INDEPENDENCE DAY EDITION
A METSIAN PODCAST
with SAM, RICH, and MIKE
#LGM
Wednesday, July 08, 2020
Tuesday, July 07, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 7/7/1920: Second Place Brooklyn Robins Seizing League Wide Attention
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
Uncle Robbie and Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers Proving Naysayers Wrong With Best Start Since 1916 Season; Forecast as Second Division Dwellers Back in Spring, Robins Just One-Half Game Out of First Place.
It was right around this time last season when the Brooklyn Robins were teetering just above .500 with a 34-32 record, and mired in fourth place although a still manageable 9.5 games out of first place. Improved to a point but hardly viewed as a threat by first division rivals, lest we forget at this point the regular seasons of 1917 and 1918 were effectively lost. Cruel and unusual ways to follow up a pennant, to be sure. But any optimism harbored by Uncle Robbie and the 1919 Robins unbeknownst to them was officially laid to rest on July 9 when they fall ten games behind league leading Cincinnati and henceforth remained out of first by no less than double-digits through season's end. And as if anyone needs reminding last year's Robins ultimately ended the season in fourth place with a 69-71 (.492) record, a distant 27-games out of first place.
If nothing else finishing the 1919 season out of the second division for the first time in three years was somewhat significant for Mr. Ebbets who's seats were being filled once again by America's returning war veterans. Whether attendance this season reaches 1916 levels again remains to be seen, but last season's turnout was certainly encouraging. But even more encouraging is what continues unfolding on the field this season. Charlie Ebbets and the McKeever Brothers could not be happier as the 1920 Robins continue muting pundits and naysayers with a 40-31 record, placing them just one half-game behind the first place Reds. In turn jubilant Brooklyn fans are flocking to the ballpark in record numbers.
This season's ever growing scandal involving last year's World's Series between the Reds and Chicago White Sox reported as being fixed is fast escalating from a mere brushfire into a blazing inferno. However if in fact the White Sox indeed conspired to throw the series, that should in no way detract from Cincinnati's National League accomplishment. Make no mistake, the Reds are the legitimate defending senior circuit champions, just as the Brooklyn Robins were four short years ago, and as they aspire to be again this season. At this point in 1916 the Robins were 40-25, and four full games ahead of the second place Philadelphia Phillies.
They have their work cut out for them but good things are happening at Ebbets Field. Uncle Robbie is being rewarded for handing second base to Pete Kilduff, and likewise the third base assignment over to Jimmy Johnston. Mr. Robinson's latest decision gone right was to hand right field over to Tommy Griffith. The aforementioned three are by no means a trio of stand out players, but a solid group of players making positive contributions. We'd be remiss if Otto Miller were not included among the quiet contributors. His confident handling of pitchers is exactly what Uncle Robbie wants.
The veteran first baseman 34-year old Big Ed Konetchy is once again yielding a lethal bat. Out of action from May 28 through June 10, he has since elevated his average by thirty-five points to a season high .333 mark. Like Konetchy, Zack Wheat missed the first week of June due to injury. He returned to action on June 9 but struggled. His .303 average upon injury plummets to .271 by month's end. However in truth the Robins demonstrate many offensive shortcomings, which play a huge roll in Brooklyn posting a 12-16 record in June - for instance, making the league's more pedestrian pitchers appear like Cy Young for a day.
Brooklyn is presently in the early stages of their longest road trip of the season. Having swept the Braves at Boston, the Robins enter tomorrow's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Sportsman's Park on a five game win streak, and winners of nine of their last ten games. Stops at Chicago, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh still loom ahead.
1920 Brooklyn Robins - Baseball Reference
100th Anniversary
BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions
1920 National League Champions
Uncle Robbie and Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers Proving Naysayers Wrong With Best Start Since 1916 Season; Forecast as Second Division Dwellers Back in Spring, Robins Just One-Half Game Out of First Place.
