World Series Matchup-1914
American League Champions-Cleveland Bronchos (97-57)
Overall Batting Avg.- .268
Overall ERA- 2.89
Leading Batters
Ty Cobb-CF: .351, 3 HR, 73 RBI, 66 SB (Out for World Series)
Ed Konetchy-1B: .325, 4 HR, 90 RBI, 34 SB
Don Ayers-2B: .290, 6 HR, 80 RBI
Leading Pitchers
Johnny Lush: 25-9, 331.2 IP, 2.23 ERA, 134 K
Rube Foster: 20-7, 241.2 IP, 3.58 ERA, 98 K
Orlie Weaver: 18-16, 362 IP, 2.86 ERA, 273 K
National League Champions-New York Giants (95-59)
Overall Batting Avg.- .249
Overall ERA- 2.84
Leading Batters
Joe Jackson-LF: .340, 4 HR, 86 RBI, 56 SB (Out for World Series/Career)
Stuart Adamson-CF: .272, 14 HR, 83 RBI, 90 SB
Heinie Groh-3B: .300, 0 HR, 77 RBI
Leading Pitchers
Ludwig Van Cleef: 27-5, 368.2 IP, 1.95 ERA, 397 K
Tom Fisher: 23-12, 346.1 IP, 2.55 ERA, 154 K
Glenn Liebhardt: 16-12, 273 IP, 3.36 ERA, 106 K
Analysis and Prediction
When these teams were leading their respective leagues at the end of August, no one would have expected them both to make it to the World Series without their stars on offense. One of these teams will win their first World Series, but the bigger story is which team can survive the loss of their driving force at the plate. When looking at both teams, Cleveland has the postseason experience, but is burdened by the failures of their past.
Meanwhile, New York is a relatively young team, but may still be in shock over the loss of Joe Jackson. That being said, the Giants do have a better overall pitching staff, and Stuart Adamson can carry enough of Jackson's load. Cleveland will have to beat Ludwig Van Cleef at least twice to win this series, and very few can see that happening.
Prediction: Giants in 6