In 1903 baseball staged it's first World Series, a best-of-nine contest between the established National League Pittsburgh Pirates and the upstart American League Boston Americans.
The Pirates, having won the previous two National League Championships, were probably favored to win the series. Plus, they had a pitcher called Kaiser Wilhelm. How could they possibly lose?
The Pirates quickly went up three to one in the series. In game one in Boston, Cy Young gave up seven runs and Deacon Phillipe (for the Pirates) struck out ten to lead his team to a seven to three victory. In game two, Bill Dinneen did Phillipe one better and struck out eleven Pirates in his three hit, complete game, shut-out. With the series tied at one all, Deacon Phillipe again took the mound for the Pirates and again threw a complete game and again won the game, this time four to two.
The Series then shifted to Pittsburgh and the Americans took their rooters with them for the trip. Game four was the third complete game by and another win for Deacon Phillipe, this time five to four. Things were not looking good for the Olde Towne Team. The Pirates, however, were unable to ask Phillipe to throw four complete games in a week and the Americans took game five, eleven to two behind Cy Young. Game six tied the series at three a piece, when Bill Dinneen beat the Pirates six to three. Finally having apparently seen enough of Deacon Phillipe, Boston was able to beat him in game seven, winning seven to three.
Now leading in the Series, Boston went home to the Huntington Avenue Grounds. Pittsburgh again turned to Deacon Phillipe to pitch (this time on two days rest) and Boston went with Bill Dinneen. Phillipe didn't have an awful game but Dinneen's was better. Dinneen threw a four-hit, seven strike out, complete game. And Boston won the first World Series.
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