tide of defeatism, Rube Marquard this season has come through for Brooklyn.  What he does the rest of the time is another matter.  For on this day fans back home in Brooklyn call him hero after hurling nine scoreless innings of six hit baseball with just one walk and a trio of strikeouts.  He improves to 8-6 with a 3.03 earned run average.  But he has proven to the Robins even more valuable and clutch than any statistical analysis dares assume.  Meanwhile Brooklyn faces last year's 19-game winner for the Reds Hod Eller who himself pitches very well, just not through to finish.  He shuts out the Robins for seven innings until Jimmy Johnston's RBI double in the eighth.  In the ninth two runs score on a Pete Kilduff double and Otto Miller delivers a third run with a sacrifice fly.  To reiterate, on this day Rube Marquard is nothing short of great.  Brooklyn breaks their two game skid against the defending champs and pull back to within one game of the lead.  The New York Giants defeat the Cubs at Chicago and again move with three games of first.

• RECORD: 64-50 (.561)
• 2nd Place; 1.0 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 8/19/1920: Brooklyn Robins Cede First Place to Reds

Desk of the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #113: Thursday, August 19, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Robins Fall in 13th Inning at Redlands Field; Bow Out of First Place

Heavy rain causes postponement of the rest of their series versus the Phillies at Ebbets Field.  During the three day break Brooklyn loses their lone position atop the standings.  Yesterday both the Robins and Reds are idle.  Therefore the Robins arrive at Cincinnati's Redland Field this afternoon tied for first with the Reds.  Thirteen innings later they end the day a game back in second place.  Burleigh Grimes is back on the rubber opposed by Dutch Ruethers.  The two trade goose eggs for the first seven innings.  Both teams then trade a pair of runs in the eighth.  With two on and two outs, Jimmy Johnston singles up the middle scoring pinch runner Bill Lamar and Burleigh Grimes.  Cincinnati ties the score on a run scoring double from Heinie Groh, and a passed ball credited to catcher Otto Miller.  Grimes continues through the tenth.  After which, Leon Cadore takes over.  Meanwhile Brooklyn is unable to muster any offense against relievers Slim Sallee and Jimmy Ring.  With one out in the top of the thirteenth Hi Myers doubles to right, but is left stranded.  Reds second baseman Ed Sicking draws a walk leading off the bottom of the frame against Cadore.  Catcher Ivey Wingo wastes no time doubling to right, Wingo scores giving victory to the now first place Reds.

• RECORD: 63-49 (.563)
• 2nd Place; 1.0 GB

100 Years Ago Today 7/28/1920; Brooklyn Robins Even Series Against Reds at Ebbets Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #96: Wednesday, July 28, 1920 - BR
Cincinnati Reds vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Burleigh Grimes Whitewashes Defending Champs

Brooklyn counters Tuesday's opening defeat agains Reds with a strong performance both at the plate and on the mound in game two.  Burleigh Grimes gets the bats going with a one out double in the third, and scores on a hit to right from Ivy Olson, who winds up on third after a throwing error by catcher Ivey Wingo.  Jimmy Johnson follows with a hit that drives home Olson for a 2-0 Robins lead.  Brooklyn then erupts against Reds starter Jimmy Ring in the fifth with four runs on six hits, including triples by Pete Kilduff and Ivy Olson.  The Robins finally get their fill with three more runs in the seventh.  Burleigh Grimes, once again coming to his own aid, singles and drives in the Robins seventh run.  Jimmy Johnston drives in two more runs for a 9-0 final margin of victory.  The top of the Robins line-up is too much for Cincinnati to handle.  Lead-off batter Ivy Olson is 3 for 4 with three runs batted in; Jimmy Johnston is 2 for 5 also with three runs batted in; and batting third, Tommy Griffith drives in one.  Otto Miller with two hits also drives in his 19th run of the season.  With a bat in his hand Burleigh Grimes goes 3 for 4 with a double, three runs scored, and a run batted in.  In fact, Grimes is now batting .354 for the season, with thirteen runs batted in.  On the mound, Grimes hurls a gem too hot for Cincinnati to handle.  He allows just five hits and two walks with four strikeouts in a nine inning whitewashing of the defending champs.  Grimes improves to 15-6 with a 2.11 earned run average.  Elsewhere, the New York Giants defeat the Cardinals in extra innings at Sportsman's Park, and thus finally graduate into the first division with a modest 45-44 record.

