The Excellence Project

[Nick Soulis]

**EXCELLENCE PROJECT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Rogers Hornsby, 1926 St. Louis Cardinals
Conducted by Grantland Rice – August 1, 2025



GRANTLAND RICE:
Mr. Hornsby, we're now turning the calendar to August, and your 1926 Cardinals remain squarely in contention here in the Excellence Project. You've been anchoring the lineup all season long. How are you feeling physically and mentally heading into this final stretch?

ROGERS HORNSBY:
Well, Grantland, I don’t pay much mind to calendars — I pay attention to batting averages and scoreboards. But since you asked, I feel sharp. My legs are fresh, my eyes are seeing the ball well, and I’ve told the boys: we didn’t come here to finish second in some imaginary century-long tournament. We came here to win the damn thing.

RICE:
You’ve always been known as a relentless perfectionist at the plate. Your batting average has hovered well above .370 all season. What’s been the key to maintaining that in a league filled with pitchers from every era?

HORNSBY:
I never go to the movies. I don’t golf. I don’t even read novels. I hit. That’s all I’ve ever done. It doesn’t matter if it’s some fellow from the 1980s or a kid from the '60s with a mustache and a funky delivery. If he throws a ball over the plate, I’m going to put it somewhere green.

RICE:
You're not just hitting — you're also managing this club. What’s been the most challenging part of leading this group of players in such a unique format?

HORNSBY:
Keeping 'em focused. You got fellas on this team who’ve been dead 40 years and others who think television is still in black and white. But I tell them the same thing I told the boys in '26 — if you’re wearing a Cardinals uniform, you better respect the birds on the bat and play the game like it’s your last. Doesn’t matter the ballpark, the opponent, or the year printed on the schedule.

RICE:
Your infield defense, especially with Watkins and Bell, has been among the best in the league. But the pitching’s been streaky. Do you trust this staff to carry you through the dog days?

HORNSBY:
Oh, I’ve had a few words with the staff. And a few glares. But Sherdel’s been better lately, Rhem’s got guts, and if we get to September within shouting distance, I might throw on a glove myself just to show 'em how it’s done. The arms are good enough — it’s the heart I’m measuring.

RICE:
One last question — you’ve faced off against some legendary clubs in this tournament. Anyone stand out?

HORNSBY:
That 1985 Cardinals team gave me a grin. Whiteyball and all. But honestly, I don’t care much for comparing. The only thing that matters is who wins. When this whole “Excellence” business is over, I want them to say: Hornsby’s boys were better than the rest.

RICE:
Well said. Thank you for your time, Rajah. And best of luck as we head into August.

HORNSBY: (grinning):
Luck’s for poker players. I’ll take a good pitch to hit.

Stay tuned for more Excellence Project coverage as the 1926 Cardinals, led by the relentless Hornsby, push toward history.

[Nick Soulis]

Excellence Project — Season 8 Monthly Review (August)
As the final month of the regular season begins, pennant races intensify across both leagues!

Month in Review: August

August was a month dominated by aces and sluggers. The Philadelphia 1910 Athletics extended their supremacy behind a lights-out rotation and MVP-caliber hitting, while the Pittsburgh 1972 Pirates rode a perfect month from Hank Robinson (5–0, 2.72 ERA) to surge up the leaderboard. In the National League, Jack Coombs (5–1, 2.59 ERA, 56 Ks) dazzled, keeping Philadelphia’s momentum strong.

Offensively, Willie Stargell (46 HR, 122 RBI) and Willie McCovey (42 HR, 119 RBI) led the fireworks. Meanwhile, Stuffy McInnis quietly held the batting crown at .352.


Team-by-Team Review

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Philadelphia 1910 Athletics (88–43) — AL East Leaders | #1 in Power Rankings
Pitching dominance and top-tier hitting. Coombs (20–9), Plank (20–?), and Bender (234 Ks) headline a fearsome staff. Offensively, McInnis (.352), Collins (.337), and Murphy (108 RBI) fuel a machine.

Detroit 1994 Tigers (60–71)
Some pop from Tettleton (33 HR), but a thin rotation leaves them far behind.

Boston 1953 Red Sox (57–74)
Solid arms in Parnell (2.72 ERA) and Sullivan (197 Ks), but lack of offensive consistency derailed any postseason hopes.

St. Louis 1947 Browns (50–80)
A difficult August. Roy Sievers is a bright spot, but team struggles continue.