It was right around this time last season when the Brooklyn Robins were teetering just above .500 with a 34-32 record, and mired in fourth place although a still manageable 9.5 games out of first place. Improved to a point but hardly viewed as a threat by first division rivals, lest we forget at this point the regular seasons of 1917 and 1918 were effectively lost. Cruel and unusual ways to follow up a pennant, to be sure. But any optimism harbored by Uncle Robbie and the 1919 Robins unbeknownst to them was officially laid to rest on July 9 when they fall ten games behind league leading Cincinnati and henceforth remained out of first by no less than double-digits through season's end. And as if anyone needs reminding last year's Robins ultimately ended the season in fourth place with a 69-71 (.492) record, a distant 27-games out of first place.
If nothing else finishing the 1919 season out of the second division for the first time in three years was somewhat significant for Mr. Ebbets who's seats were being filled once again by America's returning war veterans. Whether attendance this season reaches 1916 levels again remains to be seen, but last season's turnout was certainly encouraging. But even more encouraging is what continues unfolding on the field this season. Charlie Ebbets and the McKeever Brothers could not be happier as the 1920 Robins continue muting pundits and naysayers with a 40-31 record, placing them just one half-game behind the first place Reds. In turn jubilant Brooklyn fans are flocking to the ballpark in record numbers.
This season's ever growing scandal involving last year's World's Series between the Reds and Chicago White Sox reported as being fixed is fast escalating from a mere brushfire into a blazing inferno. However if in fact the White Sox indeed conspired to throw the series, that should in no way detract from Cincinnati's National League accomplishment. Make no mistake, the Reds are the legitimate defending senior circuit champions, just as the Brooklyn Robins were four short years ago, and as they aspire to be again this season. At this point in 1916 the Robins were 40-25, and four full games ahead of the second place Philadelphia Phillies.
They have their work cut out for them but good things are happening at Ebbets Field. Uncle Robbie is being rewarded for handing second base to Pete Kilduff, and likewise the third base assignment over to Jimmy Johnston. Mr. Robinson's latest decision gone right was to hand right field over to Tommy Griffith. The aforementioned three are by no means a trio of stand out players, but a solid group of players making positive contributions. We'd be remiss if Otto Miller were not included among the quiet contributors. His confident handling of pitchers is exactly what Uncle Robbie wants.
The veteran first baseman 34-year old Big Ed Konetchy is once again yielding a lethal bat. Out of action from May 28 through June 10, he has since elevated his average by thirty-five points to a season high .333 mark. Like Konetchy, Zack Wheat missed the first week of June due to injury. He returned to action on June 9 but struggled. His .303 average upon injury plummets to .271 by month's end. However in truth the Robins demonstrate many offensive shortcomings, which play a huge roll in Brooklyn posting a 12-16 record in June - for instance, making the league's more pedestrian pitchers appear like Cy Young for a day.
Brooklyn is presently in the early stages of their longest road trip of the season. Having swept the Braves at Boston, the Robins enter tomorrow's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Sportsman's Park on a five game win streak, and winners of nine of their last ten games. Stops at Chicago, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh still loom ahead.
1920 Brooklyn Robins - Baseball Reference
- Next up: a five game series versus the St. Louis Cardinals at Sportsman's Park; one game is a make-up from a May 16 rainout.
Monday, July 06, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 7/6/1920: Brooklyn Robins Complete Sweep of Boston Braves
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
Game #72: Tuesday, July 6, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Back in Full Swing Zack Wheat and Ed Konetchy Turning Up the Heat; Robins Win Fifth in a Row.
Brooklyn takes Tuesday's series finale by a 4-2 margin over the Braves at Boston. The victory marks the Robins ninth in their last ten games. The resurgence of Zack Wheat continues propelling the Robins back towards first. With a hit in three trips to the plate Wheat drives in two runs and scores another, and with a 2 for 4 day Ed Konetchy lifts his batting average up to a .333 mark. Both veteran players missed considerable time as the month of May transitioned into June and were slow to regain their respective stroke. Southpaw Clarence Mitchell remains undefeated as a starter, improving to 5-0 with a 2.98 earned run average. Making his ninth overall appearance Mitchell yields just one earned run on nine hits and two walks with a strikeout through 8.1 innings pitched. When Mitchell creates trouble for himself in the ninth Manager Robinson with haste summons Sherry Smith from the bullpen whom records the final two outs of the game a his first bullpen save of the season. The defending champion Cincinnati Reds hold on to their half-game lead over Brooklyn with a victory against the Pirates at Forbes Field.
