The Weather.
Fair skies with a gentle southern breeze

RDL Sporting Gazette

BASE BALL EXTRA
Vol. IX — No. 2
The Official Sporting Journal of the Random Debut League — Base Ball, Athletics and All Outdoor Sports
Vol. IX, No. 2SUNDAY EVENING, JUNE 2, 1907Price ONE CENT
EXTRA!
SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

BLUE JAYS TWIRLER HURLS NO-HITTER

Toronto Starves Royals at the PlateHome Crowd Roars as Feat Is AccomplishedBrilliant Defense Keeps Slate CleanFinal Count, 5 to 0
Reginald Hogtowne, Our Toronto Correspondent
Jesse Hahn, whose hurling mastery sealed a no-hit conquest for the Blue Jays at the Toronto grounds.

TORONTO, May 30.— The home faithful at the Toronto grounds witnessed one of the rarest wonders in the annals of this pastime, as Jesse Hahn, the Blue Jays' right-hander, held the Royals of Kansas City hitless from first to last and saw his mates prevail, 5 to 0. There are moments that fix themselves indelibly in a club’s history, and Thursday’s contest provided such an occasion, as Hahn’s slants proved a closed book to the visiting willow-wielders, while the Toronto aggregation supported him with flawless fielding and timely striking. When the final Kansas City batsman succumbed, the stands erupted in a thunderous ovation for the young slabman, whose mighty feat will long be remembered on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Toronto’s path to victory was laid in the early frames, with the second inning proving decisive. After John Titus set the table with a two-bagger in the first, the real trouble for Kansas City began when Cabrera lashed a ringing double to open the second, bringing Kiermaier around for the game’s first tally. Maddox followed, crossing the plate himself, as Willi Castro lofted a sacrifice fly deep enough to add a second run. Hahn, meanwhile, set down the Royals in order time and again, punctuated by six strikeouts and but a lone free ticket issued all afternoon.

The Blue Jays continued to press their advantage in the sixth, as Maddox singled home Titus to make it three runs to the good, followed by Castro once more delivering, his safety scoring Marshall, who had been struck by a pitched ball. In the seventh, the crowd was treated to a flourish, as Gee Walker sent a Downs offering soaring over the fence for his fourth circuit drive of the campaign, rounding out Toronto’s scoring and leaving the visitors ever further adrift. For Kansas City, the only bright moments were found in the whiffs recorded by Downs, but the club could muster naught, not even a bingle, as their lone threat was snuffed out by alert play behind Hahn, especially in the late innings.

The spectacle was in no way diminished by the sharp work afield from the Blue Jays, who played the ball smartly, committing not a single miscue. Hahn, when asked of his masterly performance, modestly remarked that "the ball was moving and darting, and best of all, going where I wanted it to go." The lone blemish was a walk, as Hahn faced the minimum in every other frame, never allowing the Royals a moment’s hope. The crowd stood in tribute when the final out was recorded, hats thrown aloft in tribute to a feat that comes seldom in any era.

Toronto’s rare triumph brings a lustrous moment to a season that has provided its share of trials, and though the Blue Jays remain in the depths of the American League race, performances such as Hahn’s offer hope to the faithful and strike fear in visiting nines. The Royals, meanwhile, are left to ponder a day in which they could not solve the riddle of Hahn’s delivery nor dent the hit column, remaining adrift in the middle reaches of the table.

“There are moments that fix themselves indelibly in a club’s history, and Thursday’s contest provided such an occasion, as Hahn’s slants proved a closed book to the visiting willow-wielders.”

RED SOX SHUT OUT YANKEES AGAIN

Boston's S. Cooke Fans Thirteen in GothamLeaders Continue Rampage Through League
Manny Hattan, Our New York Correspondent
Chris Sale, the Red Sox’s imposing left-hander, now stands at eight victories without defeat.

NEW YORK, June 2.— The Red Sox signaled their supremacy once more with a masterful exhibition of batting and pitching at the Gotham grounds, sending the Yankees to a 6 to 0 defeat and lengthening Boston's hold atop the American League. Chris Sale, the towering left-hander now with a perfect slate of eight victories, scattered three paltry safeties across his eight innings, fanning eight and issuing seven free tickets, while the big Boston batsmen battered the New York hurling from the outset and never looked back.

The visitors wasted no time commencing their assault. Ping Bodie crossed the plate in the very first frame on a wild pitch by Babe Ruth, and Jerry Kenney soon followed via a timely bingle from Neifi Perez, staking the Bostons to a two-tally lead before the home faithful had settled in their seats. The rout commenced in earnest in the third, when Howard Johnson, a terror with the willow all season, shattered the calm with a mighty three-run circuit clout that sailed high over the right field barrier, scoring himself and his mates to make it 5 to 0. Alex Avila added further salt in the fourth, his sharp two-bagger driving home Ruth for Boston's sixth and final tally.

