Once Upon A Summer 10/12/1918: John Donaldson Wins Duel Against Joe "Cyclone" Williams; Royal Giants and Lincoln Giants Split Doubleheader at Dexter Park

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS & THE DONALDSON NETWORK

l; Times Union (Brooklyn, NY), Thursday, October 10, 1921

r; The Brooklyn Citizen, Friday, October 11, 1921

On Saturday, October 12, 1918, Columbus Day, the New York Lincoln Giants visited Dexter Park to take on the Brooklyn Royal Giants one last time in a decisive doubleheader to determine the Colored baseball champions for the season.  The opponents enter with their series tied, thus necessitating a twin bill sweep by either to declare an outright victor.

The Standard Union (Brooklyn, NY), Sunday, October 13, 1921

NEW YORK LINCOLN GIANTS vs. BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS

Game One pits future Hall of Famer Joe "Cyclone" Williams for the Harlem visitors against southpaw John Donaldson for Brooklyn.  

Donaldson reaches safely in the home second and advances to second on third baseman Todd Allen's

errant throw to first base, then scores the game's opening run on center fielder Tom Fiall's base hit. 

In the third, Joe Williams draws a walk against Donaldson and soon scores on a double by right fielder Blainey Hall.

John Donaldson again helps his cause with a single against Smokey Joe, leading off the fourth.  Tom Fiall then reaches safely on a misplay and wild throw by first baseman William Parks resulting in both runners moving into scoring position.  Next in, left fielder Johnny Pugh clears the bases with a line drive to right field.  Right fielder Frank Crockett reaches safely when his fly to center field is dropped by the usually sure-handed Jules Thomas.  After Crockett steals second, Royal catcher John Cason drives home both runners.

Shortstop John Henry Lloyd singled and scored in the eighth, giving the Royals a 6-1 lead and the final margin of victory.

Smokey Joe Williams yields six runs on nine hits, and no walks with two strikeouts in a losing effort.

Blainey Hall leads the Lincolns with two hits and the game's only extra-base hit.  Royal first baseman

Bill Pettus and Lloyd each wield two hits, and Donaldson leads Brooklyn with two runs scored.

"Donaldson, pitching for the Royals, 

was in rare form." - The Standard Union.

Midwestern star John Donaldson was indeed in top form.  On the heels of a four-hit shutout performance against Long Island City, the Royal Giant left-hander holds the Lincoln Giants to a lone run on six hits and one walk with five strikeouts for the victory.

The Standard Union (Brooklyn, NY), Sunday, October 13, 1921

Lincoln Giants right-hander Ad Lankford toes the rubber in Game Two against Phil Cockrell for the Royals.  The game is an abbreviated five-inning contest, called due to darkness, with the Lincolns leading Brooklyn by a 3-1 score.  In the third, Harlem center fielder Jules Thomas drives home two runs, and Blainey Hall scored on a fielder's choice.  Third baseman Oliver Marcell drove in Brooklyn's only run in the fifth and final inning.

Times Union (Brooklyn, NY), 

Sunday, October 13, 1921

Therefore, the Lincoln Giants and Royal Giants series remains tied, but a decisive game will not be scheduled as the season is fast coming to its end and will remain dormant until the end of the war.  The Brooklyn Royal Giants will close out the season on Sunday with a twin bill against Bushwick.  Afterwhich, many players from the Lincolns and Royals are due to report in camp by Tuesday, October 16.

