In 1914 Sweeney stole 19 bases - the most ever by a Yankee catcher. He did the bulk
of New York's catching from 1910 through 1914. He reportedly played a role in star
first baseman Hal Chase's fall from grace in 1913. Sweeney didn't like the way Chase
was mocking manager Frank Chance for the team's amusement. He told Chance, and Chase
was suddenly dealt to the White Sox.
(MG)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»May 12, 1911: Against the Yankees at Bennett Park, Ty Cobb scores a run from 1st on a short single to right, scores from 2B on a wild pitch, then doubles home two runs in the 7th to tie the game. When New York C Ed Sweeney vehemently argues the call at the plate, the rest of the infield gathers, leaving Cobb untended at 2B. With no time out called, Cobb strolls to third base, and then ambles in to observe the continuing argument. When he spots an opening in the circle of players, he quickly slides in with the go-ahead run. The Tigers win, 6–5.
»April 14, 1914:
Before 22,000 at the Polo Grounds, the Yankees rock the World Champion Athletics, 8–2, driving Joe Bush from the mound after two innings. With only one starter, Roy Hartzell, back from last year's opening lineup, New York scores four in the first and would have scored another in the 2nd inning but Jeff Sweeney falls rounding 3B. When the burly catcher is helped to his feet by coach and manager Frank Chance, he is declared out by Billy Evans: a new rule prohibits coaches from helping runners. Sweeney redeems himself when he and pitcher Marty McHale pull off a double steal. New York has seven steals, including two by Sweeney and Fritz Maisel, who steals 2B and 3B in the 4th inning. Maisel will swipe 74 bases on the year, while Sweeney will pick up 19, tops for Yankee catchers.
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