Sale scarcely allowed the Yankees a breath, at one point retiring the side after stranding men in the fourth and fifth, ably assisted by a slick twin killing turned by Perez, Furcal, and Hernández. The locals managed only a brace of hits from centre gardener Johnny Bates, whose double in the seventh gave the crowd a fleeting thrill, but the rest of the New York order floundered amidst Sale's cunning curves and lively speed. Not even thirteen strikeouts from Steve Cooke could rescue the home club, as their fielding faltered with two costly blunders.

The Red Sox's relentless march continues, their third consecutive triumph keeping them comfortably in command, seven and a half clear of the nearest pursuers. Boston's manager declared after the contest that "Chris was aggressive right out of the chute," and so too, it seems, are all his charges as they thunder towards the rag.

DODGERS TRIUMPH IN THIRTEEN INNINGS

Cardinals Fall After Marathon BattleRader's Four Hits Lead LocalsTudor Strikes Out Twelve
Sonny Orangegrove, Our Los Angeles Correspondent

LOS ANGELES, May 27.— A thrilling contest played out on the Los Angeles grounds saw the Dodgers triumph, 4 to 3, over the Cardinals in thirteen hard-fought innings, with the home crowd roaring their approval into the night. Doug Rader’s unyielding willow and Jesse Barfield’s timely double broke the stalemate, granting the locals victory and tightening the grip on the leaders in the race for the flag.

The scoring began with Barfield crossing home in the second after Kelenic’s safety, but the visitors from St. Louis refused to yield, answering in the sixth when Drew’s legs and Bradley’s timely bat levelled matters. Ben Paulsen restored the advantage for the Dodgers with a thunderous four-base drive off Hardin, only for Kiki Cuyler of the Cardinals to match the feat with his own circuit clout in the seventh. The contest remained deadlocked through nine, then saw the Redbirds snatch a slim lead in the tenth on Singleton’s bingle, but a wild pitch in the home half saw Barfield gallop home to level the affair once again. At last, in the thirteenth, Doug Rader reached with his fourth safety, and Barfield doubled him home to end the marathon to the delight of the Los Angeles faithful.

It was the twirling of John Tudor that steadied the locals through eight frames, his twelve strikeouts silencing many a St. Louis rally, while Jerry Nops was summoned in the late going, holding the visitors scoreless for three innings and claiming the well-earned verdict. The Cardinals’ Hardin, himself sharp, fanned nine before yielding to a succession of relief men, none able to turn back the Dodgers’ final assault. Barfield and Rader, with six hits between them, carried the willow for Los Angeles, while Cuyler’s mighty drive and Drew’s daring on the bases kept St. Louis ever dangerous.

Nearly every frame was marked by tension and incident, with outfielders tracking long flies near the line and catchers leaping to stab errant pitches. The crowd, unbowed by the length, cheered each escape and groaned at every missed chance, their spirit undimmed even after thirteen innings of strife. No misplays marred the Dodgers' fielding, while the Cardinals suffered a costly error in the final act.

With this victory, the Dodgers draw nearer the summit, now just three games behind the Giants, while the Cardinals, faltering of late, slip further in the chase. The pennant race grows ever tighter in the National League, and the Gazette believes Los Angeles may yet prove a force to be reckoned with as the season wears on.

Pages of this number: 5. Entered as second-class matter at the post-office.
The RDL Sporting GazetteTHE GAMES IN DETAILSUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1907 — Page 2

TWINS' JOHNSON FANS THIRTEEN BLUE JAYS

Minnesota Ace One-Hits Toronto in 7 to 0 Rout
Ole Millstone, Our Minneapolis Correspondent
Walter Johnson, the Twins' fireballing ace, after his one-hit, thirteen-strikeout triumph.

MINNEAPOLIS, May 29.— Walter Johnson wrote his name large upon the season Wednesday, fanning thirteen Blue Jays and surrendering but a lone safety as the Twins swept past Toronto, 7 to 0, before an appreciative home crowd. Johnson, now bearing a record of seven victories against two defeats, was untouchable, pounding the strike zone with such relentless command that not a single pass was issued in his nine innings of toil.

Minnesota seized control at once, with Betancourt opening the ledger in the first and Magee driving him in with a timely single. The decisive blow fell in the fourth, when Magee uncorked his ninth circuit clout of the campaign off the luckless Archer, igniting a five-run outburst. Thome’s two-bagger, Howard’s bingle, and Betancourt’s thunderous double chased home further tallies, and the contest was all but settled before the middle frames had concluded. Bell's single in the eighth merely gilded the lily.

Archer, sent to the showers after three and two-thirds innings and six earned runs, could find no answer for the Twins' willow-wielders. Thome excelled at the plate, finishing a perfect four for four, while Betancourt, Bell, Magee, Meusel, Howard, and Hernández all contributed multiple safeties in a display of collective vigor. Magee was caught stealing once, but there was little else to trouble the locals.

On the field, both clubs handled their chances cleanly. Toronto’s Ellsbury was struck by a pitch and pilfered a base, but none could break the spell Johnson wove. As manager Pellowski remarked, 'Walter was just locating so well and using his pitches.'

