Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe 1871-Present

Garrett Garlits · May 20, 2017

Now it's time for Game 6 of the 1920 World Series. Game 5 ended about half an hour ago, and the players from both teams are back on the field.

Lineup Changes:

Giants- Roy Grimes will make his second start of the series at second base and bat seventh. Also, it's Frank Snyder's turn in the catching rotation; he'll bat eighth.

Indians- The Tribe is going back to its Game 1 lineup: Joe Evans leading off in left field, George Burns batting cleanup and playing first base, and Smokey Joe Wood batting sixth in right field.

Giants 1st: The Indians' defense began to let down starter Duster Mails right away. Left fielder George Burns grounded the second pitch of the game down to short, but Joe Sewell broke late on the ball and had to make an off-balance throw that pulled his first baseman, also named George Burns, off the bag for an error. Next, Dave Bancroft hit a routine fly to center. Tris Speaker jogged in to make the catch, only for the ball to hit the heel of his glove and bounce out for yet another error. Ross Youngs' fly to right center moved New York's Burns to third, and George scored on Frankie Frisch's single to left to give the Giants a 1-0 lead. High Pockets Kelly then stroked a single to left center that scored Bancroft and made it 2-0, and Lee King smacked another base hit to left center which scored Frisch to make it three-zip.

Dave Niehaus was already beginning to loosen in the Cleveland bullpen, but Mails settled down, getting Grimes to ground into a force play (Kelly scored to make it 4-0) and Snyder to ground to short, ending the inning. But the high-powered Giants offense had put up a four-spot. It was up to the Tribe to match it.

Indians 1st: After one out, Bill Wambsganss legged out an infield hit, but was forced by Speaker. Bancroft couldn't find the handle on Cleveland George's grounder, which put two men on for Gardner. He tagged one to deep center, but King made the catch two steps from the warning track to retire the side. After one, it's Giants 4, Indians 0.

Giants 2md: A one-two-three inning for Mails. After one and a half, the Giants still lead 4-0.

Indians 2nd: Wood worked a leadoff walk, but Toney retired Sewell and Steve O'Neill on consecutive fly balls. Mails then flicked a single off of Bancroft's glove at short, but Evans forced him to end the inning. After two, it's New York 4, Cleveland 0.

Giants 3rd: Mails set the visitors down in order again, and he's now retired eight in a row. Frisch flew out to Evans along the left field line for the second out, while both Youngs and Kelly were caught looking at third strikes to begin and end the inning respectively. After two and a half, it was still G-Men 4, Tribe 0.

Indians 3rd: Wambsganss lined Toney's first pitch into left for a standup double. He stayed put while Speaker grounded to short, but moved to third on Cleveland George's fly to center. Gardner then grounded one past a diving Frisch and into left for a single that scored Wambsganss and put the Tribe on the board. Wood's grounder to short ended the inning, but the Tribe had gotten on the board, and only trailed 4-1 after three.

Giants 4th: Mails set the Giants down in order for the third consecutive inning, and has now retired eleven straight hitters. After three and a half, the Giants still led 4-1.

Indians 4th: Sewell led off the inning with a base hit to right center. O'Neill's single to left center put two men one, and Mails bunted them over to second and third. Evans then dumped a base hit into left to score Sewell and make it 4-2, and stole second on the first pitch to Wambsganss for good measure. Bill flew to left for the second out, but Speaker's seeing-eye single to right scored O'Neill and Evans to tie the game at four. Phil Douglas was ready in the Giants bullpen, but manager John McGraw decided to let Toney face Cleveland George, who singled to left. That was enough for McGraw to pull the trigger, but Gardner greeted the new Giants hurler with a base hit to left center. Speaker scored, and the Indians had taken a 5-4 lead. At least one more run would have scored on Wood's line drive, but Bancroft made a leaping stab of it to retire the side. The Indians had taken the lead with four runs on six hits, and enjoyed a 5-4 advantage after four.

Giants 5th: Another three up-three down inning for Mails: Douglas struck out swinging, New York George grounded to short, and Bancroft tapped to first. Halfway through Game 6, it's Indians 5, Giants 4.

Indians 5th: Douglas returned the favor by setting the Tribe down in order. Sewell lined out to first, and both O'Neill and Mails grounded to third. After five, the Indians still held a 5-4 lead.

Giants 6th: Youngs led off by swatting a triple over the head of Speaker in center. He held his ground as Frisch grounded to third, then Mails walked Kelly on five pitches. King's base hit to left brought Youngs home to tie the game at five and sent Kelly to third, and High Pockets scored the go-ahead run when Grimes bounced into a force play. Snyder walked to keep the inning going, but Benny Kauff (batting for Douglas) struck out swinging to retire the side. The Giants have scored twice to retake the lead 6-5 after five and a half.

Indians 6th: The Tribe went out in order again, thanks in part to Kelly's diving grab of Speaker's line drive to end the inning. After six, it's NL Champs 6, AL Champs 5.

Giants 7th: Bancroft drew a one-out walk against new Indians pitcher Dave Niehaus, but had to hold at first when Youngs' fly to right was caught by Wood just in front of the wall for out number two. Frisch then walked to put two men on, but Kelly forced him at second to retire the side. As we stretch by Lake Erie, the Giants cling to a one-run lead.

Indians 7th: A second straight one-two-three inning for Giants reliever Bill Hubbell. He's retired six in a row, and the New York staff has retired ten in a row overall. After seven, it's New York 6, Cleveland 5.

Giants 8th: Snyder's two-out walk was wasted when Doyle (batting for Douglas) grounded to defensive replacement Doc Johnston at first. We're through seven and a half, and the Giants still lead the Tribe by one.

Indians 8th: The consecutive batters retired skein for the Giants reached twelve before Elmer Smith (batting for Niehaus) stroked a two-out single to right center. Evans' slow roller to first ended the inning. After eight, the Giants still lead 6-5.

Giants 9th: New Cleveland pitcher Elmer Myers struck out Burns and Bancroft before Youngs belted his second triple of the game off the top of the right field wall. But Frisch's grounder to second ended the inning. The home squad has one last chance against Hubbell in the bottom of the ninth trailing 6-5.

Indians 9th: Cleveland George's two-out single to left sparked some hope, but Hubbell got Gardner to fly to Youngs in shallow right to end the game. Final score: Giants 6, Indians 5, and the Giants lead this best-of-nine series four games to two.

Grimes was the consensus Player of the Game despite going hitless in four at-bats, primarily because he knocked in the winning run.

Final totals: Giants 6-6-1, Indians 5-12-2.

W- Douglas (1-0)
L- Mails (0-1)

The Giants will have a chance to wrap up the world championship tomorrow here at Dunn Field in Game 7. It's going to be a mound rematch of Games 1 and 4, with Art Nehf pitching for the Giants and Stan Coveleski on the hill for the Indians.

Next: We look at Game 7.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 21, 2017

Now it's time for Game 7 of the 1920 World Series from Dunn Field in Cleveland. The date is Thursday, October 14:

Lineup Changes:

Indians- The Tribe's going with their "second" starting lineup: Charlie Jamieson leading off in left, Elmer Smith batting cleanup in right, and Doc Johnston batting sixth at first base.

Giants 1st: Indians starter Stan Coveleski started his day with a one-two-three inning. After a half, it's Giants nothing, Indians coming up.

Indians 1st: After one out, Bill Wambsganss legged out an infield hit. Tris Speaker than smacked one into the left center gap that bounced over the wall on a hop for a ground-rule double. Wambsganss ran on contact and would have scored easily, but had to go back to third. Smith's grounder to first froze the runners, but only temporarily, as Gardner smacked a single to left that scored both Wambsganss and Speaker and gave the Indians a 2-0 lead. Johnston's comebacker to the mound ended the inning, but the Tribe had drawn first blood. After one, it was Indians 2, Giants 0.

Giants 2nd: After one out, High Pockets Kelly singled to left. He was forced at second by Lee King, who moved to second himself on Roy Grimes' infield hit. Coveleski then hit Frank Snyder in the knee with a pitch to load the bases. Giants starter Art Nehf was in position to help his own cause, but his liner was gloved by Joe Sewell at short to retire the side. After an inning and a half, the Indians still led 2-0.

Indians 2nd: Again, the action started after one out. Steve O'Neill hit what seemed to be a harmless fly to center, but King's diving catch we ruled a trap by second base umpire Bill Klem, and after a brief discussion O'Neill was awarded first. Coveleski forced his battery mate, but Jamieson's clean single to right put two on. Wambsganss was next, and he lasered one off the wall in left center to score both Coveleski and Jamieson and put the Tribe up 4-0 while he ended up at third with a triple. Speaker's grounder to short ended the inning, but the Tribe had scored twice more to lead 4-0 after two.

Giants 3rd: Dave Bancroft's one-out infield hit was erased when Ross Youngs bounced into a force play. Frisch grounded to Gardner at third to retire the side. After two and a half, the Indians still led the Giants 4-0.

Indians 3rd: Gardner lined a one-out single to right, then moved to second on Johnston's grounder. But Sewell's liner was gloved by Kelly to retire the side. After three, it was Cleveland 4, New York 0.

Giants 4th: After two quick outs, Grimes singled to left. Feeling the need to make something happen quickly, Grimes tried for second, but Jamieson fired a bullet to Wambsgansss, and the ball was waiting for Roy when he arrived. After three and a half, the Indians still lead by four.

Indians 4th: O'Neill led off the inning by blasting a triple into the right field corner. After Coveleski grounded out, Jamieson managed to beat the throw to first on a routine two-hopper to short, which allowed O'Neill to score and extended the Cleveland lead to 5-0. Wambsganss then lifted one into center. By the time King saw the ball, he had to try for a running catch, and he juggled (and eventually dropped) the ball. Now runners were at first and second with one out. But Nehf got Speaker to fly to right and Smith to hit a comebacker to the mound, and the side was retired. But the home squad had added another run, and now led 5-0 through four.

Giants 5th: Snyder led off the inning with a double into the left field corner. He stayed at second while Larry Doyle (batting for Nehf) grounded to short and George Burns struck out, but came around to score on Bancroft's double into the right center power alley. Youngs struck out to retire the side, but at last the Giants were on the board. Halfway through Game 7, it's Indians 5, Giants 1.

Indians 5th: Johnston's one-out single to left center was wasted Sewell forced Doc at second and O'Neill grounded to short. After five, the Tribe still led by four.

Giants 6th: King's two-out double to left came to nothing when Grimes grounded to second to end the inning. After five and a half, the Giants still trailed 5-1.

