Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe 1871-Present

Garrett Garlits · Jun 4, 2017

Now it's time for Game 1 of the 1926 World Series from Dunn Field in Cleveland. The date is Saturday, October 2:

Cardinals 1st: The Redbirds went out in order to start, as the Tribe flashed some leather early, particularly on second baseman Freddy Spurgeon's basket catch of Billy Southworth's popup for the second out. After a half, it's Redbirds nothing, Tribe coming to bat,

Indians 1st: After two out, center fielder Tris Speaker singled to right, and first baseman George Burns followed that up with a base hit to left. That brought up shortstop Joe Sewell, who lined a third consecutive hit to left that scored Speaker and gave the Tribe a 1-0 lead. Right fielder Homer Summa made it four singles in a row, with Burns scoring to make it 2-0 Cleveland. Catcher Luke Sewell flew to right center to end the inning, but the Indians had opened things up with a pair of runs to take a 2-0 lead after one.

Cardinals 2nd: With two out, left fielder Chick Hafey singled to right center, and catcher Bob O'Farrell's base hit to left center put runners at first and third. But shortstop Tommy Thevenow's liner was caught by Spurgeon to end the St. Louis threat. After an inning and a half, it was Tribe 2, Redbirds 0.

Indians 2nd: Third baseman Rube Lutzke drew a leadoff walk. Starting pitcher Sherry Smith singled to center to put two on, but was forced by left fielder Charlie Jamieson. Spurgeon ten dropped a ball into deep right that bounced over the wall on a hop for a ground-rule double. Lutzke scored with ease, and the Indians led 3-0. Speaker's line drive found second baseman Rogers Hornsby's glove for out number two, but Burns grounded a base hit just out of the reach of Cardinals starter Bill Sherdel which scored Jamieson and Spurgeon and increased the Tribe's lead to 5-0. Burns was caught stealing to retire the side, but the AL champs had scored three more runs to open up a 5-0 lead through two.

Cardinals 3rd: Smith set the Cardinals down in order for the second time in three innings. After two and a half, the Indians still led the Cardinals 5-0.

Indians 3rd: Joe drew a leadoff walk, Summa singled to left to put two men on, and the runners moved up on Luke's grounder to short. Lutzke's sacrifice fly brought Joe home with the sixth Cleveland run, and Smith finished Sherdel's day with a base hit up the middle to score Summa. New pitcher Hi Bell came on to end the inning with left fielder Charlie Jamieson's fly to right, but the Tribe had scored twice more to lead 7-0 after three.

Cardinals 4th: Another three up-three down inning for Smith: Hornsby flew to center, first baseman Jim Bottomley grounded to second, and third baseman Les Bell's fly was caught by Summa on the warning track in right. After three and a half, the Tribe's lead was still seven.

Indians 4th: Spurgeon led off the inning with a bloop single to right, but was forced by Speaker. Burns' base hot to left center put runners on the corners, and Hi walked Joe to load the bases. But Summa grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. After four, it was Cleveland 7, St. Louis 0.

Cardinals 5th: With one out, O'Farrell singled to right center, followed by Thevenow's single to left. But Bell lined to Burns for the second out, and center fielder Taylor Douthit tapped to Burns to end the inning. Halfway through Game 1. the Indians still led by seven.

Indians 5th: With one out, Thevenow misplayed Lutzke's grounder to short for an error. But Hi recovered to strike Smith out swinging and get Jamieson to ground to short, ending the inning. After five, the home squad still enjoyed a seven-run lead.

Cardinals 6th: Southworth led off with a double to center. Hornsby's single to center scored him and put the NL champs on the board. Bottomley forced Hornsby at second, but Les and Hafey smacked back-to-back singles to left to load the bases. Smith then walked O'Farrell on a 3-2 pitch to force in Bottomley and cut the Cleveland lead to 7-2. Smith then got pinch hitter Ray Blades (batting for Hi) to ground to short, ending the inning. But the Redbirds were on the board with a pair, and trailed 7-2 after five and a half.

Indians 6th: Thevenow committed his second error of the game when he booted Spurgeon's leadoff grounder. Speaker's base hit to right center moved Freddie to third, and he came home on Burns' infield out. Joe walked, and then a parade of hits to left center buried the Redbirds. Summa's drove in Speaker to make it 9-2, Luke's scored brother Joe to put the Tribe in double figures, and Lutzke's brought home Summa to make it 11-2, which signaled the departure of Cards reliever Allen Sothoron. Smith's sac fly to center scored Luke, and it was 12-2. Jamieson's single to right center put runners back on the corners, and new pitcher Syl Johnson walked Spurgeon to load the bases. But Speaker's comebacker to the mound ended the inning with the sacks still jammed, and the Indians had to settle for a ten-run lead after six.

Cardinals 7th: Douthit drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on Southworth's infield out. A rapidly tiring Smith then walked Hornsby and Bottomley to load the bases. Bell's fly down the left field line was caught by Jamieson for the second out, with Douthit scoring the third St. Louis run. Hafey then smacked a double to right that scored Hornsby and Bottomley. That signaled the end of the line for Smith, who still got a standing ovation from the Dunn Field partisans as he exited. New pitcher Jake Miller retired O'Farrell on a grounder to third, and that was the inning. But the Cardinals had scored three times while needing just one hit, and as we stretch at Dunn Field, they've shrunk their deficit to 12-5.

Indians 7th: After one out, Joe singled to right. After two out, Luke's base hit to left center moved him to third. But Lutzke's liner was caught by Hornsby to retire the side. After seven, it's still Indians 12, Cardinals 5.

Cardinals 8th: With one out, pinch hitter Wattie Holm (batting for Johnson) singled to left center, and Southworth singled to right after two out. Hornsby's grounder to short ended the inning. After seven and a half, the Indians still led by seven.

Indians 8th: Miller stroked a leadoff base hit to right center. New Cardinals pitcher Walt Huntzinger got the next two outs easily, but Thevenow saw Speaker's easy inning-ending grounder go off of his glove for his third error of the game. Burns took advantage of the Tribe's new life by rapping a base hit to left. Miller scored, and it was 13-5. Joe then slammed a pitch into the right center gap to bring home Speaker and Burns, and Cleveland's lead was double digits once more. Summa's single to left scored Joe with sweet sixteen, and Huntzinger's day was finished. Bill Hallahan was next out of the St. Louis pen, and he got Luke to ground to short. Thevenow charged the ball, picked it up, went to throw to first.... but dropped it for a fourth error. He was partially redeemed when Lutzke grounded the very next pitch to him to end the inning, but the Indians had scored four more times om four hits, and now led 16-5 at the end of eight.

Cardinals 9th: Bottomley took Miller's first pitch over the left field wall for a home run to cut the Redbirds' deficit to 16-6. Jake got the next two outs on two pitches, but O'Farrell walked to keep the game going. A wild pitch moved him to second, and Thevenow continued his climb toward redemption by singling to right center. O'Farrell scored, and it was a 16-7 game. With his club down by nine, Hallahan batted for himself and singled to right. Miller departed, but it only took new pitcher Benn Karr one pitch to end the game, as Douthit popped out to second. The Indians had taken Game 1 16-7, and led the series one game to none.

Burns was the consensus choice for Player of the Game after going four for six with two runs scored and four RBIs. There was also some support for Summa, whose line was identical to Burns' except that he drove in three runs, and Joe, for whom threes ran wild: three for three at the plate, three runs scored, three RBIs, and three walks.

Final totals: Indians 16-22-0, Cardinals 7-14-4.

W- Smith (1-0)
L- Sherdel (0-1)

HR- STL: Bottomley (1)

Game 2 will be tomorrow here at Dunn Field. George Uhle will be the Cleveland starter, while the Cardinals will counter with the mound hero of the 1915 Fall Classic, Pete Alexander.

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 5, 2017

Now it's time for Game 2 of the 1926 World Series from Dunn Field in Cleveland. The date is Sunday, October 3:

Cardinals 1st: With one out, Billy Southworth singled to right, then moved to third on a base hit by Rogers Hornsby. But Jim Bottomley grounded into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play. After a half, it's Cardinals nothing, Indians coming up.

Indians 1st: Charlie Jamieson led off the inning by hitting a tapper along the first base line that rolled fair for an infield single. Freddie Spurgeon's infield out moved him to second, and Tris Speaker's triple into the left center power alley brought him around for the first run of the game. George Burns lined a double to left to score Speaker and make it 2-0, and after Joe Sewell popped up to first for the second out, Cardinals starter Pete Alexander walked Homer Summa on five pitches. That brought up Luke Sewell, who rapped a base hit to left that brought home Burns with the third Cleveland run. Bill Hallahan started throwing in the Cardinal bullpen, but Alexander got Rube Lutzke to ground to third, which ended the inning. The Tribe had picked up where they left off in Game 1 with three runs on four hits, and they led 3-0 after one.

Cardinals 2nd: Les Bell led off the inning with a clean single to left center. Chick Hafey's grounder to short was fumbled by Joe, and the Redbirds had two on. Bob O'Farrell's tapper to first moved everyone up ninety feet, and Tommy Thevenow drew a walk to load the bases for Alexander. Indians starter George Uhle got two quick strikes, then left a curve hanging over the heart of the plate. Pete ripped it to deep center, and the bases cleared while Speaker tried in vain to retrieve the ball.

After Taylor Douthit grounded to short for the second out, Southworth singled to right to put runners on the corners. Hornsby then singled to right center, which brought home Alexander and gave the NL champs a 4-3 lead. Bottomley then smashed another double to center, scoring Southworth and Hornsby. Bell became the tenth man to bat in the inning, and Uhle struck him out swinging to retire the side. But the Cards had scored six times on five hits, a walk, and an error to take a 6-3 lead after an inning and a half.

Indians 2nd: Spurgeon's two-out single to left was wasted when Speaker popped to short to end the inning. After two, it's Redbirds 6, Tribe 3.

Cardinals 3rd: To the surprise of most observers, Uhle came back out to start the top of the third, and it was like the top of the second had never ended. Hafey stroked the first pitch to right center for a single, and O'Farrell followed suit. Thevenow's double off the wall in left scored Hafey to make it 7-3, and Pete finished things off for Uhle by singling to left center, which scored O'Farrell and Thevenow to make it a 9-3 game. New pitcher Jake Miller restored sanity quickly, retiring the side on just seven pitches. Douthit hit a foul pop to first, and both Southworth and Hornsby flew to right. But the Cardinals had added three more runs, and after just two and a half innings, they led the Indians 9-3.

Indians 3rd: After one out, Joe singled to right, but was forced by Summa, who then stole second. Alexander then hit Luke in the knee with a pitch, but got Lutzke to pop to Bottomley to end the inning. After three, the Cardinals maintained their 9-3 lead.