With the win, the Twins remain firm in second, seven and a half games back of the marauding Red Sox, and continue to prove their mettle as challengers for the bunting.

ASTROS ROUT BRAVES BY TEN

Houston Bats Awake as Atlanta Woes Deepen
Tex Spindletop, Our Houston Correspondent

HOUSTON, June 1.— Minute Maid Park rang with merriment as the home talent made a revel of the Braves’ miseries, the Astros drubbing Atlanta by the resounding count of 10 to 0. Willie Mitchell, the left-hander, was masterful upon the slab, stifling every flutter of Atlanta hope, while the Houston bats fairly danced through the late innings, pushing the contest beyond all doubt.

The tallying began in earnest in the fourth, when Belle crossed the pan on Spratt’s timely single. Matters grew dire for the visitors in the next frame—Murphy’s two-bagger brought Beltre home, and a pass to Rutschman, followed by Speaker’s sacrifice, made it four to the good. The carnage truly commenced in the seventh, the locals sending four more across, Spratt’s double clearing the bases to the delight of the grandstand. Two additional tallies in the eighth sealed Atlanta’s fate.

Mitchell seemed untroubled by the Braves’ feeble swats, permitting but three hits in over seven innings and fanning eleven. Henley concluded the contest, striking out four in relief. The Braves’ only solace came in sporadic singles, while Dauss, their starter, could not quell the Houston uprising and was chased after six frames. The visitors’ fielding, too, betrayed them with two miscues, compounding their woes.

With this whitewashing, Houston claims its third straight and now stands at seventeen victories, rising slightly from the depths. Atlanta’s sorrows deepen, the club languishing beneath the circuit as their losing ways stretch on without reprieve.

PIRATES OUTLAST CARDINALS IN TWELVE

Hughes Fans Fourteen in St. LouisVisitors Prevail in Extra Frames
Budd Wiser, Our St. Louis Correspondent

ST. LOUIS, May 30.— A twelve-inning drama unfolded at the St. Louis grounds yesterday, where the Pittsburgh nine finally bested the Cardinals by a count of 4 to 3, in a contest brimming with twirling excellence and late fireworks. Johnny Pesky, the lively Pittsburgh shortstop, proved the hero of the hour with a resounding two-run circuit clout in the top of the twelfth, breaking a stubborn deadlock and sending the visiting club to a triumph hard-earned on hostile soil.

St. Louis seized the early advantage, plating a run in the very first frame on a sacrifice fly by Drew, and adding to their tally in the fifth as Hunter crossed the plate on Cuyler’s safety. The Pirates drew level in the seventh: Bobby Thomson launched a mighty blow over the fence, and Rios’s well-placed single sent Bonds home to knot the score at two apiece. There the affair remained until Pesky’s timely thunder, and though Torii Hunter responded with a solo blow of his own in the last half, it was not enough to save the locals.

Pitching mastery defined the afternoon, with Tom Hughes of the Cardinals striking out no fewer than fourteen Pittsburgh batsmen over eight stout innings. Skubal answered with eight innings of his own, fanning nine and keeping St. Louis at bay. Neither staff yielded an error, and the crowd—a restless one—saw just as many fine fielding plays as heroic feats at the bat.

The result leaves Pittsburgh nipping at the heels of the league-leading Giants, while St. Louis, now mired in a six-game drought, finds its pennant hopes growing dimmer by the week.

How the Clubs Fared

THE WEEK'S PLAY, CLUB BY CLUB

Every Game of the Round, Filed Under Both Nines — Touch a Score for the Full Box
American League
Boston Red Sox6–2
  • at TorontoMay 25
  • v. MilwaukeeMay 27–29
  • v. ClevelandMay 30–1
  • at New YorkJune 2
Minnesota Twins5–3
  • v. Kansas CityMay 25
  • v. TorontoMay 27–29
  • at MilwaukeeMay 30–1
  • v. ClevelandJune 2
New York Yankees5–3
  • v. ClevelandMay 25
  • at Kansas CityMay 27–29
  • at ChicagoMay 30–1
  • v. BostonJune 2
Milwaukee Brewers4–4
  • at ChicagoMay 25
  • at BostonMay 27–29
  • v. MinnesotaMay 30–1
  • at TorontoJune 2
Kansas City Royals4–4
  • at MinnesotaMay 25
  • v. New YorkMay 27–29
  • at TorontoMay 30–1
  • v. ChicagoJune 2
Cleveland Indians3–5
  • at New YorkMay 25
  • v. ChicagoMay 27–29
  • at BostonMay 30–1
  • at MinnesotaJune 2
Toronto Blue Jays3–5
  • v. BostonMay 25
  • at MinnesotaMay 27–29
  • v. Kansas CityMay 30–1
  • v. MilwaukeeJune 2
Chicago White Sox2–6
  • v. MilwaukeeMay 25
  • at ClevelandMay 27–29
  • v. New YorkMay 30–1
  • at Kansas CityJune 2
National League
San Francisco Giants3–5
  • v. Los AngelesMay 25
  • v. PittsburghMay 27–29
  • at PhiladelphiaMay 30–1
  • v. HoustonJune 2
Pittsburgh Pirates6–2
  • at HoustonMay 25
  • at San FranciscoMay 27–29
  • at St. LouisMay 30–1
  • v. ChicagoJune 2
Los Angeles Dodgers6–2
  • at San FranciscoMay 25
  • v. St. LouisMay 27–29
  • at ChicagoMay 30–1
  • at AtlantaJune 2
St. Louis Cardinals1–7
  • v. ChicagoMay 25
  • at Los AngelesMay 27–29
  • v. PittsburghMay 30–1
  • v. PhiladelphiaJune 2
Chicago Cubs4–4
  • at St. LouisMay 25
  • at AtlantaMay 27–29
  • v. Los AngelesMay 30–1
  • at PittsburghJune 2
Philadelphia Phillies7–1
  • v. AtlantaMay 25
  • at HoustonMay 27–29
  • v. San FranciscoMay 30–1
  • at St. LouisJune 2
Houston Astros3–5
  • v. PittsburghMay 25
  • v. PhiladelphiaMay 27–29
  • v. AtlantaMay 30–1
  • at San FranciscoJune 2
Atlanta Braves2–6
  • at PhiladelphiaMay 25
  • v. ChicagoMay 27–29
  • at HoustonMay 30–1
  • v. Los AngelesJune 2