Indians 6th: Coveleski smacked the second pitch he saw into the left center gap for a leadoff double. Jamieson's single to right center put runners on the corners, and after Wambsganss popped to second for out number one, Speaker lined a single to right center that brought home Coveleski and increased the Cleveland lead to 6-1. Smith's fly to right was caught by Youngs for out number two, but Gardner's base hit to left scored Jamieson with the seventh Cleveland run and ended Nehf's day.

Jesse Winters was the new pitcher for the Giants, but he forgot his control in the bullpen. First, he walked Johnston on five pitches to load the bases. Then Sewell walked on four straight to force in Speaker with run number eight. Next, O'Neill walked on four pitches to force Gardner in with run number nine. Now it was Coveleski's turn again, and Winters probably figured that he had an easy third out despite Stan's double earlier in the inning. If that was what he figured, he was wrong, as the Cleveland hurler grounded a seeing-eye single to right center, his second hit of the inning. Johnston and Sewell both scored, and the Cleveland lead was now 11-1. Thus ended Winters' day; Bill Hubbell threw one pitch to Jamieson and induced a fly to left center that was caught by King to retire the side. But the Tribe had exploded for six runs on five hits and three walks, and after six their lead was now in double digits.

Giants 7th: Snyder led off with a base hit to left. He was forced by Hubbell, who moved to second when Gardner couldn't find the handle on Burns' grounder. Bancroft then forced Burns at second, and Youngs' liner was caught by Gardner for the third out. As we stretch at Dunn Field, the Indians still lead 11-1.

Indians 7th: Wambsganss led off the inning with a base hit to right center. He was forced at second by Speaker, who moved to third on Smith's ground-rule double to left center. Gardner then drove in his fourth and fifth runs of the game with a base hit to right center that scored Speaker and Smith. Now the home squad led 13-1, and Johnston almost made it 15-1 with his fly to right that ended up being caught by Youngs at the edge of the warning track. Sewell then laced a triple into the left center power alley to bring home Gardner with run number fourteen, and O'Neill's bloop double to left center brought home Sewell with number fifteen. The inning finally ended when Coveleski tapped to first, but the Tribe had scored four more times on five hits, and after seven their lead was now 15-1.

Giants 8th: Frisch led off with a base hit to right center, then moved to third on Kelly's vase hit to center. King's liner to short was gloved by Sewell for out number one, but Grimes single to left center to score Frisch with New York's second run. Snyder ended the inning by grounding to Coveleski, who turned the comebacker into an inning-ending 1-4--3 double play. The Giants thus settled for one, but they still trailed by thirteen after seven and a half.

Indians 8th: Speaker drew a two-out walk, but Youngs made a spectacular running catch of Smith's fly to right to end the inning. As we go to the ninth, the AL champs are in firm control to the tune of 15-2.

Giants 9th: Coveleski ended his day the way he'd started it: with a one-two-three inning. Bancroft popped to Johnston at first for the final out. Final score: Indians 15, Giants 2, and the New York lead in the series is now four games to three.

Gardner was the consensus choice for Player of the Game: four for five with two runs scored and five RBIs.

Final totals: Indians 15-19-1, Giants 2-11-2.

W- Coveleski (1-1)
L- Nehf (1-1)

The series will resume at the Polo Grounds in New York on Saturday for Game 8. Rube Benton will start for the Giants, while Jim Bagby is the scheduled starter for the visitors.

Next: We look at Game 8.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 22, 2017

Now it's time for Game 8 of the 1920 World Series from the Polo Grounds in New York. The date is Saturday, October 16:

Lineup Changes:

Indians- We're back to "Lineup A": Joe Evans leading off in left, George Burns batting cleanup at first, and Smokey Joe Wood batting sixth in right.

Giants- Larry Doyle replaces Roy Grimes at second; he'll be batting seventh. Also, it's Earl Smith's turn to catch; he'll bat eighth.

Here are today's umpires:

Home Plate: Bill Dinneen (American League)
First Base: Bill Klem (National League)
Second Base: Tommy Connolly (American League)
Third Base: Hank O'Day (National League)

Indians 1st: After one out, Bill Wambsganss blooped a single into left center. Tris Speaker then lofted a fly ball in that same general direction, forcing Lee King to race into the gap and make a tremendous catch that left him rolling on the ground. Cleveland George's bloop single to left center put runners on the corners, but Larry Gardner's grounder to Dave Bancroft at short retired the side. After a half, it's Tribe nothing, G-Men heading to the rack.

Giants 1st: After one out, Bancroft beat out an infield hit. Wambsganss bobbled Young's two-hopper, which allowed Ross to reach, but Frankie Frisch's fly to right center was caught for the second out while the runners held. This left matters up to High Pockets Kelly, who grounded a single into left center to bring home Bancroft and give the Giants a 1-0 lead. King was next, and his scorching line drive off the left field wall scored both Youngs and Kelly and made the New York lead 3-0 while Lee ended up with a double. Indians starter Jim Bagby then walked Doyle, and Wambsganss made matters worse by muffing his second easy grounder of the inning, which allowed Smith to reach. The bases were loaded for Giants starter Rube Benton, but his fly to right was caught by a stationary Wood to retire the side. After one, the home team led 3-0.

Indians 2nd: A one-two-three inning for Benton. After an inning and a half, it's New York 3, Cleveland 0.

Giants 2nd: Bagby returned the favor. It's still 3-0 Giants through two.

Indians 3rd: Bagby led off with a single to left, but was forced by Evans, who was in turn forced by Wambsganss. Speaker's tap to first ended the inning. After two and a half, it's still NL Champs 3, AL Champs 0.

Giants 3rd: Bagby again set the Giants down in order: Frisch grounded to third, while both Kelly and King grounded to second. After three, the Giants maintained a three-run lead.

Indians 4th: Gardner's one-out single to right center was erased when Wood grounded into a 3-6-3 inning-ending double play. Through three and a half, the Indians still trailed by three.

Giants 4th: Bagby had his third one-two-three inning in a row, and has now retired ten Giants hitters in a row. Unfortunately, the three runs the Giants scored in the first are still on the board, and the Indians are still scoreless.

Indians 5th: Sewell led off with an infield hit. Steve O'Neill then ripped a double into the left field corner, but Sewell was held at third by New York George's quick throw back to the infield. Bagby's grounder to third didn't advance or score anyone, but Evans' grounder to first brought home Sewell and put the Tribe on the board, with O'Neill moving to third. Wambsganss' grounder to second ended the inning, but the visitors were now on the board, with their deficit cut to 3-1 after four and a half.

Giants 5th: After one out, Bancroft worked a walk. Youngs' base hit to right put runners on the corners, and after Frisch flew to right, Kelly pounced on a Bagby offering over the heart of the plate and smacked it down the left field line. The only question was whether the ball would stay fair; if it did, it was an easy home run. It did, and the New York lead was 6-1. King followed up with a hard single to right that spelled the end of the line for Bagby.

Elmer Myers was the new pitcher for Cleveland, and King welcomed him into the game by stealing second. Doyle's double to center scored King with the Giants' seventh run, and Smith's one-hop ground rule double over the wall in left scored Doyle with their eighth tally. Next up was Benton, who aided his own cause by lining a base hit to right center. Smith scored, and the Giants were up 9-1. New York George kept the inning going by beating out a hit to short, but Bancroft's liner was gloved by Wambsganss to retire the side. The Giants had blown things wide open with six runs on seven hits, and after five they were in command, 9-1.

Indians 6th: The Tribe thought that they'd caught a break when Youngs misjudged Speaker's leadoff fly tp right, thus allowing their skipper to reach. But Cleveland George was caught looking, Gardner's deep fly to center was caught by King at the warning track, and Wood's fly to left ended the inning. After five and a half, the visitors still faced an eight-run deficit.

Giants 6th: Youngs stroked a leadoff single to left center, and after two out King singled off of Sewell's glove at short. But Doyle's fly down the left field line was caught by New York George to retire the side. After six, the Giants still led the Indians 9-1.

Indians 7th: A one-two-three inning for Benton. As we stretch at the Polo Grounds, everyone knows that the world championship is just six defensive outs away for the Giants, who hold a 9-1 lead.

Giants 7th: Smith led off with a base hit to left center. Benton's fly to right center failed to move him, but New York George's grounder to third moved him over to second with two out for Bancroft, whose fly ball to center dropped and rolled to the wall. Smith scored to make it 10-1 Giants, and Bancroft ended up at second with a double. Youngs' grounder to first ended the inning, but the Giants had added an insurance run, and now led 10-1 after seven.

Indians 8th: Evans socked the first pitch he saw into the left center power alley, then turned on the speed and ended up at third with a triple. Wambsganss' grounder to second got him home with the Tribe's second tally of the day, but Speaker could only manage a weak fly to right center, and Cleveland George struck out swinging to end the inning. After seven and a half, the Giants' lead was still quite safe at 10-2.

Giants 8th: Frisch worked a leadoff walk against new Cleveland hurler Dave Niehaus, but had to stay at first while Kelly went down swinging ad King's fly to left was caught by Evans just a step from the warning track. Smith's liner was caught by Wambsganss to retire the side, but the Giants were now just three outs away from history. After eight, they led the Indians 10-2.

Indians 9th: With the Polo Grounds a sea of happy noise, Benton finished off the Indians in one-two-three fashion: Gardner tapped to first, pinch hitter Elmer Smith (batting for Wood) lined to Doyle at second, and Sewell grounded to Kelly for the final out. The New York Giants were baseball's world champions for 1920, defeating the Cleveland Indians 10-2 in Game 8 and five games to three for the series.

Kelly's two home runs made him the easy consensus choice for unofficial series MVP, and his four-RBI day at the plate in Game 8 made him Player of the Game as well.

Final totals: Giants 10-14-1, Indians 2-7-2.

W- Benton (1-1)
L- Bagby (1-1)

HR- NYG: Kelly (2)

The National League now leads the Pythagorean title chase nine to eight.

As an aside, This was a record series for scoring regardless of universe, as the Giants had the best of the Indians to the tune of 70-56 while outhitting them 103-95. Also, the Giants become the first team in the Pythagorean universe to unseat a real-life world champion.

Next: We look at the 1921 season.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 22, 2017

Now for our look at 1921:

National League- There's no disputing this pennant winner, as the Giants take pennant number twelve, adding a game to their real-life pennant-winning record in the process (94-59 to 95-58). We have a different second-place team, though, as the surprising Redbirds improve by a game (87-66 to 88-65) to finish seven games out while the Pirates drop three games (90-63 to 87-66) and fall to third, eight games out.

