Hornsby Day Lifts Cardinals as Browns Collapse Late to Ruth’s Yankees
Content from the Sunday May 23, 1926 St. Louis Globe-Democrat. As a morning paper it included a recap of the Hornsby Day celebration on May 22, 1926.
Inside This Edition
- Sherdel Holds Phillies at Bay as Cardinals Triumph by 9 to 2 Score
- Young and Old, High and Low Pay Tribute to Mighty Hornsby
- Browns, Five Runs Ahead at One Time, Lose to Yankees, 7 to 6
- Around the League
- Cubs Are Defeated by Braves, 7 to 1
- Reds Take Fourth in Row from Robins, 11-3
- Tribe Beats Macks in Last of Series, 9-5
- Pirates Win from Giants in 9th, 6-5
- Fohlmen Win from White Sox, 14 to 8
- Standings and Leaders
- Today’s Schedule
- Advertisements
Sherdel Holds Phillies at Bay as Cardinals Triumph by 9 to 2 Score
Wee Willie Sherdel Holds Phillies at Bay as St. Louis Cardinals Triumph by 9 to 2 Score Hornsby Day Marked by Knot-Holers’ Climb to .500 Mark in Race
Ernie Maun and Ed Baecht Fail to Baffle Red Birds, Who Are Valuably Assisted to Decisive Victory by Five Quaker Errors.
By MARTIN J. HALEY.
Rogers Hornsby Day was marked by the Cardinals’ return to the .500 mark for the first time in three weeks, but to accomplish this advance at Sportsmans Park yesterday, the Cards were rendered valuable assistance by the fast-fading Philadelphia Phillies, who dug their own 9 to 2 grave by committing five errors.
Prior to this third straight conquest for the Red Birds over the Slow Town entry, Manager Hornsby was presented with $1000 in gold and a medal emblematic of his title, the most valuable player in the National League.
Baseball Dignitaries Attend.
The occasion was attended by Commissioner of Baseball Kenesaw Mountain Landis, by President John Heydler of the National League and by notables of the City of St. Louis.
The game itself was a good one to witness for six innings. Over that period, the Cardinals held a 3-to-0 lead, thanks to timely hitting by the Birds in the second inning and to the superb change of pace pitching by Sherdel.
Aiding Sherdel to hang up his second straight victory and his third since the season got under way, the Knot Holers assembled eleven hits off the three men employed on the mound by Arthur Fletcher. Of these eleven blows, two were successive home runs by Ray Blades and Taylor Douthit in the seventh inning.
Phils Make 3 Errors.
Had the Phils played clean baseball afield in this chapter, the Cards would not have scored a run. As it was, the boys from Philly booted three times. First Walt Wendell kicked a bunt in front of the plate, then Jimmy Sand dropped a throw after Wendell had Bob O’Farrell picked off second.
Whether it was in disgust over his team’s wretched fielding or in an effort to prove to his batters just how puerile they had acted at the plate could not be determined, but it is a truth that in the ninth inning Manager Fletcher sent in two pitchers, Hal Carlson and Paul Dean, to bat for two of his regulars, Specs Friberg and Sand.
The Phils’ lineup, as a result of these shifts and many others which preceded them, was a hodge-podge thing to peruse after the game was history.
Bentley was called upon to “double in brass” in the seventh inning, and did a good job, rescuing the 18-year-old cork screw right-handing Baecht.
Maun Removed Early.
The game had opened with Maun, a one-time John McGraw right-hander, opposing Sherdel, but he was taken out at the close of the second inning.
Getting these runs, Bimbo Mueller walked and raced to third on the hit and run when Les Bell reached out and hit a low outside curve through Friberg’s vacated position to right field for a single.
Bell moved up on O’Farrell’s infield out and scored in back of Mueller on Tommy Thevenow’s single to left.
Coming to life in the eighth, the Phils scored a run on successive singles by Heinie Mokan, pinch hitter Johnny Wilson, Nixon and Bentley.
There was none out, but the inning quickly closed when Johnny Huber fouled out and when Kimmick bounced into a double play, Bell to Hornsby to Jim Bottomley.
The Phils’ ninth-inning run was a gift. With two gone, Dean, batting for Sand, singled and took second untried for, then scored on Mokan’s single to left. Sherdel made the contest history in another moment by speedily fanning pinch batter Al Jonnard.