Pittsburgh 1972 Pirates (81–51) — AL West Leaders | #3 in Power Rankings
On fire. Hank Robinson is now 19–1 with a 2.44 ERA. Stargell leads the league in both HR and RBI. The Pirates are surging at the right time.

Seattle 1990 Mariners (63–67)
Jay Buhner (33 HR) is providing thump, but lack of depth hurts.

Minnesota 1998 Twins (59–72)
Fell hard in August. Sluggish bats and mediocre pitching are the theme.

St. Louis 1945 Browns (54–78)
Playing spoiler. Vern Stephens (102 RBI) has been their offensive MVP.


NATIONAL LEAGUE

St. Louis 1926 Cardinals (78–52) — NL East Leaders | #4 in Power Rankings
Hornsby (38 HR) and Les Bell (.328) pace one of the league’s top lineups. They’ll need to hold off the fast-charging Pirates.

Pittsburgh 1913 Pirates (71–60)
Staying within striking distance thanks to consistent pitching. Al Oliver (.342) remains a force.

Chicago 1983 Cubs (53–78)
A lost season, but Jay Johnstone and Keith Moreland still provide excitement.

Washington 1965 Senators (50–81)
Looking ahead to next year. Youth movement is in full swing.

San Francisco 1969 Giants (78–54) — NL West Leaders | #2 in Power Rankings
McCovey (42 HR, 119 RBI) is on a tear, and Gaylord Perry (2.72 ERA) anchors a solid staff. They’ll need to keep Houston at bay.

Houston 2005 Astros (72–59)
Charging hard. Roger Clemens (2.40 ERA) leads the league, and Andy Pettitte (2.87 ERA) adds stability. They’re coming for the West crown.

Cincinnati 2015 Reds (68–62)
Staying afloat in the playoff hunt. A big September from Votto could make it interesting.

San Diego 2013 Padres (66–66)
Hanging around. Headley has been solid, and their pitching gives them a fighting chance.

Final Month Outlook

• Philadelphia aims for the league’s best record.
• Pittsburgh 1972 is on fire and closing in fast.
• San Francisco must hold off the Astros.
• St. Louis 1926 clings to their NL East lead with the 1913 Pirates on their heels.

August Standouts

• Jack Coombs (PHA): 5–1, 2.59 ERA, 56 Ks — SL1 Pitcher of the Month
• Hank Robinson (PIT): 5–0, 2.72 ERA — SL2 Pitcher of the Month
• Willie McCovey (SFN): SL2 Hitter of the Month
• Willie Stargell (PIT): 46 HR, 122 RBI — MVP Front-Runner
• Stuffy McInnis (PHA): .352 AVG — Batting Title Leader

The stretch run is here. Who will claim the crown? Stay tuned for the final push in Season 8 of the Excellence Project!

[Nick Soulis]

BREAKING NEWS – EXCELLENCE PROJECT SEASON 8

September 2,
By The Cooperstown Network Staff



1972 Pirates Lose Ace Nelson Briles for the Remainder of Season

In a stunning blow to one of the top teams in the Excellence Project’s eighth season, the 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that starting pitcher Nelson Briles has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a right shoulder injury sustained during a bullpen session over the weekend. The news comes just as the Pirates clinched their postseason berth and were eyeing a deep October run.

Briles, who was widely regarded as the anchor of the rotation behind Steve Blass and Dock Ellis, had quietly become one of the most reliable arms in the tournament. In 28 starts this season, the veteran right-hander posted a 14–6 record, a 3.04 ERA, and 1.12 WHIP, striking out 124 batters over 186.2 innings while showcasing exceptional command.

Pirates’ Rotation Depth Tested

Manager Bill Virdon addressed the media late Tuesday:

“Nelson has been a horse for us all year. It’s a big loss—no denying that—but this club has heart and depth. We’ll rally.”

With Briles shelved, the Pirates are expected to turn to Bob Moose or Jim Rooker to fill the playoff rotation. Moose, who’s been solid in swing duty this year, may be the immediate plug-in, though Rooker offers a left-handed option that could neutralize some of the righty-heavy lineups they may face in October.

Pirates Still in Title Contention

Despite the injury, the '72 Bucs remain one of the tournament’s elite squads. They enter the final month with a 91–50 record and hold a commanding lead in their division. The offense, powered by Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente, and Al Oliver, ranks top-five in team OPS and runs scored. Meanwhile, Blass and Ellis still provide a formidable 1–2 punch atop the staff.