The Buccos' fall is the biggest on the circuit this year; the largest improvement is just three games by the Reds, who bump from 70-83 to 73-80 but still finish sixth. As for the Robins, they fall to fifth at 75-77, down two games from real life and nineteen and a half games out of first.

The Phils become the first team since the 1911 Rustlers to lose a hundred games, going a pathetic 50-104 and finishing forty-five and a half games behind the Giants.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 95-58 (+1)
2. Cardinals: 88-65- 7 GB (+1)
3. Pirates: 87-66- 8 GB (-3)
4. Braves: 79-74- 16 GB (0)
5. Robins: 75-77- 19.5 GB (-2)
6. Reds: 73-80- 22 GB (+3)
7. Cubs: 66-87- 29 GB (+2)
8. Phillies: 50-104- 45.5 GB (-1)

American League- The pennant race again comes down to the Yankees and the Indians, and this time the Yanks prevail without a playoff, taking their first pennant with a mark of 96-57, which is a two-game slide. The Tribe improves by one (94-60 to 95-59) but still finishes a game and a half out. The biggest surprise of all is in Detroit, where the Tigers put on an eight-game spurt, improving from 71-82 and sixth place to 79-74 and third. The Browns hold on to fourth despite a five-game dive (81-73 to 76-78).

Turning to the second division, the Sens take the prize for the year's biggest dip, falling by seven games (80-73 to 73-80) and falling from fourth place to sixth. The fifth-place Red Sox (75-79 to 74-80) and seventh-place White Sox (62-92 to 61-93) each dip by a game, and the A's become the first team ever to finish last seven years in a row, though they improve by two games and miss a hundred-loss season (53-100 to 55-98). They still finish forty-one games behind the Pinstripes, and the City of Brotherly Love hits the daily double for the second time in three years, as the Phils finish last too.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 96-57 (-2)
2. Indians: 95-59- 1.5 GB (+1)
3. Tigers: 79-74- 17 GB (+8)
4. Browns: 76-78- 20.5 GB (-5)
5. Red Sox: 74-80- 22.5 GB (-1)
6. Senators: 73-80- 23 GB (-7)
7. White Sox: 61-93- 35.5 GB (-1)
8. Athletics: 55-98- 41 GB (+2)

The Giants take baseball's first "Subway Series", defeating the Yankees five games to three to successfully defend their world championship. The National League now leads by two in the all-time world championship chase, 10-8.

Next: We look at 1922.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 23, 2017

Now for the 1922 season:

National League- The Giants take their third pennant in a row and thirteenth overall, improving from 93-61 to 95-59 and winning the pennant by seven games, as they did in real life. The difference is their closest pursuer, as the Buccos improve by three games (85-69 to 88-66) to break their tie for third with the Cardinals and beat out the Reds for second. The Reds' unchanged 86-68 mark gets them third by themselves. while the Cards drop four games to 81-73 and settle into fourth.

St. Louis doesn't see the biggest fall, however; that "honor" belongs to the Cubs, who skid six games (80-74 to 74-80) and fall from fifth place to sixth. Biggest improvement goes to the Phils, who pick up four games (57-96 to 61-92) but still can't get out of seventh place.

The Braves avoid a hundred losses with a two-game improvement (53-100 to 55-98) but still finish last for the ninth time in franchise history, one behind the Cardinals for most all-time to this point.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 95-59 (+2)
2. Pirates: 88-66- 7 GB (+3)
3. Reds: 86-68- 9 GB (0)
4. Cardinals: 81-73- 14 GB (-4)
5. Robins: 76-78- 19 GB (0)
6. Cubs: 74-80- 21 GB (-6)
7. Phillies: 61-92- 33.5 GB (+4)
8. Braves: 55-98- 39.5 GB (+2)

American League- We have a change on top, as the St. Louis Browns take their first-ever pennant with a five-game improvement (93-61 to 98-56). Coupled with the Yankees' three-game slide (94-60 to 91-63), this creates a seven-game margin of victory for the Brownies. The Tigers improve by a game (79-75 to 80-74) to take third once again, while the White Sox lock in at .500 and finish fourth.

The biggest movement in the second division comes from the Indians, who drop a league-high five games (78-76 to 73-81) and slide from fourth to fifth. The best news of all comes out of Philadelphia, where the A's end their last-place streak, improving by a game (65-89 to 66-88) and finishing seventh. The Red Sox take their place in the cellar (60-94, one-game drop).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Browns: 98-56 (+5)
2. Yankees: 91-63- 7 GB (-3)
3. Tigers: 80-74- 18 GB (+1)
4. White Sox: 77-77- 21 GB (0)
5. Indians: 73-81- 25 GB (-5)
6. Senators: 71-83- 27 GB (+2)
7. Athletics: 66-88- 32 GB (+1)
8. Red Sox: 60-94- 38 GB (-1)

The Browns will meet the National League champion New York Giants in the World Series, which has reverted back to the best-of-seven format it still has as of 2014. The owners approved the return of the alternating home-game format for the '22 Series, never dreaming that the AL champion would come out of St. Louis. Unfortunately, it was then, and is now, physically impossible to get from New York to St. Louis by train in less than a day and a half. In a hastily-called meeting, the owners decided to go to a 3-4 format; the series would begin at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis for the first three games, then move to the Polo Grounds in New York for the final four.

For the record, teams representing the same city have each finished last in their respective leagues in 1906 (Boston), 1912 (St. Louis, though the Cardinals actually finished tied for last), 1919 (Philadelphia) and 1921 (Philadelphia).

Next: We look at Game 1 of the World Series. Art Nehf will start for the defending World champions, while Urban Shocker goes for the Browns.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 24, 2017

Now it's time for Game 1 of the 1922 World Series from Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The date is Wednesday, October 4:

Giants 1st: Shortstop Dave Bancroft led off the game with a hard single to right, then stole second. Browns starter Urban Shocker got third baseman Heinie Groh to ground to second for the first out and second baseman Frankie Frosh to tap to first baseman Pat Collins for out number two, but left fielder Irish Meusel pounced on a first-pitch hanging curve and deposited it in the left center field bleachers for a two-run homer. Shocker came back to catch right fielder Ross Youngs looking at strike three to end the inning, but the Irishman's blast had given the visitors the lead. Now it was up to the Browns to answer.

Browns 1st: After one out, third baseman Eddie Foster singled to left. After left fielder Ken Williams flew to center for the second out, center fielder Baby Doll Jacobson singled to left to put two men on. But second baseman Marty McManus flew to left, retiring the side. After one, it's Giants 2, Browns 0.

Giants 2nd: First baseman High Pockets Kelly led off with a base hit to left, then stole second. Center fielder Casey Stengel's grounder to second froze him in place, but catcher Frank Snyder lofted a double to center to bring him home and give the Giants a 3-0 lead. Unfortunately, he'd be stranded there, as Nehf flew to right and Bancroft flew to right center, ending the inning. The G-Men settled for one, but still had a 3-0 lead after an inning and a half.

Browns 2nd: Shortstop Wally Gerber's two-out single to left center came to nothing when Shocker was called out on strikes to end the inning. After two, the G-Men still held a three-run lead.

Giants 3rd: Groh lined a leadoff double to left, but Shocker retired the next three batters in order, culminating in McManus' diving stop of Young's grounder. Marty threw to first low and on one foot, and Collins made an expert pick out of the dirt to end the inning. After two and a half, it was still New York 3, St. Louis 0.

Browns 3rd: A one-two-three inning for Nehf. After three, it's still Giants 3, Browns 0.

Giants 4th: Kelly grounded a leadoff single up the middle, then Stengel lashed a triple off the top off the wall in left that missed being a home run by less than a foot. Kelly scored with ease, and the Giants were up 4-0. Casey held at third while Snyder grounded to short and Nehf flew to center, but while Shocker was pitching to Bancroft, he dropped a return throw from catcher Hank Severeid and was called for a balk, thus allowing Stengel to score. After Bancroft grounded to second to end the inning, Shocker had angry words with home plate umpire Bill Klem and had to be calmed down by Browns manager Lee Fohl before he could be ejected. After three and a half, the Giants' lead now stood at five.

Browns 4th: Another three up-three down inning for Nehf: Jacobson lined to short, and both McManus and Severeid struck out swinging. The Giants still led 5-0 after four.

Giants 5th: Shocker shook off the balk call and retired the Giants in order. After four and a half, the New York lead was still 5-0.

Browns 5th: Collins drew a leadoff walk, and Gerber's base hit to right center put two men on with nobody out. Fohl decided to let Shocker bat for himself in the hope that Urban could bunt the runners over, but all he managed was a comebacker to Nehf, who threw to Frisch at second for the force on Gerber. Still, Collins was able to move to third, and right fielder Jack Tobin's infield hit scored him to put the home squad on the board. Foster's liner was gloved by Kelly for out number two, but Williams' bloop dropped on the right field chalk line and rolled into the corner. Shocker and Tobin both scored, and all of a sudden this was a 5-3 game.

Jacobson was next, and he lined a base hit off of Groh's glove at third. Meanwhile, Williams was off on contact and managed to hustle all the way to third. McManus' base hit brought him home, and it was now 5-4. Giants manager John McGraw reluctantly took the ball from Nehf, and new pitcher Jack Scott induced a fly ball to left center from Severeid to end the inning. But the Browns had come alive, scoring four runs on five hits, and after five in Game 1, it was now Giants 5, Browns 4.

Giants 6th: Another one-two-three inning for Shocker, who's now retired seven in a row. After five and a half, the Giants are still clinging to a one-run lead.

Browns 6th: Scott matched Shocker's one-two-three inning with one of his own, featuring a strikeout of pinch hitter George Sisler (batting for Shocker). After six, it was still Giants 5, Browns 4.

Giants 7th: Scott batted for himself and stroked a one-out single to left, but was forced by Bancroft. Groh grounded to short to end the inning. It's stretch time at Sportsman's Park with the G-Men leading the Brownies 5-4.

Browns 7th: Scott got the side out in order, but Foster and Williams both got all of their respective fly balls, forcing Stengel to make a pair of catches at the warning track. After seven, it's NL Champs 5, AL Champs 4.

Giants 8th: Frisch led off the inning with an infield single, but was thrown out trying to steal second. Meusel restarted the rally by singling up the middle, and Youngs brought him home with a ringing double to center that gave New York a 6-4 lead. Kelly's base hit to left scored Youngs to make it 7-4, and also spelled the end of Shocker's day. New pitcher Hub Pruett struck Stengel out swinging, but Snyder's single to center put two men back on the bases. Ralph Shinners batted for Scott, and his grounder to second ended the inning. But the Giants had added two big insurance runs, and their lead was now three after seven and a half.

