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Lajoie was drunk...debut of Roger Bresnahan...



Item # 211867

October 12, 1897

PUBLIC LEDGER, Philadelphia, Aug. 28, 1897 On pg. 16 under SPORTS is a detailed summary  and the box score of a game between the Phillies and Pirates. Napoleon Lajoie, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame (the Hall of Shame on this day!), arrived at the game drunk, as revealed in the summary: First baseman Lajoie was not only late in reporting for duty yesterday afternoon, but when he did arrive at the grounds he was in no condition to play ball. Nevertheless he was permitted to put on a uniform and go into the game, and it was the muddled condition of his brains that gave Pittsburg two runs in the first inning. Lajoie was soon removed when the fans determined he was drunk ...and were poking all kinds of fun at him.... Some commentary within the summary about the problem of drunk ball players as well. In a brief summary about a game between the St. Louis Browns and the Washington Senators is mention of Hall of Famer catcher Roger Bresnahan who made his major league debut as a pitcher: St. Louis was shut out to-day in a well played game. Bresnahan, a new man, pitched for the locals. Includes the box score. Great to have early content about these two future Hall of Famers in one issue. Bit of fold foxing on the front page, otherwise in good condition.

Category: Post-Civil War