Cardinals 4th: Bottomley led off with a single to left, but was picked off by Miller. One out later, Hafey blooped a double to left center. O'Farrell followed up with another double to left center. Hafey scored, and it was 10-3 St. Louis. Thevenow's base hit to right center brought home O'Farrell with the eleventh St. Louis run, but Alexander was caught looking to end the inning. The Redvirds have compiled eleven runs on fifteen hits through four innings, and they lead the Indians by eight after three and a half.

Indians 4th: After one out, Jamieson legged out an infield hit. Spurgeon then doubled to right center to bring him home with the fourth Cleveland run. Speaker's fly to left center forced Spurgeon to remain at second, but Burns continued his hot series by ripping a double into the left center power alley to score Freddie and cut the Indians' deficit to 11-5. Joe's grounder to short ended the inning, but the home team had clawed their way back into this one at least slightly. After four, it was St. Louis 11, Cleveland 5.

Cardinals 5th: Southworth walked with one out, but Hornsby's fly to center was caught by Speaker on the warning track, and Bottomley flew to left to end the inning. Halfway through Game 2, the Cardinals lead the Indians 11-5.

Indians 5th: Luke walked with one out, but Lutzke popped to third and Miller grounded to first. After five, the Tribe still trailed by six.

Cardinals 6th: Hafey's one-out single to left was wasted when O'Farrell flew to left and Thevenow grounded to third. After five and a half, it's NL Champs 11, AL Champs 5.

Indians 6th: Speaker stroked a two-out single to left, and Burns followed that up with a single to center to put runners at first and third. But Joe's liner was speared by Thevenow to end the inning. After six, it's Cards 11, Wahoos 5.

Cardinals 7th: With two out, Southworth snuck a base hit through the hole into right center. Hornsby singled to left to put two on. Bottomley then doubled into the left center gap to bring them both home and put the Cardinals up 13-5. Bell's double to left cashed in Bottomley with run number fourteen, and that was finally it for Miller. New pitcher Willis Hudlin got Hafey to ground to short, ending the inning. But the Cards have tacked on three more, and as we stretch at Dunn Field, the home team's on the wrong end of a 14-5 score.

Indians 7th: A one-two-three inning for Cardinals reliever Hi Bell, the first one of the day so far for either team. After seven, the Redbirds are still in control by nine.

Cardinals 8th: Joe couldn't handle Hi's two-out grounder, but Douthit flied to center to end the inning. After seven and a half, it's still Redbirds 14, Tribe 5.

Indians 8th: Jamieson drew a one-out walk. Spurgeon's hot smash was then grabbed by Hi, who thought quickly and threw to first, catching Jamieson at least ten feet off the bag for a double play to end the inning. After eight, the Cardinals still lead the Indians 14-5.

Cardinals 9th: After one out, Hornsby grounded to Joe, who muffed the ball for his third error of the game. Bottomley drew a walk, but was forced by Les for the second out. Hafey's bloop to left center fell in for a double that scored both Hornsby and Les and put the Cardinals up 16-5. O'Farrell's double into the left center power alley scored Hafey with run number seventeen, and Thevenow's double off the wall in center scored O'Farrell with run number eighteen. Wattie Holm then batted for Hi and singled to left center to score Thevenow, and the Redbirds led 19-5.

Hudlin departed, and new pitcher Benn Karr served up a line drive to Douthit that was gloved by Spurgeon to end the inning. But the Cards had put an exclamation point on the proceedings with five on four hits, a walk, and an error, and as we head to the bottom of the ninth they lead the Indians by two touchdowns.

With darkness just moments away, play was suspended here and resumed at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis on Tuesday, October 5. Although the venue had changed, the Indians were still considered the home team for the rest of Game 2, to the point of bringing and wearing their home uniforms.

Indians 9th: Speaker drew a leadoff walk against new Cardinals pitcher Allen Sothoron. Burns flew to right center for out number one, then Joe forced Speaker. Summa's double to left kept the inning alive, but with runners at second and third Luke flew to Douthit in center field to wrap things up. Final score: Cardinals 19, Indians 5, and this series is tied at a game apiece.

Alexander was the consensus choice for Player of the Game, more for his two hits and five RBIs at the plate then his six rather pedestrian innings on the mound, during which he gave up five runs on nine hits.

Final totals: Cardinals 19-24-0, Indians 5-12-3.

W- Alexander (1-0)
L- Uhle (0-1)

Game 3 of the series will begin shortly here at Sportsman's Park. Garland Buckeye will start for the visitors, while the Redbirds counter with Jesse Haines.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 6, 2017

Now for Game 3 of the 1926 World Series from Sportsman's Park:

Indians 1st: Charlie Jamieson spanked Cardinals starter Jesse Haines' first pitch down the right field line for a leadoff double, but was stranded there while Haines got the next three batters in order: Freddie Spurgeon grounded to Les Bell at third, Tris Speaker popped out to third, and George Burns grounded to first. After a half, it's Indians nothing, Cardinals coming to bat.

Cardinals 1st: Taylor Douthit greeted Indians starter Garland Buckeye with a clean single to right center, but was thrown out trying to steal second. Billy Southworth then grounded to second, and Rogers Hornsby took a called third strike to end the inning. After one, it was Tribe 0, Redbirds 0.

Indians 2nd: Joe Sewell led off by beating out an infield hit. After Homer Summa flew to left, brother Luke Sewell's infield out moved Joe to second, but Rube Lutzke ended the inning by popping out to third. After an inning and a half, there's no score.

Cardinals 2nd: Chick Hafey beat out an infield hit to short with two out, then promptly ended the inning by getting himself picked off of first. After two, we're still scoreless.

Indians 3rd: Spurgeon lined a two-out single to left, then Speaker walked on five pitches. But Burns' grounder to third retired the side. Special mention goes to the first out of the inning, when Bottomley scooped up Buckeye's grounder, got the ball stuck in his glove for a moment, then fished it out with his bare hand and beat Buckeye to the bag by less than half a step. It's still zip-zip after two and a half in Game 3.

Cardinals 3rd: After two out, Haines lined a base hit up the middle. Douthit followed up with a base hit to right, and Southworth's lined single to left center brought Haines home with the game's first run. Southworth was caught stealing second to end the inning, which makes for the third Cardinal baserunner thrown out by Luke in three innings. Still the Redbirds have drawn first blood, and have a 1-0 lead through three.

Indians 4th: Joe led off with his second infield single of the game, but was forced by Summa. Luke flew to left, and Lutzke grounded to short to retire the side. After three and a half, the Redbirds lead the Tribe 1-0.

Cardinals 4th: Hornsby drew a leadoff walk. With the count 1-1 on Bottomley, Luke tried to pick The Rajah off at first, but his throw skipped past Burns, and only George's lightning-quick reflexes prevented the ball from skittering down the right field line and into the corner. With Hornsby at second, Bottomley flew to right for the first out, and Bell's grounder to second moved Hornsby to third. Hafey then lined a base hit to right to score Hornsby and give the Cards a 2-0 lead.

Bob O'Farrell's base hit to right put runners on the corners, and Buckeye then hit Tommy Thevenow in the knee with a pitch to load the bases for Haines. Jesse smacked his second hit of the game into left field to score Hafey, and the Cards led 3-0. Next was Douthit, and his line drive back through the box and into center scored O'Farrell and Thevenow and gave the Cardinals a 5-0 lead. That was the end of Buckeye's day; Jake Miller ended the inning by getting Southworth to ground to second. But the Cards had struck for four runs on four hits, an error, and a hit batsman, and after four they led the Indians 5-0.

Indians 5th: Spurgeon's two-out double to right center came to nothing when Haines struck Speaker out swinging to end the inning. Halfway through Game 3, it's Cards 5, Tribe 0.

Cardinals 5th: Hornsby's leadoff bloop fell in right center for a double, and Bottomley's base hit to left center brought him home to give the Redbirds a 6-0 advantage. Bell's single to left put two men on, but Hafey tapped back to Miller, who started a 1-4-3 double play. O'Farrell took a called third strike to end the inning. The Cardinals have added another run, though, and after five they now enjoy a 6-0 lead.

Indians 6th: Joe drew a one-out walk. Summa then singled to right, and Luke's single to left loaded the bases. But Haines recovered to catch Lutzke looking at a third strike and get Ike Eichrodt (batting for Miller to line to short, retiring the side with the bases still loaded. After five and a half, it's still St. Louis 6, Cleveland 0.

Cardinals 6th: New Indians pitcher Willis Hudlin enjoyed a one-two-three inning. After six, the Cardinals still lead by six.

Indians 7th: Jamieson led off with a single to right, but Spurgeon almost immediately bounced into a 4-6-3 double play. Speaker restarted the threat with a walk, and Haines hit Burns in the leg with a pitch. But Joe's line drive found Bottomley's glove, and the inning was over. As we stretch at Sportsman's Park, the home team's still in control by half a dozen.

Cardinals 7th: Hornsby grounded a one-out single to left center, but Bottomley grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to retire the side. Through seven, it's NL Champs 6, AL Champs 0.

Indians 8th: Haines enjoyed his first one-two-three inning of the day, aided by Southworth's running catch of Lutzke's fly ball for the final out. After seven and a half, it's still six-zip Redbirds.

Cardinals 8th: New Indians pitcher Benn Karr set the home squad down in order. Haines will thus go to the ninth looking to preserve a 6-0 shutout.

Indians 9th: Haines had another one-two-three inning to end the game on a streak of seven consecutive Cleveland batters retired. Spurgeon's grounder to Hornsby at second was the last out. Final score: Cardinals 6, Indians 0, and the Cardinals lead the series two games to one.

Haines was the only sensible choice for Player of the Game; he not only tossed an eight-hit shutout, but went two for three at the plate with a run scored and an RBI.

Final totals: Cardinals 6-13-0, Indians 0-8-1.

W- Haines (1-0)
L- Buckeye (0-1)

Game 4 will be tomorrow afternoon here at Sportsman's Park. George Uhle will start for the Tribe on just two days' rest, while Flint Rhem takes the ball for the Redbirds.

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 7, 2017

Now it's time for Game 4 of the 1926 World Series from Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The date is Wednesday, October 6:

Indians 1st: Cardinals starter Flint Rhem set the Tribe down in order. A sparkling defensive play was made right off the bat, as Taylor Douthit made a diving catch of Charlie Jamieson's sinking line drive in short center field just two pitches in. After a half, it's Indians nothing, Cardinals coming up.

Cardinals 1st: With one out, Billy Southworth singled to left, but Rogers Hornsby grounded into a 6-4-3 inning-ending double play. We're scoreless after one in St. Louis.

Indians 2nd: Another perfect inning for Rhem: George Burns and Homer Summa grounded to short, with Joe Sewell's fly to center coming in between. After an inning and a half, there's still no score.

Cardinals 2nd: After one out, Les Bell beat out a grounder to short for an infield single. He moved to second on Chick Hafey's grounder to second, and Indians starter George Uhle put two men on by walking Bob O'Farrell. But Tommy Thevenow popped up behind home plate, and Luke Sewell risked life and limb by reaching into the crowd and making the catch. After two, we're still scoreless.

