100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 8/11/1921: Giants Split Twin Bill With Robins; Yankees Regain Share Of First Place

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 #107

BOXSCORE GAME ONE: Thursday, August 11, 1921 - BR

Brooklyn Robins @ NEW YORK GIANTS

POLO GROUNDS

Make-Up: 5/6/1921

Brooklyn Bullpen Saves Game One

After playing their last 16 games on the road, the Giants fall to Brooklyn in their series opener at the Polo Grounds.  Two errors by George Burns and one each by Dave Bancroft and High Pockets Kelly are Manhattan's undoing.  Frankie Frisch opens the scoring with a two-run home run in the third, and George Burns drives home a run in the sixth.  All three runs are charged to Robins' starter Dutch Ruether who gets knocked out of the box with no outs in the sixth, not before yielding seven hits and four walks.  However, the Giants' bats go silent against the relieving duo of Ferdie Schupp and Sherry Smith, who preserve the victory for Ruether.  The Brooklyn tandem allows just four hits and a walk over the final four frames.  Left fielder Zack Wheat leads the Robins, going 3 for 4 with a double, triple, and run batted in.  First baseman Ray Schmandt also collects three hits.

• FINAL: BRK 5; NYG 3

⚾

GAME #108

BOXSCORE GAME TWO: Thursday, August 11, 1921 - BR

Brooklyn Robins @ NEW YORK GIANTS

POLO GROUNDS

Brooklyn Bullpen Blows Game Two

Ross Youngs triples, driving home two runs in the first inning, but Brooklyn is quick to knot the game in the second.  Afterwhich, starting pitchers Ronny Miljus and Jesse Barnes quiet things down through the fifth.  The teams again exchanged runs in the sixth.  Facing Slim Salle in the top of the seventh, pinch-hitter Bernie Neis gives Brooklyn a 3-2 lead.  Ronny Miljus then retires the Giants in order in the bottom half of the frame.  When High Pockets Kelly leads off the eighth with a double, Uncle Robbie again summons Sherry Smith into relief duty.  Although Smith ends any potential threat, he does not repeat game one's performance.  After consecutive leadoff singles by George Burns and Dave Bancroft leading off the ninth, Frankie Frisch grounds into a fielder's choice scoring Burns tying the game at four.  With Fred Toney pitching in the eleventh inning, Pete Kilduff homers to left field, but High Pockets Kelly doubles home Frankie Frisch for a five-all tie.  The teams continue battling into the 13th inning.  Fred Toney strikes out one and commits a harmless error in the top half of the frame.  In the home half, Sherry Smith issues a leadoff walk to Dave Bancroft.  Frankie Frisch then triples, sending everyone home happy.

• FINAL: BRK 5; NYG 6 *13 innings
• RECORD: 65-43 (.602); second place, 3.5 GB of Cleveland

⚾

GAME #103

BOXSCORE: Thursday, August 11, 1921 - BR

New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Athletics

Shibe Park

Ruth Hits Number 43; Yankees Regain Share of First Place With Idle Indians

The first stop on the Yankees road trip is the City of Brotherly Love.  Babe Ruth doubled home the first run of the game and scored on Bob Meusel's hit back through the middle.  Wally Schang drives home a run in the second and another in the third, and with two runners on base, Babe Ruth follows with his 43rd home run this season.  Staked to a 7-0 lead, left fielder Tillie Walker seems to figure out starter Bob Shawkey with a home run in the sixth and a run-scoring double in the eighth.  But Bob Shawkey holds the A's at three on ten hits and one walks for the win.  Coupled with Cleveland's idle schedule, the Yankees reestablish a first-place tie with the Indians. 