But Briles’ loss can’t be overstated. His consistency kept pressure off the bullpen and allowed the Pirates to manage their arms through the grueling 162-game format. Without him, the pressure mounts.

Player Reactions

Willie Stargell spoke after hearing the news:

“We’re gonna win this one for Nellie. He’s been there all year, and we’re not gonna let this derail us. That’s not what Pirates do.”

Dock Ellis, known for his fire and leadership, added:

“I’ve pitched on short rest. I’ve pitched hurt. We’ll figure it out. Don’t count us out.”

Outlook: Postseason Rotation Shifts

Projected Postseason Rotation (w/o Briles):

Steve Blass

Dock Ellis

Bob Moose

Jim Rooker (if needed)

Bullpen roles may now shift, with Dave Giusti and Ramon Hernandez likely asked to shoulder more high-leverage innings. The Pirates are rumored to be considering spot starts from Bruce Kison if matchups demand it.

Final Word

Nelson Briles' injury may alter the Pirates’ trajectory, but don’t mistake them for a wounded team. This is still a championship-caliber club with veteran leadership and postseason pedigree. The loss is significant—but it may just galvanize the Pirates to rise to even greater heights.

Stay tuned for full postseason coverage from the Cooperstown Network as the road to the Excellence Project crown continues.

[Nick Soulis]

Season 8
Pennant Chase



Excellence Project – Season 8: NL East Drama Reaches Boiling Point
Final Week Showdown: Cardinals vs. Pirates in a Winner-Takes-All Clash



As the curtain falls on the eighth season of the Excellence Project, all eyes turn to the National League East, where the season’s most riveting storyline will unfold on the banks of the Allegheny River. The 1926 St. Louis Cardinals, sitting atop the division with a 90–65 record, are clinging to a three-game lead over the hard-charging 1913 Pittsburgh Pirates. And fate, as it often does in this tournament of legends, has scripted the final act with poetic precision: a three-game showdown between the two rivals at Forbes Field, where only one will emerge with a ticket to Round 2.

This is not just a battle of records, but of identities. The Cardinals, known for their timely hitting and resilience under manager Rogers Hornsby, have been one of the most consistent teams in the league. The Pirates, led by Fred Clarke, boast a deep rotation and a scrappy lineup that refuses to go away.

Game 1 Preview:
Forbes Field, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, September 23
Flint Rhem (STL) vs. Babe Adams (PIT)

It all begins with a pitching duel worthy of the occasion. Flint Rhem (19–10, 3.21 ERA), the workhorse for the Cardinals, will take the ball in Game 1 against Pittsburgh ace Babe Adams (21–9, 2.87 ERA), who has been lights-out at home.

“This is what you play for,” said Cardinals player-manager Rogers Hornsby before boarding the train to Pittsburgh. “We’ve earned the right to control our own destiny. Flint’s been our guy all season. He’ll have the ball, and we’ll be ready to finish this.”

But don’t count out the Pirates. Winners of six straight, they enter the series with momentum and a sense of purpose.

“We’ve clawed back into this race,” said Pittsburgh manager Fred Clarke. “And now we get ‘em here, in our ballpark, with our best on the mound. This team believes. And when a team believes, anything can happen.”

The Stakes:
If St. Louis wins one game in the series, they clinch the NL East and eliminate Pittsburgh.

If Pittsburgh sweeps the series, the teams will finish tied at 90–68, forcing a one-game playoff to determine who moves on.

This final-week collision is the kind of scenario the Excellence Project was built for — two titans from the early 20th century, battling with everything on the line, history hanging in the balance.

Strap in for three days of legacy-defining baseball. The path to glory runs through Pittsburgh.

[Nick Soulis]

Season 8
Final



Excellence Project Season 8: A Season of Historic Dominance and October Dreams
October 6 | By Cooperstown Press
________________________________________
As the dust settles on the grueling 162-game regular season in Excellence Project Season 8, four legendary clubs now prepare for battle in the League Championship Series. The campaign was filled with towering home runs, microscopic ERAs, dominant pitching rotations, and a pennant chase that came down to the wire in the National League. Now, the field has been whittled down to four — and the road to the championship is officially underway.
________________________________________
SEASON IN REVIEW: COLLINS, STARGELL, COOMBS HEADLINE AWARD CONTENDERS