Haines Due Today
Jess Haines is next in row to pitch for the Hornsboys, but Rajah Hornsby may decide to employ one of the younger hurlers for this afternoon’s final against the Phils.
Fletcher’s choice is likely to be Southpaw Clarence Mitchell, although Arthur may decide to come back with Carlson, who beat the Cards in the first game of the series last Wednesday.
Fletcher rushed in four pinch batters in the last two innings, three appearing in the ninth. Wilson batted for Cliff Lee in the eighth, Carlson for Friberg, Dean for Sand and Jonnard for Bubbles Hargrave in the ninth. Wilson and Dean came through.
Box score from the Cardinals’ 9–2 victory over the Phillies on Rogers Hornsby Day at Sportsmans Park, published in the St. Louis Globe-Democrat on May 23, 1926.
Left to right in the foreground are: C. F. G. Meyer, president of the Chamber of Commerce; President John Heydler of the National League; High Commissioner of Baseball Kenesaw Mountain Landis, and Rogers Hornsby.
Young and Old, High and Low Pay Tribute to Mighty Hornsby
Young and Old, High and Low Pay Tribute to Mighty Rogers Hornsby
Kenesaw Mountain Landis, John Heydler and City’s Civic Leaders Present at Most Valuable Player Ceremonies Honoring Cardinal Manager.
Young America had a large time at Sportsmans Park yesterday aiding in the celebration of Hornsby Day. Young America everywhere was in evidence. 'Twas appropriate, too, for the day was in honor of the youngest big star baseball has known in some time. Rogers Hornsby was but a mere punk of a kid himself only a few years ago. Just think of it, eleven years ago at this time of the year, Hornsby was in a class D league wondering how good a guy had to be to get up into class C.
At that time Hornsby was 19 years old, just a few years older than the kids who were out there at Sportsmans Park yesterday beating the life out of a hundred snare drums. There wasn't any Knot-Hole gang when Hornsby was the age of those drum beaters of yesterday, but there was the same chance then as there is today, and if some of yesterday's drum corps boys care to take the chance, perhaps they'll be kowtowed to in a laconic span of years same as Hornsby was kowtowed to yesterday.
Just think of it, at 30 years of age, Rogers Hornsby had the high-brows of the civic life of St. Louis as well as those of his own game doing him great honor yesterday. At 30 years, Hornsby has the big boys at his dogs paying tribute. Rog deserves it, too. He's the best in his line. Even the hardened old-timers who cannot forget the great deeds of the heroes of their day will concede the point that Hornsby is at least equal to the best they ever saw.
Tribute Where Tribute Was Due.
They paid tribute to Hornsby yesterday because he was voted the most valuable player in the National League last season. Rog earned that title through his colorful, precedent setting batting feats, his defensive accomplishments and his deportment on the field of play, all of which were beyond reproach and unequaled, despite the fact that from Memorial Day of 1925 Hornsby had the responsibility of the club on his hands as well as his own personal responsibilities.
The mere material honors bestowed upon Hornsby yesterday do not count so much, but their significance is evidenced by the character of honors they represent and by the character of the men who made the presentation.
There was James M. Gould, president of the Baseball Writers' Association, who presented the medal, emblematic of the "most valuable player" title. There was John A. Heydler, president of the National League, who presented the $1000 in gold, the league's award, all done up in a white canvas money bag with the "one grand" figures done up in large black letters for ready reading.
Landis Congratulates Hornsby.
Then up stepped Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the white-haired judge, baseball high commissioner, to be first to congratulate the boy manager upon his success, and next in line was the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce president, Carl F. G. Meyer, with smiling congratulations, and then Sam Breadon, the young magnate who pays $30,000 or more nuggets a season.
Great: it was a great day, what with this presentation, the well-filled stands and the parade from Fairground Park and around the inside of Sportsmans Park before the flag-raising ceremony; the members of civic clubs, the music, the Boy Scouts, the drummer boys and the Knot Holers.
It was a magnificent day, and if the Young America present did any day dreaming at all, the visions enjoyed undoubtedly had to do with a baseball sailing over the horizon and a heavily swung bat following through over the shoulder, for that's what brought all that honor to the young Mr. Hornsby yesterday.
Boys, learn to hit. It's the hit that counts.
