The Field Of Dreams Project

[Nick Soulis]

Series #198



1974 Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 76-86
Finish: 5th in AL East
Manager: Del Crandell
Ball Park: County Stadium
WAR Leader: Don Money (5.1)
Franchise Record: 3-7
1974 Season Record: 2-1
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIL/1974.shtml

1937 St. Louis Browns
Record: 46-108
Finish: 8th in AL
Manager: Rogers Hornsby
Ball Park: Sportsmans Park
WAR Leader: Harlond Clift
Franchise Record: 1-3
1937 Season Record: 0-3
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SLB/1937.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Browns Stun Competition With Win
Lowly St. Louis Comes Back From 3-1 Hole



Game 1
At County Stadium
1937 St. Louis Browns 1
1974 Milwaukee Brewers 2 (15 inn)
WP: B. Castro (1-0) LP: B. Trotter (0-1)
HR: H. Clift (1), B. Coluccio (1)
POG: Ed Sprague (8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 118 P)
1974 Brewers Lead Series 1-0

Game 1 of the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series between the 1974 Milwaukee Brewers and the 1937 St. Louis Browns delivered instant October magic, as the Brewers prevailed 2-1 in an epic 15-inning showdown at Milwaukee County Stadium. Ed Sprague was brilliant for Milwaukee, tossing eight innings of one-run ball and keeping the Browns quiet after a third-inning solo homer from Harlond Clift. The Brewers finally answered in the eighth with a game-tying RBI double from Don Money, and both teams' bullpens held firm for six more frames. The deadlock was finally broken in the bottom of the 15th when Bob Coluccio, 0-for-5 entering the inning, launched a leadoff walk-off home run off Bobo Trotter, sending the crowd into a frenzy and giving the Brewers a 1-0 lead in the series. Despite nine hits and four walks, the Browns stranded 11 runners, while Milwaukee squandered several chances before Coluccio’s heroics sealed the win in a 4-hour, 40-minute marathon. Game 2 is set for tomorrow night, with the Browns eager to even the series.

Game 2
At County Stadium
1937 St. Louis Browns 7
1974 Milwaukee Brewers 4
WP: O. Hildebrand (1-0) LP: B. Castro (0-1) S: B. Trotter (1)
HR: J. Briggs (1)
POG: Beau Bell (2-3, 2 RBI, 2B, R)
Series Tied 1-1

Under the clear October skies at Milwaukee County Stadium, the 1937 St. Louis Browns staged a gritty comeback to top the 1974 Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 and even their Field of Dreams series at one game apiece. Trailing 4-3 entering the ninth, the Browns capitalized on Milwaukee’s shaky bullpen, erupting for four runs in a tense final frame. Right fielder Beau Bell led the charge with a clutch two-run single that broke the tie, capping off a standout night where he went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two walks, and a double. Despite collecting just 10 hits to the Brewers’ 13, the Browns made the most of their opportunities and played clean defense behind Oscar Hildebrand’s 8-inning effort. Hildebrand allowed 12 hits but minimized damage with timely outs, while Bobo Trotter nailed down the save in the ninth. Milwaukee’s early 4-1 lead, highlighted by Johnny Briggs’ third-inning homer and Darrell Porter’s triple, faded as St. Louis chipped away methodically. Defensive miscues by Robin Yount and Pedro Garcia proved costly for the Brewers, whose bullpen faltered down the stretch. The series now shifts to Sportsman's Park for Game 3 on Friday, where the Browns look to ride the momentum of a gutsy comeback win.

Game 3
at Sportsmans Park
1974 Milwaukee Brewers 6
1937 St. Louis Browns 4
WP: B. Champion (1-0) LP: C. Hogsett (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Bill Champion (6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, 113 P)
1974 Brewers Lead Series 2-1

Under the crisp October sky at the Field of Dreams in Sportsman's Park, the 1974 Milwaukee Brewers seized control of the series with a hard-fought 6–4 win over the 1937 St. Louis Browns in Game 3. Right-hander Bill Champion delivered a masterclass on the mound, tossing 6.2 shutout innings while scattering just three hits and working around five walks to earn Player of the Game honors. Milwaukee built a 4–0 lead through five innings thanks in part to Don Money’s bases-loaded walk and George Scott’s two-RBI double. Though the Browns mounted a late comeback with two runs apiece in the eighth and ninth innings—capitalizing on Brewers errors and timely hits from Rogers Hornsby and Beau Bell—it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit. The Brewers’ bullpen bent but didn’t break, with Tom Murphy closing out the win despite allowing two unearned runs. St. Louis manager Jim Smith remained optimistic, saying, “We lost. We’ll deal with it. The series isn’t over.” With the Brewers now leading the series 2–1, the pressure shifts squarely onto the Browns as they look to even things up in Game 4 tomorrow night.

