On August 7, 1907, Walter Johnson picks up his first major league victory. The Washington Senators’ rookie defeats the Cleveland Indians, 7-2. The 19 year-old right-hander will compile a 417-279 (.599) record, along with an ERA of 2.17, during his 21-year hall of fame career.
Articles from that day:
When Walter Johnson picked up H. Hlnchman’s roller and threw him out at first In the ninth inning, closing the game, the occupants of the bleacher seats made a dash for the young twirler and wanted to carry him to the big auto waiting in the rear of the grandstand. Manager Joe Cantillon called this off as he was afraid Johnson would be hurt, and then everybody wanted to pat the western lad on the back, with the result that the ether players had to break In and save hint from his friends. It Is seldom a player gets this sort of a reception In Washington, out then we have seen few men like Johnson, if ever.
Just how exceptionally clever was John¬son’s pitching can be boiled down to the hard fact that he struck Elmer Flick out on two different occasions. Elmer Is considered one of the hardest hitters to fool in the business, and while he slammed a single into left on the first ball pitched In the Initial inning, that ended his work for the day in the batting line. Lajoie. another mighty hitter also hit safely In the first, still then he, too. quit for the day.
‘ Walter is a •‘leetle’’ bit slow in fielding and the on the bases, but he has the goods to deliver In the pitching line, and his faults can be easily overlooked, as he does his best. From present Indications, the Washington team can just about beat any other club in the business with Johnson in the box and given proper support. This means a great deal to the always hoping and faithful “fans.”
Johnson delivers a 1.88 ERA best on the team by far, but only goes 5-9 for the 49 win club.
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