Edward Achorn

(A daily diary of the greatest season a major-league pitcher ever had.)

PROVIDENCE – The last-place Detroit Wolverines come to Providence. Rain all but ruins Ladies Day this afternoon, and only 400 people show. Is Old Hoss Radbourn’s beloved Carrie Stanhope among them? A fair bet, since she loves baseball, and a certain pitcher.

The drenched men play on, braving several heavy downpours that drive much of the small audience under the grandstand. Though sopping wet and trying to control a slippery ball, “Radbourn did his work with old-time strategy and skill,” the Providence Journal asserts.

Rad strikes out six Wolverines. Both teams collect six hits, but Radbourn triumphs, 7-1, for his fortieth victory. By mixing up his fastballs and off-speed pitches, curveballs and deliveries from various parts of the box, he can bamboozle hitters even while displaying little effort.

“Radbourn’s easy delivery is what makes everyone laugh,” the Providence Evening Telegram observes.

It is the fourteenth straight victory of the Grays, who have not lost since August 6. They pick up a half-game on the Boston Beaneaters, who have the afternoon off, and now lead the National League by five.

RADBOURN’S RECORD: 40-9

To read the full exciting story, click here