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Old 01-01-2026, 01:20 AM   #602
amead17
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SPORTING TIMES — October 16th, 1913
By Samuel T. Kingsley and Charles H. Wentworth

Brooklyn Crowned Champions as Superbas Capture First World’s Title

The World Series is now written into the record books, and the Brooklyn Superbas stand proudly as champions for the first time, having defeated the Washington Senators by four games to two in a hard-fought and memorable contest.

The series opened with promise for Washington, whose pitching carried them to victory on their home ground in the opening game. That early advantage, however, was swiftly erased as the Brooklyn bats came alive in Games Two, Three, and Four, giving the Superbas a commanding three-games-to-one hold on the series. The Senators rallied admirably in the fifth contest, clawing back a victory behind determined pitching, but Brooklyn would not be denied. The Superbas closed matters decisively in Game Six to claim the championship.

The hero of the series was undoubtedly Grover Cleveland Alexander, whose work from the mound proved decisive. Alexander finished the contest with a 1–1 record, including a masterful shutout in Game Two and a narrow 1–0 defeat in Game Five. Across his two appearances he posted a remarkable 0.50 earned run average, anchoring Brooklyn’s march to glory.

Offensively, the spotlight fell unexpectedly upon Charlie Irwin, the 44-year-old veteran who turned back the years with a splendid showing at the plate. Irwin batted .333, collecting seven hits in twenty-one trips, and drove in two runs, providing timely production when it mattered most. The remainder of the Brooklyn order also played its part, delivering contributions at key moments throughout the series. Closing duties were handled superbly by Larry Cheney, who claimed three victories by sealing tight contests late in games.

Manager Ned Hanlon, clearly moved by the achievement, said afterward, “These men earned every inch of this triumph. They played with heart, patience, and belief, and when the moment came, they answered it.”

For Washington, the disappointment was keenly felt. Their pitching staff battled bravely, but the bats could not provide the necessary support. Smokey Joe Williams did his utmost, finishing the series at 1–1 with a 1.50 ERA, yet he could not influence the contests in which he did not appear. Offensively, the Senators struggled to find rhythm, with only Luke Boone and Spottswood Poles managing to offer consistent resistance.

Williams reflected soberly after the final out, saying, “We gave what we had, but baseball can be a hard master. Some days it gives, some days it takes.”
Manager Chase Stone echoed the sentiment, remarking, “Our men fought to the end, but Brooklyn earned this crown. We’ll take the lessons and be stronger for it.”

Thus ends the 1913 campaign, with Brooklyn crowned champions and both clubs already casting their eyes toward the seasons yet to come.
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