100th Anniversary
BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions
1920 National League Champions
Game #72: Tuesday, July 6, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Back in Full Swing Zack Wheat and Ed Konetchy Turning Up the Heat; Robins Win Fifth in a Row.
Brooklyn takes Tuesday's series finale by a 4-2 margin over the Braves at Boston. The victory marks the Robins ninth in their last ten games. The resurgence of Zack Wheat continues propelling the Robins back towards first. With a hit in three trips to the plate Wheat drives in two runs and scores another, and with a 2 for 4 day Ed Konetchy lifts his batting average up to a .333 mark. Both veteran players missed considerable time as the month of May transitioned into June and were slow to regain their respective stroke. Southpaw Clarence Mitchell remains undefeated as a starter, improving to 5-0 with a 2.98 earned run average. Making his ninth overall appearance Mitchell yields just one earned run on nine hits and two walks with a strikeout through 8.1 innings pitched. When Mitchell creates trouble for himself in the ninth Manager Robinson with haste summons Sherry Smith from the bullpen whom records the final two outs of the game a his first bullpen save of the season. The defending champion Cincinnati Reds hold on to their half-game lead over Brooklyn with a victory against the Pirates at Forbes Field.
- RECORD: 40-31 (.563)
- 2nd place; 0.5 GB
Sunday, July 05, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 7/5/1920: Brooklyn Robins Sweep Twin Bill at Braves Field
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
Game #70: Monday, July 5, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Zack Wheat Powers Comeback
Down by three runs entering the ninth the Robins score three times tying the game at five, then erupt with four more runs in the tenth inning to seize victory in game one of Monday's twin bill at Braves Field. None of Boston's three hurlers escapes unscathed. Starter Jake Scott, who last week on this very mound limits the Robins to just one run over nine innings, is tagged for two runs on four hits and three walks in just 3.1 innings pitched. Braves manager George Stallings summons Brooklyn's next victim, Joe Oeschger, whom allows three runs on eight hits and two walks over the next 5.1 innings. The Robins complete their comeback with four runs on five hits including Zack Wheat's fourth home run of the season against Dana Fillingam whom suffers his ninth loss. Zack Wheat is 3 for 6 with a double, home run, one run scored, and four runs batted in. Ed Konetchy likewise is 3 for 6 with two runs batted in. Hi Myers rounds out a the hitting attack by the middle of the order with a 3 for 5 day at the plate. The three join together for nine hits and six runs batted in. The beneficiaries of all this offense are Al Mamaux and Sherry Smith whom earns his fourth win of the season. The two join together on four scoreless innings allowing just two hits and one walk in relief of starter Rube Marquard. After yielding no more than two runs over his last five starts, Marquard on this day surrenders five runs, four earned, on seven hits (including a home run to left fielder Les Mann), and one walk with five strikeouts but escapes with a no decision.
Game #71: Monday, July 5, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Robins Gain on Reds; Half Game Out of First Place
Brooklyn with a 5-2 victory in game two sweeps Monday's twin bill at Braves Field. By doing so they gain two full games on the first place Reds who lose a double-header at Pittsburgh. Starter Jeff Pfeffer leads the way with his fifth victory of the season. He allows two runs, just one earned, on twelve hits and no walks through nine innings pitched, and aids his own cause with a hit, run scored, and one run batted in. Boston's Jack Scott who appears in game one, allows five runs on eight hits and a walk through nine. Ivy Olson triples to drive in a run, and Pete Kilduff is 1 for 4 with a run scored, and one run batted in. After a troublesome month of June the Robins are now 8-1 over their last nine and winners of four in a row to close within one-half game of first place.
