The rain-soaked backdrop of Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park proved no match for the Reds’ dominant performance, as they splashed their way to a 9-1 thrashing of the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night. This hard-fought win marked a triumphant conclusion to a closely contested series, with the Reds ultimately securing a series split against their Central Division rivals. In the midst of a grueling stretch of games, this resounding victory was a much-needed boost for the Reds, who showed remarkable resilience in the face of inclement weather.
Pete Henning’s Unexpected Rise to Fame
A Humble Beginning: From Crown Point to Chicago
Ernest Herman Henning was born on December 28, 1887, in Crown Point, Indiana, to Fredrick and Wilhelmina (Boesel) Henning. Ernest was the fifth of six children and the only boy. Their parents were born in Pomerania, which currently is divided between Germany and Poland. On April 20, 1884, Fred and Wilhelmina arrived in Baltimore with three daughters plus several of Wilhelmina’s relatives.
In the 1900 census the family was living within Crown Point’s city limits, though they farmed nearby before that. Ernest was 13 years old and attending school. However, none of the Hennings graduated from Crown Point High School. The Henning siblings remained closely knit, especially late in their lives. Crown Point is in the center of Lake County, which borders Chicago.
Early Success: Henning’s Rise to Prominence in the Federal League
By September of 1907 Henning was the local team’s regular pitcher, at the age of 19. On May 10, 1908, he and two teammates went to Chicago to study major leaguers during a doubleheader. They saw Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown win the opener for the Cubs, after which Vic Willis hurled a 1-0 complete game for the Pirates.
The next month Henning struck out 17 batters from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, and later in June he pitched a game for those collegians. Numerous other teams in Chicago reportedly wanted him. Meanwhile, on July 26 Henning won a complete game of historical significance when an African-American team, the Chicago Union Giants, visited Crown Point. The score was 7-6.
In 1909 Henning led Crown Point to a 19-2 record by late September. As a result, Jimmy Callahan of Chicago’s Logan Squares semipro team asked Henning to pitch for the team against the AL’s White Sox on October 18. “Henning, who is the soul of modesty, has accepted the offer, upon the advise [sic] of his many Crown Point admirers with the same unassuming fashion that has marked his successful career,” wrote the Lake County Times a bit wistfully.
Crown Point fandom views the situation in a peculiar manner for if Pete makes good he’s lost to the local team next year, for Jimmy Callahan isn’t letting any food on the baseball plate go back to the kitchen, but when all’s said and done, Crown Point is willing to lose Henning if in losing him he steps up another rung on the ladder of baseball fans.
The Federal League’s Significance: How It Shaped Henning’s Future in Baseball
Pete Henning didn’t even have American or National League experience; he peaked as a pitcher in the Federal League during 1914 and 1915. Born on December 28, 1887, in Crown Point, Indiana, Ernest Herman Henning was the fifth of six children and the only boy. Their parents were born in Pomerania, which currently is divided between Germany and Poland.
On April 20, 1884, Fred and Wilhelmina arrived in Baltimore with three daughters plus several of Wilhelmina’s relatives. In the 1900 census the family was living within Crown Point’s city limits, though they farmed nearby before that. Ernest was 13 years old and attending school. However, none of the Hennings graduated from Crown Point High School.
Henning’s Noteworthy Games and Encounters
The Game That Caught Attention: Henning’s Encounter with the White Sox
On October 18, 1909, Jimmy Callahan of Chicago’s Logan Squares semipro team asked Henning to pitch for the team against the AL’s White Sox. “Henning, who is the soul of modesty, has accepted the offer, upon the advise [sic] of his many Crown Point admirers with the same unassuming fashion that has marked his successful career,” wrote the Lake County Times a bit wistfully.
The game was at Logan Square Park, and at least 80 fans from Crown Point watched as Henning limited the White Sox to two runs in a complete-game loss. He struck out six and scattered nine hits. The Times said Callahan tried to sign Henning afterward, at a salary of nearly $1,000.
A Rivalry Born: Henning’s Matches Against the Chicago Giants and Negro National League Legends
Henning did so well early on that in mid-May the AL’s Philadelphia Athletics reportedly tried to purchase his contract. Around then he faced one of the other five teams in the City League, the Chicago Giants, which became a founding franchise of the Negro National League in 1920. Henning lost to Hall of Famer Joe Williams, 4-1, despite yielding just four hits.
Two weeks later Henning outdueled their other ace, Walter Ball, 2-1. In late July Henning topped Williams, 1-0, and gave up only three hits. Henning’s most significant game for the Logan Squares outside the City League may have been early that summer when he led his team to an 8-2 win over the Cuban Stars.
Henning’s Legacy and Its Lasting Impact
A Life Beyond Baseball: Henning’s Connection to the 1919 Black Sox Scandal
Who’d have thought that almost a decade after Pete Henning’s final major-league game he could run afoul of none other than Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis? What’s more, he was connected to an obscure aftereffect of the momentous 1919 Black Sox Scandal.
Yet Henning didn’t even have American or National League experience; he peaked as a pitcher in the Federal League during 1914 and 1915.
A Lasting Impact: How Henning’s Story Continues to Resonate with Baseball Community
Henning’s story continues to captivate the baseball community, a testament to his enduring legacy. His remarkable journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of remembering the pioneers who paved the way for future generations.
As we reflect on Henning’s remarkable career, we are reminded of the significance of the Federal League and its impact on the game. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our baseball heritage and honoring the pioneers who helped shape the game we love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Reds’ 9-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals marked a thrilling conclusion to their series, securing a split and demonstrating the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. Throughout the series, the Reds showcased their ability to adapt and overcome, with key performances from players like Tyler Mahle and Joey Votto. Despite the Cardinals’ strong pitching, the Reds’ offense proved unstoppable, with a combined 13 runs scored over the two games.
The significance of this series cannot be overstated, as it cements the Reds’ position as a force to be reckoned with in the National League. With the season entering its final stretch, this series win serves as a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and confidence. As the Reds look to the future, they will be eager to build on this momentum, capitalizing on their strengths and addressing areas for improvement. With the playoffs looming, every game becomes increasingly crucial, and the Reds’ ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be tested like never before.
In the end, the Reds’ series split against the Cardinals stands as a testament to the team’s character and determination. As the team moves forward, they will be driven by a desire to prove themselves as a legitimate contender, and this series win will serve as a powerful motivator. As the Reds continue to push towards the postseason, one thing is clear: their ability to overcome adversity will be the key to their success.