Indians 3rd: With one out, Rube Lutzke grounded a single to left. Uhle bunted him over to second, but Jamieson's grounder to second ended the inning. After two and a half, we're still tied at aught.

Cardinals 3rd: Rhem led off with a bloop single to left. He was forced by Douthit, who then stole second. He held there on Southworth's fly to center, and Hornsby walked to put two men on. But Bottomley fouled out to Sewell, who made the catch right in front of the stands this time to retire the side. After three, it's Cleveland 0, St. Louis 0.

Indians 4th: Burns' two-out ground-rule double to right was wasted when Joe flew to center. Both teams are still firing blanks through three and a half.

Cardinals 4th: A one-two-three inning for Uhle. Neither team has gotten on the board through four.

Indians 5th: Summa drew a leadoff walk, moved to third on Luke's base hit to right center, and scored when Lutzke grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. Uhle's grounder to short ended the inning, but the Indians had broken on top. After four and a half, they lead the Redbirds 1-0.

Cardinals 5th: Uhle's second straight three up-three down inning. He's now retired seven Cardinals in a row, and his Tribe still holds a 1-0 lead through five.

Indians 6th: With one out, Spurgeon lined a single to left center. But Rhem struck Speaker out swinging, and Burns' grounder to second ended the inning. After five and a half, it's still Tribe 1, Cards 0.

Cardinals 6th: Southworth led off with a base hit to right, then stole second. Hornsby walked on a 3-2 pitch, then Bottomley was caught looking for out number one. Next up was Bell, whose bloop found friendly grass in left center field, Southworth scored to tie the game, while Hornsby moved to third. Hafey's slow roller to first was enough to bring home The Rajah, and the Cards took a 2-1 lead. O'Farrell drew another walk, but Thevenow's liner was gloved by Joe at short to end the inning. The Redbirds have taken the lead with a pair of tallies, and lead Game 4 2-1 after six.

Indians 7th: Joe's attempt to bunt for a leadoff base hit ended up being a weak tapper in front of the plate, but fate smiled on Cleveland when O'Farrell dropped the ball before he could throw to first, allowing Joe to reach. He was forced by Summa, but Luke's single to center put two men on. Lutzke's single to left center loaded the bases, and Ike Eichrodt was sent up to bat for Uhle. Rhem hit him in the knee with the first pitch, which scored Summa to tie the game at two and also kept the bases loaded. Jamieson's grounder went right to Bottomley, who threw home to nab Luke for the second out. Spurgeon's foul pop to Bell ended the inning. The Indians had tied the score, but they'd also left the bases loaded. Will it haunt them later? After six and a half, we're all even at two apiece.

Cardinals 7th: With one out, Douthit singled to left. Southworth forced him at second, then stole second himself, but Hornsby's pop to Lutzke ended the inning. After seven, we're still tied at two.

Indians 8th: New Cardinals pitcher Art Reinhart set the Indians down in order. After seven and a half, we're still deadlocked at two.

Cardinals 8th: After one out, Bell singled to right center. Hafey's fly to left center was too shallow to move him up, but O'Farrell walked to put two men on. Thevenow's weak fly to center ended the inning. After eight, it's still Tribe 2, Redbirds 2.

Indians 9th: Lutzke singled to left with two out, but pinch hitter Glenn Myatt (batting for reliever Benn Karr) flew to right center to end the inning. We're headed to the bottom of the ninth tied at two.

Cardinals 9th: Ray Blades batted for Rinehart and drew a leadoff walk against new Indians pitcher Jake Miller. Douthit's base hot to right center put two on. Southworth grounded one to Joe deep in the hole at short, and by the time Joe got to the ball, a throw couldn't even be attempted. This brought up Hornsby, who ended any possible suspense by cracking Miller's first offering into center for the game-winning hit, as Blades was able to trot home. Final score: Cardinals 3, Indians 2, and the Cards lead the series three games to one, with a chance to clinch their first-ever world championship at home tomorrow in Game 5.

Hornsby was the unanimous choice for Player of the Game, for obvious reasons.

Game 5 will be tomorrow afternoon here at Sportsman's Park. Bill Sherdel will take the hill looking to pitch the Redbirds to the world championship, while the Indians will counter with Dutch Levsen.

Final totals: Cardinals 3-10-1, Indians 2-7-0.

W- Rinehart (1-0)
L- Miller (0-1)

Next: We look at Game 5.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 8, 2017

Now it's time for Game 5 of the 1926 World Series from Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The date is Thursday, October 7:

Lineup Changes:

Cardinals- Taylor Douthit's a bit under the weather, so Wattie Holm gets the start in center field and occupies the leadoff spot.

Indians 1st: Charlie Jamieson drew a leadoff walk. Freddie Spurgeon's single to left put two men on, but they each had to hold when Tris Speaker could only manage a weak fly to right center. George Burns was next, and his base hit to left center brought Jamieson home with the game's first run. Joe Sewell smacked a base hit to right that brought home Spurgeon and gave Cleveland a 2-0 lead, and Homer Summa's groundout scored Burns and made it 3-0. But it was also the second out, and all Cardinals starter Bill Sherdel had to do to get out of the inning was retire Luke Sewell, which proved easier said than done.

First, catcher Bob O'Farrell couldn't handle his first pitch in the dirt, which resulted in a passed ball. Then, after getting ahead of Luke 1-2, he got a fastball up and over the plate, and Luke raked it down the left field line and over the glove of a leaping Chick Hafey for a two-run homer. It was now 5-0 Indians, and that was all for Sherdel, as skipper Rogers Hornsby called for Vic Keen, who had been a starter during the year, out of the Cardinal bullpen. Keen got Rube Lutzke to pop to short on the first pitch, and the side was mercifully retired. But the Tribe had struck for five runs before the Cardinals could do anything about it. Now's their chance in the bottom of the first.

Cardinals 1st: After two out, Indians starter Dutch Levsen issued back-to-back walks to Hornsby and Jim Bottomley. But Les Bell's fly to center ended the threat. After one, it's Indians 5, Cardinals 0.

Indians 2nd: After one out, Jamieson beat out an infield single. Spurgeon's base hit to left center put runners on the corners, and Speaker dumped a base hit into right that scored Jamieson to make it 6-0 Tribe. Next up was Burns, who smacked a double into the right center power alley to bring home Spurgeon and Speaker. Keen settled down, getting Joe to ground to short and Summa to line to first, but the Tribe had added three more tallies. After one and a half, the AL champs led the NL champs 8-0.

Cardinals 2nd: A one-two-three inning for Levsen. After two, the Indians still enjoy an 8-0 advantage.

Indians 3rd: Levsen set the NL champs down in order. After two and a half, the visitors are still up by eight.

Cardinals 3rd: Southworth's two-out double to right center was the first hit of the game for the Cardinals, but Hornsby spoiled it by flying to left. After three, it's Cleveland 8, St. Louis 0.

Indians 4th: Jamieson's leadoff drive to deep center ticked off of Holm's glove, and Charlie ended up at second on the error. But Spurgeon and Speaker each grounded to third, and Burns bounced to short to end the inning. The Tribe still had an right-run edge after three and a half.

Cardinals 4th: Another one-two-three inning for Levsen. Bell hit the first pitch he saw to deep left center, but Speaker made the catch as the ball died in the power alley. After four, the Cards are still on the wrong end of an 8-0 score.

Indians 5th: Keen retired the Indians in order, the first time they've been out in order today. After four and a half, it's Tribe 8, Redbirds 0.

Cardinals 5th: O'Farrell drew a leadoff walk. Thevenow's base hit put runners at first and second, but Keen's fly to left center caused them to hold. Holm forced Thevenow, with O'Farrell moving to third, and Southworth tapped to first to end the inning. After five, the Redbirds are still in an eight-run hole.

Indians 6th: Bell misplayed Lutzke's leadoff grounder for the second St. Louis error of the game. After Levsen lined out, Jamieson singled to center to put two men on. Spurgeon forced Charlie at second, though, and Speaker popped up to Bottomley to end the inning. After five and a half, it's Indians 8, Cardinals 0.

Cardinals 6th: With two out, Bell singled to right center. Hafey's single to right put two men on, but O'Farrell's fly to right ended the inning. After six, it's still the Indans by an octet.

Indians 7th: Summa's two-out single to center was wasted when Luke popped to short. As we stretch at Sportsman's Park, the Indians still hold an 8-0 lead.

Cardinals 7th: Holm drew a two-out walk, but was stranded when Southworth grounded to second. After seven, it's still Cleveland 8, St. Louis 0.

Indians 8th: Jamieson's two-out double to right center came to nothing when Spurgeon grounded to third. After seven and a half, it's still an eight-run lead for the boys from Lake Erie.

Cardinals 8th: Levsen set the Redbirds down in order. He's pitching a four-hit shutout through eight, and his team is up 8-0.

Indians 9th: Speaker led off with a base hit to center. After one out, Joe managed an infield hit. That brought up Summa, who belted a triple over the head of Holm in center. The ball went all the way to the warning track, and both Speaker and Joe scored with ease to give the Indians a 10-0 lead. Luke's single to left scored Summa to make it 11-0, and Keen was finally finished after a yeoman day's work. Walt Huntzinger was the new St. Louis pitcher, and he caught Lutzke looking at strike three for the second out. Speaker decided to let Levsen bat so he could try to finish his shutout, and Dutch responded by smacking a ground-rule double to left. But Jamieson's foul pop behind home plate was caught by O'Farrell to end the inning. The Tribe settled for three insurance runs, and Levsen's shutout bid was the only bit of suspense remaining in an 11-0 game.

Cardinals 9th: Levsen needed just eight pitches to finish off the dispirited Cards in one-two-three fashion. Thevenow's grounder to third was the last out, and Levsen had his shutout in a hundred and twenty-seven pitches. Final score: Indians 11, Cardinals 0, and we're headed back to Cleveland for Game 6 on Saturday with the Cardinals up three games to two in the series.

Levsen and Luke shared Player of the Game laurels on this day: Luke finished the day two for five with a homer and three RBIs. Both Burns and Summa also had two-for-five, three RBI days for the Tribe.

Final totals: Indians 11-16-0, Cardinals 0-4-2.

W- Levsen (1-0)
L- Sherdel (0-2)

HR- CLE: L. Sewell (1)

Game 6 will be at Dunn Field on Saturday. Pete Alexander will try to pitch the Redbirds to the world title, while the Tribe counters with Urban Buckeye.

Next: We look at Game 6.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 9, 2017

Now it's time for Game 6 of the 1926 World Series from Dunn Field in Cleveland. The date is Saturday, October 9:

Cardinals 1st: Indians starter Garland Buckeye retired the visitors one-two-three in just ten pitches. After a half, it's Cardinals nothing, Indians coming up.