Game 4
at Sportsmans Park
1974 Milwaukee Brewers 6
1937 St. Louis Browns 2
WP: K. Kobel (1-0) LP: J. Bonetti (0-1)
HR: R. Hornsby (1), H. Clift (2)
POG: Kevin Kobel (8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 91 P)
1974 Brewers Lead Series 3-1

The 1974 Milwaukee Brewers moved one win away from clinching the Field of Dreams Series #198, defeating the 1937 St. Louis Browns 6–2 in Game 4 behind a stellar outing from left-hander Kevin Kobel. In front of 18,815 fans at Sportsmans Park, Kobel commanded the mound with eight strong innings, allowing just one run on six hits and striking out four, earning Player of the Game honors. Rookie shortstop Robin Yount delivered the decisive blow in the fifth inning, singling home two runs with the bases in motion to give Milwaukee a 4–1 lead. Paul Molitor and George Scott added pressure on the basepaths, while Kurt Bevacqua chipped in a two-run single in the eighth to give the Brewers a cushion. The Browns managed solo home runs from Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby and third baseman Harlond Clift, but their bats were largely silenced by Kobel’s craft. Three defensive miscues by St. Louis added to their struggles, and starter Joe Bonetti’s solid effort unraveled due to poor defense and untimely hits. With the Brewers now leading the series 3–1, they’ll look to close it out tomorrow night under the lights in St. Louis.

Game 5
at Sportsmans Park
1974 Milwaukee Brewers 0
1937 St. Louis Browns 1 (10 inn)
WP: B. Tortter (1-1) LP: B. Castro (1-2)
HR: H. Clift (3)
POG: Russ Van Atta (8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 112 P)
1974 Brewers Lead Series 3-2

With their backs against the wall, the 1937 St. Louis Browns delivered a thrilling 1-0 extra-inning victory over the 1974 Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the Field of Dreams series, cutting Milwaukee’s lead to 3-2. Before a packed Sportsmans Park crowd under clear October skies, left-hander Russ Van Atta pitched eight masterful shutout innings, scattering just three hits while striking out four. Though the Browns left 10 men on base, it was Harlond Clift who ultimately broke the deadlock in the bottom of the 10th, blasting a walk-off solo home run off Brewers reliever Bill Castro to electrify the home crowd of 18,842. The Brewers wasted a gem from starter Ed Sprague, who tossed seven scoreless innings, but their bats remained silent, producing only five hits and stranding six runners. St. Louis’s bullpen duo of T. Thomas and B. Trotter held firm in extra innings, with Trotter earning the win. The series now shifts back to Milwaukee, where the Browns look to even the series in Game 6.

Game 6
At County Stadium
1937 St. Louis Browns 5
1974 Milwaukee Brewers 4
WP: J. Knott (1-0) LP: T. Murphy (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Rogers Hornsby (3-4, RBI, R)
Series Tied 3-3

Facing elimination on a chilly October night in Milwaukee, the 1937 St. Louis Browns showed remarkable grit, rallying late to edge the 1974 Brewers 5–4 and force a decisive Game 7. The Browns pounded out 15 hits, but it was Joe Vosmik’s clutch RBI single in the top of the ninth off Tom Murphy that proved to be the difference. Rogers Hornsby, named Player of the Game, went 3-for-4 and sparked the offense with a key RBI single in the seventh to begin the comeback. Despite trailing 4–1 after three innings, St. Louis clawed back with timely hits and steady relief from Jack Knott, who threw four scoreless innings to earn the win. The Brewers, who got early production from Don Money and Bobby Coluccio, were stymied over the final six innings and left nine men on base. As the series now shifts to a winner-take-all Game 7, momentum belongs to the scrappy Browns, who refused to go quietly into the cornfield night.

Game 7
At County Stadium
1937 St. Louis Browns 6
1974 Milwaukee Brewers 4
WP: C. Hogsett (1-1) B. Chmpion (1-1) T. Thomas (1)
HR: H. Clift (4)
POG: Harlond Clift (1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB)

In a stunning comeback and ultimate coronation, the 1937 St. Louis Browns claimed a thrilling 6–4 win over the 1974 Milwaukee Brewers in Game 7 of their Field of Dreams series. Trailing 4–0 after a turbulent first inning, the Browns dug deep and mounted a relentless rally, scoring six unanswered runs across the middle innings. Harlond Clift, the series MVP, delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer in the fifth off Brewers starter Bill Champion, giving St. Louis the lead for good. The Browns’ bullpen, led by Tommy Thomas’ four scoreless innings of relief, held off multiple Milwaukee threats, including a bases-loaded jam in the seventh. The game ended with a quiet fly out to center, setting off jubilant celebrations on the Browns’ bench. As a cold, cloudy night wrapped Milwaukee County Stadium, the long-overlooked Browns stood tall, their improbable journey culminating in a comeback from 3 games to 1 down few could have imagined. “This one’s for every underdog who never stopped believing,” Clift said, basking in the moment.

