[StorminZ]

BigSix, glad to see the updates ... was worried the networks pulled the plug on this one in mid-series LOL ... no doubt, your posts are well written and do take time, so thanks for all the effort!

[Big Six]

Thanks, StorminZ! The show goes on. And it ought to last a while, too, which I'm glad of.

Pat should have a long career ahead of him. I wasn't expecting him to develop quite so quickly, and he's showing more power than I thought he would. I envisioned him more as a top-of-the-order guy, somebody who might be getting on base in front of Speaker and Lewis for the Red Sox teams of the 1910s. Now it looks like he's going to be more of an offensive force, maybe a 1-2 punch with Speaker.

[Big Six]

The Berkshire Eagle, Monday, December 26, 1910


On Saturday afternoon, December 24, Miss Sarah Elizabeth Malloy and Mr. Patrick Joseph O'Farrell, both of Stockbridge, were joined in holy matrimony at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Pittsfield. Father Francis X. Sheehan performed the ceremony.

Miss Malloy wore a white satin gown, embellished with beads and lace, and a full train. Her grandmother's pearls completed her ensemble. She was given away in marriage by her father, Dr. Thomas A. Malloy.

The maid of honor was Miss Emily Elizabeth O'Farrell, sister of the groom. Best man duties were performed by Mr. William Francis Carrigan of Boston. Mr. John Frank Owens, of New London, Connecticut, was soloist, and Mrs. Robert Kelley performed on the organ.

Mr. and Mrs. O'Farrell will be at home in Boston after a wedding trip to Niagara Falls. Mr. O'Farrell is a member of the world's champion Boston Red Sox baseball club.

[Big Six]

Here are the totals for Pat's 1910 season. His rank among the American League leaders appears in parentheses.

G: 147
AB: 536
R: 105 (1) New AL record!
H: 171 (6)
2b: 30 (3)
3b: 16 (t-2)
HR: 7 (t-2)
RBI: 84 (4)
BB: 94 (2)
K: 93
SB: 57 (t-1) Ties AL record!
CS: 14 (6)
EB hits: 53 (1)
TB: 254 (2)


BA: .319 (6)
OBP: .421 (2)
SLG: .474 (2)
OPS: .895 (2)

RC: 121.6 (1)
RC/27: 8.36 (2)


Pat would have been a fine choice for Outstanding Batter in most years. In 1910, however, Ty Cobb had a monstrous season, batting .392, with a .447 OBP and slugging .517.

[Big Six]

Patrick is now 23 years of age, is newly married, and as the 1911 campaign dawns, he is entering his sixth season as a professional base ball player.

His overall rating has been upgraded, so that he is now officially a five-star talent!

Pat now rates a 7 for Contact Hitting, a 3 for Power, and a sterling 9 for Eye/Discipline. His fielding rating at second base is A, and his ratings for running, stealing, and bunting all remain at A, as well.

O'Farrell has become a fixture in the heart of the Boston batting order, hitting third against lefties and in the cleanup slot when a righthander is on the hill.

[Big Six]

Boston Herald, Sunday, June 1, 1911

AMERICANS ATOP LEAGUE ONCE AGAIN
Red Sox Lead a Pack of Three Teams by Three Games
O'Farrell, Speaker Leading Charge

BOSTON--The rooters who have faithfully supported the Red Sox in recent years have been treated to performances of the highest order from their favorites, two-time champions of the base ball world.

However, this season, the red-stockinged lads have perhaps done their finest work. The American League is a faster circuit this season, with several teams looking much stronger than they have in the recent past. For this reason, the Bostons' position atop the standings represents a much more significant achievement.

The Naps of Cleveland, New York's Highlanders, and the Philadelphia Athletics all put solid teams on the field every day, and the Red Sox, with a record of 33 wins and 20 defeats, lead each of these teams by three games in the standings. The Highlanders, with the addition of longtime New York mound star "Christy" Mathewson, appear particularly formidable.

The vaunted Red Sox pitching staff has been solid as usual, with "Tex" Pruiett and Ralph Glaze starring once again. However, the batsmen are asserting themselves in a more powerful fashion of late. The best work has been done by the finest pair of young stars in the league, flychaser "Tris" Speaker and second baseman "Pat" O'Farrell.

