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amead17 · 09-30-2025, 11:51 AM

ATHLETICS CROWNED WORLD’S CHAMPIONS AFTER HUMBLING CUBS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional Reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
October 19, 1904

Plank’s masterful pitching and timely hitting secure Philadelphia’s first title

The much-anticipated World’s Championship Series has concluded, and it proved a decidedly one-sided affair. The Philadelphia Athletics stifled the vaunted bats of the Chicago Cubs and emerged as champions, carrying the contest four games to one.

The Athletics’ pitchers held the Cubs to but two runs in their four defeats, with Chicago’s lone triumph—a resounding 15-run outburst—standing as the exception rather than the rule. More often than not, the Cubs’ bats fell silent in the face of Philadelphia’s superior pitching.

At the heart of the triumph stood Eddie Plank, the Athletics’ left-handed marvel, whose commanding presence on the mound secured him two victories, 15 strikeouts, and a flawless earned run record of 0.00 across the series. His efforts rightly earned him the honor of Most Valuable Player.

At the plate, Monte Cross (.385) and Dave Fultz (.353) provided the steady hand that pushed Philadelphia over the line. While the A’s bats did not overwhelm, they proved timely and sufficient, taking advantage of Chicago’s faltering defense.

For the Cubs, fate proved cruel. Veteran Kid Nichols entered the series nursing an ailment that dulled his customary edge, while rookie hurler Frank Smith—though himself yielding no earned runs—suffered two defeats thanks to costly miscues in the field. At the plate, only Topsy Hartsel rose above the malaise, batting .357 and fighting gamely in a losing cause.

Players Speak

Eddie Plank, the hero of the hour, said with characteristic modesty:

“I simply tried to keep the ball where they could not drive it, and the fielders did their part behind me. To be named the best of the series is an honor, but the glory belongs to every man in this clubhouse.”

Monte Cross, whose bat rang true all week, reflected:

“We knew runs would be scarce with Chicago’s pitchers, so every chance had to count. I am proud to have done my part, but it was Plank who made the difference.”

On the losing side, Frank Smith bore his misfortune with composure:

“I pitched as well as I know how, but the breaks went against us. A man can do only so much when the ball is kicked around behind him. I shall learn from this and come back stronger.”

Topsy Hartsel, the Cubs’ lone bright spot at the plate, remarked:

“It is hard to tip one’s cap after such a series, yet Philadelphia earned it. They kept us quiet, and that is the truth of it.”

Managers Reflect

Philadelphia skipper Chris Smith, a champion in his very first year in charge, could scarcely contain his pride:

“To guide these men to the pinnacle in my first season is beyond anything I might have dreamed. They played with heart, discipline, and unity, and the city of Philadelphia can take pride in its champions.”

For the Cubs, manager Tom Loftus offered no excuses but spoke with respect:

“We were beaten by the better club this week, plain and simple. Our fellows fought, but the Athletics never gave us an opening. We shall take this disappointment and turn it into resolve for next year.”

Thus the curtain falls on the 1904 campaign, with the Philadelphia Athletics standing tall as champions of the base ball world, while the Cubs retreat to Chicago humbled but not broken. The Sporting Times tips its hat to the victors and eagerly awaits the next chapter in this growing tradition.

09-30-2025, 11:51 AM	#158
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,867	Athletics win first title ATHLETICS CROWNED WORLD’S CHAMPIONS AFTER HUMBLING CUBS By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times Additional Reporting by Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times October 19, 1904 Plank’s masterful pitching and timely hitting secure Philadelphia’s first title The much-anticipated World’s Championship Series has concluded, and it proved a decidedly one-sided affair. The Philadelphia Athletics stifled the vaunted bats of the Chicago Cubs and emerged as champions, carrying the contest four games to one. The Athletics’ pitchers held the Cubs to but two runs in their four defeats, with Chicago’s lone triumph—a resounding 15-run outburst—standing as the exception rather than the rule. More often than not, the Cubs’ bats fell silent in the face of Philadelphia’s superior pitching. At the heart of the triumph stood Eddie Plank, the Athletics’ left-handed marvel, whose commanding presence on the mound secured him two victories, 15 strikeouts, and a flawless earned run record of 0.00 across the series. His efforts rightly earned him the honor of Most Valuable Player. At the plate, Monte Cross (.385) and Dave Fultz (.353) provided the steady hand that pushed Philadelphia over the line. While the A’s bats did not overwhelm, they proved timely and sufficient, taking advantage of Chicago’s faltering defense. For the Cubs, fate proved cruel. Veteran Kid Nichols entered the series nursing an ailment that dulled his customary edge, while rookie hurler Frank Smith—though himself yielding no earned runs—suffered two defeats thanks to costly miscues in the field. At the plate, only Topsy Hartsel rose above the malaise, batting .357 and fighting gamely in a losing cause. Players Speak Eddie Plank, the hero of the hour, said with characteristic modesty: “I simply tried to keep the ball where they could not drive it, and the fielders did their part behind me. To be named the best of the series is an honor, but the glory belongs to every man in this clubhouse.” Monte Cross, whose bat rang true all week, reflected: “We knew runs would be scarce with Chicago’s pitchers, so every chance had to count. I am proud to have done my part, but it was Plank who made the difference.” On the losing side, Frank Smith bore his misfortune with composure: “I pitched as well as I know how, but the breaks went against us. A man can do only so much when the ball is kicked around behind him. I shall learn from this and come back stronger.” Topsy Hartsel, the Cubs’ lone bright spot at the plate, remarked: “It is hard to tip one’s cap after such a series, yet Philadelphia earned it. They kept us quiet, and that is the truth of it.” Managers Reflect Philadelphia skipper Chris Smith, a champion in his very first year in charge, could scarcely contain his pride: “To guide these men to the pinnacle in my first season is beyond anything I might have dreamed. They played with heart, discipline, and unity, and the city of Philadelphia can take pride in its champions.” For the Cubs, manager Tom Loftus offered no excuses but spoke with respect: “We were beaten by the better club this week, plain and simple. Our fellows fought, but the Athletics never gave us an opening. We shall take this disappointment and turn it into resolve for next year.” Thus the curtain falls on the 1904 campaign, with the Philadelphia Athletics standing tall as champions of the base ball world, while the Cubs retreat to Chicago humbled but not broken. The Sporting Times tips its hat to the victors and eagerly awaits the next chapter in this growing tradition.