1919 New York Yankees
Esteban Quiñones
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Table of Contents
The final standing | 3rd in AL (Did not qualify for World Series) |
Regular season record | 80-59 (.576) |
Post-season record | (Not played) |
AL rank | 3rd |
World Series record and opponent | (Not played) |
Manager | Miller Huggins |
Captain | Roger Peckinpaugh |
Top batter | Home runs: Home Run Baker 10), Wally Pipp, Roger Peckinpaugh, Duffy Lewis (7), Ping Bodie (6) BA: Roger Peckinpaugh (.305), Home Run Baker (.293), Del Pratt (.292) Runs: Roger Peckinpaugh (89), Wally Pip (74), Home Run Baker (70) RBI: Duffy Lewis (89), Home Run Baker (83), Ping Bodie (59) |
Top pitcher/ (W-L, ERA) | Bob Shawkey: 20-11, 2.72 Herb Thormahlen: 12-8, 2.62 |
Attendance record | 619,164 (3rd of 8) |
1919 New York Yankees season: A brief summary
The 1919 New York Yankees season, marking their 17th year, was a notable chapter in the early years of one of baseball’s most storied franchises. Finishing with a respectable 80-59 record, the Yankees demonstrated solid performance, though they fell short by 7½ games behind the American League champions, the Chicago White Sox.
Managed by the astute Miller Huggins, the team showcased a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans. The Polo Grounds, their home turf, was a historic venue that added to the grandeur of their games. The 1919 season was significant as it predated the arrival of Babe Ruth, who would join the team the following year and radically transform the Yankees’ fortunes.
While not the most triumphant in their history, the 1919 season was a stepping stone for the Yankees. It laid the groundwork for the incredible success that would follow in the ensuing decades, as they evolved into a baseball powerhouse. The team’s performance that year reflected a mix of promise and unfulfilled potential, characteristic of a squad on the cusp of greatness.
1919 New York Yankees: The year they captivated a nation
The remarkable surge in attendance for the New York Yankees during the 1919 season is a noteworthy aspect of their history. The team witnessed a dramatic increase, with attendance figures soaring to approximately 619,000, more than doubling from the previous year. This phenomenal growth in fan turnout is a testament to the growing popularity of the Yankees and baseball’s increasing appeal to the American public in the early 20th century.
Several factors might have contributed to this surge. The post-World War I era brought a renewed interest in leisure activities, and baseball, often referred to as “America’s Pastime,” was at the forefront of this movement. Additionally, the Yankees’ solid performance in the 1919 season likely heightened interest among fans, drawing larger crowds eager to witness the team’s competitive play.
The significant rise in attendance also underscored the burgeoning potential of the Yankees as a major draw in the sports world. It set the stage for the team’s future successes, both on the field and in their ability to attract fans in large numbers. This period marked the beginning of the Yankees’ journey toward becoming one of the most iconic and financially successful franchises in sports history.
Postseason result
(Did not qualify – Eliminated in Regular Season)
1919 New York Yankees roster
Name | Age | B | T | Ht | Wt | DoB | Yrs | G | GS | WAR | Salary |
Home Run Baker | 33 | L | R | 5′ 11″ | 173 | Mar 13, 1886 | 11 | 141 | 141 | 4 | $12,000 |
Ping Bodie | 31 | R | R | 5′ 8″ | 195 | Oct 8, 1887 | 7 | 134 | 134 | 2.4 | $3,600 |
