May 20, 2011

G44: Red Sox 15, Cubs 5

Cubs    - 002 030 000 -  5 12  4
Red Sox - 202 420 05x - 15 19  1
This was an all-out assault, with the Red Sox setting season-highs in runs and hits. Their previous highs were nine runs (April 8, April 18, May 2, May 8) and 16 hits (May 10). They also hit five doubles, matching a season-high (April 30).
Ellsbury:       3-for-6, double, 2 runs, 2 RBI, SB
Pedroia:        2-for-4, double, 3 runs, 2 BB, SB 
Gonzalez:       4-for-6, 3 RBI, run
Youkilis:       2-for-5, double, HR, 3 RBI, 2 runs, 2 ROE
Ortiz:          2-for-5, 2 doubles, 2 runs, ROE
Lowrie:         2-for-5, RBI
Cameron:        0-for-3, 2 BB, run
Crawford:       1-for-5, 2 RBI, run
Saltalamacchia: 2-for-3, HR, RBI, 3 runs, 2 BB
Lester struggled again (6-12-5-2-5, 104) -- the Cubs had two men on base in each of his six innings -- and Scott Atchison (3-0-0-0-3, 33) picked up his first save of the year!

The Mets beat the Yankees 2-1 and the Marlins beat the Rays 5-3, so ...
Rays      25  20  ---
Red Sox   24  20  0.5
Yankees   23  20  1.0
Blue Jays 22  22  2.5
Orioles   19  24  5.0
Seven wins in a row, 10 of 12, and 19 of 28; 22-10 (.688) since April 16.
Example
Doug Davis / Jon Lester

It's been 33,855 days since September 11, 1918, a chilly Wednesday on which the Red Sox clinched their third World Series title in four years (and fourth in seven seasons) by beating the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in Game 6. Tonight, after 92 years, 8 months, and 10 days, the Cubs return to Fenway. (Or, as Don Orsillo might say, it's been a 48,751,200-minute wait for the Cubs.)

Three photos from September 1918:

These are Cubs players warming up on the third base side of the field before one of the three 1918 World Series games played at Fenway. In front of the big left field wall is a steep dirt incline. When there were sell-out crowds, fans sometimes sat there. It was called Duffy's Cliff because Boston left fielder Duffy Lewis navigated it better than anyone else. (There might be two players checking it out, on the left side of the photo.) It was removed during the 1933 renovations. (There are two terrific pictures of Fenway here, showing the Wall and Cliff.)
On the other side of the field are a few Red Sox players. Unfortunately, I cannot identify the guy facing the infield. In the distance is the flag pole and the half-full center field bleachers.
Here is the Red Sox's pitching rotation for the second half of the 1918 season. This photo was taken on September 9, 1918, before Game 4. Left to right are Sam Jones, Carl Mays, Babe Ruth (who was starting that day), and Joe Bush.
Example
AL East: Mets/Yankees, Rays/Marlins, Astros/Blue Jays, and Nationals/Orioles at 7 PM.

291 comments:

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allan said...

Ellsbury, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Gonzalez, 1B
Youkilis, 3B
Ortiz, DH
Lowrie, SS
Cameron, RF
Crawford, LF
Saltalamacchia, C

sam said...

Have you ever read anything about how the players celebrated winning the series in this era? Did they pigpile like they do now? If not, when did that start?

Jere said...

Great shots. The possible two players checking out Duffy's Cliff? I'd say those are just two white things. They're visible in other shots from that time, including the bottom shot on the site you linked, and here. Can't tell what they are, but they seem to be non-human.

allan said...

Castro, SS
Barney, 2B
Baker, 3B
Ramirez, DH
Pena, 1B
Byrd, CF
Soriano, LF
Johnson, RF
Hill, C

allan said...

Have you ever read anything about how the players celebrated winning the series in this era?