1937 St. Louis Browns Win Series 4 Games To 3

Series MVP:

(.290, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 8 R, .677 SLG, 1.066 OPS, Winning HR Game 7)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #199



2008 Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 97-65
Finish: Lost in World Series
Manager: Joe Maddon
Ball park: Tropicana Field
WAR leader: Carlos Pena (5.1)
Franchise Record: 2-2
2008 Season Record: 3-2
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TBR/2008.shtml

1941 Washington Nationals
Record: 70-84
Finish: 6th in AL
Manager: Bucky Harris
Ball Park: Griffith Stadium
WAR Leader: Cecil Travis (6.8)
Franchise Record: 1-4
1941 Season Record: 1-0
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSH/1941.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Best Tampa Has To Offer
Rays Easily Sting Senators In 5



Game 1
At Tropicana Field
1941 Washington Senators 1
2008 Tampa Bay Rays 11
WP: J. Shields (1-0) LP: D. Leonard (0-1)
HR: C. Travis (1), C. Floyd (1), C. Crawford (1), C. Pena (1)
POG: James Shields (9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 107 P)
2008 Rays Lead Series 1-0

The 2008 Tampa Bay Rays opened their best-of-seven Exhibition League series against the 1941 Washington Senators with an emphatic statement, dominating Game 1 by a score of 11-1 at Tropicana Field. James Shields was masterful for Tampa Bay, tossing a complete game five-hitter with one run allowed and four strikeouts. After an early solo home run by Cecil Travis gave Washington a brief lead in the top of the first, the Rays stormed back, led by Evan Longoria’s two-run double, Cliff Floyd’s three-run blast, and a pair of two-run homers from Carlos Peña and Carl Crawford. The Rays pulled away with a four-run fifth and capped it with a three-run eighth, outslugging the Senators with 11 hits and 11 runs while committing no errors. Washington starter Dutch Leonard was chased after 4.2 innings and tagged for seven earned runs. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night as Tampa Bay looks to take a 2-0 series lead.

Game 2
At Tropicana Field
1941 Washington Senators 1
2008 Tampa Bay Rays 5
WP: A. Sonnanstine (1-0) LP: S. Hudson (0-1)
HR: C. Floyd (2), C. Pena (2)
POG: Andy Sonnanstine (7.2 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 3 K, 107 P)
2008 Rays lead series 2-0

Andy Sonnanstine delivered a masterful outing as the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays took control of their Exhibition League series with a 5-1 win over the 1941 Washington Senators in Game 2 at Tropicana Field. Sonnanstine silenced Washington’s bats over 7.2 innings, scattering six hits and allowing just one earned run while striking out three without issuing a walk. Carlos Peña provided the go-ahead blow with a solo homer in the fourth, and the Rays broke the game open in the seventh, capped by Peña’s bases-loaded walk and Cliff Floyd’s clutch two-run single. The Senators’ only spark came in the second with doubles from Doc Cramer and George Case to plate their lone run, but they couldn't capitalize further. Tampa Bay’s power and plate discipline again proved too much for the gritty Senators, and with the win, the Rays now head to Griffith Stadium leading the series 2-0. Game 3 is set for Saturday in Washington.

Game 3
At Groffith Stadium
2008 Tampa Bay Rays 4
1941 Washington Senators 0
WP: M. Garza (1-0) LP: K. Chase (0-1)
HR: E. Hinske (1)
POG: Matt Garza (7.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 112 P)
2008 Rays Lead Series 3-0

The 2008 Tampa Bay Rays moved within one win of a sweep in the Exhibition League showdown with the 1941 Washington Senators, shutting out the hosts 4-0 in Game 3 at Griffith Stadium on a chilly October evening. Matt Garza was masterful on the mound, tossing 7.1 scoreless innings while scattering five hits, walking two, and striking out five to earn Player of the Game honors. The Rays offense struck in the third inning when Eric Hinske crushed a two-run homer off Senators starter Ken Chase, and they added insurance runs in the fifth and eighth innings thanks to Carl Crawford’s RBI single and Dioner Navarro’s RBI double. Despite the Senators putting runners on base in multiple frames, they were unable to push anyone across, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranding six. Tampa Bay’s bullpen duo of David Price and Grant Balfour locked down the final five outs to preserve the shutout. With a 3-0 series lead, the Rays will look to clinch the series tomorrow night.

