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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Santana Lifts Twins To Success
Twins Handle Rockies Easier Then Anticipated



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.

Game 2
At Coors Field
2014 Minnesota Twins 4
2011 Colorado Rockies 3
WP: K. Gibson (1-0) LP: F. Paulino (0-1) S: G. Perkins (1)
HR: None
POG: Kyle Gibson (5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 111 P)
2014 Twins Lead Series 2-0

At a crisp 54-degree Field of Dreams setting in Denver, the 2014 Minnesota Twins edged the 2011 Colorado Rockies 4-3 in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series, seizing a commanding 2-0 lead. Kyle Gibson earned Player of the Game honors with a gritty 5.2-inning outing, striking out two while navigating traffic and overcoming a pair of wild pitches. All four of Minnesota’s runs came in a decisive second inning, punctuated by Brian Dozier’s clutch two-out, two-run double off Felipe Paulino. Though the Rockies clawed back with a run in the second and two more in the fourth—thanks to hits from Carlos Gonzalez and Todd Helton—the Twins’ bullpen slammed the door. Caleb Thielbar, Casey Fien, and Glen Perkins combined for 3.1 innings of hitless relief, preserving the narrow victory. Despite outhitting Colorado 12 to 7, Minnesota left 11 runners on base, giving the Rockies chances to rally late. Game 3 heads to Target Field on Tuesday, where the Rockies will fight to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.

Game 3
At Target Field
2011 Colorado Rockies 3
2014 Minnesota Twins 5
WP: A. Swarzak (1-0) LP: J. Nicasio (0-1)
HR: T. Tulowitski (1)
POG: Danny Samtana (3-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI, R)
2014 Twins Lead Series 3-0

Under the crisp October night sky at Target Field, the 2014 Minnesota Twins edged the 2011 Colorado Rockies 5-3 in Game 3 of the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. Shortstop Danny Santana once again proved pivotal, going 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI, and a run scored en route to Player of the Game honors. Despite an early two-run homer by Troy Tulowitzki that gave the Rockies a 2-0 lead in the first, the Twins responded quickly with a relentless offensive approach, plating runs in the first, second, fourth, and sixth innings. Kennys Vargas delivered a key RBI single in the second, while Oswaldo Arcia and Josh Willingham each chipped in with two-out RBI hits to extend the Twins’ lead. Starter Anthony Swarzak battled through 6.1 innings for the win, limiting the Rockies to five hits and three earned runs, while the Minnesota bullpen — Fien, Guerrier, and Perkins — shut the door with 2.2 scoreless innings. With the Rockies’ offense stymied and their pitching staff unable to quiet Minnesota’s bats, the Twins now stand one win away from completing a sweep in this cross-era Field of Dreams showdown. Game 4 is set for Wednesday night in Minneapolis.

Game 4
At Target Field
2011 Colorado Rockies 9
2014 Minnesota Twins 8
WP: M. Belisle (1-0) LP: Y. Pino (0-1) S: R. Brothers (1)
HR: C. Gonzalez (1), T. Helton (1), B. Dozier (1)
POG: Brian Dozier (4-4, HR, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 3 R)
2014 Twins Lead Series 3-1

With their backs against the wall, the 2011 Colorado Rockies clawed back from an early six-run deficit to outslug the 2014 Minnesota Twins 9-8 and stay alive in the Field of Dreams best-of-seven playoff series. After giving up five runs in a brutal second inning and trailing 6-0, Colorado erupted in the top of the fourth with a seven-run explosion, capped by Dexter Fowler’s clutch two-out, bases-clearing triple off Yohan Pino. Todd Helton added a three-run homer in the inning, and later an RBI double in the seventh, finishing with four RBIs on the night. Despite Brian Dozier’s sensational performance—going 4-for-4 with a homer, two doubles, a walk, four RBIs, and three runs—the Twins couldn’t overcome their bullpen’s collapse. The Rockies’ patchwork relief corps held on late, with Rafael Betancourt striking out two in the ninth to seal the save. The win trims Minnesota’s series lead to 3-1 and sends the series back to Target Field for a pivotal Game 5 on Thursday.

Game 5
At Target Field
2011 Colorado Rockies 2
2014 Minnesota Twins 0
WP: U. Jimenez (1-1) LP: P. Hughes (1-1) S: H. Street (1)
HE: T. Tulowitski (2)
POG: Ubaldo Jimenez (7.1 Ip, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 117 P)
2014 Twins Lead Series 3-2

In a crisp, chilly October night at Target Field, the 2011 Colorado Rockies staved off elimination in Game 5 of their Field of Dreams series, blanking the 2014 Minnesota Twins 2-0 to cut the series deficit to 3-2. Ubaldo Jimenez delivered a masterful performance when his team needed it most, hurling 7.1 scoreless innings, scattering five hits, and striking out six without issuing a walk. He outdueled Minnesota's Phil Hughes, who pitched well but was tagged for the only runs of the game in the top of the first—a towering two-run homer off the bat of Troy Tulowitzki. That early blast proved decisive, as Colorado's bullpen, led by Huston Street’s 1.2-inning save, nailed down the shutout. Dexter Fowler and Chris Iannetta chipped in with two hits apiece, and the Rockies’ defense was spotless. Despite a quiet night from their normally potent lineup, the Twins still hold the edge in the best-of-seven showdown, but momentum may be shifting as the series heads back to Denver for Game 6 on Saturday, October 8.

Game 6
At Coors Field
2014 Minnesota Twins 6
2011 Colorado Rockies 5
WP: K. Gibson (2-0) LP: F. Paulino (0-2) S: G. Perkins (3)
HR: J. Giambi (1), C. Gonzalez (2)
POG: Danny Santana (3-4, 2 RBI, 2 2B, 2 R)

On a brisk October night at the Field of Dreams, the 2014 Minnesota Twins edged out the 2011 Colorado Rockies 6-5 in a nail-biting Game 6 to win the series 4-2. The Twins struck early, plating three in the first inning behind Danny Santana’s RBI double and Oswaldo Arcia’s two-run triple, and tacked on two more in the third to chase Rockies starter Felipe Paulino. Santana, who was named Player of the Game, finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored, capping off a spectacular series with a .517 average. Colorado mounted a furious comeback, highlighted by Carlos Gonzalez’s solo homer in the sixth and a dramatic pinch-hit blast by Jason Giambi in the ninth off closer Glen Perkins. But the Twins' bullpen, led by Caleb Thielbar and Perkins, weathered the storm to secure the win. Despite outhitting Minnesota 13-10, the Rockies were undone by missed opportunities, leaving eight men on base. With confetti falling and the temperature hovering in the 30s, Minnesota’s dugout erupted in celebration.

2014 Minnesota Twins Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

(15/29, 5 2B, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 7 R, 2 SB, .793 SLG, 1.310 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #203



1996 Cleveland Indians
Record: 99-62
Finish: Lost in ALDS
Manager: Mike Hargrove
Ball Park: Jacobs Field
WAR Leader: Jim Thome (7.5)
Franchise Record: 8-7
1996 Season Record: 2-2
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1996.shtml

1986 Chicago Cubs
Record: 70-90
Finish: 5th in NL East
Manager: Jim Frey
Ball Park: Wrigley Field
WAR Leader: Jody Davis (4.0)
Franchise Record: 10-6
1986 Season Record: 2-0
Hall of Famers: (4)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1986.shtml
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Indian Strength Matches Any Era
Tribe Takes Care Of Cubs In 5 Scoring 30 Runs



Game 1
At Jacobs Field
1986 Chicago Cubs 3
1996 Cleveland Indians 4
WP: C. Nagy (1-0) LP: G. Hoffman (0-1) S: J. Mesa (1)
HR: R. Cey (1), J. Franco (1)
POG: Julio Franco (4-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)
1996 Indians Lead Series 1-0

In a cool autumn evening under clear skies at Jacobs Field, the 1996 Cleveland Indians struck first in the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, overcoming a sluggish start to defeat the 1986 Chicago Cubs 5-3. Veteran first baseman Julio Franco was the star of the night, delivering a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate with a solo home run and three singles, driving in two runs and scoring twice. Despite Dennis Eckersley’s strong outing—holding the Indians to one run through 6.2 innings—the game unraveled for Chicago when reliever Greg Hoffman surrendered three quick runs in the bottom of the seventh, capped by Franco’s two-run blast. Cleveland added insurance in the eighth with a double from Manny Ramirez, who plated another run with a sacrifice fly earlier. Charles Nagy earned the win with 7.1 innings of solid work, while José Mesa held off a late rally—including Ron Cey’s two-run homer in the eighth—for the save. With the win, Cleveland grabs a 1-0 series lead and sets the tone heading into Game 2.

Game 2
At Jacobs Field
1986 Chicago Cubs 2
1996 Cleveland Indians 6
WP: J. McDowell (1-0) LP: S. Sanderson (0-1)
HR: J. Thome (1), A. Belle (1)
POG: Jack McDowell (8.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB. 6 K, 125 P)
1996 Indians Lead Series 2-0

On a rainy October evening in Cleveland, the 1996 Indians took command of their Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, topping the 1986 Chicago Cubs 6–2 in Game 2 at Jacobs Field. Right-hander Jack McDowell was dominant, scattering five hits and striking out six over 8.1 innings to earn Player of the Game honors. Cleveland jumped ahead early, as Jim Thome crushed a solo home run in the first off Scott Sanderson, followed by a four-run outburst in the second that included doubles by Omar Vizquel, Manny Ramirez, and Eddie Murray. Albert Belle added a solo shot in the fifth, his second RBI of the series. Sanderson was tagged for six runs (five earned) in 4.1 innings, while Greg Maddux provided 3.2 scoreless innings of relief for the Cubs. Though Jody Mumphrey and Leon Durham drove in runs for Chicago, the offense failed to capitalize on key chances, stranding six runners. With the win, Cleveland seizes a 2–0 series lead as the series shifts to Wrigley Field for Game 3 on Friday, October 4th.

Game 3
At Wrigley Field
1996 Cleveland Indians 1
1986 Chicago Cubs 2
WP: S. Trout (1-0) LP: O. Hershiser (0-1) S: L. Smith (1)
HR: D. Lopes (1)
POG: Steve Trout (8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 117 P)
1996 Indians Lead Series 2-1

Under the lights of a crisp October evening at Wrigley Field, the 1986 Chicago Cubs clawed their way back into the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series with a gritty 2-1 victory over the 1996 Cleveland Indians in Game 3. With the series on the line, left-hander Steve Trout delivered a vintage performance, tossing eight stellar innings while allowing just one run on six hits and striking out six. The Cubs, trailing 1-0 after a first-inning Kenny Lofton run, responded with back-to-back scoring frames in the second and third. Shawon Dunston drove in the tying run with a clutch two-out double, and veteran Davey Lopes followed with a solo homer in the third off Orel Hershiser to give Chicago the lead. Hershiser battled through six innings but took the loss despite solid numbers. Lee Smith sealed the deal with a scoreless ninth, retiring the side in order for the save. Though the Indians still lead the series 2-1, the Cubs’ home crowd of 38,893 left energized, as their team showed renewed life heading into Game 4 on Saturday.

Game 4
At Wrigley Field
1996 Cleveland Indians 6
1986 Chicago Cubs 4 (11 inn)
WP: J. Mesa (1-0) LP: L. Smith (0-1) S: D. Graves (1)
HR: K. Lofton (2), R. Cey (2)
POG: Kenny Lofton (3-6, 2 HR, 4 R, SB, 3 RBI)
1996 Indians Lead Series 3-1

With a dramatic 6-4 extra-inning victory in Game 4, the 1996 Cleveland Indians moved within one win of clinching the Field of Dreams Series #203 over the 1986 Chicago Cubs. In a contest filled with momentum swings and electric performances, Kenny Lofton stole the spotlight, going 3-for-6 with two home runs, a double, four runs scored, and three RBIs. Lofton's solo shot in the third and a game-tying two-run homer in the ninth stunned the Wrigley faithful, who had seen their Cubs erase an early 2-0 deficit with a four-run fifth, highlighted by Ron Cey’s grand slam. But the Indians would not go quietly—Albert Belle delivered the dagger in the top of the 11th, lacing a two-run double off Lee Smith to break a 4-4 tie. The Cubs’ bullpen faltered late, while Cleveland’s pen, led by José Mesa and Danny Graves, held firm across five scoreless innings. With the win, Cleveland takes a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, leaving Chicago on the brink heading into Game 5.

