1905 New York Yankees (Highlanders)

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1905 New York Yankees season: A brief summary

The 1905 season for the New York Highlanders, who would later become known as the New York Yankees, was notable for being only their third season in American baseball. Finishing sixth in the American League with a record of 71 wins and 78 losses might not seem particularly impressive at first glance, but when placed in the context of a young team still finding its footing, it offers a different perspective.

Managed by Clark Griffith, a key figure in baseball both as a player and a manager, the 1905 New York Yankees were navigating the complexities of establishing themselves in a competitive league. Griffith’s leadership would have been crucial in developing the team’s strategy and guiding its players through the highs and lows of the season.

Playing their home games at Hilltop Park, the Highlanders had the advantage of a dedicated fan base in New York, a city with a burgeoning love for baseball. The ballpark itself, situated on one of the highest points in Manhattan, provided a unique backdrop for the team’s home games, contributing to the growing lore of the team.

1905 New York Yankees season’s record is a bit deceiving, as baseball during this era was highly competitive and even tumultuous, with teams closely packed in terms of talent and outcomes often decided by narrow margins. The Highlanders’ performance, while not leading to a championship, laid down important groundwork for the team’s development and future successes.

In reviewing the 1905 season, it is essential to acknowledge both the challenges and achievements of the Highlanders. Their efforts in this early stage of their history were foundational in building what would become one of the most successful and storied franchises in baseball history. While this particular season may not stand out for its triumphs, it is a significant chapter in the evolving narrative of the New York Yankees.

Postseason result

(Did not qualify – Eliminated in regular season)

1905 New York Yankees roster

1905 New York Yankees player additions, transactions, and trades

May 1905

• May 30: John Anderson selected by the Washington Nationals off waivers.

June 1905

• June 30: Signed Charlie Fallon as an amateur free agent.

July 1905

• July 12: Signed Jack Doyle as a free agent.
• July 13: Received Doc Powers on loan from the Philadelphia Athletics.
• July 20: Signed Fred Curtis as a free agent.

August 1905

• Drafted Tom Hughes from Topeka (Western Association) in the 1905 rule 5 draft.
• Signed Wilbur Good as a free agent.
• Purchased Walter Clarkson from Jersey City (Eastern) around this time.

• August 7: Doc Powers returned to the Philadelphia Athletics as part of the earlier loan.
• August 8: Purchased George Moriarty from Toledo (American Association).
• August 14: Signed Wilbur Good as a free agent (listed twice; may denote a clerical duplication or reaffirmation of his signing).
• Around August 20: Purchased Ed Hahn from New Orleans (Southern Association). Purchased Bobby Keefe from Tacoma (PCL). Purchased Ira Thomas from Providence (Eastern).

• August 22: Purchased Frank Delahanty from Birmingham (Southern Association).
• Around August 25: Purchased Frank LaPorte from Buffalo (Eastern). Purchased Louis LeRoy from Montreal (Eastern).

September 1905

Around early September: 

• Received Joe Connor on loan from Newark (Eastern).
• Received Phil Cooney on loan from Paterson (Hudson River).
• Purchased Joe McCarthy from Poughkeepsie (Hudson River).
• Received Jim Cockman from Newark (Eastern) in an unknown transaction.

• September 11: Jack Powell’s player rights sold to the St. Louis Browns.
• Around September 15: Fred Jacklitsch received from Providence (Eastern) in an unknown transaction.

1905 New York Yankees player debuts

• Hal Chase – 04-14-1905 – 22 years old
• Jim Cockman – 09-28-1905 – 33 years old
• Phil Cooney – 09-27-1905 – 23 years old
• Fred Curtis – 07-24-1905 – 24 years old
• Frank Delahanty – 08-23-1905 – 22 years old
• Charlie Fallon – 06-30-1905 – 24 years old
• Wilbur Good – 08-18-1905 – 19 years old
• Art Goodwin – 10-07-1905 – 28 years old
• Ed Hahn – 08-29-1905 – 30 years old
• Bill Hogg – 04-25-1905 – 23 years old
• Frank LaPorte – 09-29-1905 – 25 years old
• Louis LeRoy – 09-22-1905 – 26 years old
• Joe McCarthy – 09-27-1905 – 23 years old
• Rube Oldring – 10-02-1905 – 21 years old

1905 New York Yankees team stats (batting)

1905 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

1905 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ Team splits

1905 New York Yankees monthly record

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