1905 New York Yankees (Highlanders)

The final standing	6th in AL (Did not qualify for World Series)
Regular season record	71-78 (.477)
Post-season record	(Not played)
AL rank	6th
World Series record and opponent	(Not played)
Manager	Clark Griffith
Captain	Clark Griffith
Top batter	Home runs: Jimmy Williams (6), Willie Keeler (4) BA: Willie Keeler (.302), Wid Conroy (.273), Joe Yeager (.267) Runs: Willie Keeler (81), Hal Chase (60), Patsy Dougherty (56) RBI: Jimmy Williams (62), Kid Elberfeld (53), Hal Chase (49)
Top pitcher/ (W-L, ERA)	Jack Chesbro: 19-15, 2.20 Al Orth: 18-16, 2.86
Attendance record	309,100 (6th of 8)

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

Name	Age	B	T	Ht	Wt	DoB	Yrs	G	GS	WAR
John Anderson	31	B	R	6′ 2″	180	Dec 14, 1873	11	32	25	-0.2
Hal Chase	22	R	L	6′ 0″	175	Feb 13, 1883	1st	128	125	0
Jack Chesbro HOF	31	R	R	5′ 9″	180	Jun 5, 1874	7	41	38	5.2
Walter Clarkson	26	R	R	5′ 10″	150	Nov 3, 1878	2	9	4	-0.2
Jim Cockman	32	R	R	5′ 6″	145	Apr 26, 1873	1st	13	13	-0.4
Joe Connor	30	R	R	6′ 2″	185	Dec 8, 1874	4	8	7	0.2
Wid Conroy	28	R	R	5′ 9″	158	Apr 5, 1877	5	101	100	2.4
Phil Cooney	22	L	R	5′ 8″	155	Sep 14, 1882	1st	1	1	-0.1
Fred Curtis	24	R	R	6′ 1″		Oct 30, 1880	1st	2	2	0
Frank Delahanty	22	R	R	5′ 9″	160	Dec 29, 1882	1st	9	5	-0.2
Patsy Dougherty	28	L	R	6′ 2″	190	Oct 27, 1876	4	116	103	0.3
Jack Doyle	35	R	R	5′ 9″	155	Oct 25, 1869	17	1	1	-0.2
Kid Elberfeld	30	R	R	5′ 7″	158	Apr 13, 1875	7	111	108	2
Charlie Fallon	24	R	R	5′ 6″		Mar 7, 1881	1st	1	0
Dave Fultz	30	R	R	5′ 11″	170	May 29, 1875	7	129	119	0.3
Wilbur Good	19	L	L	5′ 11″	180	Sep 28, 1885	1st	5	2	-0.5
Art Goodwin	29		R	5′ 8″	195	Feb 27, 1876	1st	1	0	-0.3
Clark Griffith HOF	35	R	R	5′ 6″	156	Nov 20, 1869	14	26	7	3.6
Ed Hahn	29	L	R		160	Aug 27, 1875	1st	45	45	1.4
Bill Hogg	23	R	R	6′ 0″	200	Sep 11, 1881	1st	39	22	0.6
Fred Jacklitsch	29	R	R	5′ 9″	180	May 24, 1876	6	1	1	0
Willie Keeler HOF	33	L	L	5′ 4″	140	Mar 3, 1872	14	149	149	2.7
Red Kleinow	27	R	R	5′ 10″	165	Jul 20, 1877	2	90	79	0.7
Frank LaPorte	25	R	R	5′ 8″	175	Feb 6, 1880	1st	11	11	0.5
Louis LeRoy	26	R	R	5′ 10″	180	Feb 18, 1879	1st	3	3	0
Joe McCarthy	23	R	R			Dec 25, 1881	1st	1	0	0
Deacon McGuire	41	R	R	6′ 1″	185	Nov 18, 1863	21	74	65	0.4
Doc Newton	27	L	L	6′ 0″	185	Oct 26, 1877	4	11	7	1.4
Rube Oldring	21	R	R	5′ 10″	186	May 30, 1884	1st	8	8	0.5
Al Orth	32	L	R	6′ 0″	200	Sep 5, 1872	11	55	39	5.8
Jack Powell	30	R	R	5′ 11″	195	Jul 9, 1874	9	37	23	0.1
Doc Powers	34	R	R	5′ 8″	160	Sep 22, 1870	7	11	10	-0.3
Ambrose Puttmann	24		L	6′ 4″	185	Sep 9, 1880	3	18	9	0.3
Jimmy Williams	28	R	R	5′ 9″	175	Dec 20, 1876	7	129	129	1.5
Joe Yeager	29	R	R	5′ 10″	160	Aug 28, 1875	7	116	108	2.8

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)

