1914 World Series
Encyclopedia
In the 1914 World Series, the Boston Braves
beat the Philadelphia Athletics
in a four-game sweep.
A contender for greatest upset of all time, the "Miracle Braves" were in last place on July 4, then roared on to win the National League
pennant by games and sweep the stunned Athletics. The Braves' relatively unknown starting trio of pitchers, with a combined career record of 285–245, outperformed the Athletics vaunted rotation (929–654) in all four games. Hank Gowdy
hit .545 (6 of 11) with five extra-base hits and also drew five walks for Boston in the series and was the difference maker in Games 1 and 3.
Adding to their supposed disadvantages, the Braves arguably lacked a notable home-field advantage. They had abandoned their 43-year-old home field South End Grounds
in August 1914, choosing to rent from the Boston Red Sox
at Fenway Park
while awaiting construction of Braves Field
(1915). Thus their home games in this Series were also at Fenway.
This was the first four-game sweep in World Series history. The Cubs had defeated the Tigers four games to none in , but Game 1 had ended in a tie before the Cubs won the next four in a row.
In some circles, it was alleged that the A's were irritated at the penny-pinching ways of their manager/owner Connie Mack
, and did not play hard. Chief Bender
and Eddie Plank
would jump to the rival Federal League
for the 1915 season. Mack unloaded most of his other high-priced stars soon after and, within two years, the A's achieved the worst winning percentage in modern history (even worse than the 1962 New York Mets
or the 2003 Detroit Tigers
).
26-game winner Dick Rudolph
scattered five hits while striking out eight as the Braves won the opener in convincing fashion against the Athletics ace, Chief Bender
. Catcher Hank Gowdy
had a single, double and triple as well as a walk in leading Boston's offensive attack. Gowdy was also involved in a double steal with Butch Schmidt
in the eighth inning with Schmidt's theft of home accounting for the Braves final run.
Bill James
, Boston's other 26-game winner, hooked up against Philadelphia's Eddie Plank
in a classic pitcher's duel. James allowed only three base runners in the first eight innings, picking off two of them in holding Philadelphia scoreless. Plank matched him until the ninth when Charlie Deal
's fly ball was lost by Amos Strunk
in the sun for a double. Deal then stole third and scored on a two-out single by Les Mann
. James walked two batters in the ninth, but got Eddie Murphy to ground into a game-ending double play to give Boston a 2–0 advantage in the series.
in Boston, Massachusetts
Lefty Tyler
of the Braves went up against Bullet Joe Bush
in a twelve inning thriller. Frank "Home Run" Baker's two out single in the tenth plated two runs to give the Athletics a 4–2 lead and a seeming victory to get them back in the series. But Hank Gowdy
led off the bottom of the tenth with a home run and the Braves then tied the game on Joe Connolly
's sacrifice fly later in the inning. Game 2 winner Bill James
, coming on in relief for Boston in the eleventh, would get the win after Gowdy led off the bottom of the twelfth with a double and pinch-runner Les Mann
scored when Bush threw wildly to third on a bunt by Herbie Moran, giving the Braves a commanding 3–0 lead in the series.
in Boston, Massachusetts
Johnny Evers
' two out, two run single in the bottom of the fifth broke a 1–1 tie and the collective backs of the heavily favored Athletics as Boston completed the improbable sweep. Game 1 winner Dick Rudolph
allowed only one base runner after Evers' tie-breaking hit and struck out seven in notching his second win of the series.
(N.L.) over Philadelphia Athletics
(A.L.)
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
beat the Philadelphia Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
in a four-game sweep.
A contender for greatest upset of all time, the "Miracle Braves" were in last place on July 4, then roared on to win the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
pennant by games and sweep the stunned Athletics. The Braves' relatively unknown starting trio of pitchers, with a combined career record of 285–245, outperformed the Athletics vaunted rotation (929–654) in all four games. Hank Gowdy
Hank Gowdy
Henry Morgan Gowdy was a professional baseball catcher and a first baseman who played in the major leagues for the New York Giants and the Boston Braves...
hit .545 (6 of 11) with five extra-base hits and also drew five walks for Boston in the series and was the difference maker in Games 1 and 3.
