Posted By:
Ted ZanidakisBOB M
Very well put....you summarized the situational factors that impacted the 1904
season very succintly.
I will add this subtle detail to the mix....in that Boston vs NYA play-off game with
"Big Bill" Dinneen vs "Happy Jack" Chesbro getting the nods for this crucial game.
Chesbro, a solid 5:9 - 180 lb pitcher despite his wild tendencies, had a season
which hasn't been equalled since with his 41-12 record in 1904.
Both pitchers were hit for 2 runs going into the fateful 9th inning. Lou Criger led
off the 9th with a hit and advanced to 3rd base. Chesbro was now facing Freddy
Parent with 2 outs and an 0-2 count. Only one pitch away from finishing Boston
in the top of the 9th.
The "cardinal rule" calls for a "waste pitch" with an 0-2 count which for sure Red
Kleinow (NYA catcher) must of called for. Well, Chesbro instead making a simple
waste pitch, throws a wild pitch to Parent and Criger scores with the game leading
and winning run. So...."there was no joy in Muddville (NYC)"....no "Subway Series ? ".
And, we'll never find out if McGraw would have succumbed to the NY populace and
the NY media to force him to play the Highlanders in the World Series ?
P.S. Guys....Besides the sheer drama and insight into the entire 1904 season that
this book very interestingly details.....it also makes all those players in the T206 set
come alive......besides the names I have already noted there are familiar names
like Ty Cobb, Wid Conroy, Patsy Dougherty, Kid Elberfeld, Clark Griffith (NYA mgr),
Matty, McGinnity, and many, many more.
T-Rex TED