1912 New York Yankees (Highlanders)

The final standing	8th in AL (Did not qualify for World Series)
Regular season record	50-102 (0.329)
Post-season record	(Not played)
AL rank	8th
World Series record and opponent	(Not played)
Manager	Harry Wolverton
Captain	Hal Chase
Top batter	Home runs: Guy Zinn (6), Hal Chase (4) BA: Hal Chase, Bert Danils (.274), Roy Hartzell (.272) Runs: Bert Daniels (72), Hal Chase (61), Guy Zinn (56) RBI: Hal Chase (58), Guy Zinn (55), Bert Daniels, Hack Simmons (41)
Top pitcher/ (W-L, ERA)	George McConnell: 8-12, 2.75
Attendance record	242,194 (7th of 8)

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

Name	Age	B	T	Ht	Wt	DoB	Yrs	G	GS	WAR
George Batten	20	R	R	5′ 11″	165	Oct 7, 1891	1st	1	1	-0.1
Ray Caldwell	24	L	R	6′ 2″	190	Apr 26, 1888	3	46	26	2.1
Hal Chase	29	R	L	6′ 0″	175	Feb 13, 1883	8	131	129	0.1
Curt Coleman	25	L	R	5′ 11″	180	Feb 18, 1887	1st	12	10	0.2
Birdie Cree	29	R	R	5′ 6″	150	Oct 23, 1882	5	50	50	1.4
Bert Daniels	29	R	R	5′ 9″	180	Oct 31, 1882	3	135	129	2.7
George Davis	22	B	R	5′ 10″	175	Mar 9, 1890	1st	10	7	-0.7
Cozy Dolan	29	R	R	5′ 10″	160	Dec 23, 1882	3	18	16	-0.3
John Dowd	21	R	R	5′ 8″	170	Jan 3, 1891	1st	10	9	-0.1
Gus Fisher	26	L	R	5′ 10″	175	Oct 21, 1885	2	4	2	-0.3
Ray Fisher	24	R	R	5′ 11″	180	Oct 4, 1887	3	17	13	-1.3
Russ Ford	29	R	R	5′ 11″	175	Apr 25, 1883	4	40	38	5.7
Earle Gardner	28	R	R	5′ 11″	160	Jan 24, 1884	5	43	42	-1
Roy Hartzell	30	L	R	5′ 8″	155	Jul 6, 1881	7	125	123	1.5
Red Hoff	21	L	L	5′ 9″	162	May 8, 1891	2	5	1	-0.2
Benny Kauff	22	L	L	5′ 8″	157	Jan 5, 1890	1st	5	2	0
Ray Keating	18	R	R	5′ 11″	185	Jul 21, 1893	1st	6	5	-0.1
Jack Lelivelt	26	L	L	5′ 11″	175	Nov 14, 1885	4	36	36	1.1
Jack Little	21	R	R	5′ 11″	175	Mar 12, 1891	1st	3	3	0
Pat Maloney	24	R	R	6′ 0″	150	Jan 19, 1888	1st	27	20	-0.2
Jack Martin	25	R	R	5′ 9″	159	Apr 19, 1887	1st	71	69	-0.1
George McConnell	34	R	R	6′ 3″	190	Sep 16, 1877	2	42	21	3.8
Tommy McMillan	24	R	R	5′ 5″	130	Apr 18, 1888	4	41	41	-0.2
Ezra Midkiff	29	L	R	5′ 10″	180	Nov 13, 1882	2	21	21	-0.1
Bill Otis	22	L	R	5′ 10″	150	Dec 24, 1889	1st	4	4	-0.3
Del Paddock	25	L	R	5′ 9″	165	Jun 8, 1887	1st	46	43	0.8
Johnny Priest	21	R	R	5′ 11″	170	Jun 23, 1891	2	3	0
Jack Quinn	28	R	R	6′ 0″	196	Jul 1, 1883	4	18	11	-1.2
Al Schulz	23	R	L	6′ 0″	182	May 12, 1889	1st	3	1	0.4
George Shears	22	R	L	6′ 3″	180	Apr 13, 1890	1st	4	0	-0.5
Hack Simmons	27	R	R	5′ 8″	179	Jan 29, 1885	2	110	105	-1.5
Klondike Smith	25	L	L	5′ 9″	160	Jan 4, 1887	1st	7	7	-0.3
Charles Sterrett	22	R	R	5′ 11″	165	Oct 1, 1889	1st	67	55	-0.4
Gabby Street	29	R	R	5′ 11″	180	Sep 30, 1882	7	29	25	-0.6
Bill Stumpf	20	R	R	6′ 0″	175	Mar 21, 1892	1st	44	36	-0.9
Ed Sweeney	23	R	R	6′ 1″	200	Jul 19, 1888	5	110	106	1.1
Carl Thompson	22	R	R	5′ 9″	170	Nov 7, 1889	1st	8	2	-0.8
Homer Thompson	21	R	R	5′ 9″	160	Jun 1, 1891	1st	1	0	0
Hippo Vaughn	24	B	L	6′ 4″	215	Apr 9, 1888	4	15	10	0
Jack Warhop	27	R	R	5′ 9″	168	Jul 4, 1884	5	42	22	7.2
Bob Williams	28	R	R	6′ 0″	190	Apr 27, 1884	2	21	15	-0.6
Harry Wolter	27	L	R	5′ 10″	175	Jul 11, 1884	5	12	9	0.4
Harry Wolverton	38	B	R	5′ 11″	205	Dec 6, 1873	9	35	6	0
Guy Zinn	25	L	R	5′ 10″	170	Feb 13, 1887	2	106	106	0.3

