October 18th, 1905 World Series Game 6: Chicago Cubs (2-3) @ New York Highlanders (3-2)
NYY: Kirk McCaskill (0-0; 2.25) v CHC: Jim McAndrew (0-1; 3.60)
And so we come to the first elimination game of this series with New York back in front of their fans and in familiar surroundings needing the one win to win it all.
As is always the case in games of this nature, it is all about scoreboard pressure. We’ve already seen the effect that nerves can have on the players, but that goes exponential now, especially in the late innings when the stakes are as high as they can be.
McCaskill and McAndrew to renew their acquaintance in the most important game of their careers.
A nervous start by the visitors in the bottom 1st as a Schulte hit, a Woodward error and a wild pitch put two Highlanders in scoring position, but they get out of it OK.
Both pitchers seem to have brought their best stuff, with McCaskill in particular looking strong, but the Highlanders get a rally going in the home 4th and open the scoring on a single by Danny O’Connell.
Still plenty of time for the Cubs but now we’ll really see what stuff they are made of.
They get their chance immediately when O’Connell undoes his good work with a two-base throwing error and a WP brings the runner around to third with just one out. McCaskill looks to have squirmed out of the jam when he gets a huge second out, but Jim McAndrew – who, to be fair is a decent hitter for a pitcher with a BA of .285 during the regular season – comes through with perhaps the biggest hit of his life to bring one in and tie it up.
The Cubs threaten again in the next but just can’t get the run in as the serious business really begins in earnest. The pitchers retain control of the game as we go into the 8th still tied.
The Cubs mount a challenge as Johnstone leads off with a hit, steals second and finds himself at third with one out after a single by Greg Gross. Then it all comes unstuck for the hosts as Tom Tresh singles in the go-ahead run and a foolish throw by CF John Wilson gets the Cubs an insurance run. Frank Roth then singles but Tresh is thrown out at home by a fantastic throw by Schulte.
The Highlanders need a quick reply, and they get one when Schulte singles and scores on a Wilson double. Then Ernie Courtney comes off the pine to triple Wilson in. 3-3 with the go-ahead run now at third, one out. The give House the free pass to set up the DP and Hod Ford nearly obliges them, driving a grounder straight to Woodward. But he shows great hustle to beat out the relay by a step, putting New York ahead 4-3 and leaving them just three outs shy of the Championship.
McCaskill retires pinch-hitter Ed Stevens on a grounder to O’Connell.
One away.
Art Howe singles. Can the Cubs pull off a miracle?
Ford misplays a grounder, the tying run is at second, the go-ahead at first.
Jay Johnstone grounds out, Howe goes to third. Just ninety lousy feet.
Two away.
Larker at the plate, 0-for-4 on the day. He grounds a 2 and 1 slider to O’Connell.
O’Connell throws to first.
Game, and series, over.
The New York Highlanders are the 1905 Footnote League Champions.
A fitting end to an amazingly suspenseful series. The Highlanders were too good, but only just, and deserve their success.
New York left-fielder Frank Schulte wins the MVP award – he went .409 with a home run and 2 RBI.
Congratulations to all involved with the franchise and of course to their many fans.
Tempus effulgeo! Shine on!
Final score: New York 4, Chicago 3
New York Highlanders win series 3 games to 2.
BOX SCORE