Browns, Five Runs Ahead at One Time, Lose to Yankees, 7 to 6
Browns, Five Runs Ahead at One Time, Lose to Yankees, 7 to 6
Hugmen Rout Charley Robertson in Seventh and Pound Tom Zachary with Effect
Eleventh Straight Victory for New Yorkers and Fourth Straight Defeat for George Sisler’s Browns—Babe Ruth’s Only Hit Ties Score in Eighth.
By Leased Wire from the New York Bureau of the Globe-Democrat.
NEW YORK, May 22.—George Sisler assembled his shattered St. Louis Browns at Grand Central Station here tonight, where they boarded the train on their retreat to Detroit. He left Father Knickerbocker’s domain with scant regret. He also left four ball games, torn from his grasp by the rampant New York Yankees, who ran their winning streak to eleven consecutive games. The Browns were overpowered this afternoon at Yankee Stadium in the presence of 45,000 spectators, and the score was 7 to 6.
The final defeat in this initial series with the Hugmen was especially bitter. The Browns piled up a lead of five runs in the early innings and held grimly on for a while. But the Yankees know no such word as defeat, recognize no barriers and respect no handicap, not even one of five runs. Hammer, hammer, hammer is their method; pitiless strokes smashed home with the power of titans.
Browns Outbatted, 13-10.
The Yankees gathered thirteen hits to ten for the Sisler boys. A majority of these thirteen were grouped in the last half of the game. They overcame four errors they made, and completely erased the tight game played by the Brownies.
Hitless Robertson started for St. Louis and stuck around until the middle of the seventh inning. During his stay he fanned Ruth twice and walked him once. When Robertson was finally hammered out of the box, Al Jonnard stepped in and was followed by Zachary, alias Tom Zachary, of Washington and points west. Zachary is charged with the loss of the game.
The St. Louis trio was faced by four New York hurlers. Garland Braxton was murdered. Sam Jones was none too good. Waite Hoyt went one great inning and Urban Shocker finished game. Hoyt was the winning pitcher.
The Yankees came into the eighth inning needing a run to tie the score. With Jonnard still in the game, Miller Huggins nominated Spencer Adams to hit in place of Hoyt. Sisler switched to Zachary, the left-hander. Huggins countered with Aaron Ward in this great battle of wits. He scored a victory, for Ward doubled to left. This edge was short lived, for Ward was killed at third when Mark Koenig bunted to Zachary. A great play for the Browns.
Meusel Drives in Winner.
Earle Combs then singled to left and Lou Gehrig walked. Ruth hit a crossfire curve to Sisler, and peerless George could not get the leather out of the glove pocket in time for a play. Bob Meusel singled over the winning run on a drive to right. Combs scored and Gehrig tried to score, but was thrown out by Sam Rice. Gehrig slid into Wally Schang and injured him so badly that Wallie left the game.
Marty McManus hit a homer into the left field stands. This was the lone circuit clout of the game. Sisler and Ken Williams got two blows. Meusel of the Yankees got four hits and just about won the game for his team.
It seemed right from the start that the Browns had no good in their hearts and minds for the Yankees. The Mound City boys went out in a row in the opening frame, but in the second they started to force the issue. Ken Williams whistled a single past Garland Braxton’s good left shoulder, Combs finally stopping the ball. Marty McManus must have changed his batting style since Pat Collins caught for the Browns, for Pat gave Marty one right on the line. After a short, sharp ride, the ball landed in the bleachers for a homer, Williams scoring before him.
Baby Doll Jacobson followed with a single, but was out trying to stretch it, Meusel whipping a fine peg to Tony Lazzeri. Schang drew a walk and Wally Gerber walked. Robertson died on an infield fly, and Rice was retired by Gehrig’s brilliant leaping catch of a smashing line drive. This play killed a sure double and a couple of budding St. Louis runs.
Combs Helps Brownies.
The run scored by the Browns in the third inning was in part a contribution by Combs. Sisler singled to center and Combs let the ball go through. Sisler lost no time skipping to second. An infield out by Williams advanced Sisler to third and he polished off the inning by pilfering home.