Game 4
At Groffith Stadium
2008 Tampa Bay Rays 2
1941 Washington Senators 3
WP: E. Wyann (1-0) LP: S. Kazmir (0-1)
HR: M.Vernon (1)
POG: Early Wynn (6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 114 P)
2008 Rays Lead Series 3-1

Facing elimination in front of their home fans at Griffith Stadium, the 1941 Washington Senators found a way to stave off a sweep with a hard-fought 3-2 win over the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of the Exhibition League series. Early Wynn delivered a gutsy performance on the mound, tossing six innings and striking out eight while allowing just two runs. The Senators jumped out to a quick start thanks to a clutch two-out, two-run double by Jimmy Bloodworth in the first inning, followed by a solo homer from Mickey Vernon in the third. Despite Tampa Bay outhitting Washington 9-5, the Rays stranded nine runners and were unable to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities. Dane Mulligan shut the door with three scoreless innings in relief to earn the save. With the victory, Washington narrows the series deficit to 3-1 and ensures at least one more game in the nation's capital.

Game 5
At Groffith Stadium
2008 Tampa Bay Rays 11
1941 Washington Senators 6
WP: J. Shields (2-0) LP: D. Leonard (0-2)
HR: E. Hinske 2 (3)
POG: Eric Hinske (4-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI. 4 R)

The 2008 Tampa Bay Rays capped off a dominant series performance with an emphatic 11-6 victory over the 1941 Washington Senators in Game 5 at Griffith Stadium, securing advancement. Eric Hinske, named Series MVP, delivered a historic performance with four hits, including two towering home runs, four runs scored, and three RBIs, setting a new playoff game record for runs in the series. Tampa Bay's offense exploded for 20 hits, including three from both Carlos Peña and Carl Crawford, the latter also adding a double, a walk, and a stolen base. After falling behind 2-1 early, the Rays erupted for five runs in the fourth inning to seize control, then tacked on insurance runs in the seventh and eighth. James Shields earned his second win of the series despite allowing four runs over six innings, while Washington’s Dennis Leonard was tagged for seven runs on 10 hits in just 3.2 innings of work. Despite a resilient effort from the Senators, including a three-RBI night from center fielder Dave Cramer and a pinch-hit triple by Jake Early, they simply couldn’t keep pace with the relentless Rays attack. As the final out settled into Peña’s glove, the Rays celebrated at the mound, their 4-1 series triumph etched into history.

2008 Tampa Bay Rays Win Series 4 Games to 1

Series MVP:

(.391, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R, .913 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #200



1997 Montreal Expos
Record: 78-84
Finish: 4th in NL East
Manager: Felipe Alou
Ball park: Olympic Stadium
WAR Leader: Pedro Martinez (8.8)
Franchise Record: 3-3
1997 Season Record: 1-3
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MON/1997.shtml

2018 San Francisco Giants
Record: 73-89
Finish: 4th in NL West
Manager: Bruce Bochy
Ball park: ATT Park
WAR Leader: Buster Posey (3.0)
Franchise Record: 8-9
2018 Season Record: 3-1
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/2018.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Lesson In Winning
Giants Experience Puts Expos In Place



Game 1
At Olympic Stadium
2018 San Francisco Giants 8
1997 Montreal Expos 2
WP: D. Rodriguez (1-0) LP: P. Martinez (0-1)
HR: B. Belt (1), B. Crawford (1)
POG: Derreck Rodriguez (8.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 115 p)
2018 Giants Lead Series 1-0

At Olympic Stadium in a surreal Field of Dreams matchup, the 2018 San Francisco Giants came out firing and never looked back, defeating the 1997 Montreal Expos 8–2 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Giants starter Dereck Rodriguez dazzled both on the mound and at the plate, tossing 8.1 strong innings of two-run ball while delivering the game's biggest blow—a bases-clearing double in the sixth inning that broke it open and gave San Francisco a commanding 6–0 lead. Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford each went deep off Pedro Martinez, who struggled through 5.2 innings and gave up seven earned runs, including two long balls. The Expos tried to claw back with a two-run double by Shane Andrews in the seventh, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the damage. With 13 hits and crisp defense, the Giants dominated from start to finish, backing Rodriguez’s gem and setting the tone for the series in Montreal. Game 2 is set for tomorrow night, again under the closed roof of Olympic Stadium.