No player symbolized offensive brilliance in 2025 like Eddie Collins of the 1910 Philadelphia Athletics. The 23-year-old second baseman torched opposing pitchers en route to the batting title, hitting .366 with 227 hits, 140 runs, and an astonishing 131 RBIs — all while swatting 31 homers, more than many expected from the athletic infielder.
Behind him, a trio of fellow Athletics — Stuffy McInnis (.346), Danny Murphy (.327), and Frank Baker (128 RBI) — gave Philadelphia the most feared top half of any lineup in the league.
In the power department, Willie Stargell of the 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates reigned supreme with 58 home runs and a league-leading 160 RBIs, muscling Pittsburgh to a 103-win season and the American League West title. The left-handed slugger was simply unpitchable at times, punishing both fastballs and off-speed alike.
On the mound, it was total domination by the Philadelphia Athletics staff. Jack Coombs led the league with 26 wins, supported by Eddie Plank (23), Harry Krause (22), and Charles Bender (241 Ks). Krause also led the league in strikeouts with 276, while Coombs posted a 2.91 ERA across 318 innings. Their rival for pitching supremacy came from the National League, where Roger Clemens of the 2005 Astros posted a league-best 2.62 ERA, just ahead of Hank Robinson (2.65) and Bob Moose (2.85) of Pittsburgh.
________________________________________
PLAYOFF PREVIEW: LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
________________________________________
AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES



Philadelphia 1910 Athletics (110–52) vs Pittsburgh 1972 Pirates (103–59)
The Battle of Titans. The two winningest teams of Season 8 now collide for a ticket to the championship round. Philadelphia features the most balanced offense and deepest pitching staff in the league, with five everyday players over 125 RBIs and a rotation of aces from top to bottom. But the Pirates enter the postseason with swagger, firepower, and the most feared man in the league — Willie Stargell.
Key Matchup: Philadelphia’s elite rotation (Coombs, Krause, Plank) vs. Pittsburgh’s power bats (Stargell, Oliver, Hebner).
X-Factor: Can the Pirates bullpen — largely untested late in the year — hold up against the relentless Philadelphia lineup?
Season Series: Tied 4–4.
________________________________________
NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES



St. Louis 1926 Cardinals (94–68) vs San Francisco 1969 Giants (96–66)
While the American League is a heavyweight showdown, the National League series is all about grit, strategy, and timing. The Cardinals surged late, outlasting the 1913 Pirates in a tense East Division race. Rogers Hornsby (.331 AVG, 46 HRs, 134 RBIs) leads an explosive offense that loves to jump on pitchers early. But San Francisco comes in quietly dangerous, with Willie McCovey (49 HRs, 142 RBIs) and Gaylord Perry (2.90 ERA) anchoring a team that plays smart, situational baseball.
Key Matchup: Perry vs. Hornsby — two legends on a collision course.
X-Factor: The speed and savvy of outfielders Bobby Bonds and Ken Henderson could swing games late for San Francisco.
Season Series: Giants lead 5–3.
________________________________________
STORYLINES TO WATCH

• Is this the best rotation we’ve ever seen? The 1910 Athletics have four pitchers with 20+ wins and 230+ strikeouts. That’s unheard of. Can they be stopped?
• The Willie Show: Stargell and McCovey were the two most dangerous sluggers in the league. If both advance, we could see a legendary home run duel.
• A New Dynasty Brewing? If Philadelphia wins it all, they may go down as the most dominant team in Excellence Project history.
• Unsung Heroes: Don’t sleep on Bob Moose of Pittsburgh or Jim Bottomley of St. Louis, who could prove decisive in tight postseason battles.
________________________________________
As October begins, the Excellence Project is poised for its most thrilling postseason yet. The stars are aligned, the legends are ready, and only one team will rise to the top.
Let the playoffs begin.

[Nick Soulis]

Season 8
League Championship Series Edition

ATHLETICS RALLY TO WIN ALCS, ADVANCE TO WORLD SERIES
Eddie Collins Shines as 1910 Philadelphia Athletics Take Down 1972 Pirates in Six Games



By Grantland West | Excellence Project Daily
October 7, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The 1910 Philadelphia Athletics have punched their ticket to the Excellence Project World Series, rallying from a 2-1 series deficit to eliminate the 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates in six games. Powered by the sublime brilliance of Eddie Collins and a deep, disciplined roster led by manager Connie Mack, the A’s claimed the American League Championship Series with a statement—this is a team built for October.