Adding to their supposed disadvantages, the Braves arguably lacked a notable home-field advantage. They had abandoned their 43-year-old home field South End Grounds
South End Grounds
South End Grounds refers to any one of three baseball parks on one site in Boston, Massachusetts. They were home to the Boston club in the National Association and the National League from 1871 to 1914....
in August 1914, choosing to rent from the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
while awaiting construction of Braves Field
Braves Field
Braves Field was a baseball park that formerly stood on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. The stadium was home to the Boston Braves National League franchise from 1915–1952, when the team moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin...
(1915). Thus their home games in this Series were also at Fenway.
This was the first four-game sweep in World Series history. The Cubs had defeated the Tigers four games to none in , but Game 1 had ended in a tie before the Cubs won the next four in a row.
In some circles, it was alleged that the A's were irritated at the penny-pinching ways of their manager/owner Connie Mack
Connie Mack (baseball)
Cornelius McGillicuddy, Sr. , better known as Connie Mack, was an American professional baseball player, manager, and team owner. The longest-serving manager in Major League Baseball history, he holds records for wins , losses , and games managed , with his victory total being almost 1,000 more...
, and did not play hard. Chief Bender
Chief Bender
Charles Albert "Chief" Bender was a pitcher in Major League Baseball during the first two decades of the 20th century...
and Eddie Plank
Eddie Plank
Edward Stewart Plank , nicknamed "Gettysburg Eddie", was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He is the first left-handed pitcher to win 200 games and then 300 games, and now ranks third in all-time wins among left-handers with 326 career victories and first all-time in career shutouts by a...
would jump to the rival Federal League
Federal League
The Federal League of Base Ball Clubs, known simply as the Federal League, was an American professional baseball league that operated as a "third major league", in competition with the established National and American Leagues, from to...
for the 1915 season. Mack unloaded most of his other high-priced stars soon after and, within two years, the A's achieved the worst winning percentage in modern history (even worse than the 1962 New York Mets
1962 New York Mets season
The New York Mets season was the first regular season for the Mets, as the National League returned to New York for the first time since . They went 40-120 and finished tenth and last in the National League, games behind the NL Champion San Francisco Giants, who once called New York home...
or the 2003 Detroit Tigers
2003 Detroit Tigers season
The 2003 Detroit Tigers lost more games than any other team in American League history and came within one loss of tying the 1962 New York Mets for the most losses in modern major league history. The team’s record was 43-119, giving them a .265 winning percentage...
).
Summary
Matchups
Game 1
Friday, October 9, 1914 at Shibe Park in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
26-game winner Dick Rudolph
Dick Rudolph
Richard Rudolph , was a pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1910-1927. He played for the New York Giants and Boston Braves. He was an alumnus of Fordham University...
scattered five hits while striking out eight as the Braves won the opener in convincing fashion against the Athletics ace, Chief Bender
Chief Bender
Charles Albert "Chief" Bender was a pitcher in Major League Baseball during the first two decades of the 20th century...
. Catcher Hank Gowdy
Hank Gowdy
Henry Morgan Gowdy was a professional baseball catcher and a first baseman who played in the major leagues for the New York Giants and the Boston Braves...
had a single, double and triple as well as a walk in leading Boston's offensive attack. Gowdy was also involved in a double steal with Butch Schmidt
Butch Schmidt
Charles John "Butch" Schmidt , was a Major League Baseball player who played infielder from -...
in the eighth inning with Schmidt's theft of home accounting for the Braves final run.
Game 2
Saturday, October 10, 1914 at Shibe Park in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
Bill James
Seattle Bill James
William Lawrence James was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was given a nickname to differentiate him from his contemporary, "Big" Bill James....
