1912 New York Yankees (Highlanders)

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1912 New York Yankees season: A brief summary

The 1912 New York Yankees (Highlanders) season stands as a significant chapter in the storied history of one of baseball’s most iconic franchises, marking the end of an era and the beginning of another. This season was their tenth and final campaign under the “Highlanders” moniker before the team officially adopted the “Yankees” name, a title that would soon become synonymous with success and tradition in Major League Baseball.

Playing their home games at Hilltop Park for the last time, the 1912 New York Yankees faced a challenging year, finishing with a dismal record of 50 wins and 102 losses. This placed them in 8th position, firmly at the bottom of the American League standings. The season’s performance was one of the lowest points in the franchise’s history, with the team not finishing in last place again until 1966, indicating the rarity of such a disappointing outcome for the club.

Managed by Harry Wolverton, the team struggled to find consistent success on the field, leading to one of only two seasons in the Yankees’ history where the team lost 100 or more games, the other being in 1908. Despite the on-field struggles, the season was pivotal in the evolution of the Yankees’ identity. It marked the first time the famous “NY” logo was prominently featured on the front of the team’s jerseys, a design element that would become an enduring symbol of the franchise and its rich heritage.

Reflecting on the 1912 New York Yankees season provides a stark contrast to their later achievements and underscores the transformative journey the franchise has undergone. From the depths of a 100-loss season to the pinnacle of baseball success, the Yankees’ story is one of resilience and redemption. The 1912 season, with all its challenges, represents a foundational moment that paved the way for the birth of a baseball dynasty, making it a fascinating study for fans and historians alike.

Postseason result

(Did not qualify – Eliminated in regular season)

1912 New York Yankees roster

1912 New York Yankees player additions, transactions, and trades

February 1912:

• February (approximate date): Purchased Alva Williams from the Boston Red Sox.
• February 17: Traded a player to be named later and John Knight to the Washington Nationals. Received Gabby Street. The New York Highlanders sent Alva Williams (February 22, 1912) to the Washington Nationals to complete the trade.

April 1912:

• April 9: Selected Gus Fisher off waivers from the Cleveland Naps.

May 1912:

• May 30: Purchased Ray Keating from Lawrence (New England) for $7,000.
• May 31: Cozy Dolan player rights sold to Rochester (International).

June 1912:

• June 24: Hippo Vaughn selected by the Washington Nationals off waivers.

July 1912:

• July (approximate date): Purchased Klondike Smith from Brockton (New England).
• July 2: Purchased John Dowd from Brockton (New England).
• July 12: Signed George Davis as an amateur free agent.
• July 21: Purchased Del Paddock from Dubuque (Three-I).

August 1912:

• August (approximate date): Traded Ernie Shore and cash to Indianapolis (American Association). Received Ted Goulait.
• August 12: Traded Jack Martin and Jack Quinn to Rochester (International). Received Tommy McMillan.
• August 23: Traded a player to be named later and Guy Zinn to Rochester (International). Received Jack Lelivelt. The New York Highlanders sent Klondike Smith (minors) (August 28, 1912) to Rochester (International) to complete the trade.

September 1912:

• September (approximate date): Drafted Ralph Young from Harrisburg (Tri-State) in the 1912 rule 5 draft.
• September 16: Drafted Red McKee from Indianapolis (American Association) in the 1912 rule 5 draft.
• September 18: Traded Red McKee to the Detroit Tigers. Received Claud Derrick.

1912 New York Yankees player debuts

• George Batten – 09-28-1912 – 20 years old
• Curt Coleman – 04-13-1912 – 25 years old
• George Davis – 07-16-1912 – 22 years old
• John Dowd – 07-03-1912 – 21 years old
• Benny Kauff – 04-20-1912 – 22 years old
• Ray Keating – 09-12-1912 – 19 years old
• Jack Little – 07-02-1912 – 21 years old
• Pat Maloney – 06-19-1912 – 24 years old
• Jack Martin – 04-25-1912 – 25 years old
• Bill Otis – 07-04-1912 – 22 years old
• Al Schulz – 09-25-1912 – 23 years old
• George Shears – 04-24-1912 – 22 years old
• Klondike Smith – 09-28-1912 – 25 years old
• Dutch Sterrett – 06-20-1912 – 22 years old
• Bill Stumpf – 05-11-1912 – 20 years old
• Carl Thompson – 06-05-1912 – 22 years old
• Homer Thompson – 10-05-1912 – 21 years old

1912 New York Yankees team stats (batting)

1912 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

1912 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ Team splits

1912 New York Yankees monthly record

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