DIAMOND DUST

Brief Mention of the Week's Other Doings

Merritt whitewashed Toronto at home, 1 to 0.

Wicker whitewashed New York at home, 1 to 0.

Cleveland outlasted Chicago at home in ten innings, 2 to 1.

Boston outlasted Cleveland at home in ten innings, 4 to 3.

Chicago outlasted Los Angeles at home in twelve innings, 5 to 3.

Ruth allowed Toronto but two hits at Toronto, winning 11 to 0.

Guzman allowed Kansas City but two hits at home, winning 3 to 0.

Greinke allowed Chicago but two hits at home, winning 4 to 0.

Martinez whitewashed St. Louis at home, 5 to 0.

Eovaldi whitewashed San Francisco at home, 2 to 0.

Chicago outlasted Milwaukee at home in twelve innings, 3 to 2.

Boston beat Milwaukee at home with the winning run in the last half-inning, 5 to 4.

Touch an item for the box score of that game.

BREWERS BLANK TWINS IN MILWAUKEE

Jones Scores Only Tally as Pitchers Duel
Otto Hopsenbrau, Our Milwaukee Correspondent

MILWAUKEE, June 1.— In a contest marked by sterling pitching and tight defence, the Brewers edged the Twins, 1 to 0, as Chris Paddack baffled the visitors for eight flawless innings, striking out eleven and allowing but five safeties. The lone tally came early, when Catalanotto crossed the plate on a well-placed double by Zach Neto in the second, a margin that proved sufficient to secure victory.

GIANTS WHITEWASH PHILLIES IN PHILADELPHIA

San Francisco Ace Shuts Down Locals
Liberty Bellweather, Our Philadelphia Correspondent

PHILADELPHIA, June 1.— Juan Guzman, the San Francisco slabman, was masterful at Citizens Bank Park yesterday, baffling the Phillies' willow-wielders for seven and a third innings as the Giants secured a 4 to 0 victory. The visitors set the pace early with a double from Eisenreich and a towering two-run home run by Chris Davis in the initial frame, adding a late tally in the seventh to seal the shutout.

BREWERS EDGE BLUE JAYS IN ELEVEN

Jones Collects Four Hits for Milwaukee
Reginald Hogtowne, Our Toronto Correspondent

TORONTO, June 2.— In a contest stretched to eleven innings, the Milwaukee Brewers edged the Toronto Blue Jays, 5 to 2, at the home lot. The game was punctuated by the steadfast hitting of Jones, who collected four safeties out of five trips to the plate, while the Brewers’ relief boxman Steve Dillon blanked the locals in the final three frames to secure victory.

The RDL Sporting GazetteFEATURES AND OPINIONSUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1907 — Page 3
THE GAZETTE'S OPINION

THE NO-HIT GAME: BASE BALL'S RAREST FLOWER

Such feats of pitching stand apart in memoryThe value of mastery under pressureEach no-hit contest writes a new chapter in the game's story
The Gazette

In the vast and ever-turning pageant of base ball, there exists no spectacle more majestic, nor so rarely gifted to the faithful, as the no-hit game. While the pursuit of the pennant animates every club and the daily grind of victory and defeat fills the columns of this journal, it is the utter silencing of bats—a full nine innings without a single opposing bingle—that stands as the apotheosis of pitching art. The no-hit contest is not merely a statistical oddity; rather, it is a living testament to the mastery of the willow-wielder’s craft and the unyielding spirit of the slabman.

