“David Slays Connie Mack’s Goliath” – Cardinals Stun A’s for Excellence 8 Project Crown
By Grantland Rice | Cooperstown Chronicle
In a world where greatness is often expected, it’s the unexpected that becomes immortal.
The 1926 St. Louis Cardinals, a team that slogged through a respectable but modest 94-win season, shocked the baseball world by toppling the juggernaut 1910 Philadelphia Athletics, who had steamrolled the American League to the tune of 110 wins. Over five riveting games, the Cardinals didn’t just challenge the odds — they overturned them, capturing the Season 8 Excellence Project World Series in what will go down as one of the most memorable upsets in tournament history.
Cardinals Ignite Baseball's October Fires
This wasn’t a fluke. It was execution, energy, and, above all, excellence.
From the moment the series opened, St. Louis punched first — and often. With a blend of clutch hitting, crisp defense, and a bullpen that was virtually impenetrable, the Cardinals set the tone by stealing Game 1 in Philadelphia, then dominated Games 2 and 4, bookending a brief stumble in Game 3.
By the time Game 5 arrived, the Cardinals had discovered the one formula the A’s couldn’t counter: relentless pressure. Their 6–5 win in the decisive game wasn’t just the clincher — it was the exclamation point on a statement that few saw coming.
Series MVP: Heinie Mueller – Unsung No More
While Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby drew much of the pre-series attention, it was left fielder Heinie Meuller who played hero on the biggest stage. Mueller finished the series hitting a sizzling .435, driving in 10 runs, smashing 2 home runs, and consistently coming through in high-leverage spots.
“I wasn’t trying to be the star,” Meuller said postgame, champagne dripping from his cap. “I just wanted to keep the line moving. That’s Cardinal baseball.”
His ability to set the tone — and answer when the A’s made their pushes — proved decisive in tilting momentum in St. Louis' favor.
Series Turning Points
Game 1 (STL 12, PHI 4):
The Cardinals exploded for 12 runs, including 6 in the fifth inning, stunning Eddie Plank and seizing home field advantage.
Game 2 (STL 5, PHI 4):
Manush drove in the winning run in the 9th after the Cardinals rallied from a 4–2 deficit. The bullpen sealed it with back-to-back perfect innings.
Game 3 (PHI 1, STL 0):
A classic from Chief Bender, who spun a 3-hit shutout as the Athletics avoided the sweep.
Game 4 (STL 6, PHI 2):
Rogers Hornsby homered twice, and the Cardinals never trailed after the second inning.
Game 5 (STL 6, PHI 5):
Les Bell’s solo homer and Heinie Manush’s RBI single paced the offense, while the bullpen trio of Johnson, Hallahan, and Bell threw 4.1 hitless innings to slam the door.
A’s Fall Short of Greatness
Despite entering the World Series as favorites, Connie Mack’s 1910 Athletics were undone by sloppy execution and missed opportunities. Philadelphia hit just .261 as a team and committed multiple key defensive errors, including a game-changing miscue by Eddie Collins in Game 5.
“We didn’t lose because of lack of effort,” said Athletics manager Julian Alvarez. “We lost because we got beat in the little things. And in October, little things are everything.”
Not even the brilliance of Frank “Home Run” Baker (3 HRs, 11 RBI) could salvage the series for Philadelphia.
World Series Team Comparison
Category Cardinals (STL) Athletics (PHI)
Series Wins 4 1
Team AVG .312 .261
Home Runs 8 4
Bullpen ERA 1.68 4.95
Errors 1 4
Runners LOB (Total) 29 35
Excellence Project Season 8 Final Notes
Champion: 1926 St. Louis Cardinals
Runner-Up: 1910 Philadelphia Athletics
Regular Season Records:
STL: 94–68
PHI: 110–52
NLCS MVP: Rogers Hornsby
World Series MVP: Heinie Meuller
Final Thoughts
The 1926 Cardinals may not have been the flashiest team. But they were the team that mattered most when it mattered most. In a tournament defined by giants, this St. Louis club reminded us that grit, timing, and a little bit of Heinie Manush can go a long way.
They weren't supposed to win. And yet — they did.
And that’s what makes baseball beautiful.