Browns 8th: New Giants pitcher Rosy Ryan retired the Browns in order, and the Giants staff has now retired the last ten Browns batters in a row. Special mention goes to Bancroft, who stopped Jacobson's grounder, then threw from his knees to first to get Baby Doll by a whisker. After eight, it was Giants 7, Browns 4.

Giants 9th: After one out, Groh rapped a base hit to left center. Frisch's fly to right held him at first, but Meusel banged a double to left that scored him and increased the Giants' lead to 8-4. Pruett struck Youngs out swinging to retire the side, but the Giants had added yet another insurance run, which meant that they now had a four-run lead heading into the last of the ninth.

Browns 9th: After one out, Gerber singled to left. Pinch hitter Herman Bronkie (batting for Pruett) then singled to right center to put two men on. But Ryan got Tobin to fly to Youngs in right and Foster to ground to second, ending the game. Final score: Giants 8, Browns 4, and the Giants lead the series one game to none.

Meusel's homer and three RBIs made him the obvious consensus choice for Player of the Game.

Final totals: Giants 8-15-0, Browns 4-10-0.

W- Scott (1-0)
L- Shocker (0-1)

HR- NYG: Meusel (1)

The series will continue with Game 2 here at Sportsman's Park tomorrow. Jesse Barnes will start for the Giants, while Ray Kolp gets the call for the Browns.

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 25, 2017

Now it's time for Game 2 of the 1922 World Series from Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The date is Thursday, October 5:

Lineup Changes:

Browns- Frank Ellerbe takes over for Eddie Foster at third base and will bat second. George Sisler didn't start yesterday because of a cold, but he's at first base today and batting third. His replacement yesterday, Pat Collins, has moved behind the plate today in place of Hank Severeid and will bat seventh.

Giants 1st: Frankie Frisch worked a two-out walk, then stole second and moved to third when Collins' throw sailed over shortstop Wally Gerber's head and into center field. Browns starter Ray Kolp then walked Irish Meusel, but Ross Youngs' line drive was gloved by Marty McManus to retire the side. After a half, it's Giants nothing, Browns coming up.

Browns 1st: Ellerbe announced his presence in the lineup immediately by dumping a one-out double into the left center field gap, but Sisler's foul pop was caught by Heinie Groh for out number two. Ken Williams walked to put two men on, but Baby Doll Jacobson's liner was gloved by Groh to end the inning. We're scoreless in Game 2 after one.

Giants 2nd: Kolp set the National League champs down in order. After an inning and a half, it's Giants 0, Browns 0.

Browns 2nd: Giants starter Jesse Barnes responded in kind. We're scoreless through two in St. Louis.

Giants 3rd: Bancroft's one-out double to left was wasted when Groh struck out swinging and Frisch tapped to Sisler. After two and a half, there was still no score.

Browns 3rd: Another one-two-three inning for Barnes, who's now retired seven in a row. We're through three and still deadlocked at aught.

Giants 4th: Meusel grounded a leadoff single to right, and Youngs followed up with a line single, also to right. Kolp caught High Pockets Kelly looking at strike three for out number one, but Casey Stengel's force play on Youngs scored Meusel and gave the Giants a 1-0 lead. Frank Snyder's grounder to third ended the inning, but the Giants had drawn first blood.

Browns 4th: Sisler led off with a base hit to right center, stole second, and moved to third on Williams' fly to right center. Jacobson brought him home with a base hit to left that tied the game at one, but Snyder threw him out trying to steal second just moments later. McManus' grounder to Frisch ended the inning. After four, it's Giants 1, Browns 1.

Giants 5th: Another three up-three down inning for Kolp: Barnes and Groh flew to left, while Bancroft grounded to first in between. Halfway through Game 2, we're still tied at one.

Browns 5th: The home squad also went out in order: Collins grounded to short, Gerber grounded to third, and Kolp lined out to first. After five, it remains New York 1, St. Louis 1.

Giants 6th: Frisch led off with a bloop single to right center, then stole second. But Kolp settled down, getting Meusel to ground to third, Youngs to hit a comebacker to the mound, and Kelly to fly out to the warning track in left center. Through five and a half, we remain even at one.

Browns 6th: Sisler's two-out single to left was wasted when Williams grounded to short to end the inning. After six, it's NL Champs 1, AL Champs 1.

Giants 7th: Stengel drew a leadoff walk, but was forced by Snyder. With a runner on vase, Giants manager John McGraw went to his bench and sent Ralph Shinners up to bat for Barnes, but Shinners took strike three for out number two. Bancroft kept the inning alive by walking on five pitches, and Groh unsnapped the tie by blooping a single into center to score Snyder and give the Giants a 2-1 lead. Frisch's grounder to third ended the inning, but the Giants had scratched out a run to take a 2-1 lead as we stretched at Sportsman's Park.

Browns 7th: New Giants pitcher Rosy Ryan gave up a leadoff walk to Jacobson, but got the next two outs before hitting Gerber in the arm with a pitch. Chick Shorten then batted for Kolp and walked to load the bases. but Ryan got Jack Tobin to fly to Stengel in center to retire the side. The Browns had missed a golden opportunity and left the bases loaded, which meant that they still trailed 2-1 after seven.

Giants 8th: Meusel led off with a base hit to left center, but was caught stealing for out number one. Youngs slapped a hit to center to restart the rally, and Kelly's bloop into left center put Giants at the corners with one out for Stengel. Stengel forced Kelly, but that allowed Meusel to come home with the third New York run. Snyder's base hit to center put runners back at first and third, but Ryan popped out to Ellerbe at third to retire the side. The Giants had picked up an insurance run, which meant that their lead was two after seven and a half.

Browns 8th: Sisler lined a one-out single to left center, but Williams flew to Stengel for the second out and Jacobson bounced into a force play to retire the side. After eight, it was Giants 3, Browns 1.

Giants 9th: The defending world champions blew this game wide open. After one out against Browns reliever Hub Pruett, Groh beat out an infield hit. Frisch grounded one just past third and into left for a hit to put runners at first and second, and Meusel's base hit to left center scored Groh and put the Giants up 4-1. Youngs then stroked a single to right, scoring Frisch and making it 5-1 New York. After Youngs stole second, Kelly provided the big blow of the inning, a two-run double to left that scored Meusel and Youngs and put the G-Men up 7-1.

That ended Pruett's day, but things didn't get any easier for new pitcher Dave Danforth, as Stengel grounded a single to right center to knock in Kelly with run number eight. Snyder then lined a double off the wall in left to bring Casey home with the sixth run of the inning. Ryan struck out, and Bancroft ended the inning by grounding to third, but the Giants had scored six runs on seven hits. After eight and a half, it was now Giants 9, Browns 1.

Browns 9th: After one out, Collins singled to right. Bancroft then bobbled Gerber's grounder, allowing him to reach, and after Eddie Foster (batting for Danforth) forced Gerber at second, Tobin walked to load the bases. Not wanting this one to get away, McGraw went to his pen once more, and new pitcher Carmen Hill needed just one pitch to get Ellerbe to ground to Groh at third and end the game. Final score: Giants 9, Browns 1, and the Giants lead the series two games to none.

Despite three-hit days by Meusel and Youngs, it was Stengel and his three RBIs that made him the consensus choice for Player of the Game.

Final totals: Giants 9-16-1, Browns 1-6-1.

W- Barnes (1-0)
L- Kolp (0-1)

The series will continue with Game 3 tomorrow here at Sportsman's Park. Phil Douglas will start for the Giants, while Elam Vanglider goes for the Browns.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 26, 2017

Now it's time for Game 3 of the 1922 World Series from Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The date is Friday, October 6.

Lineup Changes:

Giants- Bill Cunningham replaces Casey Stengel in center field and will bat seventh. Also, Earl Smith will catch his first game of the series in place of Frank Snyder and bat eighth.

Giants 1st: The home squad started the game on a down note, as Marty McManus couldn't handle Dave Bancroft's easy grounder, allowing the Giant shortstop to reach. Heinie Groh's perfectly executed sacrifice bunt moved Bancroft to second, and Frankie Frisch's fly to deep center moved him to third. But Irish Meusel grounded to second to end the inning. After a half, it's Giants nothing, Browns coming up.

Browns 1st: The Browns were surprised when Art Nehf came out of the New York bullpen instead of Phil Douglas, who injured his knee at the Giants' hotel the night before and couldn't make what would have been his first start since July 30. At any rate, Jack Tobin greeted Art with a solid base hit to center. Just as the Giants had in the top of the inning with Groh, the Browns asked Frank Ellerbe to bunt Tobin over, which he did. But George Sisler's grounder to short didn't get Tobin to third, and after Ken Williams walked to put two men on, Baby Doll Jacobson also grounded to short to end the inning. After one, it was Giants 0, Browns 0.

Giants 2nd: Cunningham blooped a base hit into left center with two out, but Smith went down swinging to end the inning. We're scoreless after one and a half.

Browns 2nd: The Browns took the lead quickly, as Marty McManus smacked a 1-0 Nehf slider just out of the reach of Cunningham and over the wall in left center for a home run. Pat Collins almost made it back-to-back dingers, but Ross Youngs caught his fly at the base of the right field wall for out number one. After two out, starter Elam Vangilder singled to left, but Tobin grounded to third to retire the side. Thanks to McManus' longball, the Browns lead 1-0 after two.

Giants 3rd: Nehf's leadoff single to left center was erased when Bancroft grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. Groh grounded to third to end the inning. After two and a half, the Browns still led 1-0.

Browns 3rd: After two out, Williams blooped a double down the line in right. Jacobson then served a similar blooper into the left center gap, which scored Williams with the second Browns run. McManus flew to left center to retire the side, but the Browns had added a run to lead 2-0 after three.

Giants 4th: Frisch led off the inning with a single to left center, and Meusel followed that up with a base hit to straightaway center to put runners at first and third. Youngs made it three hits in a row with a single to left, and The Fordham Flash scored to cut the Browns' lead to 2-1. High Pockets Kelly made it four in a row with his seeing-eye single to left center, and Meusel came home to tie the game at two. Cunningham's grounder to third scored Youngs to give the Giants a 3-2 lead, and Smith drew a five-pitch walk to keep the inning going. But Nehf grounded into a 3-6-3 double play, and that was all. The defending champions had taken the lead, though; it was 3-2 New York after three and a half.