Game 5
At Wrigley Field
1996 Cleveland Indians 12
1986 Chicago Cubs 1
WP: C. Nagy (2-0) LP: D. Eckersley (0-2)
HR: O. Vizquel (1), M. Ramirez (1), G. Matthews (1)
POG: Omar Vizquel (3-5, HR, 5 RBI, 3 R, 2B)

On a crisp October night under the lights at Wrigley Field, the 1996 Cleveland Indians left no doubt about their mettle, thrashing the 1986 Chicago Cubs 12-1 in Game 5 to clinch the Field of Dreams series in dominant fashion. Powered by an explosive 20-hit performance and a sterling outing from Charles Nagy, the Indians set the tone early with a four-run first inning punctuated by Omar Vizquel’s three-run homer. Vizquel, who drove in five runs on the night, was named Player of the Game for his clutch bat and steady presence at shortstop. Manny Ramirez added a solo shot of his own in the fifth, while Julio Franco, Jim Thome, and Sandy Alomar Jr. combined for nine hits in a relentless Cleveland attack. Nagy pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run on Greg Matthews’ solo homer, while Dennis Martinez mopped up the final six outs. The Cubs, overwhelmed by Cleveland’s firepower, mustered only seven hits and were held scoreless in eight of nine frames. As fireworks lit up the Wrigley sky and Cleveland players celebrated in a euphoric dogpile near the mound, a historic win was sealed for the 1996 Indians — a complete team effort that culminated in a resounding victory.

1996 Cleveland Indians Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.417, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R, 3 2B, 2 SB, .477 OBP)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #204



1940 Detroit Tigers
Record: 90-64
Finish: Lost in World Series
Manager: Del Baker
Ball Park: Briggs Stadium
WAR Leader: Bobo Newsom (7.3)
Franchise Record: 13-9
1940 Season Record: 3-4
Hall of Famers: (4)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1940.shtml

1982 San Francisco Giants
Record: 87-75
Finish: 3rd in NL West
Manager: Frank Robinson
Ball Park: Candlestick Park
WAR Leader: Greg Minton (5.5)
Franchise Record: 8-10
1982 Season Record: 2-1
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/1982.shtml
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Greenberg And Tigers Roll Over SF
Giants Can Not Contend; Bow Out In 5



Game 1
At Briggs Stadium
1982 San Francisco Giants 2
1940 Detroit Tigers 6
WP: T. Bridges (1-0) LP: F. Breining (0-1) S: A. Benton (1)
HR: None
POG: Tommy Bridges (7.2 IP, 7 H, 2 Er, 3 BB, 6 K, 145 P)
Jeffrey Leaonard leaves game with injury
1940 Tigers Lead Series 1-0

In a crisp autumn afternoon at Briggs Stadium, the 1940 Detroit Tigers took control early and never looked back, defeating the 1982 San Francisco Giants 6-2 to open their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series. Detroit struck swiftly in the bottom of the first, with Hank Greenberg’s thunderous 2-run triple setting the tone and energizing the home crowd. Charlie Gehringer and Dick Bartell added timely hits to extend the lead, while Tommy Bridges delivered a masterful performance on the mound. The Tigers’ right-hander went 7.2 innings, scattering eight hits and allowing just two earned runs while fanning six. Though the Giants put runners aboard, they failed to capitalize, stranding 10 men and missing their best scoring chances. Jeffrey Leonard was forced to exit after being hit by a pitch in the fifth, further dampening the San Francisco offense. Reliever Al Benton shut the door in the final frame, earning the save. With the Tigers leading the series 1-0, both teams prepare to clash again tomorrow under the shadow of the cornfields.

Game 2
At Briggs Stadium
1982 San Francisco Giants 6
1940 Detroit Tigers 5
WP: A. Hammaker (1-0) LP: B. Newsom (0-1) S: J. Barr (1)
HR: J. Clark )1)
POG: Jack Clark (1-4, HR, 3 RBI, R)
Series Tied 1-1

At a breezy, partly cloudy Briggs Stadium, the 1982 San Francisco Giants clawed their way to a nail-biting 6–5 win over the 1940 Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of this Field of Dreams best-of-seven showdown, evening the series at one game apiece. The Giants struck early and often, plating three in the first and three more in the fourth, highlighted by Jack Clark’s thunderous three-run homer off Bobo Newsom with two outs. Clark’s blast, his first of the series, earned him Player of the Game honors despite an 0-for-4 day otherwise. While Detroit outhit San Francisco 11 to 7—led by Hank Greenberg’s 4-hit performance and Dick Bartell’s two-run triple in the seventh—the Tigers’ rally fell just short. Giants starter Atlee Hammaker gutted through 6.2 innings before turning it over to reliever Jim Barr, who secured the save despite allowing two runs. Three Tigers errors and nine walks issued by Detroit pitchers proved costly. With the series tied 1–1, the scene now shifts west to Candlestick Park in San Francisco for Game 3 on Friday.

Game 3
At Candlestick Park
1940 Detroit Tigers 4
1982 San Francisco Giants 1
WP: D. Trout (1-0) LP: A. Holland (0-1)
HR: H. Greenberg (1)
POG: Dizzy Trout (7.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 125 P)
1940 Tigers Lead Series 2-1

Behind a masterful pitching performance from Dizzy Trout, the 1940 Detroit Tigers stifled the 1982 San Francisco Giants 4-1 to seize a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series. Trout was nearly untouchable through 7.2 innings, scattering four hits while walking two and striking out three on 125 pitches. His dominance kept the Giants off the board until the ninth inning, when a wild pitch by reliever Al Benton allowed San Francisco’s lone run. The Tigers broke through in the sixth thanks to a clutch two-out rally — Barney McCosky doubled home a run, followed by a towering two-run homer from Hank Greenberg. Rudy York added an RBI single in the eighth to pad the lead. Despite a solid effort from Giants starter Atlee Hammaker (7.1 IP, 4 ER, 8 K), San Francisco's bats remained largely silent, stranding six runners and grounding into two key double plays. With Trout leading the way and the Tigers flashing timely offense and clean defense, Detroit now sits two wins away from clinching the series. Game 4 is set for tomorrow at Candlestick Park.

Game 4
At Candlestick Park
1940 Detroit Tigers 11
1982 San Francisco Giants 10
WP: J. Gorsica (1-0) LP: B. Laskey (0-1) S: A. Benton (2)
HR: H. Greenberg 2 (3), D. Bergman (1)
POG: Hank Greenberg (3-4, 2 HR, 5 RBI)
1940 Tigers Lead Series 3-1

In a wild Game 4 at Candlestick Park, the 1940 Detroit Tigers outlasted the 1982 San Francisco Giants in an 11-10 slugfest, moving one win away from clinching Series #204. The Tigers rode the power of Hank Greenberg, who put on a legendary display by blasting two home runs, driving in five, and scoring three times en route to earning Player of the Game honors. Detroit jumped ahead early with Greenberg’s two-run homer in the first, but the Giants answered back immediately and even held a brief lead in the second. However, Detroit reclaimed control in the sixth on a bases-loaded walk by pinch-hitter Birdie Tebbetts and then erupted for five more in the seventh, highlighted by Greenberg’s second homer. Despite a furious Giants rally, capped by Dave Bergman’s dramatic pinch-hit grand slam in the eighth, the Tigers bullpen barely held on. Chief Smith nearly let it slip, but closer Al Benton recorded the final out with the tying run on base. With the Tigers now leading the series 3-1, they’ll look to close it out tomorrow at Candlestick.

Game 5
At Candlestick Park
1940 Detroit Tigers 6
1982 San Francisco Giants 4
WP: T. Bridges (2-0) LP: R. Gale (0-1) S: A. Benton (3)
HR: J. Clark (2)
POG: Tommy Bridges (8 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 133 P)

On a crisp October afternoon under clear skies at Candlestick Park, the 1940 Detroit Tigers emerged victorious in Game 5 of the Field of Dreams Series, defeating the 1982 San Francisco Giants 6-4 to secure the series four games to one. Tommy Bridges turned in a gritty eight-inning performance, allowing four runs on five hits and earning his second win of the series, while ace closer Al Benton slammed the door in the ninth for his third save. Detroit capitalized early with back-to-back multi-run innings in the second and third, highlighted by Rudy York's leadoff triple and Birdie Tebbetts' clutch pinch-hit RBI single in the ninth that gave them a two-run cushion. Charlie Gehringer continued his steady play with two doubles and an RBI, while Billy Sullivan’s 2-for-4, 3-RBI effort proved critical. The Giants fought back behind Jack Clark’s two-run homer in the sixth and a pinch-hit double by Dave Bergman in the seventh, but it wasn't enough. The win marked the Tigers expected success, with Hank Greenberg being named series MVP after batting .450 with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs.

1940 Detroit Tigers Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.450, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R, 1.050 SLG, 1.505 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #205



1914 Boston Red Sox
Record: 91-62
Finish: 2nd
Manager: Bill Carrigan
Ball Park: Fenway Park
WAR Leader: Tris Speaker (9.9)
Franchise Record; 7-6
1914 Season Record: 0-0
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1914.shtml

2010 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 57-105
Finish: 6th in NL Central
Manager: John Russell
Ball Park: PNC Park
WAR Leader: Andrew McCutchen (3.8)
Franchise Record: 11-9
2010 Season Record: 2-5
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/2010.shtml
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Impeccable Red Sox Arms Timeless
Wood And Leonard Set Standard In Excellence



Game 1
At Fenway Park
2010 Pittsburgh Pirates 0
1914 Boston Red Sox 5
WP: D. Leonard (1-0) LP: P. Maholm (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Dutch Leonard (9 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 K, 115 P)
1914 Red Sox Lead Series 1-0

Fenway Park, October 1, 1914 — In a dazzling return to the Field of Dreams, the 1914 Boston Red Sox captured Game 1 of their best-of-seven series with a commanding 5-0 shutout over the 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates. The star of the afternoon was left-hander Dutch Leonard, who carved through Pittsburgh’s lineup with surgical precision, tossing a complete-game one-hit shutout while striking out 10 and walking just two. Leonard’s dominance allowed the Red Sox to overcome early silence at the plate and break through with a run in the fifth before erupting for four in the seventh, highlighted by Hal Janvrin’s two-run triple and Steve Yerkes’ clutch two-RBI performance. The Pirates’ lone hit came from leadoff man José Tabata, but it wasn’t nearly enough to crack Boston’s rhythm. Pittsburgh’s Paul Maholm was effective through six but faltered in the seventh, charged with all five runs (three earned) over seven innings. Defensive miscues by Neil Walker and Garrett Jones didn’t help matters, while the Pirates struck out 10 times and left just two men on base. With the win, the Red Sox seize a 1-0 series lead and momentum as they look to extend their advantage tomorrow at Fenway.

Game 2
At Fenway Park
2010 Pittsburgh Pirates 0
1914 Boston Red Sox 3
WP: S. Wood (1-0) LP: R. Ohlendorf (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Smoky Joe Wood (9 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 K, 129 P)
1916 Red Sox Lead Series 2-0

*Fenway Park, October 2, 1914* — For the second straight day, the 1914 Boston Red Sox showcased dominant pitching and timely offense, blanking the 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0 in Game 2 of their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series. Right-hander Smoky Joe Wood was sensational, following Dutch Leonard’s Game 1 masterpiece with one of his own—tossing a complete-game five-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts and just one walk. Wood worked efficiently, scattering Pittsburgh’s limited chances while showing pinpoint command across nine innings. The Red Sox took the lead in the third with a sacrifice fly from Duffy Lewis and padded it in the seventh thanks to RBI hits from Steve Yerkes and Harry Hooper. Pittsburgh’s Ross Ohlendorf pitched well but was let down by two fielding errors and a quiet offense that went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position. With Boston now holding a 2-0 series advantage, the series shifts to PNC Park, where the Pirates will look to regroup in front of their home crowd on Sunday.