O'Farrell is no stranger to fast company, as he has been selected to the All-Star team for the past three seasons. The Irishman from Stockbridge is swinging the lumber at a .333 pace this season, and has crossed home plate 45 times, most in the league. He has also been a demon on the basepaths, swiping 27 sacks already this season, and is well on his way to breaking the American League record for thefts, which he shares with Jimmy Delahanty.

Speaker, the Texan, has this year exploded upon the scene, displaying the production he has been expected to provide, and some. His average stands at .342, and he has driven 32 runners home by his hits.

Speaker, six months younger than O'Farrell, bats behind him in the lineup, and the two men are also good friends. Indeed, the camaraderie in the Sox club house is genuine, as college men like Carrigan and O'Farrell mix with cowboys like Speaker and Pruiett, and Westerners like Hooper and Lewis get along with Eastern boys like Parent and Winter. This good will, while often overlooked, makes it easier for the boys to keep their ginger up over the long campaign....

[Big Six]

Here are the numbers for Pat's major league career, as of June 1, 1911:

G: 493
AB: 1854
R: 300
H: 558
2B: 109
3B: 64
HR: 13
RBI: 236
BB: 251
K: 314
SB: 147
CS: 30

BA: .301
OBP: .384
SLG: .450


With 558 hits at age 23, a career total of over 3000 seems like a reasonable goal to which Pat can aspire!

[Big Six]

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

[Big Six]

Boston Post, August 1, 1911


CAN PAT DO IT??

O'Farrell Keeps Average Above .400 Mark
No American League Batter Has Finished Season At This Level


BOSTON--As the "dog days" of August arrive, most base ball aficionados begin to notice that the season has begun to round into full shape. The contenders have separated from the pretenders, April's darlings have either continued to shine or been revealed to be false.

The pennant contenders in each league are easy to identify this season. The powerful Reds of Cincinnati have once again separated themselves from the rest of the National League. They hold an eleven-game advantage over the Giants, and four more against the Cubs.

The defending World's Champions, too, our own Red Sox, have stayed off a sharp challenge from the three other clubs in the first division. The Philadelphias, led by their new star, Joe Jackson, have made the strongest showing, and find themselves only three games behind the champions. New York and Detroit are tied for third, six games off the pace set by the Bostonians.

Another story, however, has attracted the eye of many Red Sox rooters. "Pat" O'Farrell has been slowly pulling his batting average higher and higher all season long, and for the past week has found himself with a mark in excess of .400! Currently, "Pat" has 121 safe hits in exactly 300 at-bats, for a percentage of .403. He leads St. Louis slugger George Stone by 29 points.

The Stockbridge lad has topped the American League list since mid-June, and returned to the line-up with a vengeance after missing three weeks with an injured calf. Indeed, in the 13 contests in which he has participated since his return, O'Farrell has 26 hits in 50 times at bat, with 16 runs scored and 13 RBI.

The hot weather of August takes a heavy toll on a batsman, and the toughest days lie ahead for "Pat" as he chases the elusive goal of a .400 percentage. "Sure, it would be nice to finish the season above .400," the soft-spoken O'Farrell said. "I would rather see the Red Sox win a third World's Series, however. Those hits mean little unless they help us win games."

Thus far, O'Farrell has made his hits, and the Red Sox have been winning, leaving "Pat" with nothing to regret.

[Big Six]

Boston Herald, Monday, August 8, 1911

AMERICAN LEAGUE RACE TIGHTENS
Four Teams Within Two Games of First Place
Bostons Will Face Tough Road to Pennant

BOSTON--Nothing stirs the pulse of a base ball "fan" quite like a pennant race, especially if he is lucky enough to live in the cities the contenders call home. Normally, this excitement is confined to two areas; this season, half the teams in the American League are treating their rooters to a taste of pennant pie.

The Red Sox, two-time champions of the world, find themselves locked in a tie with the Highlanders of New York, while Detroit and Philadelphia rest only two games behind them. The Athletics, recently left for dead, have rallied with seven wins in their last eight contests.

It is with trembling fingers that the Bostons hold on to the lead they forged earlier in the season, and if they are to prevail, a few of the trends that have taken shape over the past few weeks must reverse themselves.

Most distressing is the slumping bat of Patrick O'Farrell. A month ago, every ball the doughty keystoner hit found its way between the fielders. Now, Pat can't seem to purchase a hit. The Sox will need O'Farrell to recapture at least some of the form that had his average topping .400 only weeks ago.

