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Big Six · 07-17-2004, 07:16 PM

84 Westland Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts

May 30, 1917

Mr. Francis O'Farrell
227 Elm Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Dear Dad,

Perhaps the Fates have decided that it is time to look favorably upon a team other than the Boston Red Sox.

Today, Tris Speaker dove for a ball in the outfield, only to have it skip past him and roll toward the wall. I turned and moved into the outfield to take a possible relay throw, and then I noticed that Tris was getting up up very slowly, while Chet Chadbourne raced for the ball.

When the play was completed, I saw Tris walking slowly toward the infield, holding his arm and grimacing. If Tris, a man who is as tough as any cowboy in Texas, leaves a game on his own, there is certainly something wrong.

The doctors told him that he has broken a bone in his arm; the ulna, I believe it is, and that he will be out of the lineup for at least a month. And, only a week after the injury to Walt Thomas that ended his season! We obtained Ray Chapman from the Browns to help fill Tommy's spot, but it looks unlikely that the team will look to a trade again. After all, who could we possibly obtain who could contribute as much as Speaker does to the club?

George Ruth, whom everyone calls "Babe" now, was called up from the minor leagues to take Speaker's place on the roster. I am not sure how much playing time Collins will give Ruth, however. We are just close enough in the standings, only four games back of Philadelphia, to make Collins play it safe. I would guess that he will give Ruth some playing time, but George Whiteman, who has hit the ball well this season, will play more.

We did win the game, but none of us felt much like celebrating. My season is off to a much better start than last year's, but as long as we are in third place I am far from satisfied.

I am sorry that the tone of this letter is so negative, Dad. I suppose I am also nervous about the fact that Sarah's baby is overdue. Her doctor says that there are no apparent problems, but until I see her, smiling and holding a healthy infant, it will be difficult for me to relax.

As always, love to you and to Mom.

Your son,
Pat

******

Pat is correct; he's hitting much better so far in 1917. His average is up to .337, and he is tied for the American League lead in home runs with 4. He has driven in 32 runs and scored 42, in 51 games.

Even more encouragingly, he's hitting doubles and triples like he usually does, too...10 doubles and 4 three-baggers. Pat leads the league in slugging and OPS. He's drawing walks; 42 so far. And he has run wild on the basepaths, stealing 35 bases already.

Speaker has been as productive as usual, too, hitting .339-2-36 at the time of his injury. Tris is 2nd in the league in hitting, and Pat stands third (Eddie Murphy of the Athletics leads at .387).

07-17-2004, 07:16 PM	#257 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,494 Thanks: 146 Thanked 100x in 79 posts	Even darker news 84 Westland Avenue Boston, Massachusetts May 30, 1917 Mr. Francis O'Farrell 227 Elm Street Stockbridge, Massachusetts Dear Dad, Perhaps the Fates have decided that it is time to look favorably upon a team other than the Boston Red Sox. Today, Tris Speaker dove for a ball in the outfield, only to have it skip past him and roll toward the wall. I turned and moved into the outfield to take a possible relay throw, and then I noticed that Tris was getting up up very slowly, while Chet Chadbourne raced for the ball. When the play was completed, I saw Tris walking slowly toward the infield, holding his arm and grimacing. If Tris, a man who is as tough as any cowboy in Texas, leaves a game on his own, there is certainly something wrong. The doctors told him that he has broken a bone in his arm; the ulna, I believe it is, and that he will be out of the lineup for at least a month. And, only a week after the injury to Walt Thomas that ended his season! We obtained Ray Chapman from the Browns to help fill Tommy's spot, but it looks unlikely that the team will look to a trade again. After all, who could we possibly obtain who could contribute as much as Speaker does to the club? George Ruth, whom everyone calls "Babe" now, was called up from the minor leagues to take Speaker's place on the roster. I am not sure how much playing time Collins will give Ruth, however. We are just close enough in the standings, only four games back of Philadelphia, to make Collins play it safe. I would guess that he will give Ruth some playing time, but George Whiteman, who has hit the ball well this season, will play more. We did win the game, but none of us felt much like celebrating. My season is off to a much better start than last year's, but as long as we are in third place I am far from satisfied. I am sorry that the tone of this letter is so negative, Dad. I suppose I am also nervous about the fact that Sarah's baby is overdue. Her doctor says that there are no apparent problems, but until I see her, smiling and holding a healthy infant, it will be difficult for me to relax. As always, love to you and to Mom. Your son, Pat ****** Pat is correct; he's hitting much better so far in 1917. His average is up to .337, and he is tied for the American League lead in home runs with 4. He has driven in 32 runs and scored 42, in 51 games. Even more encouragingly, he's hitting doubles and triples like he usually does, too...10 doubles and 4 three-baggers. Pat leads the league in slugging and OPS. He's drawing walks; 42 so far. And he has run wild on the basepaths, stealing 35 bases already. Speaker has been as productive as usual, too, hitting .339-2-36 at the time of his injury. Tris is 2nd in the league in hitting, and Pat stands third (Eddie Murphy of the Athletics leads at .387). __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Connecticut Shore League: a fictional league story Three Pals, a Base Ball Story: my newest fictional story Last edited by Big Six; 07-17-2004 at 07:24 PM.