I can tell you only about 1918:

"The band broke into 'Tessie' and the crowd sang along as several entusiastic fans jumped the railings and ran onto the field. [First baseman Stuffy] McInnis held the ball aloft in his right hand and led the scramble to the clubhouse. The [Royal] Rooters mobbed the players in front of the dugout, shaking their hands and then hounding [manager Ed] Barrow for souvenirs. He tossed them a few old baseballs.

But most of the 15,238 fans merely buttoned up their costs and departed for the warmth of their homes and hotel rooms. It was a strangely silent and unenthusiastic exit."

Some of that muted reaction was likely because of war, which had depressed attendance. Plus, the influenza epidemic had just hit (or was about it hit) Boston at this time, too.

I assume other WS celebrations earlier in the decade were a bit more festive.

The Herald mused that perhaps Boston fans had become too accustomed to winning World Series games, and another championship held little meaning.

allan said...

Jere: You may be right. The idea that they might be players dawned on me as I writing the caption, to be honest.

Maxwell Horse said...

NESN busts out with James Horner's Field of Dreams score to open the preshow with.

Jere said...

As far as celebrations, the huge change in recent years has been the fans swarming the field. I've been looking at pics of World Series home clinches over the years. As late as 1984, you had Tiger fans all over the field, though the cops attempted to blockade the infield. Then in '86, after Mets fans completely covered the field for their division-clinch, you had cops on horseback for the WS. And I don't think there's been a true swarming in baseball since.

laura k said...

I'm very partial to that pic of the big four, with the Colossus in his sweater, always managing to look different from everyone else.

I should re-read 1918 this summer.

laura k said...

Did they pigpile like they do now? If not, when did that start?

Maybe that's a research project you can undertake, Sam. Please do report back to us.

9casey said...

This Kid at SS for the cubs is supposed to be the real deal

Avg HR RBI Runs
.329 1 18 23

laura k said...

Despite the 1918 connection, I. Hate. Interleague.

allan said...

... playing bingo with don!

allan said...

final play of 1918 WS: 4-3
first play of 2011 series: 4-3

Jere said...

Dude I hope Castro makes an overthrow tonight

Kathryn said...

final play of 1918 WS: 4-3
first play of 2011 series: 4-3


Only Allan. I love it.

allan said...

I am REALLY excited about the white uniforms tomorrow.

Jere said...

Did you know that the last time the Cubs played at Fenway, several everyday items cost significantly less than what they do today???

Kathryn said...

Too slow on the throw.

Kathryn said...

I, too, am excited to see the team out there in those unis.

Amy said...

It was good to see the photos of the pitchers wearing those white uniforms. Did they have NOTHING on the back also?

laura k said...

1-0!

Jere said...

1918riffic!

allan said...

Did you know that the last time the Cubs played at Fenway, several everyday items cost significantly less than what they do today???

US similarly involved in a barbaric slaughter of innocent people, with a high-powered propaganda campaign being used to convince the American people what was being done was for the safety of the world, though. Some things stay the same.

allan said...

Amy: NOTHING!

Kathryn said...

He turned that beat out at first into a run!!!

Amy said...

Hmmm, are they playing badly or are we just getting lucky breaks?

Jere said...

Castro can't go right

Kathryn said...

I don't see what's so great about the SS.

laura k said...

Did you know that the last time the Cubs played at Fenway, several everyday items cost significantly less than what they do today???

:>)

Allan, you must be so excited to see those unis on the field! All those months and years spent imagining people playing in them. It's cool. Your cap! The cap in the author's photo!

2-0!

Amy said...

The War to End All Wars.

Sigh.

allan said...

Cubs throwing this series, too?

Amy said...

Imagine that---the fans actually knew who the players were without names, numbers or a team logo on them.

allan said...

However, scorecards did assign # to players and those numbers were on the new-fangled electronic scoreboard in left. Like:

AB
17

And 17 would correspond to Ruth in the scorecard. Not a uniform #, though, more like just numbering the players on the roster 1-20 or whatever.

Jere said...