100th Anniversary
BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champion
Game #70: Monday, July 5, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Zack Wheat Powers Comeback
Down by three runs entering the ninth the Robins score three times tying the game at five, then erupt with four more runs in the tenth inning to seize victory in game one of Monday's twin bill at Braves Field. None of Boston's three hurlers escapes unscathed. Starter Jake Scott, who last week on this very mound limits the Robins to just one run over nine innings, is tagged for two runs on four hits and three walks in just 3.1 innings pitched. Braves manager George Stallings summons Brooklyn's next victim, Joe Oeschger, whom allows three runs on eight hits and two walks over the next 5.1 innings. The Robins complete their comeback with four runs on five hits including Zack Wheat's fourth home run of the season against Dana Fillingam whom suffers his ninth loss. Zack Wheat is 3 for 6 with a double, home run, one run scored, and four runs batted in. Ed Konetchy likewise is 3 for 6 with two runs batted in. Hi Myers rounds out a the hitting attack by the middle of the order with a 3 for 5 day at the plate. The three join together for nine hits and six runs batted in. The beneficiaries of all this offense are Al Mamaux and Sherry Smith whom earns his fourth win of the season. The two join together on four scoreless innings allowing just two hits and one walk in relief of starter Rube Marquard. After yielding no more than two runs over his last five starts, Marquard on this day surrenders five runs, four earned, on seven hits (including a home run to left fielder Les Mann), and one walk with five strikeouts but escapes with a no decision.
Game #71: Monday, July 5, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Robins Gain on Reds; Half Game Out of First Place
Brooklyn with a 5-2 victory in game two sweeps Monday's twin bill at Braves Field. By doing so they gain two full games on the first place Reds who lose a double-header at Pittsburgh. Starter Jeff Pfeffer leads the way with his fifth victory of the season. He allows two runs, just one earned, on twelve hits and no walks through nine innings pitched, and aids his own cause with a hit, run scored, and one run batted in. Boston's Jack Scott who appears in game one, allows five runs on eight hits and a walk through nine. Ivy Olson triples to drive in a run, and Pete Kilduff is 1 for 4 with a run scored, and one run batted in. After a troublesome month of June the Robins are now 8-1 over their last nine and winners of four in a row to close within one-half game of first place.
- RECORD: 39-31 (.557)
- 2nd place; 0.5 GB
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
100 Years Ago 7/1/1920: Brooklyn Robins Roll to Series Sweep at Polo Grounds
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
Game #64: Thursday, July 1, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Giants
Polo Grounds
Rube Maquard Paints Artful Four-Hitter Against Former Team at Polo Grounds
Brooklyn scores early and often en route to a three game sweep of the Giants. Runs batted in from Pete Kilduff, Hi Myers, and Ed Konetchy, give the Robins a prompt first inning lead. In the third Konecthy drives in his second run of the game, and Otto Miller's single and run batted in gives Brooklyn a 5-0 lead. With one out in the Giants fourth shortstop Dave Bancroft doubles and scores on a base hit from right fielder Ross Youngs. New York reliever Jesse Winters walks in Brooklyn's sixth run in the fifth, and two more runs in the sixth give Brooklyn an 8-1 margin of victory. Rube Marquard comes through with another big start, yielding the one run on just four hits and no walks with three strikeouts. The still wily southpaw improves to 5-3 and lowers his ERA (2.93) below three for the first time this season. The Robins are 6 for 17 with runners in scoring positions. Zack Wheat is 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Konetchy and Hi Myers each drive in two runs apiece. After finishing the month of June with a sub par 12-16 record the Robins win their first game in July. Here's to a more prosperous month ahead ...
100th Anniversary
BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions
Game #64: Thursday, July 1, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Giants
Polo Grounds
Rube Maquard Paints Artful Four-Hitter Against Former Team at Polo Grounds
Brooklyn scores early and often en route to a three game sweep of the Giants. Runs batted in from Pete Kilduff, Hi Myers, and Ed Konetchy, give the Robins a prompt first inning lead. In the third Konecthy drives in his second run of the game, and Otto Miller's single and run batted in gives Brooklyn a 5-0 lead. With one out in the Giants fourth shortstop Dave Bancroft doubles and scores on a base hit from right fielder Ross Youngs. New York reliever Jesse Winters walks in Brooklyn's sixth run in the fifth, and two more runs in the sixth give Brooklyn an 8-1 margin of victory. Rube Marquard comes through with another big start, yielding the one run on just four hits and no walks with three strikeouts. The still wily southpaw improves to 5-3 and lowers his ERA (2.93) below three for the first time this season. The Robins are 6 for 17 with runners in scoring positions. Zack Wheat is 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Konetchy and Hi Myers each drive in two runs apiece. After finishing the month of June with a sub par 12-16 record the Robins win their first game in July. Here's to a more prosperous month ahead ...