Game 2
At Olympic Stadium
2018 San Francisco Giants 10
1997 Montreal Expos 5
WP: D. Holland (1-0) LP: D. Hermanson (0-1)
HR: B. Posey (1), R. White (1)
POG: Buster Posey (3-5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R)
2018 Giants Lead Series 2-0

In the crisp October air under the closed roof of Olympic Stadium, the 2018 San Francisco Giants surged to a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Field of Dreams showdown, defeating the 1997 Montreal Expos 10-5 in Game 2. Catcher Buster Posey led the way with a thunderous 3-run homer in the fourth inning and added a double as part of a 3-for-5 performance, driving in three runs and scoring twice en route to Player of the Game honors. After falling behind 4-1, the Expos rallied in the third on a 3-run blast by Rondell White, but the Giants responded with relentless pressure, including a 4-run seventh inning highlighted by Brandon Belt’s 2-run double. Derek Holland fought through 6.2 gritty innings despite surrendering 10 hits and a homer, while the Giants’ bullpen slammed the door with 2.1 scoreless frames. The Expos outhit the Giants 13-12 but left nine men on base and couldn’t overcome shaky pitching from starter Dustin Hermanson and the Montreal bullpen. The series now shifts to San Francisco’s AT&T Park for Game 3 on Saturday, where the Expos must win to avoid the brink of elimination.

Game 3
At Olympic Stadium
1997 Montreal Expos 2
2018 San Francisco Giants 5
WP: T. Blach (1-0) LP: M. Valdes (0-1)
HR: D. Fletcher (1), S. Andrews (1)
POG: Ty Blach (7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K)
2018 Giants Lead Series 3-0

On a crisp October evening under clear skies at AT&T Park, the 2018 San Francisco Giants edged closer to a series sweep, defeating the 1997 Montreal Expos 5-2 in Game 3 of their best-of-seven Field of Dreams showdown. Lefty Ty Blach was magnificent on the mound, tossing 7.1 innings of six-hit, one-run baseball to earn Player of the Game honors. Brandon Belt provided the offensive punch, delivering a two-run single in the opening frame and finishing with three RBIs on the night. Alen Hanson energized the middle innings with a triple and two runs scored, while Andrew McCutchen collected three hits. Despite solo home runs from Montreal’s Darrin Fletcher and Shane Andrews, the Expos couldn’t overcome San Francisco’s 12-hit barrage. The Giants now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead heading into Game 4, set for tomorrow night back in San Francisco, with the Expos facing elimination.

Game 4
At Olympic Stadium
1997 Montreal Expos 3
2018 San Francisco Giants 4
WP: W. Smith (1-0) LP: U. Urbina (0-1)
HR: G. Hernandez (1), B. Crawford (2)
POG: Madison Bumgarner (7 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 103 P)

The 2018 San Francisco Giants completed a stunning sweep of the 1997 Montreal Expos with a dramatic 4-3 walk-off win under the lights at AT&T Park, closing out the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series in four games. Powered by clutch hitting and timely pitching, the Giants once again proved their mettle in late innings. Gorkys Hernández opened the scoring with a solo homer in the 1st, but it was Brandon Crawford’s two-run blast in the 7th that tied the game and shifted momentum. Madison Bumgarner gritted through seven strong innings, giving up three runs while striking out six. After relievers Sam Dyson and Will Smith held the line, Alen Hanson—the eventual series MVP—came through in the 9th with a pinch-hit, walk-off RBI single to seal the win. Hanson batted .533 for the series, embodying the clutch presence that defined the Giants' run. Despite a valiant effort from David Segui, who had three hits and two RBIs for Montreal, the Expos couldn't withstand San Francisco’s relentless late-inning pressure. The Giants outscored the Expos 21-10 in the series, and as fireworks lit up the crisp October sky, a new chapter of championship glory was written in San Francisco baseball lore.

2018 San Francisco Giants Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.417, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 1 2B, .562 OBP, 1.312 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

Tournament Progress Report 200 Series Played

Every 10 series I will give a progress report on the competition including stats.