The Standard Union (Brooklyn, NY), 

Sunday, October 13, 1921

⚾

BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS

ONCE UPON A SUMMER 1918: JOHN DONALDSON'S LONE SEASON WITH THE BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS

• 6/28 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Acquire Midwest Pitching Great, John Donaldson
• 6/30 - John Donaldson Loses Brooklyn Royal Giants Debut To New York Lincoln Giants
• 7/3 - John Donaldson Poised To Make Brooklyn/Queens Debut At Dexter Park
• 7/4 - John Donaldson Twirls Shutout Over Cuban Stars In Dexter Park Debut
• 7/7 - Joe Williams Wins Second Straight Decision Over John Donaldson; Lincoln Giants and Royal Giants Split Twin Bill
• 7/13 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Glendale at Farmer's Oval, Queens
• 7/14 - John Donaldson Defeats Bushwick; Royal Giants Split Twin Bill At Dexter Park
• 7/15 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Take Series Opener From Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
• 7/16 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Take Game Two from Bacharach Giants; John Donaldson Earns The Victory
• 7/17 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Wrap Up Series With Bacharach Giants at Atlantic City
• 7/18 - N.Y. Ship League Team Defeat Brooklyn Royal Giants at Camden, New Jersey
• 7/21 - Cuban Stars Double-Up Brooklyn Royal Giants; John Donaldson Takes Loss at Dexter Park
• 7/24 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Bow To Stan Baumgartner and Bethlehem Steel at Allentown, PA
• 7/27 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Camp Dix Soldiers*
• 7/28 - Silk Sox Clout John Donaldson's Offerings; Brooklyn Royal Giants Fall at Doherty's Oval
• 8/3 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Prospect Heights at Hackensack*
• 8/4 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Forfeit Game To Glendale at Farmer's Oval
• 8/7 - Bethlehem Steel Team Hosts a Scoreless Tie Against Brooklyn Royal Giants
• 8/11 - New York Lincoln Giants and Royal Giants Split Twin Bill at Olympic Field; Joe "Cyclone" Williams Wins Opener, John Donaldson Wins Game Two
• 8/17 - New York Ship Wins Second Contest Against Brooklyn Royal Giants at Camden, N.J.
• 8/18 - The Tietjen & Lang Shipyard Nine Defeat John Donaldson and the Brooklyn Royal Giants, North Bergen, N.J.
• 8/24 - Morse Dry Dock BBC Defeat Royal Giants in John Donaldson's True Brooklyn Debut
• 8/25 - Irvin Brooks Twirls Shutout; Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Glendale at Farmer Oval, Queens
• 9/1 - New York Lincoln Giants Sweep Twin Bill From Royal Giants at Olympic Field; Joe "Cyclone" Williams Earns Dual Victory, John Donaldson Suffers Loss in Second Tilt
• 9/2 - Brooklyn Royal Giants and Cuban Stars Split Games of a Doubleheader at Dexter Park
• 9/4 - Southpaw John Donaldson Hands Camp Mills Their First Loss This Season; Brooklyn Royal Giants Win, 7 to 6
• 9/8 - John Donaldson's Return Match Against Morse Dry Dock Along Brooklyn Waterfront Likely Rained Out
• 9/12 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Glendale in Eleven Innings at Farmer's Oval, Queens
• 9/14 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Tietjen and Lang Club; John Donaldson and the Backdrop of WWI
• 9/15 - Bushwick Sweeps Both Ends of Doubleheader Against Brooklyn Royal Giants at Dexter Park
• 9/22 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Stage Doubleheader Against New York Giants Players at Jersey City
• 9/29 - Smokey Joe Williams Outlasts Irvin Brooks and John Donaldson in Lincoln Giants Decisive Series Win Over Brooklyn Royal Giants
• 10/6 - John Donaldson Hurls a Gem; Brooklyn Royal Giants Sweep Doubleheader From Long Island City at Recreation Park

LHP - JOHN DONALDSON'S PITCHING RECORD w/ BROOKLYN:

1. 6/30/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 2 runs, 7 hits, 2 W, 2 K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
2. 7/4/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 0 RUNS, 5 hits, 1 W, 6 K (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
3. 7/7/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 3 runs, 9 hits, 2 W, 2 K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
4. 7/14/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 1 run, 7 hits, 1 W, 5 K (Bushwick; Dexter Park)
5. 7/16/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 4 runs, 14 hits, (?) W, 6 K (Atlantic City; Bacharach Park, N.J.)
6. 7/21/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 6 runs, 10 hits, 4 W, 1 K (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
7. 7/28/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 9 runs, 16 hits, 2 W, 3 K (Silk Sox; Doherty's Oval, N.J.)
8. 8/11/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 2 runs, 13 hits, (?) W, (?) K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
9. 8/18/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 5 runs, 5 hits, (?) W, 4 K (Tietjen & Lang; Nurge's Field, N.J.)
10. 8/24/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 8 runs, 19 hits, 1 W, 2 K (Morse Dry Dock; Brooklyn)
11. 9/1/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 4 runs, 14 hits, (?) W, (?) K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
12. 9/2/1918 - (L) 2 innings, 1 run, 2 hits, 0 W, 1 K (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
13. 9/4/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 6 runs, 7 hits, (?) W, (?) K (Camp Mills; Garden City, N.Y.)
14. 9/14/1918 - (W) No game account vs. Tietjen and Lang Ship Club (Nurge's Field, N.J.)
15. 9/22/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 7 runs, 10 hits, (?) W, (?) K (New York Giants; Jersey City)
16. 9/29/1918 - (ND) 4 innings, 3 runs, 6 hits, 1 W, 5 K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
17. 10/6/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 0 RUNS, 4 hits, 1 W, 6 K (Long Island City; Recreation Park)
18. 10/12/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 1 run, 6 hits, 1 W, 5 K (Lincoln Giants; Dexter Park)