• FINAL: NYY 7; PHI 3
• RECORD: 64-39 (.621); tied first place with Cleveland

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 AT THE POLO GROUNDS 5/7/1921: Fred Toney Hurls Giants Over Robins; Babe Ruth Gets Better Of Walter Johnson

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 #18

BOXSCORE: Saturday, May 7, 1921 - BR

Brooklyn Robins @ NEW YORK GIANTS

POLO GROUNDS

Fred Toney Outlasts Sherry Smith

After two straight days compromised by foul weather, the Giants and Robins finally resume hostilities in front of a capacity crowd at the Polo Grounds.  Making his fifth appearance of the season, Fred Toney is opposed by Sherry Smith, who, in his last start, defeated the Giants at Ebbets Field.  The Giants strike early.  Frankie Frisch triples home George Burns, and Ross Youngs knocks home Frisch for a prompt 2-0 lead after one.  Fred Toney makes it stand.  He yields a home run to Ed Konetchy leading off the fifth, and that's it.  Toney allows just six hits and one walk over nine complete innings for his third win of the season against two losses.  High Pockets Kelly drives home an insurance run in the eighth.  Brooklyn slips down to third place as the Giants overtake second behind the Pirates, who today defeat the Cardinals at Forbes Field.

• FINAL: BKN 1; NYG 3
• RECORD: 12-6 (.667); second place, 3.5 GB of Pittsburgh 

The Baltimore Sun

GAME #16

BOXSCORE: Saturday, May 7, 1921 - BR

New York Yankees @ WASHINGTON SENATORS

Griffith Stadium

Highlanders Derail The Big Train; Babe Ruth Hits Number Eight

The Yankees overcome a two-run deficit when Babe Ruth hits his eighth home in the eighth, helping tie the game at four.  But Washington regains the lead with a run in the bottom half of the frame.  Undeterred, the New Yorks muster yet another two-run rally in the ninth to come away with a two-game sweep of the Senators at Griffith Stadium.  Pitching is taken to task as both teams join for 27 total hits.  Walter Johnson allows all six runs on 13 hits and four walks with four strikeouts.  His record evens out at 2-2 with an unfamiliar 3.73 earned run average.  The Brooklynite Waite Hoyt earns the victory with 6.2 innings pitched in relief of starter Jack Quinn.  A day after tossing nine against the Senators, Carl Mays pitches the ninth to close out the Yankees' third consecutive victory.  Bob Meusel leads the Yankees charge with a double, triple, and four runs batted in.  Aaron Ward, playing second base this game, goes 3 for 4 with one run batted in.  Washington first baseman Joe Judge, also hailing from Brooklyn, goes 3 for 4 with one run batted in.  Second baseman Bucky Harris and Walter Johnson drive in a run apiece.

• FINAL: NYY 6; WAS 5
• RECORD: 9-7 (.563), third place, 3.0 GB of Cleveland

THE WASHINGTON POST

BALTIMORE SUN

Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, N.Y.

100 YEARS AGO AT THE POLO GROUNDS 4/26/1921: Miller Huggins Decisions Under Scrutiny Following Loss To Senators; Southpaw Sherry Smith Confounds Giants At Ebbets

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 forward, 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.  A solution lies not too far away ...  

In the meantime, 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 #10

BOXSCORE: Tuesday, April 26, 1921 - BR

Washington Senators @ NEW YORK YANKEES

POLO GROUNDS

Washington Senators Win Third Straight at Polo Grounds

All 15,000 sets of eyes were fixed on Miller Huggins over some curious decision-making.  

Babe Ruth's first-inning sacrifice fly to right field scores Chick Fewster, and with two outs in the second, catcher Wally Schang's two-out home run gives starter Jack Quinn and the Yankees a 2-0 lead.  Washington recovers a run in the top of the third inning on first baseman Joe Judge's run-scoring base hit to right field.  But the Yankees respond with haste as Ruth lashes a one-out double to right field, scoring Roger Peckinpaugh, and advances to third on a misplay in the outfield by Clyde Milan.  Wally Pipp promptly follows with a sacrifice flyball to center field, scoring Ruth for a three-run advantage.  

Washington starter Al Schacht is dispatched to the showers after allowing four runs, three earned, on five hits over three innings pitched.  

Clyde Milan reaches safely, leading off the fifth when Chick Fewster mishandles his grounder to second.  Jack Quinn then yields a hit by center fielder Sam Rice.  That's when Miller Huggins emerges from the dugout in the retrieval of his starter.  When play resumes, second-year right-hander Rip Collins fields Duffy Lewis's bunt attempt, and the runners successfully advance.  After issuing a base on balls to second baseman Bucky Harris, Collins induces third baseman Howie Shanks into a textbook inning-ending 6-4-3 double-play.  