Game 3
At PNC Park
1914 Boston Red Sox 4
2010 Pittsburgh Pirates 5
WP: P. Maholm (1-1) LP: R. Foster (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Duffy Lewis (3-3, 2 R, 2B, RBI, SB)
1914 Red Sox Lead Series 2-1

In Game 3 of the Field of Dreams Series #205 at PNC Park on October 4, 1914, the 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates rallied for a 5-4 walk-off victory over the 1914 Boston Red Sox, cutting Boston’s series lead to 2-1 under clear 62-degree skies with an 8 mph breeze. Neil Walker’s clutch two-run double in the ninth off Rube Foster sealed the win, capping a dramatic comeback sparked by Jose Tabata’s 3-for-5 day and Garrett Jones’ two-run double in the eighth. Duffy Lewis shone for Boston, going 3-for-3 with a double, two runs, and an RBI, but Paul Maholm’s gritty 9-inning effort, allowing 3 earned runs despite 4 Pirate errors, kept Pittsburgh alive. Foster’s 8.1 innings yielded 3 earned runs, but Boston’s failure to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s defensive miscues left them stunned as the Pirates’ late heroics before a roaring crowd set the stage for a pivotal Game 4.

Game 4
At PNC Park
1914 Boston Red Sox 2
2010 Pittsburgh Pirates 1
WP: D. Leonard (2-0) LP: R. Ohlendorf (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Dutch Leonard (9 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 115 P)
1914 Red Sox Lead Series 3-1

PNC Park, October 5, 1914 — The 1914 Boston Red Sox are one win away from capturing the Field of Dreams Series #205 crown after a masterful 2-1 victory over the 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 4. Behind a near-untouchable performance from left-hander Dutch Leonard, the Red Sox stifled Pittsburgh’s offense, allowing just one hit over nine innings in a tightly contested duel at a rain-soaked PNC Park. Leonard, who struck out seven and issued only two walks, saw his only blemish come in the ninth when Jose Tabata tripled and later scored on a Ronny Cedeno sacrifice fly. Boston plated both of its runs in the second inning, capitalizing on a walk and a pair of timely hits, including an RBI single from Duffy Lewis. Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorf pitched valiantly in defeat, scattering four hits and four walks over 6.2 innings, but his team’s bats were nowhere to be found. With the win, Boston takes a commanding 3-1 series lead and will look to clinch the championship tomorrow. Dutch Leonard was named Player of the Game for his dominating outing.

Game 5
At PNC Park
1914 Boston Red Sox 8
2010 Pittsburgh Pirates 0
WP: S. Wood (2-0) LP: J. Karstens (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Smoky Joe Wood (9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 127 P)

Smoky Joe Wood delivered a masterful two-hit shutout as the 1914 Boston Red Sox dominated the 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates 8–0 to clinch the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series, four games to one. Wood was electric under rainy skies at PNC Park, striking out four and walking four while facing just 32 batters in a complete-game gem that earned him series MVP honors. Boston’s offense was relentless, pounding out 13 hits, including four from Everett Scott, who also drove in a run and scored three times. Tris Speaker added a triple and two RBI, while Larry Gardner broke the game open with a bases-clearing double in a four-run sixth. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, managed just two sin[ATTACH]Z[/ATTACH]gles—all from leadoff man José Tabata—and committed a costly error by Andrew McCutchen. Jeff Karstens was tagged for six runs in just over five innings. As the final out settled into Speaker’s glove in center, the Red Sox celebrated their emphatic title-clinching win—one built on dominant pitching, timely extra-base hits, and flawless defense.

1914 Boston Red Sox Win Series 4 Games To 1


Series MVP:

(2-0, 18 IP, 0 ER, 2 CG, 0.67 WHIP, 5 BB, 14 K)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #206



1975 Baltimore Orioles
Record: 90-69
Finish: 2nd in AL East
Manager: Earl Weaver
Ball Park: Memorial Stadium
WAR Leader: Jim Palmer (8.4)
Franchise Record: 5-4
1975 Season Record: 3-0
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BAL/1975.shtml

1952 Chicago White Sox
Record: 81-73
Finish: 3rd in AL
Manager: Paul Richards
Ball Park: Comiskey Park
WAR Leader: Billy Pierce
Franchise Record: 10-6
1952 Season Record: 0-0
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/1952.shtml
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Orioles Survive Tight Series With Sox
In The End It Is Baltimore Pitching That Pulls Through


Game 1
At Memorial Stadium
1952 Chicago White Sox 3
1975 Baltimore Orioles 2
WP: B. Pierce (1-0) LP: J. Palmer (0-1) S: H. Dorish (1)
HR: S. Lollar (1), D. Baylor (1)
POG: Billy Pierce (8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 93 P)
1952 White Sox Lead Series 1-0

In Game 1 of the series at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 1975, the 1952 Chicago White Sox edged the 1975 Baltimore Orioles 3-2, taking a 1-0 series lead in a tightly contested opener under cloudy 55-degree skies with an 8 mph breeze. Billy Pierce, the game’s MVP, delivered a masterful 8 innings, allowing just one run on three hits, while Sherm Lollar’s two-run homer in the first off Jim Palmer set the tone for Chicago’s early 3-0 lead. Don Baylor’s solo homer in the second and a late sacrifice fly by Elrod Hendricks brought Baltimore within one, but Harry Dorish’s ninth-inning save, despite a shaky two-hit frame, sealed the victory. Palmer pitched a complete game for the Orioles, yielding six hits and one walk, but Chicago’s timely hitting and Pierce’s dominance before 38,767 fans gave the White Sox the upper hand setting the stage for a crucial Game 2.

Game 2
At Memorial Stadium
1952 Chicago White Sox 2
1975 Baltimore Orioles 4
WP: M. Cuellar (1-0) LP: M. Grissom (0-1) S: D. Miller (1)
HR: B. Stewart (1)
POG: Mike Ceullar (8 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 119 P)
Series Tied 1-1

The 1975 Baltimore Orioles pulled even in their best-of-seven Exhibition League series with the 1952 Chicago White Sox, riding the dominant left arm of Mike Cuellar to a 4-2 victory in Game 2 at Memorial Stadium. Cuellar was nearly untouchable over 8 innings, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out none and walking two in a masterclass of control and efficiency. The Orioles struck early, with Ken Singleton and Tommy Davis setting the table and Lee May and Brooks Robinson delivering clutch 2-out RBIs in a 4-run surge over the 2nd and 3rd innings. Despite a solo homer from Bob Stewart in the 9th off Donnie Miller, the White Sox offense remained largely quiet, managing just three hits all game. With the series tied 1-1, the action now shifts to Comiskey Park for Game 3 on Saturday, October 4th, where the White Sox will look to bounce back on home turf.

Game 3
At Comiskey Park
1975 Baltimore Orioles 4
1952 Chicago White Sox 6
WP: J. Dobson (1-0) LP: D. Alexander (0-1) S: H. Dorish (2)
HR: E. Hendricks (1)
POG: Joe Dobson (7.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 127 P)
1952 White Sox Lead Series 2-1

At a brisk Comiskey Park under partly cloudy skies, the 1952 Chicago White Sox jumped out to an early lead and held off a late push from the 1975 Baltimore Orioles to claim a 6-4 win in Game 3 of their best-of-seven Exhibition League series. Backed by a five-run second inning and a gritty 7.2-inning effort from starter Joe Dobson, Chicago moved ahead in the series, 2-1. Bud Stewart’s two-run double with two outs in the second proved crucial, part of a rally that capitalized on an error by Baltimore shortstop Mark Belanger. Although the Orioles battled back behind Paul Blair’s pair of triples and a solo homer from Elrod Hendricks, Dobson held firm before handing the ball to Harry Dorish, who notched his second save of the series with a four-out close. The Orioles out-hit the Sox 9-9, but stranded several key runners, while the South Siders made the most of their early opportunities. Game 4 is set for tomorrow night at Comiskey, with Chicago looking to build on its 2-1 advantage.

Game 4
At Comiskey Park
1975 Baltimore Orioles 4
1952 Chicago White Sox 3
WP: P. Mitchell (1-0) LP: H. Dorish (0-1) S: D. Miller (2)
HR: None
POG: Sail Rogovin (7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K, 110 P)
Series Tied 2-2

The 1975 Baltimore Orioles pulled off a stunning ninth-inning rally to defeat the 1952 Chicago White Sox 4-3 in Game 4 of their best-of-seven Exhibition League playoff series, evening the matchup at two games apiece. Doug DeCinces delivered the game-winning blow with a two-run single in the top of the ninth, erasing a 3-2 Chicago lead and silencing the Comiskey Park crowd of 18,954.Saul Rogovin, despite the loss, was named Player of the Game for his gritty 7-inning performance, allowing just two earned runs while striking out seven. Chicago had led most of the night, with Eddie Robinson and Bob Stewart each delivering key RBIs, but a combination of timely hitting and late-inning bullpen struggles cost them the game. Orioles starter Mike Torrez battled through six innings, and the bullpen trio of Pete Mitchell, Donnie Miller (who earned the save), and an unfortunate Harry Dorish—who exited injured—held the Sox at bay. Baltimore’s patient approach (drawing seven walks) and clutch ninth-inning execution proved decisive. The pivotal Game 5 will take place tomorrow night at Comiskey Park with the series momentum swinging back toward the visiting Orioles.

Game 5
At Comiskey Park
1975 Baltimore Orioles 4
1952 Chicago White Sox 5
WP: B. Pierce (2-0) LP: J. Palmer (0-2) S: H. Dorish (3)
HR: B. Stewart (2)
POG: Bud Stewart (2-2, HR, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB)
1952 White Sox Lead Series 3-2

n a pivotal Game 5 of the Exhibition League series at Comiskey Park, the 1952 Chicago White Sox edged the 1975 Baltimore Orioles, 5-4, to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven showdown. Left fielder Bud Stewart delivered the night's defining performance, blasting a solo homer in the first and finishing 2-for-2 with a walk, an RBI, and a stolen base. Chicago’s early offense surged in the second inning, plating three runs, while Minnie Miñoso’s RBI double in the fifth broke a 4-4 tie and ultimately proved to be the game-winner. Billy Pierce gutted out eight strong innings, scattering seven hits and four runs, while Harry Dorish closed the door in the ninth for his third save of the series. Baltimore’s Jim Palmer took the loss despite allowing only two earned runs over six innings. The White Sox, now one win away from clinching the series, will head to Baltimore for Game 6 on Wednesday.

Game 6
At Memorial Stadium
1952 Chicago White Sox 2
1975 Baltimore Orioles 5
WP: M. Cuellar (2-0) LP: M. Grissom (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Mike Cuellar (9 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 118 P)
Series tied 3-3

In Game 6 of the Exhibition League World Series on October 8, 1975, at Memorial Stadium, the 1975 Baltimore Orioles staved off elimination with a 5-2 victory over the 1952 Chicago White Sox, tying the series 3-3 before a raucous crowd of 18,671 under partly cloudy 52-degree skies. Mike Cuellar, the game’s MVP, delivered a complete-game gem, allowing two runs on seven hits while scattering two walks, outdueling Chicago’s Marv Grissom, who yielded five runs (one earned) due to a costly error by shortstop Chico Carrasquel. Baltimore erupted for four runs in the second, with Brooks Robinson going 3-for-3 and driving in a run, while Bobby Grich and Mark Belanger each added RBIs. Bud Stewart’s 2-for-3 effort and Ray Krsnich’s two-run double kept Chicago competitive, but the Orioles’ defense turned three double plays, and Cuellar’s poise under pressure forced a decisive Game 7, setting the stage for a thrilling finale in this imagined classic at Memorial Stadium.

Game 7
At Memorial Stadium
1952 Chicago White Sox 3
1975 Baltimore Orioles 12
WP: D. Alexander (1-1) LP: J. Dobson (1-1)
HR: E. Hendricks (2)
POG: Brooks Robinson (3-3, 4 R, BB)

With their backs to the wall just two games ago, the 1975 Baltimore Orioles completed a stunning comeback and emphatically closed out the series with a dominant 12-3 victory over the 1952 Chicago White Sox in Game 7 at Memorial Stadium. Powered by a relentless offensive outburst and the clutch pitching of Dave McNally, the Orioles captured the Exhibition League crown in front of 38,853 roaring fans. Brooks Robinson delivered a historic performance, scoring four runs—the most ever in a single SL2 playoff game—while Bobby Grich, Tommy Davis, and Earl Hendricks each knocked in two runs. Eddie Hendricks also launched a solo homer in the second to set the tone. Baltimore blew the game open with a five-run eighth and never looked back. Despite Bud Stewart’s 3-hit night and Minnie Miñoso’s spark at the top of the order, Chicago’s pitching unraveled as starter Joe Dobson and relievers Kennedy and Stobbs combined to allow 12 runs. With the win, the Orioles take the series 4-3 and will celebrate capping a dramatic and memorable postseason run.