• RECORD: 55-40 (.578)
• First Place; 2.5 GA

100 Years Ago Today 7/23/1920: Brooklyn Robins Late Rally Repels Pirates

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #91: Friday, July 23, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

Pirates Mistakes Clear Way For Robins Victory

The Pirates take Brooklyn's 4-2 lead after seven and throw it overboard with a three run burst in the bottom of the eighth.  Starter Al Mamaux is on the hook for all five Pittsburgh runs.  He exits on the losing side of a 5-2 score having allowed five earned runs on twelve hits and two walks through 7.1 innings pitched.  Pete Kilduff back in the second inning ties the game at one with a base hit to right scoring Hi Myers.  The Robins score twice more in the fourth on runs batted in from their battery, catcher Otto Miller and Mamaux.  Pittsburgh scores in the bottom half of the frame making the score 3-2 in Brooklyn's favor.  After which Right fielder Billy Southworth's mishandling of Al Mamaux's fly ball in the sixth - one of two outfield errors in the inning - permits Ed Konetchy to score from second base for a 4-2 Robins lead.  Mamaux then runs into trouble in the eighth.  After yielding four hits to five batters, Wilbert Robinson relieves his starter with Sherry Smith.  Pittsburgh takes a 5-4 lead into the ninth, but it's fleeting.  Brooklyn retakes the lead on runs batted in from Tommy Griffith and Bernie Neis.  Sherry Smith in the bottom of the ninth retires the Pirates in order to close out his sixth victory of the season.  Al Mamaux is taken off the hook with a no decision.  The first place Robins maintain their three game lead as the second place Reds whitewash the New York Giants at Redland Field.

• RECORD: 53-37 (.588)
• First Place; 3.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 7/16/1920: Brooklyn Robins Turn Back Defending Champs at Redland Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #84: Friday, July 16, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Robins Earn 50th Victory at Defending Champion's Expense

The long anticipated showdown pitting the first place Robins and second place Reds begins.  Cincinnati with a hasty four run outburst in the second sends an early reminder to Brooklyn's dugout as to whom the defending World Champions are.  However only one run is earned as Brooklyn's lone error of the game poses a transient dilemma.  But Burleigh Grimes recomposes himself and whitewashes the Reds through the game's final seven innings.  Meanwhile Brooklyn begins mounting a counter attack with a Hi Myers triple and Ed Konetchy base hit in the fifth.  In the sixth Zack Wheat triples home two runs and Hi Myers plates Wheat with a sacrifice fly tying the game at four.  Reds starter Ray Fisher is relieved in the seventh by Dutch Reuther.  Otto Miller in the top of the eighth gives the Robins their first lead of the game with a base hit scoring Hi Myers and Ed Konetchy for a 6-4 lead and final margin of victory.  Grimes allows one earned run on twelve hits and three walks with four strikeouts.  He improves to 13-5 with a 2.04 earned run average.  Ed Konetchy lifts his average to .330, going 3 for 4 with a run batted in.  Otto Miller and Zack Wheat each drive in two runs apiece.  Hi Myers drives in his team leading 46th run for the season.  Brooklyn's victory extends their lead over the Reds to three.  The Robins are winners of four straight, and improve to 13-2 on the road trip with eight games still to go.  To date they are an amazing 17-3 in July.

• RECORD: 50-33 (.602)
• First Place; 3.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 7/8/1920: Brooklyn Robins Rout Redbirds; Seize Share of First Place

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #73: Thursday, July 8, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Sportsman's Park

ICYMI: Second Place Brooklyn Robins Seizing League Wide Attention

LOOK WHO'S NUMBER ONE!