, Boston's other 26-game winner, hooked up against Philadelphia's Eddie Plank
Eddie Plank
Edward Stewart Plank , nicknamed "Gettysburg Eddie", was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He is the first left-handed pitcher to win 200 games and then 300 games, and now ranks third in all-time wins among left-handers with 326 career victories and first all-time in career shutouts by a...
in a classic pitcher's duel. James allowed only three base runners in the first eight innings, picking off two of them in holding Philadelphia scoreless. Plank matched him until the ninth when Charlie Deal
Charlie Deal
Charles Albert Deal , was a professional baseball player who played third base in the Major Leagues from 1912-1921. He would play for the Chicago Cubs, Boston Braves, St. Louis Browns, St...
's fly ball was lost by Amos Strunk
Amos Strunk
Amos Aaron Strunk was a center fielder who played in Major League Baseball from through . A member of four World Series champion teams, Strunk batted and threw left-handed...
in the sun for a double. Deal then stole third and scored on a two-out single by Les Mann
Les Mann
Leslie Mann , was a professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues from 1913-1928. He played for the Boston Braves, St...
. James walked two batters in the ninth, but got Eddie Murphy to ground into a game-ending double play to give Boston a 2–0 advantage in the series.
Game 3
Monday, October 12, 1914 at Fenway ParkFenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
in Boston, Massachusetts
Lefty Tyler
Lefty Tyler
George Albert "Lefty" Tyler was a professional baseball pitcher from 1910 to 1921. From 1910 to 1917 Tyler played with the Boston Doves/Braves. Tyler performed well, Having an earned run average under 3 in all but two years. In 1918, Tyler was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Larry Doyle, Art...
of the Braves went up against Bullet Joe Bush
Bullet Joe Bush
Leslie Ambrose "Bullet Joe" Bush born in Brainerd, Minnesota was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics , Boston Red Sox , New York Yankees , St. Louis Browns , Washington Senators , Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Giants...
in a twelve inning thriller. Frank "Home Run" Baker's two out single in the tenth plated two runs to give the Athletics a 4–2 lead and a seeming victory to get them back in the series. But Hank Gowdy
Hank Gowdy
Henry Morgan Gowdy was a professional baseball catcher and a first baseman who played in the major leagues for the New York Giants and the Boston Braves...
led off the bottom of the tenth with a home run and the Braves then tied the game on Joe Connolly
Joe Connolly
Joseph Aloysius Connolly was a left fielder in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the Boston Braves from through . Listed at 5' 7.5", 165 lb., Connolly batted left-handed and threw right-handed....
's sacrifice fly later in the inning. Game 2 winner Bill James
Seattle Bill James
William Lawrence James was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was given a nickname to differentiate him from his contemporary, "Big" Bill James....
, coming on in relief for Boston in the eleventh, would get the win after Gowdy led off the bottom of the twelfth with a double and pinch-runner Les Mann
Les Mann
Leslie Mann , was a professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues from 1913-1928. He played for the Boston Braves, St...
scored when Bush threw wildly to third on a bunt by Herbie Moran, giving the Braves a commanding 3–0 lead in the series.
Game 4
Tuesday, October 13, 1914 at Fenway ParkFenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
in Boston, Massachusetts
Johnny Evers
Johnny Evers
John Joseph Evers was a Major League Baseball player and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1946...
' two out, two run single in the bottom of the fifth broke a 1–1 tie and the collective backs of the heavily favored Athletics as Boston completed the improbable sweep. Game 1 winner Dick Rudolph
Dick Rudolph
Richard Rudolph , was a pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1910-1927. He played for the New York Giants and Boston Braves. He was an alumnus of Fordham University...
allowed only one base runner after Evers' tie-breaking hit and struck out seven in notching his second win of the series.
Composite box
1914 World Series (4–0): Boston BravesAtlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
(N.L.) over Philadelphia Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
(A.L.)