However, Miller Huggins' maneuverings backfire in the sixth.  Facing Rip Collins with two outs and a pair of runners in scoring position, right fielder Clyde Milan - there's that name again - empties the bases with a single to left field cutting Washington's deficit to one.  But manager Miller Huggins stays put, leaving the right-handed Collins in the game to face lefty-swinging Sam Rice.  Known more for his speed on the basepaths than for his power at the plate, Rice delivers the decisive hit with a long home run to right.  Out of the dugout again emerges Huggins, obviously too late, and into the game enters the Brooklynite, Waite Hoyt.

Pitching in relief of Al Schacht, Cuban-born José Acosta throws six scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and two walks with a strikeout en route to his first win of the season and only the sixth victory of his brief career.  The second-place Senators have now taken three straight at the Polo Grounds while the Yankees themselves are losers of four in a row.  Moreover, for Miller Huggins, the second-guessing begins.

• FINAL: WAS 5; NYY 4
• RECORD: 5-5 (.500); third place, 3.0 GB of Cleveland

⚾

GAME #10

BOXSCORE: Tuesday, April 26, 1921 - BR

New York Giants @ BROOKLYN ROBINS

Ebbets Field

Costly Error Underscores Giants Second Straight Loss at Ebbets Field

Foiled again!  Misplays in the field continue plaguing the Giants.  This time misfortune strikes in the third.  George Burns' mishandling of Tommy Griffith's fly to left allows shortstop Ivy Olson and third baseman Jimmy Johnston to score all the way from first and second base, respectively, for a 2-0 Robins lead.  Brooklyn starter pitcher Sherry Smith makes it stand.  Making his third start, the veteran southpaw improves to 2-0 upon yielding just one run on eight hits and two walks with three strikeouts over nine innings full.  New York loads the bases with one out in the fifth, only to muster a Frankie Frisch comebacker to Smith for a run-scoring fielder's choice.  Otherwise, Sherry finishes strong, retiring nine of his next ten batters and 13 of his final 16 batters faced.  For good measure, Robins right fielder Tommy Griffith homers off Giants starter Fred Toney leading off the eighth, giving Brooklyn a  3-1 final margin of victory and a second straight home win against the rival Manhattanites.  After earning the win for a two-inning relief appearance in the season opener at Philadelphia, the Giants have since lost in each of Fred Toney's first three starting assignments.  Last year's 21-game winner falls to 1-2 with a modestly uncharacteristic 3.00 ERA through 24.0 innings pitched.  Fred was the lone Giants to cross home plate against his counterpart Sherry Smith for what it's worth.  If nothing else, at least ruin the shutout ...

• FINAL: NYG 1; BKN 3
• RECORD: 6-4 (.600); t-third place, 2.0 GB of Pittsburgh

 

100 Years Ago Today 10/11/1920: Indians Whitewash Brooklyn Robins; Take 4-2 Series Lead

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

WORLD SERIES: Monday, October 11, 1920 - GAME SIX

Brooklyn Robins vs. Cleveland Indians

League Park

Former Robin Tosses Three Hitter Over Brooklyn; Indians One Win Away From Title

A bewildered Uncle Robbie watches on as his former pupil Duster Mails turns away Robins batter after Robins batter.  Now 25-years old and making only his tenth appearance all season, Mails tosses a gem back in the face of former team mate Sherry Smith whom puts forth another fine although unfortunate performance.  Smith allows just one run on seven hits and one walk over eight innings.  However, Mails is better, yielding no runs on just three hits and two walks with four strikeouts through nine innings full.  Ivy Olson, Hi Myers and Ed Konetchy account for Brooklyn's only hits.  With one out in the home sixth George Burns doubles home Tris Speaker who scores all the way from first for the game's only run.  Ivy Olson doubles with one out in the eighth but is left stranded.  Uncle Robbie started Jack Sheehan at third in place of Jimmy Johnston.  The Robins have scored just two runs over the last three games at Cleveland.  The Indians now own a commanding 4-2 series lead in this best of nine championship.

