1909 – Deacon McGuire is named as Cleveland’s manager, replacing Nap Lajoie. The Deacon has previously managed Boston and Washington.
Jack Taylor hurls two complete games in the Central League. On the mound for Grand Rapids, he shuts out Terre Haute on two hits to win, 4 – 0, in game one, then wins, 1 – 0, in 11 innings in game 2.
The Giants edge the Reds, 1 – 0, with Christy Mathewson winning this one. Jack Rowan takes the loss when Larry Doyle walks in the 1st, goes to third base on a ground out and scores on another grounder.
On August 19, 1909, the Philadelphia Phillies set a major league record when they experience a rainout for the 10th consecutive day.
Giants player-coach Arlie Latham steals second base in the Giants’ 14 – 1 laugher over the Phillies. At 50, he is the oldest player to swipe a base.
For the second time in eight days, Cubs’ P Ed Reulbach wins his 16th consecutive game from an opponent, this time beating the Reds. His streak against Cincinnati started on April 15, 1906.
Walter Johnson gives up four hits in topping the A’s Chief Bender in 12 innings. The Nats win, 1 – 0, but the overwork will take its toll on the young ace. He will develop a sore arm and in his next two outings he will give up 27 hits.
Nap Lajoie resigns as the manager of the faltering Cleveland club. The fans still show their support for the popular skipper when a response to a newspaper poll indicates the overwhelming choice is to keep the team name as the Naps instead of choosing a new one, which will not happen until they become the Indians following the 1914 season.
New York and Pittsburgh play to a 2 – 2 tie, stopped after eight innings because of a drenching downpour. Off Christy Mathewson, Ham Hyatt hits his third pinch triple of the year, a record that won’t be matched till 1970. Outfielder Red Murray prevents a loss for Matty with one of the greatest catches ever seen at Forbes Field. With two outs and two on, Dots Miller belts a long line drive off Matty into the growing darkness. With everyone straining to follow the ball, a bolt of lightning flashes and Murray is seen making a bare-handed grab on the dead run to end the inning. Bill Klem then calls the game.
The A’s jump on Walter Johnson, scoring six runs in five innings, before relief comes in. Before exiting, Johnson hits his first major league homer, off Harry Krause, who will lead the AL in ERA with a sparkling 1.39.
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!