Year In Review : 1902 American League
Off the field...
The National Bureau of the Census was established and later became part of the Department of Commerce, a federal executive department that was charged with promoting U.S. economic development and technological advancement. Among its tasks was the taking of censuses, promotion of American business at home and abroad, establishing standard weights and measures, and issuing patents and registering trademarks.
In the American League...
The Cleveland Indians became the first American League team to hit three consecutive home runs in one inning as Nap Lajoie, Legs Hickman, and Bill Bradley all connected off St. Louis Browns pitcher Jack Harper (in the sixth) on the way to a 17-2 victory.
In July, the Baltimore Orioles were forced to forfeit a game to St. Louis and their team to the league. With only five players available for the line-up, the American League's front office borrowed back-up players from several other teams and maintained the franchise for the remainder of the season.
In the National League...
In Chicago, the Cincinnati Reds Cy Seymour set a Major League record by hitting four sacrifice flies in a 6-1 win over the Colts (Cubs).
Pittsburgh Pirate Honus Wagner committed "Grand Larceny" after stealing second, third and home during the second game of an August 13th doubleheader against the Boston Braves. Amazingly, it wasn't the first time as Wagner had originally accomplished the feat in 1899.
Around the league...
Former editor of the Louisville Commercial, Harry Pulliam was elected as the President of the National League. His reputation for honesty and businesslike approach to baseball helped forge a peace between the American and National Leagues that resulted in the "National Agreement" that governed baseball through 1920. In February of 1909 Pulliam began showing signs of mental illness and eventually suffered a nervous breakdown. Later that year he committed suicide by shooting himself in his room at the New York Athletic Club.
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