In his first season with the Giants, Tenney led MLB with 684 plate appearances and finished third in runs scored, with 101.
In a game against the Chicago Cubs on September 23, Tenney could not play due to an attack of lumbago; it was the only game he did not play in during the season.
Rookie Fred Merkle took his spot at first base.
The game was at a 1–1 tie in the bottom of the ninth.
Merkle, after hitting a single, was at first, and Moose McCormick was at third, with two outs.
Al Bridwell singled to center field, but Hank O'Day called Merkle out because Merkle had not touched second base.
O'Day ruled the game a 1–1 tie due to darkness.
With both teams finishing the season at a 98–55 record, a replay game had to be played to determine who would win the National League pennant.
The game was held on October 8, with the Cubs winning, 4–2.

After batting a career low .235 in 1909, Tenney was released by the Giants.
He spent the 1910 season as a player–manager for the minor league Lowell Tigers, leading the team to a 65–57 record, good for fourth (out of eight teams) in the New England League.
In his first season with the Giants, Tenney led MLB with 684 plate appearances and finished third in runs scored, with 101. In a game against the Chicago Cubs on September 23, Tenney could not play due to an attack of lumbago; it was the only game he did not play in during the season. Rookie Fred Merkle took his spot at first base. The game was at a 1–1 tie in the bottom of the ninth. Merkle, after hitting a single, was at first, and Moose McCormick was at third, with two outs. Al Bridwell singled to center field, but Hank O'Day called Merkle out because Merkle had not touched second base. O'Day ruled the game a 1–1 tie due to darkness. With both teams finishing the season at a 98–55 record, a replay game had to be played to determine who would win the National League pennant. The game was held on October 8, with the Cubs winning, 4–2.
After batting a career low .235 in 1909, Tenney was released by the Giants. He spent the 1910 season as a player–manager for the minor league Lowell Tigers, leading the team to a 65–57 record, good for fourth (out of eight teams) in the New England League.
Fred Tenney