1975 Baltimore Orioles Win Series 4 Games To 3

Series MVP:

[Nick Soulis]

Series #207



1969 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 88-74
Finish: 2nd in NL East
Manager: Larry Shepard
Ball Park: Forbes Field
WAR Leader: Roberto Clemente (7.5)
Franchise Record: 11-10
1969 Season Record: 0-2
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1969.shtml

2006 Baltimore Orioles
Record: 70-92
Finish: 4th in AL East
Manager: Sam Perlozzo
Ball Park: Camden Yards
WAR Leader: Miguel Tejada (4.5)
Franchise Record: 6-4
2006 Season Record: 2-3
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BAL/2006.shtml
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Pirates Finish Strong To Tame Birds
Moose Dominates Behind Bucs Stars



Game 1
At Forbes Field
2006 Baltimore Orioles 3
1969 Pittsburgh Pirates 2
WP: E. Bedard (1-0) LP: B. Veale (0-1) S; S. Ray (1)
HR: R. Hebner (1)
POG: Jeff Conine (3-4, 2 RBI, 3B, R)
2006 Orioles Lead Series 1-0

Jeff Conine’s seventh-inning triple proved to be the difference as the 2006 Baltimore Orioles edged the 1969 Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-2, in the opening game of their Field of Dreams best-of-seven series. In a game where both teams racked up 11 hits, it was Conine’s 3-for-4 day—highlighted by a clutch 2-run triple off Bob Veale—that propelled Baltimore past the Bucs. Pitcher Erik Bedard threw 7.2 strong innings, surrendering two late runs but earning the win, while closer Chris Ray shut the door with a four-out save. The Pirates threatened with back-to-back extra-base hits in the eighth, including Richie Hebner’s solo homer, but fell just short. Conine, who added a stolen base and was thrown out trying for another, earned Player of the Game honors. Game 2 of the series continues tomorrow at historic Forbes Field.

Game 2
At Forbes Field
2006 Baltimore Orioles 1
1969 Pittsburgh Pirates 9
WP: B. Moose (1-0) LP: A. Loewen (0-1)
HR: C. Patterson
POG: Bob Moose (7.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 109 P)
Series Tied 1-1

In front of a lively crowd at Forbes Field, the 1969 Pittsburgh Pirates evened the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series with a resounding 9-1 victory over the 2006 Baltimore Orioles. Bob Moose was masterful on the mound, striking out nine over 7.2 innings while allowing just five hits and one run — a solo homer by Corey Patterson in the eighth. Moose's dominance, paired with a relentless Pirates offense that racked up 14 hits, was too much for Baltimore to handle. Matty Alou sparked the Bucs with four hits, two runs, and an RBI, while Al Oliver and Freddie Patek each drove in two. The Pirates broke the game open with a three-run fifth and put it out of reach with a four-run eighth. Baltimore starter Adam Loewen struggled, surrendering five runs on nine hits over five innings. The win ties the series at 1-1 as the action shifts to Oriole Park at Camden Yards for Game 3.

Game 3
At Camden Yards
1969 Pittsburgh Pirates 2
2006 Baltimore Orioles 3 (11 inn)
WP: C. Britton (1-0) LP: L. Walker (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Rodrigo Lopez (7 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 94 P)
2006 Orioles Lead Series 2-1

Game 4
At Camden Yards
1969 Pittsburgh Pirates 7
2006 Baltimore Orioles 3
WP: J. Bunning (1-0) LP: D. Cabrera (0-1)
HR: R. Hebner (2), C. Taylor (1), B. Mazeroski (1), M. Alou (1), C. Patterson (2)
POG: Corey Patterson (3-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB, SB)
Series Tied 2-2

Game 5
At Camden Yards
1969 Pittsburgh Pirates 6
2006 Baltimore Orioles 0
WP: B. Veale (1-1) LP: E. Bedard (1-1)
HR: None
POG: Bob Veale (6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 81 P)
1969 Pirates Lead Series 3-2

Game 6
At Forbes Field
2006 Baltimore Orioles 1
1969 Pittsburgh Pirates 4
WP: B. Moose (2-0) LP: A. Loewen (0-2) S: B. Del Canton (1)
HR: None
POG: Bob Moose (7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 107 P)

1969 Pirates Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

(2-0, 14.2 IP, 1.23 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 1 BB, 14 K)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #208



2019 Cleveland Indians
Record: 93-69
Finish: 2nd in AL Central
Manager: Terry Francona
Ball Park: Progressive Field
WAR Leader: Francisco Lindor (4.8)
Franchise Record: 9-7
2019 Season Record: 1-2
Hall of Famers: 0
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2019.shtml

1955 Baltimore Orioles
Record: 57-97
Finish: 7th in AL
Ball Park: Memorial Stadium
WAR Leader: Jim Wilson (3.5)
Franchise Record: 6-5
1955 Season Record: 0-2
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BAL/1955.shtml
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Indians Make No Mistake Against Birds
Baltimore Takes Opener; Cleveland Storms Back In 5




Game 1
At Progressive Field
1955 Baltimore Orioles 10
2019 Cleveland Indians 2
WP: S. Rogovin (1-0) LP: C. Kluber (0-1)
HR: B. Hale (1)
POG: Gene Woodling (3-3, RBI, 2 B, 2 R, 3 Bb)
1955 Orioles Lead Series 1-0

The 1955 Baltimore Orioles stunned the 2019 Cleveland Indians with a relentless late-game surge, scoring nine unanswered runs over the final two innings to seize a 10-2 win in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series. Locked in a tight 2-1 game through seven, the Orioles exploded for six runs in the eighth, capped by a two-run single from Vern Stephens that broke the game open. Designated hitter Gene Woodling led the charge with a flawless night at the plate—going 3-for-3 with a double, three walks, an RBI, and two runs scored—to earn Player of the Game honors. Baltimore pounded out 16 hits, including a solo home run from Bob Hale and two doubles by shortstop Willie Miranda, overwhelming Cleveland’s bullpen after starter Mike Clevinger exited with a narrow lead. Orioles starter Saul Rogovin battled through 7.1 strong innings, allowing just four hits and two earned runs, while Bob Kuzava shut the door with 1.2 perfect frames. The Indians, who jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first on a José Luplow triple and Carlos Santana single, were held silent the rest of the way. With the series now tilting in Baltimore’s favor, the clubs return to Progressive Field for a pivotal Game 2

Game 2
At Progressive Field
1955 Baltimore Orioles 0
2019 Cleveland Indians 8
WP: S. Bieber (1-0) LP: E. Palica (0-1)
HR: T. Naquin 2 (2), F. Lindor (2)
POG: Tyler Naquin (3-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R)
Series Tied 1-1

The 2019 Cleveland Indians evened their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series with the 1955 Baltimore Orioles, cruising to an 8-0 shutout victory in Game 2 behind a dominant performance from Tyler Naquin and ace Shane Bieber. Naquin went 3-for-5 with two home runs, a double, three RBIs, and three runs scored, while Francisco Lindor added three hits, including a solo homer. Bieber overwhelmed the Orioles with 11 strikeouts over 6.1 scoreless innings, and Carlos Carrasco finished off the five-hit shutout. Cleveland jumped out early with five runs in the first two innings and never looked back, capitalizing on three Baltimore errors and seven walks to tie the series 1-1 heading into Game 3 in Baltimore.

Game 3
At Memorial stadium
2019 Cleveland Indians 9
1955 Baltimore Orioles 3
WP: A. Civale (1-0) LP: R. Moore (0-1)
HR: J. Luplow 2 (2), B. Kennedy (1)
POG: Jordan Luplow (3-5, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2 R)
2019 Indians Lead Series 2-1

In Game 3 of the Field of Dreams Series #208 on October 4, 2019, at Memorial Stadium, the 2019 Cleveland Indians powered past the 1955 Baltimore Orioles 9-3, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series under clear 53-degree skies with an 11 mph breeze. Jordan Luplow, the game’s MVP, delivered a historic performance, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and a playoff-record eight RBIs, including a 3-run shot in the seventh off Jim McDonald and a grand slam in the eighth off Bob Alexander. Aaron Civale earned the win, allowing one run on five hits over five innings, while Francisco Lindor went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Baltimore’s Bob Kennedy homered, and Gus Triandos drove in a run, but their eight hits and two errors, including miscues by Vern Stephens and Fred Marsh, couldn’t match Cleveland’s 10-hit onslaught.

Game 4
At Memorial stadium
2019 Cleveland Indians 6
1955 Baltimore Orioles 4
WP: C. Kluber (1-1) LP: J. McDonald (0-1) S: B. Hand (1)
HR: R. Perez (1), J. Luplow (3), B. Hale (2)
POG: Tyler Naquin (4-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R)
2019 Indians Lead Series 3-1

The 2019 Cleveland Indians moved within one win of advancing in Series #208 with a dramatic 6-4 victory over the 1955 Baltimore Orioles in Game 4 at Memorial Stadium. Tyler Naquin led the charge again, going 4-for-5 with a double, scoring twice, and setting the table for late heroics. The Indians, who trailed 4-2 entering the ninth, erupted for four runs in the final frame, highlighted by Jordan Luplow’s two-out, two-run homer to break a 4-4 tie. Roberto Pérez had earlier tied the game with a solo shot. Cleveland’s bullpen was critical, as Corey Kluber earned the win with a scoreless eighth and Brad Hand closed it down in the ninth. Despite a solid start by Harry Byrd and three-hit efforts from Bob Hale and Bob Kennedy, the Orioles were undone by John McDonald’s blown save. Cleveland now holds a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series.

Game 5
At Memorial stadium
2019 Cleveland Indians 5
1955 Baltimore Orioles 2
WP: M. Clevinger (1-0) LP: D. Ferrarese (0-1) S: B. Hand (2)
HR: J. Luplow (4), B. Kennedy (2)
POG: Mike Clevinger (6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 95 P)

In Game 5 of this gripping Field of Dreams series, the 2019 Cleveland Indians continued their quest for the crown, defeating the 1955 Baltimore Orioles 5-2 to take the series 4 games to 1. Mike Clevinger delivered a clutch performance on the mound, holding Baltimore to just two runs over six innings while striking out five. Down 2-1 entering the seventh, the Indians exploded for three runs, highlighted by Tyler Naquin’s two-run single, before Jordan Luplow added an exclamation point with his fourth homer of the series in the eighth. Luplow was named series MVP after a dominant offensive showing, including a .350 average and 15 RBIs. The Orioles, despite an early blast from Bob Kennedy and six strong innings from starter Saul Rogovin, couldn't contain the late Cleveland rally. As Cleveland celebrated its first Golden Pennant playoff series win, a jubilant manager Jim Smith praised his team’s timely execution and resilience.

2019 Cleveland Indians Win Series 4 Games to 1

Series MVP:

(.350, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 5 R, 1.100 SLG, .391 OBP)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #209



2007 Colorado Rockies
Record: 90-73
Finish: Lost in World Series
Manager: Clint Hurdle
Ball Park: Coors Field
WAR Leader: Troy Tulowitski (6.8)
Franchise Record: 2-4
2007 Season Record: 2-1
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/COL/2007.shtml

1982 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 84-78
Finish: 4th in NL East
Manager: Chuck Tanner
Ball Park: Three Rivers Stadium
WAR Leader: Bill Madlock (6.2)
Franchise Record: 12-10
1982 Season Record: 2-2
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1982.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rockies Put Doubt Aside Behind Bats
Best Rockies Team Ever Finds Its Stride Over Bucs



Game 1
At Coors Field
1982 Pittsburgh Pirates 5
2007 Colorado Rockies 2
WP: E. Solomon (1-0) LP: J. Francis (0-1) S: K. Tekulve
HR: None
POG: Jason Thompson (3-5, 2B, RBI, R)
1982 Pirates Lead Series 1-0

In the cool autumn air under the Field of Dreams lights, the 1982 Pittsburgh Pirates opened their best-of-seven showdown against the 2007 Colorado Rockies with a convincing 5–2 win, seizing home-field advantage and a 1-0 series lead. The veteran-laden Pirates lineup sprayed 13 hits across nine innings, overpowering a Rockies team that struggled to cash in on numerous opportunities.
First baseman Jason Thompson starred in the opener, earning Player of the Game honors after going 3-for-5 with a pivotal RBI double in the fifth inning that broke a 2-2 tie. His go-ahead hit, followed by clutch knocks from Mike Easler and Dave Parker, sparked a three-run outburst that ultimately sealed the game.

