On This Date in Sports October 13, 1914: Miracle Braves
In collaboration with the Sportsecyclopedia.com
The Boston Braves complete a four-game sweep of the Philadelphia Athletics with a 3-1 victory in Game 4 of the World Series at Fenway Park. Philadelphia came into the World Series seeking their fourth championship in five years and was a heavy favorite against the Braves who were used to finishing in last place and hot off slow start, before an incredible run to the pennant.
The Boston Braves had been a powerhouse in the early days of the National League, winning the pennant eight times in the 19th Century. However, once 1900 arrived, they began to struggle, as the Boston Red Sox of the newly formed American League quickly took over the town. The National League team in Boston had gone through many names over the years but had not had a winning season since 1899. The Braves had topped 100 losses four straight seasons between 1909-1912. After finishing fifth with a record of 69-82, things did not look good for Boston as they were in last place at 26-40 on Independence Day. However, the Miracle Braves as they were called turned things around under manager George Stallings as won 68 of their final 87 games to win the National League Pennant at 94-59.
The Philadelphia Athletics were a dynasty in the American League under the guidance of Connie Mack. The A’s won the World Series in three of the last four seasons, the lone blemish coming in 1912. It was another big season for the Athletics as they posted a record of 99-53 to make their fourth World Series appearance in five years.
Chief Bender, who went 17-3 during the regular season, started the opener for Philadelphia, while Dick Rudolph started for the Braves at Shibe Park. With Hank Gowdy leading the way, Boston drew first blood with two runs in the second. The A’s quickly got run back but could not score any more as the Braves led by Gowdy 3-for-3 game won 7-1.
Game 2 would be a pure pitcher’s duel as neither Bill James nor Eddie Plank gave up a run in the first eight innings. The Braves finally broke through with a single by Les Man in the ninth inning. It was just what James needed as the Braves would win 1-0, as Philadelphia was held to two hits.
The World Series games in Boston were moved to Fenway Park, as the Braves’ new ballpark had not been fully ready. Lefty Tyler started for Boston in Game 3, while Bullet Joe Bush started the A’s. For nine-inning, the teams battled back and forth, as the game was tied 2-2 heading into extra innings. The Athletics looked to be in good shape as Frank “Home Run” Baker drove in two games to give Philadelphia a 4-2 lead. The Braves bounced back as Hank Gowdy led off the bottom of the tenth with a home run, while Joe Connolly tied the game with a sac fly. Bill James came on in relief and shut down the A’s again, as the Braves won 5-4 on a throwing error by Bush.
Seeking the sweep, the Braves sent Dick Rudolph back to the mound, while Bob Shawkey started for Philadelphia. With the score tied 1-1 in the fifth, the Braves got a two-run single from Johnny Evers to take the lead. Rudolph did the rest as the Braves won 3-1 to complete their miracle season.
While some say the Miracle Braves were the original baseball miracle team, some have suggested the Athletics may have been the original Black Sox as rumors of players throwing games for the A’s floated over the entire Fall Classic. In response to these rumors, Connie Mack sold off his star players and dropped to last place at 43-109 in 1915.