Castro's not a leftist either! What a coup

Kathryn said...

Maybe he can't go to his left either.

tim said...

Fuckin eh! A+ start against DD.

allan said...

Pasta Diving Castro!

Kathryn said...

The War to End All Wars.

Sigh.


Big Sigh.

allan said...

If it's 1918 throwback day, will Ortiz be able to play?

Jere said...

First out Sox make tonight, flyout CF, last out they made last time the teams played at Fenway, flyout CF

allan said...

No more war. ... Just police actions, interventions, and operations.

Jere said...

Cameron must single for a 4-0 lead, I won't settle for 2

laura k said...

Did they have NOTHING on the back also?

I believe the question Allan gets asked most through the 1918 website is what uni number Ruth wore when he was with Boston.

tim said...

RE: Rapture from the previous post, thiscomic amused me.

laura k said...

No more war. ... Just police actions, interventions, and operations.

And in all honesty, the US involved very little in that one. Popped in at the end but Americans didn't suffer nearly the kind of massive losses that Germany, Britain, and by extension, Canada, did.

laura k said...

Thanks, Tim, that's great. :)

Amy said...

Those were the days before we thought we were the policemen of the world. We didn't exactly jump right into WW II either, of course.

tim said...

totally bailed on yesterday's thread unannounced. and many others. not tonight, i am going to find food now! be back later.

and to answer your question from yesterday, L - steph showed up, i don't think its possible to break in unless you pick the lock (and i have no idea how to do that!)

allan said...

Americans were very much against WWI. But the propaganda machine that Wilson got rolling was unprecendent in world history. A fascinating subject all by itself. Many newspapers and magazines jumped at the chance to print govt press releases as actual news and analysis.

And a shitload of men wisely did anything they could to avoid the draft, including taking drugs before the exam!

Jere said...

slow developing DP. but we get it done easily

Jere said...

sid did it his way

allan said...

In the Deadball Era, most catchers did not hit well. It was not that important, like weak-bat shortstops of the 70s, say. Most teams batted their catchers 8th, ahead of only the pitcher.

Both catchers tonight hitting 9th.

laura k said...

Also huge anti-war movements around WWI, both in the UK and the US. And subsequent massive crackdown on civil liberties and rights. Many conscientious objectors thrown in prison, including of course the great Eugene V. Debs.

laura k said...

A book just came out about WWI that focuses on dissent, was reviewed in last week's NYTimes, sounds great. I plan to read it eventually: To End All Wars.

If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend Pat Barker's Regeneration Trilogy, about WWI.

Kathryn said...

So did anybody else see the blips of the women with the signs and Don & Remy laughing?

allan said...

I heard soemthing, but was not paying attention.

laura k said...

Those were the days before we thought we were the policemen of the world.

I would say it was before being policemen of the world was used as a rationale for war. Prior to that, there were all kinds of fake reasons given for all kinds of wars and invasions, large and small.

OK, I'll stop now. :)

Kathryn said...

They came back from break and went back to those signs. It was being set up between innings. So on the stream I get a few seconds of off air stuff.

Amy said...

OK, I will add it to the wishlist of books I am compiling on Amazon. First though I have to read Knocking on Heaven's Door.

Jere said...

So I guess the reason Barney grew up a Sox fan in Oregon was he was a big Nomar fan.

allan said...

NYM - 000 1
MFY - 001

FKR - 200
FLA - 100

Amy said...

OK, this inning is not as much fun.

Jere said...

man i thought even he would have 2 on that

Jere said...

that second of admiring it cost him

Kathryn said...

I'm feeling double digits tonight.

nick said...

Did you know that the last time the Cubs played at Fenway, several everyday items cost significantly less than what they do today???
[....]
US similarly involved in a barbaric slaughter of innocent people, with a high-powered propaganda campaign being used to convince the American people what was being done was for the safety of the world, though. Some things stay the same.


I do like this blog.

Kathryn said...

FY slides around the tag!!