• LINE: 141 innings, 62 runs, 154 hits, 16 walks, 47 strikeouts, 3.95 ERA

BEDFORD & SULLIVAN PODCAST:

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

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

original airdate: March 13, 2021

OTD in Barnstorming 8/31/1920: Brooklyn Royal Giants and Parkesburg (PA) Iron Company Duel to a Fifteen Inning Three-All Tie

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS

Lancaster (PA) New Era, Wednesday, September 1, 1920

On Tuesday, August 31, 1920, the Brooklyn Royal Giants trek to Pennsylvania where they duel the Parkesburg Iron Company to a three-all tie after fifteen innings.  The game is called due to darkness.

Lancaster (PA) New Era, Wednesday, September 1, 1920

BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS

Starting for Parkesburg, Olsen goes the distance allowing three runs on six hits and just one walk with eleven strikeouts.  For Brooklyn, right-hander Jessie Hubbard yields three runs on seven hits and six walks with 13 strikeouts.

The Royal Giants open with a run in the first, but the Iron Company ties in the second.  The score then remains unchanged through the seventh inning.  Parkesburg plates a pair in the eighth, but the Giants respond with two of their own in the ninth, sending the game into extra innings.  After six more scoreless innings, darkness thwarts further play.

First baseman Eddie Douglass wields a double and scores.  Third baseman Louis Miller also hits safely, and scores and center fielder Tom Fiall accounts for Brooklyn's third run.

Once Upon A Summer 7/28/1918: Silk Sox Clout John Donaldson's Offerings; Brooklyn Royal Giants Fall at Doherty's Oval

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS & THE DONALDSON NETWORK

The News (Paterson, New Jersey),

Monday, July 29, 1918

On Sunday, July 28, 1918, the (Paterson) Silk Sox defeated the Brooklyn Royal Giants at Doherty's Oval, Clifton, New Jersey.

"Hard and timely hitting enabled the Silk Sox to defeat the famous Royal Giants of Brooklyn.  The visitors had Donaldson, who is rated as the best colored pitcher in the country, on the firing line, but the locals showed no fear of him.  They clouted his offering to all corners of the lot and won by a score of 9 to 6." - Passaic Daily Herald (Passaic, New Jersey), Monday, July 29, 1918

The Passaic Daily News (Passaic, New Jersey), Monday, July 29, 1918

The Silk Sox score early, often, and late.  Southpaw John Donaldson in the first inning yields two doubles and a single en route to an early 2-0 deficit.  Clifton scores once more in the second and twice in the third for a 5-0 lead.  Afterwhich, left fielder Howard Lohr homers off Donaldson in the fifth.  

Meanwhile, Sox starter Jimmy Clinton holds the Royal Giants scoreless through the sixth. 

Brooklyn, in the top of the seventh inning, finally registers a run.  With one out, center fielder Tom Fiall lashes a single, steals second base, and scores on a misplay by Peploski, the Sox third baseman. 

Clifton extends their lead against Donaldson to 7-1 in the bottom half of the frame.

With two outs and two on in the top of the eighth, John Donaldson singles home only the Royal Giants' second run of the game.  But the Sox answer yet again with two more runs in the home eighth.  This time Donaldson threw errantly in an attempted pick-off at first, allowing a run to score.  He nonetheless allows three hits, including a double by Jimmy Clinton before the frame is through.