Game 2
At Coors Field
1982 Pittsburgh Pirates 1
2007 Colorado Rockies 4
WP: A. Cook (1-0) LP: M. Sarmiento (0-1) S: B. Fuentes (1)
HR: B. Robinson (1), C. Sullivan (1), G. Atkins (1)
POG: Aaron Cook (7.2 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 100 P)
Series Tied 1-1

On a brisk October night in the Field of Dreams, the 2007 Colorado Rockies evened their best-of-seven series against the 1982 Pittsburgh Pirates with a composed 4–1 win at Coors Field. Aaron Cook delivered a masterful performance, going 7.2 innings while allowing just one run and scattering 10 Pittsburgh hits. The turning point came in the fourth inning, when Garrett Atkins launched a two-run homer off Manny Sarmiento to break a scoreless tie and ignite the Coors Field crowd. Colorado added insurance in the seventh with a Kazuo Matsui triple and again in the eighth on a solo shot by Cory Sullivan. Despite Brian Robinson’s pinch-hit home run for Pittsburgh in the eighth, the Rockies’ bullpen — featuring Zach McClellan and Brian Fuentes — slammed the door. With the win, Colorado ties the series at 1-1 heading into Game 3 at Three Rivers Stadium, though they'll have to proceed without center fielder Willy Taveras, who exited the game with an injury after a failed steal attempt.

Game 3
At Three Rivers Stadium
2007 Colorado Rockies 2
1982 Pittsburgh Pirates 3 (10 inn)
WP: R. Scurry (1-0) LP: Z. Mc cellan (0-1)
HR: B. Hawpe (1)
POG: Brad Hawpe (4-5, HR, 2 RBI, R)
1982 Pirates Lead Series 2-1

In front of an electric crowd at Three Rivers Stadium, the 1982 Pittsburgh Pirates walked off the 2007 Colorado Rockies in ten innings, earning a dramatic 3-2 victory to seize a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series. While Brad Hawpe turned in a spectacular 4-for-5 performance with a two-run homer that tied the game in the sixth, it was Bill Madlock who delivered the decisive blow. After a one-out double by Dave Parker in the bottom of the 10th, Madlock came through with a game-winning single off reliever Zach McClellan. Rick Rhoden provided a solid six-inning start for Pittsburgh, and the Pirates' bullpen held firm over four shutout frames. Despite out-hitting the Pirates 9-7, Colorado’s bats went quiet late, and key strikeouts from Kazuo Matsui and Garrett Atkins stalled potential rallies. The Pirates will look to build on this momentum in Game 4, still at home in Pittsburgh.

Game 4
At Three Rivers Stadium
2007 Colorado Rockies 5
1982 Pittsburgh Pirates 4
WP: F. Morales (1-0) WP: E. Romo (0-1) S: B. Fuentes (2)
HR: D. Berra 2 (2)
POG: Dale Berra (3-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R)
Series Tied 2-2

In a tightly contested Game 4 under the lights at Three Rivers Stadium, the 2007 Colorado Rockies held off a late Pittsburgh surge to defeat the 1982 Pirates, 5–4, evening the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series at two games apiece. Despite a dazzling performance from Dale Berra—who launched two home runs and drove in three—the Pirates couldn’t overcome a decisive sixth inning that saw Todd Helton and Brad Hawpe deliver back-to-back doubles off reliever Enrique Romo, turning a 2–2 game into a 5–2 Colorado lead. Rockies starter Franklin Morales scattered seven hits and two runs over six strong innings, earning the win, while closer Brian Fuentes shut the door with a perfect ninth. The Pirates rallied with two runs in the eighth on Berra’s second homer, but stranded the tying run at third. Game 5 promises high drama as the series continues with all momentum reset.

Game 5
At Three Rivers Stadium
2007 Colorado Rockies 4
1982 Pittsburgh Pirates 3 (10 inn)
WP: M. Corpas (1-0) LP: K. Tekulve (0-1)
HR: O. Moreno (1), T. Pena (1), D. Parker (1)
POG: Jeff Francis (8 Ip, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 105 p)
2007 Rockies Lead Series 3-2

In a tense extra-inning thriller at Three Rivers Stadium, the 2007 Colorado Rockies edged the 1982 Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-3, in Game 6 of their Field of Dreams series to take a pivotal 3-2 lead. Colorado jumped out early with a 3-run first inning, but the Pirates clawed their way back with solo home runs by Tony Peña Sr., Omar Moreno, and Dave Parker to eventually tie the game in the ninth. However, Rockies second baseman Jamey Carroll delivered the decisive blow in the top of the tenth with a pinch-hit RBI single off Kent Tekulve, scoring Garrett Atkins and silencing the Pittsburgh crowd. Jeff Francis was masterful, tossing eight strong innings while allowing just two runs on six hits. Despite blowing the save, Manny Corpas held on for the win. The Rockies’ bullpen and timely hitting made the difference, while Pittsburgh’s two costly errors and missed opportunities haunted them. The series now shifts back to Coors Field for Game 6 on Monday, where Colorado will look to clinch the series at home.

Game 6
At Coors Field
1982 Pittsburgh Pirates 3
2007 Colorado Rockies 11
WP: A. Cook (2-0) LP: M. Sarmiento (0-2)
HR: M. Easler (1), G. Atkins 2 (3), T. Tulowitski (1), M. Holliday (1)
POG: Matt Holliday (4-5, HR, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 3 R)

October 8, 2007 – Field of Dreams, Coors Field — The 2007 Colorado Rockies rode a wave of offensive firepower and timely pitching to secure an emphatic 11-3 victory over the 1982 Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 6, clinching the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series 4 games to 2. Matt Holliday led the Rockies’ explosive attack, going 4-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, and four RBIs, earning Player of the Game honors. “This is what we play for,” Holliday said. “To do it in front of these fans, with this group, on this field — it’s a dream.”The Rockies collected 14 hits in the win and blew the game open with a four-run sixth inning highlighted by Garrett Atkins’ second homer of the night — a three-run blast. Atkins finished with five RBIs, continuing his clutch production all series. Rookie Troy Tulowitzki added a solo shot in the eighth, following Holliday’s two-run homer to cap the scoring.On the mound, Aaron Cook turned in a steady six-inning outing, allowing three earned runs and striking out four to earn his second win of the series. The Rockies bullpen — Taylor Buchholz, Matt Herges, and Rodrigo López — combined for three scoreless innings to close out the Pirates quietly.Despite tallying 11 hits, the Pirates couldn’t string together the big inning they needed. Mike Easler’s solo homer in the sixth was the only real highlight for Pittsburgh, who also committed two errors. “We just couldn’t make the key plays when it mattered,” Pirates manager Jim Smith admitted. “They earned it.” Colorado manager Clint Hurdle praised his club’s discipline and resilience. “Both teams are loaded with talent, but we made fewer mistakes and got the big hits when we needed them,” he said. “That’s the difference in October.”

2007 Colorado Rockies Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

(.429, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 2 2B, 6 BB, .571 OBP, 1.238 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #210



1911 Detroit Tigers
Record: 89-65
Finish: 2nd in AL
Manager: Hughie Jennings
Ball Park: Bennett Park
WAR Leader: Ty Cobb (10.7)
Franchise Record: 14-9
1911 Season Record: 1-2
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1911.shtml

This Tigers squad boasted one of the most fearsome lineups in Deadball Era history. Cobb, in the midst of his legendary prime, was a menace on the basepaths and a nightmare at the plate. With Crawford as a potent complement, Detroit relied on its dynamic outfield duo and strong top-of-the-order offense.

2007 Minnesota Twins
Record: 79-83
Finish: 3rd in AL Central
Manager: Ron Gardenhire
Ball Park: Metrodome
WAR Leader: Johan Santana (5.2)
Franchise Record: 4-2
2007 Season Record: 3-1
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2007.shtml

Though not a playoff team in 2007, these Twins brought a solid mix of power, finesse, and versatility. Anchored by former MVP Morneau and batting champ Mauer, Minnesota leaned on their Gold Glove defense and the dominant left arm of Santana to stay competitive in every game.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Media**
[Open to the grainy amber hue of the Field of Dreams broadcast. A sweeping camera pans over Bennett Park’s wooden bleachers, creaking under the weight of time. Fans in fedoras mingle with others in Twins jerseys. And then, with unmistakable grandeur, the voice of Howard Cosell fills the broadcast.]

Howard Cosell (voice rising like a curtain at the Met):

"Ladies and gentlemen, what we are about to witness is not merely a baseball game—no, no. This is a collision of centuries, of ethos, of temperament. A dance between flannel and polyester, between bunts and bombers, between the ragtime era and the age of sabermetrics."

"We are live at Bennett Park, the very heartbeat of Detroit baseball in its formative years. A field where Ty Cobb carved his legend with spikes and fury, where the game was wilder, rougher, and perhaps... more human."

"Across from him now—figuratively and soon literally—stands the 2007 Minnesota Twins. A team built on pitching precision, defensive polish, and the quiet excellence of men like Joe Mauer and Johan Santana. They come from a world Cobb would not understand... and frankly, would not respect."

"Cobb, that irascible genius from Georgia, has already made it clear: he doesn’t like what he sees. And make no mistake, he intends to settle his differences the only way he knows how—by turning this diamond into a battlefield."

"For the Twins, it’s an opportunity to silence ghosts. To prove that their brand of baseball—the measured, the modern—can survive in a place where the only metrics were blood, grit, and batting average."

"And so we stand on the precipice of a seven-game saga. Not just a series—but a reckoning. One team will advance. The other will return to its place in history... with the bitter taste of what might have been."

"From Bennett Park in Detroit, where the past refuses to be forgotten, this... is the Field of Dreams. And I, Howard Cosell, am honored to bring it to you."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twins Humble Cobb And Tigers
Santana Two Complete Games As Modern Era Shines



Game 1
At Bennett Park
2007 Minnesoa Twins 4
1911 Detroit Tigers 1
WP: J. Santana (1-0) LP: B. Donovan (0-1)
HR: J. Morneau (1)
POG: Johan Santana (9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 103 P)
2007 Twins Lead Series 1-0

The 2007 Minnesota Twins opened Field of Dreams Series #210 with a commanding 4–1 win over the 1911 Detroit Tigers, backed by a sensational complete-game performance from ace Johan Santana. Under a crisp autumn sky at historic Bennett Park, Santana dazzled in front of the vintage crowd, striking out nine and scattering four hits in a wire-to-wire victory.Minnesota jumped ahead early with a Justin Morneau solo homer in the 2nd, and the AL MVP wasn’t done—he would add two more hits and score twice to lead the Twins' offense. The pivotal blow came in the 9th when Jason Kubel, pinch-hitting for Jeff Cirillo, lined a clutch two-out, two-run single to provide breathing room.Detroit answered with a brief spark in the 3rd when pitcher Bill Donovan doubled and scored on a Jim Delahanty two-bagger. But that was all the Tigers could muster against Santana, who allowed just one baserunner after the 5th inning.The Tigers had their chances—Ty Cobb doubled in the 6th and reached scoring position—but Santana calmly retired the heart of Detroit’s order. Notably, Sam Crawford went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, and Cobb was left stranded twice.