Let none imagine that such a feat is the product of luck or the happenstance of a feeble lineup. The no-hit game is the rare flower grown from the sternest discipline, a sharpened wit, and the nerveless arm. It asks that the twirler not only subdue each batsman in turn but also withstand the mounting strain as out after out is secured. Each inning closes, and the crowd leans in—will the spell be broken? Will some bounding grounder elude a fielder, or a dying quail find grass in the outer garden? The no-hit game tests not just the pitcher but the fibre of the club entire, for every man must stand alert and sure.

Such contests are inscribed in the annals of base ball with special ink. Clubs may rise and fall in the standings, as the Red Sox and Giants now lead their respective leagues, yet the memory of a no-hit game endures, its legend untroubled by the passing of seasons. The Gazette holds that to witness such an achievement is to glimpse the very soul of the game—a reminder, in these swiftly changing times, that perfection remains possible, if only for a day.

Let us, then, honour the rare men who achieve this distinction and the games in which they are forged. For while pennants fly and records are rewritten, the no-hit game will forever occupy its high place, the purest jewel in base ball’s crown.

TWINS LOSE MORNEAU FOR SIX WEEKS

Minnesota First Sacker Sidelined by Strained Abdominal MusclePennant Chasers Forced to Adjust
Ole Millstone, Our Minneapolis Correspondent

MINNEAPOLIS, May 26.— The Minnesota camp received unwelcome tidings this week, as the formidable figure of Justin Morneau, their reliable initial sacker, shall be absent from the field for six weeks, laid low by a strained abdominal muscle. Just as the pennant chase grows heated and the contests thicken with import, the Twins must press onward without the sturdy bat and sure hand of their established first baseman.

Morneau, long the anchor at the initial sack and a fixture in the middle of the Minnesota order, has fashioned a reputation for steady willow work and calm assurance when the pressure mounts. His sudden withdrawal from the diamond leaves a void both at the plate and in the infield scheme, for few possess his knack of corralling errant throws or turning the sharp double play. The club’s rivals, already circling hungrily, will doubtless sense their opportunity amid the northern misfortune.

The manager faces now the unenviable task of reconfiguring his men, perhaps tasking a utility batsman with greater duties or shifting another regular into Morneau’s stead. The measure of a club’s mettle is often revealed when adversity visits; Minnesota’s adherents will await with bated breath to see who rises to the occasion and whether the Twins’ ambitions for the bunting can withstand this ill wind. The schedule brings no mercy to the afflicted, for the coming weeks promise a gauntlet of worthy foes and hard-fought contests.

Yet, if the Minneapolis faithful grieve, they do so knowing that injuries are the fortune of every campaign and that the club marches under no flag of surrender. Should the Twins steady themselves, patch their infield, and extract new leaders from among their ranks, the tale of Morneau’s absence may yet become one of resolve rather than ruin.

WHITE SOX HURLER HACKER BADLY INJURED

Chicago Slabman Suffers Dislocated Shoulder, Bruised Ribs in Mishap
Windy McLoop, Our Chicago Correspondent

CHICAGO, May 29.— A somber cloud has settled over the White Sox quarters following the grievous mishap suffered by their reliable boxman, Warren Hacker. In a sequence of ill fortune seldom witnessed on the diamond, Hacker finds himself with a dislocated shoulder, a collection of bruised ribs, and a badly lacerated finger—a trio of injuries sure to remove him from active service for the better part of the summer. The club's physician, after an exhaustive examination, confirms that Hacker shall be a spectator for two to three months, depriving the aggregation of a twirler upon whom they have long relied.

This calamity could scarcely have struck at a less opportune time, for the Chicagoans, already laboring under difficulties in the American League race, now face the herculean task of shoring up their pitching corps in Hacker's protracted absence. The loss of such a stalwart on the hill will necessitate improvisation by the manager, who must now entrust the sphere to less proven arms or gamble upon the endurance of his remaining regulars. The season’s cruel fortunes seem intent on testing the mettle of the South Siders at every turn.

Hacker’s untimely withdrawal is not only a blow to the club’s prospects for climbing the standings, but also a personal misfortune for a twirler known throughout the league for his sturdy constitution and competitive zeal. The gathering at the local grounds received the news with audible dismay, the supporters keenly aware of the impact such a loss imparts upon any hopes of a Chicago resurgence. Yet, as this journal has observed, adversity often forges new heroes, and should a lesser light emerge to steady the course, the feat shall be celebrated in these pages.

For now, the White Sox faithful must wait with patience and hope—trusting that Hacker’s recovery shall be swift and complete, and that the club can weather this cruel reversal until their boxman is restored to his post.

AROUND THE CIRCUIT

News of All Sixteen Clubs by Telegraph
By Telegraph to the Gazette

MINNESOTA—The Twins fared well this week, compiling five victories against three defeats in a series of close contests and shutouts. Slabmen Santiago Guzman and Walter Johnson have been commanding on the mound, combining recent wins with stingy runs allowed. The young shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt is a spark at the plate, amassing hits in half his recent trips. Yet the weary arms of Al Epperly and Dizzy Dean bear watching as the season grinds on.

