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Big Six · 05-04-2003, 11:51 PM

Putnam Hotel
Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts

Mr. Charles Prentice
442 Park Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

July 1, 1908

Dear Charlie,

This is the first opportunity I've had to write to you since the All-Star game. By now I suppose you've read about it in the papers, and might even have heard the reports from some of the Stockbridge contingent who were able to take the train out to Boston. I wish you could have been there, but I certainly understand why you couldn't make it. I do hope your mother wasn't injured too badly in the accident, and please send her best wishes from me.

I know I'm a professional ball player, and I shouldn't let myself be awed by such things, but the experience of looking around the dugout and seeing so many of the best players in the game was something I shall never forget. I could hardly speak when Nap Lajoie introduced himself to me!

The grounds were more full than I've ever seen them. The grandstands and bleachers were both packed, and more rooters stood in the deepest parts of the outfield. I watched the first seven innings from the bench, as Lajoie started the game at second base. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to bat against Christy Mathewson, but he left the game after three innings. Matty didn't allow a run, and struck out four men.

I entered the game for Lajoie in the top of the eighth, with the score 3-1, Nationals. When I trotted out to my position, I heard a cheer from the crowd, and at first I was puzzled by the noise. Then I realized the cheers were for me! I tipped my cap to the crowd and tried to conceal my anxiety.

Joe Lake, from the Highlanders, was pitching for us at the time, and the first batter he faced was Bob Bescher. Wouldn't you know it, he hit a two-bouncer right to me, and fortunately I wasn't too nervous to make the play. That settled me down considerably, I must admit.

I came to the plate with one man out in the bottom of the ninth, against Sam Leever from Pittsburgh. I wish I could tell you I lashed his first pitch into left field for a clean single, but in all honesty, I never got a chance to swing the bat. One called strike, and then four wide ones, and Sam passed me. I did score a run, however, when Elberfeld moved me to third with his single and Keeler brought us both home with a double. Then Oldring drove one out into the midst of the rooters standing behind the rope in center field, and Keeler trotted across with the winning run. I wish I had a nickel for every straw boater that was ruined up in the grandstand!

Again, I wish you could have been there! My parents and Sarah took me out to dinner at the Parker House after the game, and we had a wonderful time. They spent the night and returned on the morning train on Monday.

The Athletics come to town next, and if we can take the series from them, we should be firmly planted in the first division! Perhaps when we play in our first World Series, you can come out to Boston and see all the games.

Tell everyone hello for me, especially Sarah, and write to me when you can!

Your pal,
Pat

05-04-2003, 11:51 PM	#43 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	Excitement to share Putnam Hotel Huntington Avenue Boston, Massachusetts Mr. Charles Prentice 442 Park Street Stockbridge, Massachusetts July 1, 1908 Dear Charlie, This is the first opportunity I've had to write to you since the All-Star game. By now I suppose you've read about it in the papers, and might even have heard the reports from some of the Stockbridge contingent who were able to take the train out to Boston. I wish you could have been there, but I certainly understand why you couldn't make it. I do hope your mother wasn't injured too badly in the accident, and please send her best wishes from me. I know I'm a professional ball player, and I shouldn't let myself be awed by such things, but the experience of looking around the dugout and seeing so many of the best players in the game was something I shall never forget. I could hardly speak when Nap Lajoie introduced himself to me! The grounds were more full than I've ever seen them. The grandstands and bleachers were both packed, and more rooters stood in the deepest parts of the outfield. I watched the first seven innings from the bench, as Lajoie started the game at second base. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to bat against Christy Mathewson, but he left the game after three innings. Matty didn't allow a run, and struck out four men. I entered the game for Lajoie in the top of the eighth, with the score 3-1, Nationals. When I trotted out to my position, I heard a cheer from the crowd, and at first I was puzzled by the noise. Then I realized the cheers were for me! I tipped my cap to the crowd and tried to conceal my anxiety. Joe Lake, from the Highlanders, was pitching for us at the time, and the first batter he faced was Bob Bescher. Wouldn't you know it, he hit a two-bouncer right to me, and fortunately I wasn't too nervous to make the play. That settled me down considerably, I must admit. I came to the plate with one man out in the bottom of the ninth, against Sam Leever from Pittsburgh. I wish I could tell you I lashed his first pitch into left field for a clean single, but in all honesty, I never got a chance to swing the bat. One called strike, and then four wide ones, and Sam passed me. I did score a run, however, when Elberfeld moved me to third with his single and Keeler brought us both home with a double. Then Oldring drove one out into the midst of the rooters standing behind the rope in center field, and Keeler trotted across with the winning run. I wish I had a nickel for every straw boater that was ruined up in the grandstand! Again, I wish you could have been there! My parents and Sarah took me out to dinner at the Parker House after the game, and we had a wonderful time. They spent the night and returned on the morning train on Monday. The Athletics come to town next, and if we can take the series from them, we should be firmly planted in the first division! Perhaps when we play in our first World Series, you can come out to Boston and see all the games. Tell everyone hello for me, especially Sarah, and write to me when you can! Your pal, Pat Last edited by Big Six; 05-04-2003 at 11:55 PM.