1911 New York Yankees (Highlanders)

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1911 New York Yankees season: A brief summary

The 1911 New York Yankees (Highlanders) season was a study in middling performance, camaraderie amidst rivalry, and the unforeseen circumstances that can dramatically impact the world of baseball. Finishing with an evenly split record of 76 wins and 76 losses, the Highlanders (who would become better known as the Yankees) landed squarely in the middle of the pack, sixth in the American League, under the management of Hal Chase. Their performance on the field was as balanced as their win-loss record suggests, indicating a team with potential that perhaps struggled to find the consistency needed to climb higher in the standings.

Playing their home games at Hilltop Park, the Highlanders were in the midst of solidifying their identity in New York’s baseball scene, with the press increasingly favoring the nickname “Yankees.” This season, however, would be remembered not just for the games played on the field but for an act of sportsmanship that transcended team rivalries.

The regular 1911 New York Yankees season was marked by an event that today would be considered extraordinary. Relations between the Highlanders and their cross-town rivals, the New York Giants, were tense, mirroring the competitive spirit that defines New York sports. However, this tension was set aside following a catastrophic fire in April that destroyed a significant portion of the Polo Grounds, the Giants’ home field. In an act of generosity, the Highlanders offered the Giants the use of Hilltop Park, allowing their rivals a place to play while their home field was being rebuilt.

This gesture of goodwill, coming at a time when sports rivalries were as heated as ever, is a poignant reminder of the camaraderie that can exist even among fierce competitors. Although the Giants were able to return to a partially rebuilt Polo Grounds two months later, the Highlanders’ act of kindness would not be forgotten. It laid the groundwork for a reciprocal act of generosity two years later, further entwining the destinies of these two iconic New York teams.

The 1911 New York Yankees season, therefore, is a fascinating chapter in the early history of the Yankees franchise. It reflects not only the trials and tribulations of a baseball team trying to find its footing but also the unexpected moments of unity and support that define the sports community. This blend of on-field performance and off-field camaraderie offers a unique perspective on the era and the evolving landscape of baseball in New York.

Postseason result

(Did not qualify – Eliminated in regular season)

1911 New York Yankees roster

1911 New York Yankees player additions, transactions, and trades

January 1911:

• January 3: Fred Mitchell player rights sold to Rochester (Eastern).

February 1911:

• February 11: Traded Jimmy Austin and Frank LaPorte to the St. Louis Browns. Received Roy Hartzell and cash.

June 1911:

• June 15: Roxey Roach player rights sold to Jersey City (Eastern).

July 1911:

• July (exact date uncertain): Traded Justin Fitzgerald, Ed Klepfer, and cash to Sioux City (Western). Received Jeff Clarke (minors).

September 1911:

• September 1 (approximate date): Drafted Bill Stumpf from York (Tri-State) in the 1911 rule 5 draft.

1911 New York Yankees player debuts

• Bill Bailey – 04-21-1911 – 29 years old
• Gene Elliott – 04-13-1911 – 22 years old
• Justin Fitzgerald – 06-20-1911 – 19 years old
• Mike Handiboe – 09-08-1911 – 24 years old
• Chet Hoff – 09-06-1911 – 20 years old
• Otis Johnson – 04-12-1911 – 27 years old
• Ed Klepfer – 07-04-1911 – 23 years old
• Stubby Magner – 07-12-1911 – 23 years old
• Johnny Priest – 05-30-1911 – 19 years old
• Ed Wilkinson – 07-04-1911 – 21 years old
• Bob Williams – 07-03-1911 – 27 years old
• Guy Zinn – 09-11-1911 – 24 years old

1911 New York Yankees team stats (batting)

1911 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

1911 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ Team splits

1911 New York Yankees monthly record

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