NEW YORK—The Yankees maintained a sturdy stance, winning six and losing two amid bouts of fierce competition. First sacker Wally Pipp is in rare form with a near .441 average and a pair of homers, also leading the aggregation in runs batted in. Tim Lincecum's pitching has quelled opposing batsmen well, though the third sacker Rip Russell's struggles with the willow are notable, as is the soggy arm of Steve Cooke.

KANSAS CITY—The Royals split their week evenly, showing flashes of fight with four wins and four losses. Bob Wicker has been the bright star on the slab, capturing victories and holding foes to scant runs. Meanwhile, Michael Young and Byron Browne have faltered at the plate, their bats silent over many trips. The club's hopes may rest on the steadiness of Randy Tomlin, whose arm shows signs of wear.

BOSTON—The Red Sox continue to assert their dominance with seven wins out of ten, highlighted by Babe Ruth’s blistering bat and a .515 average in recent games. Rafael Furcal’s double plays and hits have also bolstered the side. Though Chris Sale’s arm has grown tired, the locals show no signs of flagging in their pursuit of the pennant, proving a formidable outfit indeed.

TORONTO—The Blue Jays have suffered their share of setbacks, winning but three in the last ten encounters. The pitching staff, notably Jim Archer, has struggled to hold the local foes, with Archer’s weary arm a concern. Jesse Hahn’s recent outings have not inspired confidence, while the bats, led by J. Titus, have offered some resistance amid the onslaught.

CLEVELAND—The Indians have battled through a mixed week, securing three wins and meeting defeat five times. Buzz Murphy’s timely hits and two homers have lifted spirits, yet the mound men Jake Arrieta and Bryan Morris have faltered greatly, surrendering many tallies. Dock Ellis appears taxed by the rigors of the campaign, casting doubt upon the club’s steadiness moving forward.

MILWAUKEE—The Brewers' campaign has been marked by an even split of victories and losses this week. The batters, led by M. Alou and power hitter C. Blefary, have shown sparks of life, while on the mound, Eric Wilkins has labored under a heavy burden. Despite setbacks, the home talent continues to press, hoping to climb the standings.

CHICAGO—The White Sox are in dire straits, falling seven times against three wins this week. The bats have been largely silent, with Elijah Dukes and Pancho Herrera delivering scant results. The slabmen have suffered too, with Watty Clark’s recent efforts ending poorly. Joe Harris’s tired arm is another shadow over the club’s already grim prospects.

PHILADELPHIA—The Phillies have stormed through their assignments, winning nine of ten with zest and vim. Milton Bradley's bat blazes hot with four homers in a fortnight, while Nathan Eovaldi and Todd Worrell have been unyielding in their pitching. Yet some arms, like Mike Cuellar and Bruce Chen, have wilted under pressure, reminding the faithful that the campaign is far from done.

PITTSBURGH—The Pirates have held their own with six wins to four defeats this week, their bats and arms combining in measured fashion. With Arlett's homers and Demmitt’s run production, the club remains in contention. Schoolboy Rowe’s arm has shown signs of wear, suggesting a need for rest amid the steady grind of the season.

ST. LOUIS—The Cardinals have endured a trying week, winning but one out of ten contests amid a litany of close, yet disappointing, losses. Johnny Antonelli's remarkable pitching has been a bright spot, but the bats have faltered, particularly Ted Kluszewski’s struggles at the plate. Dennis Martinez’s arm is weary, a burden as the club seeks to arrest its slide.

SAN FRANCISCO—The Giants have been unable to maintain their early season form, splitting their week with four wins and six losses. On the mound Greg Swindell and Juan Guzman have shown commendable stuff, but the bats, notably Khalil Greene, have cooled considerably. Garland Braxton’s tired arm adds to the concerns as the Giants seek to regain their footing atop the league.

LOS ANGELES—The Dodgers have battled stoutly, winning seven and losing three this week with spirited play. Pedro Martinez’s recent efforts on the mound have been particularly notable. The bats of D. Rader and others have lent strength, though the season’s toll is evident in the fatigued arm of Stan Baumgartner. The locals maintain a competitive posture as midseason approaches.

HOUSTON—The Astros have staged a modest revival, capturing five wins against five losses in a week marked by fierce contests. Bob Blaylock’s steadfast relief pitching shines as a beacon, yet Dan Warthen’s recent outings have been a cause for concern. The bats, led by the hard-hitting B. Arlett, continue to press the issue in hopes of better fortunes.

ATLANTA—The Braves' woes deepen with two wins and eight setbacks this week, their play marked by faltering bats and tiring arms. The pitching of Danny Salazar and Zack Godley has been woeful, while the sticks of Earl Robinson and Dave Nelson have been all but silent. The locals face a long road to redemption, with many a hard game yet to come.

CHICAGO—The Cubs have trod a middling path this week, winning five and losing five in hard-fought contests. The bats of C. Klein have been a steady force, his average and power leading the club. However, the arms, including that of Justin W. Thompson, show signs of fatigue as the grueling season presses on.