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)

Pos	Name	Age	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA
C	Ed Sweeney	23	110	390	351	37	94	12	1	0	30	6	5	27	16	0.268
1B	Hal Chase	29	131	566	522	61	143	21	9	4	58	33	22	17	40	0.274
2B	Hack Simmons	27	110	448	401	45	96	17	2	0	41	19	15	33	49	0.239
SS	Jack Martin	25	71	282	231	30	52	6	1	0	17	14	16	37	24	0.225
3B	Del Paddock	25	46	185	156	26	45	5	3	1	14	9	8	23	21	0.288
OF	Roy Hartzell	30	125	495	416	50	113	10	11	1	38	20	12	64	35	0.272
OF	Bert Daniels	29	135	584	496	72	136	25	11	2	41	37	20	51	52	0.274
OF	Guy Zinn	25	106	462	401	56	105	15	10	6	55	17	11	50	57	0.262
UT	Charles Sterrett	22	66	251	230	30	61	4	7	1	32	8	7	11	23	0.265
OF	Birdie Cree	29	50	220	190	25	63	11	6	0	22	12	19	20	25	0.332
SS	Tommy McMillan	24	41	175	149	24	34	2	0	0	12	18	10	15	8	0.228
2B	Earle Gardner	28	43	172	160	14	45	3	1	0	26	11	8	5	8	0.281
OF	Jack Lelivelt	26	36	154	149	12	54	6	7	2	23	7	8	4	9	0.362
SS	Bill Stumpf	20	42	143	129	8	31	0	0	0	10	5	2	6	20	0.24
C	Gabby Street	29	29	98	88	4	16	1	1	0	6	1	0	7	5	0.182
3B	Ezra Midkiff	29	21	97	86	9	21	1	0	0	9	4	4	7	12	0.244
OF	Pat Maloney	24	25	90	79	9	17	1	0	0	4	3	2	6	6	0.215
3B	Cozy Dolan	29	18	72	60	15	12	1	3	0	11	5	3	5	12	0.2
C	Bob Williams	28	20	58	44	7	6	1	0	0	3	0	0	9	8	0.136
3B	Harry Wolverton	38	34	56	50	6	15	1	1	0	4	1	0	2	7	0.3
3B	Curt Coleman	25	12	45	37	8	9	4	0	0	4	0	2	7	3	0.243
OF	Harry Wolter	27	12	43	32	8	11	2	1	0	1	5	3	10	4	0.344
SS	John Dowd	21	10	38	31	1	6	1	0	0	0	0	2	6	6	0.194
OF	Klondike Smith	25	7	29	27	0	5	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	5	0.185
OF	Bill Otis	22	4	20	17	1	1	0	0	0	2	0	1	3	3	0.059
OF	Benny Kauff	22	5	14	11	4	3	0	0	0	2	1	0	3	0	0.273
OF	Jack Little	21	3	14	12	2	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	1	4	0.25
C	Gus Fisher	26	4	10	10	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0.1
2B	George Batten	20	1	3	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
	Johnny Priest	21	2	3	2	1	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0.5
C	Homer Thompson	21	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
P	Russ Ford	29	40	126	112	15	32	8	0	1	8	2	1	6	31	0.286
P	Jack Warhop	27	39	102	92	12	19	2	0	0	6	2	1	7	6	0.207
P	George McConnell	34	42	100	91	11	27	4	2	0	8	0	0	4	8	0.297
P	Ray Caldwell	24	44	82	76	18	18	1	2	0	6	4	1	5	13	0.237
P	Jack Quinn	28	18	45	39	4	8	0	0	0	3	0	0	4	12	0.205
P	Ray Fisher	24	17	34	31	0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	12	0.065
P	Hippo Vaughn	24	15	22	21	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	0.095
P	George Davis	22	10	20	18	0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	10	0.111
P	Ray Keating	18	6	17	16	1	6	1	0	0	3	0	0	1	5	0.375
P	Carl Thompson	22	8	13	10	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	3	0.3
P	George Shears	22	4	7	6	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0.167
P	Al Schulz	23	3	7	5	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	3	0
P	Red Hoff	21	5	5	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.2
	Team Totals	26.8	153	5797	5092	632	1320	168	79	18	502	247	184	463	579	0.259
	Rank in 8 AL teams				5	7	6	7	6	6		4	7	5	3	5
	Non-Pitcher Totals	26.8	153	5217	4570	566	1199	151	75	17	466	239	180	429	467	0.262
	Pitcher Totals	27.3	153	580	522	66	121	17	4	1	36	8	4	34	112	0.232