Kathryn said...

Man, FY is losing a lot of hair!

laura k said...

BOGAR

Dr. Jeff said...

Bogar sent AGon??

Maxwell Horse said...

Gonzalez was out by a wicked lot.

Jere said...

what the flyin fuck? Was Bogar trying to make up for NOT sending Pedroia and being proved wrong?

RedSoxDiehard said...

Bogared again.

laura k said...

Catcher could have fried some eggs and had breakfast waiting for Bert at the plate

Kathryn said...

WTF Bogar????

nick said...

1918 Series claims are off base -- article in the Berkshire Eagle by a local sportswriter and casual friend of mine.

Kathryn said...

EB had already slowed up some.

Jere said...

BULLSHIT Remy! "It takes the perfect relay"??? He was out by several steps!

laura k said...

Sorry about the delay, Allan must be having some issues at work.

nick said...

don't Bogar that runner!

laura k said...

Nick, I wonder if that writer has read Allan's book. The evidence isn't overwhelming, but it has to be seen in context. Gambling was rampant in those days. Rampant is an understatement.

That article only addresses a bit of the evidence.

Kathryn said...

BULLSHIT Remy! "It takes the perfect relay"??? He was out by several steps!

Proving Allan's assertion, yet again, that they really don't pay attention to the replays. Although a replay wasn't needed on that one!

Jere said...

Give RonJon the third base coach job! He did it at Pawtucket while managing. Also, his name's not Bogar.

Jere said...

"Proving Allan's assertion"

That ain't just Allan's, heh

allan said...

Nick: I will check it out. No actual claims are being made about the WS, though. Because there is no concrete evidence.

Amy said...

Got distracted by a phone call, and wow, we scored two more runs!

Kathryn said...

Sorry Jere, I didn't mean to slight you!

laura k said...

Right, it's not claims, it's more like doubts, suggestions, possibilitiees.

Jere said...

Kathryn, it's ok.

Let's get a DP from the Real Deal here

Jere said...

13 total hits, we're only a little more than 1/3 of the way through.

Jere said...

Daniel Murphy dong, Mets lead 2-1

RedSoxDiehard said...

WTF Bogar????

That is his full legal name, right? It's certainly hard to say Bogar with out that first name in front of it...

nick said...

I still haven't read Allan's book either. That should be rectified.

allan said...

Nick: Your friend's article is pretty weak. Looks like he merely considered the one or two items that have been in all of the articles in the last few months.

It's a fairly lazy effort. His point is: 'I see no evidence blinking in bright neon, so it could not have happened.'

And he makes several errors. For one, he claims the Red Sox were favored by most people. That is absolutely incorrect.

laura k said...

Sounds like it's time for a JoS post laying out the case for the fix, by the man who first published about it.

nick said...

Sadly, I agree with you re weak writing. I will say it's more of an opinion column than an article, but that's not necessarily an excuse. I'll mention your book to him.

Amy said...

I thought that NYTimes article made a pretty good case for there being a fix, even if it was not a comprehensive analysis.

FY!

allan said...

it's obvious he doesn't know my book exists. there are many more odd things than have been mentioned recently.

laura k said...

There is a good case for it, IMO.

Kathryn said...

I still haven't read Allan's book either. That should be rectified.

Same here. I will take care of that.

allan said...

Sounds like it's time for a JoS post laying out the case for the fix, by the man who first published about it.

Maybe I should have done that *before* this series began.

allan said...

Yeah, buy books. Diego needs a new pair of shoes.

nick said...

I like this team.

laura k said...

EB!!!

Jere said...

He's like "fuck it I'll just pull one to right"

Amy said...

Yes! I like these rallies!

laura k said...

You probably should have, but it will be just as good now.

Or don't, that's ok, too. :)

allan said...

We have some lovely parting gifts for you, Mr. Davis. Like a "L" for your record.

Amy said...

Nick and Kat, definitely read Allan's book. It's fascinating and lots of fun to read. And I don't have any vested interest in pushing sales!