Burleigh Grimes Hurls Another Gem

The surging Robins score early, often, and late, as they route the Cardinals by a 14-2 final score at Sportsman's Park and forge a first place tie with the Cincinnati Reds.  Ivy Olson's triple leading off the game for Cardinals fans is a portent of things to come.  St. Louis right-hander Jesse Haines does not make it out of the first inning.  Manager Branch Ricky watches his rookie pitcher yield five runs on five hits and two walks before giving him the hook with two outs in the first.  The bullpen corp of Lou North, Hal Kime, and Walt Schulz, fare no better, together surrendering a combined nine runs on 14 hits over the final 8.1 innings.  Brooklyn generates 19 total hits and are 9 for 18 with runners in scoring position.  Uncle Robbie's guys - Jimmy Johnston; Pete Kilduff; Otto Miller - join together for eight hits in eleven at-bats, six runs scored, and three runs batted in.  The aforementioned Ivy Olson is 3 for 6 with a double, triple, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.  Zack Wheat goes 2 for 3 and hits his fifth home run.  Later in the game Wilbert Robinson wisely removes from the field both Wheat and Ed Konetchy.  Meanwhile Burleigh Grimes continues excelling on the mound, limiting the Cardinals to just one earned run on four hits and no walks with four strikeouts through nine complete innings.  He improves to 11-5 with a 2.05 ERA.  The great Rogers Hornsby (.373) is held hitless in four at-bats, but still manages to drive in his 54th run for the season.  The Robins are now winners of six straight, and improve to 10-1 through their last eleven games.

• RECORD: 41-31 (.569)
• tied for first place w/ Cincinnati Reds

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 6/25/1920: Brooklyn Robins and Boston Split Friday Twin Bill at Braves Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #56: Friday, June 25, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field

Leon Cadore's Fine Effort Leads Robins to Third Straight

After posting a 6-9 home stand perhaps it's best Brooklyn hit the road.  Arriving in Boston Friday's first game against the Braves makes up a May 4 postponement.  Leon Cadore returns to the scene of his 26-inning effort back on May 1, from which some say he is yet to fully recover.  However on this day he appears just fine surrendering a lone unearned run on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts through nine complete.  When Braves starter Bill Fillingim walks the bases load in the first inning manager George Stallings yanks him from the box with haste.  With one out Hi Myers lofts a sacrifice fly to center scoring Pete Kilduff from third.  Otherwise reliever Bunny Hearns puts out an early fire.  That is, until Hi Myers drives in Brooklyn's second run in the third.  Afterward runs batted in from Jimmy Johnston, pinch hitter Bernie Neis, and getting a start at shortstop Bill McCabe, round out the scoring in a 5-1 final.  Leon Cadore wins his fifth against four losses with a 1.69 earned run average.


Game #57: Friday, June 25, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field

Boston Gains Split; Jeff Pfeffer Outdone by Braves Jack Scott

Boston strikes back on the strength of starter Jack Scott's right arm outperforming that of trusted Brooklyn hurler Jeff Pfeffer.  Scott yields single runs batted in from Jimmy Johnston and Zack Wheat, but little else.  The Robins manage just six hits, two by Otto Miller, and draw a mere two walks against Jack Scott who wins his sixth decision of the season against three loses.  Boston shortstop Hod Ford is big man on campus going 2 for 4 with a triple and three runs batted in.  Pfeffer's line reads four earned runs on eight hits and three walks with one strikeout.  He falls to 3-8 with a 3.18 ERA.

• RECORD: 31-25 (.553)
• 2nd place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 6/24/1920: Brooklyn Robins Take Two of Three From Pittsburgh Pirates

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #55: Thursday, June 24, 1920 - BR
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Battery of Al Mamaux and Otto Miller Power Brooklyn Over Pirates

Low and behold Brooklyn wins two in a row.  The Robins take Thursday's rubber match against Pittsburgh and win the series two games against one.  Making his 17th start of the season Al Mamaux improves to 5-3 with a 1.78 ERA.  He immediately pitches himself into trouble in the first, yielding a run on three hits and two walks.  But then settles in quite well limiting the Pirates to just one more run in the eighth.  Hardly enough for Pittsburgh to overcome a Brooklyn outburst in the fifth.  Two innings earlier Jimmy Johnston ties the game at one with a base hit scoring Pete Kilduff.  After which Brooklyn takes Pirates starter Babe Adams to task.  Zack Wheat doubles home a pair of runs.  Ed Konetchy singles scoring Wheat.  Then with two outs and the bases loaded Otto Miller's base hit drives home two more en route to a 6-2 victory.  Pirates right fielder Billy Southworth and second baseman George Cutshaw join together for six hits in ten combined at-bats but fail to score or deliver a single run.  Brooklyn's Ed Konetchy however is 3 for 3 with a walk, a run scored, one run batted in, and is now batting .307 for the season.  Leading off Pete Kilduff is 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs.  Tommy Griffith being afforded consistent playing time in right field continues winning over Uncle Robbie with another two hits, a run scored, and one run batted in.  The first place Cincinnati Reds defeat the Phillies at Baker Bowl.  Thus Brooklyn who improve to a mere 3-8 in their last eleven games, stand their ground in second place, 1.5 games back of first.