After the Pirates stole two of the first three, including a late comeback win in Game 3, it looked as though Pittsburgh’s powerful lineup might wear down the deadball-era club. But Mack's Athletics, displaying a mix of resilience and cunning, won the final three games in succession to storm into the championship round.

The series MVP was a foregone conclusion.

Eddie Collins, the slick-fielding second baseman and spiritual leader of the A’s, was relentless at the plate and on the basepaths. He batted a blistering .455, swiped four bases, and constantly disrupted Pittsburgh’s rhythm.

“Collins was the engine,” Mack said after the clincher. “Every big inning we had started with Eddie. Every time we needed a lift, he delivered.”

While Collins was the sparkplug, catcher Ira Thomas brought the thunder. The often-overlooked backstop drove in eight runs in the series, including a clutch bases-clearing double in Game 5 that broke Pittsburgh’s back.

On the mound, the venerable duo of Eddie Plank and Jack Coombs each notched a key victory, showcasing the poise and command that’s defined Philadelphia’s campaign. Plank’s seven shutout innings in Game 4 helped tie the series, while Coombs outdueled Dock Ellis in Game 6 to clinch it.

For the Pirates, the disappointment was palpable. Though Roberto Clemente turned in a sterling performance—batting .417 with graceful glovework in right field—the rest of the offense faltered under pressure. Most notably, slugger Willie Stargell endured a brutal slump, going just 3-for-25 without a single home run.

“Stargell's a great player,” Pirates manager Bill Virdon said. “But the Athletics pitched him tough and never gave him anything to elevate.”

Pittsburgh’s early series success, built on aggressive baserunning and solid middle relief, couldn’t withstand the Athletics’ wave of late-inning rallies and small-ball mastery. Philadelphia outscored Pittsburgh 21-9 over the final three games.

This marks the first World Series appearance for the 1910 Athletics in the Excellence Project, and it couldn’t come under more fitting leadership. Connie Mack, baseball’s ultimate statesman, now finds himself four wins away from championship glory.

“We’ve got one more hill to climb,” Mack said. “But I’ll take my boys against anybody.”

Awaiting them will be the winner of the NLCS, where the 1920 Cleveland Indians and the 1985 Cardinals are locked in battle. But if this series proved anything, it’s that the 1910 A’s have both the heart and the horsepower to win it all.

ALCS Summary:

1910 Philadelphia Athletics defeat 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates, 4–2

Series MVP: Eddie Collins — .455 AVG, 4 SB

Notables: Ira Thomas (8 RBI), Eddie Plank & Jack Coombs (1 win each), Roberto Clemente (.417 AVG), Willie Stargell (3-for-25, 0 HR)

ROGERS HORNSBY LEADS REDBIRDS TO DOMINANT NLCS WIN
1926 Cardinals Overpower Giants in Five, Set Stage for World Series Clash with 1910 A's



By Red Smith | Excellence Project Daily
October 7, 2025

ST. LOUIS, MO — The 1926 St. Louis Cardinals are headed to the World Series — and their path through the National League could not have been clearer or more convincing. Behind the bat and brain of legendary player-manager Rogers Hornsby, the Redbirds dispatched the 1962 San Francisco Giants in just five games, dominating the NLCS and sending a resounding message to their upcoming opponents: these Cardinals are not to be taken lightly.

At the heart of it all? Hornsby himself. The Hall of Fame second baseman turned skipper didn't just pull the managerial strings — he delivered at the plate too, batting .350 for the series and launching three home runs, including two in a pivotal Game 2 victory. He was named NLCS Most Valuable Player, an honor earned with both wood and wisdom.

“Rogers wasn’t going to be denied,” said St. Louis outfielder Chick Hafey. “You could see it in his eyes. He came here to win, and we all followed his lead.”

That leadership was on full display as the Cardinals took control early. After dropping Game 1 in extra innings, St. Louis bounced back with four straight wins — each more clinical than the last. Their offense was relentless, their bullpen steady, and their approach? All business.

Bobby Bon turned in a spectacular series of his own, batting .458 and setting the tone atop the lineup. Whether it was spraying doubles to the gaps or manufacturing runs with heads-up baserunning, Bon was a nightmare for the Giants’ pitching staff.

And what a nightmare it was.

San Francisco’s twin aces, Gaylord Perry and Juan Marichal, were both roughed up, unable to silence the Cardinals' aggressive bats. Perry surrendered five runs in just four innings in Game 3, while Marichal lasted only 3.1 innings in a lopsided Game 4 loss. The Giants' hopes crumbled with their starting pitching.