Brooklyn appears to awaken from their slumber in the ninth, but as they say, it's too little too late.  A four-run outburst highlighted by Oliver Marcell's (Wadell) two-run single and John Henry Lloyd's two-run double all goes for naught.

Silk Sox starter Jimmy Clinton holds the Giants to six late runs on eleven hits (only one for extra bases) and two walks with three strikeouts for the win.

John Donaldson has certainly had better days.  The local hosts offer no quarter.  Donaldson yields nine runs on 16 hits (seven for extra bases) and two walks with three strikeouts in a losing effort.  Sixteen hits are the most rendered in one game by Donaldson in a Royal Giant uniform.  He has now yielded 40 hits over his last three starts and 27 innings pitched.

"... the Sox managed to emerge the victors despite the fact that the visitors had Donaldson, the world's best colored pitcher, on the mound for them." - The News (Patterson, New Jersey), Monday, July 29, 1918

The Morning Call (Paterson, New Jersey), Monday, July 29, 1918

BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS

ONCE UPON A SUMMER, 1918: JOHN DONALDSON'S LONE SEASON WITH THE BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS

• 6/28 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Acquire Midwest Pitching Great, John Donaldson
• 6/30 - John Donaldson Loses Brooklyn Royal Giants Debut To New York Lincoln Giants
• 7/3 - John Donaldson Poised To Make Brooklyn/Queens Debut At Dexter Park
• 7/4 - John Donaldson Twirls Shutout Over Cuban Stars In Dexter Park Debut
• 7/7 - Joe Williams Wins Second Straight Decision Over John Donaldson; Lincoln Giants and Royal Giants Split Twin Bill
• 7/13 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Glendale at Farmer's Oval, Queens
• 7/14 - John Donaldson Defeats Bushwick; Royal Giants Split Twin Bill At Dexter Park
• 7/15 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Take Series Opener From Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
• 7/16 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Take Game Two from Bacharach Giants; John Donaldson Earns The Victory
• 7/17 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Wrap Up Series With Bacharach Giants at Atlantic City
• 7/18 - N.Y. Ship League Team Defeat Brooklyn Royal Giants at Camden, New Jersey
• 7/21 - Cuban Stars Double-Up Brooklyn Royal Giants; John Donaldson Takes Loss at Dexter Park
• 7/24 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Bow To Stan Baumgartner and Bethlehem Steel at Allentown, PA
• 7/27 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Camp Dix Soldiers

LHP - JOHN DONALDSON'S STARTS w/ BROOKLYN:

1. 6/30/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 2 runs, 7 hits, 2 W, 2K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
2. 7/4/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 0 RUNS, 5 hits, 1 W, 6K (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
3. 7/7/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 3 runs, 9 hits, 2 W, 2K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
4. 7/14/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 1 run, 7 hits, 1 W, 5K (Bushwick; Dexter Park)
5. 7/16/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 4 runs, 14 hits, (?)W, 6K* (Atlantic City; Bacharach Park)
6. 7/21/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 6 runs, 10 hits, 4 W, 1 K (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
7. 7/28/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 9 runs, 16 hits, 2 W, 3 K (Silk Sox, Doherty's Oval, N.J.)

• LINE: 63 innings, 25 runs, 68 hits, 12 walks, 25 strikeouts, 3.57 ERA

 

BEDFORD & SULLIVAN PODCAST:

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

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

Original airdate: March 13, 2021

Once Upon A Summer 7/24/1918: Brooklyn Royal Giants Bow to Stan Baumgartner and Bethlehem Steel at Allentown, PA.

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS & THE DONALDSON NETWORK

The Morning Call (Allentown, Pennsylvania),

Tuesday, July 23, 1918

On Wednesday, July 24, 1918, the Bethlehem Steel League Team defeated the Brooklyn Royal Giants at the steelworker's athletic field, in the Lehigh Valley region, Pennsylvania.

The Allentown Democrat (Allentown, Pennsylvania),

Thursday, July 25, 1918

On the one hand, the steelworkers league is well fortified due to the government's Work Or Fight edict necessitated by the overseas war in Europe.  On the other hand, coming off Monday's victory over Cedarhurst at the Bronx Oval, the Brooklyn squad appears out of sorts, committing five fielding errors while being limited to just five hits by Bethlehem starter Stan Baumgartner, who issues four walks and strikes out just as many for the win.

