1902 World Series: Chicago White Sox vs Chicago Orphans Preview
The White Sox entered this series as the favourite. Unlike the Orphans they had been a model of consistency throughout the season. Their worst month was a 14-12 August. Yes, even in the worst of times. The White Sox were still winning more than they lost.
The star of this outfit was the Say Hey Kid, Willie Mays. The 24 year old was having a down season compared to his 1901 campaign where he finished third in MVP voting but he could still provide some moments of magic. One such moment came back on the 7th of September. The White Sox had a 1.5 game lead over the Boston Americans. It was the final game of a three game series and the Americans were close to a sweep.
Imagine how events could have transpired if this game had ended in a Boston win. Could that have motivated the Americans to make the push to take the top spot themselves? Here's what happened.
It was the bottom of the 9th. The White Sox were down 7-5. Catcher Andy Etchebarren came out and flied out, pinch hitter Chippy McGarr came out and with a triple. Unfortunately Chippy's subsequent attempt to steal home was unsuccessful. So here we are, two outs, no one on base. SS Ollie Beard and RF Dick Williams do their job and get singles to load up first and second for Mays who goes on to smash a three run home run for the walk-off victory.
Mays is surrounded by talent, leading off is SS Ollie Beard who has excellent speed and gold glove level defense. The dependable bats of RF Dick Williams, LF Ryan Braun, and 2B Dustin Ackley surround Mays in the lineup.
On the mound, the White Sox have a 4 man rotation who all boast of above average ERA. They are led by Buttons Briggs. The 22 year old has a killer Fastball/Curveball/Slider that has helped him lead the American League in Strikeouts. Some adjustments from his 1901 campaign has enabled him to drop his H/9 from from 9.1 to 7.9 and his BB/9 from 3.7 to 2.8 that now makes him one of the best in the game.
The big names from the Orphans include CF Richie Ashburn and the Big Unit himself, last year's Pitcher of the Year Randy Johnson.
Johnson's had a regression year since 1901. He still leads the National League in Strikeouts but he's let his command slip as he also leads the NL in walks. He'll be nervous going up against the White Sox who boast an absurd record against left handed pitchers. 35-13 vs 51-41 against right handers.
Surrounding Johnson in the rotation are three two way players: Frank Hankinson, Will White, and Dave Foutz who have helped provide some punch to the Orphan offense.