Game 2
At Bennett Park
2007 Minnesoa Twins 7
1911 Detroit Tigers 3
WP: S. Baker (1-0) LP: E. Summers (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Joe Mauer (2-3, 2B, 4 RBI, R, BB)
2007 Twins Lead Series 2-0

Joe Mauer drove in four runs and Scott Baker delivered a complete game as the 2007 Minnesota Twins took a commanding 2-0 series lead over the 1911 Detroit Tigers with a 7–3 win at Bennett Park in Game 2 of Field of Dreams Series #210. Mauer set the tone in the top of the 1st with a 2-run double off Tigers starter Ed Summers, and Minnesota never looked back. Mauer later added a sacrifice fly and another RBI single, giving him four RBI on the afternoon and making life miserable for a shaky Detroit defense that committed five errors—two by third baseman Charles Lathers. Twins outfielder Torii Hunter and shortstop Jason Bartlett each added key two-out RBI, while Minnesota stole two more bases and pressured the Tigers with relentless baserunning.Detroit showed signs of life in the 3rd when Ty Cobb doubled home a run and Sam Crawford followed with an RBI single, but Baker bore down and stranded runners across multiple innings. Cobb also walked and scored again in the 8th, but his efforts weren’t enough to spark a comeback.Despite tossing 147 pitches, Summers was left in until the 7th inning and charged with 7 runs (5 earned) over 6.2 innings. He was hurt not only by the errors but also by key hits from Minnesota’s disciplined lineup.

Game 3
At Metrodome
1911 Detroit Tigers 0
2007 Minnesoa Twins 4
WP: M. Garza (1-0) LP: E. Lafitte (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Matt Garza (9 IP, 9 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 124 P)
2007 Twins Lead Series 3-0

The Minnesota 2007 Twins moved one win away from a clean sweep in Field of Dreams Series #210, blanking the 1911 Detroit Tigers 4–0 at the Metrodome. Behind a dominant complete-game shutout by right-hander Matt Garza, the Twins now command a 3–0 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.Garza was simply untouchable when it counted most, scattering 9 hits over 9 innings, walking just 2 and striking out 2. The Tigers managed a few rallies but never capitalized, stranding 9 runners and failing to solve Garza’s aggressive, groundball-heavy approach. His effort earned him Player of the Game honors.Meanwhile, Minnesota’s bats remained opportunistic. A three-run second inning set the tone, fueled by clutch RBI hits from Jason Tyner, Luis Castillo, and Jeff Cirillo. Tyner finished the game 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, while Castillo collected two hits and a key RBI of his own.Detroit starter Ed Lafitte was tagged for 11 hits and 4 earned runs across 8 innings. Though he kept the ball in the park and battled into the late innings, his defense again let him down—Detroit committed 2 costly errors, bringing their series total to 8 in just three games.On the other side, the Twins flashed the leather as well, with Michael Cuddyer cutting down a run at the plate and shortstop Jason Bartlett turning a sharp double play with Castillo and Morneau.
As the series shifts into Game 4 tomorrow in Minneapolis, all eyes turn to whether the Twins can finish the job—or if the Tigers, backs firmly against the wall, can channel the fire of a desperate team and extend their season.

Game 4
At Metrodome
1911 Detroit Tigers 1
2007 Minnesoa Twins 4
WP: J. Santana (2-0) LP: B. Donovan (0-2)
HR: T. Hunter (1)
POG: Johan Santana (9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 110 P)

The 2007 Minnesota Twins are champions of Field of Dreams Series #210. Behind another sterling performance from ace Johan Santana, the Twins capped off a clean 4-game sweep of the 1911 Detroit Tigers with a 4–1 win at the Metrodome.

Santana was dazzling yet again, going the distance for his second complete game of the series. He struck out 9, walked none, and allowed just 1 earned run on 5 hits, lowering his series ERA to an eye-popping 1.00 across 18 innings. For his efforts, he was named Series MVP.

Minnesota took control late after a 1–1 deadlock early. With two outs in the 8th, Jason Kubel doubled, Michael Cuddyer followed with an RBI double, and Torii Hunter delivered the knockout blow—a towering 2-run homer to left-center that brought the dome crowd to its feet.

Hunter, who finished 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs, also made a brilliant running catch in the 6th. His bat and glove were pivotal throughout the series. Detroit’s only run came in the top of the first, when Ty Cobb, who had 3 hits in the finale and batted .357 in the series, drove in Jim Delahanty with a single. But Santana locked in from there, retiring 14 of the next 15 batters and never letting the Tigers threaten again.
Detroit’s Bill Donovan pitched well enough to win on most days, surrendering only 2 earned runs on 6 hits over 8 innings. But his defense crumbled again, with 3 errors—two by George Moriarty—dooming Detroit’s already slim hopes.The Twins, who outscored Detroit 19–5 across four games, now enter the lore of Field of Dreams champions. With balanced offense, crisp defense, and utterly dominant starting pitching, they authored one of the most complete series wins in memory.

2007 Minnesota Twins Win Series 4 Games To 0

Series MVP:

(2-0, 18 IP, 2 ER, 1 BB, 18 K, 0.56 WHIP, 2 CG)

[Nick Soulis]

Tournament Progress Report 210 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..................6-6
Boston Braves/Beans...........1-7
Boston Red Sox...................8-6
Brooklyn/LA Dodgers...........6-9
Chicago Cubs......................10-7
Chicago White Sox..............10-7
Cincinnati Reds....................15-8
Cleveland Indians/Naps.......10-7
Colorado Rockies................3-4
Detroit Tigers.......................14-10
Florida/Miami Marlins......... 3-3
Houston Astros....................2-3
KC Royals...........................5-6
Los Angeles Angels.............4-3
Milwaukee Brewers.............3-8
Minnesota Twins..................5-2
Montreal Expos...................3-4
New York Mets....................2-5
New York Yankees...............17-3
New York/SF Giants.............8-11
Philadelphia Phillies.............5-15
Philadelphia/Oak A's............6-17
Pittsburgh Pirates.................12-11
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.....................4-3
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.............................11-13
1920's.............................14-13
1930's.............................12-16
1940's.............................15-19
1950's.............................13-13
1960's.............................15-13
1970's.............................20-19
1980's.............................17-18
1990's.............................24-22
2000's.............................30-22
2010's.............................25-25
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]

This game can humble you if you are not careful with it and the words of Ty Cobb didnt age well after his highly favored dead ball era club felll hard to the 2007 Twins in a four game sweep. Cobb had called the modern era soft and was passionate about the superiority of the old time game. Johan Santana was out of this world in the series and even though Cobb hit well, the loss opened eyes on how overmatched hitters of old may be overwhelmed when face with a modern arm.

On the other side of the argument stood the 1914 Boston Red Sox, who showed off dead ball era pitching and put away the 105 loss 2010 Pirates. Smoky Joe Wood and Dutch Leonard put ona clinic of control and durability erasing Pittsburgh hopes. The best club in Colorado history didnt have all smooth sailing against the 1982 Pirates but did do enough to win in six including an emphatic 11-2 win at Coors to clinch it. The win brings much home to a much maligned franchise. In a series between two winning sides, Hank Greenberg and the 1940 Tigers showed the 1982 Giants the door winning in just 5 games with the big first baseman driving in nine.

The tournament provides a stage for unsung heroes and the 2019 Indians introduced us to Jordan Luplow who broke out in the series win over the 1955 Orioles. Luplow drove in 15 runs in five game including a two homer, 8 RBI effort in game three. Speaking of Indians, the 1996 club took care of business with their bats beating 1986 Cubs pitching in five games. The muscle tribe scored 30 runs and Kenny Lofton winning the MVP for hitting .375 and scoring 7 runs. Another Colorado team struggled and lost in six games to the 2014 Twins in a series they were expected to win. Danny Santana made a name for himself with 5 doubles and seven RBI.

Bobby Valentine proved his saavy and defeated John McGraw and a confident 1920 Giants team. The 1992 Rangers had the Nolan Ryan card and the veteran legend did not disappoint with two wins while a young Ruben Sierra frustrated Giant pitching. Finally the 1969 Pirates raced past the 2006 Orioles and were lead by who else but the great Roberto Clemente but Bob Moose took the MVP winning twice, striking out 14, and walking only one.

[Nick Soulis]

A quick note on Media and ChatGPT.

As a history buff of the game, the media and broadcasting side of the past is near and dear to my heart. I have picked some famous baseball broadcasters and will chose one to preview each series that will be played, ChatGPT will be doing the write ups and I noticed it does a great job catching the tone of the broadcaster I choose. So in each series post, I will include a short media section similar to what i did in series #210. The broadcasters I will utilize from series to series:

Red Barber
Vin Scully
Harry Carry
Howard Cosell
Tim McCarver
Bob Costas
Mel Allen
Bob Uecker

[Nick Soulis]

Series #211



2004 Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 86-76
Finish: 2nd in NL East
Manager: Larry Bowa
Ball Park: Citizens Bank Park
WAR Leader: Bobby Abreu (6.6)
Franchise Record: 5-15
2004 Season Record: 6-0
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2004.shtml

1961 Washington Senators
Record: 61-100
Finish: 9th in AL
Manager: Mickey Vernon
Ball Park: Griffith Stadium
WAR Leader: Dick Donovan (4.4)
Franchise Record: 2-13
1961 Season Record: 0-2
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSA/1961.shtml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Vin Scully:
As the camera pans over the golden cornfields, and the sun sets behind the vintage scoreboard, Vin Scully’s voice gently takes over...

“Well, hi everybody, and a very pleasant good evening to you, wherever you may be. Tonight, we are witness to one of baseball’s most whimsical charms—a meeting between generations, the kind that only the Field of Dreams can conjure up.

Out of the mist and memory come the 1961 Washington Senators—a club born of expansion, grit, and growing pains. They were a team of firsts: their first season, their first uniforms, their first heartbreaks. They may not have won many ballgames, but they played for pride. Chuck Hinton, a sparkplug in centerfield. Willie Tasby, a man with a little pop in the bat. And Claude Osteen—just a kid then, but oh, how his story would grow.

And stepping into the tall grass from the modern era come the 2004 Philadelphia Phillies—a team built for fireworks. There’s the towering slugger Jim Thome, a Paul Bunyan with a bat. There’s Bobby Abreu, smoother than jazz in right field. There’s the fireballer Billy Wagner, who throws like he’s double-parked. And don’t forget a young Chase Utley, still fresh-faced, but with that glint of something special.

So here we are, with nothing but sky above, corn all around, and two ballclubs separated by 43 years and about a thousand philosophies of baseball. One team plays for power, the other for perseverance. One seeks glory, the other redemption.

The 2004 Phillies and the 1961 Senators—two worlds colliding on a diamond in the middle of a dream.

And as always, pull up a chair and enjoy it with us. Because tonight, we play for the love of the game."
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Philadelphia Pride!
Phillies Turn Around 3-1 Deficit To Tame Senators



Game 1
At Citizens Bank Park
1961 Washington Senators 3
2004 Philadelphia Phillies 5
WP: G. Floyd (1-0) LP: C. Mathias (0-1) S: B. Wagner (1)
HR: J. King (1)
POG: Kevin Millwood (6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 97 P)
2004 Phillies Lead Series 1-0

On a crisp October evening beneath clear skies and a wind whipping out toward center, the modern might of the 2004 Philadelphia Phillies proved just enough to fend off the spirited effort of the 1961 Washington Senators, claiming a 5-3 victory in Game 1 of Field of Dreams Series #211.The vintage Senators stunned the hometown crowd in the 6th inning when left fielder Jim King unloaded a three-run homer off Kevin Millwood with two outs, turning a 3-0 deficit into a tied ballgame. It was the kind of punch the expansion-era club rarely landed in their original season, but tonight, on the mystical stage of the Field of Dreams, they reminded fans that underdogs can still swing with force.But the Phillies, packed with thunder and depth, didn’t flinch.In the bottom of the seventh, Jim Thome, the hulking first baseman with a smile as big as his bat, lifted a deep fly ball to left—deep enough to bring home Bobby Abreu and reclaim the lead at 4-3. An inning later, Tomas Perez added insurance with a pinch-hit RBI double to left-center, plating Mike Lieberthal and sealing the Senators’ fate.
“I just wanted to get something in the air,” Thome said postgame. “When the game’s tied late, it’s all about team baseball. Sacrifice, smart swings, and trusting your teammates.” Kevin Millwood, Philadelphia’s starter, earned Player of the Game honors, grinding through six innings of five-hit ball with three runs allowed—all coming on that one swing by King. He walked three and struck out five, throwing 97 pitches to keep the Senators off balance.The Phillies' bullpen—Gavin Floyd, Rheal Cormier, and the fire-slinging Billy Wagner—shut the door with three scoreless innings. Wagner struck out one in a clean ninth to record his first save of the series, firing fastballs that likely startled ghosts hiding beyond the corn.
Offensively, Jimmy Rollins sparked the lineup from the leadoff spot with a double, a stolen base, and two runs scored. Bobby Abreu reached base three times and added a stolen base of his own. Thome’s two-hit night, including a first-inning RBI double, set the tone early. For Washington, despite the loss, the effort was admirable. Bennie Daniels worked six tough innings and even helped himself with a base hit. Gene Woodling and pinch-hitter Gene Green combined for three hits in the heart of the lineup. But their rally in the sixth was all they could muster, and the Senators managed just one baserunner over the final three innings.

