John McGraw joins Fred Clarke, Cap Anson, Frank Selee and Connie Mack as managers who have won 1,000 games.
John McGraw joins Fred Clarke, Cap Anson, Frank Selee and Connie Mack as managers who have won 1,000 games.
Giants gaffs lead to Red Sox taking game 1 behind Joe Wood
October 8, 1912 On batting practice before Game 1 of the World Series, Tris Speaker drove a ball not only over the right field grandstand but completely out of the Polo Grounds. The Series opened with the Red Sox as 10–8 betting favorites. Giants manager John McGraw surprised everyone by starting rookie Jeff Tesreau…
In the New York Evening Journal‚ 80s player-manager Sam Crane picks his all-time list
In the New York Evening Journal‚ 80s player-manager Sam Crane picks his all-time list‚ in response to a list that Charles Comiskey compiled. Crane graciously faults Comiskey for not including himself‚ as well as for not going back far enough. He lists 20 in chronological order: G. Wright‚ Ross Barnes‚ C. Anson‚ M. Kelly‚ C. Radbourne F. Dunlap‚ B. Ewing‚ J. Ward‚ C. Comiskey‚ B. Lange‚ J. McGraw‚ L. Lajoie‚ F. Clarke‚ H. Wagner‚ W. Keeler‚ J. Collins‚ C. Mathewson‚ H. Chase‚ T. Cobb‚ and E. Collins.
Charles “Victory” Faust becomes the Giants’ mascot
1911 – Charles “Victory” Faust shows up at the Giants’ hotel in St. Louis asking for a tryout. Manager John McGraw observes the “pitcher,” who obviously is no player, and carries him on the team as an unofficial mascot and good luck charm. But the Giants lose to the Cards today, 5 – 2, with the help of five errors. McGraw will eventually let Faust pitch in a couple of meaningless games, after the pennant is secured.
Boston Rustlers Suspend infielder Buck Herzog and OF Doc Miller fail to show up for a game
Boston Rustlers infielder Buck Herzog and OF Doc Miller fail to show up for a game and are suspended by the club. After a conference with the club president, they rejoin the team. John McGraw, anxious to retrieve former Giant Herzog to shore up a weak infield, will swap C Hank Gowdy and SS Al Bridwell to Boston for Herzog on the 21st.
After two years absense for drunkenness and assault, Turkey Mike Donlin is reinstated by the National Commission
After two years on the vaudeville circuit with his wife Mabel Hite, and occasional sojourns to jail for drunkenness and assault, Turkey Mike Donlin is reinstated by the National Commission as he rejoins the Giants. Donlin doesn’t play today, but Pirates pitchers have the Giants hitting the ball on the ground all day. The Pirates have 55 total chances on a record 28 assists and 27 putouts, but seven errors help the Giants to a 9 – 4 win. Meanwhile, John McGraw’s willingness to put up with Donlin ceases after 12 games, and the .333 lifetime hitter is traded to the last-place Boston Rustlers.
Giants player-coach Arlie Latham, at 50, he is the oldest player to swipe a base
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.
John McGraw puts 49-year-old coach Arlie Latham at 2B in a 19 – 3 romp over St. Louis
John McGraw puts 49-year-old coach Arlie Latham at 2B in a 19 – 3 romp over St. Louis. Latham goes hitless but handles 2 assists. Cy Seymour scores 5 runs.
Chicago Cubs and New York Giants replay their disputed game
On October 8, 1908 A special replay of a game infamously known as The “Merkle Boner” was replayed. On Sept 23, 1908, The New York Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs were battling for first place and a spot in the 5th World Series. The stage for the Merkle boner was set, on September…
Joe McGinnity stops the Reds, 5 – 1 after being nearly traded to them sarlier in the day.
1908 – At the Palace of the Fans, veteran Joe McGinnity, in relief of Red Ames who walks the first two batters, stops the Reds, 5 – 1, beating Bob Ewing. Earlier in the day, the Reds turned down John McGraw’s offer for McGinnity.