- RECORD: 34-30 (.531)
- 2nd place; 2.0 GB
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 6/30/1920: Brooklyn Robins Sweep Twin Bill at Polo Grounds
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
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.
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
Monday, June 29, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 6/29/1920: Brooklyn Robins Skid Hits Season High Six Games
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
Game #62: Tuesday, June 29, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Robins in Free Fall Heading Into Showdown With Giants at Polo Grounds
Brooklyn's June swoon continues as the Robins lose a season high sixth game in a row, five of which have come against the Boston Braves. Tuesday's game is ponderously similar to so many others played this month where the competition's poorest arms keep getting rich at the expense of Brooklyn's lineup. For Uncle Robbie, Zack Wheat's first inning run batted in is not a hopeful harbinger of things to come. Instead Boston starter Jack Scott puts forth an effort Wilbert Robinson would soon rather forget. Brooklyn musters twelve hits but go 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Otherwise Scott surrenders just one earned run and one walk through nine complete innings pitched. Batting leadoff this day Jimmy Johnston goes 3 for 5 with a run scored; Zack Wheat with two hits drives in his 20th run for the season. Starter Leon Cadore's season record is now even at 5-5 with a 1.99 ERA. He yields five earned runs on twelve hits and two walks in six innings. George Mohart follows in relief and surrenders another three runs on five hits in two innings pitched. Braves shortstop Rabbit Maranville is 3 for 4 with a triple and a run batted in. Second baseman Charlie Pick and first baseman Walter Holke likewise register three hit apiece. Jack Scott helps himself with two hits and two runs batted in. Brooklyn this month has lost at least four games in a row on three separate occasions. They are now just one game over .500 and 10-16 in June which tomorrow draws to a close. Out of first place by 3.5 games marks Brooklyn's largest deficit of the season to date.
100th Anniversary
BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Robins in Free Fall Heading Into Showdown With Giants at Polo Grounds
Brooklyn's June swoon continues as the Robins lose a season high sixth game in a row, five of which have come against the Boston Braves. Tuesday's game is ponderously similar to so many others played this month where the competition's poorest arms keep getting rich at the expense of Brooklyn's lineup. For Uncle Robbie, Zack Wheat's first inning run batted in is not a hopeful harbinger of things to come. Instead Boston starter Jack Scott puts forth an effort Wilbert Robinson would soon rather forget. Brooklyn musters twelve hits but go 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Otherwise Scott surrenders just one earned run and one walk through nine complete innings pitched. Batting leadoff this day Jimmy Johnston goes 3 for 5 with a run scored; Zack Wheat with two hits drives in his 20th run for the season. Starter Leon Cadore's season record is now even at 5-5 with a 1.99 ERA. He yields five earned runs on twelve hits and two walks in six innings. George Mohart follows in relief and surrenders another three runs on five hits in two innings pitched. Braves shortstop Rabbit Maranville is 3 for 4 with a triple and a run batted in. Second baseman Charlie Pick and first baseman Walter Holke likewise register three hit apiece. Jack Scott helps himself with two hits and two runs batted in. Brooklyn this month has lost at least four games in a row on three separate occasions. They are now just one game over .500 and 10-16 in June which tomorrow draws to a close. Out of first place by 3.5 games marks Brooklyn's largest deficit of the season to date.