Indians 1st: Tris Speaker grounded a two-out single to right center, but the inning ended with George Burns' comebacker to the mound. We're scoreless after one.

Cardinals 2nd: Jim Bottomley led off the inning with a base hit to center, but Les Bell erased him by grounding into an around-the-horn double play. Indians shortstop Joe Sewell muffed Chick Hafey's easy grounder to keep the inning alive, but Bob O'Farrell's grounder to Burns at first ended the inning. After one and a half, there's still no score.

Indians 2nd: Cardinals starter Pete Alexander had a one-two-three inning of his own. There's no score after two by the shores of Lake Erie.

Cardinals 3rd: A second one-two-three inning for Buckeye. After two and a half, it's Cleveland zip, St. Louis zip.

Indians 3rd: Rube Lutzke's leadoff single to left was wiped out when Buckeye grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. Charlie Jamieson's weak roller to first retired the side. There's still no score through three.

Cardinals 4th: Billy Southworth worked a leadoff walk, then stole second. Rogers Hornsby blooped a single into right center to bring Southworth home and give St. Louis a 1-0 lead. Bottomley forced The Rajah at second, and Bell was caught looking at strike three for out number two. Hafey's line single to right center put runners on the corners, but O'Farrell grounded to second, retiring the side. The Cardinals have broken on top 1-0 through three and a half.

Indians 4th: Freddy Spurgeon received a leadoff free pass. Speaker's single to left center put two on, and Alexander walked Burns on four pitches to load the bases. That brought up Joe, who cracked a base hit into left center which brought home Spurgeon and Speaker and gave the Tribe a 2-1 lead. Alexander settled down after that, retiring Lutzke and Homer Summa on routine flies to left and Luke Sewell on a routine fly to center in between. The Indians have taken the lead with a pair, however, and after four it's Indians 2, Cardinals 1.

Cardinals 5th: Wattie Holm walked with two out, and a wild pitch from Buckeye moved him to second. But Southworth's grounder to first ended the inning. Halfway through Game 6, it's Indians 2, Cardinals 1.

Indians 5th: Buckeye helped his own cause in the best way possible: by smacking a leadoff home run into the left center field stands and increasing the Indians' lead to 3-1. Jamieson followed up with a base hit to right, and Allen Sothoron began to loosen in the Cardinal bullpen. But Spurgeon's foul pop was caught by Bottomley behind first base for out number one, and Speaker forced Jamieson at second for out number two. Burns' single to left kept the inning alive, but Sewell's fly to right center was caught by Southworth to end the inning. The Indians have added one on Buckeye's dinger, and after five they lead the Cardinals 3-1.

Cardinals 6th: Bottomley drew a one-out walk, but was thrown out trying to steal second by Luke. Bell's bloop single to left center briefly restarted the rally, but Hafey's line drive was gloved by Joe for the final out. After five and a half, it's Tribe 3, Redbirds 1.

Indians 6th: After two out, Lutzke singled to left center. Bell then muffed Buckeye's grounder, allowing him to reach. Jamieson's grounder to second retired the side. After six, the Indians still lead their guests 3-1.

Cardinals 7th: O'Farrell drew a leadoff walk. Thevenow's liner was caught by Joe at short for out number one, but Buckeye walked Ray Blades (batting for Alexander) to put two men on. Holm's single to left loaded the bases, and by now Benn Karr was throwing with urgency in the Cleveland bullpen. Southworth grounded to Lutzke at third, and Rube wasted no time throwing to the plate to gun down O'Farrell for the second out. But Hornsby walked on five pitches to force in Blades, and Bottomley walked on five more to force in Holm and tie the game. Speaker finally made the signal for Karr, but not soon enough to spare Buckeye the booing of his life as he trudged off the mound.

Karr's debut in this game wasn't exactly covered in glory, either, as Bell's grounder to Sewell was bobbled, then dropped for Joe's fifth error of the series. More importantly, Southworth had scored, and the Cardinals now led 4-3 with the bases still loaded. Hafey's grounder to third finally got Karr out of the inning, but the Redbirds had scored three times on just one hit, thanks to four walks and an error. As the disgusted Cleveland faithful rise to stretch, their team now trails the Cardinals 4-3.

Indians 7th: Speaker's one-out infield hit went for naught when Burns grounded into a 5-4-3 double play. After seven, it's Cards 4, Tribe 3.

Cardinals 8th: O'Farrell led off with a base hit to left. He was forced by Thevenow, who was then bunted over to second by reliever Art Rinehart. Taylor Douthit then came to the plate to bat for Holm, and he grounded a base hit up the middle to score Thevenow with a big insurance run. Southworth's grounder to third ended the inning, but the Cardinals now lead 5-3 after seven and a half.

Indians 8th: Rinehart retired the Tribe on three shallow outfield flies. After eight, it's Cardinals 5, Indians 3.

Cardinals 9th: A three up-three down inning for new Indians pitcher Jake Miller: Hornsby hit a comebacker to the mound, Bottomley lined to shirt, and Bell fouled out to his counterpart Lutzke at third. The Tribe has one last chance against Rinehart in the last of the ninth needing two to tie and three to win.

Indians 9th: Rinehart had his second consecutive one-two-three inning, with Jamieson's fly to Douthit in center being the final out. The St. Louis Cardinals are world champions of baseball for the first time ever, beating the Cleveland Indians 5-3 in Game 6 and winning the series four games to two.

Rinehart was named unofficial Player of the Game for his three innings of one-hit relief. Hornsby was the choice of most observers for unofficial series MVP, mostly because of his game-winning hit in Game 4.

Final totals: Cardinals 5-7-1, Indians 3-9-2.

W- Alexander (2-0)
L- Buckeye (0-2)

HR- CLE: Buckeye (1)

The National League now has thirteen world championships in the Pythagorean universe to the American League's ten.

Next: We look at 1927.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 9, 2017

Now for our look at 1927:

National League- The pennant comes home to Pittsburgh, as the Pirates take their second flag in three years and their sixth overall by six games despite a two-game slide (94-60 to 92-62). Second and third places are determined by a game of "I've got it, you take it" between the Giants and Cardinals; the G-Men take a six-game tumble (92-62 to 86-68), but the defending champions top that with a league-high seven-game plunge (92-61 to 85-68) that ends up costing them second by half a game and leaves them tied for third with the Cubs, who remain where they are.

The biggest two improvements come from the bottom of the heap, as the seventh-place Braves improve by five games (60-94 to 65-89), while the last-place Phils improve by a league-best six, which saves them a hundred-loss season (51-103 to 57-97). It still leaves them thirty-five games behind their rivals from the other side of Pennsylvania, though.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Pirates: 92-62 (-2)
2. Giants: 86-68- 6 GB (-6)
3. (tie) Cardinals: 85-68- 6.5 GB (-7)
(tie) Cubs: 85-68- 6.5 GB (0)
5. Reds: 75-78- 16.5 GB (0)
6. Robins: 67-86- 24.5 GB (+2)
7. Braves: 65-89- 27 GB (+5)
8. Phillies: 57-97- 35 GB (+6)

American League- The Murderers' Row Yankees are just as dominant in the Pythagorean universe as in real life, finishing with a record of 109-45 (one-game drop) and winning the franchise's third pennant by an otherworldly twenty-two games over the second-place A's, who take a four-game drop (91-63 to 87-67). The third-place Sens drop by three (85-69 to 82-72) and the fourth-place Tigers by two (82-71 to 80-73).

All four second-division clubs improve, although there's no movement in the standings. The fifth-place White Sox (70-83 to 72-81) and seventh-place Browns (59-94 to 61-92) improve by two games, while the sixth-place Indians (66-87 to 67-86) and cellar-dwelling Red Sox (51-103 to 52-102) improve by one. This is the Bosox' third consecutive hundred-loss basement finish.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 109-45 (-1)
2. Athletics: 87-67- 22 GB (-4)
3. Senators: 82-72- 27 GB (-3)
4. Tigers: 80-73- 28.5 GB (-2)
5. White Sox: 72-81- 36.5 GB (+2)
6. Indians: 67-86- 41.5 GB (+1)
7. Browns: 61-92- 47.5 GB (+2)
8. Red Sox: 52-102- 57 GB (+1)

The Yanks steamroll the National League champion Pirates in four straight games to win the World Series. This cuts the National League's lead in the all-time world championship chase to two at 13-11. I think I can safely say without spoiling the future too much that it's also the first of many world titles to come for the boys from the Bronx.

Next: We look at 1928.

Thoughts?

James XI · Jun 9, 2017

On the subject of spoilers:this is all going to end in an Expos dynasty.

Meanwhile, keep up the great stuff. '27 Yanks, by God.

Garrett Garlits · Jun 9, 2017

We'll see, James. They aren't looking too bad in 1981!

Garrett Garlits · Jun 10, 2017

Since World Series are now being broadcast, I should run down the list of broadcasters, since I'll eventually be using radio and TV calls of big moments. They'll probably start at some point in the sixties, since that's when most of the games begin to be readily available these days and I can get a feel for what the broadcasters sounded like in real life. I'll just do the series I've simmed:

1922- Westinghouse Broadcasting: Grantland Rice, William McGeehan (sports editor of the New York Herald-Tribune)

Note: I'm honestly not sure if the games from St. Louis would have been broadcast live or would have had to be recreated from a New York studio because of the cost and time involved in transporting audio equipment. I'm also not sure if there would have been two New York newspapermen on the call.

1926- Westinghouse Broadcasting: Graham McNamee, Phillips Carlin

I'll keep these updated as I sim Series; eventually, they're going to differ from real life once team announcers begin calling Series games in the fifties.

Garrett Garlits · Jun 10, 2017

Now for our look at 1928:

National League- The Cardinals take their second pennant with a record of 94-60, a one-game drop. This earns them a two-game victory over the Giants, who also slide by a game (93-61 to 92-62). The Buccos improve by three games (85-67 to 88-64) and take third place from the Cubs, finishing five games out. The Cubs fall to fourth as a result of a four-game plunge (91-63 to 87-67) and end up seven back.

Meanwhile, in the second division, the Reds shed a league-high six games (78-74 to 72-80), which drops them from fifth to sixth. The Robins take fifth with a two-game improvement from 77-76 to 79-74. The Braves and Phils also "improve", and the Braves barely avoid a hundred losses with a four-game spurt (50-103 to 54-99). The Phils aren't so lucky; they gain eight games, the highest total in the league, but still finish 51-101, forty-two games behind the Cardinals. This makes four straight last-place finishes for them and five in six years.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cardinals: 94-60 (-1)
2. Giants: 92-62-2 GB (-1)
3. Pirates: 88-64- 5 GB (+3)
4. Cubs: 87-67- 7 GB (-4)
5. Robins: 79-74- 14.5 GB (+2)
6. Reds: 72-80- 21 GB (-6)
7. Braves: 54-99- 39.5 GB (+4)
8. Phillies: 51-101- 42 GB (+8)

American League- The Philadelphia Athletics shake off years of futility to claim their first American League pennant since 1914 and seventh overall, finishing with a record of 97-56 (one-game slide) and defeating the defending world champion Yankees by two and a half games. The Yanks make this possible with a league-worst six-game plunge (101-53 to 95-59). The Browns slip by two (82-72 to 80-74) but hold on to third, while the Sens' three-game spurt (75-79 to 78-76) earns them fourth place and a winning season to boot.

