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amead17 · 09-14-2025, 01:14 AM

PIRATES SWEEP BOSTON IN FOUR, CLAIM BASEBALL SUPREMACY

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
October 13th, 1902

The Championship Series of 1902 has concluded, and while the ledger books will forever read Pittsburgh Pirates, four games to none, the story on the field told of a far closer struggle. The battles waged between the National League champions and the proud Boston Americans of the new American League were fought with vigor, skill, and no small measure of drama.

Two contests, the opener and the third tilt, demanded extra innings before Pittsburgh emerged by identical 4–3 margins. The other encounters, though not reaching such lengths, were no less spirited, with the Pirates ultimately seizing every opportunity Boston’s faltering arms afforded them.

At the heart of Pittsburgh’s triumph stood Fred Clarke, both manager and left fielder, whose brilliance at bat earned him the laurels of series’ most valuable man. Clarke struck a mighty .529 average (9 for 17) with three runs driven across, his steady leadership as keen as his eye at the plate. Alongside him, right fielder Sam Dungan and the reliable pitching corps ensured the Pirates’ superiority when the moments turned tense.

For Boston, the defeat stung, but not for lack of gallant effort. Buck Freeman, ever the scourge of opposing pitchers, struck for 8 hits in 17 attempts, good for a .471 mark, and stood as the Americans’ beacon. Yet the much-heralded Boston hurlers faltered at critical junctures, and with it the dream of a first championship crown slipped away.

In the aftermath, words from the principals painted the picture of triumph and sorrow alike.

Fred Clarke, player: “I did what any man in my position must—swing true, keep steady, and trust my mates. The ball found my bat often enough, but it was the whole side pulling together that brought us through.”

Fred Clarke, manager: “Boston gave us all we could handle, make no mistake. Two games into extra innings show just how narrow the margin was. But my men held their nerve, pitched stoutly, and seized their chances. I could not be prouder.”

Buck Freeman, Boston Americans: “We fought them in every frame and never laid down. I’m pleased my bat stayed hot, but one man’s hitting is not enough when chances slip by. The Pirates earned this victory.”

Jimmy Collins, Boston manager: “It is bitter to be swept, yet I cannot fault the grit of my club. Our arms betrayed us when we most required steadiness. Credit must go to Pittsburgh—they played the sharper series and stand deservedly atop the game this year.”

Thus concludes the season of 1902: the Pittsburgh Pirates, champions of professional baseball, and Boston left to rue what might have been. Whether one chooses to call them “world champions” or simply the best of the present lot, none may deny that Pittsburgh reigns supreme.

09-14-2025, 01:14 AM	#79
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,223	Pirates make it 2 in a row PIRATES SWEEP BOSTON IN FOUR, CLAIM BASEBALL SUPREMACY By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times October 13th, 1902 The Championship Series of 1902 has concluded, and while the ledger books will forever read Pittsburgh Pirates, four games to none, the story on the field told of a far closer struggle. The battles waged between the National League champions and the proud Boston Americans of the new American League were fought with vigor, skill, and no small measure of drama. Two contests, the opener and the third tilt, demanded extra innings before Pittsburgh emerged by identical 4–3 margins. The other encounters, though not reaching such lengths, were no less spirited, with the Pirates ultimately seizing every opportunity Boston’s faltering arms afforded them. At the heart of Pittsburgh’s triumph stood Fred Clarke, both manager and left fielder, whose brilliance at bat earned him the laurels of series’ most valuable man. Clarke struck a mighty .529 average (9 for 17) with three runs driven across, his steady leadership as keen as his eye at the plate. Alongside him, right fielder Sam Dungan and the reliable pitching corps ensured the Pirates’ superiority when the moments turned tense. For Boston, the defeat stung, but not for lack of gallant effort. Buck Freeman, ever the scourge of opposing pitchers, struck for 8 hits in 17 attempts, good for a .471 mark, and stood as the Americans’ beacon. Yet the much-heralded Boston hurlers faltered at critical junctures, and with it the dream of a first championship crown slipped away. In the aftermath, words from the principals painted the picture of triumph and sorrow alike. Fred Clarke, player: “I did what any man in my position must—swing true, keep steady, and trust my mates. The ball found my bat often enough, but it was the whole side pulling together that brought us through.” Fred Clarke, manager: “Boston gave us all we could handle, make no mistake. Two games into extra innings show just how narrow the margin was. But my men held their nerve, pitched stoutly, and seized their chances. I could not be prouder.” Buck Freeman, Boston Americans: “We fought them in every frame and never laid down. I’m pleased my bat stayed hot, but one man’s hitting is not enough when chances slip by. The Pirates earned this victory.” Jimmy Collins, Boston manager: “It is bitter to be swept, yet I cannot fault the grit of my club. Our arms betrayed us when we most required steadiness. Credit must go to Pittsburgh—they played the sharper series and stand deservedly atop the game this year.” Thus concludes the season of 1902: the Pittsburgh Pirates, champions of professional baseball, and Boston left to rue what might have been. Whether one chooses to call them “world champions” or simply the best of the present lot, none may deny that Pittsburgh reigns supreme.