- RECORD: 31-30 (.508)
- 4th place; 3.5 GB
Spring Training Redux and the Precarious Season Ahead with Journalist David Krell on Another Metsian Podcast
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
WITH
SAM, RICH, and MIKE
GUEST
JOURNALIST, AUTHOR, EDITOR, PRODUCER
David Krell is the editor of the upcoming anthology The New York Mets in Popular Culture, expected to be published by McFarland and Company in September. He is also the editor of The New York Yankees in Popular Culture and the author of Our Bums: The Brooklyn Dodgers in History, Memory and Popular Culture.
David is the chair of the Society for American Baseball Research Northern New Jersey Chapter, also known as the Elysian Fields Chapter. He has spoken for several years at SABR conferences and the Cooperstown Symposium on Baseball and American Culture.
SEVENTY-ONE MINUTES
This game is your game, this game is my game, from California, to the New York Island, from our Canadian neighbors, to the Gulf Stream waters, this game is back for all to see. Okay, please forgive our giddiness, it's just that A Metsian Podcast is thrilled about finally airing a show bereft of labour strife, contentious negotiations, and bargaining for dollars and nonsense. This evening Sam, Rich, and me, with guest and baseball author David Krell, bring the focus squarely back on the New York Metropolitans baseball club and all matters orange and blue. #LFGM
Sunday, June 28, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 6/28/1920: Weary Brooklyn Robins Bow to Boston Braves
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
Game #61: Monday, June 28, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Al Mamaux Fans Eleven in Losing Effort as Bats Remain Missing in Action; Zack Wheat Struggles Worsen.
Back in Boston the travel weary Robins are unsurprisingly limited to just two runs on six hits and two walks over nine innings by Braves starter and game winner Hugh McQuillan. Brooklyn mounts a 2-1 lead on runs batted in by Pete Kilduff in the third, and Ed Konetchy in the fourth, and hold it through the seventh. But in the Boston eighth inning the Braves set about manufacturing the tying and winning runs in traditional fashion. Leadoff hitter and center fielder Ray Powell opens the frame with a single hit back through the box. He is successfully bunted over to second, and left fielder Eddie Eayrs then draws a base on balls. Right fielder Walton Cruise singles home Powell, and first baseman Walter Holke singles home Eayrs for a 3-2 lead and final margin of victory. Brooklyn's heart of the order, Zack Wheat, Hi Myers, and Ed Konetchy, are retired quietly in the ninth. With yet another hitless day at the plate, the 32-year old Zack Wheat is batting a mere .138 (9 for 65) since returning from injury 18 games ago. And in what is yet another hard luck loss, starter Al Mamaux yields three earned runs on just six hits and four walks, with eleven strikeouts through eight innings. He is now 5-4 for the season with a 1.91 earned run average. Uncle Robbie seems agreeably pleased with his pitching of late, but knows the team's hitting is simply not performing up to snuff. As such the Robins continue preventing themselves over and again throughout the month of June from overtaking the first place Reds whom are presently experiencing their own troubles with a 5-6 record over their last eleven games.
100th Anniversary
BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions
1920 National League Champions
Game #61: Monday, June 28, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Al Mamaux Fans Eleven in Losing Effort as Bats Remain Missing in Action; Zack Wheat Struggles Worsen.
LATEST LOSING STREAK HITS FIVE GAMES
Back in Boston the travel weary Robins are unsurprisingly limited to just two runs on six hits and two walks over nine innings by Braves starter and game winner Hugh McQuillan. Brooklyn mounts a 2-1 lead on runs batted in by Pete Kilduff in the third, and Ed Konetchy in the fourth, and hold it through the seventh. But in the Boston eighth inning the Braves set about manufacturing the tying and winning runs in traditional fashion. Leadoff hitter and center fielder Ray Powell opens the frame with a single hit back through the box. He is successfully bunted over to second, and left fielder Eddie Eayrs then draws a base on balls. Right fielder Walton Cruise singles home Powell, and first baseman Walter Holke singles home Eayrs for a 3-2 lead and final margin of victory. Brooklyn's heart of the order, Zack Wheat, Hi Myers, and Ed Konetchy, are retired quietly in the ninth. With yet another hitless day at the plate, the 32-year old Zack Wheat is batting a mere .138 (9 for 65) since returning from injury 18 games ago. And in what is yet another hard luck loss, starter Al Mamaux yields three earned runs on just six hits and four walks, with eleven strikeouts through eight innings. He is now 5-4 for the season with a 1.91 earned run average. Uncle Robbie seems agreeably pleased with his pitching of late, but knows the team's hitting is simply not performing up to snuff. As such the Robins continue preventing themselves over and again throughout the month of June from overtaking the first place Reds whom are presently experiencing their own troubles with a 5-6 record over their last eleven games.