The Tigers head the bottom four with a four-game upswing (68-86 to 72-82), while the White Sox slip from fifth to sixth after a two-game slide (72-82 to 70-84). Both the Indians (62-92 to 63-91) and the Red Sox (57-96 to 58-95) improve by a game, but they still finish seventh and eighth, respectively. This is the Red Sox' fourth last-place finish in a row, though they manage to avoid losing a hundred games.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Athletics: 97-56 (-1)
2. Yankees: 95-59- 2.5 GB (-6)
3. Browns: 80-74- 17.5 GB (-2)
4. Senators: 78-76- 19.5 GB (+3)
5. Tigers: 72-82- 25.5 GB (+4)
6. White Sox: 70-84- 27.5 GB (-2)
7. Indians: 63-91- 34.5 GB (+1)
8. Red Sox: 58-95- 39 GB (+1)

The A's will meet the Cardinals in the World Series, and they'll have home field advantage as the American League champions.

Since I'm cataloguing broadcasters, the series will be shared by NBC and CBS. Graham McNamee will do play-by-play for the NBC games, while someone named J. Andrew White will do play-by-play for CBS. Philips Carlin will handle color for both networks. I have no idea which network took which games in real life, so in this timeline NBC will handle the games from Philadelphia, while CBS will broadcast the games from St. Louis.

Next: We look at Game 1 of the World Series from Shibe Park. Bill Sherdel will take the mound for the Cardinals, while Rube Walberg starts for the A's.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 11, 2017

Now it's time for Game I of the 1928 World Series from Shibe Park in Philadelphia. The date is Thursday, October 4:

Cardinals 1st: Center fielder Taylor Douthit started the series by grounding a base hit up the middle. Third baseman Andy High bunted him over to second, and an infield out from second baseman Frankie Frisch moved him to third. But first baseman Jim Bottomley grounded to counterpart Joe Hauser to end the inning. After a half, it's Cardinals nothing, A's coming to bat.

A's 1st: A one-two-three inning for Cardinals starter Bill Sherdel. After one, there's no score.

Cardinals 2nd: After two out, catcher Jimmie Wilson singled to center. Shortstop Rabbit Maranville drew a walk, and Sherdel gave himself a lead by grounding a base hit into left that scored Wilson with the game's first run. Douthit's liner up the middle scored Maranville, and it was 2-0 St. Louis. High then drew a walk to load the bases for Frisch. But A's starter Rube Walberg escaped when The Fordham Flash grounded to second, ending the inning. After an inning and a half, it's Redbirds 2, Swingins 0.

A's 2nd: After two out, right fielder Bing Miller gave the home team its first hit with a single to left center. Hauser then rammed a double off the right field wall to bring Miller home and cut the A's deficit to 2-1. Sherdel then pitched around shortstop Jimmy Dykes, eventually walking him to bring up Walberg. The strategy worked to perfection, as Rube's fly to right ended the inning. The A's thus settled for one, and still trailed 2-1 after two.

Cardinals 3rd: Bottomley's leadoff grounder to second was fielded by Philly's Max Bishop, whose high throw to first pulled Hauser off the bag for an error. Left fielder Chick Hafey walked, and right fielder George Harper forced him at second, which moved Bottomley to third. Wilson's base hit to right center brought home Bottomley and made it 3-1 Cards, and after Maranville was caught looking at strike three for the second out, Sherdel knocked in his second run of the game with a single to left which scored Harper. Douthit walked to load the bases, but High's pop on the infield was caught by shortstop Jimmy Dykes to end the inning. The Redbirds had added two, but left the bases loaded. After two and a half, it's Cardinals 4, A's 1.

A's 3rd: Catcher Mickey Cochrane drew a two-out walk, but left fielder Al Simmons tapped to first to end the inning. The Redbirds maintain a 4-1 lead through three.

Cardinals 4th: Frisch led off the inning with a no-doubt home run far over the center field fence. Deep center at Shibe Park is 468 feet, so the ball traveled nearly five hundred. Bottomley followed up with a base hit to right, but was forced by Hafey. Miller made a terrific sliding catch of Harper's fly to right for the second out, and Wilson flew to left to retire the side. After three and a half, the score now reads St. Louis 5, Philadelphia 1.

A's 4th: Miller blooped a one-out single to left, but ended up stranded. Hauser's fly to right center was deep enough to be trouble, but Douthit made the catch just before the warning track for the second out, and Dykes flew to left to end the inning. After four, it's still Cardinals 5, A's 1.

Cardinals 5th: Walberg finally enjoyed a one-two-three inning. Halfway through Game 1, the Redbirds still led by four.

A's 5th: Sherdel set the home squad down in order: Walberg flew to center, Bishop grounded to second, and center fielder Mule Haas popped out to third. After five, the A's still trailed by four.

Cardinals 6th: Walberg set the visitors down in order again, with High's fly to deep right center the closest thing he had to trouble. After five and a half, the Cardinals still held a 5-1 lead.

A's 6th: With one out, Simmons singled to right center. After third baseman Jimmie Foxx popped out to second for out number two, Miller launched a fly ball to left that looked to be foul, but dinged off the foul pole at the last moment for a two-run homer that cut the Cardinal lead to 5-3. Hauser kept the inning going with a base hit off of Maranville's glove, but Dykes' line smash was gloved by Bottomley to retire the side. After six, it was now NL Champs 5, AL Champs 3.

Cardinals 7th: Hafey led off by grounding a base hit to center. After new A's pitcher Eddie Rommel struck out Harper, Wilson tapped to Hauser for what looked to be a sure force on Hafey. But Hauser's throw sailed over Bishop's head, and everybody was safe. Only a quick smother by Dykes prevented the ball from going into the outfield. Maranville then lined a base hit into left center which scored both Hafey and Wilson and increased the St. Louis lead to 7-3. Sherdel's fly to right center and Douthit's fly to left ended the inning, but as we stretch at Shibe Park, the Redbirds' four-run lead has been restored.

A's 7th: The home squad had Sherdel in trouble from the beginning. Rommel and Bishop led off with back-to-back singles to left center, Haas flew to right for out number one, but Cochrane lined a base hit up the middle to load 'em up. Cards manager Bill McKechnie excused Sherdel in favor of Syl Johnson, who restored order by getting Simmons to ground into a force play. Even though Rommel scored to make it a 7-4 game, the air went out of the inning, and Johnson shut it down by getting Double X to ground to third. After seven, the Cardinals still held a three-run lead.

Cardinals 8th: Rommel set the Redbirds down one-two-three. After seven and a half, it's St. Louie 7, Philly 4.

A's 8th: Dykes lined a base hit to center with two out, but Ty Cobb (batting for Rommel) struck out to end the inning. After eight, the A's still trailed by three.

Cardinals 9th: Hafey led off with a base hit to center, but was forced at second by Harper. Wilson flew to center, and Maranville popped to third to end the inning. Heading to the bottom of the ninth, the Cards still lead the A's 7-4.

A's 9th: Johnson retired the side in order with just seven pitches. Cochrane's fly to right was the last out. Final score: Cardinals 7, A's 4, and the Redbirds lead the series one game to none.

Sherdel was the consensus choice for Player of the Game; he not only pitched six and a third tough innings on the mound, giving up three runs on nine hits, but he went two for four with two RBIs at the plate.

Game 2 of the series will be tomorrow here at Shibe Park. Pete Alexander will take the ball for the Cardinals, while the A's counter with Jack Quinn.

W- Sherdel (1-0)
L- Walberg (0-1)

HR- STL: Frisch (1)
PHI: Miller (1)

I accidentally erased the sim before I could record the final totals.

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 12, 2017

Now it's time for Game 2 of the 1928 World Series from Shibe Park in Philadelphia. The date is Friday, October 5:

Cardinals 1st: Andy High lined a one-out double to left center, but Frankie Frisch flew weakly to right center and Jim Bottomley popped up to Max Bishop at second to end the inning. After a half, it's Cardinals nothing, A's heading to the bat rack.

A's 1st: Bishop grounded Cardinal starter Pete Alexander's first pitch just out of Bottomley's reach and into right for a base hit, but was immediately caught trying to steal second by Cardinal catcher Jimmie Wilson. Mule Haas lined a single to right, but Mickey Cochrane grounded into an easy 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. After one, there's no score.

Cardinals 2nd: A one-two-three inning for A's starter Jack Quinn. After an inning and a half, it's Cardinals 0, A's 0.

A's 2nd: Alexander returned the favor. Chick Hafey's tumbling catch of Al Simmons' sinking fly ball in shallow left field was the highlight. We're still scoreless through two complete.

Cardinals 3rd: Alexander lined a one-out base hit to right canter, but Quinn came back to strike out Taylor Douthit swinging for the second out. High's base hit to center put runners on the corners, but Frisch flied to left to retire the side. After two and a half, we're still knotted at aught.

A's 3rd: Joe Hauser led off with a single to left center, but Alexander recovered to retire Jimmy Dykes on a fly to right. Quinn bounced into a 1-4 force play for out number two, but Bishop walked on five pitches. Haas then singled to right. Quinn was ordered to stop at third by third base coach Earle Mack, but ran through the stop sign and was easily thrown out at the plate, as both Cardinal right fielder George Harper's throw and Wilson's tag were right on the money. After three, there's still no score.

Cardinals 4th: Quinn hit Bottomley in the leg with his first pitch of the inning, and things got worse from there. Hafey singled to left to put two on, and Harper walked. Wilson then stroked a single to left to score Bottomley and Hafey, and the Redbirds were up 2-0. Maranville forced Wilson for the first out, and Alexander forced Maranville for out number two, with Harper scoring the third St. Louis run. But just as Quinn appeared to be settling down. he walked Douthit. High then grounded a base hit into right center to bring home Alexander, and the Cardinal lead was 4-0.

With Bullet Joe Bush now throwing in the Philly bullpen, Quinn faced Frisch, whose bloop into right center fell in, allowing Douthit to score. Bottomley, the tenth man to bat in the inning, grounded to first, and the side was retired. But the Redbirds had hit the board in a big way, with five runs on four hits, two walks, and a hit bastsman. After three and a half, it's Cards 5, Swingins 0.

A's 4th: Alexander retired the heart of the A's lineup in order: Cochrane grounded to first, and both Simmons and Jimmie Foxx grounded to short. After four, the A's still trailed by five.

