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Big Six · 07-31-2003, 01:10 PM

Miss Emily O'Farrell
227 Elm Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

July 2, 1911

Dear Emily,

I recieved your letter the day before we left on a Western trip, and almost immediately, things began to occur that I knew I would want to tell you all about. I decided to wait until I could relate the full story to you; that is why I have delayed my letter.

The day after your letter arrived, I was in Detroit, when I accomplished something I have not done since my days on the sandlots, when I might play all afternoon and bat fifty times. I "hit for the cycle," with a single, a double, a triple, and a home run! Oddly enough, the single was the last hit I managed, and unlike a fellow I saw in New Bedford once who hit the ball off the fence and stopped at first base, I actually made a one-base hit, a ground ball to shortstop that I beat out by inches.

I received a new straw hat from a Detroit haberdasher who enjoys recognizing such "feats." Bill Carrigan promptly captured it and threatened to put a big fist right though the crown. I took this all in good fun; heaven knows that Bill, with the slump he's enduring, could use a good laugh. He is barely keeping his average above .200, and Bob Peterson is catching more often now.

On the 23rd, I was in Cleveland, playing against the Naps. I hit a ball between the outfielders that looked like it would be a sure triple. Between first and second, however, I felt something catch in my left calf, and by the time I reached second base I could not run at all. I hobbled to the base and immediately called time. Doc Hood rubbed it with his liniment, but that night on the train the tightness and pain made it almost impossible for me to sleep.

There was no other choice but to put me on the disabled list, which, as you no doubt know, means I am ineligible to play for another week yet. Worse, if the muscle does not improve soon, I will not be able to play even then. Doc believes it could be another two weeks from now until my leg is completely healthy.

I am sure that this comes as no news to you, as you have always followed my career so faithfully in the newspapers, Sis. It would have been grand to have accompanied Tris to the All-Star Game, but I did receive a very nice telegram from the fellow who played second for the American League, Neal Ball of the Naps. He certainly does not need to question his qualifications as an All-Star, as he is hitting over .340 this season, according to the last printed averages.

Perhaps I do have a bit of news of which you are not yet aware, as the announcement was only made yesterday. Your brother has been chosen Player of the Month again! According to the article, over the month of June I batted .493, with one home run and 16 runs batted in. I must confess it is a thrill to open the paper and see my name atop the American League batting list. I haven't been as high as .380 this late in a season since my Richmond days!

I hope the long "vacation" I am taking because of this bum leg will not cause me to slump too badly. I know I shan't keep getting a hit every other time at bat, but I have seen other fellows return from a long layoff and struggle mightily. Keep your fingers crossed for me, Sis!

Give Mom and Dad my love, and please keep writing to me. And, of course, I'll do my best to discover for you whether or not Joe Wood has his cap set for anyone!

Your loving brother,
Pat

07-31-2003, 01:10 PM	#88 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	Good news and bad news Miss Emily O'Farrell 227 Elm Street Stockbridge, Massachusetts July 2, 1911 Dear Emily, I recieved your letter the day before we left on a Western trip, and almost immediately, things began to occur that I knew I would want to tell you all about. I decided to wait until I could relate the full story to you; that is why I have delayed my letter. The day after your letter arrived, I was in Detroit, when I accomplished something I have not done since my days on the sandlots, when I might play all afternoon and bat fifty times. I "hit for the cycle," with a single, a double, a triple, and a home run! Oddly enough, the single was the last hit I managed, and unlike a fellow I saw in New Bedford once who hit the ball off the fence and stopped at first base, I actually made a one-base hit, a ground ball to shortstop that I beat out by inches. I received a new straw hat from a Detroit haberdasher who enjoys recognizing such "feats." Bill Carrigan promptly captured it and threatened to put a big fist right though the crown. I took this all in good fun; heaven knows that Bill, with the slump he's enduring, could use a good laugh. He is barely keeping his average above .200, and Bob Peterson is catching more often now. On the 23rd, I was in Cleveland, playing against the Naps. I hit a ball between the outfielders that looked like it would be a sure triple. Between first and second, however, I felt something catch in my left calf, and by the time I reached second base I could not run at all. I hobbled to the base and immediately called time. Doc Hood rubbed it with his liniment, but that night on the train the tightness and pain made it almost impossible for me to sleep. There was no other choice but to put me on the disabled list, which, as you no doubt know, means I am ineligible to play for another week yet. Worse, if the muscle does not improve soon, I will not be able to play even then. Doc believes it could be another two weeks from now until my leg is completely healthy. I am sure that this comes as no news to you, as you have always followed my career so faithfully in the newspapers, Sis. It would have been grand to have accompanied Tris to the All-Star Game, but I did receive a very nice telegram from the fellow who played second for the American League, Neal Ball of the Naps. He certainly does not need to question his qualifications as an All-Star, as he is hitting over .340 this season, according to the last printed averages. Perhaps I do have a bit of news of which you are not yet aware, as the announcement was only made yesterday. Your brother has been chosen Player of the Month again! According to the article, over the month of June I batted .493, with one home run and 16 runs batted in. I must confess it is a thrill to open the paper and see my name atop the American League batting list. I haven't been as high as .380 this late in a season since my Richmond days! I hope the long "vacation" I am taking because of this bum leg will not cause me to slump too badly. I know I shan't keep getting a hit every other time at bat, but I have seen other fellows return from a long layoff and struggle mightily. Keep your fingers crossed for me, Sis! Give Mom and Dad my love, and please keep writing to me. And, of course, I'll do my best to discover for you whether or not Joe Wood has his cap set for anyone! Your loving brother, Pat Last edited by Big Six; 07-31-2003 at 01:23 PM.