There was everything but your old shoes in the fourth frame, but the Browns got only two runs out of two hits, two errors, a walk and a hit batsman. Braxton was knocked out of the box and Sam Jones was pressed into emergency duty. Jacobson fanned on three curves. Schang drew his second pass and got to third when Gerber’s grounder got through Koenig. Robertson singled to left scoring Schang. That ended Braxton. Now we have Jones among us. Rice singled to left filling the bases. Jones hit Sisler, forcing home Gerber. Ruth got Williams’ drive back near the right field stands.
Having threatened in the first, second and fourth innings, the Yankees broke through in the fifth and scored one run. Koenig tripled to center and jogged home when Gerber muffed a high fly by Combs. The Yanks pressed in the sixth and had the Browns on the defensive, but one run was the limit. Meusel got his third hit but was forced by Lazzeri. Mike Gazella and Collins singled, and Lazzeri scored. But that ended the run making.
Beall Replaces Jones.
Walter Beall, one time with the Rochester team, replaced Sam Jones, and the parade of the wooden soldiers started. Williams scratched a hit to Lazzeri. He was safe when Beall made a wild heave on McManus’ sacrifice bunt. Jacobson sacrificed and Schang fouled out. Gerber walked, filling the bases, and Robertson walked, forcing home Williams. Rice fanned with enthusiasm.
The seventh inning started calmly. Combs grounded to Robertson and Gehrig fanned. Ruth toddled and so did Meusel. Tony Lazzeri then skimmed a double off Gerber’s glove, Ruth scoring and Meusel taking third. Gazella tore a single through short scoring Meusel and Lazzeri.
That ended Robertson and Jonnard took the mound, facing Collins. With the tying run on second, Collins rolled to deep short and was out on a great play by Gerber.
Box score from the Yankees’ 7–6 comeback victory over the St. Louis Browns at Yankee Stadium on May 22, 1926, during New York’s 11-game winning streak.
Around the League
CUBS ARE DEFEATED BY BRAVES, 7 TO 1
CUBS ARE DEFEATED BY Braves, 7 TO 1
Al Genewich, Ably Supported, Lets Bruins Down with Six Hits.
By Associated Press.
CHICAGO, ILL., May 22.—(National)—Grover Cleveland Alexander was given an automobile by his friends and a 7 to 1 beating by Boston today, the Braves bunching hits to drive the veteran off the mound in the ninth and even their series with Chicago Cubs. Genewich, ably supported, especially by Dave Bancroft, let the Cubs down with six hits.
Jimmy Cooney, Chicago shortstop, reported with a spiked foot and was unable to play. Score:
Box score from the Boston Braves’ 7–1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on May 22, 1926, featuring Al Genewich’s complete-game win over Grover Cleveland Alexander.
REDS TAKE FOURTH IN ROW FROM ROBINS, 11-3
REDS TAKE FOURTH IN ROW FROM Robins, 11-3
Cincinnati Pounds Dazzy Vance, Scoring Six Runs in Fifth.
By Associated Press.
CINCINNATI, OHIO, May 22.—(National)—Cincinnati Reds made a clean sweep against Brooklyn by taking the fourth game of the series today, 11 to 3. Dazzy Vance was given a sound drubbing from the start. The Reds bunched enough hits with a walk and an error in the fifth inning to score six runs.
Cincinnati established one of their greatest home stays by winning thirteen games out of fifteen played on the first invasion of Eastern teams at Redland Field. Score:
Box score from the Cincinnati Reds’ 11–3 victory over the Brooklyn Robins on May 22, 1926, featuring Dolf Luque’s Reds offense pounding out 13 hits behind Dazzy Vance.
Tribe Beats Macks in Last of Series, 9-5
Cleveland Indians Beat Athletics in Last of Series, 9-5
Jack Quinn and Joe Shaute Knocked Out of Box—Al Simmons and Joe Hauser Hit Homers, Fifth of Season for Each.
By Associated Press.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., May 22.—(American)—Cleveland won the final game of the present series from the Athletics here today, 9 to 5, taking three out of the four games.
Both Quinn and Shaute were knocked out of the box. Al Simmons and Joe Hauser hit home runs, the fifth of this season for each. Score:
Box score from Cleveland’s 9–5 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics on May 22, 1926, featuring home runs by Al Simmons and Joe Hauser.
Pirates Win from Giants in 9th, 6-5
Pittsburgh Pirates Win from Giants in 9th, 6-5
Buccos Score Twice in Their Half of Final Round After John McGraw’s Men Had Assumed Lead.