Cardinals 5th: Harper singled to center with one out, but Wilson ended the inning by grounding into a 6-4-3 double play. Halfway through Game 2, it's still St. Louis 5, Philadelphia 0.

A's 5th: Miller led off with a single to left, then stole second. Alexander came back to catch Hauser looking at strike three for out number one, and Dykes grounded to short for the second out. Needing offense in a hurry, A's skipper Connie Mack sent Ty Cobb up to bat for Quinn, and the Georgia Peach drew a walk. Bishop also walked, and the bases were loaded for Haas. But Mule was fooled by an Alexander curve and grounded weakly to second to end the threat with the bases still loaded. After five, the A's still trailed the Cardinals 5-0.

Cardinals 6th: Maranville greeted new pitcher Bush with a single to right center, but Alexander erased him by grounding into a 4-6-3 double play. Douthit restarted the rally with a walk, and High's single to right, his fourth hit of the game, put runners on the corners. But Frisch's roller to first ended the inning. After five and a half, it's NL Champs 5, AL Champs 0.

A's 6th: Alexander had another one-two-three inning, with a Simmons grounder to first coming between strikeouts of Cochrane (swinging) and Foxx (looking). After six, it's still 5-0 Redbirds.

Cardinals 7th: After two out, Harper added to the St. Louis lead by smacking a ball down the left field line and just over the outstretched glove of Simmons for a solo home run. Wilson's grounder to third ended the inning, but the Cardinals now led 6-0 at the seventh-inning stretch.

A's 7th: After one out, Hauser put the home squad on the board with a towering home run into the bleachers in right center field, well over four hundred feet. (It's 393 feet to right center at Shibe Park.) After Dykes grounded to third for out number two, Frisch couldn't handle Bush's grounder, and Joe was safe at first. But Bishop struck out swinging, and the side was retired. After seven, it was St. Louie 6, Philly 1.

Cardinals 8th: After one out, Hauser fielded Alexander's grounder, but his throw back to first pulled Bush off the bag for an error. After Douthit flew to left for the second out, High squeezed a base hit in between an incoming Miller and an outgoing Hauser for his fifth hit of the game. Runners were now at first and third for Frisch, but Frankie grounded to third to retire the side. After seven and a half, the Cards still held a five-run lead.

A's 8th: Cochrane's one-out walk came to nothing when Simmons flew to left and Foxx flew to right. After eight, the White Elephants still trailed by five.

Cardinals 9th: Haas handled all three putouts in the inning, with Bottomley's leadoff fly pushing him back to the warning track. A Harper two-out single to right was wasted. Going to the bottom of the ninth, the Cardinals still lead the A's 6-1.

A's 9th: With one out, Hauser lined a double off the wall in right center. Dykes then walked to put two men on, and Cardinal manager Bill McKechnie called for Hal Haid out of the bullpen. Haid got Sammy Hale (batting for Bush) to pop to High at third and caught Bishop looking at strike three to end the game. Final score: Cardinals 6, A's 1, and the Cards lead the series two games to none.

High's five-for-five day at the plate made him the consensus choice for Player of the Game, though cases could also have been made for Alexander (eight and a third strong innings) and Harper (three for four with a homer and two runs scored).

Final totals: Cardinals 6-13-1, A's 1-7-1.

W- Alexander (1-0)
L- Quinn (0-1)

HR- STL: Harper (1)
PHI: Hauser (1)

Game 3 of the series will be Sunday afternoon at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The Cards will send Jesse Haines to the mound, while the A's will counter with George Earnshaw.

Next: We look at Game 3.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 13, 2017

Now it's time for Game 3 of the 1928 World Series from Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The date is Sunday, October 7:

Lineup Changes:

A's- Jimmie Foxx is nursing a sprained wrist, so Sammy Hale takes his place at third and bats fifth. Word is that Foxx could still pinch-hit in a dire emergency. Also, Joe Hauser and Bing Miller flip-flop in the batting order; Hauser's now hitting sixth and Miller seventh.

Cardinals- Wattie Holm replaces George Harper in right field. He'll bat sixth.

A's 1st: Max Bishop led off the game with a base hit to center, but was erased when Mule Haas grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. Mickey Cochrane's fly to right center ended the inning. After a half, it's A's nothing, Cardinals coming up.

Cardinals 1st: Frankie Frisch drew a two-out walk and stole second, but A's starter George Earnshaw struck out Jim Bottomley swinging to end the inning. We're scoreless after one.

A's 2nd: Al Simmons ripped a leadoff double into the left center power alley, and Hale whacked another line drive into the left field corner to score Simmons and give the A's a 1-0 lead. Hauser then bounced a single into right to bring home Hale, and the A's led 2-0. Miller forced Hale at second, then stole second himself. Cardinals starter Jesse Haines then came back to retire both Jimmy Dykes and Earnshaw on flies to center to end the inning. Taylor Douthit made a particularly fine catch of Earnshaw's fly. After an inning and a half, it's Athletics 2, Cardinals 0.

Cardinals 2nd: With one out, Holm doubled into the left field corner. Jimmie Wilson was next, and he rapped a double off the left field wall. Holm scored easily, and the Redbirds were on the board. Rabbit Maranville's single to right center put runners on the corners for Haines, who lifted a fly to center. Haas made the catch, and Wilson broke for the plate. The throw was slightly offline, but Cochrane swept it up in his glove, then made the tag on his counterpart for the third out. The Redbirds thus had to settle for one, and still trailed 2-1 through two.

A's 3rd: Cochrane's two-out base hit to right center was wasted when Simmons grounded to third to end the inning. One of the highlights of the inning was Maranville's lunging grab of Haas's line drive for out number two. After two and a half, it's Philadelphia 2, St. Louis 1.

Cardinals 3rd: Douthit stroked a leadoff double to center, and Earnshaw proceeded to walk both Andy High and Frisch to load the bases. Bottomley grounded one to first, and Douthit was a dead Redbird at the plate for out number one. Next was Chick Hafey, and he golfed one over Haas's head that dropped and rolled to the wall. The bases cleared, and Hafey ended up at second with a double. Holm grounded to third, and Wilson's fly to left center retired the side. But Hafey's double had given the Cards a 4-2 lead after three.

A's 4th: With two out, Miller beat out an infield hit. Dykes' single to left center put runners at first and third, but Earnshaw's grounder to Bottomley retired the side. After three and a half, the Redbirds still hold a 4-2 lead.

Cardinals 4th: A one-two-three inning for Earnshaw, as he struck out Maranville and Haines swinging and retired Douthit on a fly to left. After four, it's NL Champs 4, AL Champs 2.

A's 5th: Cochrane's two-out single to right center came to nothing when Simmons popped out to short, ending the threat. Halfway through Game 3, the Cardinals lead the A's 4-2.

Cardinals 5th: Earnshaw issued back-to-back walks to High and Frisch to start the inning. Bottomley then grounded a base hit to right. High scored, and it was 5-2 Cardinals. Hafey's liner was gloved by Dykes for out number one, but Holm walked to load the bases. Already down two games to none, A's manager Connie Mack replaced Earnshaw with Howard Ehmke, who caught Wilson looking for the second out and got Maranville to ground to second. The Redbirds left the bases loaded, but they picked up a run, and now led the A's 5-2 after five.

A's 6th: Miller singled to left center with two out, but Dykes flew to left to retire the side. After five and a half, the A's still trail the Cardinals 5-2.

Cardinals 6th: Ehmke enjoyed a one-two-three inning. After six, it's still Redbirds 5, Swingins 2.

A's 7th: Ditto for Haines. The Cards still enjoy a 5-2 lead as their faithful stretch at Sportsman's Park.

Cardinals 7th: Hafey singled to left center with two out, but Holm flew to right center to end the inning. After seven, the Redbirds still led by three.

A's 8th: After two out, Hale grounded a base hit into left center. Hauser walked and Miller singled to short to load the bases. But Haines struck out Dykes swinging, and the side was retired with the bases still loaded. Special mention on defense goes to Douthit for his diving catch of Cochrane's leadoff fly. After seven and a half, it's St. Louie 5, Philly 2.

Cardinals 8th: Ehmke enjoyed a three-up three-down inning, with all of the outs being grounders to Dykes at short. The A's have one last chance trailing by three.

A's 9th: Haines got the first two outs, but gave up a walk to Haas on a 3-2 pitch. Cochrane doubled to center, which scored Haas and cut the St. Louis lead to 5-3. Simmons then grounded a single to left center, which scored Cochrane and made this a 5-4 game. Now came the emergency that I spoke about above, as Foxx made his way to the plate to bat for Hale. Cardinals manager Bill McKechnie then replaced a tiring Haines with Hal Haid. Foxx was overmatched from the start, and Haid struck him out on three weak swings to end the game. Final score: Cardinals 5, A's 4, and the Cards lead the series three games to none with a chance to claim their second world championship in three years tomorrow afternoon.

Hafey's fourth-inning double was enough to earn him Player of the Game consensus.

Game 4 will be tomorrow afternoon here at Sportsman's Park. Bill Sherdel will make his second series start for the Cardinals, while the A's will counter with their ace, Lefty Grove.

Final totals: Cardinals 5-7-0, A's 4-13-0.

W- Haines (1-0)
L- Earnshaw (0-1)

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 14, 2017

Now it's time for Game 4 of the 1928 World Series from Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The date is Monday, October 8:

Lineup Changes:

A's- His wrist is still sore, but Jimmie Foxx is back in the lineup at third base and batting fifth.

Cardinals- First, George Harper is back in right field and batting sixth. Second, a bad knee has sidelined catcher Jimmie Wilson. Earl Smith will take his place behind the plate and bat eighth. Third, Taylor Douthit has been battling a cold all series long, and it's gotten the best of him today. Ernie Orsatti will replace him in center field and the leadoff spot.

A's 1st: Max Bishop drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on Mule Haas' grounder to second, and moved to third on another grounder to second by Mickey Cochrane. Al Simmons hit a fly ball deep to left, but it died on the warning track, enabling Chick Hafey to make the catch that retired the side. After a half, it's A's nothing, Cardinals ready to hit.

Cardinals 1st: Orsatti greeted A's starter Lefty Grove by beating out an infield hit. Andy High's perfectly executed bunt moved him to second, and Frankie Frisch's double over Haas' head in center brought him home and gave the Cards a 1-0 lead. Next up was Jim Bottomley, whose base hit to right scored Frisch and increased the St. Louis lead to 2-0. Hafey grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning, but the Cardinals had broken on top with a pair of runs and led 2-0 after one.

A's 2nd: Foxx stroked a leadoff single to right, but Joe Hauser erased him by grounding into a 3-6-3 double play. Bing Miller was caught looking at strike three to end the inning. After one and a half, the Cardinals still had a 2-0 lead.

Cardinals 2nd: A one-two-three inning for Grove. The Cards still lead 2-0 after two,

A's 3rd: Sherdel enjoyed a one-two-three inning of his own. After two and a half, it's St. Louis 2, Philadelphia 0.

