Well, it may be doomed to be anticlimactic in light of what has gone before, but this still looms as a fascinating contest between two sides that worked incredibly hard to get here, especially with a first World Championship on the line for either franchise.
It certainly lines up as a fairly even match on paper, with both sides solid across the spectrum without having many genuine superstars.
One player who does fall into that category is Boston’s 1B Leon Durham, and if he catches fire then that may prove the difference. With outfielders Vin Campbell and Jerry Browne, as well as shortstop Bill Spiers others to keep an eye on in the Beaneaters lineup. The Browns offence is equally deep, with Tucker Barnhart having a fantastic season, and Bris Lord, Rube Oldring and Ping Bodie all extremely dangerous.
The Beaneaters undoubtedly have the advantage in the pitching ranks, and they did very well to pick up FA Heinie Berger right at the end of the regular season. He more than makes up for the loss of Charlie Smith. Don’t get me wrong, the Browns trio of Kevin Slowey, Hooks Wiltse and Frank Castillo can hold their own, but they do lack that touch of class that Berger, Kent Greenfield and 23-game winner Andy Coakley possess.
And it is for that reason, I’m going to stump for the Bostonites in six tough games.
BOSTON BEANEATERS S+ PAGE
ST. LOUIS BROWNS S+ PAGE