Offensively, the vaunted San Francisco lineup never found its rhythm. Willie Mays, one of the game’s iconic postseason performers, was held to a quiet .222 average and just one extra-base hit in the series. Orlando Cepeda and Willie McCovey were similarly contained, as Cardinals pitchers executed Hornsby’s gameplan with precision.

Now, the 1926 Cardinals turn their attention to a titanic World Series showdown against the 1910 Philadelphia Athletics, fresh off their own six-game triumph over the 1972 Pirates. It's a matchup of eras and legends — Connie Mack vs. Rogers Hornsby, Eddie Collins vs. The Rajah.

“This is what baseball is about,” Hornsby said. “You want to win, you’ve got to beat the best. That’s what the World Series is for.”

NLCS Summary:

1926 St. Louis Cardinals defeat 1962 San Francisco Giants, 4–1

Series MVP: Rogers Hornsby — .350 AVG, 3 HR, including 2-HR Game 2

Notables: Bobby Bon (.458 AVG), Gaylord Perry & Juan Marichal (combined 12 ER in 7.1 IP), Willie Mays (.222 AVG)

[Nick Soulis]

EXCELLENCE PROJECT SEASON 8 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW
Collins vs. Hornsby: A Clash of Titans at Second Base

By Peter Gammons | Excellence Project Network
October 8, 2025

It’s the kind of World Series matchup that only the Excellence Project could produce — a time-bending collision between two baseball dynasties and two of the greatest second basemen to ever lace up a pair of spikes. When the 1910 Philadelphia Athletics and the 1926 St. Louis Cardinals take the field for Game 1, all eyes will be on the keystone. Because standing opposite each other will be Eddie Collins and Rogers Hornsby — player-managers, MVPs, and field generals leading their squads into baseball immortality.

Eddie Collins vs. Rogers Hornsby
The Excellence Project has been a proving ground for both legends. In the ALCS, Collins hit .455 with 4 stolen bases, catalyzing a Philadelphia offense that wore down the '72 Pirates. In the NLCS, Hornsby hit .350 with 3 home runs, leading the Cardinals to a 4-1 demolition of the '62 Giants while managing his lineup with ruthless precision.

But the question remains: who’s the better player?

Historical Perspective
Eddie Collins is revered for his cerebral play, base-stealing prowess, and legendary discipline at the plate. He was the heart of Connie Mack’s $100,000 infield and one of the finest all-around players of the deadball era.

Rogers Hornsby, by contrast, was a ferocious hitter with staggering offensive numbers in the live-ball era. His 1924 season — when he hit .424 — is the highest average in modern baseball history.

This matchup is the baseball equivalent of Ali vs. Frazier, a battle of finesse vs. force, strategy vs. swagger. And unlike most legends, both men are still playing, still leading, and still dominating.

World Series X-Factors
Can Collins Control the Chaos? The Cardinals bring a powerful lineup with Chick Hafey and Jim Bottomley protecting Hornsby. Collins will need to set the tone early and wreak havoc on the basepaths.

Can Hornsby Stay Hot? With 3 HR in the NLCS, he's swinging as well as anyone in the tournament. If Collins gets on base and Hornsby keeps sending balls to the seats, this may be a slugfest.

Managerial Chess Match: This may be the only time in baseball history where two all-time great second basemen are also managing from the field. Expect bunts, hit-and-runs, intentional walks, and dugout mind games galore.

Final Word
So… who’s better?

If you’re judging by pure hitting, Hornsby may get the nod. But if you factor in defense, baserunning, and versatility, Collins has a compelling case. In the end, we may not get a definitive answer — but we’re guaranteed a legendary duel.

The only certainty is this: the World Series will run through second base.

[Nick Soulis]

“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.

[Nick Soulis]

Season 8
Awards

Most Valuable Player



Cy Young Award



Batting Title



Statistics





Achievements

Jack Coombs (1910 Athletics) 15K against 1994 Tigers
Kirk Gibson (1994 Tigers) - Cycle against 1945 Browns
Ryne Sandberg (1983 Cubs) - Cycle against 1972 Pirates

Excellence Records

Home Runs - Willie Stargell (1972 Pirates) - 58
RBI - Willie Stargell (1972 Pirates) - 160
Runs - Eddie Collins (1910 Athletics) - 140