Chick Fewster | 22 | R | R | 5′ 11″ | 160 | Nov 10, 1896 | 3 | 81 | 64 | 1.9 | $2,800 |
Frank Gleich | 25 | L | R | 5′ 11″ | 175 | Mar 7, 1894 | 1st | 5 | 0 | -0.1 | $1,500 |
George Halas | 24 | B | R | 6′ 0″ | 164 | Feb 2, 1895 | 1st | 13 | 4 | -0.4 | $2,400 |
Truck Hannah | 30 | R | R | 6′ 1″ | 190 | Jun 5, 1889 | 2 | 75 | 72 | 0.5 | $3,000 |
Fred Hofmann | 25 | R | R | 5′ 11″ | 175 | Jun 10, 1894 | 1st | 1 | 0 | 0 | $1,650 |
Frank Kane | 24 | L | R | 5′ 11″ | 175 | Mar 9, 1895 | 2 | 1 | 0 | $1,800 | |
Bill Lamar | 22 | L | R | 6′ 1″ | 185 | Mar 21, 1897 | 3 | 11 | 1 | -0.1 | $2,100 |
Duffy Lewis | 31 | R | R | 5′ 10″ | 165 | Apr 18, 1888 | 9 | 141 | 141 | 0.4 | $5,500 |
Carl Mays | 27 | L | R | 5′ 11″ | 195 | Nov 12, 1891 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 2.9 | $8,000 |
Bob McGraw | 24 | R | R | 6′ 2″ | 160 | Apr 10, 1895 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0.2 | $2,000 |
George Mogridge | 30 | L | L | 6′ 2″ | 165 | Feb 18, 1889 | 7 | 35 | 18 | 1.4 | $3,800 |
Luke Nelson | 25 | R | R | 6′ 0″ | 180 | Dec 4, 1893 | 1st | 9 | 1 | 0.2 | |
Lefty O’Doul | 22 | L | L | 6′ 0″ | 180 | Mar 4, 1897 | 1st | 19 | 0 | -0.2 | $1,800 |
Roger Peckinpaugh | 28 | R | R | 5′ 10″ | 165 | Feb 5, 1891 | 9 | 122 | 119 | 6.3 | $6,500 |
Wally Pipp | 26 | L | L | 6′ 1″ | 180 | Feb 17, 1893 | 6 | 138 | 138 | 2.6 | $5,000 |
Del Pratt | 31 | R | R | 5′ 11″ | 175 | Jan 10, 1888 | 8 | 140 | 139 | 5.4 | $6,500 |
Jack Quinn | 35 | R | R | 6′ 0″ | 196 | Jul 1, 1883 | 9 | 38 | 31 | 3.8 | |
Muddy Ruel | 23 | R | R | 5′ 9″ | 150 | Feb 20, 1896 | 4 | 79 | 69 | 0.6 | $2,400 |
Allen Russell | 25 | B | R | 5′ 11″ | 165 | Jul 31, 1893 | 5 | 23 | 9 | -0.6 | $2,800 |
Pete Schneider | 23 | R | R | 6′ 1″ | 194 | Aug 20, 1895 | 6 | 7 | 4 | -0.2 | $4,000 |
Bob Shawkey | 28 | R | R | 5′ 11″ | 168 | Dec 4, 1890 | 7 | 41 | 27 | 3.6 | $5,000 |
Ernie Shore | 28 | R | R | 6′ 4″ | 220 | Mar 24, 1891 | 6 | 20 | 13 | -0.6 | $6,000 |
Walt Smallwood | 26 | R | R | 6′ 2″ | 190 | Apr 24, 1893 | 2 | 6 | 0 | -0.1 | |
Herb Thormahlen | 22 | L | L | 6′ 0″ | 180 | Jul 5, 1896 | 3 | 30 | 25 | 2.7 | $3,000 |
Sammy Vick | 24 | R | R | 5′ 10″ | 163 | Apr 12, 1895 | 3 | 106 | 97 | 0.6 | $2,000 |
Curt Walker | 22 | L | R | 5′ 9″ | 170 | Jul 3, 1896 | 1st | 1 | 0 | ||
Aaron Ward | 22 | R | R | 5′ 10″ | 160 | Aug 28, 1896 | 3 | 29 | 3 | 0 | $1,600 |
Al Wickland | 31 | L | L | 5′ 7″ | 155 | Jan 27, 1888 | 5 | 26 | 6 | -0.8 |
1919 New York Yankees player additions, transactions, and trades
December 1918:
- December 9: Purchased Pete Schneider from the Cincinnati Reds.
- December 15: Signed Jack Quinn as a free agent. (League ruled player was New York Yankees property following procedural claim by the club). (Date given is approximate. Exact date is uncertain.)
- December 18: Signed George Halas as a free agent.
- December 18: Traded Ray Caldwell, Frank Gilhooley, Slim Love, Roxy Walters, and $15,000 to the Boston Red Sox. Received Dutch Leonard, Duffy Lewis, and Ernie Shore.
February 1919:
- Traded players to be named later to Vernon (PCL). Received Jack Quinn. The New York Yankees sent Joseph Finneran (February 1919), Sammy Ross (minors) (February 1919), and Zinn Beck (February 1919) to Vernon (PCL) to complete the trade.
March 1919:
- March: Returned Jack Fournier to Los Angeles (Pacific Coast) following previous purchase.
- March 6: Ray Keating player rights sold to the Boston Braves.
- March 15: Ray Fisher selected by the Cincinnati Reds off waivers.
- March 21: Cliff Markle player rights sold to Salt Lake City (PCL).
