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RED SOX CLAIM FIRST WORLD SERIES CROWN

Boston Defeats Pittsburgh Four Games to One — Stahl and Walsh Lead Historic Triumph

By Samuel T. Kingsley and Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
October 17th, 1908

For the first time in their proud history, the Boston Red Sox are World Series champions. Before a jubilant home crowd this afternoon, the Red Sox completed their triumph over the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning the series four games to one and forever etching their name into the annals of baseball glory.

The victory was a model of consistent, determined baseball — built upon superb pitching and timely hitting that saw Boston seize the key moments of each contest. Every game was close, but the Red Sox held their nerve when it mattered most.

Boston struck early in the series, taking Game One by a 7–3 score on the strength of a quick burst of early runs. Game Two followed a similar script, though this time it was a late rally that produced a 7–4 win and a commanding series lead.

The Pirates showed their mettle in Game Three, bouncing back to win 4–3 behind strong early hitting. Yet the Red Sox, unshaken, responded in kind — grinding out victories in Games Four and Five, by scores of 3–2 and 4–2, to secure the championship.

The defining blow came in the sixth inning of Game Five, when veteran outfielder Chick Stahl sent a towering drive over the right-field fence for a three-run home run, sealing both the game and the series. Fittingly, it was Stahl — long a steady presence for Boston — who proved the heart of the club throughout the campaign. Over the five games, he went 10-for-22 at the plate, batting .455 with 12 runs batted in and 2 runs scored, earning him the honor of Most Valuable Player of the series.

On the mound, Ed Walsh and Howie Camnitz led the way for Boston, each recording vital wins with their usual cool precision and control. For the Pirates, Honus Wagner and Claude Ritchey were the most consistent men at the plate, hitting .312 and .389, but the team’s famed offense could not deliver when needed most. Rube Waddell and Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown pitched valiantly, yet without sufficient run support, their efforts fell short.

As the final out was recorded, the Boston faithful erupted in a chorus of cheers, waving hats and handkerchiefs as history was made.

Chick Stahl, the hero of the hour, was both joyful and reflective afterward:

“I’ve played this game a long while, and I’ve never felt anything quite like this. Every man on this club gave his all — that’s what it took to beat a team like Pittsburgh. This championship belongs to Boston.”

Ed Walsh, who anchored the Red Sox pitching staff all season, added:

“We knew from the first game we had what it took. The Pirates never quit, but neither did we. It’s a proud day for the Red Sox and for every fellow who ever pulled on this uniform.”

On the other side, Honus Wagner, ever the sportsman, spoke with grace in defeat:

“Boston earned this one. We fought as hard as we could, but they came through when it mattered. We’ll be back — and stronger for it.”

Red Sox manager Jim Manning praised his club’s resolve and unity:

“These boys played championship baseball from start to finish. I couldn’t be prouder of how they carried themselves. To win our first title, and to do it against such a fine team as the Pirates, makes it all the sweeter.”

Despite the loss, Pirates manager Zack Brown offered no excuses:

“We were beaten by a club that made the most of every chance. My men battled all the way, but the breaks went Boston’s way this time. That’s baseball. We tip our caps to the new champions.”

And so ends the season of 1908 — a year that will long be remembered in Boston, where at last, the Red Sox stand atop the world of baseball.