• RECORD: 30-24 (.555)
• 2nd place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 6/23/1920: Rube Marquard Hurls Brooklyn Robins to Victory Over Pirates

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #54: Wednesday, June 23, 1920 - BR
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Brooks End Four Game Skid; Even Series With Pirates

The Borough of Brooklyn is forever thankful for Rube Marquard.  Until his next start, that is.  But on this day he is considered brilliant as ever - or at least as brilliant as the Robins and fans at Ebbets Field need him to be.  The great, yes the still great 32-year old southpaw limits the Pirates to a pair of earned runs on eight hits and no walks with six strikeouts through nine innings complete.  After yielding two runs in the first inning to the dismay of the crowd Marquard shuts out Pittsburgh the rest of the way.  Brooklyn on the other hand strikes for five runs on twelve hits and three walks against Pirates starter Hal Carlson.  Zack Wheat and Otto Miller lead the charge with each going three for four with a run batted in respectively.  Jimmy Johnston is 2 for 4 with a walk, triple, and a run batted in.  The Robins snap a four game losing streak, winning for only the second time in their last ten games.  They reclaim second place one-half game ahead of the Chicago Cubs and 1.5 games back of the Cincinnati Reds.

• RECORD: 29-24 (.547)
• 2nd place; 1.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 6/12/1920: Brooklyn Robins Bow to Defending Champs

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #47: Saturday, June 12, 1920 - BR
Cincinnati Reds vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

First Place Showdown: Cincinnati Rides Pair of Brooklyn Misplays to Opening Game Victory

The much anticipated clash for first place begins with visiting Cincinnati taking Saturday's series opener by a 4-3 final at Ebbets Field.  In the battle of starters the Reds Dolf Luque outlasts Al Mamaux.  Luque yields three earned runs on just six hits and two walks.  He even surrenders a home run to Tommy Griffith in the bottom half of the fifth.  However two errors in the top of the frame by Zack Wheat and Jimmy Johnston proves the Robins undoing.  Al Mamaux allows four runs but only three earned on eight hits and three walks en route to his second loss of the season.  Reds leadoff batter Morrie Rath goes 3 for 4 with a run scored, and left fielder Pat Duncan goes 2 for 4 with two runs batted in.  For the Robins Zack Wheat and Ed Konetchy are held hitless in seven combined at-bats with one walk.  Catcher Otto Miller with a single in the eighth is credited with Brooklyn's only other run batted in.  Second place Cincinnati closes to within one-half game of the first place Robins.

• RECORD: 27-19 (.586)
• 1st place; 0.5 GA

100 Years Ago Today 6/9/1920: Brooklyn Robins Even Series with Cardinals

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #44: Wednesday, June 9, 1929 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Robins Seize Upon Cardinal Errors

Brooklyn pulls even with St. Louis at a game apiece.  Two errors in the seventh inning by Cardinals shortstop Doc Lavan and center fielder Jack Smith pave the way for Otto Miller scoring the go ahead run and an eventual 3-2 margin of victory.  Miller scores on a wild pitch back in the second, and in the fifth Ivy Olson drives in his fourteenth run this season.  Starter Jeff. Pfeffer yields two runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts for his third victory of the season.  Today's victory coupled with Cincinnati's loss against the Giants give the Robins a 2.5 game lead over the defending champion Reds.  After sitting out the last eight games with an injury Zack Wheat returns to the lineup.

• RECORD: 27-16 (.627)
• 1st place; 2.5 GA