1912 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	Russ Ford	29	13	21	0.382	3.55	36	35	1	30	0	0	291.2	317	165	115
SP	Jack Warhop	27	10	19	0.345	2.86	39	22	15	16	0	3	258	256	121	82
SP	Ray Caldwell	24	8	16	0.333	4.47	30	26	3	13	3	0	183.1	196	111	91
SP	George McConnell	34	8	12	0.4	2.75	23	20	3	19	0	0	176.2	172	96	54
SP	Jack Quinn	28	5	7	0.417	5.79	18	11	4	7	0	0	102.2	139	89	66
SP	Ray Fisher	24	2	8	0.2	5.88	17	13	2	5	0	0	90.1	107	70	59
RP	Hippo Vaughn	24	2	8	0.2	5.14	15	10	3	5	1	0	63	66	48	36
RP	Carl Thompson	22	0	2	0	6.06	7	2	5	1	0	0	32.2	43	32	22
	George Davis	22	1	4	0.2	6.5	10	7	2	5	0	0	54	61	43	39
	Ray Keating	18	0	3	0	5.8	6	5	1	3	0	0	35.2	36	27	23
	Al Schulz	23	1	1	0.5	2.2	3	1	2	1	0	0	16.1	11	8	4
	Red Hoff	21	0	1	0	6.89	5	1	2	0	0	0	15.2	20	14	12
	George Shears	22	0	0		5.4	4	0	4	0	0	0	15	24	18	9
	Team Totals	26.9	50	102	0.329	4.13	153	153	47	105	4	3	1335	1448	842	612
	Rank in 8 AL teams		8	1		8				3	8	8	8	8	8	8

1912 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ Team splits

Opponent (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
Boston Red Sox (21)	2	19	0.095
Chicago White Sox (22)	9	13	0.409
Cleveland Naps (22)	8	13	0.381
Detroit Tigers (22)	6	16	0.273
Philadelphia Athletics (22)	5	17	0.227
St. Louis Browns (22)	13	9	0.591
Washington Senators (22)	7	15	0.318

1912 New York Yankees monthly record

Month (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
April (12)	2	10	0.167
May (22)	10	12	0.455
June (27)	6	21	0.222
July (31)	13	18	0.419
August (32)	14	17	0.452
September (25)	4	21	0.160
October (4)	1	3	0.250

How do you rate the 1912 New York Yankees?