By Associated Press.
PITTSBURGH, PA., May 22.—Pittsburgh won the series from the Giants, three games to one, by annexing the final contest today, 6 to 5. The visitors had come from behind to drive Red Oldham to cover and establish a one-run lead in their half of the ninth, but the Pirates rallied in their session and scored twice. Score:
Box score from the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 6–5 comeback victory over the New York Giants on May 22, 1926, clinching the series three games to one.
FOHLMEN WIN FROM WHITE SOX, 14 TO 8
Boston Red Sox Win from Chicago White Sox, 14 TO 8
Tom Connally’s Wildness Important Factor in Red Sox Victory.
By Associated Press.
BOSTON, MASS., May 22.—(American)—A bunch of bases on balls off Connally in the seventh inning helped the Red Sox to conquer Chicago today to the tune of 14 to 8. With the bases full, Connally let enough men go to first to force in three runs for Boston. Mike “Rabbit” Warstler Rigney had a perfect day at bat. Moe Hunnefield of Chicago was put out of the game in the seventh for excessive protesting.
The score:
Box score from the Boston Red Sox’s 8–2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on May 22, 1926, highlighted by strong hitting and pitching from the Red Sox lineup.
Standings and Leaders
Setting the Pace in Major Leagues
American League
| Player | Club | G. | AB. | R. | H. | Pet. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Dugan | New York | 26 | 99 | 10 | 41 | .414 |
| Ty Cobb | Detroit | 28 | 100 | 25 | 40 | .400 |
| Bob Meusel | New York | 34 | 131 | 29 | 52 | .397 |
| Babe Ruth | New York | 34 | 119 | 44 | 47 | .395 |
| Sam Rice | Washington | 26 | 85 | 19 | 33 | .388 |
Leader a year ago today: Harry Heilmann, Philadelphia, .440.
National League
| Player | Club | G. | AB. | R. | H. | Pet. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Waner | Pittsburgh | 22 | 89 | 17 | 28 | .406 |
| Kiki Cuyler | Chicago | 30 | 91 | 19 | 35 | .385 |
| Chick Hafey | Brooklyn | 20 | 65 | 8 | 24 | .369 |
| Freddie Lindstrom | New York | 28 | 100 | 23 | 40 | .367 |
| Chick Hafey | Chicago | 20 | 109 | 28 | 39 | .358 |
Leader a year ago today: Max Carey, Philadelphia, .497.
Big League Figures
Yesterday’s Results
National League
- St. Louis, 9; Philadelphia, 2.
- Pittsburgh, 6; New York, 5.
- Cincinnati, 11; Brooklyn, 3.
- Boston, 7; Chicago, 1.
American League
- New York, 7; St. Louis, 6.
- Cleveland, 9; Philadelphia, 5.
- Boston, 14; Chicago, 8.
- Washington, 6; Detroit, 6. (Game called at end of eighth to allow Detroit to catch train.)
Standing of the Clubs
National League
| Club | Won | Lost | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | 24 | 10 | .706 |
| Chicago | 19 | 12 | .613 |
| Brooklyn | 17 | 14 | .548 |
| Pittsburgh | 17 | 15 | .531 |
| St. Louis | 18 | 18 | .500 |
| New York | 15 | 19 | .441 |
| Philadelphia | 12 | 21 | .364 |
| Boston | 10 | 23 | .303 |
American League
| Club | Won | Lost | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 25 | 9 | .735 |
| Cleveland | 20 | 14 | .588 |
| Washington | 21 | 16 | .569 |
| Philadelphia | 19 | 17 | .528 |
| Chicago | 19 | 18 | .514 |
| Detroit | 17 | 17 | .500 |
| Boston | 11 | 22 | .333 |
| St. Louis | 8 | 27 | .229 |
Today’s Schedule
National League
- Philadelphia at St. Louis
- New York at Brooklyn
- Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
- Boston at Chicago
American League
- St. Louis at Detroit
- Chicago at Cleveland
- Philadelphia at Washington
- Boston at New York
Advertisements
1926 Mobiloil advertisement promoting new 5-gallon oil cans, garage storage drums, and quart cans for motorists, published by the Vacuum Oil Company.1926 advertisement for Lindenwood College promoting its centennial year celebration, academic programs, and 138-acre campus near St. Louis.
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