THE HOT STOVE

THE HOT STOVE

Twins Seek a Steady Hand at FirstBlue Jays' Slabman Enchants the Trade GossipCrisis Besets White Sox Twirlers
The Man in the Grand Stand

The loss of Morneau has cast a long shadow over the Minnesota infield, and onlookers now ask whether the club will seek a veteran to steady the initial sack. Bodie’s bludgeoning in Boston holds the headlines, but in Minneapolis the word is all about the void left by the stricken Canadian. With Morneau's absence certain to stretch for many weeks, the Gazette hears quiet inquiries may already be afoot among the league's more experienced willow-wielders. Names are whispered in the grand stands, but if the Twins make a move, it will be for a reliable glove and a bat that can hold its own against the American League’s finest.

North of the border, the talk of the town is the Blue Jays' masterful no-hit feat, already illuminated in editorial columns for its majesty and rarity. Yet in clubhouses from Cleveland to Kansas City, rival managers gaze with longing at such a pearl upon the mound. A well-placed agent remarks that Toronto’s boxman—now the toast of the circuit—has drawn “serious attention” from those whose pitching needs are acute. No transaction is yet in the wind, but should the Blue Jays, languishing in the lower ranks, be tempted to barter pitching brilliance for future promise, a brisk contest for signatures would doubtless ensue.

On the South Side, calamity has struck with Hacker’s grievous injuries threatening to unravel what threadbare hope remained for the White Sox slab corps. With a dislocated shoulder, bruised ribs and a lacerated digit confining their best arm to the sick bed for many moons, the club scrambles for answers. Some whisper that Chicago will be forced to scavenge from distant benches, others that a daring bid for a seasoned moundsman from the minor leagues is not out of the question. Whatever the remedy, the White Sox faithful must brace for a summer of pitching woes, unless Providence deals them a kind card.

This week’s trade wind carries more gust than real movement, but the embers of speculation glow bright. The coming fortnight may reveal who among these embattled clubs is boldest in pursuit of new blood, and whether shrewd barter or stubborn patience will prove the winning formula in the long campaign.

LETTERS TO THE SPORTING EDITOR

The Sporting Editor

To the Sporting Editor: Your recent piece on the Red Sox's lead suggests that their great start is chiefly due to luck rather than skill. Is it not the case that Bodie’s slugging and Sale’s pitching have been the pillars of their splendid showing? — VERITAS, Boston.

[The Gazette acknowledges the prowess of Bodie’s bat and Sale’s arm; their feats are no mere happenstance but the foundation of Boston’s ascendancy atop the league table.]

To the Sporting Editor: The White Sox’s losing streak surely reflects poor umpiring in recent contests. Would the Sporting Editor agree that biased calls have unduly hampered the locals’ efforts? — AN OLD CRANK, Chicago.

[While officials may err, the Gazette finds the six successive setbacks of the Chicago nine stem chiefly from misplays and ill fortune, not from umpiring bias.]

To the Sporting Editor: It is said that catcher Graham’s injury will maim the Twins’ chances. Yet the recent triumphs and strong pitching suggest Minnesota is far from finished; can you confirm this assessment? — FAIR PLAY, Minneapolis.

[Indeed, despite Graham’s absence, the Twins sustain vigor through stout pitching displays, granting optimistic prospects as they press on in the race.]

To the Sporting Editor: I seek clarification on a ruling seen last week at the Phillies’ grounds, where a runner was called out after a collision at the plate. Is such an outcome consistent with the league’s rules? — A LADY READER, Philadelphia.

[The Sporting Editor confirms that contact deemed deliberate or obstructive at the plate can justify the runner’s exclusion under the league’s present regulations.]

The RDL Sporting GazetteRECORDS AND FIGURESSUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1907 — Page 4
Leading Batsmen
PlayerClubPct.
1Joe PepitoneCLE.361
2Babe RuthBOS.355
3Olaf HenriksenATL.335
4Lyman BostockATL.331
4Sherry MageeMIN.331
Circuit Clouts
PlayerClubNo.
1Chuck KleinCHC19
2Fred BeckCHC15
3Chris DavisSF13
3Mark McGwireCHC13
5Mike PagliaruloCHC12
Runs Driven Home
PlayerClubNo.
1Babe RuthBOS38
2Chuck KleinCHC37
3John TitusTOR32
4Fred BeckCHC31
5Ray DemmittPIT30
Winning Twirlers
PlayerClubNo.
1Chris SaleBOS8
2Cristian JavierPIT7
2Walter JohnsonMIN7
2Bob WickerKC7
Stingiest Twirlers
PlayerClubAv.
1Chris SaleBOS0.98
2Tom HughesSTL1.65
3Tim LincecumNYY1.70
4Babe RuthBOS1.99
5Bob GrimMIN2.09
Strike-Out Kings
PlayerClubNo.
1Tom HughesSTL139
2Walter JohnsonMIN120
2Schoolboy RowePIT120
4Danny SalazarATL115
5Virgil TrucksPIT114

THE TIPSTERS' LINE

What the Sporting Men Are Laying on the Flags
Old Doc Odds

American League pennant, as quoted by Old Doc Odds: Boston Red Sox, even money; Minnesota Twins, 16 to 1; New York Yankees, 16 to 1; Milwaukee Brewers, 16 to 1; Kansas City Royals, 16 to 1. The field, 40 to 1.