May 1919:
- May 17: Dutch Leonard player rights sold to the Detroit Tigers for $12,000.
June 1919:
- June 10: Traded a player to be named later to St. Paul (American Association). Received Al Wickland. The New York Yankees sent George Halas (July 11, 1919) to St. Paul (American Association) to complete the trade.
- June 13: Bill Lamar player rights sold to the Boston Red Sox.
July 1919:
- July 29: Traded Bob McGraw, Allen Russell, and $40,000 to the Boston Red Sox. Received a player to be named later. The Boston Red Sox sent Carl Mays (July 30, 1919) to the New York Yankees to complete the trade.
August 1919:
- August (approximate date): Received Curt Walker from Augusta (South Atlantic) as part of a conditional deal for $1,000.
- August 7: Purchased Frank Gleich from Saginaw (Michigan-Ontario).
- August 20: Purchased Rip Collins from Dallas (Texas).
- August 20: Traded a player to be named later to Vernon (PCL). Received Bob Meusel. The New York Yankees sent Red Smith (March 10, 1920) to Vernon (PCL) to complete the trade.
1919 New York Yankees player Debuts
- Frank Gleich – 09-17-1919 – 25 years old
- George Halas – 05-06-1919 – 24 years old
- Fred Hofmann – 09-26-1919 – 25 years old
- Luke Nelson – 05-25-1919 – 25 years old
- Lefty O’Doul – 04-29-1919 – 22 years old
- Curt Walker – 09-17-1919 – 23 years old
1919 New York Yankees team stats (batting)
Pos | Name | Age | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA |
C | Muddy Ruel | 23 | 79 | 275 | 233 | 18 | 56 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 4 | 34 | 26 | 0.24 |
1B | Wally Pipp | 26 | 138 | 597 | 523 | 74 | 144 | 23 | 10 | 7 | 50 | 9 | 39 | 42 | 0.275 |
2B | Del Pratt | 31 | 140 | 583 | 527 | 69 | 154 | 27 | 7 | 4 | 56 | 22 | 36 | 24 | 0.292 |
SS | Roger Peckinpaugh | 28 | 122 | 539 | 453 | 89 | 138 | 20 | 2 | 7 | 33 | 10 | 59 | 37 | 0.305 |
3B | Home Run Baker | 33 | 141 | 623 | 567 | 70 | 166 | 22 | 1 | 10 | 83 | 13 | 44 | 18 | 0.293 |
OF | Ping Bodie | 31 | 134 | 533 | 475 | 45 | 132 | 27 | 8 | 6 | 59 | 15 | 36 | 46 | 0.278 |
OF | Duffy Lewis | 31 | 141 | 602 | 559 | 67 | 152 | 23 | 4 | 7 | 89 | 8 | 17 | 42 | 0.272 |
OF | Sammy Vick | 24 | 106 | 449 | 407 | 59 | 101 | 15 | 9 | 2 | 27 | 9 | 35 | 55 | 0.248 |
UT | Chick Fewster | 22 | 81 | 295 | 244 | 38 | 69 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 8 | 34 | 36 | 0.283 |
C | Truck Hannah | 30 | 75 | 260 | 227 | 14 | 54 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 20 | 0 | 22 | 19 | 0.238 |
OF | Al Wickland | 31 | 26 | 49 | 46 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 0.152 |
UT | Aaron Ward | 22 | 27 | 40 | 34 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 0.206 |
OF | George Halas | 24 | 12 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0.091 |
OF | Bill Lamar | 22 | 11 | 18 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0.188 |
OF | Frank Gleich | 25 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.25 |
Curt Walker | 22 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
C | Fred Hofmann | 25 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Frank Kane | 24 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
P | Jack Quinn | 35 | 38 | 105 | 91 | 7 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 17 | 0.209 |
P | Bob Shawkey | 28 | 41 | 102 | 94 | 5 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 0.234 |
P | Herb Thormahlen | 22 | 30 | 67 | 59 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 21 | 0.186 |
P | George Mogridge | 30 | 35 | 55 | 48 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 0.125 |
P | Carl Mays | 27 | 13 | 48 | 45 | 6 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.311 |
P | Ernie Shore | 28 | 20 | 31 | 28 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.143 |
P | Allen Russell | 25 | 23 | 31 | 30 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0.233 |
P | Lefty O’Doul | 22 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0.25 |
P | Pete Schneider | 23 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.111 |
P | Luke Nelson | 25 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.143 |
P | Walt Smallwood | 26 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
P | Bob McGraw | 24 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Team Totals | 28.5 | 141 | 5374 | 4775 | 582 | 1275 | 193 | 49 | 45 | 494 | 101 | 386 | 479 | 0.267 | |