100 Years Ago Today 10/7/1920: Brooklyn Robins Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Cleveland Indians

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

WORLD SERIES: Thursday, October 7, 1920 - GAME THREE

Cleveland Indians vs. Brooklyn Robins

Ebbets Field

Sherry Smith Steps Up With Three-Hitter; Series Shifts to Cleveland

Brooklyn again plays to their strengths, getting a fine pitching performance and more timely hitting.  In fact, the Robins capitalize right away against Indians starter Ray Caldwell.  Ivy Olson draws a walk leading off the first and Tommy Griffith reaches safely on an error by shortstop Joe Sewell.  Zack Wheat and Hi Myers follow with consecutive hits plating two runs and the Robins never look back.  Although, what should have been a Tris Speaker double down the left field line turns into a complete trip around the bases when Zack Wheat mishandles the play.  However, Robins southpaw Sherry Smith quickly puts the Ebbets Field crowd back at ease.  When Sherry retires the Indians in order in the ninth the Borough partisans roar with approval.  Smith yields just one unearned run on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts through nine innings complete.  Brooklyn leads the best of nine series two games to one as the series now shifts to Dunn Field at Cleveland.   

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 9/18/1920: Packed Ebbets Field Watches Brooklyn Robins Bow to Reds

 From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #146: Saturday, September 18, 1920 - BR
Cincinnati Reds vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Reds Salvage Series Finale

Brooklyn does well to overcome a five run deficit.  Tommy Griffith's three run home run sparks a five run fifth and gives the Robins new life.  With starter Rube Marquard off the hook, Uncle Robbie decides to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Cincinnati.  Al Mamaux, Sherry Smith, Burleigh Grimes and Clarence Mitchell all pitch in short relief, but to no avail.  The Reds generate six more runs but only two are earned en route to an 11-5 victory.  Hi Myers is 1 for 3 with a double and his 79th run batted in.  Marquard yields five runs on nine hits and one walk with three strikeouts through 5.1 innings.  Sherry Smith is tagged with the loss.  The Giants defeat the Pirates for a third straight game at the Polo Grounds and close within five games of first place.  The Reds are six games out.  Brooklyn has nine games left to play, the Giants have thirteen.

• RECORD: 86-59 (.593)
• 1st place; 5.0 GA

AMERICAN LEAGUE

• Still featuring a full compliment of players and Eddie Cicotte on the mound, the beleaguered White Sox roll to a 15-9 victory over the Yankees at Comiskey Park.  Cicotte wins his 19th against ten losses with a 3.44 ERA.  Bob Shawkey on the other hand is denied his 19th victory.  He now stands at 18-12 with a 2.44 ERA.  After winning five straight to gain first place the Yankees have now lost three in a row.  Today they get knocked down to third place, 2.0 games back of the Cleveland Indians.  Chicago is 1.5 games back. 

100 Years Ago Today 9/15/1920: First Place Brooklyn Robins Await Showdown With Reds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #143: Wednesday, September 15, 1920 - BR

Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins

Ebbets Field

Sherry Smith Outclasses Cubs Starter; Whitewashes Chicago for Tenth Victory

Cubs starter Speed Martin might have pitched the best game of his career.  But Sherry Smith is better.  What the Robins lack in offensive production Sherry more than compensates for.  After five scoreless innings Brooklyn posts the game's first and only run on a double by Zack Wheat for his 64th runs batted in of the season.  In fact, the Robins muster just five hits all game and draw one walk against Martin who strikes out three over eight innings pitched.  Sherry Smith on the other hand yields eight hits and one walk with two strikeouts through nine scoreless innings for the complete game shutout.  He improves to 10-8 with an even 2.00 earned run average.  Brooklyn takes the series four games to one.  They've now won eleven of their last twelve games and are to date an astounding 14-3 in September.  The Reds, due in Brooklyn tomorrow, defeat the Phillies at Baker Bowl to remain five games back.  But the idle New York Giants lose one half-game and now sit 5.5 games out of first.