National League pennant, as quoted by Old Doc Odds: San Francisco Giants, 3 to 1; Pittsburgh Pirates, 7 to 1; Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 to 1; St. Louis Cardinals, 10 to 1; Chicago Cubs, 11 to 1. The field, 40 to 1.

Prices are those obtainable from the sporting men of the Gazette's acquaintance and are printed for information only; this journal neither makes nor takes wagers.

THE HOSPITAL LIST

Players Laid Up and the Nature of Their Hurts

MAY 31.—St. Louis Cardinals: outfielder Ken Berry was hurt while throwing the ball. The club's physician finds a hand soreness. he will be out 4 days.

MAY 30.—Houston Astros: batsman Doc Crandall is suffering from an intercostal strain, will miss 4 weeks.

MAY 29.—San Francisco Giants: catcher Francisco Mejía is suffering from a mild abdominal strain, will be out 5 days.

MAY 29.—Chicago White Sox: pitcher Warren Hacker was hurt. The club's physician finds a dislocated shoulder, bruised ribs, lacerated finger. He's expected to miss about 2-3 months.

MAY 28.—Atlanta Braves: first baseman Del Howard was hurt while running the bases. The club's physician finds a sprained knee. he will be out 5 days.

MAY 28.—Houston Astros: batsman Doc Crandall was hurt while running the bases. The club's physician has not yet pronounced.

MAY 28.—San Francisco Giants: third baseman Chris Taylor was hurt in a collision at a base. The club's physician finds a bruised ankle. he will be out 2 days.

MAY 28.—San Francisco Giants: catcher Francisco Mejía was hurt while running the bases. The club's physician has not yet pronounced.

MAY 27.—Chicago White Sox: second baseman Pancho Herrera was hurt. The club's physician finds a bruised knee. he will be out 2 days.

MAY 27.—Minnesota Twins: pitcher Al Epperly was hurt while pitching. The club's physician finds a strained abdominal muscle. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.

MAY 27.—Cleveland Indians: outfielder Joe Medwick was hurt while running the bases. The club's physician finds a mild hamstring strain. he will be out 1 day.

MAY 26.—Minnesota Twins: first baseman Justin Morneau is suffering from a strained abdominal muscle, will miss 6 weeks.

MAY 25.—Chicago White Sox: second baseman Pancho Herrera is suffering from a bruised knee, will be out a week.

MAY 25.—Philadelphia Phillies: shortstop Alfonso Soriano was hurt while running the bases. The club's physician finds a mild calf strain. he will be out 1 day.

CHANGES IN THE CLUBS

MAY 27.—Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed free agent catcher Sherm Lollar to a 1-year contract worth a total of a sum the club declines to name.

MAY 27.—Minnesota Twins: Placed catcher Charlie Graham on the hospital list for a fortnight.

MAY 27.—Minnesota Twins: Placed first baseman Justin Morneau on the hospital list for a fortnight.

MAY 27.—Minnesota Twins: Placed outfielder Rick Monday on the hospital list for a fortnight.

MAY 25.—Pittsburgh Pirates: Placed catcher Todd Pratt on the hospital list for a fortnight.

THE SPORTING ALMANAC

EARLIER THIS SEASON.—May 19, Los Angeles 15, Philadelphia 3; May 20, Kansas City 9, Cleveland 2; May 21, Los Angeles 12, Houston 1; May 22, Milwaukee 13, New York 1; May 23, Cleveland 19, New York 1; May 24, Boston 14, Toronto 3.

The RDL Sporting GazetteADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICESSUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1907 — Page 5
Small Advertisements — One Cent a Word
NOTICE—The Gazette's Pennant Contest: name both flag winners and the dates on which the flags are clinched. First prize a season pass; second prize two season passes to the White Sox. Coupons in every issue.
WANTED—A first-class shortstop for a fast semi-professional nine in the anthracite region. Must be a sure fielder and willing to work in the breaker. Address 'Diamond,' care of the Gazette.
SITUATION WANTED—Experienced manager, lately of a club it would be unkind to name, seeks position with a nine that can hit. References on application; none from his late employers.
FOUND—In the grand stand after Saturday's game, one umpire's indicator, apparently never used. Owner may claim it by describing a strike.

PRINTER'S NOTICE

Readers who find the rustle of the sheets a distraction may request the plain reading edition, set in a single column without ornament, by applying at the counter below.

The Gazette is published on the evening of the last day of play in each week's round and is sold at one cent the copy. Back numbers may be had of the publisher at the same price.

At the Counter

Back numbers of the Gazette may be had from the file of back numbers.

Page 1 of 5