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Big Six · 12-30-2003, 01:24 PM

The Sporting News, June 2, 1912

RED SOX ON THE MOVE

Boston Americans Sparing Nothing in Pursuit of Championship
"Matty" Acquired from Highlanders, Solidifying Mound Corps

BOSTON- For several years now, the Red Sox have treated the base ball aficionados of Boston to play of the highest order. The Sox captured World Series crowns in 1909 and 1910, upon the strength of a stalwart pitching staff and a crop of exciting young players. A Boston "fan" would have been forgiven for thinking that the pennants would continue in nearly automatic progression.

Last season, however, the Sox' hopes were dashed on the final day of the season, when the New York Highlanders captured the flag. Having tasted both victory and narrow defeat, the management of the Bostons has endeavored to bring the American League banner back to the old city by the bay.

Manager Jimmy Collins has long been highly regarded for his ability to spot talent on other rosters and convince his superiors to obtain it. The Red Sox have fortunately been able to develop sufficient young talent that the club can offer promising young players in exchange for players Collins thinks will improve the squad.

Perhaps the best example was a trade with the Cardinals in 1909, when the Sox swapped promising infielder "Amby" McConnell for big first sacker Ed Konetchy. Both men have performed well since the trade, but "Big Ed's" booming bat in the middle of the Boston lineup provided the boost that was needed to propel the Sox to the top of the standings.

This week, Collins struck again. With the Sox a game behind the Detroit Tigers in the standings, the time was right to move. In New York, Highlanders legend "Christy " Mathewson was off to a rough start, winning only three of his first ten decisions. When the Sox offered pitcher Joe Harris to the Highlanders in exchange for "Matty," the New Yorkers closed the deal quickly, to Collins' surprise and delight.

"Anybody who believes "Matty" is all through is wrong," the Sox manager stated plainly. "He's barely thirty years old. There's a lot of life left in that arm of his. And no pitcher knows the game as well. I remember how well he worked late last season when the pennant was on the line. He's a big reason why the Highlanders won, and I'd be a fool not to want him on our side."

"Matty" will no doubt be called upon to share the wisdom of his craft with young Sox like Joe Wood and Ray Collins, while taking his own regular turn in the rotation.

Mathewson and his fellow moundsmen can count on strong support from the Boston batters. "Tris" Speaker has emerged this season as a star of the first order. A hitting streak that began in the last days of the 1911 campaign was finally halted at 38 games, but the Texan has continued to hit with authority. His .392 mark includes a league-best eight triples.

"Pat" O'Farrell is well on his way to establishing himself as perhaps the brightest star in the American League firmament. The second baseman leads the big leagues with a batting average of .417, and it's no empty mark. O'Farrell's totals of 14 doubles and 7 triples are only one fewer than Speaker's. Meanwhile, "Pat" has swiped 29 bases, five more than any other major leaguer. Along with stars like shortstop Walt Thomas, outfielder Chet Chadbourne, and Konetchy, O'Farrell and Speaker have kept opposing pitchers up late into the night...

(rest of article missing)

12-30-2003, 01:24 PM	#98 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	The Bible of baseball The Sporting News, June 2, 1912 RED SOX ON THE MOVE Boston Americans Sparing Nothing in Pursuit of Championship "Matty" Acquired from Highlanders, Solidifying Mound Corps BOSTON- For several years now, the Red Sox have treated the base ball aficionados of Boston to play of the highest order. The Sox captured World Series crowns in 1909 and 1910, upon the strength of a stalwart pitching staff and a crop of exciting young players. A Boston "fan" would have been forgiven for thinking that the pennants would continue in nearly automatic progression. Last season, however, the Sox' hopes were dashed on the final day of the season, when the New York Highlanders captured the flag. Having tasted both victory and narrow defeat, the management of the Bostons has endeavored to bring the American League banner back to the old city by the bay. Manager Jimmy Collins has long been highly regarded for his ability to spot talent on other rosters and convince his superiors to obtain it. The Red Sox have fortunately been able to develop sufficient young talent that the club can offer promising young players in exchange for players Collins thinks will improve the squad. Perhaps the best example was a trade with the Cardinals in 1909, when the Sox swapped promising infielder "Amby" McConnell for big first sacker Ed Konetchy. Both men have performed well since the trade, but "Big Ed's" booming bat in the middle of the Boston lineup provided the boost that was needed to propel the Sox to the top of the standings. This week, Collins struck again. With the Sox a game behind the Detroit Tigers in the standings, the time was right to move. In New York, Highlanders legend "Christy " Mathewson was off to a rough start, winning only three of his first ten decisions. When the Sox offered pitcher Joe Harris to the Highlanders in exchange for "Matty," the New Yorkers closed the deal quickly, to Collins' surprise and delight. "Anybody who believes "Matty" is all through is wrong," the Sox manager stated plainly. "He's barely thirty years old. There's a lot of life left in that arm of his. And no pitcher knows the game as well. I remember how well he worked late last season when the pennant was on the line. He's a big reason why the Highlanders won, and I'd be a fool not to want him on our side." "Matty" will no doubt be called upon to share the wisdom of his craft with young Sox like Joe Wood and Ray Collins, while taking his own regular turn in the rotation. Mathewson and his fellow moundsmen can count on strong support from the Boston batters. "Tris" Speaker has emerged this season as a star of the first order. A hitting streak that began in the last days of the 1911 campaign was finally halted at 38 games, but the Texan has continued to hit with authority. His .392 mark includes a league-best eight triples. "Pat" O'Farrell is well on his way to establishing himself as perhaps the brightest star in the American League firmament. The second baseman leads the big leagues with a batting average of .417, and it's no empty mark. O'Farrell's totals of 14 doubles and 7 triples are only one fewer than Speaker's. Meanwhile, "Pat" has swiped 29 bases, five more than any other major leaguer. Along with stars like shortstop Walt Thomas, outfielder Chet Chadbourne, and Konetchy, O'Farrell and Speaker have kept opposing pitchers up late into the night... (rest of article missing) Last edited by Big Six; 12-30-2003 at 02:19 PM.