Leaders (single series)
Hits.............................................. ....Barney McCosky (1939 Tigers) - 16
HR................................................ ....Aaron Judge (2022 Yankees) - 6
RBI............................................... ....Babe Ruth (1920 Yankees) - 20
Strikeouts........................................ .Ed Walsh (1911 White Sox) - 25
Longest HR......................................Andy Carey (1958 Yankees) - 554 FT
Hardest Hit Ball................................Andy Carey (1958 Yankees) - 118.8
Best Game Performance Score.......Babe Ruth (1920 Yankees) - 138


Managerial Leaders
Most Wins...........Miller Huggins - 24
Winning %...........Eight tied - 100%

Championship Clubs Eliminated
1. 1920 Cleveland Indians - Lost to 2013 Yankees
2. 2008 Philadelphia Phillies - Lost to 1940 Yankees
3. 1940 Cincinnati Reds - Lost to 2004 Pirates
4. 2006 St. Louis Cardinals - Lost to 1944 Braves
5. 1990 Cincinnati Reds - Lost to 1947 Indians

Incredible Comebacks (Teams down 0-3 to come back and win series)
1976 Baltimore Orioles over 2012 Miami Marlins

Franchise Records
Arizona Dbacks....................3-1
Atlanta/Mil Braves................11-2
Baltimore Orioles..................5-4
Boston Braves/Beans...........1-7
Boston Red Sox...................7-6
Brooklyn/LA Dodgers...........6-9
Chicago Cubs......................10-6
Chicago White Sox..............10-6
Cincinnati Reds....................15-8
Cleveland Indians/Naps.......8-7
Colorado Rockies................2-3
Detroit Tigers.......................13-9
Florida/Miami Marlins......... 3-3
Houston Astros....................2-3
KC Royals...........................5-6
Los Angeles Angels.............4-3
Milwaukee Brewers.............3-8
Minnesota Twins..................3-2
Montreal Expos...................3-4
New York Mets....................2-5
New York Yankees...............17-3
New York/SF Giants.............8-9
Philadelphia Phillies.............5-15
Philadelphia/Oak A's............6-17
Pittsburgh Pirates.................11-9
San Diego Padres................3-2
Seattle Mariners...................4-4
St. Louis Browns..................2-3
St. Louis Cardinals...............8-6
Tampa Bay Rays..................3-2
Texas Rangers.....................3-3
Toronto Blue Jays.................4-1
Washington Nationals..........1-4
Washington Senators...........2-13


Best/Worst Winning Percentage by Franchise:
New York Yankees - 17-3(.85)
Boston Braves - 1-7 (.125)

Records By Decade
1900's.............................6-4
1910's.............................10-12
1920's.............................14-12
1930's.............................12-16
1940's.............................14-19
1950's.............................13-11
1960's.............................14-13
1970's.............................19-19
1980's.............................17-15
1990's.............................22-22
2000's.............................28-21
2010's.............................23-23
2020's.............................5-7

Best Season - 2004 - 6-0

Accomplishments Single Game
No Hitter - Vida Blue (1974 Athletics)
6-6 Jacoby Elsbury (2010 Red Sox)
10 RBI - Babe Ruth (1920 Yankees)
3 HR - Willie Mays (1961 Giants)
3 HR - Bernie Williams (2000 Yankees)
No Hitter - Sonny Gray (2019 Reds)

[Nick Soulis]

We have reached the milestone number of 200 series and the Field of Dreams has proved to be everything I had hoped for. The competition between all eras is balanced and the greatest of players and teams have not disappointed. Five championship teams have been eliminated while the New York Yankees have won 17 of 20 series played.

In this section, four series went the distance, while two lead to easy sweeps. The victory of the 1937 St. Louis Browns can be noted first as they become the worst team yet to advance defeating a stunned 1974 Brewers team in seven games. Forty year old Rogers Hornsby was a central figure in both the on field and mental success of the upset. Dusty Baker went through boxes of toothpicks, but in the end it was the arm of Johnny Cueto that took the 2012 Reds past the expansion 1961 Angels. The Reds as a franchise continued their fine play and showed it again as the 1908 club took down Jim Leyland and his 1993 Pirates in six games. The Reds are now 15-8 in their series played.

Billy Martin had his 1975 Texas Rangers ready to play and Toby Harrah showed why he is a player you should remember. The Rangers battled the 1931 Robins to seven games before a 6-3 win in game seven at Ebbets Field behind Fergie Jenkins. The 2011 season was on display as the Diamondbacks man handled the Kansas City Royals in four straight as expected. Probably the best series was played out between the 1972 White Sox and the 1953 St. Louis Browns that went a thrilling seven games. I love it when a series that isnt expected to give you much, gives you everything. The White Sox rallied and won both game 6 and 7 in dramatic fashion. Dave Lemmonds lead the charge in the final game as Chicago shutout the Browns 3-0 in what was a fine strategic win for Chuck Tanner.

Two teams that have 88 wins each faced off as the 2009 San Francisco Giants, just before their championship runs, faced off against the 1960 Milwaukee Braves. The Braves put on a power show through Eddie Mathews especially and in game five when the team hit 5 home runs at ATT Park to close the series out. Another Giants team, this time from 2018 defeating the 1997 Expos and really having their way against Pedro Martinez.