Game 2
At Citizens Bank Park
1961 Washington Senators 10
2004 Philadelphia Phillies 9
WP: D. Donovan (1-0) LP: V. Padilla (0-1) S: M. Kutyna (1)
HR: W. Tasby 2 (2), G. Woodling (1), B. Klaus 2 (2), P. Polanco (1)
POG: Willie Tasby (4-5, 2 HR, RBI, 4 R)
Series Tied 1-1

In a heart-pounding, bat-swinging classic that kept the crowd of 18,866 on its feet well past the three-hour mark, the 1961 Washington Senators outlasted the 2004 Philadelphia Phillies, 10-9, in Game 2 of Field of Dreams Series #211. The victory evens the best-of-seven series at one game apiece as the action shifts to Griffith Stadium in Washington.The star of the night was Washington center fielder Willie Tasby, who powered his club to victory with a 3-for-5 performance that included two home runs, three RBI, and three runs scored. His second blast, a dramatic solo homer with two outs in the top of the ninth off Phillies reliever Brian Powell, proved to be the difference."I was just looking for something to drive," Tasby said. "He left a breaking ball up, and I didn't miss it." The Senators jumped out to a commanding lead with seven runs across the 2nd through 5th innings, capped by a three-run home run from veteran right fielder Gene Woodling and a solo shot by Bobby Klaus. Klaus would go on to hit a second home run in the seventh, giving him two long balls and two RBI on the night.Despite falling behind 8-4, the Phillies refused to go quietly. Third baseman Placido Polanco had a career night, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, and a playoff record four runs scored. His solo homer in the seventh ignited a rally that pulled Philadelphia within one run heading into the final frame.The Senators tacked on a crucial insurance run in the top of the ninth thanks to Tasby’s second homer, and they would need it. In the bottom of the inning, Phillies slugger Pat Burrell delivered a two-run single to make it 10-9, but reliever Marty Kutyna shut the door, retiring the final batter with the tying run stranded on base.
"Give credit to our guys for battling," said Phillies manager Larry Bowa. "But we just dug too big a hole early on."Phillies starter Vicente Padilla struggled mightily, allowing seven earned runs in just 3.2 innings. The bullpen was taxed for the second straight night, as five relievers were used to cover the remaining innings. Washington’s Dick Donovan earned the win despite a rocky outing of his own, allowing four runs on eight hits across 5.1 innings. Philadelphia outhit Washington 14 to 12, but defensive miscues and early pitching woes proved costly. Washington played cleaner baseball, turning two key double plays and capitalizing on nearly every scoring opportunity.

Game 3
At Griffith Stadium
2004 Philadelphia Phillies 5
1961 Washington Senators 7
WP: T. Sturdivant (1-0) LP: R. Wolf (0-1) S; M. Kutyna (2)
HR: K. Retzer (1)
POG: Ken Retzer (3-4, HR, RBI, 2 R)
1961 Senators Lead Series 2-1

Oh, it wasn’t easy—not by a long shot. The Phillies came storming back in the eighth inning with four runs to make it a ballgame again, but the Senators had done their damage early, stacking up seven runs across the middle innings like firewood before winter. The man of the hour, the toast of the Potomac, was none other than Ken Retzer, the backstop who swung the hot bat tonight. Three hits in four trips, including a towering solo home run in the third inning that got Washington on the board, and a night behind the plate that kept the pitching staff calm through some turbulent waters. And speaking of pitching, Tom Sturdivant gutted through seven innings and 122 pitches—he was charged with five earned runs, but he gave Washington what they needed: time and guts. His offense returned the favor. Gene Woodling doubled in a pair during a four-run fifth, and Bobby Johnson chipped in with a two-run double of his own. Even Sturdivant helped himself with two hits! On the other side, Randy Wolf didn’t have his best stuff tonight. The left-hander labored through 91 pitches in less than five innings, gave up nine hits and five runs, and left the Phillies playing catch-up the rest of the night. Philadelphia made it interesting—Placido Polanco and Jimmy Rollins delivered clutch RBI doubles in the eighth to breathe life into the City of Brotherly Love, but the Senators bullpen—patched together like an old quilt—held it together. First Hobaugh, then Mathias, and finally the steely-eyed Milt Kutyna, who needed just one pitch to record the save and slam the door shut. So, with the shadows lengthening and the series tipping in favor of the underdog Senators, we’ll see you tomorrow night, same ballpark, same old-time charm. Game 4 promises more drama, more nostalgia, and perhaps a few more heroes emerging from baseball’s golden past.

Game 4
At Griffith Stadium
2004 Philadelphia Phillies 3
1961 Washington Senators 4 910 inn0
WP: H. woodeschick (1-0) LP: B. Wagner (0-1)
HR: D. Bell (1), K. Retzer (2)
POG: Pete Burnside (6 Ip, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 83 P)
1961 Senators Lead Series 3-1

The underdog Senators, scrappy and full of belief, are now one win away from shocking the world, taking a 3-games-to-1 lead over the power-packed 2004 Philadelphia Phillies with a 4-3 extra-inning victory tonight in Game 4.
It was Danny O’Connell, the light-hitting second baseman, who delivered the final blow—a walk-off double in the bottom of the 10th off Phillies closer Billy Wagner, sending Chuck Hinton racing home and sending Griffith Stadium into bedlam. O’Connell, ever modest, said after the game: “What’s not to like about a walk-off win?” And really—what’s not to love?
Let’s not forget Pete Burnside, the unsung lefty who delivered six quality innings, holding the Phillies to two runs. He tangled with a lineup that included Jimmy Rollins, Bobby Abreu, and Jim Thome, and kept them off-balance all night.
Oh, and that man Ken Retzer again—another home run, his second in two nights. It’s becoming a nightly ritual: the catcher who hit only 18 home runs in his real career now looks like Johnny Bench reborn.
Philadelphia had its moments. David Bell hit a solo shot in the ninth to tie it, and Mike Lieberthal added two hits and an RBI. But their bullpen couldn’t hold, and the Senators capitalized once more.
“Isn’t it funny,” I’d say with a smile, “how this great game—one stitched together with cowhide and hope—can make heroes out of men like Burnside, Retzer, and O’Connell, when no one else would’ve dared to dream it?”
And so here we are. Game 5 looms tomorrow night, right back here at Griffith Stadium, and the Senators, yes those Senators, are just one win away from completing a dream that not even Hollywood could have scripted.

Game 5
At Griffith Stadium
2004 Philadelphia Phillies 7
1961 Washington Senators 3
WP: K. Millwood (1-0) LP: B. Daniels (0-1) S: R. Cormier (1)
HR: P. Burrell (1), M. Lieberthal (1), J. King (2)
POG: Patt Burrell (4-5, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R)
1961 Senators Lead Series 3-2

Tonight, in Game 5 of this incredible Field of Dreams series, the 2004 Phillies refused to be sent home quietly, defeating the upstart 1961 Washington Senators, 7-3, and sending the series back to Philadelphia for a pivotal Game 6. It was Burrell—the enigmatic slugger with tape-measure power—who delivered the performance of a lifetime. Four hits in five trips, including a solo blast in the sixth, a double, two singles, two runs scored, and two runs batted in. He was everywhere. You could almost hear the Liberty Bell ringing back in Philly. The game began with a bang. Bobby Abreu doubled, Mike Lieberthal homered, and just like that, the Phillies led 2-0 in the first. Washington would not go quietly, clawing back with a home run from Jackie King and a run-scoring triple from Don Long, but Kevin Millwood, cool as a breeze, steadied the ship across seven solid innings. Lieberthal and Jim Thome would deliver the final blows late, adding runs in the eighth and ninth innings to quiet the once-rabid Griffith Stadium crowd. Rheal Cormier then closed the door with a strong 1.2-inning save.
The Senators had their chances—11 hits, a three-hit night from Gene Woodling, and even a two-hit effort from the veteran Hank Bright—but they left too many men stranded and just couldn’t crack the bullpen.
And so, my friends, we head back to Citizens Bank Park, where the series lives on. The Senators still lead, three games to two, but momentum has a funny way of jumping sides, and now the ghosts may start stirring in Philadelphia.

Game 6
At Citizens Bank Park
1961 Washington Senators 0
2004 Philadelphia Phillies 1
WP: V. Padilla (1-1) LP: D. Donovan (1-1) S; B. Wagner (2)
HR: J. Thome (1)
POG: Vicente Padilla (6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 94 P)
Series Tied 3-3

Well, friends, good evening once again from Citizens Bank Park in the heart of Philadelphia, where the 2004 Phillies have done just enough to keep their season alive—and their dreams intact. In a game that could only be described as a tightrope walk over Niagara Falls, the Phillies clipped the 1961 Washington Senators, 1 to nothing, to force a deciding Game 7 in this thrilling Field of Dreams series.”
“The hero of the night? None other than Vicente Padilla. The Nicaraguan right-hander pitched with the heart of a lion, working six scoreless innings with just two hits allowed. He scattered three walks, struck out five, and kept the Senators guessing all evening long. Padilla’s effort gave the Phillies the platform they needed, and oh, did they make it count.”
“The difference in the ballgame came in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs and a man on, it was Jim Thome—the big slugger with the even bigger smile—who came to the plate and launched a moonshot into the cool night sky. The ball didn’t quite leave the yard, but it did leave its mark: a solo home run that sent a jolt through the Philly faithful and a chill down the backs of the Senators’ dugout.”
“From there, it was a masterclass in bullpen choreography. Geoff Geary and Rheal Cormier stitched together the seventh and eighth with expert precision. And in the ninth, the door slammed shut—Billy Wagner, the flamethrower, needing just nine pitches to record three outs. Poetry in motion.”
“For the Senators, it was a night of what-ifs. They mustered only three hits, stranded seven runners, and never truly threatened. Dick Donovan pitched his heart out—six strong innings, just that one mistake to Thome—but on a night when offense was as rare as a solar eclipse, one mistake was all it took.”
“So now, as the smoke clears and the lights dim, we are left with one simple, beautiful reality: Game Seven. Winner take all. The 1961 Senators and the 2004 Phillies, two teams from different generations, now even at three games apiece. The next one decides it all.

Game 7
At Citizens Bank Park
1961 Washington Senators 3
2004 Philadelphia Phillies 5
WP: B. Powell (1-0) LP: T. Strudivant (1-1) S: B. Wagner (3)
HR: P.Polanco (2), M. Lieberthal (2)
POG: Randy Wolf (7 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 103 P)

From the windswept diamonds of yesterday to the heart of modern-day Philadelphia, the 2004 Phillies completed a comeback worthy of the history books, storming from a 3-1 series deficit to capture Game 7 over the 1961 Washington Senators, 5 to 3, and with it, the Field of Dreams Series 211.
“The Senators, those boys of ‘61, they came out swinging early, with a run in the first and a two-run triple by Willie Tasby in the sixth that sent a murmur through the Citizens Bank Park crowd.”
But oh, how quickly the winds can change in this grand old game.
After scratching across a run in the third, the Phillies were kept quiet until the eighth. And then—baseball magic. With the Senators clinging to a 3-1 lead, the Phillies struck gold.Jimmy Rollins laid the table, and then came the thunder. Pat Burrell reached on a walk, and Jim Thome laced a double to right-center, tightening the noose. David Bell’s sacrifice fly made it a one-run game. And then—cue the drama—Mike Lieberthal, the steady hand behind the plate all series long, uncorked a two-run home run to left. “A towering shot that landed somewhere between history and heaven,” as the Phillies surged ahead, 5-3. Randy Wolf, the often-underrated lefty, delivered seven gritty innings, earning Player of the Game honors. Ryan Madson, Rheal Cormier, and finally, Brad Lidge—cool as the October wind—slammed the door shut in the ninth.
The Senators had their moments. Jim King was valiant with two doubles and an RBI, and old Tom Sturdivant gave his all through 7 and a third innings. But in the end, this night belonged to Philadelphia.
“From Pat Burrell’s bat to Bobby Abreu’s glove, from the ghosts of Robin Roberts to the roar of the Phanatic, this was baseball as it was meant to be.”So the Phillies of 2004, once down and nearly out, rise from the cornfields of time to seize glory in Game 7, a five-to-three masterpiece.