Despite jumping out to a prompt 1-0 lead in the first, and a 3-2 lead in the top of third, the Giants still wind up trailing 6-3 after six.  Brooklyn rallies for single runs in the seventh and eighth, but it's too little too late.  In their defense, the game is called on account of rain and darkness after the top of the eighth inning, with Bethlehem still leading, 6 to 5. 

Playing left field and batting fifth, John Donaldson leads the Royal Giants with two hits, while John Henry "Pop" Lloyd leads with two runs scored.  Second baseman Joe Hewitt doubles and scores;  Oliver Marcell and center fielder Tom Fiall also score for Brooklyn.

Royal Giant starter Irvin Brooks surrenders six runs on seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts in a losing effort.  But, he is also the victim of four infield misplays behind him.  Fishburne, the Bethlehem shortstop, proves the biggest threat to Irvin Brooks, going 4 for 4 with a home run and three runs scored.

The Allentown Democrat (Allentown, Pennsylvania),

Thursday, July 25, 1918

The Morning Call (Allentown, Pennsylvania), July 25, 1941

⚾

LHP - JOHN DONALDSON w/BROOKLYN:

1. 6/30/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 2 runs, 7 hits, 2 W, 2K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
2. 7/4/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 0 RUNS, 5 hits, 1 W, 6K (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
3. 7/7/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 3 runs, 9 hits, 2 W, 2K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
4. 7/14/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 1 run, 7 hits, 1 W, 5K (Bushwick; Dexter Park)
5. 7/16/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 4 runs, 14 hits, (?)W, 6K* (Atlantic City; Bacharach Park)
6. 7/21/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 6 runs, 10 hits, 4 W, 1 K (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)

• LINE: 54 innings, 16 runs, 52 hits, 10 walks, 22 strikeouts, 2.66 ERA 

ONCE UPON A SUMMER, 1918: JOHN DONALDSON

• 6/28 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Acquire Midwest Pitching Great, John Donaldson
• 6/30 - John Donaldson Loses Brooklyn Royal Giants Debut To New York Lincoln Giants
• 7/3 - John Donaldson Poised To Make Brooklyn/Queens Debut At Dexter Park
• 7/4 - John Donaldson Twirls Shutout Over Cuban Stars In Dexter Park Debut
• 7/7 - Joe Williams Wins Second Straight Decision Over John Donaldson; Lincoln Giants and Royal Giants Split Twin Bill
• 7/13 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Glendale at Farmer's Oval, Queens
• 7/14 - John Donaldson Defeats Bushwick; Royal Giants Split Twin Bill At Dexter Park
• 7/15 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Take Series Opener From Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
• 7/16 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Take Game Two from Bacharach Giants; John Donaldson Earns The Victory
• 7/17 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Wrap Up Series With Bacharach Giants at Atlantic City
• 7/18 - N.Y. Ship League Team Defeat Brooklyn Royal Giants at Camden, New Jersey
• 7/22 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Outlast Cedarhurst at Bronx Oval

BEDFORD & SULLIVAN PODCAST:

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

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

Original airdate: March 13, 2021

Once Upon A Summer 7/16/1918: Brooklyn Royal Giants Take Game Two From Bacharach Giants; John Donaldson Earns The Victory

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS & THE DONALDSON NETWORK

 

Evening Public Ledger (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania),

Wednesday, July 17, 1918

On Wednesday, July 16, 1918, behind the pitching of southpaw JOHN DONALDSON, the Brooklyn Royal Giants score a second consecutive victory over the Bacharach Giants at Atlantic City.

BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS vs.

ATLANTIC CITY BACHARACH GIANTS

Game One

Staked to a three-run lead, Donaldson yields a run in the fourth, two in the sixth, and a final run in the seventh.  Both teams achieve 14 hits.  Donaldson strikes out six* (John Cason putouts/Donaldson Network) en route to his third victory as a member with the Royal Giants.  Donaldson also helps his own cause at the plate with two hits.

Atlantic City starter Roy Roberts takes the loss.

Brooklyn second baseman Joe Hewitt records three hits, as does center fielder Tom Fiall who also scores twice, and shortstop John Henry Lloyd accounts for two hits and one run scored en route to an 8-4 Royal Giant victory.