Cardinals 3rd: High singled to left center with two out, but Frankie Frisch's fly to left ended the inning. After three, the Redbirds still led by a pair.

A's 4th: Sherdel set the AL champs down in order again. Thanks to the double play in the second inning, he's retired the last nine A's hitters in a row. After three and a half, it's Redbirds 2, Swingins 0.

Cardinals 4th: Bottomley led off with a single to right, but was forced by Hafey, who in turn was forced by Harper. Smith's base hit to right center put runners on the corners, but Rabbit Maranville's foul pop behind home plate was gloved by Cochrane for the final out. After four, the Cardinals maintained a 2-0 advantage.

A's 5th: Foxx's leadoff grounder to short made ten retired in a row for Sherdel, but Hauser broke the string with authority, clubbing a 2-0 pitch into the right center bleachers for a game-tying home run. A rattled Sherdel then gave up a double to right center by Bing Miller. Next up was Jimmy Dykes, who hit a slow roller to third. High charged and fielded the ball, but his throw to first sailed over Bottomley's head for an error. Grove then walked to load the bases. Bishop smacked a screaming liner right into the glove of Frisch for out number two, and Haas' bullet to short was gloved by Maranville to retire the side. The A's had gotten a run back, but left the bases loaded. After four and a half, it's NL Champs 2, AL Champs 1.

Cardinals 5th: With one out, Orsatti cracked a ball over the right field wall on a hop for a ground-rule double. High's base hit to center brought him home, and the two-run St. Louis lead was restored. Frisch lined to short for the second out, and Bottomley's tapper to his counterpart Hauser retired the side. After five, the Cards now lead the A's 3-1.

A's 6th: Another three up-three down inning for Sherdel: Cochrane and Simmons grounded to second, while Foxx grounded to first. Through five and a half, the visitors still trail by two.

Cardinals 6th: Grove set the Redbirds down in order. Smith's fly to deep right center was the closest thing to trouble, and it was run down in the power alley by Miller for the final out. After six, it's St. Louie 3, Philly 1.

A's 7th: Another apple-pie order inning for Sherdel, who's now retired eight in a row since walking Grove in the fifth. As we stretch at Sportsman's Park, the Cards enjoy a 3-1 lead and are just six defensive out away from the world championship.

Cardinals 7th: The Redbirds went down in order. Grove has now retired eight in a row as well since High's fifth-inning single. After seven, it's still Cardinals 3, A's 1.

A's 8th: Three more up and three more down for Sherdel, who's now retired eleven straight. The first batter in the inning was Ty Cobb, who batted for Grove and grounded to second in what could be his last major-league at-bat. He's announced his retirement after the series. After seven and a half, the Cardinals still hold a 3-1 lead.

Cardinals 8th: New A's pitcher Joe Bush was in trouble from the start. High led off with a base hit to left center, followed by Frisch's single to right and Bottomley's infield hit off of Foxx's glove at third, which loaded the bases. Hafey was next, and he was sitting dead red on Bush's fastball all the way. He got it on the third pitch, and within seconds it was over the left field wall for what, barring a miracle in the ninth, will be a Series-clinching home run. Once the overjoyed crowd calmed down, Eddie Rommel replaced Bush and retired the next three batters on just eight pitches, although Harper's fly to left sent Simmons back to the wall to make the catch. After eight, the Cardinals now lead the Athletics 7-1.

A's 9th: Sherdel gave up a two-out walk to Foxx, but Hauser's grounder to third was handled with ease by High, and the Cardinals were world champions for the second time in three years, defeating the A's 7-1 in Game 4 and sweeping the series in four straight games.

Hafey was the MVP of both the game (because of his grand slam) and the series. He drove in seven runs over the final two games and was in the middle of many other Cardinal rallies.

The National League has now won fourteen world titles to the American League's eleven.

Final totals: Cardinals 7-12-1, A's 1-3-0.

W- Sherdel (2-0)
L- Grove (0-1)

HR- PHI: Hauser (2)
STL: Hafey (1)

Next: We examine 1929.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 14, 2017

Now for our look at 1929:

National League- The Cubs come back to the top of the league, claiming their first pennant in eleven years and twelfth overall despite a four-game skid (98-54 to 94-58) that turns a ten-and-a-half-game cakewalk into a thriller. The Giants are the team that almost picks up the pieces, improving by a league-best eight games (84-67 to 92-59) and finishing just a game and a half back. The Pirates drop just one game, from 88-65 to 87-66, but that's enough to land them in third place, seven and a half back. The defending champion Redbirds bring up the first division rear, locking in at 78-74.

The Reds, Phils and Robins all move around in the second division, with the Reds stepping up to fifth courtesy of a four-game bump (66-88 to 70-84) while the Phils drop by four to finish sixth (71-82 to 67-86) and the Robins dive by a league-high five to finish seventh (70-83 to 65-88). This leaves the Braves stuck in the cellar for the first time since they lost a hundred and five games five years ago.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cubs: 94-58 (-4)
2. Giants: 92-59- 1.5 GB (+8)
3. Pirates: 87-66- 7.5 GB (-1)
4. Cardinals: 78-74- 16 GB (0)
5. Reds: 70-84- 25 GB (+4)
6. Phillies: 67-86- 27.5 GB (-4)
7. Robins: 65-88- 29.5 GB (-5)
8. Braves: 57-97- 38 GB (+1)

American League- The A's go back-to-back, taking their eighth pennant by fifteen games over the second-place Yankees despite a four-game drop (104-46 to 100-50). The Bronx Bombers drop by one (88-66 to 87-67), and so do the third-place Browns (79-73 to 78-74). The Tigers, meanwhile, improve by a league-high seven games (70-84 to 77-77) to finish right at .500 and move up from sixth place to fourth.

The Indians equal the Tigers' movement, but in the other direction, as they plunge by a league-worst seven games (81-71 to 74-78) and slide from third place to fifth. Elsewhere, the Sens (71-81 to 72-80) and Pale Hose (59-93 to 60-92) each improve by a game, while the hapless Bosox drop one (58-96 to 57-97) and finish last for the fifth consecutive year.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Athletics: 100-50 (-4)
2. Yankees: 87-67- 15 GB (-1)
3. Browns: 78-74- 23 GB (-1)
4. Tigers: 77-77- 25 GB (+7)
5. Indians: 74-78- 27 GB (-7)
6. Senators: 72-80- 29 GB (+1)
7. White Sox: 60-92- 41 GB (+1)
8. Red Sox: 57-97- 45 GB (-1)

The National League race is unfinished, as the Cubs still have a magic number of two to eliminate the Giants. They still have a makeup doubleheader to play against the Cardinals in St. Louis, while the Giants still have a home game against the Robins and road dates against the Phillies and Pirates. If the Cubs sweep the doubleheader, they win the pennant regardless. If they split, the Giants have to win all three games to force a tie. If they lose both, the Giants could force a tie by winning two out of three or take the pennant outright by winning all three games. The Cubs will have home field advantage for a potential best-of-three playoff, since they won the season series twelve games to ten.

When it came time to make up the schedule for Monday, October 7, the first step was to move the Cubs-Cardinals doubleheader from Monday to Tuesday, since the Redbirds were in Cincinnati to finish the season and couldn't be expected to get home in time to play one game, let alone two. Next, the Giants had to decide whether to play their home date first or stay on the road (they were in Boston to finish the year) and go to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. To the surprise of no one, Giants manager John McGraw opted to go home to the Polo Grounds and play the Robins on Monday, then travel to Philadelphia for Tuesday, with the game in Pittsburgh scheduled for Wednesday if necessary. The playoff was thus scheduled to begin Thursday at the Polo Grounds, with Saturday and Sunday (if necessary) games to be played at Wrigley Field. (As he had in 1920, Commissioner Landis took the scheduling of the playoff out of the teams' hands, stating that it would unnecessarily delay the World Series for the Cubs and Giants to make two trips between New York and Chicago.)

Next: We look in at the Polo Grounds on October 7.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 15, 2017

Here's the action for Monday, October 7:

Giants 2, Robins 1

The Giants cut their deficit to one by nipping the Robins in front of a sellout crowd at the Polo Grounds. Both of their runs came in the sixth, as first baseman Pat Crawford broke a scoreless tie with a home run to deep center off of Brooklyn starter Watty Clark. They added their second run later in the inning on a walk to left fielder Freddie Leach and a double by shortstop Travis Jackson. The Robins got on the board in the seventh when first baseman Del Bissonette doubled to right, moved to third on a single by third baseman Wally Gilbert, and scored when shortstop Jack Warner bounced into a force play. They also loaded the bases in the eighth on a walk to second baseman Eddie Moore, a base hit by pinch hitter Johnny Frederick, and another walk to left fielder Rube Bressler. Carl Mays then replaced Giants starter Fat Freddie Fitzsimmons and got Bissonette to fly to left, ending the inning.

Fitzsimmons was the winning pitcher for New York, allowing a run on six hits in seven and a third innings. Clark took the loss for the Robins despite giving up just two runs on eight hits in seven innings. Gilbert and center fielder Max West each had a pair of hits for Brooklyn, while Crawford, Jackson, and center fielder Mel Ott each had a pair of knocks for the Giants.

Step one of the Giants' journey toward the pennant is now complete. Their next step could be taken tomorrow at Baker Bowl, where they meet the Phillies. Ace Carl Hubbell is scheduled to start against the Phils' Claude Wiloughby.

W- Fitzsimmons (16-11)
L- Clark (16-20)

HR- NYG: Crawford (4)

The standings to the moment:

Cubs: 94-58
Giants: 93-59- 1 GB

Next: We look at October 8.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 15, 2017

Here's the action for Tuesday, October 8, beginning in St. Louis:

Cardinals 12, Cubs 9 (Game 1)

The defending world champions made sure that their hated rivals couldn't clinch on their own, scoring five in the seventh to break a 7-7 tie. Third baseman Wattie Holm had the key blow, a two-run triple. Pinch hitter Frankie Frisch and center fielder Taylor Douthit each contributed run-scoring hits, and another run scored on an error from former Cardinal Rogers Hornsby. Left fielder Chick Hafey also drove in three runs for the home squad, two of them on a first-inning double. Douthit was three for four and scored three times, while second baseman Andy High was three for five and scored twice.

The Cubs received a huge offensive day from first baseman Charlie Grimm, who went four for five, including a two-run homer in the second, a bases-clearing double in the fifth that tied the game at six, and a run-scoring double in the ninth. That's a total of six RBIs for the game. Hornsby also went deep for the visitors, and center fielder Hack Wilson drove in a pair of runs.

The Cubs now need to win Game 2 to force the Giants to win their remaining two games, which will force a tie and a best-of-three playoff. We'll see how the Giants did against the Phils at Baker Bowl today later in this report.

