1904 New York Yankees (Highlanders)

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1904 New York Yankees season: A brief summary

The 1904 New York Yankees (Highlanders) season remains a memorable chapter in the annals of baseball history, not just for the team’s impressive performance but also for the dramatic conclusion that saw them narrowly miss the American League pennant. Finishing second with a commendable record of 92–59 under the stewardship of Clark Griffith, the Highlanders showcased resilience and skill, laying down the early foundations of what would become the storied Yankees franchise.

The offseason saw strategic player trades, such as Jack O’Connor’s move to the St. Louis Browns and the acquisition of Red Kleinow from the Toledo Mud Hens, which helped shape the team’s roster. These transactions indicated the management’s intent to build a strong competitive team.

The regular 1904 New York Yankees (Highlanders) season was marked by significant achievements and notable incidents. The casual adoption of “Yankees” as a nickname on April 7, 1904, reflected the team’s growing identity, even as “Highlanders” remained the primary moniker. The team’s vigorous performance in the pennant race, leading the American League as late as September 20, demonstrated their potential and fighting spirit.

However, the season’s climax was tinged with disappointment. Jack Chesbro’s infamous wild pitch on the last day against the Boston Americans not only cost the Highlanders the pennant but also heightened the existing rivalry between the two teams. The New York Giants’ refusal to recognize the Highlanders as equals, thereby avoiding the World Series, added to the drama, emphasizing the intense competitive spirit of the era.

The 1904 season’s legacy, especially the rivalry with Boston, resonated throughout baseball history, highlighted by the 2004 ALCS, which eerily mirrored the events of a century prior. The Highlanders’ 1904 campaign, with its blend of triumph and heartbreak, remains a pivotal moment that underscored the unpredictable, passionate nature of baseball.

Postseason result

(Did not qualify – Eliminated in regular season)

1904 New York Yankees roster

1904 New York Yankees player additions, transactions, and trades

December 20, 1903:

• Traded Jesse Tannehill to the Boston Americans and received Tom Hughes.

January 1904:

• Purchased Champ Osteen from the Washington Senators.

January 5, 1904:

• Traded Eddie Quick and Jack Zalusky to Toledo (American Association) and received Red Kleinow.

February 21, 1904:

• Purchased Deacon McGuire from the Detroit Tigers.

March 6, 1904:

• Traded Harry Howell and cash to the St. Louis Browns and received Jack Powell.

May 8, 1904:

• Purchased Jack Thoney from the Washington Senators.

June 17, 1904:

• Traded Bob Unglaub to the Boston Americans and received Patsy Dougherty.

July 20, 1904:

• Traded Tom Hughes and Barney Wolfe to the Washington Senators and received Al Orth.

August 3, 1904:

• Loaned Monte Beville to the Detroit Tigers.

August 30, 1904:

• Purchased Frank McManus from Montreal (Eastern).

September 1904:

• Drafted Joe Yeager from Montreal (Eastern) in the 1904 rule 5 draft.

September 1, 1904:

• Drafted Bill Hogg from Spokane (Pacific National) in the 1904 rule 5 draft.

September 9, 1904:

• Selected Ned Garvin off waivers from the Brooklyn Superbas.

October 4, 1904:

• Drafted Hal Chase from Los Angeles (PCL) in the 1904 rule 5 draft.
• Drafted Doc Newton from Los Angeles (PCL) in the 1904 rule 5 draft.

1904 New York Yankees player debuts

• Walter Clarkson – 07-02-1904 – 25 years old
• Orth Collins – 06-01-1904 – 24 years old
• Red Kleinow – 05-03-1904 – 26 years old
• Bob Unglaub – 04-15-1904 – 24 years old

1904 New York Yankees team stats (batting)

1904 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

1904 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ Team splits

1904 New York Yankees monthly record

How do you rate the 1904 New York Yankees season?

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