Bacharach's first baseman Chance Cummings leads Atlantic City with three hits and two runs scored.

LHP - JOHN DONALDSON w/BROOKLYN:

1. 6/30/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 2 runs, 7 hits, 2 W, 2K; (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
2. 7/4/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 0 RUNS, 5 hits, 1 W, 6K, (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
3. 7/7/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 3 runs, 9 hits, 2 W, 2K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
4. 7/14/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 1 run, 7 hits, 1 W, 5K (Bushwick; Dexter Park)
5. 7/16/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 4 runs, 14 hits, (?) W, 6K* (Atlantic City; Bacharach Park)

• LINE: 45 innings, 10 runs, 42 hits, 6 walks, 21 strikeouts, 2.00 ERA

• Since joining Brooklyn, John Donaldson has been to the plate no less than ten times, with seven hits, including a triple and two runs scored (missing boxscore: 6/30/18 game two vs. Lincoln Giants; 7/4/18, game two vs. Cuban Stars).

ONCE UPON A SUMMER, 1918: JOHN DONALDSON

• 6/28 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Acquire Midwest Pitching Great, John Donaldson
• 6/30 - John Donaldson Loses Brooklyn Royal Giants Debut To New York Lincoln Giants
• 7/3 - John Donaldson Poised To Make Brooklyn/Queens Debut At Dexter Park
• 7/4 - John Donaldson Twirls Shutout Over Cuban Stars In Dexter Park Debut
• 7/7 - Joe Williams Wins Second Straight Decision Over John Donaldson; Lincoln Giants and Royal Giants Split Twin Bill
• 7/13 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Glendale at Farmer's Oval, Queens
• 7/14 - John Donaldson Defeats Bushwick; Royal Giants Split Twin Bill At Dexter Park
• 7/15 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Take Series Opener From Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
  

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

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS & THE DONALDSON NETWORK

Times Union (Brooklyn, New York),

Saturday, July 13, 1918

l; The Brooklyn Citizen (Brooklyn, New York), Saturday, July 13, 1918

r; Times Union (Brooklyn, New York), Sunday, July 14, 1918

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

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

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

Times Union (Brooklyn, New York),

(BOX) Monday, July 15, 1918

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

⚾

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

The Standard Union (Brooklyn, New York),

Monday, July 15, 1918

LHP - JOHN DONALDSON w/BROOKLYN:

1. 6/30/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 2 runs, 7 hits, 2 walks, 2K; (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
2. 7/4/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 0 RUNS, 5 hits, 1 walk, 6K, (Cuban Stars; Dexter Park)
3. 7/7/1918 - (L) 9 innings, 3 runs, 9 hits, 2 walks, 2K (Lincoln Giants; Olympic Field)
4. 7/14/1918 - (W) 9 innings, 1 run, 7 hits, 1 walk, 5K (Bushwick; Dexter Park) 

• LINE: 36 innings, 6 runs, 28 hits, 6 walks, 15 strikeouts, 1.50 ERA

ONCE UPON A SUMMER, 1918: JOHN DONALDSON

• 6/28 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Acquire Midwest Pitching Great, John Donaldson
• 6/30 - John Donaldson Loses Brooklyn Royal Giants Debut To New York Lincoln Giants
• 7/3 - John Donaldson Poised To Make Brooklyn/Queens Debut At Dexter Park
• 7/4 - John Donaldson Twirls Shutout Over Cuban Stars In Dexter Park Debut
• 7/7 - Joe Williams Wins Second Straight Decision Over John Donaldson; Lincoln Giants and Royal Giants Split Twin Bill
• 7/13 - Brooklyn Royal Giants Defeat Glendale at Farmer's Oval, Queens

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

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

Original airdate: March 13, 2021

OTD 7/8/1920: Brooklyn Royal Giants Shut Out The Bethlehem Steelworkers At Schwab Field

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS

The Morning Call (Allentown, Pennsylvania), 

Friday, July 9, 1920

On Thursday, July 8, 1920, the Brooklyn Royal Giants  defeated the Bethlehem Steelworkers at Schwab Field, Pennsylvania.