• RECORD: 84-58 (.592)
• 1st Place; 5.0 GA

**EXTRA: The Cleveland Indians trounce the Philadelphia Athletics by a 13-0 final score at League Park to close within one game of the idle first place New York Yankees.

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 9/11/1920 Brooklyn Robins Sweep Cardinals; Widen First Place Lead Over Reds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #137: Saturday, September 11, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Leon Cadore is a One Man Gang

Brooklyn rolls to a double-digit victory over the Cardinals, their third of the series.  The Robins score early, often and late.  Uncle Robbie's men offer no quarter to Cardinals pitchers Tony Lyons and Mike Kircher.  They generate twenty hits en route to a lopsided 15-4 victory.  Ivy Olson continues his torrid hitting going 3 for 5 with three runs scored.  Hi Myers drives home his team leading 74th run batted in.  Bernie Neis and Zack Wheat each drive in two runs apiece.  But the brightest star in the daytime sky over Ebbets Field is starter and wielder of bat, Leon Cadore.  The 28-year old right-hander is 3 for 4 at the plate, with a double, a home run to deep left, four runs batted in and two runs scored.  From sixty-feet six inches away he limits the Cardinals to four runs on ten hits and one walk with five strikeouts through nine innings full.  He improves to 14-12 with a 2.53 ERA.


Game #138: Saturday, September 11, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Sherry Smith Whitewashes Cardinals

Sherry Smith follows up Leon Cardore's extravaganza with a more workmanlike effort against the Cardinals.  Smith was 2 for 3 at the plate with a double, but alas no home runs or runs batted in.  That was left up to Jimmy Johnston and Zack Wheat.  Rather than swing for the fences Sherry Smith focused in on the Cardinals allowing five scattered hits and two walks with two strikeouts over nine scoreless innings for the complete game shutout.  Sherry Smith improves to 9-6 with a fine 2.16 ERA and is the only Robins batter to register multiple hits.  So take that!  Brooklyn sweeps Saturday's twin bill, they sweep the Cardinals series four to none, and achieve their seventh straight victory.  Today's bounty of victories gives the Robins a three game lead over the Reds, and a 3.5 games lead over the Giants.  The Braves sweep two from Cincinnati, but the Giants take a single game from the Cubs at the Polo Grounds.

• RECORD: 80-57 (.584)
• 1st Place; 3.0 GA

EXTRA: AMERICAN LEAGUE

The New York Yankees defeat the Cleveland Indians at League Park to take over sole possession of first place by a slim half-game margin over the White Sox.  Yankees southpaw Hank Thormahlen limits Cleveland to a pair of runs, one earned, on seven hits and one walk over nine complete innings pitched.  He improves to 8-4 with a 4.16 ERA.  Babe Ruth strokes a hit and a double in three trips.  Second baseman Del Pratt leads the way with two hits in three trips with four runs batted in.  Catcher Truck Hannah goes 4 for 5 with a double, run scored and one run batted in and Wally Pip goes 3 for 4 with a double, three runs scored and one run batted in.  Cleveland shortstop Joe Evans drives in Cleveland's only earned run.  Yankees now move on to Detroit for three.

100 Years Ago Today 9/7/1920: Brooklyn Robins Sweep Twin Bill at Baker Bowl

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #132: Tuesday, September 7, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Baker Bowl

Leon Cadore Whitewashes Phillies

Leon Cadore ends Brooklyn's two game skid rather brilliantly with nine scoreless innings of five-hit ball.  He walks three and fans four while improving his record to 13-12 with an improved 2.47 ERA.  Brooklyn scores two early runs and two late runs en route to a 4-0 whitewashing.  Pinch hitter Bill Lamar, Jimmy Johnston, Ed Konetchy and Ernie Krueger all drive in a run apiece.