Browns 4th: Collins rocketed a leadoff double into the right center gap, and after Wally Gerber grounded to third, Vangilder's fly skipped off of Meusel's glove for an error. Tobin's base hit to right scored Collins and tied the game at three, but Bancroft made a leaping stab of Ellerbe's line drive for out number two, and Sisler bounced into a force play to retire the side. The Browns have fought back to tie the game at three after four.

Giants 5th: Bancroft led off with a solid single to left center, and for the second time in the game Groh laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move him to second. But the rally stalled there, as Frisch grounded to short and Meusel grounded to third. We're tied at three halfway through Game 3.

Browns 5th: A one-two-three inning for Vangilder. After five, we're still knotted at three.

Giants 6th: Youngs' leadoff infield single was wasted when Kelly grounded into a 6-4-3 twin killing. Cunningham flew to left to end the inning. After five and a half, it's New York 3, St. Louis 3.

Browns 6th: Collins drew a leadoff walk, then was bunted over to second by Gerber. Hank Severeid then batted for Vangilder, but his grounder to third didn't help the cause. Tobin's base hit to right center certainly did, though, as Collins came home to put the Browns up 4-3. Ellerbe followed up with another base hit to right center to put runners on the corners and finish Nehf's afternoon. New Giants pitcher Claude Jonnard got Sisler to hit the ball on the ground, but George beat Bancroft's throw to first for an infield single, which allowed Tobin to score and put the Browns up 5-3. Bancroft gloved Williams' line drive to end the inning, but the home squad has scored twice to lead 5-3 after six.

Giants 7th: Vangilder got the first two outs on tappers to first, but Bancroft kept the inning alive with a base hit up the middle. Groh's single to left put two men on, and Frisch tied the game at five when his bloop to left center fell in and rolled to the warning track, allowing Bancroft and Groh to score. That was it for Vangilder, but new pitcher Hub Pruett compounded the mess by walking Meusel. Youngs then cracked a base hit to right, scoring Frisch and giving the Giants a 6-5 lead. Kelly's grounder to short ended the inning with runners still at the corners, but the world champions had scored three times to take the lead as we stretched at Sportsman's Park.

Browns 7th: Jonnard set the Browns down in order, getting McManus to fly to left in between striking out both Jacobson and Collins swinging. After seven, it's New York 6, St. Louis 5.

Giants 8th: Pruett enjoyed a one-two-three inning of his own. After seven and a half, the Giants clung to a one-run lead.

Browns 8th: Gerber drew a leadoff walk, but had to wait at first while pinch hitter Chick Shorten (batting for Pruett) popped to short and Tobin lined to short. Ellerbe's base hit to right kept the inning alive, and Sisler's single to right center brought Gerber home with the tying run. Williams' tapper to first ended the inning, but the Browns had fought back to tie the game at six after eight.

Giants 9th: After two out, porous St. Louis defense opened the door wide for the Giants. First, McManus committed his second error of the game when he booted Frisch's grounder. The, Javobson misplayed Meusel's routine fly ball so badly that Frisch was able to hustle to third. New Browns pitcher Dave Danforth walked Youngs to load the bases, and for a second it looked like Kelly had hit a grand slam to untie the game, but his fly to right center died on the warning track, and Jacobson was able to make the catch. After eight and a half, it's Giants 6, Browns 6.

Browns 9th: With one out, McManus singled to center. After Collins' fly to center was caught by Cunningham for the second out, McManus stole second. But Gerber's grounder to first retired the side. We're going extras in Game 3 with the score Giants 6, Browns 6.

Giants 10th: After one out, Smith cracked a base hit to right center. Stengel then batted for reliever Rosy Ryan and bombed a triple over the head of Jacobson in deep center field. Smith scored with ease, and the Giants led 7-6. Bancroft grounded to short, and Groh went down swinging to end the inning. Now we'll see if the G-Men can hold on to their lead and take a three games to none stranglehold on the series. They lead 7-6 after nine and a half.

Browns 10th: New Giants pitcher Virgil Barnes was greeted by a pinch hit single to left center from Eddie Foster, batting for Danforth. A wild pitch moved Foster to second, and after Tobin went down swinging for the first out, Ellerbe walked on four straight pitches. Sisler's base hit to right loaded the bases, which brought up Williams. Barnes' first pitch was in the dirt, and it hit Smith's shinguard and bounced far enough away that Foster was able to score the tying run and everyone else was able to move up ninety feet. Smith was charged with a passed ball, but that was the least of the Giants' worries seconds later, as Williams grounded the very next pitch into right for a base hit. Ellerbe scored, and the Browns had taken Game 3 8-7 in ten innings. The Giants still led the series two games to one.

Williams' game-winning hit made him the obvious choice for Player of the Game.

Final totals: Browns 8-16-3, Giants 7-14-1.

W- Danforth (1-0)
L- V. Barnes (0-1)

HR- STL: McManus (1)

The series will resume at the Polo Grounds in New York on Monday. The Game 4 starters will be Dixie Davis for the Browns and Hugh McQuillan for the Giants.

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 27, 2017

Now it's time for Game 4 of the 1922 World Series from the Polo Grounds in New York. The date is Monday, October 9.

Lineup Changes:

Giants- Frank Snyder is back behind the plate and batting eighth.

Browns 1st: After two out, George Sisler doubled to left center. Ken Williams walked to put two men on, but Baby Doll Jacobson grounded to third to end the inning. After a half, the visitors have nothing, and the home team's ready to hit.

Giants 1st: Dave Bancroft smacked the first pitch he saw for a double to center, but he was left at second, as Browns starter Dixie Davis retired the next three batters. Jacobson made the catch of the series so far when he bellyflopped to snare Irish Meusel's fly and end the inning. After one, we're scoreless.

Browns 2nd: After two out, Wally Gerber walked. Davis grounded a base hit to left center to put Browns on the corners, and Jack Tobin singled to right center to score Gerber and put the Browns in front 1-0. Frank Ellerbe's grounder to third ended the inning, but the Browns break on top 1-0 after an inning and a half.

Giants 2nd: Ross Youngs worked a leadoff walk, but he was forced by High Pockets Kelly, who was in turn forced by Bill Cunningham. That brought Snyder to the plate, and he forced a hanging 1-0 slider from Davis well over the left field wall for a two-run homer. McQuillan flew to right center to end the inning, but Snyder's blast has put the home squad up 2-1 after two.

Browns 3rd: After Sisler flew to right leading off, Williams got all of the first pitch he saw and crushed it over five hundred feet to right center for a game-tying solo homer. Jacobson tapped to first for the second out, but Marty McManus singled to left to keep the inning going. Pat Collins' grounder to third ended it, but Williams' blast has tied the game at two after two and a half.

Giants 3rd: Bancroft drew a leadoff walk and was bunted over by Heinie Groh, but Frankie Frisch popped out to first and Meusel tapped to first, ending the inning. After three, it's Browns 2, Giants 2.

Browns 4th: Tobin's two-out single to right center was wiped out when he was forced by Ellerbe to end the inning. After three and a half, we're still tied at two.

Giants 4th: Youngs drew another leadoff walk, but was forced by Kelly. Cunningham was next, and he hit a blistering liner right at McManus. Kelly was running on contact and didn't realize that McManus had made the catch; by the time he did and tried to go back to first, he was doubled off easily to end the inning. We've played four, and we're still deadlocked at two.

Browns 5th: Sisler stroked a leadoff single to right, then stole second. Williams' liner was speared by Groh for the first out, and Sisler had to hold. He moved to third on Jacobson's infield out, but McManus struck out swinging to end the inning. After four and a half, it's still Browns 2, Giants 2.

Giants 5th: After one out, McQuillan singled to left, but was forced by Bancroft. Groh grounded to short to retire the side. After five, it's St. Louis 2, New York 2.

Browns 6th: A one-two-three inning for McQuillan. We're through five and a half still tied 2-2.

Giants 6th: Frisch led off with a base hit to center, then stole second. Meusel then squeaked a base hit into left center to score Frisch and put the Giants in front 3-2. Unfortunately for the Giants, he was forced by Youngs, who compounded the felony by getting caught stealing. Kelly went down swinging to end the inning. But the Giants had the lead back after six on Coogan's Bluff.

Browns 7th: Ellerbe worked a one-out walk, then moved to second on Sisler's grounder. Giants manager John McGraw ordered Williams to be intentionally walked to get to Jacobson, and the strategy worked, as Baby Doll flew to center to end the inning. As we stretch in Gotham, the home team is holding on to a 3-2 lead.

Giants 7th: Cunningham led off by smacking one past a diving Davis and into center for a hit. Snyder repeated the procedure to put runners at the corners, and Ralph Shinners was sent up to bat for McQuillan. His fly to center was too shallow to help out, but Bancroft lined the third single of the inning into center to score Cunningham and give the Giants a 4-2 lead. That was the end of the line for Davis, but not for the New York offense. Groh greeted new pitcher Hub Pruett with a base hit to right center which drove in Snyder and put the Giants up 5-2.

Next up was Frisch, whose single to center scored Bancroft to make it 6-2 New York. Jacobson managed to come up throwing, however, and his peg to Ellerbe at third was enough to nail an incoming Groh for out number two. Meusel walked, but Pruett got Youngs swinging to end the inning. The Giants had added three insurance runs to take a 6-2 lead after seven.

Browns 8th: After one out, Collins clouted a solo homer over the wall in left center to cut the Giants' lead to 6-3. Gerber and pinch hitter Chick Shorten (batting for Pruett) then worked back-to-back walks against Giants reliever Rosy Ryan. Tobin's fly to left center was caught by Meusel for the second out, but Ellerbe's base hit to left center scored Gerber and cut the New York lead to 6-4. Then came the major blow, as Sisler hammered a pitch off the top of the center field wall. Shorten and Ellerbe scored with ease to tie the game at six, and only a slight stumble around second stopped Sisler from trying for an inside-the-park home run.

Ryan was given the hook, and Virgil Barnes, who had blown the Giants' 7-6 tenth-inning lead in Game 3 on Friday, came in to try and keep this one tied. He started off shakily by walking Williams, but got Jacobson to fly to left center for the final out. The AL champs had struck for four runs on three hits and three walks in the inning, and after seven and a half, it's a brand-new ballgame at six apiece.

Giants 8th: Kelly greeted new Browns pitcher Bill Bayne with a base hit to right, and McGraw decided to send Casey Stengel up to bat for Cunningham. The Perfessor delivered with a base hit to center. Snyder popped to second for the first out, and McGraw then made tags wag all over baseball when he sent Art Nehf up to bat for Barnes. The strategy almost paid off, as Art tagged one to deep right center that had to be caught on the gallop by Tobin for the second out. Bancroft walked to load the bases, but Groh's fly to shallow left ended the inning. After eight, we were still tied at six.