W. Johnson (14-7)
L- Nehf (8-6)

HR- CHC: Hornsby (40), Grimm (11)

Cubs 13, Cardinals 7 (Game 2)

This one was finished in almost total darkness, but the Cubs managed to pull off the split. Third baseman Norm McMillan paced the offense, going four for five and driving in four runs, while catcher Johnny Schulte added four more hits, drove in a pair of runs, and scored twice. Grimm added to his big day with three more RBIs, which came on a bases-clearing triple in the sixth, and right fielder Kiki Cuyler had three hits and drove in two runs. Nine of the Cubs' thirteen runs came in the fifth (four) and sixth (five). Starter Charlie Root lasted just five and two-thirds innings, but got his twentieth win despite giving up five runs on eleven hits and five walks.

The Redbirds got three hits from Douthit, who also scored twice. Ernie Orsatti, who got the start at first base, had two hits, drove in two runs and scored two more. Right fielder Wally Roettger also drove in a pair. Unfortunately, starter Bill Sherdel could only last two innings, giving up three runs on six hits.

W- Root (20-6)
L- Sherdel (10-16)

Now to Baker Bowl. The Giants must win to stay in the race and go to Pittsburgh tomorrow.

Phillies 7, Giants 6

The Phils scored four in the bottom of the eighth to erase a 6-3 New York lead, and the Cubs win the pennant as a result. The Giants had done the same thing earlier in the game, scoring four times in the sixth to erase a 2-1 Philly lead. Center fielder Chick Fullis and third baseman Freddy Lindstrom had each supplied two-run singles in that rally. Fullis' home run in the eighth canceled out a Lefty O'Doul longball in the seventh for the Phils, and reliever Carl Mays took the three-run lead into the last of the eighth.

Third baseman Pinky Whitney led off with a double to left center. but Mays struck out first baseman Don Hurst and center fielder Bernie Friberg. Shortstop Tommy Thevenow lined a double into the right field corner to score Whitney and make it a 6-4 game, then came home on catcher Spud Davis' base hit to left center to make it 6-5. Cy Williams then came to the plate to bat for reliever Bob McGraw (no relation to Giants skipper John) and smacked what turned out to be the game-winning two-run homer onto the short porch in right field.

As an aside. Giants right fielder Mel Ott played the whole game, but didn't have an official at-bat; he walked all five times that he came to the plate, with three of the free passes being intentional.

Retrosheet has been slow all afternoon, and now it's gone out completely, so I don't have the winning and losing pitchers or home runs in the game for record purposes. (I tried Baseball Reference, but it's even slower than Retrosheet.)

The final standings:

Cubs: 95-59
Giants: 93-60- 1.5 GB

The Cubs went on to lose the World Series to the A's in five games. The overall world championship chase now stands at National League 14, American League 12.

Next: We look at 1930.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 16, 2017

Here's our look at 1930:

National League- The Cardinals win their third pennant in five years, improving by two games (92-62 to 94-60) in the process. Their final margin of victory is five games over the Robins, whose three-game improvement takes them from 86-68 and fourth place to 89-65 and second place. The Cubs trade places with them thanks to a three-game drop (90-64 to 87-67), while the Giants' one-game improvement (87-67 to 88-66) is enough for them to secure third.

The second division is much more active than the first; the Pirates flip their record (80-74 to 74-80) with a league-high six-game plunge, thus finishing twenty games in back of St. Louis but remaining in fifth place. The Braves also fall by six games, going from 70-84 to 64-90 but maintaining sixth. The Phils, meanwhile, improve by five games or more for the fifth time in the last ten years, and this time it actually gets them out of the basement, as they improve by eight from 52-102 to 60-94 and finish seventh. The Reds are trapped at 59-95 and thus bring up the rear.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cardinals: 94-60 (+2)
2. Robins: 89-65- 5 GB (+3)
3. Giants: 88-66- 6 GB (+1)
4. Cubs: 87-67- 7 GB (-3)
5. Pirates: 74-80- 20 GB (-6)
6. Braves: 64-90- 30 GB (-6)
7. Phillies: 60-94- 34 GB (+8)
8. Reds: 59-95- 35 GB (0)

American League- We have a change, as the Athletics plummet by a league-worst nine games (102-52 to 93-61) and have all they can handle holding off the Yankees for second. This opens the door for the Washington Senators to take their third American League pennant with a mark of 95-59 (a one-game improvement), thus beating the A's by two. The Yanks improve by three (86-68 to 89-65) and finish a comfortable third. The Indians round out the first division, taking fourth despite a six-game drop (81-73 to 75-79).

The fifth-place Tigers are the only second division club to drop (73-81, two games). The Red Sox show the most improvement in the league with their five-game upswing (52-102 to 57-97) but still bring up the rear for the sixth year in a row, one short of the Athletics' major league record.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Senators: 95-59 (+1)
2. Athletics: 93-61- 2 GB (-9)
3. Yankees: 89-65- 6 GB (+3)
4. Indians: 75-79- 20 GB (-6)
5. Tigers: 73-81- 22 GB (-2)
6. Browns: 65-89- 30 GB (+1)
7. White Sox: 64-90- 31 GB (+2)
8. Red Sox: 57-97- 38 GB (+5)

The Sens will meet the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, and they'll have home field advantage as the American League champions.

Next: We look at Game 1 of the World Series. Lloyd Brown will get the ball for the Sens, while Burleigh Grimes starts for the Cards.

Thoughts?

Garrett Garlits · Jun 17, 2017

Now it's time for Game 1 of the 1930 World Series from Griffith Stadium in Washington. The date is Wednesday, October 1:

Cardinals 1st: The Redbirds went down one-two-three. Sens starter Lloyd Brown got involved in the action early, as Cardinals center fielder Taylor Douthit sent him to his knees to field a comebacker. He got up just in time to throw Douthit out at first for the first out of the inning. After a half, it's Cardinals nothing, Senators coming to bat.

Senators 1st: Left fielder Heinie Manush singled to center with two out, but shortstop Joe Cronin grounded to Jim Bottomley at first to retire the side. After one, there's no score.

Cardinals 2nd: Right fielder Ray Blades worked a two-out walk, but was forced at second by catcher Gus Mancuso. After an inning and a half, we're still scoreless.

Senators 2nd: A three up-three down inning for Grimes. After two, it's St. Louis 0, Washington 0.

Cardinals 3rd: Grimes walked with one out, but was forced by Douthit, who was in turn forced by third baseman Sparky Adams. We're still scoreless through two and a half.

Senators 3rd: Brown laced a one-out double into the power alley in right center, and Grimes issued walks to both second baseman Buddy Myer and right fielder Sam Rice to load the bases. Manush grounded into a force play, which scored Brown from third and gave the Sens a 1-0 lead. Cronin's fly to left ended the inning, but the Sens have broken on top after three, 1-0.

Cardinals 4th: Another one-two-three inning for Brown. After three and a half, the Sens still lead 1-0.

Senators 4th: First baseman Joe Judge lined a leadoff double off the center field wall. Center fielder Dave Harris slithered a grounder past a diving Grimes and into center to bring Judge home and give the Sens a 2-0 lead. Third baseman Ossie Bluege singled to right to put runners on the corners, but was thrown out trying to steal second. Catcher Roy Spencer's fly to right center was caught by Douthit for out number two, but Brown cracked a base hit to right center to bring home Harris and make it 3-0 Washington. Myer's single to left put two men on for Rice, but Sam tapped weakly to first to retire the side. The Sens have scored twice, and they lead the Redbirds 3-0 after four.

Cardinals 5th: Mancuso's one-out single to left center ended Brown's no-hit bid after four and a third innings. Shortstop Charlie Gelbert walked to put two men on, and George Watkins was sent up to bat for Grimes. Watkins forced Gelbert at second for the second out, but Douthit's single to right scored Mancuso and put the Cardinals on the board. Adams then doubled to left to score Watkins and make it a 3-2 game. Second baseman Frankie Frisch walked to load the bases, and Brown went from no-hit bid to the showers, as he was pulled by Sens manager Walter Johnson. Reliever Bobby Burke struck Bottomley out swinging on three pitches, and the side was retired. But the Redbirds had scored twice, and halfway through Game 1, it was Sens 3, Cards 2.

Senators 5th: Manush lined a leadoff single to right center, but was forced by Cronin. Judge flew to right, and Harris grounded to third to end the inning. After five, the Senators are hanging on to a 3-2 lead.

Cardinals 6th: Left fielder Chick Hafey lined a leadoff double into the power alley in right center and moved to third on Blades' infield out. Mancuso grounded to second for out number two, and Gelbert was intentionally walked to bring up the pitcher's spot. Ernie Orsatti batted for reliever Al Grabowski and grounded a single to left. Hafey scored, and we were tied at three. Douthit's fly to center ended the inning, but we have a brand new ballgame after five and a half.

Senators 6th: Bluege greeted new Cardinal pitcher Hi Bell with a double to center. Spencer walked, but was forced by pinch hitter Muddy Ruel (batting for Burke). Myer then forced Ruel, but that was enough to bring home Bluege with the go-ahead run. Rice's base hit to right put runners back on the corners, and Manush's line single to right scored Myer to put the AL champs up 5-3. Cronin's fly to right center ended the inning, but the Sens were back in front, much to the delight of their faithful. After six, it's Senators 5, Cardinals 3.

Cardinals 7th: Cronin bobbled Adams' leadoff grounder, allowing Sparky to reach. But new Sens pitcher Ad Liska got Frisch to fly to Harris in right center for the first out and Bottomley to pop up to first for the second out. Hafey's infield hit put two men on, but Blades grounded to third to end the inning. As we stretch at Griffith Stadium. the home squad maintains a two-run lead.

Senators 7th: New Cardinal pitcher Hal Haid set the Sens down in order: Judge grounded to first, Harris flew to center, and Bluege was caught looking at strike three. After seven, it's AL Champs 5, NL Champs 3.

Cardinals 8th: A three up-three down inning for Liska: Mancuso popped to second, Gelbert grounded to second, and pinch hitter Steamboat Fisher (batting for Haid) grounded to first. After seven and a half, the Sens still lead by two.

Senators 8th: Spencer grounded a leadoff single to left, but was forced by Liska. Myer flew to right, and Rice grounded to second to retire the side. After eight, the Sens are still in front by a deuce.

Cardinals 9th: Douthit drew a leadoff walk, but Liska retired Adams on a fly to left center and got Frisch to ground into a game-ending around-the-horn double play. Final score; Senators 5, Cardinals 3, and the Sens lead the series one game to none.

Manush was the consensus choice for Player of the Game; he went three for four and drove in two runs, including an important insurance run in the bottom of the sixth.

Final totals: Senators 5-12-1, Cardinals 3-6-0.

W- Burke (1-0)
L- Bell (0-1)

Game 2 will be tomorrow here at Griffith Stadium. Flint Rhem will start for the Cardinals, while the Sens will go with Bump Hadley.

Next: We look at Game 2.

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Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe 1871-Present

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