Rank in 8 AL teams | 1 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | |||||
Non-Pitcher Totals | 28.6 | 141 | 4893 | 4340 | 551 | 1186 | 184 | 47 | 45 | 467 | 99 | 366 | 370 | 0.273 | |
Pitcher Totals | 28.3 | 141 | 481 | 435 | 31 | 89 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 27 | 2 | 20 | 109 | 0.205 |
1919 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 | Jack Quinn | 35 | 15 | 14 | 0.517 | 2.61 | 38 | 31 | 6 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 266 | 242 | 96 | 77 |
SP | Bob Shawkey | 28 | 20 | 11 | 0.645 | 2.72 | 41 | 27 | 11 | 22 | 3 | 5 | 261.1 | 218 | 94 | 79 |
SP | Herb Thormahlen | 22 | 12 | 8 | 0.6 | 2.62 | 30 | 25 | 3 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 188.2 | 155 | 69 | 55 |
SP | George Mogridge | 30 | 10 | 9 | 0.526 | 2.77 | 35 | 18 | 9 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 169 | 159 | 68 | 52 |
SP | Carl Mays | 27 | 9 | 3 | 0.75 | 1.65 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 120 | 96 | 34 | 22 |
SP | Ernie Shore | 28 | 5 | 8 | 0.385 | 4.17 | 20 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 95 | 105 | 50 | 44 |
RP | Allen Russell | 25 | 5 | 5 | 0.5 | 3.47 | 23 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 90.2 | 89 | 48 | 35 |
RP | Luke Nelson | 25 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2.96 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24.1 | 22 | 9 | 8 |
RP | Walt Smallwood | 26 | 0 | 0 | 4.98 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21.2 | 20 | 12 | 12 | |
RP | Bob McGraw | 24 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3.31 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16.1 | 11 | 6 | 6 |
Pete Schneider | 23 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3.41 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 19 | 14 | 11 | |
Lefty O’Doul | 22 | 0 | 0 | 3.6 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 2 | ||
Team Totals | 28.2 | 80 | 59 | 0.576 | 2.82 | 141 | 141 | 55 | 85 | 14 | 7 | 1287 | 1143 | 506 | 403 | |
Rank in 8 AL teams | 3 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
1919 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ Team splits
Opponent (Games) | Won | Lost | WP |
Boston Red Sox (19) | 9 | 10 | 0.474 |
Chicago White Sox (20) | 8 | 12 | 0.400 |
Cleveland Indians (20) | 7 | 13 | 0.350 |
Detroit Tigers (20) | 12 | 8 | 0.600 |
Philadelphia Athletics (20) | 18 | 2 | 0.900 |
St. Louis Browns (20) | 12 | 8 | 0.600 |
Washington Senators (22) | 14 | 6 | 0.700 |
1919 New York Yankees monthly Record
Month (Games) | Won | Lost | WP |
April (4) | 2 | 2 | 0.500 |
May (23) | 13 | 8 | 0.619 |
June (28) | 20 | 8 | 0.714 |
July (34) | 13 | 21 | 0.382 |
August (28) | 16 | 12 | 0.571 |
September (24) | 16 | 8 | 0.667 |
George Halas and the Yankees: A unique chapter in early sports history
On December 18, 1918, an intriguing crossover in the world of sports occurred when George Halas, who would later achieve legendary status as the coach of the Chicago Bears in football, was signed as a free agent by the New York Yankees. This moment represents a fascinating intersection of baseball and football history, featuring a figure who would go on to be synonymous with the National Football League (NFL).
Halas’ signing with the Yankees is a testament to his athletic versatility and prowess. Before emerging as a titan in the football world, he showcased talent in baseball, enough to be recognized and signed by one of baseball’s most prominent franchises. His time with the Yankees, although not as celebrated or as impactful as his football career, is a noteworthy aspect of his early sports career.
This moment also reflects the multi-sport nature of athletes during this era, where specialization was less common than in modern times. Athletes like Halas often played multiple sports, sometimes switching between them seasonally.
George Halas’ signing with the Yankees is more than a historical footnote; it highlights the diverse athletic background of a man who would later revolutionize professional football. It’s a reminder of the interconnected history of American sports and the multifaceted nature of the athletes who played during this period.
How do you rate the 1919 New York Yankees?