Browns 9th: After one out, Collins walked, but was forced by Gerber. Eddie Foster batted for Bayne and singled to right to put runners on the corners, but Tobin's grounder to Kelly ended the inning. After eight and a half, it was still St. Louis 6, New York 6.

Giants 9th: Youngs' two-out double to right center was wasted when Kelly grounded to second to end the inning. For the second game in a row, we've got extra innings with the teams tied at six.

Browns 10th: Ellerbe led off with a base hit to left against new Giants pitcher Carmen Hill. Sisler's infield hit put two on, and after two infield pops, McManus ripped a double down the left field line to score them both and put the Browns up 8-6. Collins walked, but Gerber's fly to left was caught by Meusel to retire the side. McManus' double has the visitors up by two after nine and a half.

Giants 10th: Snyder's one-out base hit to left center went for naught when pinch hitter Johnny Rawlings (batting for Hill) grounded into an around-the-horn, game-ending double play. Final score: Browns 8, Giants 6, and the series is now tied at two games apiece.

McManus' game-winning hit made him the consensus choice for Player of the Game, although a case could have been made for Sisler, who went four for six and drove in two runs.

Final totals: Browns 8-14-0, Giants 6-14-0.

W- Danforth (2-0)
L- Hill (0-1)

HR- STL: Williams (1), Collins (1)
NYG: Snyder (1)

Game 5 will be here at the Polo Grounds tomorrow. Nehf will start for the Giants, to be opposed by the Browns' Elam Vangilder.

Next: We look at Game 5.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 28, 2017

Now it's time for Game 5 of the 1922 World Series from the Polo Grounds in New York. The date is Tuesday, October 10:

Browns 1st: After one out, Frankie Frisch bobbled Frank Ellerbe's grounder and was charged with an error. George Sisler worked a walk, but was forced at second by Ken Williams for the second out. That left matters up to Baby Doll Jacobson, and he grounded one just out of the reach of Giants starter Art Nehf and into center for a hit. Ellerbe scored, and the Browns led 1-0. Marty McManus flew to right center to end the inning, but the visitors had jumped on top. Now it was up to the home team to do something about it.

Giants 1st: Browns starter Elam Vangilder set the Giants down in order. After one, it was Browns 1, Giants 0.

Browns 2nd: Nehf enjoyed a one-two-three inning of his own, but the Giants still trailed 1-0 after an inning and a half.

Giants 2nd: Another one-two-three frame for Vangilder, assisted by McManus, who backpedaled into a brilliant sun and made a barehanded catch of Ross Youngs' pop fly. He later admitted that he didn't know that he'd caught the ball for sure until he saw it in his hand. After two, the Browns still led 1-0.

Browns 3rd: Jack Tobin led off with a base hit to right. Ellerbe's liner went right to Nehf for out number one, and Sisler popped to third for out number two. But Williams' base hit to left center kept the inning alive, and Jacobson lined the first pitch he saw into the right center power alley to score Tobin and Williams and give the Browns a 3-0 lead. McManus then lined a single to left to bring home Baby Doll and make it 4-0. Pat Collins' fly to right center ended the inning, but the Browns had put three more on the board to lead 4-0 after two and a half.

Giants 3rd: After one out, Frank Snyder lined a base hit to left center. Nehf bunted him over to second, and he scored on Dave Bancroft's base hit to right center to put the G-Men on the board. Bancroft then stole second and moved to third when Collins' throw went into center field. Heinie Groh then smacked a fly to deep left, but the ball hung in the air long enough for Williams to camp under it and make the catch. The G-Men are now on the board, but they still trail 4-1 after three.

Browns 4th: The Browns went down in order: Wally Gerber hit a comebacker to the mound, Vangilder grounded to short, and Tobin flew to right. After three and a half, the Browns still led by three.

Giants 4th: The Giants also went down in order: Frisch and Youngs tapped to first, and in between Irish Meusel grounded to short. After four, it's St. Louis 4, New York 1.

Browns 5th: After one out, Sisler's fly ball went over Cunningham's head in center and rolled to the fence, allowing George to reach third with a triple. Nehf then hit Williams in the knee with a pitch, and Sisler scored when Groh dropped Jacobson's grounder while trying to get the ball out of his glove. McManus' base hit to left brought home Williams to make it 6-1 St. Louis, and that was all for Nehf. Jack Scott became the new Giants pitcher, and Collins greeted him with a base hit to left center. Jacobson scored, and the Browns led 7-1. Gerber then forced Collins at second, which scored McManus with the eighth St. Louis run. Vangilder's fly down the left field line was caught by Meusel for the third out, but the Browns had scored four runs om three hits, an error, and a hit batsman, and now led 8-1 halfway through Game 5.

Giants 5th: Kelly deposited the first pitch he saw on the short porch in left for a solo leadoff homer that cut the Browns' lead to 8-2, but Vangilder retired the next three batters on a total of eight pitches. After five, the Browns led the Giants 8-2.

Browns 6th: Tobin led off by beating out an infield hit, but Ellerbe slapped the next pitch down to Bancroft, who relayed to Frisch for the force on Tobin. Frisch's throw to first was low, but Kelly dug it out of the dirt just in time to turn the double play. Sisler's fly to right center ended the inning. After five and a half, it's AL Champs 8, NL Champs 2.

Giants 6th: After one out, Groh smashed a triple over the head of Jacobson in center. Frisch's single up the middle scored him with ease, and the Browns' lead was 8-3. Collins proceeded to throw Frisch out trying to steal for out number two, and Meusel's grounder to short ended the inning. The Giants thus settled for one, but still trailed 8-3 after six.

Browns 7th: Williams led off by taking Scott's 1-2 fastball over the left center field wall for his second home run of the series. The Browns now led 9-3, and Scott departed in favor of Claude Jonnard, who gave up a two-out single to Collins, but got Gerber to ground to second, ending the inning. As we stretch at the Polo Grounds, the Browns now lead the Giants 9-3.

Giants 7th: Youngs led off with a base hit to right center, but McManus caught consecutive line drives off the bats of Kelly and Bill Cunningham for the first two outs. Snyder then walked to put two men on, and Casey Stengel was called on to bat for Jonnard. The first pitch Casey saw was Vangilder's last, and it ended up in the right field corner. Youngs and Snyder both scored, and by the time Tobin had dug the ball out and returned it to the infield, Stengel was at third with a triple. New pitcher Hub Pruett got Bancroft to fly to right center to end the inning, but the Giants had scored twice, and their fans were back in the game. After seven, it was Browns 9, Giants 5.

Browns 8th: New Giants pitcher Rosy Ryan retired the visitors in order, striking out Pruett and Ellerbe and retiring Tobin on a fly to right in between. After seven and a half, the Browns still led by three.

Giants 8th: Groh drew a leadoff walk. Gerber fumbled Frisch's grounder to put two men on, but Pruett got Meusel to pop to third and Youngs to line to third. Kelly was New York's last hope for the inning, and he grounded a base hit to left center to score Groh and cut the Browns' lead to 9-6. Cunningham popped to third to end the inning, but the Giants had crept a run closer; they only trailed by four after eight.

Browns 9th: After two out, Jacobson singled off of Frisch's glove. McManus' base hit to left put runners on the corners, but Bancroft made a diving stop of Collins' grounder before it headed up the middle, then threw to first from his knees to get the out. The Giants have one last chance in the bottom of the ninth trailing 9-6.

Giants 9th: Snyder led off with a double to right, but pinch hitter Ralph Shinners (batting for Ryan) lined to Sisler for the first out, and Bancroft struck out for out number two. Groh's base hit put runners at first and third, but Frisch went down swinging to end the game. Final score: Browns 9, Giants 6, and the Browns now lead this series three games to two. They can win the world championship with a victory tomorrow in Game 6.

Jacobson's three hits and three RBIs made him the consensus choice for Player of the Game.

Final totals: Browns 9-13-2, Giants 6-10-2.

W- Vangilder (1-0)
L- Nehf (0-1)

HR- STL: Williams (2)
NYG: Kelly (1)

Tomorrow's Game 6 will be here at the Polo Grounds. Urban Shocker will start for the Browns, while the Giants counter with Jesse Barnes.

Next: We look at Game 6.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 29, 2017

I accidentally wiped out my entire sim for Game 6, so I'll just do a quick summation:

Giants 15, Browns 8

The Giants evened the series behind an eighteen-hit attack which included three home runs. Two of them were by Casey Stengel, who made his triumphant return to the starting lineup. He ended the day three for five with three runs scored and five RBIs and was named Player of the Game. Irish Meusel had the other longball for New York, while High Pockets Kelly drove in three runs, had three hits, and scored three times. Catcher Frank Snyder drove in a pair, and even starting pitcher Jesse Barnes got into the act with a two-run triple. He got the win despite giving up five runs on twelve hits in six and two-thirds innings.

For the Browns, left fielder Ken Williams went three for four with a homer with two RBIs and three runs scored, including a solo homer. George Sisler was two for four and scored three times, while Marty McManus drove in three. The Browns trailed 10-0 after five and 15-2 after six before rallying to make the final score more respectable. Urban Shocker took the loss, giving up seven runs on eight hits (including two home runs) in just four innings.

The series is now tied at three games apiece. Game 7 tomorrow (Thursday, October 12) will see Art Nehf go to the mound for the fourth time in this series for the Giants, to be opposed by the Browns' Dixie Davis.

Final totals: Giants 15-18-2, Browns 8-13-0.

W- Barnes (2-0)
L- Shocker (0-2)

HR- STL: Williams (3)
NYG: Stengel 2 (2), Meusel (2)

Next: Game 7 (hopefully in full!)

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 30, 2017

Now it's time for Game 7 of the 1922 World Series from the Polo Grounds in New York. The date is Thursday, October 12:

Lineup Changes:

Browns- Pat Collins is back behind the plate in place of Hank Severeid and batting seventh.

Here are the umpires:

Home Plate: Barry McCormick (National League)
First Base: Brick Owens (American League)
Second Base: Bill Klem (National League)
Third Base: George Hildebrand (American League)

Browns 1st: Jack Tobin drew a leadoff walk, and was bunted over to second by Frank Ellerbe. George Sisler's grounder to second moved Tobin to third, but after walking Ken Williams on four pitches Giants starter Art Nehf struck out Baby Doll Jacobson to end the inning. After a half, it's Browns nothing, Giants coming to bat.