Kathryn said...

Going to the bullpen. I still think we'll hit double digits.

Amy said...

Not a fan of the beard.

Amy said...

HOLY SHIT! Where did that one land!

YOUK!!

Jere said...

"over everything in left"

allan said...

DESTROY THAT FACIAL HAIR!!!!!!!!!!


SULTAN OF SWEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

laura k said...

SWEAT POWER

Kathryn said...

Allan, is it still $20 for an autographed copy?

Lord Lynch said...

My one contribution this evening.

WTF is that on Scott Maine's Chin?

Maybe he can send that stoat to get that ball back....

Kathryn said...

YOUUUKKK...out of the park.

laura k said...

sweat > ugly beard

Jere said...

He hit that toward that building across Lansdowne that was also there in 1918

allan said...

That shipping info is out of date. (And I cannot find the disc to install the Frontpage software on my computer to correct it! Arggg.)

Shipping is more $ from Canada, so it would be more. I can't remember how much more, though.

Kathryn said...

WTF is that on Scott Maine's Chin?

Maybe it's in honor of the DL-ed Jenks.

Jere said...

9casey has never done such a good job jinxing a guy

laura k said...

Kat's double digits are looking pretty likely. As is # 7 in a row.

Kathryn said...

Just let me know how much. Of course I want it autographed!

Jere said...

Castro's overthrow contributing to the sinking of the Maine?

RedSoxDiehard said...

YOUK!

That should have earned a "very gone".

I too must rectify my non-reading of the 1918 book.

laura k said...

Jere, I was about to type something similar re Castro and remembering the Main :)

Kathryn said...

They couldn't get Lowrie going back to first because nobody was covering the base.

laura k said...

Hey, everyone should come to wmtc6 and pick up a book in person. Save money on shipping. :)

Jere said...

i woulda felt bad for Cameron there had he ended three of our 4 innings...

Kathryn said...

Casey's new job: Post something good about an opposing player before each game.

Kathryn said...

Double Digits...right here CC

Kathryn said...

Castro does not appear to have a strong arm. Everything is lobbed over there for a close play.

laura k said...

I wouldn't judge Castro based on a few innings we've seen tonight. But a 9C jinx sounds like a good idea.

allan said...

everyone should come to wmtc6 and pick up a book in person

plus: a bonus pedro baseball card bookmark!

laura k said...

more food commercials from heidi.

laura k said...

I guess people are concerned if sushi sold at fenway is fresh. Heidi must have said fresh 7 times.

Kathryn said...

Speaking of Pedro, I forgot to tell everyone...(I emailed Allan but forgot to post it.)...when my husband and I were in DC a few weeks ago, we went to the National Portrait Gallery. The painting of Pedro is impressive. In person, it is obvious that it is the Boston B on the hat. It is also positioned as the last painting you encounter on your way out.

allan said...

NYM - 000 101 0
MFY - 001 000

FKR - 200 000 1
FLA - 100 200

Kathryn said...

His foot was off the bag anyway.

allan said...

pie tin double.

Kathryn said...

That's enough now.

Amy said...

Wow, Salty!

laura k said...

SALTALA!!!!

allan said...

SALTY ... INTO THE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

Jere said...

rock salt

laura k said...

One hit is not enough for Lyndon

Amy said...

What a strange game! After all those low scoring games in the rain, this just feels sort of silly.

allan said...

awwwww - don't leave yet, mr. maine.

laura k said...

Another pitcher down. Next rag arm, pls.

laura k said...

There are the double digits, and more to come, I'm sure

Jere said...

10 runs in a game

Kathryn said...

YAY!

laura k said...

Our pitching is not so sharp tonight, so all these silly runs are very welcome.

allan said...

another cubs right fielder making an error!

allan said...

Hold the line, Mets!

Jere said...

I'd like to move into first this weekend, please.

Amy said...

Not complaining, believe me! Just a strange contrast.

