A speedy, sure-handed outfielder, Shannon was aquired by the Giants from the Cardinals
in mid-1906 to become John McGraw's leadoff hitter. He led the NL in runs scored
(104) in 1907, despite hitting only .265; his 82 walks compensated for his weak bat.
When his batting average dropped to .224 the next year, he was sold to Pittsburgh.
(JK)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»July 14, 1906: At Robison Field, the Giants clip the Cardinals 5-1 and 4-0 with the help of two additions to the lineup. Cy Seymour, last year's near triple-crown winner, is a new addition from the Reds for $12,000. Seymour was with the Giants from 1896 to 1900 as a pitcher and outfielder, and in 1905 led the NL in batting, RBIs, slugging percentage, and 2nd in homers (8). Cy has four hits for the Giants today. The other addition is Spike Shannon, who moves over from the Cardinal dugout in exchange for Sam Mertes and Doc Marshall. Spike has three hits and two runs in the opener. Mathewson wins the nitecap, shutting out the Birds on six hits.
»August 13, 1906:
The host Giants sweep the Pirates, winning 6-1 and 2-1. Hooks Wiltse is the winner in the opener, while Mathewson matches him in the nitecap. Spike Shannon's 9th inning single off Lefty Leifield brings home the game-winner in the 2nd game.
»April 26, 1907: At soggy Baker Bowl, Christy Mathewson scatters nine hits to beat the Phils, 4-3, in eight innings. The Giants tally 14 hits, led by Spike Shannon's four. New York bats in the 9th without scoring, and the Phils put tying run on 2B before the rain pours down. Umpire Charles Rigler then calls the game. The Giants have now won two in a row, but the streak will grow.
»June 11, 1907: At St. Louis, the Giants use three pitchers to beat Stoney McGlynn, 8-7. Christy Mathewson, the 3rd pitcher, picks up the victory. Ex-Card Spike Shannon provides a key triple to give New York the win.
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