This Month In Baseball
World Series Edition
Philadelphia Claims Second Championship
Mythical Season For Athletics Delight City
Where there is a will there is always a way. The 1880 Philadelphia Athletics overcame every obstacle and picked themselves up when it seemed hope was lost to become champions. Along with their 1872 title, it was the second championship in franchise history.
Manager Asa Brainard gets almost all the credit for reviving a franchise that was lost and overlooked. Brainard who was a great pitcher, rallied his club and in only his second year brought the glory home. On the playing field however there is only one star, pitcher Jim McCormick capped a tremendous season winning three games and throwing 16 innings in the clinching game. He has won 62 games in his three year career and may now be the most famous arm the country has ever seen.
The series was a good one. The two clubs split the first four games with the Haymakers lead by Jimmy Wood proved that they belonged. The Trojans however commited 6 errors in game 5 to lose a close one 5-4. Game six proved to be all time classic as both teams refused to give in going 16 innings of tense ball. Andy Leonard had the big blow with a two run triple to give the A's the lead. McCormick closed the door in the bottom of the frame resolved after throwing 238 pitches.
John O'Rourke hit .444 in the series and Gat Stires hit three home runs. But the American League is the victorious side in what was a memorable and generation season of Major League Baseball.