- RECORD: 31-29 (.516)
- 3rd place; 2.5 GB
Saturday, June 27, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 6/27/1920: Rival New York Giants Whitewash Brooklyn Robins at Ebbets Field
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
Game #60: Sunday, June 27, 1920 - BR
New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field
Robins Slide Continues; Must Travel Back to Boston
Rube Marquard tries his best but on this day it's not good enough when compared with the effort rendered by New York's veteran journeyman Fred Toney, whom limits the lagging Robins to seven hits and no walks with two strikeouts in a complete game shutout performance. Marquard meanwhile surrenders two earned runs on just four hits and one walk with five strikeout victims. With two outs in the Giants third, shortstop Dave Bancroft triples home catcher Frank Snyder. In the top of the six with High Pockets Kelley at the bat, third baseman Frankie Frisch and right fielder Ross Youngs successfully execute a double steal, Youngs takes second base while Frisch swipes home for a 2-0 lead and final margin of Giants victory. As Zack Wheat goes it seems so go the Robins. Since returning from injury on June 9 Wheat is batting just .147 with nine hits in 17 games and 61 at-bats. And since last facing the Giants on June 7 the Robins have gone 5-13, and are 10-14 for the month with four games still left to play in June. But with no rest for the weary Brooklyn must now board the next train back to Boston for two more games against the Braves beginning tomorrow.
100th Anniversary
BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions
1920 National League Champions
Game #60: Sunday, June 27, 1920 - BR
New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field
Robins Slide Continues; Must Travel Back to Boston
Rube Marquard tries his best but on this day it's not good enough when compared with the effort rendered by New York's veteran journeyman Fred Toney, whom limits the lagging Robins to seven hits and no walks with two strikeouts in a complete game shutout performance. Marquard meanwhile surrenders two earned runs on just four hits and one walk with five strikeout victims. With two outs in the Giants third, shortstop Dave Bancroft triples home catcher Frank Snyder. In the top of the six with High Pockets Kelley at the bat, third baseman Frankie Frisch and right fielder Ross Youngs successfully execute a double steal, Youngs takes second base while Frisch swipes home for a 2-0 lead and final margin of Giants victory. As Zack Wheat goes it seems so go the Robins. Since returning from injury on June 9 Wheat is batting just .147 with nine hits in 17 games and 61 at-bats. And since last facing the Giants on June 7 the Robins have gone 5-13, and are 10-14 for the month with four games still left to play in June. But with no rest for the weary Brooklyn must now board the next train back to Boston for two more games against the Braves beginning tomorrow.
- RECORD: 31-28 (.525)
- 3rd place; 1.5 GB
Friday, June 26, 2020
Pandemic Baseball Coming to a Town Near You on Another Metsian Podcast
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
WITH
SAM, RICH, and MIKE
seventy-eight minutes
Sixty Game Season?
It is what it is ... Play Ball !
100 Years Ago Today 6/26/1920: Brooklyn Robins Drop Twin Bill at Braves Field
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
Game #58: Saturday, June 26, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Sherry Smith Loses Pitching Duel to Boston's Joe Oeschger: Bill McCabe Error Proves Costly
One can only fathom Uncle Robbie's sentiments between games of Saturday's double-header after Brooklyn is limited to just three hits by a pedestrian Joe Oeschger whom walks three and strikeouts two through nine scoreless innings pitched. No doubt having his best season to date Oeschger improves to 5-4 with a 2.48 ERA. Bill McCabe making his third straight start at shortstop in place of Ivy Olson in the third inning misplays a Joe Sullivan ground ground ball. Instead of ending the inning the bases are loaded for right fielder Walton Cruise whom singles through the left side plating the game's only run. To Uncle Robbie's dismay starter Sherry Smith's fine effort is wasted. He yields no earned runs on nine hits and just one walk through seven innings pitched. Jimmy Johnston, Tommy Griffith, and catcher Ernie Krueger record Brooklyn's only hits.