2004 Philadelphia Phillies Win Series 4 Games To 3

Series MVP:

(.385, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, .448 OBP, Game winning HR Game 7)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #212



2021 St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 90-72
Finish: Lost in NL Wild Card
Manager: Mike Schidt
Ball Park: Busch Stadium
WAR Leader: Tyler O'Neil
Franchise Record: 8-6
2021 Season Record: 1-1
Hall of Famers: 0
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2021.shtml

1974 Detroit Tigers
Record: 72-90
Finish: 6th in AL East
Manager: Ralph Houk
WAR Leader: Bill Freehan (4.1)
Franchise Record: 14-10
1974 Season Record: 2-2
Hall of Famers: 0
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1974.shtml
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Game Presenter Bob Costas:

Good evening, everyone. I’m Bob Costas, and tonight we stand on the cusp of another remarkable chapter in this timeless cornfield cathedral. Series #212 in our Field of Dreams slate pairs two proud franchises, separated by nearly five decades but united by the unending heartbeat of this beautiful game.

The 2021 St. Louis Cardinals arrive here with a roster that echoes the same resilience their franchise has long embodied. This is the team that rattled off a remarkable 17-game winning streak that September — a record for one of baseball’s most consistent clubs. Anchoring the lineup are veterans like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and the ever-dangerous Yadier Molina, who still calls a masterful game behind the plate. On the mound, expect to see Adam Wainwright, the ageless curveball artist, try to carve up these Tigers like he has for two decades.

Their opponents, the 1974 Detroit Tigers, are a team caught in transition but no less scrappy for it. This was a club that still had echoes of their ’68 World Series heroes — names like Al Kaline, the epitome of Tiger royalty, who spent that summer playing his final season, adding to his 3,000-hit legacy. Mickey Lolich, the workhorse southpaw, might get the nod to face the Cardinals’ modern mashers. These Tigers won’t overpower you with gaudy stats, but they bring grit, leather, and that old-school sense of baseball being just as much about attitude as ability.

The Cardinals hold home field advantage, which, under the lights of this mystical diamond amid the corn, can mean just enough when the wind whips across the outfield and the ghostly echoes of Stan Musial and Bob Gibson seem to lean in your dugout’s corner.

Expect contrasting styles. The Cardinals can slug and scrap in equal measure, with Goldschmidt and Arenado providing thunder in the middle of the order. The Tigers will look to keep things close, play sharp defense, and squeeze out runs the old-fashioned way — hit, run, bunt, and pray the bullpen holds up against modern bats.

Seven games — that’s all it takes to etch one of these teams into Field of Dreams folklore. Perhaps we’ll see the ghosts of Tigers greats — Cobb, Greenberg, Kaline — leaning on the fence. Maybe somewhere Gibson, Brock, and Hornsby nod in approval for these Cardinals.

This is why we’re here, folks. The decades may pass, but under the glow of these lights and the whispers of this Iowa corn, the game remains unchanged — timeless, romantic, and forever young.

I’m Bob Costas, and for NBC Sports, I’ll be here for every pitch, every swing, and every story that these two clubs write. Stay with us — it’s the Field of Dreams, and anything can happen.

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Cards Restrain Tigers In 5
Wainwright; Goldschmidt Lead Charge For St. Louis



Game 1
At Busch Stadium
1974 Detroit Tigers 2
2021 St. Louis Cardinals 3
WP: C. Martinez (1-0) LP: J. Hiller (0-1) S: A. Reyes (1)
HR: B. Oglivie (1), B. Freehan (1), H. Bader (1)
POG: Adam Wainwright (6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 103 P)
2021 Cardinals Lead Series 1-0

Busch Stadium opened the Field of Dreams showdown between the 1974 Detroit Tigers and the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals with a nail-biter that set the tone for this best-of-seven. Behind the veteran arm of Adam Wainwright, the Cardinals edged the Tigers 3-2 in front of an electric October crowd.Detroit jumped ahead early with solo home runs from Bill Freehan and Ben Oglivie, but Wainwright’s steady hand kept them quiet through 6.1 innings, giving his offense time to respond. The Tigers clung to a 2-1 lead into the eighth, but Nolan Arenado delivered the moment of the night with a clutch two-run double that flipped the game on its head. Mickey Lolich pitched well but took the tough-luck no-decision, while John Hiller absorbed the loss after surrendering the lead. Alex Reyes slammed the door in the ninth for the save.The Cardinals now hold a 1-0 series lead, but the scrappy Tigers showed they won’t back down. Game 2 is tomorrow night under the Busch Stadium lights — and this one’s already shaping up to be a classic.

Game 2
At Busch Stadium
1974 Detroit Tigers 4
2021 St. Louis Cardinals 7
WP: K. Kim (1-0) LP: W. Fryman (0-1) S: A. Reyes (2)
HR: M. Stanley (1), P. DeJong (1)
POG: Kwang Hyun Kim (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 82 P)
2021 Cardinals Lead Series 2-0

Good evening from Busch Stadium, where the St. Louis 2021 Cardinals have done exactly what they set out to do — hold serve at home and take a commanding 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven.
Behind Kwang-hyun Kim’s poised performance — six innings, just four hits, and pinpoint control — the Cardinals jumped on the Detroit 1974 Tigers early, plating two in the first and never trailing in a 7-4 win. Paul Goldschmidt set the tone with an RBI triple in the opening frame and was a thorn in Detroit’s side all night, racking up three hits including a double.
And don’t overlook the big blow: Paul DeJong’s two-run homer off LaGrow in the sixth that gave St. Louis some breathing room after the Tigers cut into the lead. Detroit showed life in the seventh with a three-run burst, featuring Mickey Stanley’s two-run homer, but the Cardinals’ bullpen — a mix of Gallegos, Oviedo, Martinez, and the steady Alex Reyes — slammed the door when it counted.
If you’re Detroit, you head back to Tiger Stadium down 0-2, looking for answers. The offense has life — Kaline’s bat came alive with two doubles tonight — but the starting pitching must tighten up. Fryman was tagged for ten hits and five runs in just four innings, and against this modern Cardinals lineup, that’s a recipe for trouble.
Game 3 shifts to Detroit. The old ballpark will be rocking, and the Tigers will need every bit of that home magic to turn this series around. For now, the 2021 Cardinals stand two wins away from moving on in the Field of Dreams. Final score tonight, St. Louis 7, Detroit 4. This is Bob Costas — we’ll see you at Tiger Stadium.

Game 3
At Tiger Stadium
2021 St. Louis Cardinals 6
1974 Detroit Tigers 4
WP: J. Flaherty (1-0) LP: V. Ruhle (0-1) S: A. Reyes (3)
HR: D. Carlson (1), E. Sosa (1), N. Arrenado (1), A. Kaline (1), N. Cash (1)
POG: Jack Flaherty (6.2 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 91 P)
2021 Cardinals Lead Series 3-0

On a crisp October night in Detroit, the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals took another confident stride toward a series sweep, edging the 1974 Tigers, 6-4, at Tiger Stadium. Jack Flaherty, the young right-hander, delivered under the bright lights, holding the Tigers to just three hits through six and two-thirds innings while fanning seven. St. Louis built their lead methodically — a solo shot from Dylan Carlson in the third, Edmundo Sosa’s blast in the fifth, and the exclamation point: a towering two-run homer by Nolan Arenado in the sixth that silenced the hometown faithful and put the Cards firmly in control.
Yet, the Tigers showed flashes of their ‘74 grit. Norm Cash launched a solo homer early, and Al Kaline, the timeless Mr. Tiger, nearly turned the tide with a three-run blast in the sixth. But the Cardinals bullpen, steady and unflappable, shut the door. Alex Reyes earned his third save of the series, showcasing just how dangerous this modern St. Louis club can be when pitching and power align. For Detroit, the margin of error is now razor-thin. Game 4 back at Tiger Stadium is do-or-die. One more win for St. Louis, and this series will be etched as a sweep in the Field of Dreams record book.

Game 4
At Tiger Stadium
2021 St. Louis Cardinals 0
1974 Detroit Tigers 6
WP: J. Coleman (1-0) LP: M. Mikolas (0-1)
HR: J. Knox (1), B. Freehan (2), N. Cash 2 (3)
POG: Joe Coleman (7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 11 K, 103 P)
2021 Cardinals Lead Series 3-1

Good evening from the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, where the ghosts of Tigers past always seem to stir when their beloved ballclub needs them most. Tonight, they found their hero in Joe Coleman — and in the thunder of Norm Cash’s bat — as the 1974 Detroit Tigers staved off elimination with a commanding 6-0 shutout of the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals here in Game 4 of this Field of Dreams classic.
From the very first inning, you could feel the old yard come alive. Jim Knox ignited the faithful with a solo blast, and then Norm Cash, with that sweet left-handed swing, deposited a two-run shot into the right-field seats. Just like that, Detroit had given Coleman a cushion — and he would make sure the Cardinals never got close to touching it.
Coleman, working deliberately, was magnificent. He struck out 11, allowed just two harmless singles over seven innings, and more than once froze Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado with breaking balls that seemed to come straight from 1974 and land somewhere just out of reach in 2021. He looked every bit the ace determined to keep the celebration on hold.
And what more can you say about Norm Cash? The big first baseman flexed his power again in the sixth with his second homer of the night — his third of the series — while Bill Freehan added a two-run shot in the seventh to slam the door on any comeback thoughts the Redbirds might have had. The Cardinals, so potent all series long, were muzzled at the plate. Dylan Carlson and Tyler O’Neill combined for five strikeouts. Harrison Bader looked lost against Coleman’s sharp stuff. For a club that had averaged nearly five runs a game so far, the goose egg tonight was a jarring reminder that no lead is safe when you’re playing for keeps.

Game 5
At Tiger Stadium
2021 St. Louis Cardinals 6
1974 Detroit Tigers 4
WP: A. Wainwright (1-0) LP: M. Loloich (0-1)
HR: T. Edman (1), B. Freehan (3), N. Cash (4), W. Horton (1)
POG: Adam Wainwright (6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 95 IP)

From the timeless shadows of Tiger Stadium on a crisp October evening, the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals closed the book on a series that showcased the enduring beauty of baseball across generations. This was a night when modern resolve outlasted vintage grit — a night when Adam Wainwright, steady as ever at 39 years young, took the mound and steadied a Cardinals club determined not to let this series slip away. The Tigers of 1974, fueled by the old-school heart of Norm Cash, Bill Freehan, and Willie Horton, did not go quietly into that good night. They clawed and scratched, delivering three solo homers — a testament to the raw power that defined an era before launch angles and exit velocity. Yet it was St. Louis who struck early and decisively. Tommy Edman’s leadoff blast in the first set the tone — and by the time the final echoes of Nolan Arenado’s crack of the bat in the third faded into the Detroit night, the Cardinals had built a lead they refused to relinquish. Wainwright worked six rugged innings, his trademark curveball dancing just enough to dodge the big blow — giving up three runs but weaving in seven strikeouts. And then, the bullpen, so often a question mark for these modern Redbirds, became a fortress: Oviedo, Martinez, and finally Alex Reyes, who despite surrendering Norm Cash’s final blast in the ninth, slammed the door shut on Detroit’s dreams.Paul Goldschmidt — the steady metronome of this lineup — earns the series MVP, his .450 average across five games the bedrock of St. Louis’ offense. Yadier Molina, the heartbeat behind the plate, drove in three tonight and guided Wainwright through turbulent moments, just as he has for nearly two decades.For the 1974 Tigers, there is no shame in this fight. They hit, they battled, they played the game the way it’s meant to be played — gritty, proud, and always with a chance to turn the tide until the final out. In the end, St. Louis simply executed the fundamentals better. They turned three crisp double plays, ran the bases with aggression — and above all, stayed unflinching under the bright October lights. And so, this chapter of the Field of Dreams closes with the 2021 Cardinals hoisting the laurels, a handshake across the decades, a reminder that baseball’s magic lies in its continuity.

2021 St. Louis Cardinals Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.450, 5 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, .476 OBP, 1.076 OPS)