Kathryn said...

That was cool slo-mo on Youk.

laura k said...

Oo first... can't wait. Then once we're there, stay for the rest of the season.

allan said...

Red Sox have scored more runs tonight (10) than they did in the six games of the 1918 WS (9):

BOS
1-0
1-3
2-1
3-2
0-3
2-1

laura k said...

I say let's bring back the deadball era.

laura k said...

Two leagues, no divisions. Train travel only. Tear down all the scoreboards and PA systems. And my personal favourite, wool uniforms that weigh 10 lbs. And no air-conditioning in the clubhouses!

Amy said...

It sure must have been a very different game to play and to watch.

allan said...

but we'll let the blacks play -- because we're progressive like that!

Jere said...

florida breaks the tie in the eighth vs TB. We could be a half game back tonight!

Kathryn said...

Bottom 8: Marlins beating FKR 4-3

laura k said...

But we would understand it. The essence was the same. The world was very different! More so than the game, I think.

allan said...

Marlins lead the Rays 4-3, bot 8

allan said...

i'd rather not have to wear a suit and tie and a hat to the park, though.

Jere said...

Let's see if the Mets can get the 6-7-8 hitters to close out the Yanks. Since the Mets are involved, I'm not holding my breath.

laura k said...

but we'll let the blacks play -- because we're progressive like that!

Oh duh, I should have said that. A multicultural deadball game.

We should find some great women players, too. Especially in a deadball game, we can integrate women.

allan said...

Fish 5-3.

Last call for the MFY.

allan said...

atchison

laura k said...

No suits and ties. I mean, women will still have the vote. It's not turn back the clock on the whole damn country.

Jere said...

2 quick out for the Mets!

allan said...

more from the good old days:

severe bench jockeying, players punching umps, fans throwing glass bottles at players on the field!

Jere said...

METS WIN!

Jere said...

and Rays lose. hold this 5 run lead and we're in second place, .5 games out

Kathryn said...

Rays lose. Yanks lose. With a win, we move on up!

allan said...

NYM - 000 101 000 - 2 7 1
MFY - 001 000 000 - 1 4 1

RedSoxDiehard said...

Red Sox have scored more runs tonight (10) than they did in the six games of the 1918 WS (9):

And I bet by the end of this series, the total game time for these 3 games will be longer than those 6.

allan said...

I love the old Cubs logo with the white bear standing up with the bat!

laura k said...

Definitely bring back the good old days of fan decorum and player integrity. Massive gambling, cheating, game-throwing - fans punching umps - players punching fans - the works.

Plus players can do whatever they want off the field and the media will never report on it.

laura k said...

Half-game out, here we come. Awesome!!!

allan said...

Times

1:30
1:58
1:57
1:50
1:42
1:46

10:43 total

laura k said...

And I bet by the end of this series, the total game time for these 3 games will be longer than those 6.

And how could I forget? NO ADS!!!!!!

Ads in the park, no problem, but no commercials between innings.

Of course, it will be hard to see the game on TV, since it hadn't been invented yet...

laura k said...

I wonder if any of these visiting Cubs fans are staying at the Buckminster, which figures in to the Series fix, IIRC.

Jere said...

nice play SorryAsshole

laura k said...

SALTALA again

allan said...

FKR - 200 000 100 - 3 7 1
FLA - 100 200 02x - 5 9 0


FKR 25 20 ---
BOS 23 20 1.0
MFY 23 20 1.0

laura k said...

Don squeaking as they make fun of Remy's dyed hair

allan said...

giggle time!

Jere said...

you think there's a family with dogs named Tala, Sal, and Macchia? And a cat named Jarrod?

laura k said...

Jerry admitting he looked "like an idiot" and Don completely cracking up. I think I heard a snort or two in there.

Kathryn said...

It's a giggle-fest

laura k said...

I think Jerry did a little PBP b/c Don was laughing too hard.

Jere said...

extensive remdawge time

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