Game #59: Saturday, June 26, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Braves Pitching Gets Better of Brooklyn, Again
The Robins lose their third straight as Boston completes a sweep of Saturday's twin bill and take the four game series three games to one. Braves starter Dana Fillingim limits the Robins to a pair of runs, one earned, on six hits and three walks with six strikeouts over nine full innings for his seventh win of the season. Meanwhile an ineffective Burleigh Grimes loses his fifth of the season after surrendering six runs on eight hits and two walks in only five innings of work. Rabbit Maranville is one of six different Braves hitters to drive in at least one run; catcher Mickey O'Neil is 2 for 4 with two runs batted in. Brooklyn's Hi Myers drives in his team leading 30th run for the season and Ed Konetchy knocks in his 20th. A third straight loss gives Brooklyn a 10-13 record to date in June and Uncle Robbie one giant headache. After playing back to back double-headers, his team must now hop the next train back to New York where tomorrow they'll host the Giants for one game at Ebbets Field then immediately return to Boston for two more games against the Braves only to rush back to New York for a three game set against the Giants at the Polo Grounds. Although the Robins remain just 1.5 games out of first, your head would be pounding too.
100th Anniversary
BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions
Game #58: Saturday, June 26, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Sherry Smith Loses Pitching Duel to Boston's Joe Oeschger: Bill McCabe Error Proves Costly
One can only fathom Uncle Robbie's sentiments between games of Saturday's double-header after Brooklyn is limited to just three hits by a pedestrian Joe Oeschger whom walks three and strikeouts two through nine scoreless innings pitched. No doubt having his best season to date Oeschger improves to 5-4 with a 2.48 ERA. Bill McCabe making his third straight start at shortstop in place of Ivy Olson in the third inning misplays a Joe Sullivan ground ground ball. Instead of ending the inning the bases are loaded for right fielder Walton Cruise whom singles through the left side plating the game's only run. To Uncle Robbie's dismay starter Sherry Smith's fine effort is wasted. He yields no earned runs on nine hits and just one walk through seven innings pitched. Jimmy Johnston, Tommy Griffith, and catcher Ernie Krueger record Brooklyn's only hits.
Game #59: Saturday, June 26, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves
Braves Field
Braves Pitching Gets Better of Brooklyn, Again
The Robins lose their third straight as Boston completes a sweep of Saturday's twin bill and take the four game series three games to one. Braves starter Dana Fillingim limits the Robins to a pair of runs, one earned, on six hits and three walks with six strikeouts over nine full innings for his seventh win of the season. Meanwhile an ineffective Burleigh Grimes loses his fifth of the season after surrendering six runs on eight hits and two walks in only five innings of work. Rabbit Maranville is one of six different Braves hitters to drive in at least one run; catcher Mickey O'Neil is 2 for 4 with two runs batted in. Brooklyn's Hi Myers drives in his team leading 30th run for the season and Ed Konetchy knocks in his 20th. A third straight loss gives Brooklyn a 10-13 record to date in June and Uncle Robbie one giant headache. After playing back to back double-headers, his team must now hop the next train back to New York where tomorrow they'll host the Giants for one game at Ebbets Field then immediately return to Boston for two more games against the Braves only to rush back to New York for a three game set against the Giants at the Polo Grounds. Although the Robins remain just 1.5 games out of first, your head would be pounding too.
- RECORD: 31-27 (.534)
- 3rd place; 1.5 GB
Thursday, June 25, 2020
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
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.
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
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 6/24/1920: Brooklyn Robins Take Two of Three From Pittsburgh Pirates
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
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.
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
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
100 Years Ago Today 6/23/1920: Rube Marquard Hurls Brooklyn Robins to Victory Over Pirates
From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS
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.
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
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