Giants 1st: Dixie Davis was a late scratch on the mound for the Browns; his place was taken by Game 2 starter Ray Kolp. Kolp immediately found himself in trouble when Marty McManus couldn't find the handle on Dave Bancroft's leadoff grounder. Heinie Groh's infield out moved Bancroft to second, and an infield single from Frankie Frisch put runners on the corners with one out. but Collins threw Frisch out trying to steal second, and Irish Meusel went down swinging to end the inning. After one, it's Browns 0, Giants 0.

Browns 2nd: A one-two-three inning for Nehf: McManus struck out, and both Collins and Wally Gerber grounded to short. After an inning and a half, there's still no score.

Giants 2nd: Ross Youngs led off with a base hit up the middle. High Pockets Kelly stroked a base hit to left center, which moved Youngs to third. Casey Stengel then beat out a grounder deep in the hole at short for an infield hit to score Youngs and give the Giants a 1-0 lead. After Frank Snyder popped out to third for the second out, Nehf cracked a single to right center. Kelly was held at third by Giants manager John McGraw, but never saw the stop sign and was thrown out at home with ease. Nehf ended up at second on the relay throw, but was stranded there when Groh grounded out to end the inning. The Giants had gotten on the board in Game 7 and led 1-0 after two.

Browns 3rd: Tobin singled to center with one out, but Ellerbe's liner was gloved by Groh for the second out, and Sisler struck out swinging to end the inning. After two and a half, the Giants still led the Browns 1-0.

Giants 3rd: Frisch led off with a base hit to right, then stole second. Meusel's fly to center was too shallow to move him to third, but Youngs' deeper fly to center did the trick. Unfortunately, Kelly's grounder to short retired the side. After three, the Giants still held a 1-0 lead.

Browns 4th: Williams led off with a double to right. Jacobson crushed a ball to deep left center that forced Stengel up against the fence before he could make the catch, which allowed Williams to move to third. McManus also hit one to left center, but this one dropped, then bounced over the fence for a ground-rule double. Williams was awarded home plate, and we were tied at one. Collins' single to right center drove in McManus and gave the Browns a 2-1 lead, but Gerber's liner was caught by Groh for out number two, and Kolp's fly to left center ended the inning. Still, the Browns had scored twice to take the lead. After three and a half, it was St' Louis 2, New York 1.

Giants 4th: After one out, Snyder singled to left. Nehf followed up with a base hit to center, and Bancroft's base hit to left center brought Snyder home to tie the game at two. Groh grounded the Giants' fourth straight hit to left, and Elam Vangilder began to loosen in the Browns bullpen. Meanwhile, Kolp got ahead of Frisch 0-2, then threw four straight balls to force in Groh and give the Giants a 3-2 lead. Meusel's fielder's choice was the second out, but Bancroft scored to make it 4-2. Youngs then maxed out the inning and finished Kolp's afternoon by blooping a double to left center. Groh and Meusel both scored, and it was 6-2 Giants as the Polo Grounds went bananas. Vangilder got Kelly to ground to second and end the inning, but the G-Men had erupted for five runs on five hits, and had a 6-2 lead after four.

Browns 5th: A one-two-three inning for Nehf which takes just seven pitches. After four and a half, it's Defending World Champs 6, AL Champs 2.

Giants 5th: Stengel drew a leadoff walk. Snyder's base hit to left center moved him to third, but Vangilder caught Nehf looking at strike three for out number one. Bancroft's sacrifice fly brought The Perfessor home to make it 7-2 New York, but Groh's grounder to second ended the inning. After five, it was now Giants 7, Browns 2.

Browns 6th: McManus's two-out single to left was wasted when Collins fouled out to Kelly at first. After five and a half, the Giants still held a 7-2 lead.

Giants 6th: After one out, Meusel singled to right center. Youngs then got every bit of Vangilder's hanging slider and whacked it over the center field wall for a two-run homer that gave the Giants a 9-2 lead. Kelly then doubled to center, but for the second time in the game he tried to take the extra base and paid for it, as both Jacobson's throw to third and Ellerbe's tag were right on target. Stengel's grounder to first retired the side, but Youngs' home run has given the home squad a seven-run lead after six.

Browns 7th: Tobin worked a two-out walk, and Ellerbe's base hot to center put runners at first and third for Sisler, who put the Browns back into the game with one swing as he crushed a three-run homer to left center which cut the Giants' lead to 9-5. Williams struck out swinging to end the inning, but this one wasn't over as we stretched on Coogan's Bluff. It was Giants 9, Browns 5.

Giants 7th: Snyder led off by beating out an infield hit. Lee King made his first series appearance batting for Nehf and hit a comebacker to the mound. New Browns pitcher Dave Danforth threw to second for the force on Snyder and out number one. Bancroft's base hit to left center moved King to third, and both men came home when Groh lined a double to right, making it 11-5 Giants. Danforth hit Frisch in the forearm with a pitch, but Frankie was forced by Meusel, with Groh moving to third. Youngs' grounder to short ended the inning, but the Giants had broken double figure for the second day in a row, taking an 11-5 lead to the eighth.

Browns 8th: Jacobson's leadoff single to right off of new Giants pitcher Rosy Ryan was erased when McManus grounded into a 3-6-3 double play. Collins grounded to third to retire the side. After seven and a half, it was G-Men 11, Brownies 5.

Giants 8th: After one out, Stengel doubled to center. McManus booted an easy grounder for the second time today, this one off the bat of Snyder. With runners at first and third, Ryan batted for himself and brought Stengel home with a sacrifice fly. It was now 12-5 Giants, and although Bancroft's grounder to third ended the inning, the fans at the Polo Grounds were still giddy because their heroes were just three outs away from what would be called years later a "threepeat" as world champions. After eight, the Giants led the Browns 12-5.

Browns 9th: Ryan enjoyed a three up-three down inning, with Tobin's fly to Youngs in right the final out. Final score: Giants 12, Browns 5. The Giants win the series four games to three, and they're baseball's world champions for the third year in a row.

Stengel was the consensus choice among observers for unofficial series MVP, due mostly to his clutch hitting, specifically his two-home run performance in Game 6. Youngs' three-hit, four-RBI performance made him the best candidate for Player of Game 7.

Final totals: Giants 12-19-0, Browns 5-8-3.

W- Nehf (1-1)
L- Kolp (0-2)

HR- STL: Sisler (1)
NYG: Youngs (1)

The National League now leads the American League 11-8 in terms of world championships won. They've taken the last four in a row.

Next: We look at 1923.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · May 30, 2017

Here's our look at 1923:

National League- The dynasty on Coogan's Bluff continues, as it's pennant number fourteen for the New York Baseball Giants. They drop three games (95-58 to 92-61), but that's still good enough for a six and a half game victory over the Pirates, who take second place from the Reds for the second year in a row, mostly thanks to a league-worst six-game slide by Cincinnati (91-63 to 85-69) which drops them to third. The Bucs lose a game (87-67 to 86-68).

The two biggest improvements come from the bottom two teams: the seventh-place Braves break the hundred-loss barrier positively, improving seven games (54-100 to 61-93), while the Phils do the same with a six-game surge (50-104 to 56-98). There's still cause for concern in the City of Brotherly Love, however, as the Phils have now finished last three times since their 1915 pennant win.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 92-61 (-3)
2. Pirates: 86-68- 6.5 GB (-1)
3. Reds: 85-69- 7.5 GB (-6)
4. Cubs: 82-72- 10.5 GB (-1)
5. Cardinals: 78-75- 14 GB (-1)
6. Robins: 78-76- 14.5 GB (+2)
7. Braves: 61-93- 31.5 GB (+7)
8. Phillies: 56-98- 36.5 GB (+6)

The Yanks are kings of the hill once more, winning their second pennant in four years despite a three-game slide (98-54 to 95-57). They finish six and a half games in front of the Indians, who take second from the Tigers with a league-best seven-game improvement (82-71 to 89-64). The now third-place Tigers take a two-game bump (83-71 to 85-69), and the Sens round out the first division (74-79, one-game dip).

In the second division, the Browns finish just a half game back of the Sens (73-79, one-game drop), the White Sox take sixth from the A's with a three-game improvement (69-85 to 72-82) while the A's fall off by three (69-83 to 66-86), and the Red Sox' seven-game drop (61-91 to 54-98) makes their last-place finish all the more miserable. They end up forty-one games behind their archrivals.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 95-57 (-3)
2. Indians: 89-64- 6.5 GB (+7)
3. Tigers: 85-69- 11 GB (+2)
4. Senators: 74-79- 21.5 GB (-1)
5. Browns: 73-79- 22 GB (-1)
6. White Sox: 72-82- 24 GB (+3)
7. Athletics: 66-86- 29 GB (-3)
8. Red Sox: 54-98- 41 GB (-7)

The Yankees win their first-ever world championship, defeating the Giants four games to two in a World Series rematch from two years ago. This is the American League's first world championship in five years, and the National League's overall lead in world titles now stands at 11-9.

Next: We look at 1924.

Thoughts?

James XI · May 30, 2017

Urban Shocker is a fantastic name.

Garrett Garlits · May 31, 2017

Here's our look at 1924:

National League- The Giants claim their fifth straight pennant and fifteenth overall, improving by three games (93-60 to 96-57) to beat the second-place Bucs by five games. This marks Pittsburgh's third straight second-place finish, and each time they've had to beat out the real-life runner-up to get it. This time their victims are the Robins, who collapse like Ralph Kramden's busted cot, falling from 92-62 and second place a game and a half back to 81-73 and fourth place, fifteen and a half back, an eleven-game slide. The Reds' one-game improvement (83-70 to 84-69) is thus enough for them to take third comfortably.

The Robins' fall is the NL's biggest, and its largest improvement is eleven games as well. This comes from the Cardinals, who improve from 65-89 to 76-78. Unfortunately, that doesn't get them out of sixth place, mostly because the putrid Phils and Braves are still in the league. The Phutiles need a five-game improvement just to hit sixty wins (55-96 to 60-91), while the Braves drop five games (53-100 to 48-105) and tie the Cardinals for most last-place finishes in National League history with ten. This is also the Boston franchise's seventh hundred-loss season, an NL record.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 96-57 (+3)
2. Pirates: 91-62- 5 GB (+1)
3. Reds: 84-69- 12 GB (+1)
4. Robins: 81-73- 15.5 GB (-11)
5. Cubs: 76-77- 20 GB (-5)
6. Cardinals: 76-78- 20.5 GB (+11)
7. Phillies: 60-91- 35 GB (+5)
8. Braves: 48-105- 48 GB (-5)

American League- The Sens take their first-ever pennant, standing pat with their 92-62 record from real life. The defending champion Yanks drop a game (89-63 to 88-64) and finish three games out, while the Tigers finish third for the fourth year in a row despite sliding by four (86-68 to 82-72). The Browns round out the first division despite a one-game slip (74-78 to 73-79).