Connie Johnson won two games and the 1957 Orioles handled the 2016 Twins who played like their futile record would have you expect. Finally, maybe the best Tampa Rays team off alltime played great baseball, especially at the plate, defeating the 1961 Senators in five games. The Senators franchise is now only 2-13 in series played while the Rays fight for relevance with the few great teams they have had in their history; this was an impressive start.

Two hundred series down, thank you for anyone who is following as we continue to dream big.

[Nick Soulis]

Series #201



1920 New York Giants
Record: 86-68
Finish: 2nd in NL
Manager: John McGraw
Ball Park: Polo Grounds
WAR Leader: Ross Youngs (6.5)
Franchise Record: 8-9
1920 Season Record: 1-1
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYG/1920.shtml

1992 Texas Rangers
Record: 77-85
Finish: 4th in AL West
Manager: Bobby Valentine
Ball Park: Arlington Stadium
WAR Leader: Kevin Brown (4.8)
Franchise Record: 3-3
1992 Season Record:2-3
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/1992.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Heat Scorches Giants
Rangers With Upset Exposes McGraw Side



Game 1
At Polo Gtounds
1992 Texas Rangers 4
1920 New York Giants 2
WP: N. Ryan (1-0) LP: A. Nehf (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Nolan Ryan (9 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 102 P)
1992 Rangers Lead Series 1-0

The 1992 Texas Rangers opened the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series with a clutch 4-2 victory over the 1920 New York Giants, thanks to a vintage performance from 45-year-old fireballer Nolan Ryan. Pitching under the crisp fall skies at the Polo Grounds before a packed crowd of 63,336, Ryan silenced the skeptics and the Giants’ bats alike, going the distance with a 7-hit, 7-strikeout complete game. The Rangers fell behind 2-1 in the fifth after back-to-back extra-base hits by catcher Frank Snyder and pitcher Art Nehf, but Texas rallied in the eighth with a game-breaking three-run surge. Key pinch-hit contributions—including a two-run double by Kevin Reimer—turned the tide and proved decisive. Nehf, solid for much of the afternoon, faltered late and took the loss despite also going the full nine innings. With timely hitting and a masterclass from their ageless ace, the Rangers seized the early momentum and a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 returns to the Polo Grounds tomorrow as the Giants seek redemption.

Game 2
At Polo Gtounds
1992 Texas Rangers 0
1920 New York Giants 2
WP: P. Douglas (1-0) LP: K. Brown (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Phil Douglas (9 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 120 P)
Series Tied 1-1

In front of a roaring Polo Grounds crowd of 62,960, the 1920 New York Giants delivered a vintage shutout performance to even the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series at one game apiece, blanking the 1992 Texas Rangers 2–0. Giants ace Phil Douglas turned in a masterclass, scattering seven hits and two walks across nine dominant innings while fanning three, earning Player of the Game honors. The Rangers, who racked up 10 runs in Game 1, were stymied by Douglas’s pinpoint command and ability to induce weak contact. Giants left fielder George Burns drove in the first run in the second inning, while first baseman George Kelly added an insurance RBI with a two-out single in the fifth. Texas righty Kevin Brown was tough in his own right, yielding just one earned run over eight innings, but his offense couldn’t solve Douglas. The shutout was punctuated by smart defense and classic small ball, with New York stranding seven Texas runners. The series now shifts to Arlington Stadium for Game 3 on Monday, with momentum swinging firmly toward the Giants.

Game 3
At Arlington Stadium
1920 New York Giants 3
1992 Texas Rangers 4
WP: J. Guzman (1-0) LP: F. Toney (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Jose Guzman (9 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 140 P)
1992 Rangers Lead Series 2-1

On a cloudy Monday afternoon at Arlington Stadium, the 1992 Texas Rangers edged the 1920 New York Giants 4-3 in a tightly contested Game 3 of their Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, seizing a 2-1 series lead. Jose Guzman was the star of the show, delivering a complete-game effort, scattering eight hits and allowing three earned runs while striking out four across 140 pitches. The Rangers struck early with three runs in the first inning, powered by timely hits from Juan Gonzalez and Brian Downing. The Giants chipped away with a run in the fourth and two in the sixth, including a booming triple by Benny Kauff, but couldn’t overcome a critical miscue in the seventh inning. With the score tied 3-3, Rafael Palmeiro’s grounder led to an error by the Giants outfield, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Despite a pair of outfield assists that cut down Rangers runners at the plate, the Giants couldn’t mount a final rally. With the series now tilted in Texas’s favor, the Giants will look to regroup quickly before Game 4, set to be played again at Arlington.

