The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-08-10
National League Averages Show
Novel Spectacle.
Twice Turned Down Pitcher
Leading All Divisions.
NOT AN ERROR is MADE
VIM. Kennedy Of the Pirates
Doing Some Grand Work.
Warner, of New York, Is Star
Catcher of the League.

New York, Aug. 10.-Many of the fol-
lowers of the National league will re-
ceive a shock this morning when they
glance at the averages and note who is
leading the sluggers of that organiza-
ton.
1t was only last year that VIM. Ken
nedy, of Pittsburg, was tried and found
wanting by New York after the Brook
lyns had given him his passport. After
pitching five games this same Kennedy
was told that he was dead one. and
the only fit place for him was the
GrasshoDoer league.
The rundown by two clubs came
near breaking Kennedys heart, and he
set about to clean I'D all the wet goods
in the METROPOLIS. 1t was not long be-
fore those who were next" came to
the conclusion that the pitchers days
were numbered, owing to his being a
shadow of his former self.
Kennedy. however, fooled them all by
cutting out the red lights and setting
out to regain his time form. His
good work was tipped off to Fred
Clarke, the brainy leader of the Pirates,
who first laughed at the idea of hand
ling a rundown of Ned Hanlon-
Clarke. however. decided to give Ken
nedy the chance he sought. and has
more than been repaid for his foresight
Not only is Kennedy showing his
heels to the heavy batters of the Ma
tional league, but he is also leading the
army of twirlers with best percentage
so far for 1903. Not an error of any de-
scriDtion has marked his work in the
pitchers box. all of which goes to
prove that a pitcher can go and come
again.
Behind Kennedy comes New York's
only representative in the 300 class,
Roger Bresnahan, who, by the grace
OF more games played, can be called the
rlghtful occupant of the throne of
bingle makers. Beaumont, of Pitts
burg ranks third. with Steinfeldt, who
Two weeks ago was hammering the top
door down in berth seven.
Inc society of the 300 has taken
brace upward during the past few days.
especially in the ranks of Cincinnati,
PlttsDurg and Chicago, who divide Is
out OF 2 among themselves.
SIX twlrlers have yet to make mis-
play, Ewing, of the Reds having the
best fielding percentage among Joe
helly's box artists. Suthoff and Hahn
have turned out the most winners.
Warner, of New York, has gone to the
front as the best catcher. with Bergen
fourth. Doyle, of Brooklyn, and Nc
Gam, of New York, are still tie for
first base honors. Ritchey, of Pittsburg
is showing the way to the second base
men: with Gleason. of Philadelphia,
looking on.
steinfeldt, of the Reds, has taken his
rightful place as the premier guardian
of Bag No. 8. Dahlen. of Brooklyn, has
wrested the sbortstop honors from Cor
coran, who is six points in the rear.
Cincinnati hobs up again as the leader
in another class, with Dolan leading the
outfielderS with a good margin
Pittsburg leads in club batting and
in long hits, with Cincinnati a conten-
der for the front in both divisions. New
York leads in club fielding, with Pitts
burg second and the Reds fourth.
Mertes, of New York. is still the boss
individual slugger, with Wagner and
Steinfeldt gaining on him every day
Chance, of Chicago, has poked Sheck
ard out of first place in the matter of
being the best base runner.
Lever. OF Pittsburg, has scored the
most shut-outs so far this season. The
most hits have been made off Pittinger
of Boston, while Mitchell of Philadel-
phia, has hit the most batsmen.
Mathewson, of New York, holds the
strike-out record, with 1852 and has
also made the most wild pitches
Schmidt, of Brooklyn, holds the BOBBY
prize for bases on balls, So in % games.