In the second division, the Indians and White Sox finish tied for fifth at 71-82; the Tribe improves by four games from 67-86, the Pale Hose by five from 66-87. The Red Sox also improve by four (67-87 to 71-83) to finish a half-game behind those two clubs, which leaves the A's. They finish last for the eighth time in the ten years since they last won the pennant, ending up with a mark of 67-85, a four-game dropoff which lands them twenty-four games behind Washington.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Senators: 92-62 (0)
2. Yankees: 88-64- 3.5 GB (-1)
3. Tigers: 82-72- 10 GB (-4)
4. Browns: 73-79- 18 GB (-1)
5. (tie) Indians: 71-82- 20.5 GB (+4)
(tie) White Sox: 71-82- 20.5 GB (+5)
7. Red Sox: 71-83- 21 GB (+4)
8. Athletics: 67-85- 24 GB (-4)

The Sens take their first-ever world championship in a thrilling four games to three World Series win over the Giants. The National League now has just one more world championship than the American League, 11-10.

Next: We look at 1925.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 1, 2017

Now here's our look at 1925:

National League- The Buccos drop two games (95-58 to 93-60) but still take the pennant, their fifth in franchise history but their first since 1903. They win by a commanding eleven games over the second-place Cardinals, who shoot past the Reds and Giants with a league-best five-game improvement (77-76 to 82-71). The defending champions lose it in the stretch this year with a league-worst seven-game plunge that takes them from second place at 86-66 seven and a half games back to fourth place at 79-73 and thirteen and a half out. The Reds move up a game (80-72 to 81-73) to cement their fourth consecutive third-place finish.

The Phils and Braves bring up the rear as usual, with the Futiles taking their turn in last place twenty-six games out at 67-86 (one-game drop) in the tenth-anniversary year of their lone pennant so far.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Pirates: 93-60 (-2)
2. Cardinals: 82-71- 11 GB (+5)
3. Reds: 81-72- 12 GB (+1)
4. Giants: 79-73- 13.5 GB (-7)
5. Cubs: 72-82- 21.5 GB (+4)
6. Robins: 70-83- 23 GB (+2)
7. Braves: 68-85- 25 GB (-2)
8. Phillies: 67-86- 26 GB (-1)

American League- The Sens repeat as champions, taking the pennant despite a six-game drop (96-55 to 90-61). They finish three and a half games ahead of the surprising A's, who fall by one (88-64 to 87-65). The Tigers finish third for the fifth year in a row (83-71, two-game improvement), and the White Sox also improve by two (79-75 to 81-73) to round out the first division.

Turning to the bottom four, the Browns lead things off by equaling the Sens' league-high drop (82-71 to 76-77) and tumbling from third to fifth. The Indians and Red Sox share the title of most improved team, as each experiences a four-game upswing. Cleveland (70-84 to 74-80) still finishes sixth, while the Bosox (47-105 to 51-101) still bring up the rear, thirty-nine and a half games behind the Sens.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Senators: 90-61 (-6)
2. Athletics: 87-65- 3.5 GB (-1)
3. Tigers: 83-71- 8.5 GB (+2)
4. White Sox: 81-73- 10.5 GB (+2)
5. Browns: 76-77- 15 GB (-6)
6. Indians: 74-80- 17.5 GB (+4)
7. Yankees: 71-83- 20.5 GB (+2)
8. Red Sox: 51-101- 39.5 GB (+4)

The Senators go on to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series, and go up three games to one only to have the National League champions claim the world championship by winning Games 5, 6, and 7. The Buccos thus claim their first-ever world championship, and the National League's lead in total world titles is now 12-10.

Next: We examine 1926.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 2, 2017

Here's our look at 1926:

National League- After years of mind-numbing futility, the Cardinals capture their first National League pennant and their first as a franchise since they won the American Association flag as the Browns thirty-seven years ago. They improve one game (93-61 to 94-60) and take the pennant by three games over the Reds, who stand pat at 87-67. The Cubs take third from the Pirates with a four-game spurt (82-72 to 86-68), which is the biggest in the league this year. The Bucs are frozen at 84-69 and thus consigned to fourth, five and a half games off the pace.

The league's biggest downturn occurs in Brooklyn, as the Robins take a three-game dip (71-82 to 68-85), which still leaves them in sixth place. Down the road in Philly, the Fightins finish last for the fourth time in six years, dropping a game to finish at 57-94, thirty-one and a half games in back of the Redbirds.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cardinals: 90-64 (+1)
2. Reds: 87-67- 3 GB (0)
3. Cubs: 86-68- 4 GB (+4)
4. Pirates: 84-69- 5.5 GB (0)
5. Giants: 75-76- 13.5 GB (+1)
6. Robins: 68-85- 21.5 GB (-3)
7. Braves: 66-86- 23 GB (0)
8. Phillies: 57-94- 31.5 GB (-1)

American League- We have a change at the top, as the Cleveland Indians take their fifth American League pennant by a game over the Yankees and Athletics. They improve by two games (88-66 to 90-64) while the Yanks drop a pair (91-63 to 89-65). The Athletics' four-game improvement (83-67 to 87-63) earns them their tie for second, and the White Sox' two-game bump (81-72 to 83-70) allows them to keep fourth once more.

The defending champion Sens lead the second division following a two-game slide (81-69 to 79-71) that sees them fall out of fourth. They're followed by the Tigers, who fall by a league high of five (79-75 to 74-80) and finish under .500. Last and least, the Red Sox' four-game upswing (46-107 to 50-103) doesn't save them from their second basement finish and hundred-loss season in a row. They finish thirty-nine and a half games behind the Indians.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Indians: 90-64 (+2)
2. (tie) Yankees: 89-65- 1 GB (-2)
(tie) Athletics: 87-63- 1 GB (+4)
4. White Sox: 83-70- 6.5 GB (+2)
5. Senators: 79-71- 9 GB (-2)
6. Tigers: 74-80- 16 GB (-5)
7. Browns: 62-92- 28 GB (0)
8. Red Sox: 50-103- 39.5 GB (+4)

Note: This race was unfinished. The A's still had four games to play at the end of the season, and by winning all four, they would have overtaken the Indians and won the pennant. By winning three, they would have forced a tie and a one-game playoff.

Next: We finish the 1926 American League pennant race.

Thoughts?

Don Corleone · Jun 2, 2017

Garrett Garlits said:
The Senators go on to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series, and go up three games to one only to have the National League champions claim the world championship by winning Games 5, 6, and 7. The Buccos thus claim their first-ever world championship, and the National League's lead in total world titles is now 12-10.
Next: We examine 1926.

Thoughts?

Finally!!

Garrett Garlits · Jun 3, 2017

I agree, LW!

Garrett Garlits · Jun 3, 2017

Now let's examine the scenarios remaining in the 1926 American League race:

It's rather simple, actually: The A's are tied for second with the Yankees, a game behind the Indians. Even though they're only a game back, they need to win all four of their remaining games to take the pennant outright. Three of them are a makeup series with the Senators, all of which have been rained out in the last two days as we look in on Thursday, September 30. But the skies have cleared over Shibe Park, and we're ready for baseball: a doubleheader today and a single game tomorrow. If necessary, the White Sox will come in to finish the season on Saturday.

By the way, if the A's are able to win three out of four and force a tie, the playoff would be on Monday (October 4) at Dunn Field in Cleveland. The Indians won the right to host the playoff by winning the season series with the A's 14-8.

Now let's get to today's action:

Senators 6, Athletics 5 (Game 1)

The best the A's will be able to do is a tie, as their spirited comeback fell a run short. The Sens scored four times in the seventh to break a 2-2 tie on three hits and a fielder's choice. Catcher Muddy Ruel singled in first baseman Joe Judge with the eventual winning run. Judge went five for five, scored twice, and knocked in a run for the visitors, and he was backed up by two hits apiece from left fielder Earl McNeely and center fielder Goose Goslin. Starter Dick Jones gave up two runs on seven hits in six and two-thirds innings to get the victory and also helped his own cause with a run-scoring single in the fourth.

The A's were led by center fielder Al Simmons, who went three for five and scored twice. First baseman Jim Poole and third baseman Sammy Hale each had two hits and knocked in a run. The A's cut into the Washington lead with three runs in the last of the eighth. with the big hit being a two-run pinch-hit single by Bill Wambsganss. But the A's left the bases loaded in the eighth and could do nothing in the ninth. Lefty Grove, pitching on just two days' rest, took the loss. giving up five runs on twelve hits and four walks in six and a third innings.

In Game 2, Stan Coveleski will take the hill for the Sens, while the A's counter with Rube Walberg.

W- Jones (3-1)
L- Grove (13-14)

Senators 10, Athletics 4 (Game 2)

The Indians have officially won the AL pennant, as the Sens completed their sweep of the A's. Goslin was the offensive leader for Washington, going four for five with five RBIs and also scoring three runs. His two-run homer in the top of the first was all the offense the Sens needed, but he also added a two-run triple in the second and a run-scoring single in the fourth. Right fielder Sam Rice did his share of damage as well, going three for five and scoring four runs. Shortstop Buddy Myer added three hits and an RBI, while Game 1 hero Judge added a hit and a run batted in; he ended his day six for nine in the two games combined. Coveleski wasn't at his best, but got the win despite giving up four runs on eight hits in eight innings.

Simmons was the offensive leader for Philadelphia once again, going two for three and driving in a pair of runs. Second baseman Jimmy Dykes also had two hits, drove in a run, and scored another. First baseman Jim Poole had the other RBI. Simmons' two-run double in the bottom of the first brought the A's back to within 3-2, but that was as close as they would get for the rest of the game. Starter Rube Walberg took the loss, giving up eight runs (seven of them earned) on eight hits in three and a third innings.

W- Coveleski (15-11)
L- Walberg (12-11)

HR- WSH: Goslin (18)

The final standings:

Indians: 90-64
Yankees: 89-65- 1 GB
Athletics: 87-65- 2 GB

Next: We examine Game 1 of the World Series from Dunn Field in Cleveland. Bill Sherdel will start for the Cardinals, while Sherry Smith takes the hill for the Tribe. (Note: The format for the Series will be the now-traditional 2-3-2.)

Thoughts?

Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe 1871-Present

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