Game #133: Tuesday, September 7, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Baker Bowl

Pete Kilduff Leads Hit Parade; Robins Complete Sweep

Brooklyn must work a little harder in game two but find their way towards a 9-5 final for a twin bill sweep at Baker Bowl.  The Robins muster all their scoring off Phillies veteran starter Eppa Rixey who allows nine runs, six earned, on a dozen hits and three walks with three strikeouts.  It marks his twentieth loss of the season against just ten victories.  Al Mamaux and Sherry Smith join forces in limiting the Phillies to five earned runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts.  Sherry Smith earns his eighth victory with 4.2 innings in relief of Mamaux.  Pete Kilduff leads the Robins with four runs batted in.  Bernie Neiss is 3 for 5 with a double, three runs scored and two runs batted in.  Hi Myers drives home his team leading 70th run batted in for the season.  Brooklyn gains a full game on the idle Reds while the idle Giants lose ground behind the Robins.

• RECORD: 75-57 (.568)
• 2nd Place; 0.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 8/29/1920: Cubs Gain Series Split with Brooklyn Robins

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #123: Sunday, August 29, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Chicago Cubs
Cubs Park

New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds Tied for Second Place, One Game Behind Brooks

Brooklyn wastes no time pushing across the game's first run in the opening frame.  But Chicago takes full advantage of their last licks against the Robins to salvage a series split.  The Cubs lead 3-2 through seven until Robins reliever Sherry Smith comes to his own aid and delivers a two out base hit in the eighth scoring Pete Kildiff from second.  Sherry Smith retires the Cubs in order in the bottom of the frame, and Chicago reliever Lefty Tyler retires Brooklyn in the top of the ninth.  Catcher Bob O'Farrell leads off the Cubs ninth with a hit.  He and pitcher Lefty Tyler swap places on a force out at second.  Right fielder Max Flack then singles putting runners on the corners.  Shortstop Zeb Terry follows with a double to right scoring Tyler for the win.  Starter Al Mamaux escapes with a no decision, after yielding three runs on six hits and no walks through six innings.  Sherry suffers his eighth loss of the season after allowing a run on four hits through 2.1 innings in relief.  Zack Wheat goes 2 for 5 with a triple and run batted in.  The New York Giants defeat Cincinnati at Redland Field to forge a second place tie.  Both the Reds and Giants sit one game behind the first place Brooklyn Robins.

• RECORD: 69-53 (.566)
• 1st Place; 1.0 GA

From the desk of: LITTLE NAPOLEON'S EMPIRE 

EXTRA: NEW YORK GIANTS PULL WITH ONE GAME OF UNCLE ROBBIE'S TROLLEY DODGERS

John McGraw's Giants end the season's first three months in seventh place with a sub par 30-35 record.  Since July 1st through the present time, the Giants have gone 38-18 for a vastly improved  67-53 (.558) record overall.  On July 17 they stood a distant 10.5 games back of first.  Over the ensuing forty games they've posted a 28-12 (.700) record to climb within one game of first place.

Game #121: Sunday, August 29, 1920 - BR

New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

The Giants win their 20th game of the month on the strength of Jesse Barnes' right arm.  Last year's league leader in victories limits the defending champion Reds to one earned run on just four hits and one walk with three strikeouts for his sixteenth win of the season against eleven losses with a 2.90 ERA.  New York rallies for three runs in the fifth en route to a 4-1 victory at Redland Field.  Facing the competent Jimmy Ring, third baseman Frankie Frisch is 2 for 5 with two runs batted in.  George Burns and shortstop Dave Bancroft also register multiple hits.  Right fielder Ross Youngs is 1 for 4 with a walk, double, a run batted in and one run scored.  The Reds are winless in their last five games and are teetering at .500 in August with a 14-13 record.

100 Years Ago Today 8/12/1920: Brooklyn Robins Fall Out of First After Second Straight Loss to Cubs

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #109: Thursday, August 12, 1920 - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Robins Fall Out Of First Place; Showdown Against Giants Opens Tomorrow at Polo Grounds 

Home Stand: 8-9 (.470)