Game 3
At Arlington Stadium
1920 New York Giants 3
1992 Texas Rangers 4
WP: T. Burns (1-0) LP: R. Benton (0-1)
HR: R. Palmeiro (1)
POG: Todd Burns (9 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 110 P)
1992 Rangers Lead Series 3-1

In Game 4 of the Field of Dreams Series #201 at Arlington Stadium on October 5, 1920, the 1992 Texas Rangers edged the 1920 New York Giants 4-3 with a dramatic ninth-inning walk-off, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series under clear 67-degree skies with an 11 mph breeze. Todd Burns delivered a gritty complete game for Texas, allowing 3 runs on 10 hits, while Rafael Palmeiro’s two-run homer in the eighth tied the game, setting the stage for Julio Franco’s pinch-hit, game-winning single in the ninth. Ross Youngs went 3-for-4 for the Giants, and Larry Doyle’s sixth-inning double drove in a run, but Rube Benton’s 8.1 innings faltered late despite holding Texas to one earned run until the eighth, leaving the Giants on the brink of elimination in this playoff thriller.

Game 5
At Arlington Stadium
1920 New York Giants 5
1992 Texas Rangers 6
WP: N. Ryan (2-0) LP: A. Nehf (0-2) S: J. Russell (1)
HR: None
POG: Larry Doyle (3-4, 2 2B, RBI, R)

The 1992 Texas Rangers captured their Field of Dreams win in thrilling fashion, edging the 1920 New York Giants 6-5 in a tightly contested Game 5 at Arlington Stadium. It was a battle of eras and grit, with the Rangers using a steady offensive push and the veteran presence of Nolan Ryan to hold off a resilient Giants squad. Despite being outhit 11-9, Texas capitalized on key moments — including a two-run double by Ruben Sierra in the 7th that proved to be the game-winner. Larry Doyle, the Giants' second baseman, went 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI in a valiant losing effort that earned him Player of the Game honors. Ryan labored through eight innings on 137 pitches to earn his second win of the series, and Jeff Russell sealed the deal with a perfect ninth for the save. The Giants’ Art Nehf gave up six runs (five earned) over 6.1 innings and took the loss. Texas manager Bobby Valentine praised his club’s perseverance, saying, “We never backed down, and today, history belongs to Texas.” With the 4-1 series victory, the Rangers celebrated in front of a euphoric crowd under the autumn sun, as the echoes of legends danced in the cornfields.

1992 Texas Rangers Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(2-0, 17 IP, 3.71 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 9 K, 4 BB, 0 HR)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #202



2011 Colorado Rockies
Record: 73-89
Finish: 4th in NL West
Manager: Jim Tracy
Ball Park: Coors Field
WAR Leader: Troy Tulowitski (6.2)
Franchise Record: 2-3
2011 Season Record: 3-5
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/COL/2011.shtml

2014 Minnesota Twins
Record: 70-92
Finish: 5th in AL Central
Manager: Ron Gardenhire
Ball Park: Target Field
WAR Leader: Brian Dozier (5.5)
Franchise Record: 3-2
2014 Season Record: 0-0
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2014.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game 1
At Coors Field
2014 Minnesota Twins 13
2011 Colorado Rockies 2
WP: P. Hughes (1-0) LP: U. Jimenez (0-1)
HR: O. Arcia (1), D. Santana (1), S. Smith (1)
POG: Danny Santana (3-6, HR, 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R)
2014 Twins Lead Series 2-0

Under the crisp October skies at a wind-swept Coors Field, the 2014 Minnesota Twins unleashed a relentless offensive onslaught to claim Game 1 of the Field of Dreams Series #202 with a 13–2 demolition of the 2011 Colorado Rockies. Shortstop Danny Santana led the charge, going 3-for-6 with a three-run homer, a double, and five RBIs to earn Player of the Game honors. The Twins struck early and often, scoring nine runs in the first three innings off a beleaguered Ubaldo Jimenez and Jhoulys Chacín, and racking up 19 hits on the night. Phil Hughes delivered a masterful performance on the mound, allowing just two runs over 8.1 innings with six strikeouts and no walks. Colorado managed only a solo homer from Seth Smith and an RBI single from Ty Wigginton, as their offense fizzled under the lights. Despite three double plays turned by the Rockies in the field, their pitching staff could not stop the bleeding, with Rafael Betancourt and Drew Pomeranz surrendering late insurance runs. Minnesota takes a commanding 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven, with Game 2 set for tomorrow night in Denver.