"I haven't an explanation for why I am not hitting as well as I did earlier," O'Farrell explained. "I feel fine, no more tired than I usually am late in a season. If a man cannot rise to the occasion in the midst of a pennant battle like this one, he needs to find another occupation," he added with a grin.

O'Farrell has demonstrated his skills with the hickory to a sufficient enough extent over his tenure with the Red Sox that few doubt he will soon be ripping blue darters to the far field once again.

[Big Six]

84 Westland Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts

September 26, 1911


Dear Mom and Dad,

I am sure you have, by now, learned the story of the final weeks of our season. We fought as hard as we could, but the Highlanders played the best ball they have all season long, and at the time when it was most beneficial. Their acquisition of Mathewson from the Giants was, in my opinion, did more to push them over the top than anything else. "Matty" has tremendous experience in crucial contests, and he will never allow the pressures of a tight pennant race to distract him from the task at hand. His duel with Joss in Cleveland was a classic, which Mathewson and New York won, 2-1. Without that victory, which gave the Highlanders seven straight wins, there would be a playoff to-morrow, as the Naps trounced the Highlanders yesterday.

With regards to a more personal matter, which I only mention now because Emily has been following it so devotedly the past few weeks, it appears that George Moriarty has barely edged me for the batting championship. Our averages both round to .368, but it appears that when carried to five places, he defeats me, .36779 to .36774. Once again, Boston is barely trimmed by New York, it seems!

Sarah and I thought about traveling down to New York on the train to watch one of the games in the World's Series, but have decided against the idea. I honestly believe that after winning the past two Series, watching this one would prove to be rather painful. We do, however, look forward to visiting all of you back in old Stockbridge in a week or so. There is a piece of land I would like to inspect, with an eye to purchasing it for a home of our own. Our apartment here in Boston is spacious, and is not far from the ball park, but we should like more to truly settle in Stockbridge.

Again, thank you for your messages of support through the last few weeks. Perhaps next season will find us atop the American League once again.

Your loving son,
Pat

[Big Six]

Here are Pat's statistics for the 1911 season. His rank among American League hitters appears in parentheses.

G: 129
AB: 465
R: 104 (7)
H: 171
2B: 34 (4)
3B: 11
HR: 7 (7)
RBI: 93 (8)
BB: 97 (2)
K: 74
SB: 58 (T-1, shares new AL record)
CS: 14

AVG: .368 (2)
OBP: .477 (1)
SLG: .533 (1)
OPS: 1.010 (1)

Without his calf injury, which cost him three weeks of playing time, Pat would have ranked significantly higher in the counting stats categories. For instance, he was leading the league in runs, doubles, and steals when he was injured, and was only one RBI off the league lead.

George Moriarty, who edged Pat for the batting title, was named the American League's Most Outstanding Batter. Moriarty hit 7 homers, knocked in 123 runs, and tied O'Farrell with 58 stolen bases. It's quite possible that his injury cost Pat a serious shot at the award.

[StorminZ]

It appears that "the network" has pulled the plug on this great mini-series? So it ain't so!

Hoping Big Six can resurrect this thread ... it was a great read!

[Big Six]

Thanks, StorminZ! I'd been busy with a few other things lately...including cleaning up from Hurricane Isabel, which fortunately only took down 8 trees in our yard and destroyed the chain link fence around our backyard. Our neighbors got a 100-foot oak tree through their roof, which is why I say I'm fortunate.

Your post reminded me of how much fun I'd had with the story, so without further ado...

[Big Six]

224 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit, Michigan

October 17, 1911

Mr. Patrick O'Farrell
c/o Boston American League Base Ball Club
Boston, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. O'Farrell,

On behalf of the Chalmers Automotive Company, I would like to offer you our heartiest congratulations on your successes during the recently completed season.

As I am sure you know, beginning last season, our company awards a "Chalmers 30" roadster to the batting champion in each major league. Since you and Mr. Moriarity of New York finished with marks that required such extensive mathematics to separate, we have decided that each of you should receive an automobile.

Therefore, we invite you and Mrs. O'Farrell to travel to Detroit at our expense, at your earliest convenience, to personally select the color and accessories you would like, and to be photographed for the newspapers. We would also like to discuss the possibility of you appearing in a series of endorsements for our company at that time.

Please write to us and inform us when you would like to visit Detroit, and we will begin making all necessary arrangements.