Pos	Name	Age	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA
C	Red Kleinow	27	88	279	253	23	56	6	3	1	24	7	20	34	0.221
1B	Hal Chase	22	128	501	465	60	116	16	6	3	49	22	15	62	0.249
2B	Jimmy Williams	28	129	540	470	54	107	20	8	6	62	14	50	46	0.228
SS	Kid Elberfeld	30	111	451	390	48	102	18	2	0	53	18	23	16	0.262
3B	Joe Yeager	29	115	449	401	54	107	16	7	0	42	8	25	28	0.267
OF	Willie Keeler	33	149	654	560	81	169	14	4	4	38	19	43	13	0.302
OF	Patsy Dougherty	28	116	459	418	56	110	9	6	3	29	17	28	40	0.263
OF	Dave Fultz	30	129	488	422	49	98	13	3	0	42	44	39	47	0.232
UT	Wid Conroy	28	101	427	385	55	105	19	11	2	25	25	32	47	0.273
C	Deacon McGuire	41	72	257	228	9	50	7	2	0	33	3	18	21	0.219
OF	Ed Hahn	29	43	199	160	32	51	5	0	0	11	1	25	10	0.319
OF	John Anderson	31	32	108	99	12	23	3	1	0	14	9	8	8	0.232
3B	Jim Cockman	32	13	44	38	5	4	0	0	0	2	2	4	10	0.105
2B	Frank LaPorte	25	11	41	40	4	16	1	0	1	12	1	1	4	0.4
UT	Doc Powers	34	11	38	33	3	6	1	0	0	2	0	1	6	0.182
SS	Rube Oldring	21	8	33	30	2	9	0	1	1	6	4	2	4	0.3
UT	Frank Delahanty	22	9	29	27	0	6	1	0	0	2	0	1	4	0.222
UT	Joe Connor	30	8	27	22	4	5	1	0	0	2	1	3	5	0.227
1B	Fred Curtis	24	2	10	9	0	2	1	0	0	2	1	1	0	0.222
C	Fred Jacklitsch	29	1	4	3	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	0
1B	Jack Doyle	35	1	4	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3B	Phil Cooney	22	1	3	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
C	Joe McCarthy	23	1	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
	Charlie Fallon	24	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
P	Al Orth	32	55	139	131	13	24	3	1	1	8	2	4	22	0.183
P	Jack Chesbro	31	41	116	112	6	21	6	3	0	10	2	2	32	0.188
P	Bill Hogg	23	39	73	67	3	4	0	0	0	1	0	5	23	0.06
P	Jack Powell	30	37	71	65	4	12	1	0	1	2	0	4	12	0.185
P	Clark Griffith	35	26	39	32	2	7	1	1	0	5	0	3	11	0.219
P	Ambrose Puttmann	24	18	34	32	3	10	1	2	0	2	0	0	8	0.313
P	Doc Newton	27	11	23	22	2	3	0	0	0	1	0	1	9	0.136
P	Walter Clarkson	26	9	19	19	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0.053
P	Louis LeRoy	26	3	10	8	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	0.125
P	Wilbur Good	19	5	8	8	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0.375
P	Art Goodwin	29	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Team Totals	29.3	152	5579	4957	588	1228	163	61	23	480	200	360	534	0.248
	Rank in 8 AL teams				8	3	3	7	4	3		1	6	1	3
	Non-Pitcher Totals	29.3	152	5047	4461	552	1142	151	54	21	451	196	340	408	0.256
	Pitcher Totals	29.3	152	532	496	36	86	12	7	2	29	4	20	126	0.173

1905 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

Pos	Name	Age	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER
SP	Al Orth	32	18	16	0.529	2.86	40	37	3	26	6	0	305.1	273	122	97
SP	Jack Chesbro	31	19	15	0.559	2.2	41	38	2	24	3	0	303.1	262	125	74
SP	Bill Hogg	23	9	13	0.409	3.2	39	22	13	9	3	1	205	178	104	73
SP	Jack Powell	30	8	13	0.381	3.5	37	23	12	13	1	1	203	214	107	79
RP	Clark Griffith	35	9	6	0.6	1.68	25	7	17	4	2	1	101.2	82	30	19
RP	Ambrose Puttmann	24	2	7	0.222	4.27	17	9	7	5	1	1	86.1	79	50	41
RP	Walter Clarkson	26	3	3	0.5	3.91	9	4	4	3	0	0	46	40	26	20
	Doc Newton	27	2	2	0.5	2.11	11	7	3	2	0	0	59.2	61	23	14
	Louis LeRoy	26	1	1	0.5	3.75	3	3	0	2	0	0	24	26	14	10
	Wilbur Good	19	0	2	0	4.74	5	2	3	0	0	0	19	18	17	10
	Art Goodwin	29	0	0		81	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.1	2	4	3
	Team Totals	29.1	71	78	0.477	2.93	152	152	64	88	16	4	1353.2	1235	622	440
	Rank in 8 AL teams		6	3		8				8	1	1	7	5	7	8

1905 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ Team splits

Opponent (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
Boston Americans (21)	8	13	0.381
Chicago White Sox (23)	7	15	0.318
Cleveland Naps (22)	10	12	0.455
Detroit Tigers (21)	8	13	0.381
Philadelphia Athletics (20)	8	11	0.421
St. Louis Browns (22)	15	7	0.682
Washington Senators (23)	15	7	0.682

1905 New York Yankees monthly record

Month (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
April (11)	7	4	0.636
May (26)	7	18	0.280
June (18)	9	9	0.500
July (27)	16	10	0.615
August (28)	16	12	0.571
September (34)	14	19	0.424
October (8)	2	6	0.250

How do you rate the 1905 New York Yankees?