The Cubs have their way with both starter Sherry Smith and Al Mamaux, while the Robins lineup sputters against the left arm of Chicago great Hippo Vaughn.  After trading runs in the first, Chicago tallies four against Smith who fails to pitch out of the third.  Uncle Robbie pulls Sherry after yielding five runs, four earned, on seven hits, in just 2.1 innings pitched.  Brooklyn recovers one run in the bottom of the frame.  Two scoreless innings pass before the Cubs strike for three runs against Al Mamaux in the sixth.  Runs batted in from Bernie Neis in the seventh and ninth innings merely round out an 8-4 final in Chicago's favor.  With two straight wins the Cubs salvage a four game split at Ebbets Field.  The Robins now hope Chicago proves troublesome during their upcoming series against the now first place Cincinnati Reds.  Meanwhile, today's action concludes Brooklyn's seventeen game home stand with a subpar 8-9 record.  This, coming on the heels of a wondrous 16-7 road trip.  The price they pay is first place.  Brooklyn falls out of the top spot for the first time since July 6, thirty-six games ago.  Meanwhile, after sweeping yesterday's twin bill against the Pirates, the Giants today get whitewashed.  The Giants end today's action trailing the Reds by 2.5 games, and Brooklyn by 2.0 games.  Like clockwork, the Robins arrive in Upper Manhattan tomorrow for the first of two games at the Polo Grounds.

• RECORD: 61-47 (.565)
• 2nd Place; 0.5 GB

100 Years Ago Today 8/7/1920: Pittsburgh's Babe Adams Hurls Gem at Brooklyn Robins

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #104: Saturday, August 7, 1920 - BR
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Another Large Crowd Watches Pirates Whitewash Robins 

Brooklyn's troubles against the Pirates continue.  Another large crowd at Ebbets Field watches in dismay as their Trolley Dodgers fail to place a single base runner in scoring position.  Long time Pittsburgh veteran Babe Adams hurls an absolute gem, whitewashing the Robins on just six scattered hits and no walks, with five strikeouts, over nine innings complete.  Errors by Pete Kilduff and Rowdy Elliot lead to four Pirates unearned runs.  Starter Sherry Smith, who takes the loss, and Al Mamaux, join to yield ten hits and six walks.  Pittsburgh center fielder Max Carey goes 2 for 5, with a triple, and two runs batted in.  Elsewhere, the second place Cincinnati Reds defeat the Phillies at Baker Bowl, cutting the Robins lead to just one-half game.  Meanwhile, the surging New York Giants get sidetracked by the Cubs at the Polo Grounds.

• RECORD: 58-45 (.563)
• First Place; 0.5 GA

100 Years Ago Today 8/2/1920: Brooklyn Robins No Match for Cardinals Rogers Hornsby

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #101: Monday, August 2, 1920 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Cardinals Bill Doak Delivers Four-Hitter; Rogers Hornsby Takes Care of the Rest

ROBINS 6-10 LAST SIXTEEN GAMES

All anyone could do is sit and watch - Uncle Robbie; Cardinals manager Branch Rickey; players from either dugout; hot dog vendors; especially the 5,000 or so fans in attendance at Ebbets Field - as St. Louis young star second baseman Rogers Hornsby puts on a one man show.  When Tommy Griffith triples off Cardinals starter Bill Doak in the third, scoring Jimmy Johnston, the Brooklyn partisans rise to their feet in roaring appreciation.  But that's when the cheering stops - as Brooklyn manages just two more hits over the remainder of the game - and the exploits of Rogers Hornsby begin.   With two on, and two outs in the St. Louis fifth, Hornsby triples into the left-center gap.  Then with two outs, and a man on second in the seventh, Hornsby lines a double to left scoring Hal Janvrin for a 3-1 Cardinals lead.  In the eighth inning, facing Sherry Smith pitching in relief of Rube Marquard, Rogers Hornsby (.372) singles home the Cardinals fourth and final run of the game.  Hornsby's line reads: 3 for 5, with a double, triple, and four runs batted in.  St. Louis veteran Bill Doak limits the Robins to just one run on four hits and five walks, with two strikeouts, for his twelfth victory of the season.  Making his sixteenth start of the season, Rube Marquard yields three runs on eleven hits and one walk, with three strikeouts, in a seven inning losing effort.  However, Brooklyn retains their 1.5 game lead over the Reds as Cincinnati bows to the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds.  After starting 30-34 over the first three months of the season, the Giants have since posted a 19-10 record to move into third place, just five games back of the Robins.

• RECORD: 57-43 (.570)
• First Place; 1.5 GA