Once again, our congratulations on your outstanding season. Our best wishes to you and Mrs. O'Farrell.

Sincerely,

Robert W. Chalmers
President, Chalmers Automotive Company

[Big Six]

84 Westland Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts

May 2, 1912

Miss Emily O'Farrell
227 Elm Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts


Dear Emily,

I am sorry for taking so long in writing back to you. Your letter has been waiting for me here while I finished up a western trip, and after a long ride on the train from Cleveland, where we lost a hard-fought game on the 30th, news from you was very welcome, indeed!

I am sure you have read all about our magnificent new ball park in the Boston newspapers already, but whatever you have heard, please know that it is all that, and more! I believed the new field in Philadelphia had set the standard to which all other parks would aspire, but I have now changed my mind, after only a couple of weeks calling Fenway Park my baseball home.

The crowds have been large for every game we have played there, as large as those we have drawn for games in the World's Series, even. I am sure this is one reason why we have played such good ball in Boston this year. Why, we have lost only two of the home games we have played so far!

You asked me if I believed the race for the pennant will be as close this year as last, and after seeing all the teams now, I can tell you I would not be surprised if it were so. Chicago has played well all season, and we ended yesterday's play tied for the lead. Philadelphia is only a game in our rear. If Joe Jackson and Syd Smith keep hitting, the Athletics will give us a fight all season. I certainly don't think Jackson will end the season with a .485 batting mark, but I would think he will make a run at a .400 season. Before you ask me, I will tell you that I do not expect to hit .471, either; I would be perfectly satisfied with a hundred points lower, or even more, if the Red Sox can hold first place!!

And, before I close this letter, I hear it from reliable sources that Mr. Wood's affections are currently unclaimed. That is all I shall say on this matter for now, except that I would be happy to introduce you when you visit Boston later this month.

Your loving brother,
Pat

[Big Six]

In case any of you are still interested in following Patrick's story, I'm going to be picking it back up again. Hopefully there won't be another long hiatus...I find I really miss Patrick and his teammates when I can't find much time to play the game and do the writeups.

I'm off work this week, so I'll be back tomorrow with the latest in the saga of Pat's Red Sox and their fight for the pennant...

[Big Six]

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)

[Big Six]

Boston Globe, June 26, 1912


ALL-STAR LINEUPS ANNOUNCED

Three Bostons to Start for American League
O’Farrell, Speaker, and Konetchy Voted Tops at Their Positions

BOSTON- With almost exactly half the season completed, the Boston Red Sox sit atop the American League standings. Perhaps, then, it is fitting that three of their number will take the field as representatives of their league in the upcoming All-Star Game to be played in Detroit. Each of the three Boston men have unquestionable credentials for the honor.

Ed Konetchy will start at first base for the Americans. “Big Ed” leads the major leagues with nine home runs, and will be appearing in his second All-Star game, having participated in the 1910 contest as well.

Center fielder Tris Speaker will make his second consecutive All-Star start. Speaker is second in the league in batting with a sparkling .386 mark, and has belted 32 extra-base hits, including three home runs. He leads the league in runs scored with 63. Tris has long been regarded as the most outstanding glove man among the league’s flychasers as well.

It will be the fourth consecutive All-Star selection for second baseman Pat O’Farrell, who missed last year’s game with an injury. The Stockbridge native’s mark of .398 is the best in the major leagues, as is his total of 40 stolen bases. Only “Red” Murray of the Senators has more three-base hits than Pat’s 13.

“I’m delighted to be representing our league in Detroit,” O’Farrell commented. “Ed, Tris, and I will do our best to make our supporters in Boston proud of us.”


(Note: The National League went on to defeat the American League, 8-4. The AL scored all its runs in the first inning, roughing up NL starter Del Mason. The senior circuit managed only one run off Addie Joss, the AL starter, but treated Walter Johnson roughly, ripping him for three runs in the sixth. Detroit’s Ralph Works surrendered the deciding runs in the next frame. The National Leaguers had 18 hits for the game, to the American Leaguers' nine.

O’Farrell batted cleanup for the American League, walking, grounding out to third, and striking out in three plate appearances before leaving the game. Speaker, who batted fifth, drove in one of the American League runs with a single, and also smacked a double. Konetchy batted eighth, and went hitless in three trips.)

[jaxmagicman]

Well welcome back from you two month break.