Brooklyn brings Bethlehem's twelve-game consecutive winning streak to a grinding halt.  Royal Giant right-hander Roy Roberts limits the Steelworkers to just six hits, none for extra bases, with four walks and six strikeouts in a complete-game shutout victory.  He also balks and even hits batter for good measure.

First baseman Eddie Douglass takes care of the rest, going 4 for 4 with a double, triple, a stolen base, and two runs batted in.  His triple in the first drives home right fielder George Green and his double in the third plates third baseman Louis Miller for Brooklyn's 2-0 margin of victory.  Green and second baseman Harry Kenyon account for the other two of Brooklyn's six hits.

Bethlehem shortstop Sammy Fishburn accounts for half of the Steelworker's six hits.

In support of Roy Roberts' effort, no fielding errors are committed by the Royal Giants.  Eddie Douglass leads the field with ten putouts at first.  The infield is credited four other putouts and ten assists, including two by Roy Roberts.   Center fielder Tom Fiall records a busy six putouts and George Green one.

The Morning Call (Allentown, Pennsylvania),

Friday, July 9, 1920

OTD 6/9/1918: Brooklyn Royal Giants Sweep Double Header From Bushwick at Dexter Park

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS & BROOKLYN SEMIPROS

The Brooklyn Citizen, Sunday, June 10, 1918

On Sunday, June 9, 1918, the Brooklyn Royal Giants swept a double-header from Bushwick at Dexter Park.

GAME ONE - Brooklyn Royal Giants' right-hander Tom Williams faces off against Van Essen for Bushwick.  Each offers a fine performance.  All runs are scored in the fourth inning.  With two on base in the top of the frame, Giants' right fielder Johnny Pugh doubles home two runs.  Otherwise, Van Essen yields seven hits on three walks with four strikeouts in a losing effort.  Tom Williams limits Bushwick to one run in the bottom of the frame scored by the right fielder, Crist.  Otherwise, Williams allows seven hits and four walks with four strikeouts for the win.  Shortstop Joe Hewitt accounts for three of Brooklyn's hits.

BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, June 10, 1918

GAME TWO - Royal Giants starter Irvin Brooks limits Bushwick to no runs and hits through the fifth.  That is until Bushwick erupts for six runs in the sixth to grab a 6-5 lead.  Brooklyn ties the game in the seventh.  The score remains unchanged through the tenth.  The Royal Giants then seize an 8-6 lead when center fielder Tom Fiall triples, driving home two runs.  Brooks allows four hits and five walks with four strikeouts in a six-inning effort for the win.  Right fielder Louis Santop lashes two hits with a stolen base; he played catcher in game one.

Times Union (Brooklyn, New York)

OTD 5/14/1921: Brooklyn Royal Giants Fall to Farmers at Glendale's New Field

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS

The Brooklyn Citizen, May 14, 1921

On Saturday, May 14, 1921, the Brooklyn Royal Giants are defeated by the Farmers nine of Glendale, Long Island.  Twirling for the hosts, newly signed Harry Hagermann yields to Brooklyn three runs on ten hits and no walks with five strikeouts for the victory.

The Farmers take an early 1-0 lead when first baseman Dahncke homers to deep left; it's the first home run hit at Glendale's new field.  But Brooklyn answers with a run in the third.  Second baseman John Cason singles, advances to second, then scored on third baseman Louis Miller's base hit.  However, with three runs in the fourth, Glendale takes a 4-3 lead they would not concede.

• Game Account: The Standard Union (Brooklyn), May 15, 1921

Brooklyn Royal Giants starter Henry Howell issues four walks, and fans three before 1B/manager Eddie Douglas brings in reliever Jesse Hubbard.  The two hurlers join together in surrendering six runs on twelve hits.  

Center fielder Tom Fiall in the sixth singles and scores on Eddie Douglass' hit.  Farmers' shortstop Blank errs in the seventh, leading to Brooklyn's third run.  But any Royal Giants designs for a comeback are short-circuited; in the bottom of the seventh, Glendale scores twice more en route to a 6-3 final score at Farmer Oval.  Brooklyn third baseman Louis Miller accounts for three of Brooklyn's ten hits.

l: The Brooklyn Citizen, May 15, 1921

r: The Standard Union (Brooklyn), May 15, 1921